LI B RAFLY 

OF THE 

U N 1 VERSITY 

or ILLINOIS 

Sp3 



'^, 



^ 




Works of England's Arch-Poifc, 

Edm. Spenjer: 

^ CclU^ed into one Volume, and 

c.treffilljr correcled. 






TO THE MOST 

HIGH, MIGHTIE, 

; AND MAGNIFICENT 

I EMPERESSE, 

RENOVNED FOR PIETIE, 

VERTVE, AND ALL GRA- 

Cloys GOVERNMENT: 

EL IZ A'B ST H, 

BY THE GRACE O F G O D, 

Queene of England, France, and Ireland, and of 

Virgink ; Defender of ihe Faith, 

Her moH humble Seruaunt, Edmund Spenfer, doth in all 

humilitie dedicAtfj frefent^and confecrate thefe his Uhours^ to Hue 

with the eternitie of her 

FAMI.. 






TO THE MOST EXCELLENT 

and learned, both Oratour and Poet, mafler 

Gabriel Barmy ^\s verie fpeciall and fingular good friend, f . K* 

commendcth the good liking of this his good labour, and the 

patronage of the new Poet. 

?(coitth^ vnkilf, (aide the old famous Poet Chaucer: 
whom for his exccllcncic and wonderfull skill in ma- 
king, his Ichollcr Lidgite^ a woorthy fcholler of io ex- 
cellcnca maftcr.callcth tlieloadftarrcofourlanguage; 
and whom our Colin Clout in his Egloguc callech />- 
tirui^ the God of Shcpheards ; comparing him co the 
worthinefs of the Roman 7>r/r/«,r/>^/7. Which pro- 
uerbe, mine owne good friend M. Haruey^ as in thacgood old poet, ic fcriicd 
well Pindar us purpofe, for the bolftcring of his ba wdiebrocagc, i'o \evy wel 
taketh place in this our new Poer, who for that he is vncouch (as laid Chau- 
cer^ is vnkift;and vnknown tomoftmcn,is regarded butofa kwc. But I 
doubc nor,fofooneas his name fball come into theknowlcdgc of men, and 
hkworrhinelle be founded inthetrumpeof Famcjbut that he (hall be not 
. oncly ki P., but alio beloucd of all, embraced of the moft, and wondred at of 
the heft. Nole(rc,Iihinke,dcreruethhiswittine(reindcuifing,hispithincire 
in vtteringjhis complaint of loue (b loucly,his dilcourles of plcadire 16 plea- 
lantly, his paltorall rudene(re,his morall wi(enefle,his dueobfcruing of Dr- 
wr»»»cucriewhcrc,inpcr(bnages,in(carons,inm3ttcr,in (pecch, and ge- 
ncrally,inalllcemelic(impIicitieofhandling his matters, and framing his 
words : the which of many things that in him beftraoge, I know will (eeme 
the ftrangeft ; the wordes themfclues bceing £o ancien t,thc knitting of them 
ibfhortandintricarc,andthe whole period and compaffe ofhis Ipeech £0 
delight(bmefortheroimdne(re,andfograucfor theftrangcnclTe. And (irf; 
of the words to fpeakc, I granc they be fomething hard,and of moft men vn- 
vfcd,yet both Englilh,and alio vfed of mofl excellent Authours, andmolt 
famous pocrs. In whom, when as this our poet hath beene much trauailed 
and throughly read, how could it be (as that v^orthy Oratour laid) bucchac 
walking in the Sunne,aIthough for other caufcheewalkcd , yet needes hce 
iniiftbcfunne-burnt ,• and hauing thclound of thole ancient poets ftillring- 
ingin his cares, hcemought needs in finging, hit outlbmc of their tunes. 
But whether hce victh them by fuch cafualtie and cuftoine,or of iec purpofe 

A J. nnd 



THE E P I S T L t., „ ^ 

and choife, as thinking th6 fitccft for fuch rufticall rudcncfle of Shcph&irds; 
either for that their rough found would make his rimes more ragged and ru- 
fticall: or el(cbccau(c fuch old and obfolcte words are moft vfed of Coun- 
try folkejlure I thinkc^and thinke I thinkenot amiflc, that they bring great 
grace, and as one w;^uld Iay,authoritie to the verfe. For albe,amongft many 
other faults, it Ipecially be obiedcd of VaUa^ againft Z/«/>, and of other a- 
gainft Salitft^ that with ouer-much ftudie they affe£l antiauicicjas couering 
thereby credence, and honour of elder yecres; yet I am ot opinion, and ckc 
the beft learned are of the like, that tholeancient folcmne words, are a great 
ornament, both in the one, and in the other: the one labouring to fet foorth 
in his workean eternall image of antiquitie,and the oiher carefully dilcour- 
fing matters of grauitieand importance- For, if my opinion failc nor, Tuily 
in that bookc, wherein he endeuourcth to let forth the pattcrne of a perfe^ 
Orator, (aith, that oft-times an ancient word makeththcftile fcemcgrauc, 
andasitwerercuerend,nootherwi(ethen we honour and reuerence gray 
haircsjforacertainereligiousrcgardjwhichwchaueof old age. Yet neither 
cuery where muftold wordcs be ftuffed in, nor thecommon Diale(5t,& ma- 
ner of fpeaking fo corrupted thereby, that as in old builc^ngs, it ftemc dil^ 
ordcrlic and ruinous. Butasinmoftexquifitepiftures,theyvfetobla2eand 
portrait, not oncly the daintic lineaments or beautie, but alfo round about ic 
to (hadow the rude thickets and craggie clifts, that by the bafenefle of fuch 
jjarrs, more excellcncic may accrcw to the principall (for oftentimes wee 
findeour lelues, I know not how, fingularly delighted with theihew of fuch 
naturall rudcnefle , and take great plcafurc in thatdiforderly order) : euen 
fo doe thofc rough and harlh tearmes, enlumineand make more cleerely^o 
appearcthebrightnefTeofbrauc and glorious words, So,oftentimes,a diP 
cord in mufickemaketh a comely concordance; lb great delight tooke the 
worthie poet Alcem^ to behold a bleroifh in tbcioynt of a well-ftiaped bo- 
die. But if any will raflily blame fuch his purpofe in choice ofold & vnwon- 
ted words, him may I moreiuftly blame and condemne, either of witlelTc 
headineflc in iudging , or of heedlefle hardinefle in condemning; for not 
marking the compafleofhis bent, he will iudgeofthe length of his caft.Foi: 
in my opinion, it is one efpeciall praifc of many, which are due to this poer, 
that he hath laboured to rcftorc as to their rightful! heritage, fuch good and 
naturall EngliQi words,as haue been long timeout of vfc, and almoft cleane 
disherited. Which is theonely cau/e, that oar mother tongue, which trulie 
of itfelfeis both full enough for prole, &ftatcly enough for vcrle, hath long 
timebcencountcdmoftbareandbarrenofboth. Whichdefault, whena* 
fome endeuoured to falueand recure, they patched vp the holes with peeces 
and ragges of other languages \ borrowing hecrc of the Frcnch,there of the 
Italian, cuery where of the Latinc; not weighing how ill thofe tongues ac- 
cord with thcmfelues, but much worfe with ours: So now they haue made 
our Englifh tonguca gaIIimaufrey,or hodgepodge of all otheripceches. 



THE EPISTLE. 



Othcr-fbrh(r,notfb\vclllccneiiithc Englifh tongue, asperhaps in other 
languages, ifchcy happen to henrc an old word, nlbcit very naturall and fig- 
nificanCjCryoutftraight way,that\vefpcakenoEngIini , biitgibbaiI]i,Oi 
rather, (iich as in old time EwjW^n mother Ipakc: whole firAlhamcis,thnt 
they are nor aihanicd J in their owne mother tongue y to bee counted liran- 
gcrs,andjliens. Thefccond fhamcno IclTe then the firft, that what t hey va- 
derftandnot,thcyftraightwaydeemefobe(en(clciTe, & notatallto be vn- 
dcrftood: Much like to the Mole in Aefofs fable, that bceing blind herlelfe, 
would in no wife be perfwadcd that any beaft could (cc. The laft, more 
fhamefulkhenboth^ that ofthcir owne country and naturallfpecch (which, 
together with their Nurfcs milkc they lucked) they haue fo baicand bartard 
iudgementjthat they will not onclythelclues notlabour togarnilh &bcau. 
tifie itjbut alio repine,that of other it (hould be embcllifhcdiLike to the dog 
inthemaunger,thathimfelfccaneatenohay, &yet barkethat thchungrie 
b jUock, that fb faine would feed ; whofe curriih kindc, though i t cannot bcc 
kept fro barking, yet I conne them thank that they refraine from by ting. 

Now, for the knitting of lentenccs, which they call the ioynts & mem- 
bers thereof,&for all the compafleof the fpccch.it is round without rough- 
ncfre,and learned without hardneirc,ruch indeed as may beperceiucd of the 
Icall, vnderftood of the moft, b itiudgcd oncly of the learned. For what in 
moft Englifh writers vlcth to be loofe^and as it were vnright,in this Autlior 
is well grounded, finely framcd,and ftronglic trulTcd vp togetlicr. In regard 
whercofllcorne and Ipcw out therakchcUy rout of our ragged rymers (for 
(b themfelucs vie to hunt the letter) which without learning boaft, without 
iudgemcntiangle,withoutrea(bnrageandfome,as if fbmc inftinft of poe- 
tical! fpirit had newly rauiflied them abouc the mcannelTcof common capa- 
citic. And beeing in the midft of all their braucrie,fuddenly, either for want 
of matrer,or rime, or hauing forgotten their former conceit, they (ecme to 
belo pained & trauailed in their remembrance, as it were a woman in chiid- 
birthjor as that lame Py thia, when the trauncecamc vpon her: Os rabidum 
fera corda domamf^c. 

NcuerthcIefre.letthemaGodsnamcfecdontheirowne folly, (b they 
fceke not to darken the beames of others glorie. As £ov Colin, vnder vvhok 
perion the Authors fclfc is (hadowed, how iiirre he is from fiich vaunted li- 
cles,and glorious fliewes, both himfcIfefiiewethjW here helruth: 

OfMufci Hobbinoll, / conne no skill. And 

lomgh is me to paint out my vnreft^ &c. 
Andalfbappearethby thebafenelTeofrhename, wherein it £'emcthhce 
chofc rather to vnfold grcatm.itter of argument coucrtly,thcnprofersing if, 
not fufticc thereto accordingly .Which moucd him rather in Aeglogues the 
otherwifc to write jdoubting perhaps hisability,which he littlcneeded; or 
minding to fumifh our tongue with this kind.whcrein it faultethj or follow- 
ing one example of the bcft & nioA ancient poets , which dcuilcd this kindc 

A ?'. of 



THE EPISTLE. 



of writing, bceing both fobafe for the matter, and homely for the njnncijnc 
the firft to trie their habilitics : like as young birds, that be newlie crept out 
oftheneft, by little and little firft proouc their tender wings, belbrc they 
make a greater flight. So flew Theocritus, ji^ you may percciuc hee was al- 
readie full fledged. So flew r/y^//,asnotyet well feeling his wings. So flew 
Ji/<i»^«<i«?,asnotbceingfullfbmd. So Petrarque. So Beccace. So Marot^ 
J4ff4z.4m, and alio diuerfe other excellent both Italian and French pocrs, 
whole footing this Authour cuery where followeth : yet (b as few, but they 
be well fentcdj can trace him out. So finally flieth this our new Poet, as a 
bird whole principals be Icarce growne out, but yet as one that in time fliall 
be able to keepe wing with the bcft. 

Now,as touching the generall drift and purpolc of his Aeglogues,! mind 
not to fay much,him(elfc labouring tococealeit. Onely thisappcareth, thac 
his vnftaied youth had long wandered in the common Libyrinth ofLoue, 
inwhichtime, to mitigate & allay the heateofhispafsion, or clfc to warnc 
(as heelaith) the young (hephcards [his equals and companions] of his vn- 
fortunate folly,hc compiled thefe twelue Aeglogucsjwhich for that they be 
proportioned to the ftateof the twelue Moneths, he tearmeth it the shep- 
/)^rfr/!/f C(j/^«(!/fr, applying an old name to a new worke. Heercvntohauel 
added a certaine Gloffe or fcholion, for the expofition of old wordes , & 
harderphrafesi which manner of glofsing and commenting , well Iwote, 
will (eeme ftrange and rare in our tongue : yet/or fb much as I knew, many 
excellent and proper deuifes, both in words and matter, would pafle in the 
fpeediecourfeofreading, either as vnknownejOr as not marked j& that in 
this kindjas in other wee might be equall to thclearned of other nations, I 
thought good totakethepainesvpon me, the rather for that by meanesof 
ibme familiar acquaintance I was madepriuie to his couniaile & (ecret mea- 
ning in the, as alfo in fundry other works of his. Which albeit I kno we hec 
nothing fo much hateth,as to promulgate, yet thus much hauel aduentu- 
red vponhis friendfliip,himlelfe being forlong rime far eftranged, hoping 
that this will the rather occafion him, toputfoorth diuerfe other excellent 
works ofhis, which fleep in filence, as his Dreams, his Legends, his Courc 
of Cupid, & fundry others, whofe comeixlation to fet out,were very vaine, 
the things though worthy of many, yet beeing knowneto few. The/e my 
prefentpainesjiftoany they be pleaftrable , or profitable, be you iudge, 
mineowne maifter ffaruey, to whom I haue both in refpeft of your worthi- 
nefle generally,^ otherwilc vponfome particular & fpcciall confiderations, 
vowed this my labour, & the maidenhead ofthis our common friends poe- 
tric, himfelfe hauing already in the beginning dedicated it to the Noble and 
worthy Gentleman, the right worfhipfull maifter Philip Sidney , a fpcciall 
fauourcr & maintainer of all kinde of learning. Whofe caufe , I pray you 
fir,if enuie fliall ftirrevpany wrongful! accufation, defend with your migh- 
ty Rhetoricke, and other your rath gifts of learning 5 as you can, and fhield 

with 



THE EPISTLE. 



with your good wilI,asyouoiight,againfttIiemalicc& outrage of fo maiiy 
enemies, as I know will be let on fire with the fparks of his kindled glorie. 
And thus recommending the Authourvntoyou, asvntohis moft Ipcciall 
good friend,and my lelfcvnto youboth,3s one making fingular account of 
two To very good & lo choiie friends, I bid you both moft hartily flircwe!!, 
& commit you & your commendable ftudics to the tuition of the greatcft. 



Tour owneajfuredly to be 

commaunded. E. K. 



PoH fcr. 

NOw ItxM^yM. Haruey^ that vpon fight of your fpeciall friends and 
fellow poetsdooingSjOrelleforenuieof (o many worthy Quidams, 
which catch at the garland which to you alone is due, you will be perl wa- 
ded to pluckout of the hateful darknc{s,thole lb many cxcellcntEnglilh po- 
ems of yours, which lie hid, and bring them foorth to etcrnall light. Truft 
ine,you doe them great wrong, in depriuing them of the defired runne,and 
alio yourfelfe,infmothcring your deleruedprailcs, and all men generally, 
in with- holding from them Co diuine pleafiires, which they might conceiue 
of yourgallant EnglilhvcrfeSjas they hauealready done of your Latinc po- 
ems, which in my opinion, both for inuention andelocution,are very deh- 
caceandfuperexccllent. AndtRusagaine, I take myleaueof mygoodM. 
Haruey. From my lodging at Londoflj the tench of April!. 157^. 






The generall Argument of the 
ivhole ^ook^. 

Ittlf, / hpr^ needeth me at larff to difecurf: thefirjlo- 
rigwallof\^eglcgues,yuwg alreadie touched the fame. 
Btttyfor the vpordi^ eglegueSy Iknovce is vnktiowne t0 
wcfty and alfo miffaken offome the beit learned {ai they 
) thinke) Irvill fay famervhit thereof ^etmgnot At aUint' 
" ferttnent to mjfrtfent turf oft. 

They were firB of the Creekes , the inuentours of 
them^cdled Aeglogas, as it were. Acgon, or Aeginomon lo^i, that is Cott' 
hear ds tales. For although in Virgil and others ^ the fpeakers be more Shef* 
keards^tknCoatheards^yetTheocrkuSjin whom is more ground of autho- 
ritie then in Virgil, this Jpec'tally from that deriuing^ as from thefrli head & 
'vvell-fpring the whole inuention of thefe xyieglogues^ miketh Coateheardt 
the perfons and Authors of his tales. This beeing, who feet h not the grofnejfe 
fiffuch as by colour of learning would mak^ vs beleeuey that thej are more 
rightly tearmedEc\o§,nif as they would fay, extraordinarie di/cour/es ofvH' 
necejfarie matter : which definition, albein fubHance and meaning it agree 
with the nature of the thing^yet no whit anjwereth with /^^'Analyfis ^irt' 
terpretation of the word. lor they be not tear me d Eglogaf, Aeglogues ; which 
fentence this Authour verie well obferuing^ vpon good iudgement^ though 
indeedefewe Goatheards haue to doe herein, neuerthtlejje doubteth not to call 
them by tf^evjedand bejl knowne name^ Other curious difcourfes heereofi 
referue to greater occafion . 

The(e twelue Aeglogues euery where anfivering to the feafons of the twelue 
idoneths, maybewelldiuided into three formes or rankes. For either they be 
Plaintiue^asthefrff^thejixtttheeleuenth, and the twelfth: or RecreatiuCt 
fuch as allthofe be^which containe matter of lone, or commendation effpeciall 
ferfonages: or Morally which for the mod part he mixed withfome Satyri- 
callbitterneffe ^ namely, the fecondofreuerence due to old age, thefft of colou- 
red deceit, the feauenth and ninth of diffolute Shepheards and Paitors , the 
tenth of contempt of Poetrie and pleafant wits. And to this diuifionmayeue- 
rie thing heerein be reafonably applied: afewoncly except, whofefpecialpur- 
pofe andmeaning 1 amnotpriuieto, Andthus much generally oftheje twelue 

Aeglogues. 



THE ARGVMENt. 

. — . '. is 



Aeglognes. T^ow mil wefpeake p4rtk»larlji of all ^ and fir B of t he fir H^ which 
he calieth by the fir B Motiethes name, I»t%»Arie : ir herein to feme he mayfeeme 
fowly to ha»e faulted J» that he erronivufly beginneth with that Monet h;tvkich 
heginneth not theyeere. tor it is vfellknowne., andjloutly mtintajned with 
Jlrongreafomofthelearnedythattheyeerebeginneth in March: for then the 
funnerenueth his finished conrfe ^ and the feafonable Spring refrefJjeih the 
earth^andthepleafaunce thereofbeeing buried in the/adnejfe of the dead IVin- 
ter^ now worne away^ reuiueth. 

This opinion maintaine the old Alirelogers and fhilofophers , namelie^ tht 
reuerend Andalo,<»^Macrobius,w his holy dates ofSaturne : which account 
alfo m as generally obferuedjioth of Grecians O* Romans. Butfaaing the leaue 
of Itich learned heads-itve maintaine aCuBome of eountingthe feafons from the 
Monet h January ^pen a morefpeciall ctufe then the heathen Fhilofophers euer 
tould conceiue : that is, for the incarnation of our might ie Sauiour ,07* et email 
Redeemer the Lordchnfi^ who as the renewing the Jl ate of the decaied World ^ 
and returningthe compare of expiredyeeresyto their former date^ and fir B 
commencement, left to vs his Heires a memoriall of his byrth, in the end of the 
laB yeere and beginning of the next. Which reckonings he fide that eternal I 
Monument ofourfaluation, leaneth alfo vpon good proof e of fpecialliudge- 
ment. 

For albeit that in elder times, when as yet the count of theyeere was net per- 
fected, as afterward it was by lulius Caefir, they heganne to tell the Monet hs 
from Marches beginning ^and according to the fame, God {asu faidin Scrip- 
ture)eomaunded the people of the lewes to count the Moneth Abih^that which 
Tpecall Mareh,f0r the firB Moneth^in remembrance that in that Moneth hee 
brought them out of the Land of i^egypt :yet,according to tradition of latter 
times it hath beene otherwife obferued^ both in gouernment of the Church, and 
ruleofmightieji Realmes. For from lulius CxGir,whofirBobfiruedtheleape 
yeere,which he called Bii&xtilem Annum, a0d brought into a morecertaine 
courfe the odde wandrmg dues, which of the Oreekes were called Hyper- 
hdinomcs,of the Romanes JntercalAKs^^forinfuch matter of learning I am 
forced to vfe the tearmesofthe learned) the Monet hs haue beene numbred 
twelue, which in the fir B ordinance o/Romulu s were but tenne, counting but 
^o^daies ineueryyeere,and beginning with Mtrch. But Numa Pompilius, 
who was the father of all the Romane Ceremonies, and Religion , feeing that 
reckoning to agree neither with the courfe of the Sunne, nor the Mo one, there- 
vnto added two Monethsylanuarie and Februarie: wherein it feemeth , that 
wife kingminded vpon good reafon tobeginne the yeert at lanuarie, of him 
therefore fo called tanquam lanua anni,thegate &> enterance efthejeere, or 
of rhenameofthegodUnas: towhichgod/or that the old Paynims attribu- 
ted the birth and beginning of all creatures rsew coming into the world, it fee- 
meth that he therefore to him a f signed, the beginning and fir fi entrance of the 
yeere. Which account for the moB part hath hitherto continued. T{otwithJian-^ 

ding. 



THE ARGVMENT. 



dingythat theEgjftiambeginne their yecre at September^ for that according 
to the cpin'toH of the beii RAbbines^andvery purpofe oft he Scripture it felfe^ 
Cod made the world in that Monet h^that is called of themTiin. And there- 
fore he comaunded them to keepe thefeaii ofPauilions^ in the end oftheyeere^ 
inthettv. day ofthefeuenth Moneth^vphich before that time.waf thejirjl. 

But our yiuthoitrtre/peffing neither the fubtiltie eft he one party nor the 
dntiquitieof the other ^ thinketh itfitteji^ according to the fimplicttie of com' 
won vnderliandingyto beginne with lanuarie-yWeening it per hap i no decorum 
that fhepheards fhouldbefeene in matter of fo deepe in-feghty orcanuajeacaje 
of fo doiAtfuU iudgement. So therefore beginnetkhee, and focontimieth hcc 
throughout. 




%\ tt?j\si"j'^^?k^j«%'^y-lfc^\i«\w 5,«;ii iV a 






>>«4C>«\«'m'««\%V'><«\\ V, tft-i ViS*<i^ V-.MW i(R\"4%\ ifeii-iifii* V 




THE FIRST BOOKE 

OF THE FAERIE 

aVEENE: 

CONT AINING 

THE LEGENDE OF THE KNIGHT 
THE RED CROSSE, 



OF 



0%^ 
Of Holme fe^. 




H Oj I the maDjwhofe Mufc whilom did rruskj 
J|| As time her nugh:, inlowely Shepheards 
Amnowenforc'ti Eirvnfittertask, (weeds. 
For trupets ftcm to change mine oate reeds. 
And iing of Knights, & Ladies gentle deeds; 
Whole praifcs hAuing^flept in filence long, 
Mee, all too meine, tlic .iicrrd Mufe areeds 
To blazon 'broad, amongft hei karned throne : 
Fierce waxtes, and faithful] loues, fliaDniwralizemyfong. 

Helpcthen, o holy Virgin, chiefe of nine. 
Thy weaker Novice to performe thy will : 
Lay forth out of thine euerlafting ferine 
The anriquerolles, which there he hidden ftillj 
Of Faerie Knights, and f lireft Tanaquill, 
Whom that moft noble Briton Prince lb long 
Sought through tlic world, and liifFered fo much ill. 
That I muft rue his vndeferved wrong : 

1 help thou my weake wit,and fharpen my dull tongue. 



And thou moft dreaded impe of higheft loue, 
Faire renits fonne, that with thy cruell dart 
At that good Knight fo cunningly didftroue. 
That glorious fire it kindled in lus hart. 
Lay now tliy deadly Heben bowc apart. 
And with thy mother milde come to mine ayde : 
Come both, and witli you bring tnumphant Marl, 
In loues and gentle iollities arrayd. 

After his murdrous fpoiles and bloudy rage allayJ. 

4 

And with them eke, 6 GoddclTe hcauenly bright, 
Mirrour of grace axidNLueftic divine. 
Great Lady of the greatel^ Ifle, whofe hght 
Like Tlioebt*! Umpe throughout the world doth /hinej, 
Shed thy faire beamcs into my feeble eyne. 
And raile my thoughts, too humble, and too vilcj 
To thinke of that true glorious type of thine. 
The argument of mine afflifted ftile ; 

The which to heare, vouchfafe, 6 deareft dread a-while. 



^A 1. 



Canto 



THE FIRST BOOKE OF 



'(^ant' L 





t Gentle Kniglit Was pricking on the Plaincj 
', Yclad in mightic .irmes and filuer fliield, 
I whcrin old djnts ol'deep woiids did remain 
. The crucll mr.rks of many a bloudie field ; 
' .Ycc ai'mcs til that time did he neucr wield: 
Kis angry ftecde d;d chide his foming bit; 
As,mi:chdi''dainingto thecurbeto yield : ' 
Full iollv Kjiight l"e fecin'd, and faire did fit, 
As one for knightly giulis and fierce encounters fit. 

But on his bread a bloudy Croflc he bore, 
The dearc rcmenilr.:ncc of his ciyngLcrd, 
For whofelwecti.\ke that glorious badge he Wore, 
And dead (as liujng) tuerhim adord ; 
"VponhisTJiidc the like was alio iccr'd. 
For (oucraieiic licpe, w hich in his help hehad : 
RjghtfiithfuU-truehe was in deed and word ; 
But of his checre Jidfeeme too (olcmnelad : 

Yet nothing did he dread i but euer was ydrad. 

3 
Vpon a great adventure lie was bond» 

Thatgrcatcft G&r/aKfltohimgaue, . 

Thatgreatcil glorious Queene of Taefieloni, 

To win him worfiiip, and her grace to haue^ 

VV hich of all earthly things he moft didcr^ue j 

And eueras he rcdc,his heart did earn 

To proue hispuifTjncc m battell braue 

Vpcn his foe, .'nd his new force to learn ; 
Vpon his focj a Dragon horrible and ftearn. 

4 

AlouclyLa45'rode himfairebelidc, 

Vpcn a lowc ly A (Tc more whi te then fnowc ; 
Yet flicc iralih whiter, but ihe fame did hide 
Vnder aveile, tliat wimpled was full lowe. 
And over alia blaf k ftole fhee did throwe. 
As one that inly mournd : fo wasfliefad, 

- Andlieauiefatvponherpalfreyflowe; 
Seemed in heart (ome hidden care fhe had. 

And by her in a line a milke whi^e lamb fhelad. 



So pure an Innocent, as that fame lamb, 
She was in life and eucry veraious lore, 
Andby defcentfrom Royall iynagecame 
Of ancient Kings and Queents, that had of yore 
Tharfceptcrs llretchttrom Eaft to Weftcrn Ihore, 
And all the world m tlicii' fubieftion held ; 
Till.that infernal! fiend with foule vprore 
Forewafted all their land, and them expeld : 

Whom to avenge, (he had this Knightfromfar compel(L' 
6 

Behinde her farre av/ay a Dwarfe did lag. 
That lazie fecm'd in becing euer laft. 
Or weaned with bearing ot lier bag 
Of needments at his back. Thus as they paft. 
The d..y with clcudts was fuddaine overcaft. 
And angry Icue an hideous itorme of raine 
Did pourc inro his Lemans lap (o fjft. 
That cucry wight to Ihrowd it did conflraine. 

And this fairc couple eke to fhroud themfelues werefaine; 

7 

Enforc't to fecke fomc covert nigh at hand, 
A fliadie eroue not farre away they Ipide, 
That promift ayde die tcrppcit to withftand : 
Whole icfty trces^ya'adwith lommcrs pride, 
Didfpread fcKoad, that heavens hght did hide, 
Notf ' .^eablc with power of any flarre : 
And all within were paths and alieies wide. 
With footing worne, and leading inward farre : 

Faire harbour, that them feemes ; fo in they cntredarci 
8 

And forth they paffe, with pleafiii c forward led, 
loving to heare the birds Iweet harmony, 
Which therein fliroudtdfrom the tcmpefts dred, 
Scem'd in their fong to (corne the cruell sky. 
Much can they praife the trees (6 ftraight and hie. 
The fayling Pine, the Cedar proud and t.dl. 
The vine-prop Elme, the Poplar neuerdry. 
The builder Oake, folcking of forrefts all. 

The Afpine,goodfor ftaues, the Cypreflcfunerall. 

The 



Cant* L 



THE FAERIE QVEENE. 



The Liurell, meed of mightie Conqucrours 
And Poets fage, the Firre that weepeth ftill. 
The Willowj worne of f orlorne Paramours, 
The Euohj obedient to the benders vvillj 
The Birch for fhafts, the Sallow for the mill. 
The Myrrhe fweet, bleeding in the bitter wound. 
The warlike Beech, the A(n for nothing ill, 
The fhiitfiili 01iue,and the Platone round, 

The carver Holme, die Maple (ildom inward found. 

lO 

Led with delight, they thus beguile the way, 
Vntill chcbluftringftormeis overblowne. 
When, weening to returnee whence they did ftray. 
They cannot fmde that path which firft was fliowncj 
But wander to and fro in waies vnknowne, 
Furtheft from end then, when they neereft ween. 
That makes them doubt their wits be not their owne : 
So many paths, fo many turnings feen. 

That which of them to take, in diverfe doubt they been. 
II 

At laftj refolving forward ftiU to fare. 

Till that fome end thev finde or m or out. 

That path they take, tnat beaten feem'd moftbare. 

And liice to lead the labyrinth about ; 

Which when by traft they hunted had throughoutj 

At length it brought tliemtoahollowCaue 

Amid the thickeft woods. The Champion ftout 

Eftfoones difmounted from his courier braue. 

And to the Dwarfe awhile his needlelle Ipeare he gaile. 
II 

Be wdl aware, quoth then that Ladie rnilde, 
Leafl luddaine mifdiiefe yec too rafh provoke : 
The danger hid, the place vnknowne and wilde. 
Breeds dreadfull doubts : oft fire is without fmoke. 
And perill without rtiowe : therefore your hardy flrokc 
Sir Knight with-hold, ull further triall made. 
Ah Lady (faid he) fhame were to revoke 
The forward footing for an hidden Ihade : 

Vertuegiues her felfe light, through darknes for to Wade. 
ij 

Yea, but (quoth fhee) the perill of this place 
1 better wot then you : though now too late 
To wifh you back returne with foule dilgrace ; 
Yet wifdom warnes, whilft foote is in the gate, 
To ftay the fteppe, ere forced to retrate. 
This is the wandring wood, this Erronrs den ; 
A monftervile, whom God and man does hate : 
Therefore, Treed beware. Fly,fly (quoth then 

The fearefull Dwarfe : ) this is no place tor liuing men. 

'4 

Butjfiill of fire and greedy h.u-diment. 

The youthfiill kmght could not for ought be ftaide ; 

But forth vnto the darklome hole he went. 

And looked in : his gliftring armour made 

A littleoloominglight, much like a fliade. 

By which he (aw the vgly monfterplaine, 

Halfe like a ferpent horribly difplaide. 

But th 'other halfe did womans fhape retaine, 

Moft lothlome, filthy, foule, and M of vile difdaine. 



And, as fliee lay vpon the durtie ground. 
Her huge long taile her den aS ouerfpted. 
Yet was in knots and many boughts vpwound. 
Pointed with mortal] fting. Of her there bred 
A thouland young ones, which flie daily fed. 
Sucking vpon her poifonous dugs, each one 
Of liindry fhape , yetollillfauoured: 
Soone as that vncouth Eght vpon them (hone. 

Into her mouth they crept, and luddain all were gone. 
16 

Their Jam vpftarr, out of her den efiraide, 
And rufhed forth , hurling her hideous toile 
About her curled head, whofe folds dilplaid 
Were ftretcht now forth at length without entraile. 
Shee lookt about, and feeing one in tnaile 
Armed to point, fought back to turne againei 
For, light (he hated as the deadly bale. 
Ay wont m defert darknefle to remaine. 

Where plaine none might her iee, nor (he fee any pkine. 

17 

Which when the valiant Elfeperceiu'd,helept 
As Lyon fierce vpon the flyirg pray. 
And with his trcnchand blade her boldly kept 
From turning back, and forced her to ftay : 
There-with enrag'd (hee loudly can to bray, 
And turning fierce, her fpeckledtaileadvaunft, 
Thrcatning her angry fting, him to dilmay : 
VV ho, nought agaft, his mighty hand enha'unfl : 

The ftroke down from her head \ nto her (houlder olaunfk 
18 

Much daunted with that dint, her fenfe was daz'd ; 
Yet kindling rage, her lelfe (he gather 'd round. 
And all at once her beallly body raiz'd 
With doubled forces high aboue the ground : 
Tho wrapping vp her wreathed fterne around. 
Leapt fierce vpon his (hield, and her huge traine 
All liiddoinJy about his body wound. 
That hand or foot to ftirre he (froue invaine : 

God help the man fo wrapt in Errnurs endle(re traine. 

His Lady, fad to fee his fore conftraint, 

Cride out. Now, now Sir Knight, diew what you bee. 
Add faith vnto your force, and be not faint ; 
Strangle her, elfe (he (ure will flrongle thee. 
That when he heard, in great pcrpiexitie. 
His gall did gr.ite for griefe and lugh difdaine. 
And Knitting all his force, got one hand fi-ce, 
Whcrc-withhe gryp"t her gorge with fo great paine^ 

That foone to loofe her wicked bands did her conftraine. 
20 

There-with (he (pewd out of her filthy maw 
A floud of poyfon horrible and black. 
Full of great lumps of fle(h and gobbets raw. 
Which flunk fo vilely^ that it forc't him (lack 
His grafping hold, and from hct turne him back ; 
Her vomit full of bookes and papers was. 
With loathlyfrogs andtoades, which eyes didlack, 
Andcreeping,foughtway intheweedygrafs : 

Her filthy parbreafcc all the place defiled has. 

A J A.: 



THE FIRST BOOKE OF 



(^ant' h 



As wlien old father "H^w gins to (well 

With timely pride aboue the ^egyptian vakj 

His fattie waucs doe fertile (lime outwell. 

And overflowe each Plaine aiid lowely dale : 

But when his later ebbe gins to avale, 

Huge heapes of mud heleaucs, wherein there breed 

Tenne thouland fcindes of creatures, partly male. 

And partly female of his fmitfuU feed ; 

Such vgly monfbrous (hapes elfwhere may no man reed. 
zz 

The fame fo fore annoyed has the Knight, 
That wel-nigh choaJced with the deadly (Hiike, 
His forces faile, ne can no longer fight. 
Whofe courage when the fiend perceiu'd to (hrinkc, 
Shee poured forth out of her hellifh (inke 

' Her fruitfull curfed fpawne of Serpents fmall> 
Deformed monfters, foule, and blacke as inkei 
which fwarmingall about his legges did aall. 

And him encombred fore, but could not hurt at all. 

As gentle Shepheard in fweet euen-tide, 
When ruddy Thabtts gins to welke in weft. 
High on an hill, his flock to viewen wide, 
Marks which doe bite their hafty (upper beft; 
A doude of combrous gnats doe himmolelt. 
All ftriuing to infix their feeble (tings, 
That from their noyance he no where canre(t. 
But with his clownifli hands their tender wings 

He brufheth oft,and oft doth mar tlieirmurmurings. 
24 

Thus ill beftedd, and fearefull more of fliame. 
Then of the certaine perill he (tood inj 
Halfe furious vnto his foe he came, 
Refolv'd in mind all fuddenly to wjn. 
Or foone to lo(e, before he once would lin ; 
And (hooke at her with more then manly force. 
That from her body full of filthy fin 
He reft her hatefuU head withoUt remorfe ; 

A (Ircame of coale black bibud forth gufhed fro her corfe. 

*>■ 

Her fcattred broode, foone as their Parent deare 
They faw To rudely falling to the ground, 
Groning full deadly, all with troublous feare, 
Gath'red themfelucs aboutherbody round, 
Weeningtheirwonted entrance to haue found 
Ather wide mouth : but, beeing there withftood. 
They flocked all about her bleeding wound, 
Andfuckedvptheirdyingmothersblood; 

Makinp her death tlieir life, and eke her hurt theirgoodi 
16 

Th^t detcftable fight him much amaz'd, , 
To fee th'vnkindly Imps of heauen accurft^ 
Dcuoure their dam ; on whom while fo he gaz'd, 
Hauing all fatisfide their bloudythur(t, 
Their bellies fwolnehe fawe with folnefs burit. 
And bowels gufliing forth : well worthy end 
Of fuch as drunke her Hfe, the which them nurft ; 
Now needcthhimno longer labourfpend: (tend. 

His foes haue flaine themfelues.witfi whom he (hould c»n- 



27 

His Lady, feein» all that chaunc't from farre, 
Approch't in nafte to greet his viftorie ; 
And faid, Faire Knight, borne vnder happy (larrc. 
Who fee your vanqui/ht foes beforeyoulie: 
Well worthy be you of that Armorie, 
Wherein you haue great glory wonne this day. 
And proou'd yourltength on a ftrong enemie. 
Your (irft adventure : many fuch I pray. 

And henceforth euer wKh, that like fucceed it may. 
i8 

Then mounted he vpon his Steed againe. 

And with the Lady backward fought to wend ; 

That path he kept, which beaten was moft plaine, 

Ne euer would to any by-way betid. 

But (till did follow one vnto the end. 

The which atlaft out of the wood them brought. 

So, forward on his way (with God to friend) 

He paffeth forth, and new adventure fought ; 

Long way he trauelled before he heard of ought. 

At length they chaunc't to meet vpon the way 
An aged Sire, in long black weeds ydad. 
His reet all bare, his oeard all hoarie gray, 
Andbyhisbelthis booke he hanging had ; 
Sober he feem'd,and very fagely (ad. 
And to the ground his eyes were lowely bent. 
Simple in (hewe, and voyd of malice bad. 
And all the way he prayed as he went. 

And often knodcc his bread, as one that did repent. 
30 

Hee faire the Knight fainted, louring lowo 
Who faire him quited j as that courteous was : 
And after asked him, if he did knowe 
Of ibange adventures, which abroad did pafs. 
Ah my deare fonne (quoth he) how (hould, alafs. 
Silly old man, that liues in hidden Cell, 
Bidding his beades all day for his trefpafs. 
Tidings of warre and worldly trouble tell ? 

With holy father fits not with fuch things to mell. 

But, if of danger which heereby doth dwell. 
And home-bred euill yedefireto hearei 
Of a (bange man I can you tidings tell, 
That wafteth all this countrey farre and neare. 
Of (uch (faid hee) I chiefely doe enquere. 
And (hall ycu well reward to (hew the place, 
In which that wicked wight his dayes doth weare ; 
For,to all knightliood it is foule dilgrace. 

That fuch a curfed creature liues fo long a (pace. 
Ji 

Farre hence (quoth he) in waftfull wildernefTe 
His dwelling is, by which no liuing wight 
May euer pafle, but diorough great di&eite. 
Now (faid the Lady) draweth toward night. 
And well I wote, that ofyour later fight 
Ye all forwearied be: for,what fo (bong, 
But wanting reft, will alfo want of might ? 
The Sunnc,that meafures heauen all day long. 

At night doth baite his ftee<is ;he Ocean waues emong: 



Then 



Cant, 1. 



THE FAERIE QVEENE 



Then with die Sunne, tike Siryour timely reft, 
And with new day new worke at once bcCTin : 
Vntroubled niglit (they fay) giues counlell beft. 
Right well Sir Knight ye haue advifed bin 
(Quoth then that aged mail ; ) the way to win 
Is wjlely to advife : now day is fpent ; 
Thcrctore with me ye may take vp your In 
For this fame night. The Knight was well content.' 

So with that godly tather to his home they went. 

A little lowcly Hermitage it was, 

Downc in a dale, hard by aforrefls fide, 

Faae from rcfort of people, that didpafs 

Intrauell to and fro ; a little wide 

There was an holy Chippell ediEdc, 

Wherein the Hcrmite duly wont to fay 

His holy things each mornc and euentide : 

Thereby a Cryftall flreame did gently play. 
Which from afacred fountaine welledforth alw.iy. 

Arriucd there, the title houle they fill; 

Nc looke for entertainement, where none was : 
Rcftis theirfeaft, and all things at thcirwill ; 
The noblcft mind the beft contentmenthas. 
With faire difcourl e the euening fo th ey pafs : 
Forjtlut old man of plealing words had ftore, 
And well could file his tongue is fmooth as glaft ; 
He told of Saints and Popes, and eucrroore 

He ftrow'd an ^ite-Mary after and before. 
36 

The drouping Night tlius crecpeth on them faft, 
And the fad humour loadmg their eye liddes. 
As melTenoer oi Morpheus on them caft 
Sweet flumbringdcaw, the which to fleep thembiddes. 
Viito tlicirloilgings thcniusgucftsheriddes .' 
Where when all drown'd in deadly fleepe he findes, 
Hee to his ftudie goes, and there amiddes 
His Magick bookes and arts offuiidry kindes, 

Hee (eckes out mighuc charmes,to trouble fleepy mindes. 

37 

Then chuiing out few words moft horrible, 
(Let none them read) thereof did verfes frame, 
Witli which, and otlier fpells like ternbll:. 
He bad awake black Tlatoes grifly Dame, 
And curfed heauen, and Ipakercprochefull fhamc 
Of higheft God, the Lord of life and light ; 
A bold bad man,that dar'd to call bv name 
Great Gorgon, Prince of darknefle .ind dead night. 

At which Cocytus quakes, and Styx is put to flight. 

38 

And forth hee call'd out of deep darknefle dread 
Legions of Sprights, the which hke little flieJ 
Fluttring abou t his euer damned head, 
Awaite whereto their lenuce he applies. 
To ayde his friends, or fray his enemies : 
Of thofe he chofe out two, thefalleft two, 
And fitteft for to forge true-feeming lyes ; 
The one of them he gaue a meflage to, 

The otheV by him felfe ftaide other worke to do. 



39 

Hee, making fpeedy way through fperfed ayre. 
And through the world of waters wide and deep, 
To Morpbem houfe doth haftily rcpaire : 
Amid the bowels ofthe earth full fteep 
And lowe, where dawning day doth neuerpecp; 
His dwellingis ; there Tethys his wet bed 
Doth euer w.a(h, and Cynthia ftill doth fteep 
In {liver deaw his euer-drouping hed, 

Whiles lad Night ouer him her mantle black doth (pred. 
40 

Whofe double gates he findeth locked faft. 
The one faire fram'd of burnilht Yijory : 
The other, all with filuer ouercaft ; 
And wakcfuU dogges before them farre doc lyej 
Watching to bani/h Care their enemy, 
Who oft is wont to trouble gentle fleep. 
By them the Spright doth palle in quietly. 
And vnto Morpheus comes, whom drowned deep 

In drowfie fit he findes : of nothing he takes keep. 
41 

And more, to lull him in his flumber foft, 

A trickling Ibeame from high rock tumbling downe.. 

And euer-drizhng raine vpon the loft, 

Mixt witli a murmuring winde, much like the fown 

Of fwarming Bees.did caft him in a fwownc ; 

No other noife, nor peoples troublous cryes. 

As ftill are wont t'annoy the walled towne. 

Might there be heard : out careleflTe Quietlyes, 

Wrapt in cternall lilence, farre from enemies; 
, 42 

The meflcnger approching 1:0 him fpakc ; 
But his wartc words return'd to him in vaine : 
So (oiuid he flcpt, that nought moughthim .iwakc. 
Then rudely he him thrull, and pullit with paine. 
Whereat he gan toftretch : buthe againe 
Shooke him lo hard, that forced him to fpeake. 
As one then in a dreame, whofe drier btaine 
Is toft with troubled fights and fancies weake. 

He mumbled foft, but would not all his filence breake.- 
4? 

The Spright then gan Inore boldly him to wake. 
And threamed vnto him the dreaded name 
Of Hcf ate .• whereat he gan to qu ake. 
And lifting vp his lumpifti head, with blame 
Halfe angry, asked him for what he came. 
Hither (quotli he) me ^rchimago fent. 
He that the ftubbome Sprites can wifely tame, 
He bids thee to him fend for his intent 

A fit falle dreame, that can delude the fleepers fent. 

The God obayde, and calling fortli ftraieht way 
A diverfe dreaine out of his pnfon darke, 
Dehutred it to him, and downe did lay 
His hea.uie head,devoide of carefull carke, 
Whofe fenfcs all were fbraight benumb'd .uid ftarke. 
Hejbacke returning by the Yuorie dore. 
Remounted vp as hght as cheerfullLarke, 
And on his litdc wings the dreame he bore 

In hafte vnto his Lord, wherehe him left atore. 

A 4. Who 



THE FIRST BOOKE OF 



(^anu 1. 



4f 

Wto all this while, with channes and hidden arts, 
Hid made a Lady of that other Spright, 
- Andfram'd ofliquidayrchertenderparts 
So liuely , and fo like in all mens fight. 
That weakerfenfe it could haue rauiflit quight : 
The maker felfe, for all his wondrous wit, 
Was nigh beguiled with fo goodly light : 
Her all in white he clad, and over it 

Call a black ftole, moftlikc to feeme for Fna fit. 

4« ■ 

Now, when that idle dreame was to him broughtj 
Vn to that Elfin Knight he bad him fly, 
Where he fleptfoundly, voide of euill thought. 
And with falfe Ihewes abufe his fantafy. 
In fort as he him fchooled privily : 
And that new creature borne wiuioiit her due, 
Full of the makers guile, with vifage fly 
He taught to imitate that Lady true, 

Whofe lemblance fhe did carry vnder feigned hew. 
47 

Thus well inflrufted, to their worke they hafte, 
And comming where the Knightin flumber lay. 
The one vpon his hardy head nim plac't. 
And made him dreame of loues and luftfullplay. 
That nigh his manly hart did melt away. 
Bathed in wanton blifs and wicked ioy : 
Then feemedhim his Lady by him lay, 
And to himplaindj how thatfalfe winged boy 

Ha chalt hart had fubdewd, to learne Dame Pleafures toy. 
48 

And fheeher felfe (of beauty foueraigne Queene) 
Faire Venitt, feem'd vnto his bed to bring 
Her, whom he waking euerinore did weene 
To be the chafteft flower, that ay did (pring 
On earthly branch, the daughter of a King ; 
Now a loofe Leman to vile fcrvice bound : 
And eke the GMfwfcemed all to fing. 
Hymen 16 Hymen, dauncing all around, 

Whilft frelheft F/om her Yuiegirlond crownd. 

49 

In this great paflion of vnwonted lufl. 

Or wontedfeare of dooingouglitamift. 

He ftarted vp, as feeming to miftruft 

Some fecretill, or hidden foe of his : 

Lo, there before his face his Lady is, 

Vnder black ftole hiding her baited hooke^" 

And as halfe blulhing oftredhim to kifs. 

With gentle blandifliment, and louely loofce, 
Moft like that virgin true, which for her knight him tooke. 

JO 

All cleane difmaid to fee fo vncouth fight. 
And halfe enraged at her Ihamelefle guife. 
He thought t'haue flaine her in his fierce defpight : 
But haftie heat tempting with fufferance wife, 



He ftaid his hand, and gan himfelfe aJvife 
To proue his fenle, and tempt her faigned truth. 
Wringing her hands in womenspittious wife, 
Tho can Ihce wecpe, to ftirre vp gentle ruth. 
Both for her noble blood, and for her tender youtli. 

And laid. Ah Sir, my liege Lord and my louc. 
Shall I accufe the hidden cruell Fate, 
And mightie caufes wrought in heauen abouCj 
Or the blind God, that doth me thus amate» 
Forhopedloueto winne m e certaine hate } 
Yet thus perforce he bids me doe, or die. 
Die is my due : yet rue my WTetched ftate> 
You, whom my hard avenging deftinie 

Hath made iudge of my life or death indifferently. 

Your owne decre fake forc't mee at firft to leaue 
My Fathers kingdome ; There (he ftopt with teares : 
Her Iwollen heart her fpeech feem'd to bereaue. 
And til en againe begun, My weaker yeares 
Captiu'd to fortune and fraile worldly feares. 
Fly to your faith for fuccour and (ure ayde ; 
Let me not die in languor and long teares. 
Why D.'.me (quoth he) what hatli ye thus difmaid ? 

What frayes ye, that were wont to comfon me affraid ? 

55 

Loue of your felfe, fhee laid, and deere conftraint 
Lets me not fleepe, but wafte the wearie night 
In fecreranguifh and vnpittied plaint, 
Whilft you in carcleiTe fleepe are drowned quite. 
Her doubtf iiU words made that redoubted Knight 
Sufpeft her truth : yet fith n'vn truth hee knew. 
Her fawning loue with foule dlldainefuU Ipight 
He would not (hend, butfaid, Deare dame, I reW, 

That for my lake vnknowne fuch griefe vnto you grew. 

H 
Aflure your felfe, it fell not all to ground ; 
For all lb deare as life is to my nart, 
I deeme your loue, and hold me to you bound; 
Ne let vaine feares procure your needlefs Cnart^ 
Where caufe is none, but to your reft depart. 
Not all content, yet feem'd (he to appeale 
Her mournefuU plaints, beguded of her art, 
And fed with words that could not chufe but pleafe ; 
So Hiding foftly forth, flie tum'd as to her eafe. 

Long after lay he thufing at her mood. 

Much grieu'd to thitXe that gentle Dame fo lights 
For whofe defence he was to med his blood. 
At laft dull wearinefle of former fight 
Hauing yrockt a fleepe his irkefome fpright, 
That troublous dreame gan frefhly tofs his braine. 
With bowres, and beds, and Ladies deare delight : 
But when he faw his labour all was vaine. 

With that misformed fpright he back return'd againe. 



Canto 



Cant. 1 L 



THE FAERIE QVEENE. 




Canto II. 

Tfje guileful! great Inchaunter parts 
The Redcroffe Knight from Truth: 
Into rohofejleadfaire falfhoodftepSy 
And roorkes him wofull ruth. 



^fTTp=?\ "^ -^„ smrr^ 





Y tliisjdic NoriJiern wagoner had fct 
His icuentbld ceme behind the ftedf.iftftir, 
Th.'.r was in Ocean waucs yctneucr wet, 
Butfirmeis fixt, and fendctJi light from far 

,„„.. „u,a.ji^ To all, that in the wjde deep wanJrin<» arc: 

And chcar^tuU Chauntidcre with his note ftinil 
Had warned once, that Vhxbus fiery cirre 
In hafte was climbing vp die Eafterne hill, 
Eull envious chat night lb long his roomc did fill ; 

When thofe accurled meflengcrs-of hell, 

T har feigning dreame, and that Lire-forged Spright 
Came to tlieir wicked maiftcr, and gan tcil 
Their bo'otclede pai nes, and ill fuccccdino- night : 
Who, all in rage to Ice his ski'fiill might 
Deluded fo, gontlireatenhelliflipainc 
And (ad Trofer fines wrath, them to affricrht: 
But when he lawe his threatning was but voifle. 

He caft about, and fearcht his baleful! bookes agaiae. 

Efifoones he tooke that milcreated f lire. 

And that fjlie other Spnght, on whom he fpred 
A reeming bo Jy of the iiibtile aire, 
Like a yoTing Squire, in loucs and lufty-hcd 
His wanton dayes that cutr loofely led, 
VVitlioutrcg.ir.l of armes and dreaded fight: 
Thole t\vo lie tooke ; and in a lecret bed, 
Coua'd with darknclfe and mifdeeming night. 

Them both togctlicr laidj to icy in vame dcli^^c. 

4. 

Forthwith he runnes withfeigned faithfull hafte 
Vnto his gucft, who after troublous lights 
And drcimes, gm now to ukc more lound repaft. 
Whom fuddenlv he wJtes with ttarefull frights. 
As one agoft with fiends or d-unned Iprights, 
And to lum calls. Rife, rife vnhappy Swaine, 
That hecre wex old m flccpe, whdes wicked wights 
Haueknicthemlclues in Feims (hamehill chaine; 

Come, tee where yoiu: falfc Lady doih her honour ftaine. 



All in amaze he fuddenly vp Hart 

With fword in hand, and with the old maft went ; 
Who loone him brought into a lecretpart. 
Where that falfe coi:ple weretuU c-'olclymenc 
In wanton iuft and lewd embracement : 
Which when he faw, he burnt with iealous fire. 
The eye of reafon was with rage yblent, 
And would hauc flauie ihem in lus furious ire; 

But hardly was rclb-cincd of that a^ed Sure. 
6 / 

Returning to his bed in tomient great. 
And bitter anguilh of his guiitie light. 
He could not reft, but did his ftout he ut eat, 
And wafte his inwardgall with dccpe defpight, 
Yrkelbme of life and too long hngrmg night. 
At laft fiire Heffcms in higheft"skie 
Had (pent his 1 impc, ojid brought forth dawning tighf. 
Then vp he role, and clad him haftiiy ; 

The Dwarte him brought his fteed : fc both away do flie. 

7 

Now when the rofy-fingred Morningfaire, 
Wear)' of aged Tithom fiffVon bed, 
Had Iprcd her purple robe through deawy aire. 
And tjje high hils Titan difcouercd, 
The royali virgin fhooke off drowlV-hed, 
And riling forth out oi her baler bowrc, 
Lookt for her kmght, who far aWay was fled. 
And for.her Dwarte, thatwohtto wait each ho wrej 

Then gan flie waile and weepe, to fee that wofull ftowre. 
8 

And afterhim flie rode with (o much (peede 
As licr flowe bealT: could make ; but all in vaine : 
For him fo far had borne his light-foot fteed. 
Pricked with wrath and ficne fierce difdaine. 
That him to follow was but f ruitlelTe paine ; 
Yet Ihc her weary lirtlbes would neuer reft. 
But cucry hill and dale, each wood and Plaine 
Did learch, Ibregrieued in her gentle breft, 

Hefo vngcntly Icftfier, wh^mfliefoued beft. - "^ ^ 

iui . 



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Butfubtilc ^rchimago,v/hen his guefts 
He faw divided into double parts. 
And f^na vv-indring in woods and forrcfts, 
Tli'cnd of his drift, hepraifdhisdiudifharts. 
That had fuch might ouer true meaning harts ; 
Yetrcfts not fojbutothermeancs doth make. 
How he may worke vnto her further fmarts : 
Forherhehatedas the hifling (nake, 

Andinhertnany troubles did moftpleafure take* 

10 

He then devifde himfelfe how to difguife ; 
For by his mighty Science he could take 
As many formes and /hapes in feeming wife, 
As euer Trotcut to himfelfe could make : 
Sometime a fowle,fometime a fifhinlake. 
Now like a fox, now like a dragon fell. 
That of himfelfe he oft for feare would quakcj 
And oft would flie away. O ! who can tell 

The hidden power of hearbes, & might of Magick fpell ? 
II 

Butnowfcem'dbeft, theperfontoputon 

Of that good Knight, his late beguiled gueft : 
In mighty armes he was yclad anon. 
And filver fhield : vpon his coward breft 
A bloudy croUe ; and on his craven creft 
A bunch of haires difcolourd diverfly : 
Full lolly knight he feemde, and well addreft. 
And when he fate vpon his courier free. 

Saint George himfelfe yee would haue deemed him W be> 

12 

But he, the knight, whofe femblance he did beare. 
The true Saint George, W3.s wandred far away, ■ 
Still fly ing from Iiis thoughts and iealous fearc ; 
Will wds his wuide, and griefc led him aftray. 
Atlafthim chaunc'tto meet vpon the way 
A faithleffe Sarazin, all arm'd to point. 
In whofe great Ihield was writ with letters gay 
Sam Foy : Full large of Lmbe and eucry loint 

He was, and cared not for God or man a point. 

i|, . 

He had a faire companion ot his way, 
A goodly Lady, clad in fcirlot red, 
Purfled with gold and pearle of rich aflay. 
And like a Verfian mitre on her head 
She wore, with crownes and owches garniihed. 
The which her lavifh lo\ ers to her gaue ; 
Her wanton palfrey all was overfpred 
With tinfell trappings, woven like a wauc, 

Whefe bridle rung with golden bells, and boffes braues 

Witli faire difport and courting dalliance 
Shee entertaind her lover all the way : 
But when fhe faw the knight his fpeare advance. 
She fooneleftofFherminh and wanton play. 
And bad her knight addrefle him to the fray : 
Hisfoe was nigh athand. He,prickt with pride 
And hope to winne his Ladies heart that day. 
Forth (purrcdfaft : adowne his couriers fide 

The red bloud,trickJing,ftaind (he way as he did ride. 



I?' 

The blight ofthe I{ed-croffe whenhim he fpide. 
Spurring fo hote with rage dilpighteous, 
Ganfairely couch his (peare, and towards ride : 
Soone mecte they both, both fell and funous. 
That daunted with their forces hideous, 
Theirfteeds doe ftagger, and amazed ftand. 
And eke themlelues too rudely rigorous, 
Aifonied with the ftroke of their ownc hand. 

Doe backe rebut, and each to other yecldeth land. 
i6 

As when two rammes, ftird with ambitious pride^ 
Fight for the rule ofthe rich fleeced flock. 
Their horned fronts fo fierce on either lidc > 

Doe meet, that with the terror of tlie fliock 
Aftonied, both ftand fenfelcfle as a block, 
Forgetfull ofthe hanging viftory : 
So ftoode thefe twaine, vnmooued as a roc^. 
Both ftaring fierce, and holding idlely 

The broken reliques of their former cruelty. 

17 

The Sara^in fore daunted with the buffe, 

Snatcheth his fword, and fiercely to him flies ; 
Who well it wards,and quiteth cuiF with cuff: 
Each others equallpuiffaunce envies. 
And through meir iron fides wi di cruelties 
Does feeke to perce : repining courage yields 
Nofootetofoe. The flafhuigfier flies 
As from a forge out of their burning fhields. 

And ftreames ofpurple bloud new die the verdant fields, 
i8 

Curfe on that Crofle (quoth then the Sarajin) 
That keepes thy body from the bitter fit ; 
Dead long ygoe I wote thou haddeil bin. 
Had not that charmc from thee forwariied it : 
But yet I worne thee now alPured fit. 
And hide thy head. There-with voon his creft 
With rigour fo outragious he fmit. 
That a large fliare it hew'd out ofthe reft. 

And glaiicing down his ftiield, fro blame him fairely bleft. 

Who tliereat wondrous wroth, the fleeping (park 
Of natiuevertuegan eftfoones reviue. 
And at his haughtie helmet making mark. 
So hugely ftrooke, tliat it the fteele didriue. 
And cleft his head. He,tumblingdownealiue, 
With bloudy mouth his mother earth did fcifs. 
Greeting his graue : his grudging ghoft did ftriue 
With the fraile flefti ; at laft it flittedis. 

Whither the foulcs doe flie ofmen,thatliueamifs. 

20 

The Lady, when (he faw her champion fall. 
Like the old mines of a broken towre, 
Sf aid not to waile his woefull funerall, 
8ut from him fled away with all her powrc ; 
Who .after her as haftily gan fcowre. 
Bidding the Dwarfe with him to bring away 
The54»-fl;^>w(hield,figreoftheconquerour. 
Her foone he ouertooke, and bad to ftay ; 

For prefect caufe was agne of dread, her to difiruy. 

She? 



Cant. 11 



THE FAERY Q^V E E N E. 



She tumiog backc with ruefull countenaDce, 
Crydej Mercy.mercy SirvouchCife to fliowe 
On filly DonjCjfiibicftto lurdtnifchance, 
And to yout miglity will. Her humblefle lowc, 
In fo rich weeds and fceming glorious il^.owe. 
Did much emraoucliisftoutheroickc heart. 
And fayd ; dearc Dame, your fuddein ouerthrowe 
Much ruech me: but now put feore apart. 

And tell, both who ye be, and who tlut took your port. 

Melting in teares, then gan Ihc thus lament ; 
The wretched woman, whom vnhappy howre 
Hath now made thrall to your commondement, 
Before that ongr}' hcaucns lift to lowre, 
And fortune falfc betroidc me to your powre. 
Was (O, what now auaileth that I was 1 ) 
Borne thcfole daughter of an Emperour, 
He that the wide Weft vnder his rule has. 

And high bath fct his throne, where Tikris doth pafs. 

He in the firft flovvTc of my fredieft age. 
Betrothed me vnto the onely heire 
Of amoft mighty King, molt rich andfage ; 
Was ncuer Prince fo faithfull and fo foire; 
Was neuer Prince fo mcckan J dcbonaire : 
But ere my hoped day of fpoufall Hione, 
My deareft Lord fell from high honoms ftaire, 
Into the hands of his accurledfone, 

And cruelly was flaine : that fliall I cuer raone. 

Hisblefledbody,fpoild6f liucly breath. 
Was afterward, 1 kiiowenothow,conuiid 
And fro me hid : of whole moft innocent death 
When ridings came to me vnliappy mayd, 
O, how greatforrow my fad ioule alLyd 1 
Then forth I went, his woefuU corfc to fin Je; 
And m^ny yeares throbghout the world I ftrayd, 
A virgin widow: whofe deep wounded mindc 

Withlouc, long titne did langaiHi as the Ibikcnhiude. 

-. *5 

At laft, it chaunced this proud SarnXin 

To meet me wan driug: who perforce melcJ_ 
W'ith him away, but yec could neuer win 
The Fort, that Ladies hold u: foueraigne dread. 
There lies he now with foule dishonour dead, 
Who whiles he liv'de, was calledproud Sansfoy, 
The eldcft of three brcthrcn,all three bred 
of one bad iire, whofe youngeft is Sans ioy. 

And iwixt them both was borne the bloudy bold Sam Ioy. 
i6 

In this fad plight, friendlcffe, vnfortunate. 
Now milerablc I fidejfa dwell, 
Crauing of you in pitty of my ftate, 
To do none ill, if pleafe ye not do well. 
He in great pjffion all this while did dwell. 
More bufyino his quicke eyes , her face to view. 
Then his dulleares, to heare what (he did tell; 
And fayd; Faire Lady,heart of flint would rew. 

The vndefcrued woes and forrowes, whicli ye fiiew. 



Henceforth in fife afluronce may ye reft,' 

Hauingboth found a new friend you to ayde. 
And loft an old foe, that did you moleft; 
Bctternew friend then an old foe is faid. 
With change of chcare, the fecming limplemaid 
Let fall her eyen, as ftiamcfaft to the caith; 
And yielding roft,in that (he nought gain-faid. 
So fonh they rode, he faining fec'mcly mirth. 

And (he coy lookes : fo, Daint)- tlicy Ciy inaketh derch. 
28 ' 

Long time they thus together traueiled; 
Till weary of their way, they came at laft. 
Where grew two good'ly trees, tlutfairc didfprcd 
Theirarmes abroad, with gray mofl'e ouer-caft ; 
And their greene leaues trembling with cuery blaft. 
Made a calme fiiadowefar in compalTc round : 
The fearcfuU Shcphcatd often thcreat^haft 
Vnder them ncuer (at, nc wont thcrcfound 

His merry oaten pipe, but lliund th'vnlucky around. 

But this good Knight, foonas he them ganfpie. 

For die coolc fliadow thither haftly got : 

For,goloen Thj^buinovi that moun'tedhic. 

From fiery wlieelesofhis faire chariot. 

Hurled hisbeamc Iblcorching cruellhot. 

That liuing creature mote it not abide ; 

And his new Lady it endured not. 

There they alight, in hope themfelucs to hide 
From the fierccheat, and reft their weary limbs x tidev 

5° 
Faire feemcly pleafance each to other makes; 

With goo Jiy purpofcs there as they lit: ' 

And m his failed fancy he her takes' 

To be the faireft wight, that lined yit ; 

Which to cvprclTe ,he bends his oeinie wit : 

And thinking of thofc branches greene to frame 

A girlondfor her dainty forheadfit. 

He pluckt a bough ; out of whofe nift there came 
Small drops of gory bloud , that trickled dbwne ihefame. 

31 
Therewith a pin'ous yelling voyce was heard. 

Crying, 6 (pare wijh guilty hands to tcare 

My tender fides in this rough rynde cmbard: 

But fly, ah fly far hence' away, for feare 

Leaft to you hap, that hapned to me here, 

And to his ivrttched Lady, my deareLoue ; 

O too dcirelouelloue bought with death too dearc. 

Aftond he flood, and vp his haire did houc. 
And with that fuddein horror could no member moue. 

Atlaft,when-asthedreadfullpaflion 

Was oucr-paft, and manhood well awake: 
Yet mufing at the ftrangc occafion , 
And doubting much his fenfe, he thus belpafce > 
Whatvoicc of damned ghoft from Limbo lake, 
Orguilefull fpright wandring m empty ayre 
(Both which fraile men doe oftentimes miftake) 
Sends to my doubtfull eares thefe fpeeches rare, 

Andraefull plaints,me biddingguiltlelFe bloud to (pare ? 

Then 



lO 



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Then groning deep, Nor damned glioft, quotli he. 
Nor guiletuU fprite to thee thefe words doth fpeake; 
But once a min,Fradubio, now a tree : 
Wretched man, wretched tree ;whofe nature weake, 
A cruell witch her curfed will to wreake, 
Hath thus transformdj and pUc't in open Pliines, 
Where Boreiu doth blowe full bitter bleake, 
• And fcorching Sunnc does dry my fecret vaines : 

For, though a tree I fccme, yet cold and heat me paincs. 

34 
Say on Fradubio then j or man , or tree, 

Quoth then thcKnightjby whofe mifchieuous arts 

Art thou misdi.ipcd thus, as now I fee ? 

He oft finds roe J'cinc, who lii s griefe imparts ; 

But double griefs afflift conceihng hearts. 

As raging flimcs who ftriuetli to luppreflc. 

The author then, fayd he, of all my imarts. 

Is one i5«fj(/4afalfe(orccreffe. 
That many errant kniglvs hathbroughtto wretchednefTe. 

In prime of youthly yeares, when courage hot 

Thefireof loucandioyof cheualree 

Firft kindled in my brell ; it was my lot 

To loue this gentle Lady whom ye fee. 

Now notaLady, buta lecming tree ; 

With whom as once I rode accompanide. 

Me chaunced of a knight encountred bee, 

Tliat had a Hke fairc Lady by his fide ; 
Like 3. faire Lady , but did fowie Duejfa hide. 

Whofe forged beauty he did take in hand. 

All other Dames to haue exceeded firre : 

I in defence of mine did likewifcftand; 

Mine, that did then fliinc as the Morni^gfti^re: 

So, both to batttell fierce arraungcd arre; 

In which his hardcrfortune was to fall 

Vnder my fpeare : fuch is the dy of warre : 

His Lidy , left as a prife martiall , 
Did yieldhcr comely perfon, to be at my call. 

So doubly lov'd of Ladies vnlike fairc, 

J h'onefceming fuch, the other fuch indeed, 

One day in doubt I caft tor to compare. 

Whether in beauties glory did cxceedc; 

A Rofy girlond was the Viftors meedc : 

Both feem'de to win , and both feemde won to bee, 

So hard the difcord was to beagieede. 

Fnlijfa was as faire, as faire mote bee: 
And euer falte Diiefft feemd as faire as flice. 

The wicked witch now feeing all this while 
ThedoubtfuU ballance equally to fway, 
What not by right, (lie cait to win by guile. 
And by her hellilli fcience raifd ftreight way 
A foggy miftj that ouer-caft the day, • 
And a dull blaft, that breathing on her face. 
Dimmed her former beauties fliining ray. 
And with foule vgly forme did her difgrace : 

Then was ITie faire alone, when none was faire in place. 



39 
Then cride (heout,Phy, phy, deformed wight, 
Whofe borrowed beauty now appeareth plaine 
To haue before bewitched all mens fight ; 

leaue her foone , or let her foone be flaine. 
Her loathly vifage viewing with difdaine, 
Eftfoonts I thought herfuch, as file me told. 
And would haue kild her ; bui , with fained painc. 
The falfe witch did my wrathfull hand with-hold : 

So left her, where flie now is turnd to trecn mould. 
40 

Thenceforth I took Due/fa for my Dame, 
And in the witch vnwteningioyd longtime* 
Ne euerwift.butthat file was the fame ; 
Till on a day (thatday is cuery Prime, 
When witches wont do penance for their crime) 

1 chaunc't to fee her in hcrproper hew. 
Bathing her felfe in origane and thyme: 
A filthy foule old woman I did view, 

That eucr to haue touch t her, I did deadly rew. 

41 

Herneatherpartsmisfiiapcn.monftruouj, 
Were hid in water, that I could not fee: 
But they did feeme more foule and hideous, 
Then womans fiiape man would belecue to be. 
Thenceforth from her moft bcafl:ly companic 
I gan refr3ine,in minde to flip away, 
Soone as appeard fafe opportunity : 
For, danger great, if not afliir'd decay, 

I fawc before mine eyes, if I were knownc to ftray, 

4i 
The diuclilh hag by changes of my chcarc 

Perceiv'd my thought; and drownd in fleepy night, 
With wicked hearbes and ointments did beiirearc 
My body all, through charmes and magicke might; 
That all my (enfes were bereaued quight : 
Then brought file me into this dclert waftc. 
And by my wretched Louers fide me pight; 
Where now inclofde in wooden wals full faft, 
Baniflit from liuing wights, our weary daycs we waftc. 

43 
But how long time, fayd then the Elfin Knight, 

Are you in this misformed houle to dwell ? 

We may not change, quoth he, this euill plight, 

Till we be bathed in a liuing Well ; 

That IS the tetme prefcribed by the (pell. 

O ! how, fayd he, mote I that well out-findc. 

That may reftore you to your wonted well > 

Time and fuffifed fates to former kind 
Shall vs reftore: none elfe from hence may vs vDbinde. 

44 

The falfe D»ejf«, now Fidcjja hight, 

Heard how in vaine Fradubio did lament, 
Andkoew well all was true. But the good knight 
Full of fadfcarcand ghaftly dreriment. 
When all this fpccch the liuing tree had fpcnt. 
The bleeding bough did thruft into the ground. 
That from the blond he might be innocent. 
And with frefli clay did dole the wooden wound : 

Then turning to hu Lady, dead with feareher found. 



Her 



Cant.llL THE FAERIE QVEENE. 



II 



45 



Her fecming dead he found witli feigned feare. 
As all rnweeting of that well flic knew, 
And poind himlelfe with bufie care to reare 
Her out of carelefle fwoune. Her eybds blew 



And dimmed fight, with pale and deadly hew, 
At laft (he gan vp-lift : with trembling chcarc 
Her vp he tooke, too ilmple and too true. 
And oftherkift. Atlength, all palled feare. 
He fet her on her fteede, and forward forth did bearc. 




Canto III. 

Torfaken Truth longfeekes her hue ^ 
andmdkes the Lyon mylde., 

Marres blind Devotions mart^^fdl^s 
in handofleachour vilde. 





Ought is there vnder heau'ns wide holownes 
jThat moues more deare copafllon of mind, 
'The beuty brought tVnworthy wretchednes 
f By Envies fiiares,or Fortunes freaks vnkmd : 
I [.whether lately throgh her brightnes blind, 
' Or through alleageance and fan fealcie. 
Which I doe owe vnto all womankind, 
Feele my heart pearc't with fo great agony. 
When fuch I fee, that all for pittie I could die. 

I 
And now it is empaflioned fo deepe. 
For faireft f^naes lake, of whom I fing, 
That my fraile eyes thcle lines with tearcs doe fteepe. 
To thinke how fliee through guilefull handeling. 
Though true as touch, though daughter of a King, 
Though foire as euer liuing wight was faire. 
Though nor in word nor deed ill meriting. 
Is from her knight divorced in defpaire 
And her due loues deriu'd to that vile witches thsic. 

Yet fliee moft faithfull Lady all this while 
Forfaken, wofull, folitary maid 
Farre from all peoples preafe, as in exile. 
In wildernefle and waftfiill deferts ftraid. 
To feeke her knight ; who, fubtilly betraid 
Through that late vifion, which th'Enchauter wrought, 
Hadherabandond. Shee of nought afFraid, 
Through v/oods and waftnelTe wide him daily fought; 

Yet wilhed ty dings none of him vnto her brought. 

4 
One day, nigh weary of the irkefomc way. 
From her vnhaftie beaft flie did alight. 
And on the grade her dainty limbs did lay 
In fecret ftiado w, farre firom all mens fight : 



Fromherfairchead her fillet (lie vndight, 
And laid her ftoleafide. Her angtis face 
As the great eye of heauen fliined bright. 
And made a funftune in the fliadie place ; 
Didneuer mortall eye behold fuch heauenly grace. 

It fortuned, out ofthethickeft wood 
A ramping Lyon rulbed fuddainly, 
Hunting full greedy after faivage blood ; 
Soone as the royall virgin he did fpy, 
With gaping mouth at her ran greedily. 
To haue attonce deuour'd her tender corfe : 
But to the pray when as he drew more nie, 
His bloody rage alTwaged with remorie, 

And with the fight amaz'd, forgat his furious force. 
6 

In Itead tliereof he kift her wearie feet, 

Andlicktherlilly hands with fawning tongue. 
As hee her wronged innocence did wcet. 
1 how can beauty maifter the moft ftrong. 
And fimple truth fubdue avenging wrong i 
Whofcyeelded pride, and proudellibmiffion, 
Still dreading death, when flic had marked long, 
Her heart gan melt in great coinpafiRon, 

And drizling teares did Ihed for pure afFeftion. 

7 
The Lyon Lord of euery beaft in field, 

Quoth (he, his princely puiflancedoth abate. 

And mighty proud to humble weake does yield, 

Forgett'uU of the hungry rage, which laic 

Him prickt, inpitty of my fid eftate ; 

But he my Lyon, and my noble Lord, 

How does he find in cruell heart to hate 

Her that him lov'd ,and euer moft ador'd. 
As the God of my hfe ? why hath he me abhord ? 

B. Redoun- 



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THE FIRST BOOKE OF 



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Redounding teares did choke th'end of her plaint, 

Which foftly cc Jioed from the neighbour wood ; 

And lid to fee her forrowfull conftraint. 

The kingly beaftvpon her o.izing flood ; 

With pitty calmdj downefell his angry mood. 

At bftj in clofe heart lliutting vp her paine, 

Arok the virgin borne of hcauenly brood, 

Arid to herfnowy Palfrey got a^aine. 
To Icckeher flraied Championjiffhe might attainc. 

9 

The Lyon would not leaue her defolate. 
But with her went along, as a flrong gard 
Of her chait pcrfon, and a faithfull mate 
Of her fad troubles and misfortunes hard : 
Still when fheflept,hekeptboth watch and ward; 
And when flie wak't, he waited diligent, 
With humble feruice to her will prepar'd : 
From licr faire eyes he tooke commaundement. 

And euer by her lookes conceiued her intent. 

10 
long fhec thus traueiled through dcferts wide. 

By which fhe tliought her wondring knight fhould pafs. 
Yet neucr fhew of huing wight efpidc ; 
Till that at length fhe found the troden grafij 
In which the traft of peoples footing was, 
Vnder the flcepe foot of a mountaine hore ; 
The fame (he followes, till at lafl fhe has 
A damzcll fpide, flowe footing her before. 
That on her fhoulders fad a pot of water bore. 

II 
To whom approching, fhee to her gan call. 
To weet, if dwelling place were nigh at hand % 
But tlie rude wench her anfwer'd nought at all. 
She. could not heare, nor (peake, nor vnderflanA}*- ■;- 
Till feeing by her fide the Lyon ftand, '■'■' '•' 

With fuddaine feare her pitcher downe fhe threWj 
And fled away : for neuer in that land 
Face of faire Lady fhe before did view. 
And that dread Lyons looke her caft in deadly hew. 

12 

Full fift fhe fled, ne euer lookt behind. 
As ifherhfevponthcwagerlay -, 
And home fhee came, where as her mother blind 
Sate in eternall night : nought could fhe fay; 
But fuddainecatcl ling hold, did her difmay 
With quaking hands, and other fignes offcire: 
Who lull of gaftly fright and cold affray, 
Ganfliucthedore. By tliis arriued there 

Dame Fna^ weary Dame, and entrance djdrequeie. 
1? 

WHich when none yeelded, her vnruly Page 
With his rude dawes the wicket open rent. 
And let her in ; where of his cruel! rage 
Nigh dead with fcarc.andfaintaftonifhmcnt, 
She found themboth in darkl'ome corner pent; 
Where that old woman day and night did pray 
Vron ii'. r beades deuoutly penitent ; 
Nme hundred Tater nofttn euery day. 

And thrice nine hundred Aya fhee was wont to fiy. 



And ro augment her painefuU penance more. 
Thrice euery wceke in afhes (he did fir. 
And nexther wrinkled skmrough lackcloth wore. 
And thrice three times did faft from any bit :■ 
But now for fearc her beades (he did forget. 
Whofe ncedlcirc dread for to remoue away, 
Faire Vna framed words and count'nancc fie : 
Which hardly docn, at length Ihe gan tliem pray. 

That in their cotagcfmall, that night fhe refl her nuy. 

The da.y is fpcnt, and commeth drowfie night. 
When euery creature flirowded i s in fleepc > 
Sad Fna downe her layes in wearie plight. 
And at her feet the Lyon watch doth keepe : 
In flead of reft, fhe does lament, and weepe 
For the late lofl'c of her deare loued knight. 
And iighes, and grones, and euermore does fleepe 
Her tender breaft in bitter teares all night. 

All night fhe tliinks too long, and often lookes for IigH» 
i6 

Now when ^Idehoran was mounted hie 
Aboue the fhinie CaffiopeiM chaire. 
And all in deadly fleep did drowned lie. 
One knocked at the dore, and in would fare i 
He knocked faft, and often curft, and fware, 
Thatreadie entrance was not at his call : 
For on his back a heauie load he bare 
Ofnightlyftelths,andpillagefeuerall, 

Which Kee had got abroad by purchafe crijninaH. • 

J7 

Hec was tt) weet a ftout and fturdie thiefe. 
Wont to rob Churches o*^ their ornaments. 
And poore mens boxes of their due reliefe, ^ 

Which giuen was to them for goodintents ( \ 

The holy Saints of th eir rich vefhments 
He did difrobc, when all men carelefTe flept. 
And fpoildthe Priefts of their habiliments. 
Whiles none the holy things in fafety kept ; 

Then he by cunning fleights inat the window aept. 
i8 

And all that he by right or wrong could find, 
Vnto this houfe he brought, and did beftowe 
Vpon the daughter of this woman bUnd, 
.^ifjj/a, daughter of Corcef<« flowe. 
With whom he whoredome vs'd, that few did knowe, - 
And fed her fat with feaft of offerings. 
And plenty, which in all the land didf growe : 
Ne fparcd he to giue her gold and rings , 

And now he to her brought part of his ftollen things. 

19 

Thus, long the dore with rage and threats he bet. 
Yet of thofc fearefull women none durft rife. 
The Lyon frayed them,him in to let : 
He would no longer ftay him to advifc. 
But open breakcs the dore in furious wife. 
And cntring is ; when that difdainfull beaft ' 

Encountring fierce, him fuddaine doth furprize. 
And feizingcruelldawes on trembling breft, 

Vnder hi* Lordly foot lum proudly hath f upprcft 

Him 



Cant, 111. 



THE FAERIE QVEENE. 



M 



Himbootetli not rcfift, nor luccour call. 
His blce<1ing heart is in the vengers hand, 
W ho ftrjjght him rent in tlioulond peeces fmall. 
And quite difmembrcd hatli : the thiritie land 
Drunke vp his life ; his corfe left on the ftrand. 
His feart full friends wcare out the wofuH night, 
Ne dare to wecpe, nor feeme to vnderftond 
The hcauic hap which on them is alight, 

Af&iid,leaft to themldues the like mishappen might, 
zi 

Now wht n broad day the world difcoueredhaSj 
Vp yna rolejvp rofc the Lyon eke. 
And on tlieir former iourney forward pafs. 
In woies vnknowne, her wondring knight to feeke, 
Witli poines farre pafling thatlong wondring Creekf, 
Thatfor his loue refuted deitie i 
Such were: the labours of this Lady meeke, 
StilUecking him, that from her ftill did flie. 

Then furthcft from her hope, when moft ihec weened nic. 

Scone as fhee paned thence, the fcarefiill t;vaine, 
T hat blind old woman and her daughter dearc 
Came forth, and finding K/r/^rdp/n* there flainc. 
For anguifli great they gan to rend their haire. 
And beat their breafts, and naked flefli to teare. 
And when they both had wept and waild their fill. 
Then forth they ranne hke two amazedDeere, 
Halfe mad through malice, and revenging will. 

To follow her, that was the ciufcr of their ill. 

Whom ouertaking, they gan loudly bray. 
With hollow howling, and l.imenting cry. 
Shamefully at her rail:ng all the way, 
Andhcraccuiingofdifhoneftie, 
Th.t was the flow re of faith and chaftitie ; 
And I'i.U amidft her rayling, fhe did pray, 
Thatplagucs, andmilchiefs, and long mifery 
Might fii! on htr,and follow all the way, 

And that in endlefle errour Ihe might cucr ilray. 
24 

But when (hee faw her prayers noughtpreuaile. 
She back returned with lome labour loft ; 
And in tlie way, as fhee did weepc and woilc, 
A kaight her met in mighty armes efflboft. 
Yet knight was not for all his bragging boftj 
But lubtill ^rchimag, that Fna fought 
Bv traines into new troubles to haue toft : 
Of that old woman ty dings he befought. 

If that of luch a Lady (he could tellen ought. 

There-with (lie gan her paflGon to renew, 
- And cry, and curfe,andraile,and rendherhairt^ 
Saying, tliat harlot fhee too lately knew, 
That caufd her fhed fo many a bitter teare. 
And fo forth told the ftory of her feare : 
Much feemed he to mone her haplelTe chaunce. 
And after, for that Lady did inqucre ; 
Which beeing taught, he forward gan advaunce 
His foire encluunted fteed,and eke his chaimedlaunce. 



Ere long he came where Fnu rrauoil'd flowe. 
And that wilde Champion way ting her befide : 
Whom feeing liich, for dread he durft not fhowe 
Himfelfe too nigh at hand, but turned wide 
Vnto an hill ; from whence when file him Ipide, 
By his hke feeming Ihield, her knight by name 
Shee weend it wa-s, and towards him can ride : 
Approcliing nigh, fhe will it was the lame. 

And with faire fearefullhumbleire towards liim fhe came. 
17 

And weeping faid, Ah my long lacked Lord, 

Where haue yee been thus long out of my liaht ! 
Much feared I to haue been quite abhord. 
Or ought haue done, that yee dilpleafcn mioht. 
That (ihould as death vnto my deare heart ht^ht : 
For fince mine eye your loyous light did mils. 
My cheerfiiUday is turn'd to chee'rlelfe iiioht. 
And eke my night of death the fhadow IS ; 

But welcomenow my light, and fhining lamp of blifs. 
i8 

Hee thereto meeting, faid. My deareft Dame, 
Farre be itfrom your thought, and fro my will. 
To think thatkniphtliood'l fo much fhouldfhame. 
As you to leaue, that haue mee loued flill. 
And chofe in Faery Court of meere wood will, 
Where nobleft kiughts were to be found on earth : 
The earth fhall fooner leaue her kindely skill 
To bring forth fruit, and make ctemJl dearth. 

Then I leaue you, my life, yborne of heauenly bir^Jj. 
29 

And footh to fay, why I left you fo long. 
Was for to (eeke adventure in ftrano-e place. 
Where ^rchimago laid a felon ftrong 
To many Knights did daily worke difgrace ; 
But knight he now lli.dlncucr more deface: 
Good caule of mine excule ; that mote ye pleaTe 
Well to accept, and euermore em.brace 
My faithfull feruice, thatby land and feas 

Haue vow'dyou to defend, now then yoiu: plaint ippeafck 

J° 

His louely words her feem'd due recompence 
Of all her palled paines : one louing howre 
For monyyeeres of forrow can difpence : 
A dram of fweet is worth a pound of fowre : 
She had forgot, how many a wofull ftowre 
For him fhe late cndur'd ; Ihee fpcikcs no more 
Ofpaft : true is, that true louehath no powre 
To looken back ; his eyes be fixt before. 

Before her ftands her knight, for whom iTie toyld fo fore. 
31 

Much like, as when the beaten Mirinere, 
Thatlong hath wandred in the Ocean wide, 
Oftfouftin (welling TethysCikiih teare, 
And long time haumg tand his tawney hide 
With bluftring breath of heauen, that none can bide, 
Andfcorching flames of fierce Ononj hound, 
Soone as the port from farre he has efpide. 
His checrfuU whiftle merrily doth found, (round; 

And i^erem crownes with cups ; his mates liim pledo'c a- 
B 2 " Such 



14 



THE FIRST BOOKE OF C^nt.llh 



5* 

SucK ioy made Vna, v/hcn her KnigLt /he found ; 
Andelccch'enchauntcrioyous lecmino lefle 
Then the glad March.intj dut docs view from ground 
His (hip farrc come from watrie wildcrnelTc; 
He hurles out vowes, and TSljj'tune ott doth blefle : 
So forth thev paft, and all the way they f pent 
Djfcourfing'of her dreadful! late diftreflc. 
In which he jskt her, what the Lyon ment : 

Wlio told J her all that fell in lourney as /he went 

They had not ridden farre, when they mightfee 
One pricking towards them with hafty heat. 
Full ftrongly ai-m'd, and on a courfer free 
That through h;sficrccneffefomed all withfweat. 
And the (harp iron did for anger eat, 
When his hotridcrlpurr'dhis chauifedfide ; 
His looke was flerne, and teemed Itill to threat 
Cruell revenge, which he in hart did hidcj 

And on his fhield Sans Ioy m bloudie lines was dide. 

When nigh he drew vnto this gentle paire, 

And Ciw the Red-crolTe, which the Knight did beare, 
Hcbiu-nt 111 fire, and gan cftloones prepare 
Himfelfe to battcll with his couched fpeare. 
Loth was that other, and did faint through feare 
To tafte th'vntryed dint of deadly fteele i 
But yet his Lady did lo well him cheare. 
That hope ofncw good hap he gan to feele ; 

So bent his fpeare, and fpurnd his horl'ewithironheele. 

But that proudc Pay niin forward came fo fierce. 
And full of wratli, that with his Ih irp-head Ipeare 
Throuf h vainely croffed fhieldhc quite did pierce; 
And.had his ftaggernig fteed not (hrunke for feare. 
Through flueld and bo Jy eke he (liould him beare : 
Yet fo great was the puiilance of his pulh. 
That from his laddie quite he did him beare : 
He tumbling rudely downe to ground did rufh, 

And from his gored wound a well of bioud did gufli. 

Difinoiuiting lightly from his loftie fteed, 
He to him lept, in mind to reaue his life, 
And proudly fiid, Lo, there the worthy meed 
Of him, tliat flew Saiisfoy with bloudy fcnite ; 
Henceforth his ghoft, freed from repining ftrife. 
In peace may palienoucr tcf/je lake. 
When mourning altars, purg'd with enemies hfe, 
The blackinfernall Furies doen afl.Jce : 

Life from Sansfoy thou tookft, Smis Ioy (hall fro thee take. 
57 

There with in h.ifl:c his helmet gan vnlace. 
Till /-'Mrfcride, 6 hold that hcauic hand, 
Deare Sir, what eucrthat thou be in place : 
Enouoh is, that thy foe doth vanquiiht ftand 
Now at thy mercy : Mercy not withftand : 
For he is onetheinitft Knight aliue. 
Though conquered now he lie on lov/e!y land, 
Andwliil'rthimfortuncfauourd.fairedidthriue 

In bloudy field : therefore of life him nol depriue. 



38 

Her pittious words might not abate his rage; 
But rudely rending vp his helmet, woidd 
Haue fl.'jne him ftraight : but when he fees his age. 
And hoarie head oi ^rchimngo old. 
His haftic hand he doth amazed hold. 
And halfc alliimed, wondred at the iight : 
For, the old man well knew he, tliough vntold. 
In ch.irmcs and magick to hauc wondrous might, 

Nc euer wont in field, ne in round hfts to fight. 

And faid. Why ^rchimngo, luckleflc fire. 

What doe I fee ? what hard mishap is this. 

That hath thee hither brought to tafte rmnc ire ? 

Or tliine the fault, or mine the error is, 

In ftead of foe, to wound my friend amifs ? 

He anfwered nought, but in a tramice ftiU lay. 

And on thofe guileful! dazed eyes of his 

The cloude of death did fit. Which doen away^ 
He left him lying fo,ne would no longer ftay; U t 1, C: I 

40 . . 

But to the Virgin comes, who all this while 

Amazed ftandsj her felfefomockt to fee 

By liim, who has the guerdon of his guile. 

For lo misfcigning her true Knight tobee : 

Yetisflienowinmoreperplexitie, . 

Left iu the hand of that fame Paynim bold. 

From whom her booreth not at all to flie ; 

Whoj by her cleanly garment catching hold. 
Her from her Palfrey plucktj her vilage to behold. 

But her fierce feruiunt^hill of kingly awe 

And high difdaine, when as hisloueraigne Dame 
So rudely handled by her foe he fawe. 
With gaping iawes fuU greedy atlaim came, 
And r-mping on his (hield, did weene the lame 
Haue reft away with his /harp rending dawes : 
But he was ftout, and luft did now inflame 
His courage more.thatfrom his griping pawes 

He hath his /Seldredeem'd, & fortA his fwordhc drawee 

4» 
O then too weike and feeble was the force 

Of falvage beaft, his puifiTance to with/land : 

For, he was (brong, and of fo mighty corfc. 

As euer wielded fpeare in warlike kind. 

And feates of armcs did wifely vnderfl:anj. 

Eftfoones hepierced through his chaufFed chcft 

Witli thrilhngpoint of deadly iron 1 rand. 

And launc't his Lordly hart : with death oppreft 
He roar'd aloud, whiles life forfooke liis ftubborne brefl.^ 

43 
Who now is left tokeepe the foilorne maid 

From raging fpoile oflawlefleviftors will? 

Her faithful! gard remoou'd, her hope difiiiaid. 

Her fclfc ayeeldcd prey to faue or fpill. 

He now Lord of the field, his pride to fill. 

With foule reproches, anddifdaintull Ipight 

Her vilely entenaines, and (will or ml!) 

Beares her away vpon his courier light : 
Her prayers nought preuaile, his ra^e is more of nuglit. 

Aai 



Cant.lUL THE FAERIE QVEENE. 



And ill the w.iv, with great lamenting paine, 
Andpittious pliwtslhefillethhis doll earcs^ 
That ftony heart could riven haue in twainc. 
And all the way (he wets with flowing teares : 



But hee , enrag'd with rancor, nothing hcares. 
Her len-ile beafl yet would not leaue ner fo, 
But foUowes her farre oft, ne ought he fwres 
To be partaker of her wandring woe ; 
More rmldc in bcafUy kind, then that her beaftly foe. 




Canto nil. 

To fmfull houfe ofPride, Duejfx 
guides the fait hfuU knight : 

where j}r ethers death toTvreak^Sanfioy 
doth chalenge him to fght. 





' Oug knightjwhat euer that doft arms proFefs 
' And through long labors hunteft after fame, 
' Beware of traudejbeware of ficklenefs. 
In choicej& change of thy dear loued Dame, 
[ Leaft thou of her bclieue too lightly blame. 
And rafh milweening do thy hart remoue : 
For, vnto Knight there is no greater (hame. 
Then lightneffe and inconftancie m loue ; 
That doth this i^</fr();f/e knights enfample plainly prouc. 

z 
Who after that he had faire f^na lorne, 

Through light mifdceniing of her loialtic. 
And falfe Duejja in her ftead had borne. 
Called Fidefs', and fo fuppos'd to be ; 
Long with her trauaild, til at laft they fee 
A goodly building, braudy gamjihed. 
The houle of mighty Pnnce it feem'd to bee : 
And towards it a broad high way that led. 
All bare through peoples feet, which thither travailed. 

Great troupes of people travail'd thitherward 
Botli day and night, of each degree and pUce; 
But few returned, hauing fcaped hard, 
With b.Jefull beggene, orfoule di(grace> 
Which cucr after in moft wretched cafe, 
Like loathfome lazars , by the hedges lay. 
Thither Duefft bade him bend his pafe : 
For fhe is weary of the toilcfome way. 

And ilfo nigh confumed is the hngring day. 

4 
A ftately Palace built of fquareJ brick. 

Which cunningly was without morter laid, 

Whofe walls were high, but nothing ftrong,nor diick. 

And goldenfoile all ouer them difplaid, 



Thatpureft skiewith brightnefle they difmaid : 
High lifted vp were many loftie towres. 
And goodly galleries farre over-laid, 
Full offairewindowes, and dehghtfiillbowres; 
And on the top a Diall told the nmely bowres. 

It was a goodly heape for to behold. 

And (pake the praifes of the workmans wit ; 

But full great pittie, that fo faire a mold 

Did on lo weake foundation euer fit : 

For on a fandie hill, that ftill did flit. 

And fall 4way , it mounted was full hie. 

That eucry breath of heauen fliakedit : 

And all the hinder parts, that few could (pie. 
Were ruinous and old, but painted ctumingly. 

Arrived there, they palTed in forth right ; 
For ftill, to all. thegates flood open wide ; 
Yet charge of them was to a Porter hight 
Call'd Maluenu, who entrance none denide : 
Thence to the hall, which was on eucry fide 
With rich array and coftly Arras dight : 
Infinite (orts of people did abide 
There waiting long, to win the wi(hed fight 

Ofher, that was the Lady of that Palace bright. 

7 

By them they pa(re, all gazing on them round. 
And to the Prefence mount ; whofe glorious view 
Thar fraile amazed (enfcs did confound : 
In liuing Princes Court none euer knew 
Such endle(re riches, and lo fumptuous (hew? 
Nc Terjia felfe, the nurfe of pompous pride. 
Like euer faw. And there a noble crew 
Of Lordsand Ladies ftood on euery fide, 

Which with their prefence faiie, the place much be autifidc. 
B J HjgK 



THE FIRST BOOKE OF (^afjf.llll. 



High about all, a doth of State wis fprcd, 
And a rich tlirone, as bright as funny day, 
On which tliere fate moft braue cmbelUfhcd 
With royall robes and gorgeous array, 
A maiden Quecne, tliat fiione as Titaiisviy, 
In gliftring gold, and peereleflc pretious {tone : 
Ytt her bright blazingbeauty did aflay 
To dim thebrightncffe oflier glorious throne, 

As envying herfeltc, that too exceeding floone; 

9 

Exceeding flione, like Vhcebus Eiireft childe, 
Tlut did prefume his fathers hrie wainc. 
And flaming mouthcs of fteedcs vnwonted wildc. 
Through higheft heaven with weaker hand to raine ; 
I'roude of fuch glory and advaunccment vaine. 
While flalhingbeamcsdoedazehisfeebleeycn, 
He leaues the welkin way moft beaten plaine. 
And rapt with whirling wheeles, enflamcs tlie skyen. 

With fire not made to burne, butfairely forto fliync. 

10 

So proudefhec fluned in her Princely ftate. 
Looking to heaven ; for cat th fhe did difdaine. 
And fitting high ; fcr lowely fhee did hate : 
Lo, vnderneath her fcomefull feete, was layne 
Adreadfull Dragon with an lii dcous traine. 
And in her hand flie held a mirrour bright, 
V\'herein her face fhee often viewed faine, 
Anduiherfelfc-lov*dfemblancetookedeli2ht5 

For ihee was wondrous faire, as any liuing wight. 
II 

Of griefly "Pluto fhee the daughter was. 
And fad Vroferjrina tlie Queene of hell ; 
Yet did fhe thinkeher pctrclefre worth to pafs 
Tliat parent.ige, with pride fo did (hcc Iwell : 
And thundring loue, thathigli in heauen doth dwcll« 
And wield tlie World, flie claimcdforher Sire, 
Or if that any elfe di r. /()«!■ excell : 
For, to the higheft lliee did ftill afpirc, 

Cr, if ought higher were then that, did it defire. 

And proude tKcifern men did her call, 

That made her felfe a Quecne, and erown'd to be : 
YctrightfuUkingdome Ihc had none at all, 
Nc heritage of natiue fovcrainrie. 
But did vfurpe with wrong and tyrannic 
Vpon thefccpter, which fhc now did hold : 
Nenil'dherRealmcswithlaweSibutpolicie, 
And ftrong adviicmont of fix witards old. 

That with their counfels bad, her kingdom did vphoU. 

»3 

Scone as the Elfin knight in prefcncc came. 
And falle Vueffa, (ccming Lady faire, 
A gcnrle Huflier, Kamfjeby name, 
Made roomc, and pafliige for thcin did prepare r 
So goodly brought them to the loweft ftaire 
Ofiicr hi"li throne ; where tlicy.on humbleknee 
Making obcifance, did the caule declare, 
VpJiY tliev were cofnc, !icr royall ftate to fee^ 

Toproue tKewidc report oi'hcr great Maicftie. 



With lofty eyes, halfe loth to looke fo lowc. 
She thanked them in her di(dainefu!lwi(c, 
Ne other grace vouchiafed them to (liowc 
Of Princefle worthy, fcarfe them bad arife. 
Her Lords and Ladies all this while dcuiic 
Thcmfclucs to letten forth to ftrangcr j fight : 
Some frounce their curled haire in courtly guile, ■ ■ 
Some pianke their ruffes, and others trimly dight 

Their gay attire : each others greater pride docs fpigh^ 

Goodly they all that kjiiglit doe cntcrtaine, 

Right glad with him to haue incrcaft tlieir crew i 
But to Diicfs' each one 'umfelfc didpoinc 
All kindnefle and faire curtefieto fiicw ; 
For in that Courtwhilomeherwell they knew; 
Yet the ftout Faene mongft tlie middelt crowd. 
Thought all their glory vaine in knightly view. 
And that great Princefle too exceeding prowd. 

That to fliange knight no better countenance allow<L 
i6 

Suddainevprifeth from hcrftately place 

The royall Dam-. , and for her coche doth call: 

All hurlen forth, -nd fhee with Princely pafe. 

As faire Aurora in her piu-ple pall, 

Out of the Eaft the dawning day doth call : 

So forth fhe comes: hcrbrightnelTe broad doth blaze 

The heapes of people, thronging in the hall. 

Doe ride each other, vpon her to gaze : 

Her glorious glitter and Lght doth all mens eyes amaze* 

17 

So forth fhee comes, and to her coche does climc. 
Adorned all with gold, and girlonds gay. 
That feem'd as felh as J^lora in her prime. 
And ftrouc to match, m royall rich array, 
Great lumes golden chaire, the which they (ay 
The Go ds ftand gazing on, when fhe docs ride 
To IsiKS high houfe through heauens brolTe-paucd W»y 
Drawne of faire Peacocks, that excell in pride. 

And full of ^r^^ eyes their tailes dillpredden wide. 
18 

But this was drawne of fix vnequall beafts. 
On which her fix fage Counfcllours did ride. 
Taught to obey their beftiall beheafts. 
With like conditions to their kinds applide : 
Of which the firft, that all the reft did guide. 
Was fluggifli idhneffe, the nurfe of fin ; 
Vpon a flothfuU Aflc he chofe to ride, 
Arraid in habit black, and amis thin. 

Like to an holy Monk, the feruice to begin. 

»9 

AndinhishandhisPortcfreftillhebarc, 

That much was worne, [lut therein little red: 
For, of devotion hce had little care. 
Still drown'dinflcepe, and moft ofliis dayes ded > 
Scarfe could he once vphold his heauie hed. 
To lookcn whether it were night or day . 
Mav feeme the waine was very euilllcd, 
V\'nen fuch an one hadguidingof the way, 

T h.:c loicw notj whether right he went, or ell'c aftraf . 

From 



Caht.lllL THE F A E RLE Q V E ENE. 



i7 



from worlilly circs himfelfchcedid efloine. 
And orcAtiv flimiiieJ manly excrcife : 
For cuery worke hee chalenged clToinc, 
For contcmplationlake : yetotlierwife. 
His life he led jn hwlefle rioufe; 
By which he jjrew to gneuons molaJie ; 
For, in his lultleffe limbs through euill guife 
A Ihikingfeavcrrjign'd continually : 

luch one was ldien:{fe, firft of tliis company. 
11 

And by his fide rode foathfomc Gluttony, 
Deformed creature, on a fiJthy fWjne, 
His belly was vp-blowne with luxury. 
And eke witli fatncffe (v/ollen were his eync : 
And like a Crane his necke was long and fine, 
Witli which he fwallowed vp exccfliue feaft^ 
For want whereof poore people oft did pine ; 
And all the way, mofthke a brucifh beafV, 

Hee ipewcd vp his gorge, that all did him detcaft. 

Ingreene vine leaues he was right fitly clad ; 
For, other clothes he could not weare for heat. 
And on his head an Ivie girland had^ 
From vnder whichfafl trickled downe the fweat; 
Still as he rode, he fome-wh.it fhll did cate. 
And in his hand did beare a bouzing can, 
Ol which he fupt fo oft, that on his (cat 
HiS .irunkcn corle he fcarle vpholden can ; 

Id fhape and life, more like a monfla, thca a nuji. 

Vnfit he Wis for any worldly thing, 
And ckevnable once to flirreorgo. 
Not meet to be of counfell to a King, 
Whofc mind in meate and drinke was drowne J fbj 
That from his friend he lildom knew his fo : 
Full of difeafes was his carcjffe blew, 
And a dry dropfie through his f^efli did flovrj 
V\ Inch by mildiet dajly greater grew : 

Such one was Gluttony, the fecond of that acw. 

^4 

And next to him rode lufVfull Lechery, 

Vpon a bearded Goat, whofe rugged haire. 
And whaily eyes (tlie figne of iealoufic) 
Was like tht pcrion felfe, whom he did beare : 
Who rough, and blick, and filthy did appeare, 
Vnftemely man to pleale faire Ladies ey c ; 
Yet he, oi Ladies oft was loueddcre. 
When f.iircr faces w ere bid ftanden by : 

O ! who dots know the bent of womens fantafie J 

Id a greene gowne he clothed was full faire. 
Which vn Jcfneath did hide his filthinefle. 
And inhishand a burning hart he bare. 
Full of vame folhcs, and new-fangleneffe : 
For, he was falle, and fraught withficklcnefle. 
And learned had to loue with fecretlookes, 
And well could daunce and ling with rucfulnelTc, 
And fortunes tell, and read in louingboofces. 

And thoufand other waics, to baitkisflc/hly hookcih 



Inconftjnt man, that loucd all he faw. 
And lufted after all that he did louc, 
Ne would his lool'er hfe be tide to h\v. 
But ioy'd vvcakc wemens hearts to tempt and prolic 
If from tlicirloyall loues he might them moue; 
Which lewdnctle fild him with rcprochcfull paine 
Of thatfoule euiU, v/hichall men rcprouc. 
That rots themarrowe, and confumes the braine ; 

Su ch one was Ledierie, the third of all this aainc. 

17 

And greedy Avarice by him did ride, 
Vpon a Camellloadcnall with gold ; 
Two iron cofFers hung on either fide, 
With precious metall , full as they might hoWj 
And in his lap an hcape of coine lie told ; 
For of his wicked pelfe his Cod he made. 
And vnto hell himlelfe for money fold ; 
Accurfedvfiiry w.is all his trade. 

And right and wrong y like in equ^ll ballalice waide. 
18 

His hfe was nigh vnto deatlis dore yplac'tj 

And thred-boie cote, ami coble.i Ihooes he ware, 
Ne fcarfe good morfeJl all his life did tofte. 
But both from backe and belly ftill did Ipore, 
To fill his bags, and riches to compare ) 
Yet chylde ne kinfman huiiig had he none 
To leaue them to ; but thorough daily care 
To get, and nightly feare to lok his owne. 

He led a wretched life vnto him felfe ynknavvflc, • 

^9 

Moll wretclied wight, whom nothing might rufKfe, ' 
Whofe greedy lufl di d lack in greattll iiore, 
Whole need had end, but no end couetife, 
Whofe wealth was want, whofe plenty made him pore. 
Who hadenouph.yetwifiiedcuLrmorej 
A vile dileale, and ckc in foote and hand 
A grieuous gout tormented him full iotc. 
That well he could not touch, nor go, nor ftand : 

Such one was ^uarice, the fourtli of this faire bond. 

And next to him malicious Emrieroiej ' 

Vpon a raucnous Wolfe, and ftill did chaw 
Betwecne his cankred teeth avenemous tode. 
That all the poilon ran about his jaw ; 
Bat inwardly he chawed his owne maw 
At neighbours wealth, that made him ciitr fad ; 
For dc-itli It was, when any good he (aw. 
And wept, that caufc of weeping none he had : 

But when he heard of harmc, he wexe J wondrous glad 

All in a kirtle ofdifcolour'd .Say 

Hedothed ivas, j'pjmted full ofcyes j 

Andiii his bofomefecretly their I.iy 

An hatefull Snake, the which his taile vpties 

In many folds, and mort.dl ftiii»implies. 

Still as he rode, he giiafht his teeth,' to lee 

Thole he.ipes of gold with gnplcCouctifc, 

And grudged at the great felicitie 
Of proude Lucifera, and his owne compawe. 

B 4 H« 



i8 



THE FIRST BOOKE OF (;'anf,llll. 



3* 

He hated ill good works and vertuous deeds. 
And him no leflej that any like did vfe: 
And who with gracious bread the hungryfeeds. 
His almes for want of faith he doth accufe ; 
So euery good to bad he doth abufe : 
And eke the verfe offamous Poets wit 
He does backbite, and fpightfiill poyfon fpucs 
From leprous mouth, on ail that eucr writ : 

Such one vile Enrie was, thatfirftin rowe did fit. 

And him befide rides fierce revenging fTrath, 

Vpon a Lion,lotli for to be led ; 

And in his hand a burning brond he hath. 

The which he brandiflieth abouthis head ; 
• His eyes did hurle fortli fparkles fiery red. 

And flared fterne on all that him beheld. 

As aflies pale of hew andfeeminedead ; 

And onhis daggerftill hishandheheld, 
Trembling through hafty rage, when choler inhim fweld. 

34 
His ruflfin raiment all was ftaind with blood 

Which he had fpilt, and all to rags yrent, 

Through vnadvifed raihnefle woxen wood ; 

For, ofhis hands he had no gouernment, 

Ne card for bloud in his avengement : 

But,when thefuriousfitwasoverpaft. 

His cruellfifts he often would repetit ; 

Yet wilfull man he neuer would forecaft. 
How many mifchieues ftiould enlue his heedleffe hafl. 

Full many mifchiefes follow cruel! ^Vrath ; 
Abhorredbloudfliedjandtumultuous Itrife, 
Vnmanly murder, and vnthrifty fcath. 
Bitter defpight, with rancours rufty knife. 
And fretting griefe the enemy of life ; 
All thefe, and many euills moe haunt ire. 
The fwelling Splene,and Phrenzy raging rife, 
The lliaking Palfey , and Saint fraumes fire : 

Such one was fvrath, the laft of this vngodly tire* 

And after all, vpon the wagon beame 

Rode SdUw, with a fmartmg whip in handi 
With which he forward laftit the lazie teame. 
So oft as Sloth ftill in the mire did ftand. 
Huge routs of people did about them band, 
Showtinc for ioy, and ftill before their way 
A foggy mifthadcouered all the land ; 
And^'ndemeath their feet, all fcatteredlay 
Dead fculs & bones of men, whofe Ufe had gone aftray. 

So forth they marchen in this goodly fort. 
To take uie folace of the open aire. 
And in ftcfh flowring fields themfelues to fport ; 
Emongft the reft rode that falle Lady faire. 
The foule Duefja, next vnto the chaire 
Of proud il«c</er<j, as one of the traine : 
But that good Knight would notfo nigh repairc. 
Him felft eftranging from their ioyaunce vainc, 

Wkofefellowlhip feem'd far vnfitfor warlike fwaine. 



So hatiing folaccd themfelues a fpacc. 

With pleafaunce of the breathing fields yfed. 
They backe returned to the Princely Place ; 
Whereas an errant Knight in armes yded. 
And heathnifh Ihield, wherein with letters redj 
Was writ Sans ioy, they new arriued find : 
Enflam'd with fury and fierce hardy-head. 
He feem'd in hart to harbour thoughts vnkind, 

And nourilh bloudy vengeance in his titter mind. 

39 
Who when the (hamed fhield of flaine Sansfoj 
He fpide with thatfame Faery champions Page, 
Bewraying him, that did of late deftroy 
His eldeft brother, burning all with rage 
He to him leapt, and thatfame envious gage 
Of Viftors glory from him (hatcht away : 
But th 'Elfin Knight, which ought that warlike Wage, 
Difdaind to lofe the meed hee wonne infray. 
And him re'ncountring fierce, reskewd the noble pray. 

40 
There-with they gan to hurlen greedily. 
Redoubted battaile ready to darraine. 
And clafh their fliields, and fhake theirfwords on hie* 
That with their fturre they troubled all the traine i 
Till that great Queene vpon etenullpainc 
Of highdilpleafure, that enfewen might, 
Commaunded them their fiirie to reliaine. 
And if that either to that ftiield hadright. 
In equail lifts they (hould the morrow next it fight. 

41 
Ah dear eft Dame (quoth then the Paynim bold) 
Va.ti.on the errour of enraged wight. 
Whom great griefe madetbrget the raines to hold 
Of rea fons rule, to fee this recreant Knight, 
No kn ight, but treachour foil of falfe defpight 
And fliiimefoU trealbn, who through guilehath flaine 
The prG>weft kmghtthat euer field didfight, 
Euen fto ut Sansfoj (O I who can thenrdraine ?) 
Whofe fhield he bears re'nverft, the more to heap diiHaine. 

And, to augment the glorie of his guile, 
Jrhs dearefll loue the faire Fideffaiot 
Is there polTeflcd ofthetraytourvile, 
Whoreapei! theharueftfowen by his foe, 
Sowen in bloudy field, and bought with woe : 
That brothers hand (hall dearly well requight. 
So be, 6 Queene, you equall fiuour fhowe. 
Him little anfwerd th'angry Elfin knight ; 

He neuer meant with woi-ds, but fwords, to plead his right 

43 
But threw his gauntlet, as a facred pledge 

His caufein combat tke next day to try : 

So been they parted both, with hearts on edge. 

To be aveng'd each on his enemy. 

That night they paffe in ioy and loUity, 

Feaftmg and courting both in bowre and hall i 

For Steward was excefliue Gluttony, 

That of his plenty poured forth to all > 
Which doenj the Chamberlain Sloth did to reft them call. 

Now 



Cant, lllL 



THE FAERIE Q.VEENE. 



Now, when IS darkfome night liid all difplaij 
Her coalc bUck ctirciinc ouerbriglrteft sk^'j 
The warlike voutlis on diintie couches Lud, 
Did chace away Iwect flccp from fluggifh eye. 
To mufe on meaiies ot hoped viftory. 
But when as Morflieus had with leaden mife 
Arrefted all that counly company, 
Vp-ro(e Ducffa from her refting place, 

And to the Paynims lodging comes with lilcnt pafe. 

4J 

^liom broade awake flie finds, in troublous fit, 
Forecafting how his foe he might annqy. 
And hrm amoues with fpeeches Teeming fit : 
Ah dearc Sans /o;y, next dearcfl: to Sans joy, 
Caufe of my new griefc, caufe cf my new icy, 
loyous, to lee his image in mine eye, 
Andgriev'd, to think how foe did him dcftroy. 
That was the flowrc of grace and cheualrie i 

£o, his tidejja, to thy fecret faith I flie. 
46 

With gentle words he can herfairely greet. 
And bad fay on the fecret of her hart. 
Then fighmg (oft, I Icame that little fweet 
Oft tempted is (quoth fhe) with muchell fmartj 
For, llnce my brefl was launc't with louely dan 
Of deare Sansfoy, I ntuerioyedhowre. 
But in crcrnall h oes my weaker hart 
Hjuc wailed, louing him with all my po\vre. 

And for his fake hauc felt full many an heiuie ftowre- 
47 

At laff, when perils all I weened pafV, 

And hop't to 1 eape the crop of all my care. 

Into new woes vnweeting I was caft. 

By this falfe fay tor, who vnw orthy ware 

His worthy fhield, whom he witli guilefull (hare 

Entrippedflew, andbroughtto fhamefullgraue. 

Me liUy maid away witli him he bare, 

And eucrCnce hath kept in darkfome cauc, 

For that I would not yeeld, that to Sansfoy I gaue. 



But fince faire fimne hath (pcrft that lov.t'ng clowdc. 
And to my loathed life now iheueslome light, 
Vnder yoiirbe.mies I will mc lafelvflirowdc. 
From dreaded fforme of his difdamfuli fpight : 
To you th'inheritance belongs by nght 
Of brothers praile, to you eke longs his ioU". 
Let not his loue, let not his rcifldle (pright 
Bevnreueno'd, that calls to youaboue 

Fr5 wandnng Stygian Ihores, where it dolli endlefTe mcac. 

49 
Thereto foid he, faire Dame be nought difiruid 

For forrowes pall ; their griefe is with them gone : 

Nc yet of prefent penll be ofTraid ; 

For, needlelTefearedid neuer vantage none. 

And helplelle hap it bo'.^teth not to mone. 

Dead is Sansfoy, his vitall paincs .uc pail. 

Though grieuedghofl for vengeance deep doegroiic; 

He hues, that fhallhim pay his duties Lift, 
And guilty Elfin bloud fhall facrifice in haft. 

50 

O ! but I feore the fickle freakes (quoth /lie) 
Of Fortune falfe, and oddcs of armes in field. 
Why Dame (quoth he) what oddes can euer be. 
Where both doe fight alike, to win, or yield ? 
Yea, but (quoth fhe) he beares a charmed ihield. 
And eke enchaunted armes, thatnonc can pierce, 
Ne none can wound the man that docs them wield. 
Charmd or enchaunted (anlwcrd he then fierce) 

I no whit reck, ne you the like need to rehcrfe. 

51 

But faire Fidejft, fithence Fortunes guile, 
Or enemies powre hath now capaued you, 
Returnc from whence ye came, and reil awhile 
Till morrow next, that I the Elte fubduc. 
And with Sansfoyes dead dowry you endue. 
Ay me, that is a double death ((he Cud) 
W ith proudc foes light my forrow to renue : 
Where cueryet I be, my fecretaide 

Shall followe you. So paitiag forth, Ihce him obai'de. 



Canto 




lO 



THE FIRST BOOKE OF 



fattt. V, 




Canto V* 

The faith full knight in f quail field 
fubdues hisfaithlefjefoe : 

Whomfalfe Dueffa fanes ^ and for 
his cure to hell does goe. 






[ He noble hart.that harbours vcrtuous thought, 
j And is with child of glorious great intent, 
\ Can neuer reft, vntillitforth haue brought 

^_J Th'eternallbroodc of glory excellent: 

Such reftlefle paflion did all night torment 
The flaming courage ofthat Faery Knight, 
Deuifing, how that doughty turnament 
With greateft honour he atchieuen might; 
Still did he wake, and ftiU did watch for dawning light. 

z 
At laft, the golden Oriental! gate 
Oi greateft heiuen gan to open fairc, 
And Vhochw frefh, as bridegrome to his mate, 
Camedauncingforth, ftiakinghisdcawiehaire: 
And hurles his'gliftnngbeames through gloomy aire. 
Which when the waketull Elfeperceiu'd,ftraightway 
He ftarted vp, and did himlelfe prepare. 
In (un bright armes, and battailous array : 
For with tliat Pagan proude he combat will that day. 

J , „ 

And forth he comes into the common hall. 
Where earely waite him many a gazing eye. 
To weetwhat end to ftranger Knights may fall. 
There many Minftrales maken melody. 
To driue away the dull melancholy , 
And many Bardes, that to tlie trembling chord 
Can tune their timely voices cunningly. 
And many Chroniclers, that can record 

Old loues, and warrcs for Ladies doen by many a Lord. 
4 

Scone after comes the crucll Sarazin, 
In woucn mailc all armed wanly, 
A.nd ftenily lookes at him , who not a pin 
Does care for looke of lining creatures eye. 
They bring them wines of Greece, and ^rahy. 
And dainty fpices fetchtfromfurtheft Ind, 
To kindleheate of couragcprivily : 
And in the wine a fokmne oath they bind 

T'obferue the Cicred lawcs of armes that are affign'd. 



At laft, forth comes that farrc renowmed Queene, 
With royall pomp and Princely maieftie; 
Shce is ybrought vnto a paled Greene, 
And placfd vndcrft-itely Canapee, 
The warlike feaf s of both thofe knights to fee. 
On th 'other lidc, in all mens open view 
Vuefj'a placed is, and on a tree 
Sansfoy h s (liield is hangd with bloody hew : 

Both thole the lawrell girlonds to thd viftor dew. 
6 

A fliriUing trumpet founded from on hie. 
And vnto battailc bad themfelues addrefle : 
Their fhining fliields about their wrifts they tic. 
And burning blades about their heads doe bleflct 
Theinftrumenis of wrath andheauineffe: 
With greedy force each other doth aflailc. 
And ftrike 16 fiercely, that they doe impreflc 
Deepe dinted furrowes in thebattred maile; 

The iron walls to ward their blowes areweake aud&aile. 

7 

The Sarazin was ftout, and wondrous ftrong. 
And heaped blowes like iron hammers great : 
For, after bloud and vengeance he did long. 
The knight was fierce, and full of youthly heat ; 
And doubled ftrokeSjltke dreaded thunders threat: 
For, all for praife and honoiu- he did fight. 
Both ftnken ftrike, and beaten both ioc beat, 
. That from their fhiclds forth flieth firie light. 

And helmets hewen deepe, (hew marks of eithers might. 
8 

So th'one for wrong, tlie other ftriues for right : 
As when a Griffo'n, feized of his pray, 
A Dragon fierce encountreth in his flight, 
Th— 'Ugh widcft ayre making his ydle way. 
That wouldhis rightfidlravinerend away : 
Witli liideous horrour both together fhiight, 
And fouce fo fore, that thty the heauens affray • 
The wi!'e Soothf.iycr,fecing fo fad iight, 

Th'amazeu Yulgar tells of wanes and mortall fight. 



Cant, y. 



THE FAERIE QVEENE. 



XI 



So th'one for wrong, the oSicr ftriues forrighr. 
And each to deadly flionie would driue lus foe : 
The crucll Ikclc lo greedily doth bite 
In tcndiT ficlh, that flrcames of bloud downe flpvvc. 
With which tlie ormes, that earft lo bright did lliowc 
Into a pure virmillion now arc dide : 
Great ruth in all the gazers h.irts did growe. 
Seeing the gored wounds to gape fo wide, 

That vifiory tlicy dare not willi to cither lide- 

lO 

At loft, the Paynim chaunft to coft his eye. 
His liiJdaine eye, flaming with wratlifull fire, 
Vpon hi s bra thers Ihield , which hung thereby : 
Therewith redoubled was his raging irc, 
And faid, Ah wretched (omie of wofull lire, 
Dooft thou lit wavling by bLckc Stygianhke, 
Whil ft hctre thy fliield is hang J tor viitors hire. 
And fiuggifli gern.an dooft thy forces flake, 

To after-lend his foe, that him may oucitoke i 
II 

Goe ciitiuc Elfe, him quickly ouertakc. 

And foone redcemefrom his long wandring woc j 
Goe guiliy ghoft, ro liim my melFage make. 
That! his (lucldhauc qu t from dying foe. 
Thcre-with vporhiscrefthclbookcnimfo. 
That uvice hcc reeled, ready twice to folU 
End of the doubtfull battell deemed tho 
The lookers on, and lowd to him gan call 

Thefalle Dmffa, Th.ne tlit Ihield, and I,and all. 
II 

Soone as the Faerie heard liis Ladie fpeake. 
Out of his fwowning drcame he gan awoke. 
And qiiickruDg faitli, that earft was woxen weake. 
The creeping deadly cold away did (hake : 
Tho mov d with wrath, and (hame, and Ladies fake. 
Of all attoncc he Cift a\ eng'd to be, 
And with fo'cxcecding furie at him ftrake, 
Th. t forced him to ftoopc vpon his knee ; 

Had he not ftooped (o, he itiouldhaue clouen bee. 

ij 

And 'o him faid , Goe now proude Mifcreant, 
Thy lelfc thy mellage doi to german deare : 
Alone he wandring thee too long doth want : 
Goe, lay his foe thy (hirld with his doih bearc. 
There-withhis heauie hand he high gan reore. 
Him. to hjue floiiie; whenloe, a dirklome clowdc 
Vpon him tcil : he no where doth appeore, 
But v„nilhr is. The Elfe him calls alowde. 

But anlwer none reteiues : the darknes Lim does (hrowde. 

Inhafte Vueffa from her place arofe. 

And to linn lunnnig faid, oproweft knight. 
That euer Lady to her loue did chofe, 
Let now abate tlic terror of your might, 
And quench the flame of furious delpight, 
And bloody vengeance ; lo, th'infernall powres 
Coucringy our foe with cloude of deadly night, 
Haueboine iiim hence to Tlutoes balefull bowres. 

The conqueft yours, I y ouis,thc Ihield, and glory yours. 



Not all (b fatisfide, witiigreedie eye 

He foi'-ght all round about, his thirflie blade 
To bathe in bloud of faith lelfe enemy ; 
Who all that while lay h d in lecrcc (hade : 
He ft.inds amazed, how he tlience Ihould fade. 
Atlaft the trumpets. Triumph found on hie. 
And nuining Hcialds humble i)oniage made. 
Greeting him goodly with new viftorv. 

And to him brought tlie (lueld, the caule of enmitie. 
16 

Where -with he goeth to tliat fovcrai'gne Queene ; 
And falling her befcire on lowelv knee, 
To her makes prefait of his (er\'ice 'eene : 
Which (hee accepts, with thanks, and goodly gree, 
Greatly advaunung his gay cheuairee. 
So marchcth home, and by her takes the Knight, 
Whom all the people follow with great glee, 
Shouting, and clapping all tlieirhoiids on hichc. 

That all the aire it fills, and flies to heauen bright. 

Home is he brought, and laid in fumptuous bed : 
Where many skilfijU leaches him abide, 
To (alue his hurts, that yet ftill freflily bled. 
In wine and oyle they waflien his wounds widej 
Andfoftly cm embalme on euery fide. 
And all the while, moll heauenly melody 
About the bed (weet mulicke did divide. 
Him to beguile of gnefe and agony ; 

And all the while Duejfa wept full bitterly. 
18 

As when a wearie traucllcr that .Iraies 

By muddy fhore of broad feucn-mouthcd 2^7*, 
Vnweeting of the ptnllous w.indring waies. 
Doth meet a crucll craftie Crocodile, 
Which in falfe gnefe hiding his harmefuU guile. 
Doth weepe fu:l lore, and llicddeth tendertcares ; 
Thcfooliih man, that pittics .ill tlus while 
His mournefiill plight, IS livallowdvpvnwares, 

Forgetfull of his own e, that mm a es anoihcrs circs. 

So wept Duejfa vntill eventide. 

That (liirung Limps in loties high houfe v/erc li^ht : 
Then forth (he 1 ole, ne Icngcr would .ibide. 
But comes vnto tlie place, where th Heathen knight 
In flumbring fwoune nigh voyd of virall fpright. 
Lay coucr'd witli inckiunied cioudc all day : ' 
Whom when (he found, as fh. him left in plight. 
To wailehis woefull ca.^e (he would not (lay. 

But to the Eafternc coaft of heauen makes Ipeedy way* 

Where griefly ?ii^ht, with vifige deadly fad. 
That Thabuf cTiecrefull face durft ncuer vieWj 
An J in a bule block puchie mantle clad, . 
She findes forth coiiimin>.' from her dorkeforae mewj 
Where die all day did hide her hated hew. 
Before the dore her iron charet flood. 
Already hornelTed for lourney new ; 
And colebl.ickftccdsyborne of hellilh brood. 

That on their rullie bit j did champ, as they were wood. 

Wh< 



Xi 



THE FIRST BOOKE OF 



Canu V, 



who when (he faw Dmf^a funny bright, 

Adornd with gold and icwels fliining cleare, 
Shee greatly grew amazed at the fight. 
And th'vnacquiinted light began to feare : 
(For neuer did luch brightneffe there appeare) 
And would hjue back retired to her Caue, 
Va:; 11 the witches fpeech (he gan to heare, 
Saying, yet 6 thou dreaded Dame, I craue 

Abide, dU I haue told the mcrtage which I haue. 

21 

Shee ftaid, and foorth Dueffa gan proceed, 

thou moft ancient Grandmother of all, 

More old then /o»e, whom thou at firft didft breed. 
Or thatgreathoufe of Gods cxleftiall. 
Which waft begot in Vemogorgons hall. 
And faw'ft tlie fecrets of the world vnmade, 
Why fuf&edft thou thy Nephewes deare to fall 
With Elfin fword, moft ftiamefully betraide ? 
Lo,where the ftout Sam toy doth fleepe in deadly Hiadc. 

And, him before, I faw with bitter eyes 

The bold 5a>«/o^fhrinkevnderneath his ^eare; 
And now the prey offowles in field he lyes. 
Nor waild of friends, norlaid on groning bearcj 
That whilome was to mee too dearely dearc. 

1 what of Gods tlien boots it to be borne, 
If old ^teugles formes fo euill heare ? 

Or who IhalTnot great Tslights drad children fcorne, 
When two of three her Nephews are lb foule forlome ? 

i4 
Vp then, vp dreary Dame, of darknefle Queene, 
Goe gather vp the rehcjues of thy race, 
Or elle goe them avenge, andlet be feene ;'"' 
That dreaded TSiight in brighteft day hath place, ' ' ■ 
And can the children of faire Light deface. 
Her feeling (pecches fome compaffion moued 
In heart, and change in that great mothers face : 
Yet pittic in her heart was neuer proued 
Till then ."and euermore ihe hated, neuer loued. 

And faid, Dcare daughter rightly may I rew 
The fall of famous children borne of mee. 
And good fuccefles, which their foes enfue : 
But who can turne the ftreame of deftinie. 
Or breake the chaine of ftrong neccffitie. 
Which faft IS tide to loues etemall feate ? 
The fonnes oiVay hefauoureth, I fee, 
And by my ruincs thinks to make them great : 

To make one greatby others loffe, is bad excheat. 
i6 

Yet (hall they not efcape fo freely all ; 

For fome (hall pay the price of others guilt ; 
And he the man that made Sansfoy to tall. 
Shall with his owne blood price that he hath (pilt. 
But what art thou, that tell'ft of Nephewes kilt J 
I that doe fecme not I, Vneffa amy 
(Quoth (hee) how euer now in garments gilt, 
And gorgeous gold arraid I to thee came ; 

Vitelfti I, the daughter of Deceit and Shame. 



Then bowing downc her aged bacfcc, fhe kift 
The wicked witch, laying ; In that faire face. 
The falfe refemblance of Deceit, I wift. 
Did dofely lurke ; yet (o true-fcermng erace 
It carried, that I fcarce in darkfome place 
Could itdiicerne, though I the mother be 
Of Faldiood, and root oiVtieffaes rxce. 
O welcome child, whom I hauelongd to fee, 

And now haue feene vnwares. Lo, now I go with thee. 
28 

Then to her iron wagon ftie betakes. 

And with her beares the foule welfauourd witch : 

Through mirkfome aire her ready way (he makes. 

Her twyfold Teme ( of which, two blacke as pitch. 

And two were browne, yet each to each vnhch) 

Did foftly fwim away, ne euer ftampe, 

VnlelTe (he chaiuic't their ftubborne mouths to twitch ; 

Then,fotning tarre,their bridles they would champc. 

And trampling the fine element, would fiercely rampe. 
29 

So well they (ped, that they be come at len<nh 
Vnto the place whereas the Paynim lay, 
Deuoid of outward fenfe, and natiue fbength, 
Couerd with charmed doude fr' "iew of day. 
And fight of men, fince his late iDcldeffe fray. 
His cruell wounds with cruddy bloud congealed. 
They binden vp fo wifely as ihey may, 
And handle foftly, till they can be healed : 

S o lay him in her charet, dole in night concealed. 

JO 

And all the while (hee ftood vpon the ground. 
The wakefull dogs did neuer ceafe to bay. 
As giuing warning of thVnwonted found. 
With which her iron wheeles did them affray. 
And her darke griefly looke them much difmay i 
The melTenger of death, the ghaftly Owlc, 
With drearie (hriekes did alfc her bewray ; 
And hungry Wolues continually did howlc. 

At her abhorred face, fo filthy and fo foule. 

Thence turning backe in filence foft they ftole. 
And brought the heauie corfe with eafie pafe 
To yawning gulfe of deepe ^yernus hole. 
By that fame hole,an entrance, darke and bafe 
Witlifmoakeandfulphure hiding all theplace, 
Defcends to hell : there creatiu-e neuer pait. 
That backe returned without heauenly grace; 
But dreadfuU Furies, which their chaines haue braft. 

And damned fprights Cent forth to make ill men agoft. 

By that fame way the direfull dames doe driue 
Their mournefuU charet, fild with rufty blood. 
And downe to Plutoes houfe are come biliue : 
Which pafling through, on euery fide them flood 
The trembling ghofts with fad amazed mood, 
Chattring theiriron teerh, and ftaring wide 
With ftonie eyes ; and all the hellifh brood 
Of fiends infcrnall tlockton euery fide. 

To gaze on eartlJy wight, that with the Night durft ride. 

Tkey 



Cant. V. 



THE FAERIE Q.VEENE. 



2-3 



They pafle the bitter waues of Achertn, 
Where many loulcs fit waihng woefully. 
And come to fiery flood ofThlegeloit^ 
Whereas the damned ghofts in torments fry. 
And withftiarpe (hnningfhrieks doebootleflecry, 
Cuifing high lone, the which tlicm thitlier fent. 
The houfe of endlefle paine is built thereby. 
In which, ten thoufand forts of punifhmcnt 

The curfcd creatures doc eternally torment. 

?4 

Before the threfhold, dreadfull Ccrbertis 
His three deformed heads did lay along. 
Curled with thoufand Adders venemous. 
And lilledforth his bloudie fUming tong : 
At them he gan to rcare his briftlcs ftrong. 
And felly gnorrc, vnull daies enemy 
Did him appcafe ; then downe his toile he bong. 
And fufFcred them to polTen quietly : 

For, Hiee iu hell inA heauen hod power equally. 

There wis Ixion turned on a wheels. 

For daring tempt the Queene of heauen to fin ; 
And Sifyfhtts an huge round ftone did reele 
Againft an hill, n^iightfrom labour lin ; 
There thirftie Tantalus hung by the chin ; 
And Tityus fed a vulture on his maw ; 
7;y/'/)flr«<ioynt$wereftretchedonagio, 
Thefeui condcmn'dto endlefle floth by law. 

And fiftie lifters water in leake veflels draw* 

They a]I,bcholding worldly wights in place, 
Leaueofftheirworke, vnmindfuUofthcirfmaTt, 
To gaze on them ; who forth by them doe pafc» 
Till they become vnto the furtneft part : 
Where was a Caue y wrought by wondrous art, 
Deepc, d.'.rke,vneaiie, doleful!, comfortlefle. 
In which fad ^efculafius farre apart 
Empnfond was in chaines remedilcfle. 

For that Hiffolytus rent corfc hee did redrcflc. 

37 

Hipfolytus 3. iolly huntfman was. 

That won t in charet chace the foaming Borej 
He all his Fceres in beauty did furpafs. 
But Ladies loue, as lofle of rime forbore : 
His wanton ftepdame loued him the more. 
But when Ihe law her offrcd fwects refulcd. 
Her loue Ihcc tum'd to hate, and him before 
His father fierce, of treafon falfc accufed. 

And with her iealous termes, his open eares abufcd. 

VVho,all in rage, his Sea-god fyre befought 
Some curfed vengeance on his fonne to caft : 
From furging gulf two monfters ftroight were brought^ 
With dread whereof his chafing fteedes agaft. 
Both charet (vvift and huntfman ovcrcaft. 
His goodly corps on ragged clifts yrent, 
Was quite difmcmbrcd, and his members choftc 
Scattredoneucrymountainc,ashewent, 

TLitofHi^fo/rtwiwaslcftnomonimcnt. 



i9 

His crucll ftepdame feeing wliat w^s done. 

Her wicked dayes with wretched knifedid cnd> 
In death avowing th'innocence of her fonne. 
Which he.u:ing his rafli Sire, began to rend 
His haire, and haftie tongue, that did offend : 
Tho gathering vp the reliques of his fniart 
By Diants meanes, who was Ht[>polyts friend. 
Them brought to ^efculafe, that by his art 

Did heale diem all agoine, and ioyned entry part. 
40 

Such wondrous fcience in mans wit to raigne 
When lone aviz'd, that could the dead reviue. 
And fates expired could renue againe. 
Of endlefle life he mighthim not depriue. 
But vnto hell did thruft him downe aliue. 
With flafliing thunderbolt y wounded fore : 
Where long remaining, he did alwaies ftriue 
Himfelfe with (alues to health for to reftorc, 

Andflake the heauenly fire, that raged euermore. 

There auncient "^ight arriving, did alight 
From her high weane waine,and ui herarmes 
To ^efcidapitu brought the wounded knight : 
Whoin hauing (oftly difarraid of armes, 
Tho gan to him difcouer all hi s harmes, 
Befecching him with prayer, and with praifc. 
If eitherfalues, or oyles, or hcrbes, or charmes 
A fordone wight from dore of death mote raifc, 

Hee would it her rcqueft prolong her nephe^ves daies. 
4Z 

Ah Dame (quoth hee) thou tempteft mee in vaine. 
To dare the thing which dailyyet Irue, 
And the old caufe of my continued paine 
With like attempt to like end to renue. 
Is not enough,'ithatthruft from heauen due 
Heereendleirepeiunccforonefaultlpay, 
But that redoubled crime with vengeance new 
Thou biddeft mee to eeke > Can J^'^fe defray 

The wrath of thundring laue, tliat rules bothmght&day? 

4? 

Notfo (quoth fliee) but fith that heauens king 
From hope of heauen hath thee excluded quight. 
Why feareft thou, that canft not hopeforthino-, 
And fcareft not,that more thee hurtcn might, 
Nowinthepowrcofeucrlaftng2^n-/)f ? 
Goe to then, 6 thou f.irre rcnowmed foone 
Of great .^/mCo, fliciv thy famous might 
In medicine, that eJfc hath to thee wonnc 

Great paincs, & greater prai(c, botli neuer to be donne. 

44 

Her words prcvaild : 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 feene, from thence orole away 
The mother ofdreaddorknefle, and let ftay 
^yeiigles fonne tliere in the Leaches cure. 
And backe returning tooke her wonted way. 
To runne her timely race, whilll: Vbxbm pure 

In weft erne waues his wearie vv.igon did recurc, 

C. The 



2-4 



THE FIRST BOOKE OF 



(^ant, V, 



The Eilfc D.ffjfj Icauing noyous Night, 
Rcturnd to ftattly PaLice of dame Pride ; 
Where wlien file came, fhe found the Faerie knight 
Departed thence, albe his woundez wide. 
Not throughly heald, vnreadie were to ride. 
Good caul'e he had to haften thence away ; 
For on a day his wary Dwarfe had Ipide, 
Where in a dungeon deepe hugenumbers lay 

O. caytiue wretched thrals, that wailed night and day. 
46 

A ruefull fight, as could be f eene with eye ; 
Of whom he learned had in fecret wile 
The hidden ciule of their capnuitie. 
How mortgaging their hues to CoKefi/e, 
Through waftefuU Pride, and wanton Riotifey 
They were by law of that proudeTyrannefTe ■ 
Provoktwithw^r/jt/j.andiBrMjfalfefuirrnfei ' ■ -■ 
Condemned to that Dungeon mercileile, '\ :'.::. \ ' 

Where tiieyflipuld hue in woe,,and die in wretchednefle. 

47 

There was that great proude king of £«iyo»^ 1 . ii ;; -. , , 
That would coinpell all nations to ado^d isd rr;<j ■ 
Andhitfljasonely Godtocallvpon, . ■/■ \:.^:->.-i ' 
Till throtfgh celeftiall doome throwne out ofdof c, 
Intoan Oxchewastransform'dofyorc: nf;-: !■■ 
There alio \v^^ king Crcejus, that enhaunft ' ■ 
His heart too high through his greatiiches ftDifci 
And proude ^«f;W)Hij the which advaunc't ". - 

His curled hand gainft God, and oniis altark dauncJt; :. ^ 

And them longtime before, great ?{(m)-o(/ was, n- » 
That firft the world with Iwwd and fire.wamiid<9 c" ' 
And after him, old 2^»«j farredidpafr.j ui<i.a;I: ijiii- 
In princely pomp, ofall the world obaidy. i^' . ../f 
There alfo was thatmightie Monarch. lUid .r.; -iou il 
LowevnderalI,yetaboueallinpride, >)' 

That name of natiue fire did ioule vp braid. 
And would as ./*»2?no«jfonnebemagrifidc. 

Till fcomd of G od and man a (hamefull death he dide. 

4? 
All thefe together in one heape were throwne. 

Like carkaies of beafts in butchers ftall. 

. Ajid in another corner wide were ftrownc 

The antiqueruines of the I^gmaines fall : 



Great ]{gmuliis die Grandfire of them allj 
Proude Tarquin, and too lordly Lentitlus, 
Stout Scipio, ^nd ftubborne Hanmball, 
Ambitious Sylla, and fterne Marius, 
High Ciefair, great Tomfey, and fierce ^ntonius. 

50 

Amongft thefe mighty men,wcre wemen mixt. 
Proud wemen^ vaine, forgetful! of their yoke : 
The bold 5f»»><j7M«,whoIe fides transfixt 
With fonnes owne blade, herfoulercprochcs (poke; ' " 
Faire Sthenobaa, thather felfc did choke , 

With wilfuU cord, for wanting of her will; 
High minded Cleoj'atra, that with ftroke 
Ox Afpes fting her ielfe did ftoutly kill : 

And thoufands moe the hke, that did that dungeon fill, 

fi 

Befidcs the en Jleffe routs of wretched thrallcs. 
Which thither were aflcmbled day by day. 
From all the world after their wofull falls. 
Through wicked pride, and wafted weal thes decay; ' 
But mod ofall,whichin the Dungeon lay, ,,„ 

Fell from high Princes courts, or Ladies bowres. 
Where they in idle pomp, or wanton pJay, 
Confumedhad their goods, andthriftleffehowres, ■ 

And laftly throwne thcmfelues into thefe heauy ftowres. 

Whofe cafe when as the carefull Dwarfe had told. 
And made enfampje of their mournefiill fight 
Vnto his Maifter, he no lenger would 
There dwellinpenlloflikepainefull plight. 
But early role, and ere that dawninglight 
Difcoueredhad the world to heauen wide. 
He bya priuie Pofterne tookehis flight. 
That of no envious eyes he mote be Ipide : 

For,doubtlc(re death cnlewd,if any him defcride. 

Scarce could he footing find in that foule way. 
For many corfes, like a great Lay-ftall 
Of murdred men which therein ftrowed lay. 
Without remorfe, or decent funerall: 
Which all through that great PrincelTe pride did fall 
And came to fliamcfuU end. And them befide 
Forth ridingvnderneath the caftell wall, 
A dunghill of dead carkafes he (pide. 

The dreadfull foeftacle of that fad houle oiTridt. 

C i*nA ■ 7 "3 



Canto 




Cant.VL 



THE FAERIE QVEENE. 



2-5 




Canto VI. 

From Uwlejfe lujl by mondrous grace 

faire Vna is releali : 
Whomfaluage nation does adore ^ 

and lear ties her mfe behead. 





S when a fhip, that flies faire vnderGiile, 
An hidden rocke efcaped hath vnwares, 
Thatlay inwaiteherwrackfortobewaile, 
The Mariner yet halfe amazed flares 
At peril] paft, and yet it dout ne dares 
To ioy at his foole-happy overfight ; 
So doubly is diftrcft twijctioy and cares 
■ The dreadlefle courage of this Elfin knight, 
Hiuing efcap't fo fad cniamples in his fight. 

Yet fad hee was that his too hafty fpeed, 

The faire I>««/i'had forc't him leaue behind ; 
And yet more fad, that Fna his dcare dreed 
Her truth had ftaind with treafon fo vnkind ; 
Yet crime in her coul 1 neuer creaturefind. 
But for his loue, and for her ownc lelfe fakcj 
She wandrcd hadfrom one to other Ini, 
Him for tofeeke, ne euer would forlake, 

T ill her vnwares the fierce Sans toy did overtake. 

Who, after Archimagoes foule defeat. 
Led her away into a forrcft wilde. 
And turning wrathfiill fiire to luftfuU heat, 
With beaftly fin thought her tohaue defilde. 
And made the vaflall of his pleafures vJd. 
Yet firll hee caft by treatie, and by traines. 
Her to perfwadcj that ftubbome fort to yield : 
For, greater conqueft of hard loue he gaines, 

That works it to his will, then he that it cooflraines. 

With fawning words hee courtedherawhile. 
And looking louely, and oftfighing fore. 
Her conftant han did tempt with diuers guile : 
But words, and lookes, and fighes (he didabhore. 
As rock of Diamond, ftedfafteuermore. 
Yet for to feed his firic luftfiill eye. 
He fiiatcht the veile, that h ung her face before; 
Then gan her beauty (hine, as brightdt sky. 

And burnt his beaftly hart t'cfForce hei chaibtie. 



So when hee (aw his flatt'ring arts to faile. 
And fubtile engines bet from batterie. 
With greedy force he gan the fort aflaile. 
Whereof hee weend poffe/Ied foone to bee. 
And with rich fpoile of ranfackt chailitie. 
Ah heaiieus ! that doe this hideous x£t behold, 
And heaucnly virgin thus outraged lee, 
How can ye vengeance iuft fo long with-hold, 

Andhurle not flafhing flames vpon that Paynim bold ? 
6 

The pittious maiden, careful), comfortlefTe, 

Does throw out thrilling fhriekcs, & fhricking cryejj 

The lafl vaine help of womens great diltreffe, 

And with loud plaints imponuneth the skyes. 

That molten ftarres doe drop like weeping eyei i 

And Tbtrbus flying fo moft fhamefull fight. 

His blufliingface in foggy cloud implyes. 

And hides for ihame. What wit of mortall wight 

Can now deuife to quit a thrall from fuch a plight i 

7 

Eternall providence, exceeding thought, 

Where none appeares can make her felfe a way: 
A Wondrous way it for this Lady wrought. 
From Lyons dawes to pluck the griped pray. 
Her fhriUout-cryes and fliriekesfoloud did brajr, 
That all the woods and forrefts did refound i 
A troupe ofFaunes and Satyrcs far away 
Within the wood were dauncing in a round, 

W'hiles old Syhanus flept in (liady arbour found: 
8 

Who, when they heard thatpittious fbainedvoictj 
In hafteforfooke their rurall merimcnt. 
And ran towards the far rebounded nolle. 
To weet what wight fo loudly did lament. 
Vnto the place they come incontinent : 
Whom when the raging S arazin elpide, 
A rude, misfhapen, monflrous rablement, 
Whofe like he ncuer Ciw, he durft not bide. 

But got his ready fteed, and faft awav gan ride. 

C z. ' The 



7.6 



THE FIRST BOOKE OF 



C^nuVh 



The wil Je Wood-godsjarriued in theplace. 

There find the virgin doleful! defoljte, 

With ruffled rayments, and faire blubbred face. 

As her outragious foe had left h^r late, 

And tremblingyetthrough'feare6fformer hate; 

AU ftand amazed ut fo vncoutii fight. 

And gin to pitty hervnhappyftate, 

All rtand aftonicd atfef beaut)- bright. 
In iJ'.cir rude eyes vnworthy of fo woruil plight. 

She moreamaz'3 in 4ouble dread doth dwell ; 
A.nd cuery tender part for feare does (hake : 
As when a greedy Wolfe through hunger fell 
AfiUy Lamb farre from theflockdoes take, 
Ofwhom'ijee meaneshis bloudiefeaft to make, 
A Lyonfpyes faftrunnitig towards him, 
The innocent prey in hafte hee does forfake, 
Wliich quit from deatli, yet quakes in euery lim 

With change of feare, to lee the Lyon loofce fo grim: 
,' II 

Such fearefuU fit aflaid her trembling hart, 

Ne word to fpeake, ne ioynt to moue flie had : 
Tliefalvage nation feel e her fecret fmart, 
And read her forrow in her count'nance fad ; 
Theirfrowning forheads wi through horncsyclaa> 
And ruftickhorrourallafide doelay, -^ ." '■ 

And gently grenning, fliew a femblance glad 
Tocomforther,andfearetoputaway, ■*' V ■ 

Their backward bent Imees teach, her humbly to-6l>ijf. 
11 

ThedoubtfuUDamzelldarenotyetcommit , ' 

Herfingleperfontotheirbarbaroustruth; ' '■ 
But ftiil tlirough feare and hope amaz'd does fit,-'' ' 
Late learnd what harme to haftie truft enfa'ths- •'' '- ■■ ' 
They, in companion of her tender youchi' '>''»'' 
And wonder of her bcautiefoueraine, ' i.iA 

Arc wonnc with pitty and vnwontedratli, ' ,, ' 
AndallproftratevponthelowelyPlaine, ' ■■ 

Do kilVe her feet,& f awne on her with count'nanteftiife'. 

1? 

Their hearts (hee gheffeth by their humble guife. 
And yields her to cstremitie of time ; 
So, from the ground fhce fearelefle doth arife. 
And walketh forth without fufpeft of cnme : 
Thevall, as glad as birds of ioyous Prime, 
Thence lead her forth, about her dauncing round. 
Shouting, and iingingalla Shepheards rime. 
And with grcene branches ftrowing all the ground. 

Doe worlhip her, as Queene, with Oliue girlond crownd. 

14 

And allihe way their merry pipes they found. 
That all the woods with double Eccho ring. 
And with their horned feet doe weare the gi-ound. 
Leaping like wanton kids in pleafant Spring. 
So towards old Sylyantu they her bring ; 
WIio, with the noile awaked, commeth out, 
To weet the caufe, his weakc fteps goueming. 
And aged limbs on Cyprelfe ftadle Itout, 

And with jxi Ivie twinehis wafte is girt about. 



If 

Farre ofFhee ^vonders, what them makes fo glad. 
Of Bacchus merry fruit they did invent, 
OrCjyic/ffranticKriteshauemadethcmmadj 
They drawing nigh, vnto their God prcfcnt 
That flowre of Eiitli and beautic excellent. 
The God himlelfc,vicwingthat mirrourr.ire. 
Stood long .im.iz'd, and burnt in his intent; 
His owne taire Drio^e now he thinks not fairc, 

And y/)oio<;foulcj when her to this he doth compare. 
16 

The wood-borne people fall before her flat. 
And worfliip her as Goddeffe of the wood ; 
And old 5yT,inKjfclfcbctliinks not, what 
Totlunkeofwightfofairejbutgazmgftdo^j 
In doubt to deemcher borne of earthly brood ; 
Sometimes Dame Mentis felfe he feemes to fee: 
But Femif neuer had fo fober mood ; 
Sometimes Diana hehertakes to bee. 

But miffeth bowcj and fhafts, and buskins to her knee. 

17 

By view of herhee ginneth to reviue 
His ancient loue, and dcareft Cy^arilje, 
And calls to mind his pourtraiturealiue, 
How'fairehe was, and yetnotfaire to this^ 
And how hee flew with glauncing dart amife 
A gentle Hind, the which the louely boy 
Did loue as life, aboue all worldly bUfs ; 
Forgriefe whereof thelad n'ould after ioy. 

But py nd away in anguifh and felf- will'd annoy. 
18 

The wooddy Nymphes,faireH4»Wrji4</«, 
Her to behold doe thither runne apace. 
And all the troupe of light-foote ?{^iades 
Flock all about to fee her louely face : 
But when they viewed haue herheauenly grace. 
They envie her in their malicious mind. 
And flie away forfeare of foule difgrace : 
But all the Sdfjrrwfcome their wooddy kind. 

And henceforth nothing faire.but her on earth they find. 

Gl.td of fuch luck, the luckleflelucky maid. 
Did her content to pleafe their feeble eyes. 
And long time witli that (alvage people ftaid. 
To gather breath ni many mileries. 
During which time, her gentle wit /he plies 
To teach them truth, which worrfiipt her in vaine,' 
And made her th'Image of Idolatries ; 
But v/hen their bootleffezeilefhe did reftraine 

From her owne worlhip, they her Afle wold worflu'p faine^ 
20 

It fortuned a noble warlike Knight 
By iuft occafion to that forreft came. 
To feeke his kindred, and the linage right. 
From whence he tooke his well deferued name: 
He had in armes abroad wonne muchell fame. 
And fild farre lands with glorie of his might, 
PlainCjfaithfuU, true, .ind enemy of fliame. 
And cuer lov'd to fieht for Ladies right. 

But ill vaine glorious fraves he little did delight. 

^ ASai 



Cant, VL 



THE FAERIE QVEENE. 



±y 



A SarjTes fonnc, y borne in forreft wilJe, 

By ilrangcidvtnture as it did bende, 

And there begotten of a Lady milde, 

Fairc Thyamis, the daughter oi Lahrjde, 

That was inlacred bands of wedlock tide 

To Therion, a loofe vnruly fwaine ; 

Who had more loy to range the forreft wide. 

And chafe tlie lalvage beaft with bulie paine, 
Then ferue his Ladies loue, and wafte in pleafurcs vauic. 

21 

The forlorne maid did with loues longing burne. 
And could not lacke her louers company ; 
But to the wood flie goes, to ferue her turne, 
And feeke her ipoule^ that fromher ftill does flie, 
AndfoUowes other game and venery : 
A Satyre chaunc'therwandringfortofinde. 
And kiniiling coales of luft in Drutilli eye, 
The loyal! links of wedlock did vnbinde, 

And made hcrperlon thrall vnto his beaftly kinde. 

So long in fecret cabin there he held 

Her captiue to his (cnfiull defire, 

Till that with timely fhute her belly fwcld. 

And bore a boy vnto tliat faluage fire : 

Then home he fuffred her for to retire. 

For raunlbme leauing hmi the late borne childe ; 

Whom till to rifCr yeeres he gan alpire, 

He nourfledvp in life and manners wilde, 
Emongft Wilde beafts & woods, from lawes of men cxildc 

^4 
For.all he taught the tender Imp, was but 

To banifh cowardize and ballard fcare ; 

His trembling hand he would him force to put 

Vpon the Lyon, and the rugged Bearc, 

And from the (lit Beares teats her whelps to tearc ; 

And eke wildc roring Bulls hee would him m ike 

To tame, and nde their backs notmadc to beare ; 

And the Robucks in flight to overtake, 
Tliat c ucry beaft for fcare of him did flie and quake. 

Thereby fo fe-'relelTe, and fo fell he grew, 
That hiS owne lire .ind maifter of his _guife> 
Did often tremble at his horrid view. 
And oft for dread of hurt would him aduife, 
Theangrybeaftsnctraflilyto defpife. 
Nor too much to provoke ; for he would learne 
The Lyon ftoupc to him in lowely wife, 
(A lellon hard) and make the Libbard ftearne 

Leaueroarmg, wheninrage he for revenge did yearne. 
i6 

And for to make his powre approued more, 
VVildcbeafts in iron yokes he would compell; 
The fpottcd Panther, and the tuskedBore, 
The Pardale fwift, and the Tigre cruell ; 
The Antelope, and Wolfe, botli fierce and fell ; 
And them conftraine in equal! teame to draw . 
Such ioy he had, theirftubbome harts to quell. 
And fturdie courage tame with dreadfull awe. 

That his beheaft they feared, as proud tyrants lawe. 



His louing mother came vpon a day 
Vnto the woods, to lee her little fonne ; 
And chaunc'tvnwares to meet him m tlie way. 
After his fports, and cruell pafbme done, 
When after him aLvoncllc did runne, 
That roaring all with rage, did loude requcre 
Her children deare, whom he away had vvonne : 
The Lyon whelps (he faw Kovy he did beare, 

And lull in rugged armcs, withouten diildifh fcare. 
28 

The fearefull Dame all quaked at tire fight, 
And turni ng back, gan faft to fli e away^ ■ 
VntiUwitliloue revok'tfromvaine affrioht. 
She hardly yet perfwaded was to ftay, 
And then to him thele womanifti words gan fay ; 
Ah Satyrane,- my dearling, and mv ioy; 
For loue ofmeeleaue off this dreadfull play; 
To daily thus with death, is no fit toy, 

Goe find Ibme other play-fellowes, mine own fvvcet boy. 

^9 . 

Inthefe, andlikc delights of bloudy game 
He trained was,till riper yeeres lie rau^ht ; 
And there abode, whilft any beaft of name 
Walktin that foreft, whom he had not taught 
To fearehisforce : and then his courage haught 
Defir'd of forrainefoemen to be knowne. 
And firre abroad for ftrange advcnnircs fought : 
In which his might was ncucr overthrowne. 

But through all Faery lond his famous worth was blown^, 

Yeteuermoreit was his manner faire, 
After long labours and adventures (pent, 
Vnto tliole natiue woods for to rcpaire, 
To fee lus Sire and ofspnng aimcient. 
And now he thither came tor like intent ; 
Where he vnwares the faircft yna found, 
Strange Lady, m fo ftrange habiliment, 
Teaching the Sat}Tes,wliich her fat around, 

Tme facred lore, which from her (weet hps did redound. 
31 

He wonc'red at her wifedome heauenly rare, 
VVhofe hke in womens wit he neucr knew ; 
And when her curteous deeds he did compare, 
Gan her admire, and her lad Ibrrowes rcw. 
Blaming of Fortune, which fuch troubles tlircw, 
And ioyd to mike proofe of her cruekie 
On gen le Dame, fo hurtlell'e, and lb true : 
Thenceforth he kept hergoodly company. 

And learnd her difciplinc of faith and ventre. 

But (hee, all vow'dvntothei(fi/fro//f Knicrht, 

His wandringperdl clofely did lament, 

Nc in this new acquaintance could deliffhr. 

But her deare heart with anguidi did torment, 

Aiidallherwitmfecretcounlelsfpent, 

How to elcape. At laft, in priuie wife 

To Satyrane (hee fhevved her intent; 

Who glad to gaine (iich f mour, g.m deuife, 
How wth thatpenfiue Maid he beft might thence arifc. 



2.8 



THE FIRST BOOKE OF 



(^ant. Fh 



33 

So, on a day, when Satyrcs all were gone 

To doe their fcruice to Syhaiius old. 

The! gentle virgin (left behind alone) 

He led away with courage ftout and bold. 

Too late It was to Satyrcs to be told. 

Or eiier hope recoucr her againe : 

In vainc hefeekes, that hauing cannothold. 

5o £ift he carried her with caretuU paine, 
Thit they the woods arepaft, and come now to the PJaine. 

34 

Thebetter part now of the lingring day. 
They trauaild had, when as they forelpide 
A weary wight lorwandring by the way. 
And towards him they gan in haftc to ride. 
To wcet of newes, that did abroad betide. 
Or ty dings of her knight of the J^edcroffe. 
But hee them fpying, gan to turnc alidc. 
For feare, as fecm'J, or for (ome feignedlofle ; 

More greedy they of newes, faft towards him do crofle. 

3r 

A filly man, in (imple weedes forwome. 
And foild with dull of the long dried way ; 
His (andales were with toilcfome trauell tomes 
And face all tjnd with fcorching funny ray. 
As he had trauaild many a fommcrs day, 
Through boyling finds oi^raby and lid ; 
And in'his hand a l^cohs ftoffe, to ftay 
His we.uielimbes vpon : and eke behind. 

His ftrip did hang, in which his needments he did bind. 

The Knight approching nigh, of him inquerd 
Tydings of warre, and ot adventures new ; 
ButwarreSjnorncw adventures nonehcherd. 
Then Vna gan to askc,if ought he knew, 
Or heard abroad of that her champion true. 
That m his armour bore a croflet red. 
Aye mee, deaic Dame (quoth hec) well may I nic 
To tell the fad fight, which mine eyes haue read : 

Thefe eyes did fee that Kuight both liuing and eke dead. 
37 

That cruell word her tender hart fo tliril J, 

That fuddame cold did runne through euerj' vaine. 

And ftony horrour all her fenfes fild 

With dying fit, that downe <he fell for paine. 

The knigh't her lightly reared vp againe. 

And comforted with curtcous kindrtlitfe : 

Then wonne from death, (hec Kidehimtcllenplaine 

Thefurtherproceffcofherhiddcngriefe; 

The lefftr pangs can beare,who hath endur'd the chiefc. 
58 

Then gan the Pilgrimthus, I chaunc't this day, 
Thi J fatall day, that (hall I euer rew. 
To ice two Knights m tr.uicU on my way 
(A fory fight) arrang'd in battell new. 
Both breathinevengc.-ince,both ofwrathfullhew : 
My fcarcfiil! fltlh did tremble ar their flrife. 
To fee their blades (o greedily imbrew. 
That crunk with blcud, yet thirfted after life : (knife. 

Wiatmoie? ijic i^caVto/e knight wasf!.iine withPaynim 



55> 

All deareft Lord (quoth (lice) how might that bee. 

And he the llouttft Knight that cucr v/onne ? 
All Jearcft Dame (quoth he) how might I fee 
The thing tliat might not be, and yet was donne} 
Whcreis (laid Satyram) that Paynmis fonnc. 
That hini of hfe, and vs of loy hath reft ? 
Notfarre away (quoth hee) hechcnce doth wonnc 
Foreby a fount^inc, where I late him left (cleft. 

Walhing his bloudy wounds, that through tlie fteele were 
40 

There-with tlie Knight thence marched forth in haft. 
Whiles f^nj with huge heauincfic oppreft. 
Could not forforrow tollow him lo t'^d ; 
And foone he came, as he the place had gheft, 
Whereas that Pagan prouJehimfclfedidrelti, 
Infecrctihadow by afountainefide : 
Euen hee it was, that earft would haue fuppreft 
Faire f^na : whom when Satyraiie cipiie. 

With foulc rcprochefull words he boldly himdcfidc. 

41 

And faid, Arife thou curfed Mifcreant, 

That haft with knightleffe guile and trccherous traine, 

Faireknighthood fouly fliamed, and dooft raunc 

That good Knight of the I{fdcroJJe to haue flaine: 

Arile, and with like treafon now maintaine 

Thy guilty wrong, or elfe thee guilty yield. 

The Saraziii this hearing, rofe amaine. 

And catching vp in hafte his three fquare (hield. 

And (hining helmet, foone him buckled to the field. 

4i . y. 

And drawingnigh him, faid. Ah misborncElfcj 
In euillhoure thy foes thee hither lent, 
Anothers wrongs to wreake vpon thy f elfe : 
Yet ill thou bLimeft mee, fornauing blent 
My name with guile and traiterous intent ; 
That Rjdcrolfe Knight, perdie, I neucr flew : 
But had he beene, where earft his armes were lent, 
Th'cnchauntcr vaine his errour (hould not rue : 

But thou his errour lhalt,I hopcjnowprouen true. 

43 
There-with they gan,both furious and fell. 

To thunder blowes, and fiercely to aiTa'lc 

Each other bent his enemy to quell. 

That with theirforce they pearc't both plate and mailed 

And made wide furrowes in their fieflies fraile. 

That it would pitty any liuing eye. 

Large floods of bloudadownetheirfidesdidrailefr 

But floods of bloud could not them fatisfie : 
Both hungred after death : both chofe to win, or die. 

44 

So long they fighr, and fell revenge purluc. 
That fainting each, themfclues to breathen let. 
And oft refre(hed, battell oft renue : 
As when two Bores witli rankhng malice met. 
Their gory fidesfrclh bleeding fiercely fres. 
Till breathlelTe both themlehtes afide retire. 
Where foaming wrath, their rruclltusks chey wheTj 
And tr imple th'earth, the whiles they may refpire; 

TIj ;n back to fight againe, nev/ brcithcdatul eutnc 

So 



Cant. VI I 



THE FAERIE QVEENE 



-9 



So fiercely, when iKtfe Kmghts hid breathed once. 
They gan to fight retume, increafing more 
Their pmflant torce,and crucllrage attonce, 
With heaped itokcs j mote hugi. Iv then before. 
That wjtli their drerie wounds and bloudy gore 
They both dcfomied, fcarcely could be fcnowne. 
By this, (ad Fna fraught with anguifli fore. 
Led with their noi(c,whicIi throgh the aire was throwne, 

Airiu'djwher they m earth their fkutlclle bloud hid lownc. 
46 

Whom all fo foone as that proude Sarazin 
Efpidc, he gan reuiue the memory 
Of his lewd luftsj and late attempted fin. 
And left the doubtfiill battell haftily. 
To catch her, newly offred to his eye : 
But S/ttyrane with ftrokes him turning, ftaid. 
And fternely bade him other bulincs ply. 
Then hunt the ftcps of pure vnlpottcd Maid : 

Where-with he all enrag'd^ thefe bitter fpecches faid. 



O foolidi faeries fonne, what furie mad 

Hath thee incenft, to hafte thy doktull fate J 
Were It not better I that LiJy h.ui, 
Then that thou hadll: repented ;t too late ? 
Moft lenfeleife man he, that himlejfe tloui hate. 
To loue another. Lo then, f jr thine aid, 
Hecre take thy louers token on thy pate. 
So tliey two fight ; the whiles the royal! Maid 

Fled firre away, of that proude Pa^'nimfore at&aid- 
48 

But that falfe Pilgrim, which tlut leafing told, 
Beeing indeed old ^rchimage, did ftay 
In (ccret(h,ulow, all this to behold. 
And much rcioyccd in their bloudy fray : 
But when he fivv the Damlell palFc away. 
He left his ftond, and her purlcvvd apace. 
In hope to bring her to her Lift decay. 
But, for to tell her lamentable cafe, 

Andckc this battels end, will need anotlier place. 




Canto VII. 

The Redcrejfe knight is Captiue made 
by Giant proude oppreli : 

Prince Arthur meets with Vnx 
greatly with thofe newes difireji. 





', Hat man fo wife, what earthly wit fo ware, 
, As to defer)' the craft)' cunning trainc, 
■ By which Deceit doth mask m vizourfaire, 
' And caft her colours dyed deep in graine. 
To feeme like Trutli, whofe (liape Ihc well can fame. 
And fitting geftures to herpurpoiefi'ame. 
The gUrliJeire man with guile to entcrtaine ? 
Great maiftrelTe of her art was that falie Dame, 
The falte Dutffa, dokcdwitli FidejJ'^n name. 

z 
Who, when returning from the drery T^jg^t, 
She found not in th.itpcri!ou<: houlcot Pride, 
Where llic had left thenoble ^rdc-offe kniglit. 
Her hoped pray ; (lie would no lengcr bide, 
But forth (hce wei .t, to fecks bm far and wide. 
Ere long (he found u hereas he wcane fate. 
To reft himfclfc, forcby a founuine fide, 
Difarraed all of iron-coated Plate, 
And by his fide his itczi the graflie forage ate. 



Hee feedes vpon the cooling (hade, and bayes 
His iWeatie forehead in the breathing wuid. 
Which through the trembling Icaues full gently playcs> 
Wherein the checrfuU birds ot fun dry kind 
Do chaunt fwect muiick, to delight his mind : 
The Witch approchiiig gan himf.iiely greet. 
And with reprochc of carcleliielle vnkind 
Vpbrayd, for Icauiug her in place vnmc.t, (fwect. 

Witli foalc words tempniig faire, (bwre g.ilhvith home 

4 , 

VnkinunefTe part, they gan of iblace treat. 
And bathe in pleafaimcc of die iovous lliade, 
Which fhielded them againft the boyling heat. 
And with greene boughes decking a gloomy ghJe, 
About the foun tame like a girlond rriade; 
Whole bubbhngwaue did eueri'refnly well, 
Ne cuer would through fcrucnt Ibmmer fade : 
The facred Nymph , which therein wont to dwell, 

Was out of C(.iwifauoiu-, as it then befell. 

C 4. The 



30 



THE FIRST BOOKE Oj^ C^nt^Vlh 



The caufe was this : One day when Thabe faire 
W'idi -ill her band WaS.following the chace, 
This Nymphj quite tyr'd withheate oi Icorching aire, 
Satdowne to rcll in middcft of the r.ice : 
The Goddelle,wroth, gan t'ouhehcr dilgrace, 
And b.ide tlic waters, which trom her did flowe. 
Be !i;ch js (hee herlelte was dien in place. 
Thenceforth her waters waxed dull and flowe, 

i^ in', all that drunk thereof, did faint and feeble growe. 
6 

Hcereofdiis gentle Knjghtvnweeting was, 
Anri lying downe vpon the landie graile, 
Driinke of the ftreame, as deare as cryfVall glafs : 
Eftlooiies his manly forces gan to faile. 
And mighty flrong was tuin'd to feeblefraile. 
His ch-.nged povvrcs at hrll themfelues not felt, 
TjII crudled cold Ills courage gan aflaile, 
And cheerefuJl bloud in faintnefle chill did melt, 

Which lilce a Feaver-fit through all liis body Iwelt. 

7 

Yet goodly cciut he made {bll to his Dame, 
Poiir'd out in loolnefle on the grafllie ground. 
Both carelefTe of his health, and of his fame : 
Till at the laft he heard a dreadfull foimd, 
W hi -h through the wood loud bellowing did rebound. 
That all die eardi for terrour feem'd to fhake. 
And trees did tremble. Th'Elfe there -with aflound, 
Vpftarted hghtly from his loofer moke, 

And his vnready weapons gan in hand to take. 
8 

But ere he could his .umour on him dight. 
Or get his fhield, his monftrous enemy 
With fturdie fteps came ftalking in his fight. 
An hideous Giant, horrible and hie, 
That with his talnefle feem'd to threat the skie. 
The ground eke groned vnder him for dreed -, 
His liuinglikefawneucrhuingeye, 
Nc durfi: b'-ho!d : his ftature did exceed 

The hightof three thetalleflfonnes of mortallfeed, 

9 

Thegre.'.teflEarth his vncouth mother was, 
And bluftring Aeolus his boafted fire, 
Vv ho with his breath, which through die world doth 
Her hollow v/omb did fccretly inlpire, (pi's j 

And fild her Indden caues with ftormie ire, 
Th.1t flieeconceiu'd ; and trebbling the duetime, 
Li which the wombes of women doe expire, 
Brought forth diis monftrous mafle of earthly flime, 

Puft vp with emptie wind, and fild with finfull crime. 

lO 

So, growen great through arrogant delight 
Of th' high defcent, whereof he was yborne. 
And through prefumption of liis matchleffe might, 
All other powres and knighthood he did fcorne. 
Such now he marcheth to this man forlorne. 
And left to lofle : his ftalking fteps are ftaide 
Vpon a fnagny Oake, which he had tome 
Out of his mothers bowels, and it made 

His mortall mace, where-with his foeraen he difmaidc 



That, when die Knighthe ipide, he ganaduaunce 
With huge force and inlupportable maine. 
And tow.irds him with dreadfull fury praunce , 
Who haplclTe, and eke hopelcfl'e, all in vaiiie 
Did to him pafe, lad batraile to darrainc, 
Dilarm'd, dili^rac't, and inwardly dilmaide, 
And eke lo faint in euery iovnt andv.iine. 
Through diatfr.ulefount.«ne, which him feeble made, . 

That (carcely could he weeld his bootlcllc finglc blade. 
iz 

The Giant ftrookefo mainly merciIefTe, 

That could haue overthrowne a ft ony towre ; 
And were not heaucnly grace, that him did bleflcj 
He had been pouldred all, as thin as fiowre : 
But hee was wary of that deadly ftowre, 
And lighdy leapt from vnderneath the blowe : 
Yetfo exceeding was the villaines powre, 
That with the wind it did him overthrowc, 

And all his (enfes ftoimd, that fliU he lay full lowe. 

As when that diuelifh iron Engin wrought 
In deepeft Hell, .and fram'd by Furies skill. 
With windy Nitre and quick Sulphur fraught, 
Andramd with bulletround, ordaind to kill, 
Conceiucth firej the heauens it doth fill 
With thundring noife,and all the aire doth choke. 
That none can breathcj nor fee, nor heare at will, 
Through fmouldry doude of duskilh ftinking fmoke, 

Thatth'onely breath him daunts jwho hath efcap't the 
14 (fbrokc. 

So daunted when the Giant faw the Knight, 
His heauvhand he hcaued vp on hie. 
And him to dufl thought to haue battred quitCj 
VntiU Dne/Ja\oai to him gan cry ; 
O great OrgovUo, greateft vnder sky, 
O hold thy mortall hand for Ladies Cikc, 
Hold for my fake, and doe him notto die ; 
But,vanqui(nt,thine eternall bondfl.iue make. 

And mce thy worthy meed vnto thy Leman take. 

ir 

Heharkned,anddid ftay from further harmes. 
To gaine ^o goodly guerdon, as (hee (pake : 
So, willingly (he came into his armes. 
Who her is willingly to grace did take, 
And was polTefTed of his new found make. 
Then vp he tooke the flumbred ("enfclelTe corfe. 
And ere he could out of his fwoune awake. 
Him to his Caftle brought with haftie force^ 

And in a Dungeon deepe him threw without remorie. 
16 

From that day foorth Vueffa was his dearc. 
And highly honour'd in his haughty eye : 
He gauc her gold, and purple pall to weare. 
And triple crowne (et on her headfull hie. 
And her endow'd with royallmaieftie : 
Then, for to make her dre.ided more of men, 
And peoples harts with awfull terrour tie, 
A monftrous beaft ybred in filthy fen 

He chofe, which he had kept long time indarkfome den. 

Such 



Cant.VJL 



THE 

^ 



FAERIE QVEENE. 



31 



17 

Suchoneitwas.asthatrenowmedSiuke 
\A hich great Mcides in Stremona flew. 
Long foftred in die filth oi Lema lake. 
Whole many heads out budding euer new. 
Did breed him endlelle labour to (ubdew : , 
But this fame Monfter much more vgly viis ; 
For, feauen great heads out of his body grew, 
An Iron breart, and back of fcaJy brafs, 

Andillcmbrewdin bloud, hiseyesdidlhineasgla&. 
18 

His tayle was ftretched out in wondrous length, 
That to the houfe of heauenly Gods it raught, 
And with extorted powre, and borrow'd ftrength, 
The euer-burning lamps from thence it brought, 
And proudly threw to ground, as tilings of nought; 
And vndemeath his filthy feet did tread 
The (acred things, and holy heafts foretaught. 
Vpon this dreadfull Beaft with feauenfold head 

He let the falfe Due/fa, for more awe and dread. 
19 

The wofull Dwarfe, which fawhismiifters fall. 
Whiles he had keeping of his grafingfteed. 
And valiant knight become a cayaue thrall, 
When all wjls pall, tooke vp his forlome weed. 
His mighty armour, miffing moft at need ; 
His fiJuer lliieldj now idle maifterlelTe ; 
His poynant fpearc, that many made to bleed, 
The ruefull moniments of heauinefle. 

And with them all departs, to tell his great diilrefle. 

JO 

He had not trauaild long, when on tlie way 
He wofull Lady (wofull f^iia) met, 
Fail flying from the Paynims greedy pray, 
Whil'ft Satyrane him from puHuit did let : 
Who when her eyes (he on the Dwarfe had (et. 
And (ciw the fignes that deadly ty dings fpakc, 
Shee fell to ground for rorrowfull regret. 
And li uely breath her fad breaft did forfake, 
,Yet might herpittioushatt be feene to pant and quake. 

zi 
The me(renger of fo vnhappy newes, 

Would fame haue dide ; dead was his hart\nthin. 
Yet outwardly fomc little comfort lliewes : 
Atlaft recoucring hart.he docsbegin 
To rub her temples, and to chaufe her thin. 
And eucry tender part does tolTe and tumc : 
So hardly he the flitted hfe does win, 
Vnto her natiue pri(on to retoumc : 
Then gins her grieued ghoft tlius to lament and moumc. 

ii 
Yee dreary inflruments of dolefullfioht. 
That doe this deadly fpcftacle behold. 
Why doe ye lengcr teed on loathed light. 
Or liking find to gaze on e.irthly mold, 
Sith cruell Fates the carefull threeds ^-nfold. 
The which my life and louc together tide ? 
Now let the ftony dan of fenfelelTe cold 
Pearce to my hart, and paiTc through eucry fide, 
And let ejenull night fo fad fighf fro mee hide. 



Olight.'bme day, the lamp of higheft lone, 

Firftmadc by him, mens wandrinj^waics to guide, 
When darknelTe he in deepeft dungeon dioue. 
Henceforth tliy hated face for ciier hide, 
And (hut vp heauens wjndowes ihining \vide : 
For earthly fight can nought but lorro w breed. 
And late repentance, which In ill lon» abide. 
Mine eyes no more on vanitic iliall tecde. 

But feeled vp with death, (hall haue their deadly rr.ced. 
Z4 

Then downe againe(hec fell Mito the eround > 
But hee her quickly reared vp againe : 
Thrice did (lieeiinkadowne in deadly fwound, 
And thrice hee her reviv'd with buiie paine : 
At Lift, when life recouer'd had the raine. 
And over- wreftled his (Irong cnemie. 
With foltring tongue, and trembling euery vaine, 
Tell on (quoth (hee) the wofull Tragedic, 

The which thele reUques fad prefent vnto mine eye. 

if 

Ttmpelhious Fortune hath fpent all her fpiaht. 
And thrilling forrow throwne his vtinolf dart ; 
Thy fad tongue cannot tell more hcauy plight. 
Then that I feele, and harbour in mine hart : 
Who hath endur'd the whole, can bcarc each part. 
Ifdeath it be,itis not thefirll wound, 
That launced hatli my breaft with bleeding (mart. 
Begin, and end the bitter balefull ft ound ; 

If leflc then that I feare,more fauour 1 hauef bund. 
z6 

Then gan the Dwarfe the whole difcourfe declare, 
Thefubtile traines oi ^rchimago old ; . 
The wantonloues of falfe f;i/-y/ifaire. 
Bought with the bloud of vanquiftit Paynim bold : 
The wretched payre transfomicd to treen mold ; 
The houl'e of Pride, .ind perils round about ; 
The combat, which he with Sans toy did hold ; 
The luckleffe conflift witli the Gi.uit ftout. 

Wherein capuu'd, of life or death he ftood in doubt. 

^7 
Shee heard wi til patience all vnto the end, 

And ftroue to maifter forrow full alfay ; 

Which greater grew, tlie more Ihe did contend, 

And almoft rent her tender lurt in D.vay ; 

And loue frefti coales vnto her fire did lay : 

For, greater loue, the greater is thelolTe. 

Was neuerLady loued dearer dav. 

Then ihe did loue the Kni^h: of the l{edcrnffe; 
For whole deare fake lb many troubles \\a did toffe. 

2S 
At laft, when feruent foreow flaked was, 

Shevp arofe,re(oIiun£j liini to find 

AUueordcad : and forward fordi doth pafs. 

All as tlie Dwarfe the wa v to her .liTignd : 

And euermore in conft.Lnt carefull mind 

She fed htr wound VMth frefli renewed bale ; 

Long toft with ftormes, and bet with bitter wind. 

High over hills, and lowe adownc the dalej 
Shee wandred many a wood, and mcallir'd m.ij)y a v.ilc. 

Aclaf^ 



3*- 



THE FIRST BOOKE 



OF^ 



Cant.Vlh 



29 

At laftj ftie chaunced by good lup to meet 
A goodly knight, faire marching by the way 
Together with hi s Squire^ aruyed meet : 
His ghttcrand armour fliined farre away. 
Like glauncing light oiThabHS brighteft ray ; 
From top to toe no place appeared tare. 
That deadly dint of fteele endanger may : 
Athwarthis breaftabauldrickbraueheware, (rare 

Tij.u (hin'dlike twinkling ftars, with ftones moftprecious 

JO 

And in the midft thereof, one precious ftonc 

Of wondrous worth, and eke of wondrous mights, 
Shap't like a Ladies head, exceeding (hone, 
Like Hefptrus emongft the lefler lights, 
And ftroue for to amaze the weaker iights ; 
Thereby, his mortall blade full comely hong 
In luorie (heath, y carv'd with curious flights ; 
Whofe hilts were burnifht gold, and handle ftrong 

Of mother pearle, and buckled with a golden tong. 
31 

His haughtie Ifclmet, horrid all with gold. 

Both glorious brightnes, and great terrour bred ; 
For, all the creft a Dragon did enfold 
With greedy pawes, and ouer all did ^red 
His golden wings : his dreadfull hideous hed 
Clofe couched on the beucr, feem'd to thro we 
From flaming mouth bright fparkles fieriered. 
That fuddaine horror to taint narts did fliowe ; 

And fcaly taile was ftretcht adowne his back full lowe. 

5* 

Vpon the top of all his lofty creft, 

A bunch of haires difcolourd diuerfly, 

With fprinkled pearle, and gold fiill richly dreft. 

Did fliake, and leem'd to daunce foriollity. 

Like to an Almond tree y mounted hie 

On top of greene SelinU all alone. 

With bloflbms braue bedecked daintily ; 

Whofe tender locks do tremble euery one 

At euery bttle breath, that vnder heauen is blowne. 

His warlike Ihield all clofely couer'd was, 
Ne might of mortall eye be euer feene ; 
Not made of fteele, nor of enduring brafs. 
Such earthly mettals foone confumed beene : 
But all of Diamond perfeftpure and cleene 
It framed was, one maflie entire mould, 
Hewen out of Adamant rock with engines keenc. 
That point of fpearc it neuer pearcen could, 

Ne dint of direfull fword divide the fubftance would. 

34 
The fame to wight hee neuer wont difdofe. 

But when as monfters huge he would difinay. 

Or daunt vnequall armies of his foes, 

Or when the flying heaucns he would aftray ; 

For, fo exceeding fhone his ghftringray, 

That Thabus golden faceit did attaint. 

As when a cloud hi s beames doth ouer-lay ; 

And filuer Cynthia wexed pale and faint. 
As when het face is ftaind with magick arts cooftraint. 



No magickartshecreofhadany might, 

Norbloudy words of bold Enchaunters call, 
But all that was notfuch, asfcem'diii iight. 
Before that fliield did fade, and (udd.iinc fall : 

: And when him lift the rafcall routes appall, ' 

Men into ftones there-with he could trinfmew, 
Andftones to duft, and duftto nouehtatall ; 
And, when him lift the prouder loolces fubdew. 

He would them gazing bhnd, or turne to other hew. 

3^ 

Ne let it feeme, that credence this exceeds: - 

For, he that made the lame, was knownc right well 
To hjue done much more admirable deeds. 
It AffWin was, which whilome did exccU 
All liuing wightes in might of magick fpell ; 
Both Ihicid, and fword, and armour all he wrought 
For this young Prince, when firft to armes he fell ; 
But when he dide, the Faerie Queene it brought 

To Faerie lond, whae yet it may be feene, if fought. 

37 

A gentle youth, his dearely loued Squire, 
His fpeare of Heben wood behind him bare, 
Whofe harmefull head, thrice heatedin the fire. 
Had riven many a brcaft with pikehead (quarc ; 
A goodly perfon, and could menage faire 
His ftubbome ftecd with curbed canon bit. 
Who vnder him did trample as the aire, 
And chauft, that any on hi s backe ftiould fit; 

The iron rowels into frothy fome he bit. 

38 

When as this Knight nigh to the Lady drew. 
With louely court he gan her entertaine ; 
But when he heard her anfwers loth, he knew 
Some fecret forrow did her heart diftraine : 
Which to allay, and calmeher ftormingpaine, 
Faire feeling words he wifely gan difplay, 
Andfor her humour fitting purpofe faine. 
To tempt the caufe it felfc for to bewray ; 

Wherwith emmov'd, thefe bleeding words (he gan to (ay: 

. ?9 
What worlds delight, or ioy of liuing fpeach 

Can heart, fo pmng'd in lea of forrowes deep. 

And heaped with fo huge misfortuncs.reacn J 

The carefull cold beginneth for to creep. 

And in my heart his iron arrow ftecp, 

Soone as I thinke vpon my bitter bale : 

Such helplelTe harmes it's better liidden keepe, 

Then rip vp griefc, where it may not auaile. 

My laft left comfort is, my woes to weep and waile. 
40 

Ah Lady deare, quoth then the gentle Knight, 
Well may I wecnc, your griefe is wondrous great : 
For wondrous great griefe groneth in my fpright. 
Whiles thus I hcare y ou of your forrowes treat. 
But wofull Lady, let me you intreat. 
For to vnfold tne anguirfi of your hart : 
Mishaps are maiftred by adviie difcreet, 
And counfell mitigates the greateft fmart ; 

Foqndneuer help, who neuer would his hurts impart. 

Oibtu 



Cant, F II. 



THE FAERIE Q.VEENE. 



33 



O '■ but (quoin fhcc) great gnefe will not be told, 
And can more ealily be thought, then faid. 
Rightfo (quoth he) buthe, thatneucrwould. 
Could neutr : will to might giues grcateft aide. 
But gricfc (quoth fliet) does greater growe dilplaid. 
If then it find not help, and breeds delpaire. 
Dclpaire breeds not (quoth he) where faith is llaid. 
No faith Co faft (quoth flie) but flelh does paire. 

Flcfli may cmpaire (quotli he) but reafon canrepaire. 
42 

His goodly reafon, and well guided fpeach. 
So deep did fettle in her gratious thought, 
Thather perlwadcd to dilclofe the breach, 
Wliich louc and fortuncin her hart had wrought, 
And faid ; Faire Sir, I hope good hap hath brought 
You to inquire the fecrets of my griefe. 
Or that your wifedome will direft my thought. 
Or that your proweffe can me yield reliefs : 

Then heare the ftoriefad,which I (lull tell you bricfe. 

43 

The forlorne Maiden, whom your eyes haue feene 
Thelaughing ftock of Fortunes mockeries. 
Am tli'only daughter of a King and Queene, 
Whofe Parents deare, whil'ft equall Deitinies 
Did runne about, and their felicities 
Thefauoiu-ableheauens didnotenvic. 
Did (prcad their rule through all the territories 
Which Thifon and Ei/phrates flowetli by. 

And Cebom golden waucs doe wafti continually; 

44 
Till that their cruell curfed enemy, 

An huge great Dragon homble in fight. 
Bred in the loatlily lakes o(T/trtary, 
With murdrous ravine, and deuouring might 
Their kingdome fpoildj and country wafted quight : 
Them(elues, forfeare into his iawes to fall, 
Hce forc't to cafile ftrong to take the^ flight, 
Where faft embardin mighty br.izcn wail. 
He has them now foure yecre? befieg'd to make the thrall. 

4f 

Full many knights adventurous and ftout, 
Haue entcrpnz'd th.u Monftcr to fubdew; 
From euery coafl that heauen walks about, 
Haue thither come the noble Martial! crew. 
That famous hard atchieuemcnts ftill purlew, 
Yet neucr any could that girlond win. 
But all ftill fhrunk, and ftiU he greater grew : 
All they forwantoffaith, orguiltofiiii. 

The pittious pray of his fierce aueltie haue bin. 
46 

At laft, yled with forre reported praife. 

Which flying Fame throughout the world had fpred^ 
Of douotitylknights, whom Faery land did raife. 
That noble order hight of Maidenhed, 
Forth-with to court of G'oriine I fped, 
OfGlorUne, great Queene of glory bright. 
Whole kingdoms feat Cleopoln is red. 
There to obuine (ome fuch redoubted knight. 

That Parents dcare from Tyrants powre deliucr might. 



It was my chance (my chance was fairc and good) 
There for to find a frefli vnprooued knight, 
Whole manly hands inibrew'd in guiky bloui 
Had ncuer beeuj ne euer by his might 
Had throwne to ground the vnre?arded li^lit : 
Yet of his prowclfe proofe he iince hath made 
(I witncfle am) m many a cruell fight ; 
The groning ghofts of many one difmaide 

Haue felt the bitter dint of his avenging blade. 
48 

And yee the forlorne rcliqt'es of his powre. 
Hi s bytmg Iword, and his deuourino; fpearc. 
Which haue endiu-ed many a dreadlull ftowre. 
Can Ipeake his prowelle, that did cirftyou bearc. 
And well could rule : now he hath left you hecre. 
To be the record of his ruefull loffe, 
And of my dolefuUdifaventurous deare : 
O ! heauie record of the good ^edcrojfe. 

Where haue you left your Lord.that could fo wel you tofs ? 

49 
Well hoped I, and faire beginnings had. 

That he my captiuelangour flioul 1 redeemc, 

Tillallvnweeting, anEnchaunterbad 

His fenfe abus'd, and made him to mifdcemc 

My loyaltie, not fuch as it did fecmc ; 

That rather death dcfire, then fuch dcfpight. 

Beiudgeyeheauens, that all things riijhteftceme. 

How I lum lov'd, and loue with all my might, 
So thought I eke of him, and think I tliought aright. 

JO 

Thenceforth, mee defolate he quite forfookc. 
To wander where wildc fortune would me lead, 
And other by waies he himlclfe betooke. 
Where neucr foot of lining wight did tre.id, 
That brought not back die balefuU body dead ; 
In which him chauncedfalfe Duejfa meet, 
Mine onely foe, mine oncly deadly dread. 
Who with her witchcraft and miireeniingiivcet. 

Inveigled him to followe her defires vnmeet. 

Ji 
At laft, by fubtill fleights (hce him betraid 

Vnto his foe, a Giant huge and tall, 

Whohimdifjrmed,di(lblute,difmaid, 

Vnwares furprifcd, and with mighty mall 

The monrter mercilelfe him made to fall, 

Whofefall did neucr foe before behold ; 

And now in d-irkfome dungeon, wretched thrall, 

RemediklTcjfor ,iye he Joth him hold ; 
This IS my caufe of gricfc, more great then may be told. 

Ere (heehad ended all, fhec gin to faint : 
But hee her comforted and faire belpakc, 
Certcs, Mad.xme, ye haue great caufe of plaint. 
That ftouteft heart, I wecne, could c.uilc to qu.Jce. 
But be of checrc, and comfort ro you take : 
For, tilll haue .icquit your captiue Knight, 
AlTure your felfe, I will you not forfake. 
His checrfull words reviv'd her checrlelTe fpright: 

So forth ;hey went, the Dwarfc them guiding euer ri? ht. 

"'Cant. 



34 



THE FIRST BOOKE OF C^nt.Vlll. 





Canto VIII. 

Faire virgin to rede erne her deare 

brings Arthur to the fight : 
who flajes that Giantftaounds the heajij § 

andjirips Duejfa quight. 



g^)CXK^>i^ 





I Y mcc ! how many perils doc enfold 
' The righteous m.m, to make him daily fall ? 
' Were not, that heaucly grace doth him vphold, 
: And ftcdfaft truth acquire him out of all. 
Herloue is firme, her care continuall. 
So oft as hee, through his ownc fooliih pride, 
Or wcakencffcj is to finfull bands made thrall : 
Elfe fhouM this F^dcrojft knight in bands haue dide. 
For whofe deliuerance (he this Prince dodi thither guide. 

I 
They fidly trauaild thus, vntill they came 
Nigh to aCaMebuildedftrongandhic: 
Then cri de the Dvvarfc , Lo, yonder is the fame. 
In which my Lord my licgc doth luckleffe lie. 
Thrall to that Giants hatefuU tyrannie : 
Therefore, deare Sir, your mightie powres aflay. 
The noble knight alighted by and by 
From Icftie fteed, and bade the Lady ftay. 
To fee what end of fight fhould him befall that day. 

So with the Squire, th'admircr of his might. 
He marched forth towaids that caftle wall ; 
Whofe gates he found faft fhut, nc lining wight 
To ward the famcj nor anfwere commcis call. 
Then tooke that Squire an home of bugle fmall, 
Whidi hung adowne his fide in nvifted gold. 
And tjflelsgay. Wide wonders over all 
Of that fame hornes great vertues wcren told. 

Which had approoued been in yfes manifold. 

4 

Was neuer wight that heard that fhrilling found, ^ 
But trembling fcare did fecle in euery vaine ; 
Three miles it mjght be eafie heard around. 
And Ecchoes three anfwerd itfelfeagaine : 
No falfe enchauntmcnr, nor deceitfull traine 
Might once abide the terror of that blaft. 
But prefently was voide and wholly vaine : 
No gate (b ftrong, no lock fo firmeand fafl-, 

Buc with tliat pearcing noile flew open quite, or braf I. 



The fame before the Giants gate he blew, 
That all the Caftle quaked from the ground. 
And eueiy dore of free-will open flew. 
The Giant felfe difoaied withthatfound 
(Where he with his Dueffk dalliance found) 
In halle camcrulhingforthfrominnerbowrc. 
With ftaring count'nance fterne, as one aftound. 
And ftaggering ftcps, to weet what fuddaine ftowre 

Had wrought that horror ftrange, and dar'd his dreaded 

6 (powrcj 

And after him the proude Dueffa came. 
High mounted or her many-headed beaft. 
And euery head with firie tongue did flame. 
And euery head was crowned on his creaft. 
And bloudie mouthed with late cruell feaft. 
That when the knight beheld, hi s mighty (hicld 
Vpon his manly arme he foonc addreft. 
And at him fiercely flew, with coiu-agc fild. 

And eager greedincfle through euery member thrild. 

7 

There-with the Giant buckled him to fight, 

luflam'd with Icornefull wrath and high dif Jaine : 

And lifting vp his dreadfull club on hight. 

All arm'd with ragged fnubbes and knottie graine, 

Him thought at nrft encounter to haue flaine. 

But wife and warie was that noble Pere, 

And lightly leaping from fomonftrousmaine. 

Did faireavoide the violence him nere; 

It booted nought, to think, fuch thunderbolts to beare> 
8 

Ne fham.e hee thought to fhunne fo hideous might : 
The idleftrokc, enforcing furious way, 
Mifllng the marke of his milaymed fight 
Did fall to ground, and with his heauy Iway, 
So deepely dinted in the driuen clay. 
That threeyards deep a furrow vp did throwc : 
The fad earth wounded with (o fore affay. 
Did gronc full grieuousvnderneath the blowe, (Ihowes 

.And trembling with ftrange fcare, did like jn earthquake 

As 



Cant.VllL 



THE FAERIE QVEENE. 



35 



As when almighty loue, i n wradifull mood, 
To wrcaJce the gujtof mortjJl iinnes is bent, 
Hurlcs forth his thundring d jxt with deadly food, 
Enrold in flames, and I'mouldring dreriment. 
Through riuen dowdes and mohen firmament > 
The fierce thiecforked cngin making way. 
Both lofty towres and higheft trees hath rent, 
And all that might his angry palfage (lay, 

And fhooting in the eirth,cafts vp a mount of day. 
lo 

Hisboyftrous dub,fo buried in the ground. 
He could not rearen vp againe (o light, 
But that the Knight him at avantage found, 
And whiles he ftrouc his combred dub to quight 
Out of tlie eanh, with blade all burning bnghc 
He fmoteofthis leftarme, which hke a block 
Did fall to groundj depriv'd of natiue might ; 
Large ftreamcs of bloud out of the trunked ftock 

Forth guflied, like frefh water ftrcamefrom riuen rock. 
II 

Difmaied with fo defperate deadly wound. 
And eke impatient ofvnwonted paine. 
He loudly bra-, d with beaftly yelling found, 
That all the fields rebdlowed againe i 
As ?reat a noy (e , as when in Cymbrian Plaine 
An heard of Bulks, whom kindly r.ge doth fting. 
Doc for the mitkie mothers wairt complaine, 
And fill the fields with troublous bellowing. 

The neighbour woods around with hollow munnunng. 
iz 

That when his deare Vuejja heard, and faw 
The euill ftound that dangir J her eftite, 
Vnto h ; s ayde fhe hafhly did draw 
Her JrcadhiUbeaftiwho fwolne with bloud of late. 
Came raniping forth with proud pre.'umptuous gate. 
And ihreatned all his heads like flaming brands. 
But him the Sauire made quickly to ictrate, 
Encoi'ntring fierce with fingle I word in hand, 

And twiit ium and his Lord did like a bulwarke ftand. 
ij 

The proud Vufffa full of wrathfiill fpight. 
And fierce dildaine to be affronted fo, 
Enforc't her purple beJl with all her might 
That ftop out of the way to ovenhroe. 
Scorning the let of fo vnequallfoe : 
But nathcmore would that contagious fwaine 
To her yid ; paflage, gunil his Lord to j^oe. 
But with outrageous flroakes did him rcftrainc, 
And with his body bard the way atwixt them twainc 

H 

Then tookethe angr\' ^^'itcll her golden cup. 
Which Itill flie lore, replete with magick artes ; 
Death and delpaire did many thereof lup. 
And lecretpoylbn through their inw.ird parts, 
Th'cterruU bale ot he.;uie wounded h^rts ; 
Which, after charmes and fome enchauntments (aid, 
She lightly fprinkled on his weaker parts ; 
Therewith his (hirdie courage foonc was quaid, 

And ill his fenfe* were with fud'daine dread dilhuid. 



So downehefell before the cruellbcaft. 

Who on his neck his bloudv cl iwes did feizc, 
That iife nigh cruflit out of his panting brcaft : 
No powre he had to (lirre, nor will to rile. 
That, when the caiefuJl knight gart weilavilc. 
He lightly left the foe w ith whom he fought. 
And to the beaftgan turne his cntcrprifc ; 
For, wondrous aneuifh in his h.irt it wrought. 

To (ee his loued Squire into fuch thraldomc brought. 
i6 

And high advauncing his bloud-thirftie blade, 
Strooke one of thole deformed heads fo fore. 
That of his puilTance proud enlimpic made ; 
His monftrous fcalpe downe to his teeth it tore. 
And that misformedlhapc misdiaped more : 
A fca of bloud gu(ht from the gaping wound;^ 
That her gay garments ft.u'nd w ith filthy gore. 
And overflowed all the field around ; 

That over ihooes in bloud he waded on the ground. 

17 

Thereat he roared for exceeding paine. 

That to haue heard, great horror would baue bred. 
And Icourgingth'empticayre with his long traine. 
Through greatimpatienceofhisgrieued bed. 
His gorgeous rider from her loftie (led 
Would haue caft downe, and trode in durty mire. 
Had not the Giant foone her fuccoured; 
Who.allenrag'd with fmart and frantickire. 

Came hurtling in fullfierce,andforc't the knight retire. 
18 

The force which wontin two to be di(per(t. 

In one alone left hand he now vnitcs, (erft ; 

V\ hich is through rage more flrong then both were 

With which his hideous club aloft fie i\KS, 

And at his foe with funous rigour fmites, 

That (bongcA Oake might leeme to overthrowe : 

The ftrol:e vj on his (hicld fo heauie lites. 

That to the ground it doubleth him full lowe, 

W'hatmortalhvight could euer beare fo monftrous blowel 

'9 

And in his fall, his (hield that coucr'd was. 
Did loofe his veileby chance, and open flew : 
The light whereof, that heauens light di d pals. 
Such blazing IrlghtnefTe through the aycr threw, 
That eye mote not the fame endure to view. 
Which when the Giant fpidewith flaring eye. 
He downe let fall bis arme, and foft withdrew 
H;s weapon huge, that heaued vas on hie 

For to haue flaine the man,that on tlie ground didlyc 
20 

And ekethefruitflill-headed beaft, amaz'd 
At flafliing beames of that funlluny (hield. 
Became ftarke blind, and all his fenfes daz'd. 
That downe he tumbled on the durtie field, 
And feem'd himfelfe is conquered to yield. 
Whom when his maiOrclfc; proud percciu'd to fall, 
Whiles yet his feeble feet for faintnefle reeld, 
Vnto the Giant loudly (he gan call, 

Ohelpe Or5<>j//(i,helpe,or elfe wepctilh all. 

D. At 



3<^ 



THE FIRST BOOKE OF C^m.VUh 



At her fo pittious cry was much amoou'd 

Her Champion ftoiit, and for to ayde his friend, 

Againe his wonted angry weapon proou'd ; 

But all in vaine : for, he has read his end 

In that bnght fhield, and all thcirforces fpend 

Themfclues in vaine : for, fincc that glauncing fight. 

He hath no powrc to hurt, nor to defend ; 

As, where th'Almightief hghtning broud does light. 

It dammes the dazed eyen, and daunts the fenles quighc 

Whom when the Prince to battel! new addreft. 
And threatning high his dreadfuU ftroke did fee. 
His Iparkling blade about hjs li ead he bleft, 
And imote ort quite his right Icgge by the knee, 
That downehe tumbled; as an aged tree, 
High growing on the top of rocky dift, 
Wiiole hartftnngs witli keene fteelenigh hewen bcj 
The mightv trunk hulfe rent, with r.igged rift 

Doth roll adowne the rocks, andfaliwith fearefull drift. 

Or as a Caftle reared high and round. 
By fubtile cngins and malicious flight 
Is vndermined from the lowed ground. 
And her foundation forc't, and teebled quight. 
At laft, downe falls, and with her heaped hight 
Her haftieruine does moreheauiemakej 
And yields it (elfc vnto the Viftors might; 
Such was this Giants faji^thatleemd to (hake 

Theftedfaft globe of earth, as itfor feare did cjuakc. 
14 

The Knightj then lightly leaping to the pray, 
With mortall fteele him fmote againe fo ibre, 
Thatheadleflc his vnweldy body lay, 
All wallow'd in his owne foule bloudy gore. 
Which flowed from his wounds in wondrous ftorc: 
But foonc as breath out of his breaft did pafs. 
That huge great body which the Guntbore, 
Was vaniiht quite, and of that monftrous mafj 

Was nothing left, but like an empty bladder was. 

If 

Whofe gricuous fall, when falfc Dueffa fpide. 
Her golden cup fhe caft vnto die ground. 
And crowned Mitre rudely threw afide; 
Such pcarcing gricfe her ftubborne hart did wound. 
That (he could not endure that dolefull ftound, 
Butlcauing all behind her, fled away : 
The light-foot Squire her quickly turnd around. 
And by hardmeanes enforcing her to ftay, 

So brought vnto his Lord, as his defcrued pray. 
x6 

The royall Virgin, which beheld from farre. 
In pen(iue plight, and fad perplexitie, 
The whole atvhieucment of this doubtfull vrarre*. 
Came runningfift to greethis viftorie. 
With (ober gladnefle, and mild modeftie, 
Andwithiwcetioyoui cheare him thus befpake; 
Fairebranch of noble(re,flowre of cheualric. 
That with your worth the world amazed make. 

How (hall I quite the p.iincs y e fuffcr for my lake \ 



And you frefli bud of vertue fpringing fail, 

Whom thefe (ad eyes (aw nigh vnto deaths dore, 
What hath poorc Virgin for I'uch pcnll part, 
Where-wich you to reward? Accept tliertforc 
My fimple (elfc, and feruice euermore ; 
And he that high does (it, and all things fee 
With tquall eyes, their nicrites to rcftore, 
Behold whatye this day haue done For mee, 

And what I cannot quite, requite with vluree. 
z8 

But (itii thcheaaens, and your faire handling, 
Haue made you maifter of the field this day, 
Yourfoi tune maifter eke with goucrning, 
And wcUbegun, end all (o well, I pray, 
Nelet that wicked woman fcapc away ; 
For, fliec it is tliat did my Lord beihrall, 
My deareft Lord, and deep in dungeon lay, 
Where he his better daies hath walled all. 

O heare, how pittious he to you for ayde does cali. 

Forth-with he gaue in charge vntohis Squire, 

That fcarlot whore to keepen carefully ; 

Whiles he himfelfe with greedy great defire 

Into the Caftle entred forcibly. 

Where huing creature none he did efpy. 

Then gan he loudly through the houle to call : 

But no man car'd to anlwere to his cry. 

Thcreraigndafolemneiilenceoucrall, 
Nor voice was heard.nor wight was feen in bowreor hall. 

JO 

At laft, with creeping crooked pafe forth came 
An old old man, with beard as white as (Howe, 
That on a ftaffe his feeble ftcps did frame, 
And guide his wearie gatebothtooand fro ; 
For, nis eye fight him failed long ygo : 
And on his arme a bounch of ktyes nebore. 
The which \'nufcd ruft did ouei^rowe : 
Thofe were thekeyes of euery inner dore. 

But he could not them vfe, but kept them ftill in ^XIK4 

But very vncouth fight was to behold 
How he did fafliion his vntowardpafe : 
For,as he forward moov'd his footing old, 
So backward ftill was turnd his wrinkled facei 
Vnlike to men , who eucr as they trace. 
Both feet and face one way arc wont to lead. 
This was the ancient keeper of that place, 
Andfofter-fathtrof theGiantdead ; 

His name I^ara did his nature rightaread. 

H'.s reuerend haires and holy granitic 

The knight much honourd, as befeemed well. 
And sjently askt, where all the people bee, 
Which in that ftately building wont to dwell. 
Who anfwcrd him full loft, he could not tell. 
Againe he askt, where th.it fame Knight wis laid. 
Whom great Or^oglw with his riuflaunce fell 
Had made his c.^ytiue thrall; againe he faid, 

Hecouldnottdl ;xieeuer other anTwere made. 

Then 



Cant, Fill. 



THE FAERIE Q.VEENE. 



57 



Then asked he, which way hee in might pafs : 

He could not tell, aqaine he anfwereJ. 

Thereat tlic curteous Knight djlpleafedwas, 

And Taid, Old lire, it leemes thou haft not red 

How ill it fits with that fame filvcr hed 

In vaine to mock, or mockt in vaine to bee : 

But if thou bcj as iliou art pourtrahed 

With natures pen, in r.gcsgrauc degree, 
Areadein grauer wile, what I demaundof thee. 

34 

His anfwere hkewife wasj he could not tell. 
Whofe ftnfcleflefpeechj and dotedignorance 
When as the noble Prince had markedwell. 
He ohcft his namre by his countenaunce, 
And cilnid his wrath with goodly temperance. 
Then to him ftepping.from his orme did reach 
Thofe keves, and made himfelfe free enterance. 
Each dote he opened without any breach ; 

There was no barre to ftopj nor foe Iiim to impeach. 

There all within fiill rich arrayd hefound, 
With royall arras and relplendentgold. 
And did with ftore of euery thing abound, 
Tlutgreateft Princes prelence might behold. 
But all the floorc (too filthy to be told) 
With bloud of guiltlefle babes, andinnocents true. 
Which there wtre flainej as flieepc out oflhe fold. 
Defiled was, that dreadfull was to view. 

And facred aflies ouer it was ftrowed new. 

And there befide of marble ftone was built 
An Altar, canr'd with cunning imagery, 
On which true Chriftians bloud was often (pilt. 
And holy Martyrs often doen to die, 
With crucU malice and ftrong tyrannie : 
Whofe blciredfprites from vnderneath the ftone 
To Godfor vengeance cride continually. 
And witli ^eat griefe were often heard to grone. 

That hardeft hart wold bleed, to heare their pittious monc. 

37 

Through euery roorhe he fought, and euerj' bowre. 
But no where coidd he find that wofull thrall : 
At laft he came vnto an iron dore. 
That faft was lockt,butkey found not at all 
Emongft that bunch, to open it with all ; 
But in th c fame a little grate was pight, 
Throuoh which he lent his voice, and loud did call 
With all his powre, to weet if lining wight 

Were houfed there within, whom he cnlargen might. 

38 

There-withjan hollow, drejr)', murmuring voycc 
Thefe pittious plaints and dolours did refound ; 
O who is that, which brings me happy choice 
Of death, that heere he dying euery ftound. 
Yet hue perforce in balefull darknclTe bound ? 
For, now three Moones haue changed thrice their hew. 
And haue been thrice hid vnderneath the ground. 
Since I the heauens cheerfidi face did view: 

O welcome thou, that dooft of death bring ty dings true. 



Which when that Champion heard, with pearcino- point 

Of pittie deare his hut was thrilled lore, 

And trembling horroiir r.inne through cuer\' ioynt. 

For ruth cf gentle knight fo foiile foi lore : 

Whidifljakingoff, he rent that ;■ on dore. 

With furious force, and indignation full ; 

Where entred in, his foot could find no flore, 

But all a deepe delctnt, as daike as hell, 
That breathed euer forih a filthy banefull fnicU. 

40 

But neither darkneflcfoule, nor filthy bands. 
Nor noyous fmell his purpofe could with-Iiol J, 
(Entire afFcftion hatcth nicer lands) 
But that with conftant zealc, and courage bold. 
After longpames and labours manifold, 
He found the meancs that Prifohef vp to reare ; 
Whole feeble tliighesjvnable to vpliold 
His pined corfe, him fcarce to light could beare. 

A rueful] fpeftade of deadi and ghaftly dreare. 

41 
His fad dull eyes deep funk in hollow pits, 

Coul J not endure th'vnwonted lunne to view ; 

His bare thincheekes for want of better bits. 

And emptie fides deceiued of their due. 

Could make a ftony hart his hap to rue ; 

His rawbonearmes, whole mighty brawned bowres 

Were wont to riuefteeleplates,i::v helmets hewe. 

Were deane confum'd, and all Ins vitall powres 
Decay "dj andall his flelh flirunk vp like withered flowxes. 

4- 

Whom when his Lady faw, to him (hee ran 
With haftieioy : tofeehim madeh-crglad. 
And fad to view his vifage pale and wm. 
Who earftin flowres of frelheft youth was clad. 
Tho when her well of tcu-es (hee wafted had, 
Sheefaid, Ah deareft Lord ! what euill ft.irre 
On you hath fround, and pourd his influence bad, 
Tliat ofyour fclfe ye thus berobbed arre, 

Andtliis miffeeminghew your rruicly lookes dothmlrre ? 

43 

But welcome now my Lord, in wcle or woe, 
Whofe prcfence I haue lackt too long a day ; 
And fie on Fortune mine avowed foe, 
Whofe wrathfull wreakes themfelues doe now alay, 
And for thefe wrongs flull treble pennance pay 
Of treble good : good growes ofcuils pricfc. 
The checrclelTenian, whom forrowdid chfmay. 
Had no delight to treaten of his gricfe ; 

His long endured famine needed more reliefe. 

44 
Faire Lady, then laid that viftorious knight. 

The things that grieuous were to doe, or beare. 

Them to renew, I wore, breeds no deli?ht ; 

Beft mufick breeds delight in loathing eare : 

But th'onely good, that crowes of pjlfcd fearc, 

Is to be wile, and ware of like agcin. 

This dayes enfample hath tliis leifon dearc 

Deepe written in my heart with iron pen, 
' • Tlut bhffe may not abide in ftatc of inortall men. 

D 1. Hence- 



38 



THE FIRST BOOKE OF 



[ant^ IX, 



4f 

Hencc-forth fir Knight, take to you wonted ftreDgth, 
And maifter thcfe mishaps with patient might ; 
Lo, where your foe lyes ftrctcht in monftrous length: 
And lo, that wicked woman in your fight, 
The roote of all your care, and wretched plight. 
Now in your po wre, to let her liuc, or die. 
T o doe her die (quoth Fna) were defpight, 
^nd fliame t'aven^e fb wcake an enemy ; 

But fpoile her of her fcarlot robe^ and let her fly. 

So, as fhe bade, that Witch they difarraid. 
And robd of royall robes, and purple pajl. 
And ornaments that riclily were dilplaid ; 
Ne fpired they to ftrip her naked all. 
Then when they had dcfpoild her tire and Call, 
Such as (he was, their eyes mi^ht her behold. 
That her misfliapedparcs did them appaU, 
A loathly, wrinkled h.^g, illfauour'd, old. 

Whole fecretfilth, good manners biddeth not be told, 

47 

Her crafty head was altogether bald, 
And (as in hate of honourable eld) 
Was ouer-growne with iciirfe and filthy fcald ; 
Her teeth out of her rotten gummes were feld> 
And her fowre breath abhominably fmeld; 
Her dried dugs, like bladders lacta'ng wind. 
Hung downe,and filthy matterfrom them wcldj 
Her wrizled skin,as rough as Maple rind. 

So fcabby was, tlut would haue loatli'd all womankind. 



Her neather parts, the fhame of all her kind, 
My charter Mule forfhamc doth blufli to write : 
But at her rompe flie growing had behind 
A Foxes taile, with dung all fouly dight ; 
And eke her fcetmoft monftrous were in fifht! 
For,onc of them was like an Eagles claw. 
With griping tal jnts armd to greedy fight. 
The other like a Bearcs vncueu paw : 

More vgly (hape yet ncuer liuing creature faw. 

49 

Wliich when the knights beheld, amaz'dthcy were. 
And wondredat fo foule deformed wight. 
Such then (faid Vna) as (he fccmetli here, 
Suchis thefaccoffal(hood,luchtheiight 
Of foule Dueffa, when her borrowed light 
Is layd away, and counterfefaunce knownc. 
Thus when they had the Witch difrobed quight. 
And all her filthy feature open fliowne. 

They let her goe at will, and wander wayes vnloiowne. 

JO 

She flying faftfrom heauens hatedface, 

And from the world thather difcouer'd wide. 
Fled to the waftfull wildcrneffe apace. 
From liuing eyes her open fhame to hide. 
And lurkt m rocks and Caues longvnefpide. 
But that faire crew of knights, and yna faire. 
Did in that Caftle afterwards abide, 
To reft thcmfelues, and weariepowres repaire. 

Where ftore they found of all, that dainty was and rare. 




Canto IX. 

Hu hues and linage Arthur tells. 
The knights knit friendly bands : 

Sir Treui/an flies from Defpaire, 
Whom RedcroJJ'e knight veithliands. 




Biv^^^^Goodly golden chaine, where-with yfere 
C,/2^^l&^ The vcrtues Hnked are in louely wife : 
And noble minds of yore allied were. 
In braue purfuitof chcualrous emprife. 
That none did others fafctic defpifc, 
Nor aide cnvie to him, in need that ftands. 
But friendly each did others praifedeuife 
How to adv.uince with fauourable hands, (bands. 
As tliis good Prince redecmd the l{edcro/]e knight from 




Who when their powres, cmpaird through labour long. 
With due repaft they had recurcd well, 
And that wcake captiuc wight nov/ wexed ftrong, 
Them lift no lenger there at ley fure dwell. 
But forward fare, as their adventures fell: 
But ere they parted , F'ntt fairebefought 
That ftrangcr knight his name .md nation tell ; 
Lcaftfo great good, as he for her had wrought. 

Should die rnkuowne.and buried be in thanklcfle thought. 

Fiirc 



Cant, IX. 



THE FAERIE QVEENE. 



39 



Fiire virgin (f-ii J the Prince) ye me requ'rc 
A thing without the compjiTe of my wit : 
For, both the linage and the cert.iine Sire 
From which I Iprung, from me arc hidden yet. 
For, all fo foonc as life did me admit 
Into this world, and fhewedheauens light. 
From mothers pap I talcen was vnfit : 
And ftroight deliucr'd to a Faery knight, 

To be vpbroughtin gentle thewcs and Martiall might. 

4 
Vnto old Timon he me brought byliue. 

Old Timon, who in youthly yecres hath been 

In warhke feates th'experteft man oliue. 

And is the wifeft now on earth I ween > 

His dwelling is lowc in a valley green, 

Vnder the f oote oiS^uran moflie hore. 

From whence the riucr Dee as filuer cleen 

His tumblingbillowes rolls with gentle rore : 
There all my daycs he traind mevp in vertuous lore. 

Thither the great Magician Merlin came. 
As was his vie, oft-times to vifit mee : 
For he had charge my difciphne to &ame, 
AndTutours neurit urc to ovcrfec. 
Him oft and oft I askt in priuitie, 
Ofwhatloines and what linage I didfpringt 
Whofe aunRvcrc bade me itill aflured be. 
That I was fonne and hcirc vnto a king, 

As time in her iuft tame the truth to light Ihould bring. 

Well worthy impe, faid then the Lady gent. 
And Pupill fit for fuch a Tutours hand. 
But what adventure, or what high intent 
Hath brought you hither into Faery land, 
Aread Prince Arthur, crowne of Martial! bond f 
Full hard it is (quoth hee) to readc aright 
The courfe ot heaucnlv caufe, or vnderftand 
The f ecret meaning of th"ctcmall might, (wight. 

That rules mens waves, and rules the thoughts of liuing 

7 

For, whether he through fatal! deepe forefght 
Mee hither fent, for caufe to me vngheft. 
Or that frclh bleeding wound, which day and night 
Whilome doth rankle m my riven breft^ 
With forced fur)' following his bcheft, 
Mc hither brought by wai cs yet ntuer found. 
You to hauehelpt I hold my lelfeyetbleft. 
Ah curtcous knight (quoth (hee) what (ecret wounJ 

Could cuer find, to gncue the gentleft hart on oround ? 
8 

Dcaie Dame (quoth hee) you (leeping fparfcs awake. 
Which troubled once, into huge flames willgrowe, 
Nc euer will their feruent furie flake. 
Till liuing moillure into Irnooke doe flowe. 
And wafted Ufe doe lie in a(hcs lowe. 
Yet lithence {ilence lelTeneth not my fire 
(But told, it fl .mes ; and hidden, it docs glowe) 
I will reuealc what ye lo much defire : 

/Ui Louc, ky <li)wne thy bowc, the whiles I may relpire. 



It was in frefheft flowre of youthly ycares. 

When courage firft does crcepe in manly chcft. 

Then firft the coale of kindly heate appeares 

To kindlclouc in euerv huing breft ; 

But mehadworn'dold T/OTonjwifebehcft, 

Thofe creeping flames by reafon to lubdue. 

Before their rage grewe to lo great vnreft. 

As miferable loucrs v(e to rue. 
Which ftill wex old in woe, whiles woe ftill wcieth new, 

lo 
That idle name of loue, and louers life, 

As lolfe of time, and vertues enemy 

I euer fcornd, andioy'd to ftirrc vp ftrife. 

In middclt of theirmoumfull Tragedy, 

Ay wont to laugh, when them I heard to cry. 

And blowe the fire, which them to Alhes brent : 

Their God himlelfe.griev'd at my libertie, 

Shot many a dart at mee with fierce intent. 
But I them wjjded all with wane goucrnmcnt. 

II 
But all in vaine : no fort can be fo ftrong, 

Ne fle(hly breaft can armed be fo found, 

But will at laft be wonne with battry long. 

Or vnawares at difavantage found ; 

Nothing is (ure, that growes on eanhly ground ! 

And who moft tniftes in arme of flefhly might, 

And boafts ,in beauties chaine not to be bound. 

Doth fooneftfall in difaucntrous fight. 
And ycclds his caitiueneckto viftors moftdcfpight. 

iz 
Enfample make of him your hapIelTe ioy. 

And of my fclfe now mated.as ye fee ; 

Whofe prouder vaunt, tliat proude avenging boy 

Did foone pluck downe, and curb'd my liberty. 

For.on a day, prickt fortli with iolLity 

Of loofer lire, and heate of hardiment. 

Ranging die foreft wide on courier fi ee. 

The fields, the floods, die heaucns with one conftnt 
Didfeeme tolaugh on me, and fauour mine intent. 

»J 

Fore-wearied with my fports, I did alight 

From lofty fteed , and downe to fleepe me laid ; 
The verdant graflemy couch did goodly dight. 
And pillow was my helmet faire difplaid : 
Whiles eueryfenfethehumourfweetembayd, 
And flumbring (oft my hart did fteale away. 
Me fccmed by my fide a royall Maid 
Her dainty limbs full fof tly downe did lay : 

So faire a creature yet law neuer (unny day. 

'4 

Moft goodly glee and louelybljndidiment 

She to me made, and bade me loue her deare ; 

For, dearely lure her loue was to me bent. 

As when iuft time expired (hould appcare. 

But, whether drcamcs delude, or true it were. 

Was neuer hart (o ravi/ht with dt light, 

Ne liuing man like words did euer lieare. 

As lliec to me deliuer'd all that night ; 
And at her parting (ajd,Shec Qucene of Faeries hi^ht. 

D J. " When 



40 



THE FIRST BOOKE OF 



[^ant. IX* 



If 

VVhcn I awoke, and found her place devoid. 
And nought butprefled grafV where (he hadlyen, 
I rorrowed all fo much, as e-uft I ioy'd, 
And wafhed all her place with watry eycn. 
From that day forth I lov'd that face divine ; 
From that day forth I caft in carefuU mind. 
To fcelce her out with labour andlong tine, 
Amc neuer vow to reft, till her I find. 

Nine moneths I feekc in voine, y et ni'll that vow vnbind. 
i6 

Thus as he (pake, his vifage wexed pale. 

And change of hew great paflion did bewray ; 
Yet ftiil he ftroue to cloake his inward bale. 
And hide the fmoake that did his firedifplay. 
Till gentle Fna tlius to him gan f^iy ; 
O happy Queene of Facnes, that haft found 
Mong) t many , one that w i th his proweffe may 
Defend thine honour, and thy foes confound: 

True louts ne often fowne, but fildom grow on ground. 
17 

Thine, 6 thcn,faid the gentle Hedcrofft knight. 
Next to that Ladies loue (liall be the place, 
Ofaireft virgin, full of heauenly light, 
Whole wondrous faith, exceeding earthly race. 
Was firmcil fixt in mine extreomeft ca(e. 
And you my Lord, the Patrone of my hfe. 
Of that great Queene may well goine worthy grace : 
For, oncly worthy you, through proweffe prief e 

If liiung man m ote worthy be, to be her liefe. 
18 

So, diuerfly difcourfing of tlieirloues. 

The golden Sunne his gliftring head gan fhew. 

And lad remembrance now the Prince amoues. 

With frefh defire his voyage to purfew : 

Als Fna earnd her trauaile to renew. 

Then thole two Knights, fall friendfhip for to bind, 

And loue eftablilh each to other true, 

Gaue goodly gifts, thefignes ofgratefullmind, 

And eke the pledges firme, right hands together ioynd. 

19 

Prince Arthur gmt a box of Diamond fure, 
Embowd with gold and gorgeous ornament. 
Wherein were clos'd few drops of liqnor pure. 
Of wondrous worth, andvertue excellent. 
That any wound could hcale incontinent : 
Which to requite, the I{edcroffe Icnight him gaue 
A booke, wherein his Sauiours teftament 
Was writ with golden 1 etters rich and braue ; 

A worke of wondrous grace, and able foules to faue. 
20 

Thus been they parted, Arthur on his way 
To fceke his loue, and th'other for to fight 
With y tines foe, that all her realme did prey. 
Butlhe now weighing the decayed plight. 
And Ihrunkcn finewts of herchofenknighr. 
Would not a while herforward courfe purfew, 
Ne bring him forth in face of dread full fight. 
Till he recouer'd had his former hew : 

For, him to be yet wcake and wearie.well (lie knew. 



So as they trauaild, lo, they gan efpy 

An armed knight towards them gallop fall, 
That fccmed trom lome feared foe to fly. 
Or other grieflv thing, that him agaft. 
SuU as he fled, his eye was backward caft. 
As if his feare ftill followed him behind ; ' 
Als flewhis fteed, as he his bands had braft. 
And with his winged hecles did tread the wind. 

As hee had been a foale oiTe^nfiu his kind. 

21 

Nigh as he drew, they mightpcrceiuehis head 
To be vnarm'd, and curld vncombed haires 
Vpftaring ftifFe, difmaid with vncouth dread ; 
Nor drop of bloud in all his face jppcares. 
Nor life in limbe : and to increale his feares, 
In foule reproche of knighthoods faire degree. 
About his neck an hempen rope he weares. 
That with his gliftring armes does ill agree ; 

But he of rope or armes has now no memorie. 

H 

The I{edcrojJe knight toward him croffed faft. 
To wect what mifter wight was fo difmaid : 
There him he finds all lenfeleffe and agaft. 
That of him felfe he leemd to beafraid ; 
Whom hardly he from flying forward ftaid. 
Till he thefe wordes to him deliuer might ; 
Sir knight, aread who hatJi ye thus arraid. 
And eke from whom make ye this hafty flight : 

For, neuer knight I law in fuch miffeeming pUght. 
24 

He anfwerd nought at all; but adding new 
Feare to lus firft amazement, flaring wide 
With ftony eyes, and hartltffe hollow hew, 
Aftoni(ht ftood,as one that had elpide 
Infernillfuries, with their chaines vntide. 
Him yet againe, and yet againe befpake 
The gentle knight ; who nought to him replide, 
But trembling euery ioynt didinly quake, ((hake. 

And foltring tongue at laft thele words feem'd foorth Co 

For Gods deare loue. Sir Knight, do me not ftay i 
For loe, he comes, he comes faft after mee. 
Eft looking back,would faine haue ruiine away 5 
But he him forc't to ftay, and tellen free 
Thefecretcaufeofhis perplexitie : 
Ytt nathemore by his bold hartic (pecch. 
Could his bloud-frozen hart emboldned bee ; 
But through hi s boldnelTe rather feare did reach : 

Yet forc't, at laft he made through filence fuddaine breach. 

2(5 

And am I now in fafctie fure (quoth he) 

From him, that would haue forced me to die J 
And IS the point of death now turnd firo me. 
That I may tell this hjpleffehiftory } 
Feare nought (quoth he) no danger now is nie i 
Then (hall [ you recount a ruefuU cafe 
(Said he) tlic which with this vnluckie eye 
I late beheld, and had not greater grace 

Me rcit from it, had been partaker of the place. 

Ilates- 



Cant, IX, 



THE FAERIE QVEENE. 



41 



27 

I lately chaunc't (would I had neiier cliaunc't) 
With 1 faire Knight to kcepcn compaivce, 
Sir Tenvin hight^ that well himklfe advaunc't 
In all affaires, and was both bold and free, 
But not fo happy as mote happy bee : 
He lov'dj as wis his lot, a Ladic gent, 
That him a^aine lov'd in the leait degree : 
For, fliee was proud, and of too high intent. 

And ioyd to fee her louer languifli and lament. 
18 

From whom returning fad and comfortleffe. 
As on the way together we did fare, 
We met that nllaine (God from him mcblefle) 
That ciufed wightj from whom I fcap't whyleare, 
A man of hell, that wis himjelfe Dejpaire : 
M'ho firft vs greets,and after faire arecdes 
Of ty dings ftrange, and of adventures rare : 
So creeping dole, as Snake in hidden weedcs, 

Inquireth of our ftates, and of our knightly deedcs. 
29 

Which when he knew, and felt our feeble harts 
Emboft with bale, and bitter byting griefe. 
Which loue had launced with his deadly darts. 
With wounding words and termes of foule repriefcj 
He pluckt from vs all hope of due rehefe. 
That earft vs heldin loueof lingring life ; 
Then hopelefle,hartlcfle,gan the cunning thicfe 
Perfwade vs die, to flint all further ftrife : 

To me he lent this rope, to him a rultie knife. 

With which fad inftrument of haftie death. 
That woefull louer, loathing lenger light, 
A wide way made to let foith Lining breath. 
But I morefearefull, or more luckie wight, 
Difmayd with that deformed difnuU fight. 
Fled fart away, halfe dead with dying teare : 
Ne y et affur'd of life by you. Sir Kmght, 
Wli ofe like infirmitie like chaunce mav beare : 

But God you neuer let his charmed fpeectes heare. 

How may a man (faid hce) with idle fpeach 
Be wonne, to (poile the Caftle of his health ? 
I wote (quoth he) whom triall late did teach. 
That like would not for all this worldes wealth : 
His fubtill tongue, hke droppinghonny, mealt'h 
Into the hart, and fearcheth cuery vaine. 
That ere one be aware, by fecret ftealth 
His powrc is reft, and weaknelTe doth remaine. 

1 neuer Su defire to try hisguilefiilltraine. 

Certes (faid he) hence fliall I neuer reft. 

Till I that treachours art haue heard and tride ; 
And you Sir Knight, whole name mote Ircquelt, 
Of grace doe me vnto his cabin guide. 
I that hight Treuifan (quoth he) will ride 
(Againftmy liking) back, to doeyou grace : 
But not for gold nor glee will I abide 
By you, when ye arriue in that fame place ; 

For leuer had I die, then fee his deadly face. 



Ere long they come, where that fame wicked wight 
FIis dwelling has, lowe in an hollow Cauc, 
Farre vndtrneath a craggy cliftypigiit, 
Dark, doleful), dreorie, like a greedy Graue, 
That ftill for carrion c^rcales doth crauc : 
On top whereof aye dwelt the gaftly Ovvlc, 
Shrieking his baleful! note, which cuerdraue 
Farrc from that haunt all orhcr chearfuU fowlc ; 

And all about it wandring ghofts did vvaile and howle. 

And all about, old ftocks and ftubs of trees. 
Whereon nor fruit, nor leafe was cutr feene. 
Did hang vpon the ragged rockie knees ; 
On which had many wretches hanged bcencj 
Whofe carcafes were fcattered on the Greene, 
And throwne about the clifts. Arriued there. 
That bare-head knight.for dread and dolcfull teenc. 
Would fainehaue fled, ne durft approchen nearc : 

But th'other forc't him ftay , and comforted in f core. 

That darkfomc Caue they enter, where they find 
That curfed man , lowe fitting on the ground. 
Muling full fadly in his fullen mind ; 
Hi s gricfic locks , long growen , and vnbound, 
Difordred hung about his Ihouldcrs round. 
And hid his face ; through which his hollow eyne 
Lookt deadly dull, and itared as aftound ; 
His raw-bone cheeks,thronghpcnurie and pine, 

Were flirunke into his iawes, as he did neuer dine. 

His garment,nought but many ragged clouts, 
With thornes together pind and patciied was. 
The which his naked fides he wrapt abouts ; 
And him befide there lay vpon the grafs 
A drearie coife, whofe life away did pafs. 
All wallowd in his ownc yet lukc-warme bloud. 
That from his wound yet welled frelh alas ; 
In which a ruftie knife faft fixed ftood. 

And made an open palTage for the gufliing flood. 

Which pittious (peftaele, approuing true 
The wofuU tale that Treiafan had told. 
When as die gentle ^edcroffe knight did view, 
With fine zeale he burnt in courage bold. 
Him to avenge, before his bloud were cold. 
And to thcviUaineCiid, Thou damned wight. 
The author of this faft, we hccrc behold. 
What iuftce can but iudge againrt thee right, (fightV 

With thine owne bloud to price his bloud, heere filed in 

J8 
What frantick Et (quoth he) hatli thus diftraught 

Thee, foofidi man, fo raih a doome to gine ? 

What iufticeeuer other iudgement taught. 

But he lliould die, who merits not to hue ? 

None clfc to death this man dclpayring driuc. 

But his owne guiltie mind defcruing death. 

Is then vniuft to each his due to giue ? 

Orletliim die, thatloathethliuing breath? 
Or let him die at eafe, that liucth hcerc vneath ; 

D4. Whc 



41 



THE FIRST BOOKE OF 



^4»/. IX. 



19 

Who trauels by the weary wandring way, 
To come vnto his wiflied home in hafte. 
And meets a flood, thit doth l^ispaflageftay, 
] J not oreat grace to help him over part, 
Or ftecnis feet, that in tlie mire fticfee faft ? 
Moft envious man, that gricues at neighbours good. 
And Ibnd, that ioy eft in the woe thou haft, 
Wly wilt not let him pafle, that long hath flood 

VjJon the banke^ yet wilt thy felfe not paffe the flood ? 
40 

Hec there does now enioy eternall reft 

And happy eale, which thou dooft want and craue. 
And further from it daily wandereft : 
What if (ome little painc the paflagc hauc. 
That makes fraile flefh to feare the bitter waue ? 
Is not fhort paine well borne, that brings long eafe. 
And layes the foule to fleepe in quiet graue i 
Sleepe after toile, port after ftomiie leas, 

Eafe after warre, death after life does greatly picafe. 

The Knightmuch wondred at his fuddaine wit. 
And laid, The terme of life is limited, 
Ne may a man prolong, nor Ihonen it ; 
The fouldier may not mouefrom watchful! fted. 
Nor leaue his ftand, vntill his Captainebed. 
Who life did limit by almighty doome 
(Quoth hee) knowes beft the termes eftabliflied ; 
A nd hee, that points the Ccntoncll his roome. 

Doth licenfe him depart at (bund of morning droome. 
41 

Is not his deed what euer thing is donne. 
In heauen and earth ? did not heeall create 
To die agiine ? all ends that was begunue. 
Theirtimes in his eternall booke of fate 
Are written fure, and haue their certiinc date. 
Who then can ftriue with ftrong neceffitie. 
That holds theworldinhis ftilTchangingftate, 
Or ftiun the death ordaind by dcftinie ? (why. 

When hourc of death is come, let none askc whence, nor 

43 

The lenger life, I wotetlie greater fin f 
The greater fin, the greater punidiment : 
All thofe great battels, which thou boafts to win. 
Through ftrife.and bloudftied, and avengement. 
Now praifd, heereaftcr deare thou (halt repent : 
For, life mult life, and bloud mull bloud repay. 
Is not enough thy euill life forefpent ? 
For hee, that once hath miffed the right way. 

The further he doth goe, the further he doth (bay. 

44 
Then doe no further goe, no further ftray, 

Butheerelie downe, and to thyreft betake. 

Thill to preuentjthat hfe enfewen may. 

For.what hath life, that may it loued make. 

And glues not rather caufe it to forfake ? 

Feare, ficknede, age, lolTe, labour, forrow,(hife, 

Paine, huncrtr, cold, that makes the hart to quake ; 

And euer fickle fortune rageth rife, 
All which, and thoufands mo, do make a loathfome life. 



4f 

Thou, wretched man^of death haftgreateft need. 
If in true ballance thou wilt weigh thy ftate : 
For, neuer knight that dared warlike deed. 
More lucklelTe dilaventures did amatc : 
Witnelle the dungeon deepe, wherein of late 
Thy life (hut vp, tor death lo oft did call; 
And though good lucke prolonged luth thy date. 
Yet death then would the like mishaps foreftill. 

Into the which heereafter thou maieft happen fall. 
46 

Why then dooft thou, 6 man of fin^ defire 
To draw thy dayes forth to their laft degree ? 
Is not themealiire of thy finfuU hire 
High heaped vp with huge iniquitic, 
Againft the day of wrath, to burden thee ? 
Is not enough, that to this Ladie mildc 
Thou failed haft thy faith with periune. 
And fold thy felfe to ferae Diteffa vilde. 

With whom in all abufe thou haft thy fclfedcfilde f 
47 

Is not he iuft, that all this doth behold 

From higheft heauen, and beares an equall eye ? 

Shall he uiy finnes vp in his knowledge fold. 

And guiltie be of thine impietie ? 

Is not his Law, Let eucry finner die : 

Die (hall all flelh ? what then muft needs be donne. 

Is it not better to doe willingly. 

Then linger, uU the glaflc be all out nume ? 

Death is the end of woes : die foone, 6 Faeries fonne. 
48 

The knight was much enmoued with his fpeach. 
That as a (words point through his hart did pcarce. 
And in his confcience made a Tecret breach. 
Well knowing true all, that hee did reherfe. 
And to his frefh remembrance did reuerfe 
The vgly view of his deformed crimes. 
That ^1 his manly powres it did difperfe. 
As hee were charmed with inchaunted rimes. 

That oftentimes he quakt,and fainted oftentimes. 

49 
In which amazement, when the Mifcreant 
Perceiued hi m to wauer weake and fraile. 
Whiles trembling horror did his confcience daflt. 
And helli(h anguifti did his foide iSsilti 
To driue him to defpaire,and quite to quaile. 
He (hew'd him painted in a table plaine. 
The damned gnofts, that doe in torments waile. 
And thoufand fiends that doe them endle(re painc 
With fire and brimftone, which for euer (hall rcnume. 

The fightwherof fo throughly him difmaid. 
That nought but death before his eyes he (aw. 
And euer burning wrath before him laid. 
By righteous fentencc of th'Almighries law : 
Then gan the villaine him to oucrcraw, 
And brought vn to him (words, ropes , poylbn, fire» 
And all that mighthim to perdition draw ; 
And bade him chufe, what death he would defire : 

For death was d^e to him, that had prouokt Gods ire.> 



But 



Citfttt Xm 



THE FAERIE QVEENE. 



45 



But when as none of them he faw him take. 
He to him raught a dagger fharpe and kccne. 
And gaue it liim in hand : his hand did quake. 
And tremble hkea leafe of Afpin grecnc, 
And troubled bloud through his pale face was feenfi 
To come and goc ; with tydings from the hart. 
As it a running mclTcnger had bcenc. 
Atlaft,refolv'd to worke his finallliTiart, 

He lifted vp his hand, tliat backe againe did ftart. 

VVhichwhenas f^na faw, through euery vainc 
The crudlcd cold ran to her well oHifc, 
As in a fwoune : but foone relieu'd againe. 
Out of his hand flie fnatcht the curfed knife^ 
And threw it to the ground, enraged rife, 
And to him faid, Fi c, fie , faint harted knight, 
Whatmeanefl thou by this reprochcfuU ftrife ; 
Is this the battell, winch thou vaunt'ft to fight 

VVitli that fire-mouthed Dragon, horrible and bright ? 



ComejCome away, fraile, liliy, fleflily wight, 
Ne Ictvaine words bewitch thy manly hart, 
Ne dcuilifh thoughts difmay thy conftant fpfight. 
In heauenly mercies haft thou not a part ? 
Why fllould'lt thou then delpaire,that chofcn art ? 
Where iufticegrovves, there growcs ckc prcatcr grace. 
The which doth quench the brond of hellilli Imart^ 
And thataccurft hand-wntmg doth deface: 

Arile, Sir Knight, arife, and leauc this curfed place. 

54 

So vp he rofe, and thence amounted llreight. 
Which when the Carle beheld, and law his gueft 
Would fafe depart, for all his fubtile fleight. 
He chofe an halter from among the reft. 
And with it hung himfclfc, vnbid, vnblcft. 
But deatli he could not worke himfelfe thereby ; 
For thoufand times he fo himlelfe had dreft. 
Yet nathelclTeit could not doc him die, 

Till he fliould die his laft, that is eternally. 





Canto X. 

Her fait hf till knight f aire Vna brings 

to hottfe 0f Holitiejjey 
where he is taught repentance ^ and 

the way to heauenly hleffe. 






s Hat man is he, thatboafts of flefhiy might, 
' And vaine affurance of mortality , 
L Which all I'ofoone.asitdoth come to fight 
' Ag linft fpirituall foes, y eclds by and by, 
b Or from the field moft cowardly doth fly ? 
Nclettheminafcribeittolusskill, 
That thorough grace hath gained viftory. 
If any ftrength we hauc, it is to ill, 
But all the good is Gods j both power and eke will. 

i 
By thatwhichlatcly hapncd, Vna faw. 

That this her knipht was feeble, and too famt ; 
And allhis fincwes woxenwcakcandraw, 
Throughlongimprifonment, and hard conftraint. 
Which he endured in his late reftraint. 
That yet he was vnfit for bloudie fight : 
Therefore to cherifh liimwith diets daint. 
She cafl to bring him, where he chearcn might, 
TUl he recouercd had his Ute dccaied pHght. 



There was an ancient houfe notfarfe awav, 

R enowm'd throughout the world for facred lore, 

And pure vnfpottcd life : f o \vell they fay 

It goucrnd was, and guided eucrmorc 

Through wifedome of a Matronc gr;uc and hore ; 

M'hofe onelyioy was to relieuc the needs 

Of wretched (oulcs, and help the helplellc pore : 

Ad night (he fpcnt m bidding of her bcdesj 

And all die day in dooing good and godly dcedes* 

4 
Dame CtVm men did her call, as thought 

From heauen to come^or thithtr to arife, 

The mother ot three daughters well vpbroiight 

In goodly thewes,and godlv cxcrcife : 

The cidcft two moft fobcr, ch.ift, and wife, 

Fidelia and J^sMnTy virgins were, 

Though fpous'd, yet wanting wedlocks folemnizc; 

But faire Chariffa to a louclv fecre 
Was linkcd,aiid by hiiji had many pledges deerc. 

Arriued 



44 



THE FIRST BOOKE OF 



Canu X. 



Arriucd there, tliedorc tlicy finH fiftlockt; 
For it ^vas vv.ircly watched night -ind day, 
For feare of many foes : but when they knockt. 
The Porter opened vnto them ftraight way : 
He was an aged Sire, all hory gray, 
With lookc's full lowcly caft, and gate full flowe, 
Wont on a /lafFe his feeble ftcps to ftay, 
Hjght Humilta. They pafc in ftouping lowe ; 

Fjr ftraight and narrow was the way, which he did (liowe. 
6 

Each goodly thing is horded to begin : 
But entred in, a I'pacious court they fee, ■ 
Both pl.iine, and pleafant to be walked in. 
Where them does meete a Franklin faire and free, 
And entertaines with comely courteous glee, 
His name was Zele. that him right well became ; 
For, in liis fpecches and bchauiour hee 
Did labour liuely to exprclTe the fame. 

And gladly did them guide, till to the Hall they came. 

7 

There fairely themreceiues a gentle Squire, 
Ofmildedemeanure,andrarecourtefie, 
Right cleanly clad in comelv fad attire ; 
In word and deed thatfliew'd great modeftie. 
And knew his good to all of each degree, 
Hight l^yerence. Hee them with fpeeches meet 
Does faire entreat; no courting nicetie. 
But fimple true, and eke vnfaincd fweet. 

As might become a Squire fo grcatperfons to greet. 
8 

And afterwards them to his Dame he leades. 
That aged Dame, the Lady of the place : 
who all this while was bufie at her beades : 
Which docn, (he vp arofc with feemly grace. 
And toward them full matronely did pale. 
Wh:re, when thatfaireft/^n<i (he beheld^ 
Whom well (he knew to fpring from hcauenly race. 
Her hart with ioy vnwonted inly fweld, 

As feeling wondrous comfort in her weaker eld. 

9 

And her em.bracing faid, 6 happy earth. 
Whereon thy innocent feet doe euer tread, 
Moftvcrtuous virgin, borne of heauenly birth. 
That to redeeme thy woefull Parents head. 
From Tyrantsrjge, and euer-dying dread. 
Haft wandred through the world now long a day ; 
Yet ceafeft not thy wearie foles to lead. 
What grace hath thee now hither brought this way ? 

Or doen thy feeblefcetvnwceting hither ftr ay ; 

10 

Strange thing it is an errant Kni^Iitto fee 
Hecre in this place, or any ouier wight, 
TLxt hither turncshis fteps. So fewe there bee 
That chufe the narrow path, or feeke the right : 
All fceepe the broade high way, and take delight 
With many rather for to goe aftray , 
And be partakers of their euill phght, 
Th en with a ft we to walke the nghteft way ; 

O fooli(h men i why hafte ye to your owne decay ? 



Thy fclfc to fee, and tyred limbs to red, 
O matronc (age (quoth (he) I hither came, 
And this good Knight his way with meaddrc(l. 
Led with thy praiies and broad-blazed fame, 
That vp to heauen is blowne. The ancient Dame, 
Him goodlv greetc i in her modcft guife, 
And eiitcrtaindthcin both, as bcft became, 
VV;th all the court'fies that (lie could deuife, 

Ne wanted ought, to Ihcw her bountious or wife. 
II 

Thus as they gan of fundry things deuife, 
. Lo,two moftgoodlyvirgms cameinplacc, 
Ylinked armc in arme in louely wife, 
With countenaunce demure, and modeft grace, 
They numbred euen fteps, and equal! pafe : 
Ofwhich the eldeft, that f;(ie//<ihight. 
Like fanny bcames threw from her Cryftall face. 
That could haue daz'd the ra(h beholders (ight, 

And roufid about her head did (hine like heauens light. 

Shee was arraied all in lilly white. 

And in her righ t hand bore a cup of gold. 

With wine and water fild vp to the night. 

In which a Serpent did himfelfe enfold. 

That horrour made to all that did behold ; 

But (he no whit did change her conftant mood : 

And in her other hand (lie faft did hold 

A booke,that was botli fignd and feald witli blood. 

Wherein darke things were writ, hard to be vnderftood. 

Her youiiser Sifter, that SferanXa hight, 
■ VVas clad in blewe, that her be(eemed well; 
Notallfo cheareftill feemed (he ofiight, 
As was her (i(^er ; whether dread did dwelli 
Or angui(h in her hart, is hard to tell : 
Vpon her arme a lilver anchor lay. 
Whereon (he leaned euer, as befell :' 
. And euer vp to heauen, as (he did pray. 
Her ftedfaft eyes were bent, ne fwarved other way. 

I? 

They feeing Vna, towards her gan wend. 
Who them encomiters with like courtefie ; 
Many kindfpeeches tlicy between them (pend, 
And greatly ioy each other well to fee : 
Then to the Knight with (liamefaft modeftie 
They turne themfelues, itVnaei meeke requeft. 
And him falute with well befeeming glee ; 
Who faire them quitcs, as him beleemed beft. 

And goodly can difcourfe of many a noble geft. 

Then fna thus ; But (he your fifter dearc. 
The deare Charijfa, where is (he become ? 
Or wants (he health, or bufie is elfewhere ? 
Ah no, (aid they, butforth (he may not come : 
For (he of late is lightned of her wombe, 
And hath encreaft the world with one fonne more, 
Thather to fee (liould be but troublelome. 
Indeed (quoth (lie) that (hould be trouble fore. 

But tliankt be God , and her cncreafe fo euermorc. 

Then 



Cant, X, 



THE FAERIE QVHENE. 



M 



Then (aid the aged CocXU, Deire Dame, 
And you good Sir, I wote that of your toyle, 
And labours long, through which ye hither canie> 
Ye both tbnvearicd be : therefore a while 
I read you reft, and to your bowTcs recoylc. 
Then calkd fliee a Groome, that forth hitnled 
Into a goodly lodge, and gan defpoile 
Ofpuiilantannes, and laid m eafie bed ; 
His name was meeke Oheiieme rightfully ojed. 

i8 
Now when their wearie liinbes with kindly reft. 
And bodies were refteftit with due repaft, 
Faire Viut gan Fidelia faire requeft 
To haue her Knight into her Schoole-houfe plac'tj 
That of her heaucnly learning he might tafte. 
And heare the wifedome of her words divine. 
She granted, and that Knightfo much agrac't. 
That flie him taught celefhall dilciphne. 
And opened his dull eyes, that light mote in them (hine. 

»9 

And thatheTfacredBooke,withbloudywnt, 

That none could read, except (he did them teach. 
She vnto him difcloled euery whit. 
And heauenly documents thereout did preach. 
That weaker wit of man could neuer reach, 
OiGod, of grace, of iuftice, of free will. 
That wonder was to heorc her goodly (peach : 
For, (hee was able with her words to kill. 

And raife againe to life the hart, that /he did thrill, 
zo 

And, when (he bftpoure out her larger fpright. 
She would commaund the haftie Sunne to ftay. 
Or backward tume his courfe from hcauens hightf 
Some-times great hoftes of men (he could difmay : 
Dry-fl>od to pa/Tc, (hepans the flouds in tway ; 
And eke huge Mountaines from their natiue feat 
She would commaund, thimfelues to beare away. 
And throwe in raging fea with roaring threat. 

Almighty God her gaue liich powre,& puilTance great. 
II 

The faithful! knight now grew in little (pace. 
By hearing her, and by her (ifters lore, 
To luch perie£lion of all heauenly grace, 
That wretched world he ?an for to abhore. 
And mortall life gan loath , as thing forlore, 
Greeu'd with rcmtmbrance of his wicked waiet. 
And prickt with angu:(h ofhis (innes fo fore. 
That he delir'd to end his wretched daies : 

So much the dart of (infull guilt the fouledifmaies. 
zz 

But wife SperanXa gaue him comfort (\veet, 
And taught him how to take aflured hold 
Vpon her (iiuer Anchor ,as was meet ; 
ElfchadhisfiJineslo great and manifold. 
Made him forget all that Tidelta told. 
In this djftreflcd doubtfull agonic, 
M hen him his deareit ^na did behold, 
Dildaining life, deliring leauc to die, 

She found her felfe iflaildwith great perplexitic. 



And came to CalU to ded.irc hcrfm irt : 

Who,well acquainted with Jut commune plight. 
Which finfuli horror works in wounded hart. 
Her wifely comforted oil that (lie might. 
With goodly counlbll and advifemcnt right ; 
And ftraightway lent with carefiiU diligence 
To fetch a Leach, the which had great iniio^ht 
In that difeoleof gricued confcdcnce, 

And well could cure the lame ; His name was Vatienct. 
Z4 

Who,comniing to that foule-difeafed knight. 
Could hardly him intreat to tell his gncfc : 
Which knowne, and all that noyd his lieauie fpright^ 
Well fearcht, eftfoones he gan apply relicfe 
Of falues and med'cines, which had palling priefe. 
And thereto added words of wondrous mioht : 
By which to eafe hehim recured briefe. 
And much alTwag'd the paflion of his plight. 

That he his paine endur'd, as (eeming now more light. 
Z5 

But yet the caufe and roote of all his ill. 
Inward corruption, and infefted (in. 
Not purgd nor heald, behind remainedftiU, 
And feftnng fore did rankle yet within, 
Clofe creeping twixt the marrow and the skin. 
Which to extirpe, he laid him priuily 
Downe in a darkfome lowely place farre in. 
Whereas he meanthis corrofiues to apply. 

And with ftrei ft diet tame his ftubborne malady, 
z6 

In afhes and fackdoth he did array 

His dainty corfe, proud humours to abate. 
And dieted with fal^inc euery dav. 
The fwelling ofhis w ounds to mitigate. 
And made him pray both early and eke late : 
And euer as fuperfluous ficfh did rot, 
^mendement ready fiill at hand did wait. 
To pluck It out with pincers firie hot. 

That foonc in him was left no one corruptediot. 

27 

And bitter Pc»d»f«, with an iron whip. 
Was wont him once to difple euery day : 
And ilwrpe i^fwor/ehis hart did pncfc and nip. 
That drops of bloud thence like a well did play ; 
And (ad ^fentance vfed to emb.iy, 
His body in (alt water fmarting fore. 
The filthy blots of iinne to wafh away. 
So in fliort fpace they did to health reftore 

The man that would not liue, but earft lay at deaths dore. 
z8 

In which, his torment often was fo great. 
That like a Lyon he would cry and rore. 
And rend his fledi, and his owne linewes eat. 
His owne dcare yna hearing euermore 
His ruefull (hriekes and gronings, often tore 
HcrguiltlelTegarmentSjand her golden haire. 
For pi tty of his poine and anguilh fore ; 
Yet all with panence wilely (he did beare ; 

For wcU/he wiftj his crime could ellc be neuer deare. 

Whotn 



a6 



THE FIRST BOOKE OF 



(^ant. X. 



^9 

Whom thus recoiier'd by wife "Patience, 
And true I{epentancc, they to f i>4 brought : 
Who ioyous of his cured confcience, 
Him dearely kift, and fairdy eke befought 
Himfelfe to dierifli, and confuming thought 
To put away out of his careful! brcft. 
By this,C/Mr»/7"''jIatcin child-bed brought, 
VVas woxen ftrong, and left her fruitful! neft ; 

To her, faire f^na brought this vnacquainted gueft. 

JO 
Shee was a woman in her freflieft age, 

Of wondrous beauty, and of bountie rare. 

With goodly grace and comely perfonage. 

That was on earth not eafie to compare ; 

Full of great loue, but C»/>/(/f wanton fnarc 

A s hell Hie hated, chafte in work and will ; 

Her neck and breafts were euer open bare. 

That aye thereof her babes mightfuck their fill ; 
The rcfl was all in yellow robes arraied fUll. 

Ji 

A multitude ofbabesabouther hong. 

Playing theirfports, thatioyd her to behold, 

Whom ftiil fhee f ed , whiles they were weake and young, 

BiH thruft them forth fbll, as they wexed old : 

And on her head (hee wore a tyre of gold, 

Adorndwithgemmes and owches wondrous fiirc, 

Whofepaflingprice vneath was to be told ; 

And by her fide there (ate a gen tie paire 

Of Turtle doues, fliee fitting in an Ivorie chaire. 

The Knight and f^na entring, faire her greet. 
And bid her ioy of that her happy brood ; 
Who them requites with court'fics (eemingmect. 
And entertaines with friendly thearefuU mood. 
Then ^wa herbefought to be fo good, 
As in hervertuous rules to fchooleher knight. 
Now after all his torment well withltood, 
In that (id houfe ot Tenamice. where his fpright 

Had part the paines of hell, and long enduring night. 

She wasrightioyousofheriuflrequeft, 
And taking by the hand that Faeries fonnc, 
Gan him inftruft in euery good beheft. 
Of loue, and righteoufnefle, and well to donne. 
And wrath and hatred warily to fliunne, 
That drew on men Gods hatred and his wrath. 
And many foules in dolours had fordonne : 
In which, when him file well inftrufted hath. 

From thence to heauenfhe teacheth him the ready path . 

34 

Wherein his weaker wandring fteps to guide. 
An ancient Matrone (he to her does call , 
Whofe fober lookesher wifedome well defcridc : 
Her name W-"! Af frc^, well knowne ouer all. 
To be both gracious, and eke Iiberall : 
To whom the carefuU charge of him (he gaue. 
To lead aright, that he (hould neuer fall 
In all his waies throughthis wide worlds waue, 

That Mercy in the tnd his righteous foule might faue. 



35 

The godly Matrone by the hand him bcares 
Forth from her prcience, by a narrow way, 
Scattred with bulhy thomcs, and ragged breare$» 
Which ilill before him (he J'emoov'd away. 
That nothing might his ready palTage ftay : 
And euer when his feet encombred were. 
Or gan to flirinkc, or from the right to llray. 
She neld him fait, and firmly did vpbeare. 

As carcfuU Nurfe her child from falling oft dc ■^s rcore- 

Eftfoones vnto an holy Hofpitall, 

That was fore by the way , (hee did him bring. 
In which feauen Bead -men, that had vowed ail 
Their life to leruice of high heauens King, 
Did fpcnd their dayes in dooing godly thing : 
Their gates to all were open euermore. 
That by the wearie way were trauailing. 
And one fate waiting euer them before. 

To call in commers-by , that needy were and pore. 

37 

The firft of them that eldeft was, andbeft, 

Of all the houfe had charge and gouernemcnt, 
As Guardian and Steward of the reft : 
His office was to giue entertainemeut 
And lodging, vnto all that came, and went : 
Not vnto fuch, as could him feaft againe. 
And double quite for that he on them fpent. 
But fuch as want of harbour did conftraine : 

Thofe for Gods fake his dutie was to entertaine. 

38 
Thefecond was an Almner of the place : 

His office was, the hungry for to feed. 

And thrifty giue to drinke, a worke of grace : 

He feard not once himlelfe to be in need, 

Nc car'd to hoord for thofe, whom he did breed : 

The grace of God he laid vpftillinftore, 

Whichas aftockeheleftvntohisfeed; 

He had enough, what needhim care for more ? 
And had he lefTe, yet fome he would giue to the pore. 

39 

The third had of their Wardrobe cuftodic. 

In which were not rich tires, nor garments gay, 

Th: plumes of pride, and wings ofvanitie. 

But clothez meet to keepe keene coldaway. 

And naked nature feemely to array ; 

With which, bare wretched wights hedaily cladi 

The images of God in earthly clay ; 

And if that no fpare clothes to giue he had. 

His owne coate he would cut, and it diftribute glad . 
40 

The fourth appointed by his office was, 

Pooreprifoncrsto reheue with gracious ayd. 

And captiucs to redeeme with price of brals. 

From Turkes and Saraiins, which them had ftaid ; 

And though they faulde were, yet well he waid, 

That God to vs forgiucth euery howre 

Much more then that why they in bands were layd. 

And he that harrow'd hell with heauie ftowre, (bowre. 

The faultie foulcjfrom thence brought to hit hcauenlie 

The 



Cant» X, 



THE FAERIE Q.VEENE. 



47 



41 

The fift had charee, fick perions to attend. 

And comfort iole in point of death which by ; 

For, them moftneedcth comfort in the end, 

When fin^ and hell , and death doe moft dilmay 

Thcfeeble foule departing henceaway. 

All IS but loft, thatliuing we beftowe, 

If not well ended at our dying day. 

O man ! hauc mind of that iS bitta throwe i 

For, as the t^ee does fall, fo lyes it eucr lowc. 

The fixt had charge of them now beeing dead. 
In fecmely fort their corfes to engraue. 
And deck w ith dainty flowres their bridall bed, 
That to their heauenly Spoufe both Iwcet and braiK 
They might appeare, when he their foules (hall faue. 
The wondrous workmanlhip of Gods owne mould, 
VV hole face he madeall beafts to feare, and gauc 
All in his hand, euen dead we honour (hould. 

Ah deareft God me grant, I dead be not dcfould. 

The feauenth,now after death and bunall done, 
, Hid charge the tender Orphans of the dead 
And widowes ayde, leaft they fhould be vndone : 
In ficeof ludgcmeiithe their right would plead, 
Nc ought the powre of mighty men did dread 
In their defence, nor would for gold or fee 
Be wonnc their nghtftdl caufes downe to tread : 
And when they flood in moft neceflltee, 

He did (upply their want, and gauc them eucr free. 

44 
There when the Elfin Knight arriued was, 
Thefirlland chieftft ofche fcauen, whofe care 
VVasguefts to welcome, towards him did paf$ : 
Where, feeing Meny , that his fteps vp bare. 
And alwaies led, to htr with reverence rare 
He humbly louted in meeke lowchnefle. 
And lecmly welcome for her did prepare: 
For^ of their Order (hee was Pacroneifle, 
Albe Chariffa wae their chiefeft Foundercfle. 

4$ 

There (he awhile him ftaies, himfelfe to reft. 
That to the reft more able he might be : 
During which time, in cuery good beheft. 
And godly worke of Almes and charitee, 
Shehim inftruftcd with great induftrce; 
Shortly therein fo perfeA he became. 
That from the firft vnto the loft decree, 
His mortall life he learned had to frame 

In holie righ teoufnefle, without rebuke or blame. 
46 

Thence forward, by t'-.at painefull way they pafs. 
Forth to an hill that was both fteepe and hie > 
OntopwhercofafacredChappellwas, 
And eKe a little Hermitage thereby. 
Wherein an aged holy man did lie. 
That day and night faid his deuotion, 
Ne other worldly bufincfs did apply i 
His name was heauenly Coatemflatioa ; 

Of G od and goodneile was his mediution. 



Great grace that old man to him giuen had ; 
For God he often faw from heaucns hight. 
All were his earthly ey en both blunt and bad. 
And through great age had loft their kindly fight. 
Yet wondrous quick and perceant was his Ipright, 
As Eagles eye, that can behold the lunne : 
That hill they fcale with all their powre and might. 
That his fraile thighes nigh wearic and fordonne 

Can faile ; but bv her help the top at laft he wonne. 
48 

There they doe find that godly aged Sire, 
With fnowy locks adowne his fhoulders fhed. 
As hoarie froft withfpanglcs doth artirc 
The moffy branches of an Oakelialfe dead. 
Each bone might through his body well bered. 
And euery fincw feene through his long faft : 
For, nought he car'd his carcaffe long vnfed j 
His mind was full of fpirituall repaft. 

And pyn'd his flefti, to kecp'e his body lowe and chaft. 

49 

Who, when thefe two approching heefpide. 
At their firft prefence grew agrieued fore. 
That forc'thim lay his heauenly tlioughts afidc ; 
And had he not that Dame refpeftcd more. 
Whom highly he did reuerence and adore. 
He would not oncehaue mouedfor the Knight. 
They himfalutedftandingfarre afore ; 
Who well them greeting, humbly did requight. 

And asked to what end they domb that tedious height. 

JO 

What end (quoth ftie) Ihould caufe vs take fuch painej 
But that fame end, which euery lining wight 
Should makehis marke, high heauen to attaine i 
Is notfrom hence the way, that leadeth right 
To thatmoft glorious houfe, that glifh-cth bright 
With burningftarres, and euer-liuing fire. 
Whereof the Keyes are to tliy hand behighc 
By wife Fidelia ? Iliee doth thee require. 

To mew it to this Knight, according his defire. 

5« 

Thrice happy man, faid then the father graue, 

Whofe ftaggering fteps thy ftcady hand doth lead, 
And (hewes the way, his finfull foule to faue : 
Who better can the way to heauen arcade. 
Then tliou thy felfe, that was both borne and bred 
In heauenly throne, where tiioufand Angels fhine ! 
Thou dooft the prayers of the righteous feed 
Prefect before the Maicftic diuine, 

And his avengingwTjth to demencieinchne. 

Yet fith thou bidft, thy pleafure Ihall be donnc. 
Then come thou man of earth, and fee the way 
That neuer yet was feene of Faeries fonne. 
That neuer leads the trauailer aftravi 
But,after labours long, and (ad delay, 
Brings them to loyous reft and endleffe blifs. 
But,firft,thou muft a (cafon fift and pray, 
TiUfromhcr bands thefprightaffoiled IS, 

And hane her fliength recur'd from fraile infirmius. 

E^ That- 



48 



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That done, he leads him to the highcft Mount ; 
Such one, as that fame mighty man of God, 
That bloud-red billowes like a walled front 
Oneiilierfide difpartcd with his rod. 
Till that his army dry-foot through them yod> 
Dwelt fortie daics vpon ; where, writ in ftone 
Witli bloudy letters by the hand of Godj 
The bitter doome of death andbalefull monc 

He t!id rcceiue, whiles fiafliing fire about hjm flione. 

54 . 

Or like tliat facred hill, whole head full hie, 
Adornd with firuitfuU Oliues all aroundj 
Is, as it were for endlefle memory 
Of tliat deare Lord, who oft thereon was found, 
For euer with aflowringgirlond cfownd : 
Or hke that pleafant Mountj that is for ay 
Through famous Poets verfe each where renownd. 
On which the thrice three learned Ladies play 

Their heauenly notes, and make full many a louely lay. 

From thence, faire ofFhc vnto him did fhew 

A little path, that was both deep and long. 

Which to a goodly Citic led his view ; 

Whofe wals and towres were builded high and (bong 

Of pearle and precious ftone, that earthly tong 

Cannot defcribe, nor wit of man can tell > 

Too high a ditty for my fimple fong ; 

The Citie of the great King hightit well. 
Wherein etcrnall peace and happinefle doth dwcU< 

56 

As he thereon ftood gazing, he might fee 
The blefled Angels to and fro defccnd 
From higheft heauen,ing]adfomecompanee^ 
And with great ioy into that Citie wend. 
As commonly as friend does with his friend. 
Whereat he wondred much, and gan enquerc. 
What ftately building durft fo high extend 
Her loftie towres vnto the ftarry Sphere, 

And what vnknowne' nation there empeopled were. 

Foire Knight (quoth hc^ Hierufalem that is. 
The new Hieritfalem, that God has builr. 
For thofe to dwell-in that are chofenhis. 
His chofen people, purg'dfrom finfuU guilt, 
Withpittiousbloud, which cruelly was fpilc 
On curfcd tree, of that vnfpotted Lam, 
That for the finnes of all the world was kilt : 
Now arc they Saints all in that Citiefam, 

More deare vnto their God, then younglings to their dam. 
58 

Till now, faid then the Knight, I weened well. 
That great CUofolu, where I haue been, 
InwhichthatfaireltfrtfrieJ^KesBedoth dwell ■ 
The faireft Citie was, that might be feene ; 
And that bright towre all built of cryftall cleene, 
"Panthea, feem'd the brighteft thing that was : 
But now by proofeallotherwife I weene ; 
For, this great Citie, that does farre furpafs, (glafs. 

And rfiis bright Angels (owrc , quite dims that towre of 



. ^9 
Moft true, then faid the holy aged man ; 

Yet is Cltofiolit, for earthly fame, 

The faireft peecc, that eye beholden can : 

And well befeemcs all Knights of noblename. 

That couctin th'immortall booke of fame 

To be eternized, thatfame to haunt. 

And doen their fcruice to tljatfoucraigne Dame, 

That glorie does to them for guerdon graunt : 

For, Jhee is heauenly borrie, andheauenmay iuftly vaunt 
60 

And thou faire imp, (prung outfronl English race. 
How euer now accounted Elfins (bnne. 
Well worthy dbeft tiiy fcruice for her grace, 
To ayde avitgin defolateforedonnc. 
But, when thou famous vi ftorie haft wonne. 
And high emongft all Kni ghts haft hung thy fhielJ, 
Thence-forth the fuit of earthly conqueft fhonne. 
And walh thy hands from guilt of bloudy field : 

For, bloud can nought but fin, & warres butforowes yield. 
61 

Then feeke this path, that I to thceprefage. 
Which after all to heaueh fliall tliee fend ; 
Then peaceably thy painefull pilgrimage 
To yonder fame Hierufalemioc bend. 
Where is for thee ordaind a blefled end : 
For, tliou emongft thofe Saints, whom thou dooft fee, 
Shalt be a Saint,and thine owne nations friend 
AndPatrone : thouSaint Georrelhalt called becj 

Saint Gtorge of mery England, the figic of viftory. 
6i 

Vnworthy wretch (quoth he^ of fo great grace. 
How dare I thiilke fuch glory to attaine ? 
Thcfe that haue it attaind, were in like cafe 
(Quoth he) as wretched,and liu'd in hkepaine. 
But deeds of armes muft I atlaft be fainc, 
And Ladies loue to leaue, fo dearely bought ? 
What need of armes, where peace doth ay remaine 
(Said he) and battailes none are to be fought ? 

As for loofe loues are vaine, and vaniflj into nought. 

O ! let me not (quoth he) returne againe 

Back to the world, whofe ioyes fo fruitlefle are ; 
But let meheere for aye in peaceremaine, 
Or ftraight way on that laft long voyage fare. 
That nothing may my prefenthope empare. 
That may not be (faid he) ne maift thou yit 
Forgoe that royall maides bequeathed care. 
Who did her caufeinto diy hand commit. 

Till from her curfed foe thou haue her freely quit. 

Then fhall I foone (quoth he) fo God megrace. 
Abet that virgins caule difconfolate, 
And Ihortly back returne vnio this place, 
To walkethis wayinPilgrimspooreeftate. 
But now aread, old father, why of late 
Didft thou behight me borne of Englilh blood , 
Whom all a Faeries fonne doen nominate ? 
That word fhall I (faid he) avouchcn good, 

Sith to thee is vakflownc thccradleof thy brood. 

For 



Cant, XL 



THE FAERIE QVEENE. 



4> 



For well Iwote, thou fpringft from ancicntrace 
OiSaxon Kings, tli.itliaiiewith mighty hand 
And many bloudy battailes fought in place, 
High rear'd their royall throne in Britane land, 
Andvanquilhtthemjvnabletowithftand: 
From thence a Faery thee vnwceting reft, 
There as thou (leptft in tender fwadhng band. 
And her bafc Elfin brood there for thee left. 

Such .men do Changelin?s call.fo chang'd by Faeries theft. 
"^ ^ 66 " ^ 

Thence fliee thee brought into this Faerie lond. 
And in an heaped fiirrow did thee hide ; 
Where, thee a Ploughman all vnweetingfond. 
As he his toikfome teame that way did guide, 
And brought thee vp in ploughmans ftace to bide. 
Whereof Georgos he thee gaue to name ; 
Till prickt with courage, and tliy forces pride. 
To Faery Court thou cam'ft to leek for fame. 

And proue thy puiflant armes, as leemes thee beft became. 



('7 

O holy Sire (.juoth he) how (lull 1 quight 
The m.iny fauours I with thee liaue' found. 
That haft my name and nition red aright. 
And taught the way that docs to heaucn bound ? 
This fiid.adownc he looked to tliegrounH, 
To hauereturn'd, but dazed were his cyne 
Through pjflingbrightnelTe.which did quite confound 
His leeblefenfc, and too exceeding Ihiiic. 

So darke are earthly things compar'd to things divine. 
68 

Atlaft, when as himfelfe he gan to find. 
To yna back he caft him to retire ; 
Who himawaited ftill with peniiue mind. 
Great thanks and goodly meed, to that good fire. 
He thence departing gaue for his paines lure. 
So came to Fnaj who him ioy'd to fee. 
And after little reft, gan him de/ire. 
Of her adventure mindfull for to bee. 

So leaue they take oiCcelia, and her daughters three. 




Canto XI. 

;i The knight TPith that old Drag0n fights ^^^ 

^ two dates incej[antly : WM_ 

The third^him overthrevpes^^ games p^^^ ., 

mojl glorious vi^ory. w!^^^ 




^^^^ Igh rime now gan it wex for Fna faire, 
k\ vkd |!|j To thinke of thole her captiue Parents dcare, 
e> n?'J L^ And their for\vafted kingdome to repaire : 
jS-i««o whereto when as they now approchcd neare, 
Witli harty words her Knight file 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 my fake. 
High Leauen behold the tedious toy le ye for me take. 

Now are we come vnto my nariuc foyle. 
And to the place where all our per ds dwell ; 
Heere haunts tliat fiend, and does his daily fpoyle. 
Therefore henceforth be atyour keeping well. 
And euer ready for your foeman fell. 
The fparke of noble courage now awake. 
And ftriue your excellent felfe to excell ; 
That fliall ye euermore rcnowmed mike 

Abouc all knights, on earth, that batuile vndertake. 



And pointing forth, lo, yonder is (laid Ihe) 
The brafen towre, in which my parents deare 
For dread of that huge fiend imprifond be. 
Whom I from far, fee on the walls appeare. 
Whole fight my feeble foule dotli greatly cheare ; 
And on the top of all, I doe efpy 
The Watchman waiting, ty dings glad toheare. 
That (6 my parents) might I happily 

Vnto you bring, to ealeyou of your mifery. 

4 
With tliat, they heard a roaring hideous found. 

That all the ayrc with terrour filled wide. 

And feem'd vneath to fhake the ftedfaft ground. 

Eftfoones that dreadfuU Dragon they elpide. 

Where ftretcht he lay vpon the funny fide 

Ofa great hilljhimlelfe like a great hill. 

But all (b foone, as he from farre defcride 

Thofe gliftrmg armes, that heauen with light did fill, 
Herous'd himfelfe full blithe, and haftned them vntill. 

E 2. Then 



50 



THE FIRST BOOKE OF 



C<inu Xh 



Then bade die Knight tliis Lady yedealoofe. 
And to an lull htrfelfe with-driwe afide. 
From whence (he might behold that battailes proofe. 
And eke be fofe from danger far defcride : 
She him obayd, and turnd a little wide. 
Now, 6 thou facred Mufe, moft learned Daifne, 
Fiire Impe oiTbabus, and his aged bride, 
The Nurfe of time, and euerlafting fame. 
That warlike hands ennobleft with immortall name ; 

6 
O gently come into my feeble breft. 

Come gently, but not with that mighty rage, 
Where-witli the Martiall troupes thou doeft infeft. 
And harts of great Heroes doeft enrage. 
That noueht their kindled courage may aflwage; 
Soone as thy dreadfuU trumpe begins to found , 
The God of vvarre with his fierce equipage 
Thou dooft awake, fleepe neuerhe fo found. 
And feared Nations dooft withhorrour fteme aftound. 

7 
Faire Goddefle lay thatfurious fit afide, 
Till I of waTres and bloudy Mars doe fing, 
And Briton fields with Sarazin bloud bedidc, 
Twixt that great Faery Queene and Paynim King, 
That with their horrour heauen and earth did ring, 
A worke of labour long, and endleffepraife : 
Butjnow awhile let downe that haughty ftring, 
And to my tunes thy fecond tenorraifc. 

That I this man of God his godly armes may blaze. 
8 

By this.the dreadful! Beaft drew nigh to hand, 
Halfe flying, and halfe footing in his hafte. 
That with his largenefle mealured much land^ 
And made wide madowe vnder his huge waftc i 
As mountaine doth the valley ouercaft. 
Approching nigh, he reared high afore 
His body monlrrous, horrible, andvaft. 
Which (to increafchis wondrous greatneflemore) 

Was fwolne with wrath,andpoyfon,and wirhbloody gore. 

9, 

And ouer, all with brazen fcales was arm'd, 
Like plated coate of fteele, fo couched neare. 
That nought mote pcarce, ne might his corfe beharm'd 
With dint of fword, nor pufh of pointed fpeare i 
Which as an Eagle, feeing prey appeare, 
His aery plumes dothrouze, fuil rudely dight. 
So (baked he, that horrour was to heare : 
For, as the claftiing of an Armour bright, 

Such noylehis rouzed fcales did fend vnto the Knight. 

lO 

His fla<'oy wings when forth he did difplay, 
Were like two favles, in which the hollow wind 
Is gathered full, and worketh fpeedy way : 
And eke the pennes that did his pineons bind, 
Werelike maine-yards.witli flying canvas lin'd i 
With which, when as him lift the ayre to beat. 
And there by force vnwontcd paflage findj 
The cloudes before himfled for terrour great. 

And all the heauens ftood ftiU amazed with his tlircat. 



His huge long taile, wound vp in hundred folds. 

Does overlpred his long brafs-fcaly back: 

V Vhofe wreathed bough ts when euer he vnfolds. 

And thick entangled knots adowne does flack ; 

Befpotted all with fhields ofred and black. 

It fwecpeth all the Land bchindhim farre. 

And of three furlongs does but little lack ; 

Andat the point two ftings in-txed arre. 
Both deadly inarp, that flurpeft fteele exceedcn faire. 

But ftings and fliarpeft fteele did far exceed 
The fharpneffe of his cruell rending dawes; 
Dead was it fure, as fure as death in deed. 
What euer thing does touch his rauenouspaweJ, 
Or what within his reach he euer drawesi 
Butjhis moft hideous head, my tongue to tell 
Does tremble : for, his deepe denouring iawes 
Wide gaped, like the griefly mouth of hell. 

Through which into his darke abyffe all rauin fell. 

And thatmore wondrous was,in cither iawe 
Three ranks of iron teeth cnranged were. 
In which, yet trickling bloud and gobbets rawc 
Of late deuoured bodies did appeare, 
That fight thereof bred cold congealed feare : 
Which to increafe, and all attonce to kill, 
A cloude of fmoothering finoake and fulphur feare 
Out of his ftinking gorge forth fteemcd ftill. 

That all the ayrcabout with fmoake and ftench did fill. 

»4 

His blazing cyes> like two bright Ihining ftiiclds, ' 
Did burne with wrath, and Iparkled lining fire : 
As two broad Beacons, fet in open fields. 
Send forth their flames farre onto eucry Shite, 
And warning giue, that enemies confpire, 
With fire and (word the region to invade i 
So flam'd his eyne with rage and rancorous ire: 
Butfarre within, as in ahoUoweglade, 

Thofe glaring lamps werefet,that made a dreadfullfliade. 

So dreadfully he towards him did pafs, 
Forehfting vp aloft his fpcckled breft. 
And often Dounding on the brufed grafs. 
As for great ioyance of his new-come gueft. 
Eftfoones he gan advance his haughty creft. 
As chaufFed Bore his brifUes doth vpreare. 
And (hooke his fcales to battell ready dreft ; 
Thatmade the I{edcroJfe Knight nigh quake forfearc. 

As bidding bold defiance to his foeman neare. 
i6 

The Knight gan fairely couch his fteady fpeare. 
And fiercely ranne at him with rigorous might : 
The pointed fteele arnuing rudely theare. 
His harder hide would neither pcarce nor bight, 
Butglauncingby forth pafTed forward right; 
Yet lore amooued with fo puilTant pu(h , 
The wrathfilll beaft about him turned light, 
Andhim fo rudely pafling by, didbmlh 

With his long taile.thai horle & man to ground did radt. 

Both 



Cant, XL 



THE FAERIE Q.VEENE. 



5i 



J7 

Both horfe and man vp lightly rofe againe, 
And frelh encounter towards him addreft : 
But th'idlc flroke yet back recoild in vaine, , 
And found no place his deadly point to reft. 
Exceeding rage eiiflam'd the hinous beaft. 
To be avenged of lo great defpight ; 
For, neuer felt his imperccable breft 
So wondrous force from hand of liuing wight ; 

Yet hadhe prov'd the powre of many a puiflant knight. 
i8 

Then with his wauingvingsdifplayed wide, 
Him(eh"e vp high he lifted from the ground, 
And with iirong flight did forably diuide 
The yielding aire, which nigh too feeble found 
Her flitting parts, and element vnlound, 
To beare To great a weight : he cutting way 
With his broad iailes, about him foared round: 
At laft, lowe ftouping with vnweldie fway, 

Snatcht vp both horle and man, to beare them quite away. 

Longhe thembore aboue thefubiefl Plaine, 
So farre as Ewghen bowe a (haft may fend. 
Till ftrugling ftrong did him at laft conftraine. 
To let them downe before his flightesend : 
As hagord Haukc, prefuming to contend 
With hardiefowle, aboue his able might, 
Hisweariepouncesillinvainedothfpend, 
To trufle the prey too heauie for his flight ; (fight. 

Which comming downe to ground^ does tree it fclfe by 

lO 

Hee fo difleized ofhis gr)'ping grofle. 

The Knight his tJirilldCt fpeare againe aflaid 

In his brals-plated body to embolTe, 

And three mens ftrength vnto tlie ftrokc he laid ; 

Whcre-wi th the ftifFe bcame quaked, as affraid. 

And glauncing from his Icaly neck, did glide 

Clofc vnder his left wing, then broad dilplaid. 

The pearcing ftecle there wToueht a wound full wide. 

That with the vncouthlrnart the Monftcr loudly cride. 

21 

Hee cryde, as raging fcas are wont to rore. 

When wintry ftormehis wrathful! wTeck does threat. 
The rolling billowcs beat the ragged (hore. 
As they the earth would fhoulder from her (eate. 
And greedy gulfe does gape, s he would eat 
His neighbour elementin his revenge : 
Then gin the bluftring brethren boldly threat, 
To moue the world from ofFhis ftedfaft hcnge. 

And boyftrous battcll make, each other to avenge. 
11 

The fteely head ftutk faft ftill in his flefli , 

Till with his cruell dawes he fnatcht the wood. 
And quite afunder broke. Forth flowed freftl 
A gufhingriuerofblackgoarie blood, 
That drowned all the land whereon he flood ; 
The ftreame thereof would driue a water-mill. 
Trebly augmented was his flinous mood 
With birttrfenfe of his deepe rooted ill, 

That flames of firehethrew fordifromhis large nofethrill. 



His hideous taile then hurled he about, 

And thcre-with all enwrapt the nimble thyes 
Ofhis froth-tomie l^eed, whofe courjo-e ftout 
Striuing to loole die knot, that faft him tyes, 
Himl'elfe in ftraighter bands too raiii implyes. 
That to the ground he js perforce conftraind 
To throwe his rider : who can quickly rife 
From ofFthe earth, with durty bloud diftaind; 

For, that reprochefuU fall right fouly he dildaind : 

And fiercely tooke his rrenchand blade in hand. 
With which heftrooke fo furious and fo fell. 
That nothing feemd the puiITance coiJd withftand • 
Vpon his creft the faardned iron fell. 
But his morehardned creft was armd fo well, 
That deeper dint therein it would not make ; 
Yet fo extreamely did the buffe him quell. 
That from thencefortli he fhund the like to take. 

But when he faw them come, he did them fUU forfake. 

The knight was wroth to fee his ifroke bcguil'd. 
And fmote againe with morcoutragcous might ; 
But backe againe the fparkling fteele recoild. 
And left not any marke where it did light ; 
As if in Adamant rock it had been pioht. 
The beaft impatient ofhis fmarting wound. 
And of lo fierce and forcible defpight. 
Thought with his wmgs to ftyc aboue the ground ; 
But his late wounded iving vnferuiceable found. 
'26 

Then full of griefe and anguifh vehement, 
Hclou.lly brayd, that like was neuer heard. 
And from his wide deuouring oven fcnt 
A flake of fire, thatfiafliingin his beard. 
Him all amaz'd, and almoft made affeard : 
Thefcorchino flamefore finged all his face. 
And throughhis armour all lus body fcard. 
That he could not endure fo cruell cafe. 

But thought his armes to leaue, and helmet to vnlace. 
27 

Not that great Champion of theantique world. 
Whom famous Poets verfefo much doth daunt. 
And hath for twelue huge labours high estold. 
So many furies and fharp fits did haunt, 
When him the poyfoned garment did enchaunt 
With Centaures bloud, and bloudie verfes charm 'd. 
As did this knight twelue thoufand dolours daunt. 
Whom fine fteele no^v burnt, that earlf him arm'd, 

Thaierfthimgoodlyarm'd,now moftofall himharm'd. 
28 

Faint, weary, fore, emboyled, grieued, brent 

With heate.toyle, wounds, armes, fm.irt, & inward fire 
That neuer m.in luch milchicfcs did torment ; 
Dcith better were, death did he oft defire : 
But death will ncucr come when needs require. 
Whom fo difn aid when that his foe beheld^ 
He caft to fiifflr him no more rcfpire, 
But gin his fhirdie fternc about to weld, 

And him fo ffrongly ftrooke, that to tlie ground him feld. 
^ E J- It 



s*- 



THE FIRST' BOOKE OF 



[ant'Xh 



*9 

It fortuned (as f.iire it then befell) 

Behind his back (vnweeting) where he ftood. 
Of auncicnt time there was a fprineing Well, 
From which fait trickled forth a lilver flood. 
Full of greatvertues, and for med'cine good. 
Whylome, before that curfed Dragon got 
That happy Land, and all with innocentblood 
Dcfil'd Uiofcfacred waues, it rightly hot 

T/« vyM of Life .• ne y ct his vertues had forgot. 

For, vnto life the dead it could reftore. 

And guilcofiinfuU crimes deanewafh away; 
Thoi'c that with ficknefle were infefted fore. 
It could recure, and aged long decay 
Renew, as it wcreborne that very day. 
Both Silo this, and Itrdan did excell. 
And th'Englifh Bath, and eke the german Spal^, 
Ne can Cefhife, nor Hebrus match this Well : 

Into the fame,the knight (back ovcrthrowen)feII. 
Ji 

Nowgan the "olden "Phcchus for to fteepc 
His fiene face in billowcs of the Welt, 
And his faint fteeds watred in Ocean deep. 
Whiles from their iournall labours they did reft. 
When that infernall Monfter, hauingkeft 
His weary foe into that liuing Well, 
Can high advaunce his broadaifcoloured breft 
Aboue liis wonted pitch, with countenance fell;, 

And dapt his iron wings, as Viftor he did dwell. 

Which when his penCue Ladie fawfrom fane. 
Great woe and forrow did her (bule .iflay. 
As weening that the fad end of the warre. 
And gan to lii?heft God entirely pray. 
That feared chance from her to turnc away ; 
With folded hands and knees full lowely bent 
All night {he watcht^ne once adowne would lay 
Her dainty limbs in her (ad drcriment. 

But praying ftill did wake, and waking did lament* 

The morrow next gan early to appeare. 
That Titan role to runne his daily race ; 
But early ere the morrow next gan rearc 
Out of the fca faire Titans deawy face^ 
Vp rofe the gentle virgin from ner place. 
And looked all about, if fliec might fpy 
Herloued knightto moue his manly pafe : 
For, fhee had great doubt of his fafety, 

Since late flie faw him fall before his enemy. 

54 

At laft (he faWj where he vpftarted braue 
Out of the Well, wherein he drenched lay ; 
As Eagle frefli out of the Ocean waue, 
Where he hath left his plumes all hoary gray. 
And deckt himfelfewithfeathers youthly gay. 
Like Eyas hauke vp mounts vnto the skies. 
His newly budded pincons to aflay, 
And maruailes at himfelfe, ftill as he flies : 

So nw,tlus new-borne kmght to battell new did rife. 



Whom, when the damned hend fo frelh did fpy. 

No wonder if he wondrcd at the fight. 

And doubted, whether his late enemy 

It were, or other new f upplied knight. 

He, now to proue his late renewed might, 

High brandilhinghis bright deaw-burning blade, 

Vpon his creftcd Icaipe fo fore did fniite. 

That to the skull a yawning wound it made : 
The deadly dint his dulled fenfes all difmaid. 

I wote not, whetherthereucnging fteeic 

Were hardned with that holy water dew 

Wherein he fell, or fharper edge did fcelc. 

Or his baptized hands now greater grew; 

Orotherfecrctvertuedid enlew ; 

Elfe, neuer could theforce of fledily arme, 

Ne molten mctall in his bloud embrew : 

For, till that ftound could neuer wight him harmc. 
By fubtiltie, nor flight, nor might, nor mighty diarme. 

The cruell wound enraged him fo fore, 
That loud he yelled for exceeding painc f 
As hundred ramping Lyons feem'd to rore. 
Whom rauenous hunger did thereto conftraine : 
Then gan he toffc aloft his ftretched traine> 
And there- with fcourge the buxome ayre lb fore. 
That to his force to yeelden it was faine ; 
Ne ought his fturdie ftrokes might ftand afore, 

That high trees ouerthrew, and rocks in peeces tor& 

The fame advauncing high aboue his head, 
With Iharp intenckd ftingfo rudehim fmot, 
Thatto the earth him droue, as ftriken dead; 
Ne liuing wight would haue him life behot t 
The mortall fting his angry needle fliot 
Quite through his (hield, and in his Ihoulder feafd. 
Where faftitftuck, ne would there out be got : 
The eriefe thereof him wondrous fore difeafd, 

Ne might his rankling paine with patience be appeafd. 

39 

But yet more mindfuU of his honour deare, 

Then of the grieuous fmart which him did wring. 
From loathed foile he can him lightly rearc. 
And ftroue to loofe the farre infixed ftring : 
Which when in vaine he tride witli ftruggehng, 
Inflam'd with wrath, his raging blade he heft. 
And ftrooke fo ftrongly, that die knony fting 
Of his huge taile he quite in funder cleft, 

Fiue ioynts thaeof he hew "d, and but the flump him left. 
40 

Hart cannot think, whatontragc, and what cryes, 
Witli foule enfouldred fmoake and flafliing fire. 
The hell -bred beaft threw forth vnto the skyes. 
That all was couercd with darkncfle dire : 
Then fraught with rancour, and engorged ire. 
He caft at once him to avenge for all. 
And gathering vp himfelfe out of the mire. 
With his vneuen wings did fiercely fall 

Vpon his fiiiine-bright lhicld,and grip't it faft withall. 

Much 



Cant, XL 



THE FAERIE QVEENE. 



55 



Much was the man encombrcd with hi»ho!dj 
In fearc to lo(e his weapon m his paw, 
Ne wUl vet how his ulants to vntbld ; 
Nor harder was from Cerberut greedie iaw 
To pluck a bone, then from his cruel! claw 
To reaue by ftrcngth the griped gage away : 
Thrice he aiFaid it from his foot to draw. 
And thnce in vaine to draw it did air.iy, 

It booted nought to thinke, to robbe him of hi* pray. 
41 

Tho when he faw no power might preuaiie. 
His truih' fword he caldto his laft aid, 
Where-with he fiercely did his foe aflaile. 
And double blowes about him ftoutly laid. 
That glauncing fire out of the iron plaid ; 
As fparkles from the andvile vfe to fly. 
When hcauic hammers on the wedge irefwaid; 
There-with at lolt he forc't him to vntic 

One of his grafping feet, him to defend thaeby. 

4J 

The otherfoot fall fixed on his (hield. 

When as no ftrcngth not Ifrokes mote him conftraine 

To loofe, ne yet the warlike pledge to yield. 

He fmote thereat with all his might an clmainc. 

That nought fo wondrous puiflance mightfuftainc ; 

Vpon the ioynt the lucky (icele did light, 

And nude fuch way.th.u htw'd it quite in twainc ; 

The paw yet miffednot his miniflit might. 

But bung ftilJ on the ftiield, as 1 1 at firlt was pighu 

For piefe thereof, and diuelilh defpight, 
From his iniei nail fournace forth ne threw 
Huge fl^mes.that dimmedall the heauens light, 
Er.rolJ in duskiflifmcakeandbrimftoncblcw; 
As burning ^Ltnj from his boyling ftew 
Doth btLh out flames, and rocks in peeces broke. 
And ragged ribs of mountoincs molten ne^v, 
Enwrapti.T coleMack clouds and filthy frnokc. 

That all the Land with ftench,& heauen with honor choke. 

4r 
The heate whereof,and harmcfuU pcfWence, 

So lore him noyd , that forc't him to retire 

A little backward for his bcft defence. 

To laue his body from th; fcorching fire. 

Which he from heUifli entraiks did expire. 

It chaunc't (etcmall God that chaunce did guide) 

Asherecoyled backward.in the mire 

His nigh forweariedfeeblefeet did Aide, 
And downe hi: fell, with dread of |]umefore terrifidc. 

4^ 
There grew a goodly tree him faire beCde, 

Loaden witn fruit and apples rofie rcdj 

As they in pure Vermihon had been dide, 

Whereof great vertues ouer all wcrered : 

For,happv life to all which thereon fed. 

And life eke eucrlafting did befall : 

Great God it planted in that bleffed fted 

With his almigiity hand, and did it call 
Tht Trie (!/i//e,thc cnme of our firft fathers falJ, 



47 

In all the world like was not to be found, 

Saue in that foile, v. here all good thins^s Jid growe. 
And freely fprong out of the fruittull ground. 
As incorrupted Nature did them lowe, 
Till that dread Dragon all did ovcrthrowe. 
Another like faire tree eke grew thereby. 
Whereof whofo dideat, efribonesdidknowe 
Both good and ill : O moiirnefull memory ! 

That tree through one mans fault hath done vs all to die. 
48 

From that firll tree forth flow'd,as from a Well. 
A trickling ftreame of B ilm e, molt ioueraine 
And daintie dearc, which on the ground ftillfeU, 
And ouerflowed all the fertiU Plaine, 
As it had deawed been with timely raine : 
Life and long health that gracious oyntment gaue. 
And deadly wounds could heale, and rcare againc 
The fenfelefle corfe appointed for the Grauc. 

Into that (arrie he fell : which did from death him faue. 

For nigh thereto the euer damned beaft 

Durft not approche, for he was deadly made. 
And all that Life prderued, did deteft : 
Yet he it oft adventur'd to invade. 
By this, the drouping day-hght ?an to fade. 
And yceldhis roome to fad (bcceeding night. 
Who with her fable mantle gan to (liade 
The face of eanh, and waies ofhuing wight. 

And high her burning torch fet vp in heauen bright- 

When gentle Vtut^xvi the fecond fall 

Of her deare knight, who weary of long fight, 
And faint through lofle ofbloud, moov'd notatalt. 
But lay as in a dreame ofdeepe dehght, 
Befineard with precious Balme, whole vertuous inighc 
Did heale his wounds, and fcorching heate alay, 
Againe (hee ffriken was with (ore affright, 
Andfor his fafetie gan deuoutly pray ; 

And watch the noyous nigh t, and wait fo r ioyous day. 

The ioyous day gan early to appcarc. 

And faire Aurora from her deawy bed 

Of aged Tithone gan her lelfe to reare. 

With rofie checkes, for (hame as blulhinff red ; 

Her golden locks forhafte were loofely fted 

About her eares, when /'«<: her did mark 

Chmbeto hercharet,all with flowers (pred ; 

From heauen high to chafe the chcarelefle dark, 
Witlimerry note her loud falu tes the mounting Lark. 

Then freflily vp arofe the doughty knight. 
Ail healed ofhis hurts and woundezwide. 
And did himfelfc to battell ready dight ; 
Whofe earlv, foe awaiting him bdide 
To haue deuour'dj fo foone as day he (pide. 
When now he faw himfelfe fo frclhly rcare. 
As if late fight had nought him damiiifide. 
He woxe difmaid, and gan his fate to feare ; 

NathlciTe, witli wonted rage he him advaunced neare. 

£4 Aad 



54 



THE FIRST BOOKE OF 



[ant- XI h 



n. 

And in Iiis firft encounter, gaping wide, 

Hcc thought attouce him to hauefwallowdquiglit. 
An 1 rufht vpon him with outr.igeous pri Je ; 
Who him r'encountring fierce, as haukc in flight. 
Perforce rebutted back. The weapon bright, 
Taldng advantage of his open iaw, 
, Ran tlirough his mouth with fo importune might. 
That deepe empearc't hjs darklbme hollow maw, 

And back retyr'd, his life bloud forth withall did drawe. 

54 
So downehe fell, and forth his life did breath, 
Thatvanifhtinto fmoake and doudes fwift ; 
So downehe fell, thatth'earch himvnderneath 
Did groane, as feeble fo great loade to lift ; 



Sodowncheft.ll,asanhugerockic chft, 
Whofc falle foundation wanes haue w.ifht away. 
With drcaJfull poyfe js from the miine landritt. 
And rolling downe, great T^fitum doth difmay ; 
So downe he fell, and like an heaped mountainelay. 

5T 

The Knight himfelfe euen trembled at his fall. 
So huge and horrible a maffe it fcem'd ; 
And his dearc Ladie,that beheld it all, . 
Durft not approche for dread, which flie mifdeem'd: 
But yet at Lft, when as the direfuU feend 
She faw not ftirre, ofF-lliaking vaine aiFright, 
She nigher drew, and faw that ioyous end : 
Then God fhe prayfd.and thankthcr f.iithfuU knight, 

That had atchicu'd fo great a concjueft by his might. 




Canto XII. 

FaireVna to the Redcrojfe knight 
betrothed is with toy : 

Though falfe BueJJa it to bar re 
herfalfefleights doeintploy. 





' Ehold, I fee the Hauen nigh at hand, 
^^ To which I meane my wearie courfe to bend ; 
^ ". Vere the mainc (licte, & bcarevp with the land. 
The v;hich afore is fairely to be kend. 
And feemeth fafe from ftormcsj that may offend ; 
There this faire Virgin wearie of her way 
Muft landed be, now at her iourneyes end : 
There eke my feeble Barkc a while may ftay. 
Till merry wind and weather call her thence away. 

2 

Scarcely had Vhcehtu in the glooming Eaft 
Yet harncfTed his firie-footed teeme, 
Ne reard aboue the e.irth his flaming creaft. 
When the laft deadly fmoake aloft did ileeme. 
That iigne of laft outbreathedlife did fecmc, 
Vnto the watchman on the Caftle wall ; 
Who thereby dead that balefull Beaft did deeme. 
And to his Lord and Lady loud gan call. 

To tell how he had feene the Dragons fatall fall. 

Vprofewith hattie ioy, and feeble fpeed 
That aged Sire, the Lord of all that land. 
And looked forth, to weet if true i ndecd 
Thofe tydings were, as he did vnderftand : 



Which when as true by tryall he outfound. 
He bade to open wide his brazen gate, 
Whichlong time had been fliut, and out of hond 
Proclaimed ioy and pt ace through all his State j 
For dead now was their foe, which tliem forraiedlatc. 

4 
Then gan triumphant Trumpets found on hie. 

That fent to heauen the ecchocd report 

Oftheir new ioy, and happy viftory 

Gainft him, tJiat had them long oppreft with tort. 

And faft imprifoned in ficged fort. 

Then all the people, as in lolemne feaft, 

To him affcmbled with one full confott^ 

Reioycing at thefill of that great beaft, 
From whofe cternall bondage now they were releaft. 

Forth came that ancient Lord and aged Queene, 
Arrjid in antique robes downe to the ground. 
And fad habilim ents right well befeene ; 
A noble crew about them waited round 
Of fage and fobcr Peeres, all grauely gownd ; 
Whom farre before did march a goodly band 
Of tall young men, all able armes tofound, 
But now they Laurell branches bore in hand; 

Clad Cgne of viftorie and peace in all rfieir land. 



Vnto 



CanuXll, 



THE FAERIE QVEENE. 



%S 



ynto that doughty Conquerour they came, 
And hini bctorc, thcmfclues proftrating lowej 
Thar Lord and Patrone loud did hun proclanw. 
And at his tcct their Laurell boughcs did throwe. 
Soone after them, all dauncing ona rowe 
The comely virgins came, with girlandsdight, 
Asfrelh as flowresinmedowgreenedocgrowc. 
When morning dcaw vpon their leaues doth light : 

And in their hands fweetTymbrels all vpheld on mght. 
7 

And them before, the fry of children young 

Their wanton Iports and childifh mirtli did play> 
And to the Maidens founding Tymbrcls fung 
In well attuned notes, a ioyous lay, 
And made dchghtfull mufick all theway, 
Vntill they came where that faire virgin ftood ; 
As faire Diana m frefh fommers day 
Beholds her Nymphes, enrang'd infhadie wood, 

Some wreftle, fome doe run,fome bathe in cryftall flood: 
8 

So flie beh eld thofc maidens meriment 

With checrefuU view ; who, when to her they came, 
Themlelucs to ground with gracious huriibkfle bent. 
And her ador'd by honourable name, 
Lifting to heauen her euerlafting fame : 
Then on her head they fet a girland greenc. 
And crowned her twixt earneft and twixt game ; 
Who, in her Itlfe-refemblance well beleene. 

Did (eemc fuch as /he was, a goodly maiden Quecnct 

9 

And after, all the rafcall many ran, 
Heaped together in rude rablement, 
To lee the face of that viftorious man : 
Whom all admired, as from heauen fent. 
And gaz'd vpon with gaping wonderment. 
But, when they came where that dead Dragon lay, 
Stretcht on the ground in monftrous laj^c extents 
The fight with idle feare did them difmay, 

Ne durft approche him nigh, to touch, or once aflay. 

lO 

Some feard, and fled ; fome feard and well it faind ( 
One tlut would wifer feeme then all the reft, 
Warnd him not touch ; for, yet perhaps rcmaind 
Some lingring hfe within his hollowe brcft. 
Or in hiswombe might lurke fome hidden neft 
Of many Dragonets, his fruitfull feed ; 
Another (aid, that in his eyes did reft 
Yet fparkling fire, and bade thereof take heed ; 

Another faid, he Lw him moue his eyes indeed. 
1 1 

One mother, when as her fpole-hardy child 
Did come too neere, and with his talants play, 
Halfe dead through feare, her httle babe reuild. 
And to her goflips gan in counfell fay ; 
How can r tell,but that his talents may 
Yet fcratch fny fonne, or rend his tender hand ? 
So, diuerfly thctnfi lues in vaine they fray ; 
Whiles fome more bold, to meafure him nigh fland, 

To prouehow many acres hcdid fprcad of land. 



Thus flocked all the folke him round about. 
The whiles chat hoarie King, with all his trainc, 
Seeing arriued, where that Champion i\out 
After his foes defeafance did remamc. 
Him goodlv greets, and faire does entertainer 
With princely gifts of Ivone and Gold, 
And tlioufand thanks him y eelds for all his painc. 
Then, when his daughter deore he does behold. 

Her deatcly doth imbrace, and kilfeth manifold. 

'3 

And after, to his Palace he them brings, 

With Shaumes, and Trumpets.and with Clarions (weet; 

And all the way the ioyous people lings. 

And with their garments (h-owes the paued Ibect : 

W hence mounting vp, they find purveyance meet 

Of all,tfaatroyall Princes Court became. 

And all the floore was vndemeath their feet 

Befpred with coftly fcarlot of great name. 

On which they lov/ely fit, and fitting purpofe frame. 

14 

What needs rhe tell their feaft and goodly guife. 
In which was nothingriotous nor vaine ? 
What needs of dainty difhes to dcuife, 
Of comely fenjices,or courtly traine i 
My narrowe leaues cannot in them ccnaine 
The large difcourfeofroyall Princes fhte. 
Yet was their manner then but bare and plaine : 
For, th 'antique world excefle and pride did hate 5 

Such proude luxurious pompe is Iwollen vp but late. 

Then, when with meats and drinks of euery kind 
Their feruent appetites they quenched had. 
That ancient Lord gan fit occafion find. 
Of ffrange adventures, and of perils fad. 
Which in his trauaile him befallen had. 
For to demaund of his renowmed guefl : 
Who then with vttVance grauc, and count'nancc (ad. 
From point to point, as is before exprefl, 

Difcourft his voyage long, according liis requcfi 
i6 

Great pleafures mixt with pittifull regard. 
That godly King and Queene didpaflionate. 
Whiles they his pittifull adventures heard. 
That oft they did lamenthis lucklefTe flate. 
And oftenblame thetooimportunefate. 
That hcapt on him fo many wrathfuU wreakes : 
For, neuer gentle Knight, as he of late, 
So tofTed was in Fortunes cruell freakes ; 

And all the while fait tcares bedeaw'd the hearers cheaks. 

17 
Then faid tlie royall Peere in fober wife ; 

Deare fonne,great been the euils, which ye bore 

From firfl to laft, in your late enterprifc. 

That I no'te, whether praife, or pitty more : 

For, neuer huing man (I weene) fo fore 

In {^i of deadly dangers was diftrefl; 

But fith now fafe ye leifed haue the fhore. 

And well arriued are, (high God be bleft) 
Let vs deuifeof cafe, and euerlafhng reil. 

Ah 



5^ 



THE FIRST BOOKE OF C^nuXlh 



Ah, dcareft Lord, faid then that doughty Knight, 
Of caie or reft I may not yet deiufe; 
For, by the faith which I to armes haue plight, 
I bounden am, ftraight after this emprize 
(As that your daughter can ye well advifej 
Back to returne to that great Faer)' Queene^ 
And her to fcrue lixe yeeres in warlike wile, 
Gainft that proude Paynim king that works Iiertcene : 

Therefore I ought crane pardon, till I there haue becne. 

Vuhappyfallcs that hard nectffitie 

(Quoth he) the troubler of my happy peace. 

And vowed foe of my felicirie ; 

Ne I againft the fame can iuftly preace : 

But fith that band ye cannot now releafe. 

Nor doen vndoe ; (for vowes may not be vaine) 

Soone ii% the tcrme of thofe fix yeares (hall ceafe. 

Ye then ftiallhitherbackreturneagaine. 

The marriage to accomplish vow'd betwixt you twaine. 
10 

Which, for my part, I couet to performe. 
In fort as through the world I did proclame. 
That who fo kild that Monfter (moft deforme) 
And him in hardy battaile overcame. 
Should iiauc mine onely daughter to his Dame, 
And ofmy kingdome heire apparant bee : 
Therefore,fithnowtotheepertainesihefame, 
By due defert of noble cheuahee. 

Both daughter and eke kingdome, loj I yield to thee. 

21 
Then forth he called that hi s daughter faire. 
The f.iireft/^n' his onely daughter deare. 
His onely daughter, and his onely heire ; 
Who forth proceeding with (ad fober chearc. 
As bright as doth the morning ftarre appeare 
Out of the E aft, with flaming locks bedight. 
To tell the dawning day is dawning neare. 
And to the world does bring long wiihed light ; 
So faire and frefli that Lady (hew'd her felfe in fight. 

21 

So faire andfrcfh, as freflieft flowre in May ; 
For, (he had laid her mournefuU ftole aflde» 
And widow-like (ad wimple throwne away. 
Where- with her heauenly beauty (he did hide. 
Whiles on her wearie lourney (he did ride ; 
And onhernowa garment (he did weare. 
All lilly white , withouten fpot, or pride. 
That leem'd like filke and filver wouen neare ; 

But neither filke nor filver therein did appeare. 

TheblazingbrightnelTe of her beauties beame, 
And glorious light of her run(hiny face 
To tell,wereas to ftriue againft the ftreame. 
My ragged rimes are all too rude and bafe. 
Her heauenly lineaments for to enchace. 
Nc wonder ■. for, her owne deare loucd knight. 
All were (he daily with himfelfe in pl.ics. 
Did wonder much ather celeftiall fight : 

Oft had he feene her faire , but neucr fo faire dight. 



^4 

So fairely dight, when (he in prefence came, 
She to her Sire made humble reverence, 
And bowed lowe, that her right well became. 
And added grace vnto her excellence : 
Who with great wifdomc, and graue eloquence. 
Thus gan to (ay. But ere he thus had f.ud. 
With iiying (peed, and fccming great pretence. 
Came running in, much hke a man difmaid, 

A MeiTeugcr with Letters, which his melTage faid. 

All in the open hall amazed ftood 

At fuddainen'';ie of that vnwarie fight, 

And won'lied at his breaihlefle haftie mood. 

But h e for nought would ftay hi s pa(rage right. 

Till faft before the King he did alight , 

Where falling flat, great humblefk he did make, 

And kift the ground, whereon his foote was pight ; 

Then to his hands that writ he did betake. 
Which he difcloling,read thus, as the paper fpafcc. 

26 
To thee, moft mightie King of £</«» faire. 

Her greeting fends in thefe fad lines ad ireft. 

The wofull daughter, and forfaken heire 

Of that great Emperour of all the Weft; 

And bids thee be advifed for the beft. 

Ere thou thy daughter linkein holy band 

Of wedlock, to that new vnknowen gueft : 

For, he already plighted his right hand 
Vnto another Loue,and to another Land. 

27 

To me, fad maid, or rather widow fad. 
He was affianced long time before. 
And faaed pledges he both gaue, and had, 
Falfe erraunt knight, infamous, and forfworc : 
Witneife the burning Altars, which he fwore. 
And guiltie heauens of his bold periurie ; 
Which tliough he hath polluted oft and yore. 
Yet I to them foriudgement iuft doe fly. 

And them coniure t'avenge this (hamefull iniury. 
28 

Th erefore, fith mine he is, or free or bond. 
Or falle or true, or liuing or clfe dead, 
With-hold, 6 foueraigne Prince, yourhafty hond 
From knitting league with him, I you aread ; 
Ne weene my righ t with ftrength adowne to tread. 
Through weafcenefTe ofmy widowhed, or woe : 
For, truth is ftrong, his rightfull caufe to plead. 
And (hall find friends, if need requireth fo : 

Sobids thee well to fare. Thy neither friend,nor foe, 

2p Fideffa. 

when he thefe bitter byting words had red. 
The ty dings ftxange did him abafhed make. 
That ftill he fate long rime aftomfhed 
As in great mufe, ne word to creature fpakc. 
Atlaft, his folemnefilence thus he brake. 
With doubtful! eyes faft fixed on his gueft; 
Redoubted knight, that for mine onely fake 
Thy life and honour lateadventureft. 

Let nought be hid from me, that ought to be expreft. 

What 



Cant, Xlh 



THE FAERIE Q.VEENE. 



57 



Wlutmcanc tJiefe bloudy vowes, and idle tlircats, 
Throvvnc out from womanifh impatient mind ? 
VV hat hcjucns ! what altars ? what enraged heates 
Here heaped vp with tcarmcs of loue vnkind. 
My conlcience cleare w itli guilty bands would bind J 
High God be witnefle, that I guiltleflc amc. 
But, if your fclfe, Sir Knight^yefaultie find, 
Or wrapped be in loues of former Darhe, 

With crime doe no: it couer,but difdofc the fame. 
31 

To whom tte ^denffe knight this anfwere fent. 
My Lord, my King, be nought hereatdifaiaid. 
Till well ye wotc by graue intendimcnt, 
V\ hat woman, and wherefore doth me vpbraid 
With breach of loue, and loyal tie betrayd. 
It was in my mishaps, as hitherward 
Ilatclytrauaildjthatvnwares Iftraid 
Out of my way, through penis ftrange and hard ; 

That day ihould faile me, ere I had them all declar'd. 

3» 

There did I find,orrather I was found 
Of this falle woman, that fijfjji liight, 
fiV/f/Jahight the falfeft Dame on ground, 
Moft falle PHf;(/d, royall richly dighty 
That eafie was to inveagleweaker£ght : 
W'hoibyhcrwickedarts, andwiliesKill, 
Too falle and ftrong for earthly skill or mighr, 
Vnwarcs me wrought vnto her wicked will, 

And to my foe betraid, when leaft I feared ill. 

Thenftcppedforth thegoodly royall Maid, 
And on the ground herfcif • proftratinglowe. 
With fobercountenaunce tlius to him laid ; 
O pardon me, my foueraigne Lord, to fhowc 
ThefecrettreafonSjWhichoflatelknowe 
To hauc been wrought by that falfe SorcerclTc. 
She onely fhee itis.that earft did throwc 
This gentle knight into lb great diftreffe. 

That death him did await m daily wretchedncfle. 

34 
And now i t fecmes, that (lie fuborned hath 
This craftie meflengerwith letters vainc. 
To worke new woe and improuidedfcath, 
By breaking of thcbandbetuixtvsrvvaine; 
Wherein Ihe vfcd hath thepraftick paine 
Of thisfalfefootman, cloaktwith iimplcneffc: 
Whom if ve pleafc for to difcouer pLiine, 
Ye (hail him ^rcUimano find, I ghclTc, 
The fallcft man aliue , who tries lliall find no Icffe. 

The King was greatly mooued at her (peach. 
And all with (uddaine indignation fraight. 
Bade on that melTcnger rude hands to reach. 
Eftfoones the Gard, whicli on his State did wait, 
Atnch't that fiitor falfe, andboundhimftrait: 
W ho, feeming lorely chaufFcd at his band. 
As chained Beare, whom cruell dogs doe bait. 
With idle force did faine them to witliftand. 

And often femblance made to fcape out of their hand. 



36 

But they him laid full loWc in dungeon dcepe. 
And bound him hand and foot with iron chaines. 
And with continuall natch did warely ketpc ; 
Who then would thinke, tliat by his liibtilc traiues 
He could cicape foule death or deadly paines ? 
Thus when tliat Princes wrath was paatide. 
He gan renew the late forbidden bancs. 
And to tlie Knight his Daughter dcare he tydc, 

Withlacred rites and vou es for tucr to abide. 

37 

His owne two hands the holy knots did kllit, 
That none but death for cuer can diuide ; 
His owne two hands, for liich a tunie molt fit. 
The houfling fire did kmdlc and prouide. 
And holy water thereon Iprinklcd wide ; 
At which,a bulhy Teade a groome did hght. 
And facred lampe in fecrct chorhber liidc. 
Where it (liould notbe v]ucnched liy nor night. 

For feare of euiU fates , but burnen euer bright. 

Then gin they fprinkle Jl the pofts with wine. 
And made great fcaft, lo folemnize that day ; 
They all perfumde with Frankencenfc divine. 
And preaous odours fetcht from farre away. 
That all the houle did fweat with great array : 
And all the while fweet Mufick did apply 
Her curious skill, the warbling notes to play, 
To driue away the dull Mclan'ctoly ; 

The whiles one lung a fong of loue and iollity. 

39 
During the which,there was an heauenly noifc 

Heard found through all the Palace plealantly. 

Like as it had been many an Angels voice. 

Singing before th'eternall Maicme, 

In their trinall triplicities on hie ; 

Yet wift no creature, whence that heauenly fweet 

Proceeded: yet each one felt fecretly 

Himfelfe thereby reft of his fenfes meet, 
Andrauilhed with rare impreffion in his (prite. 

40 
Great im' was made that day of youngand old, 
. And lolemne feaft prodaimd throughout tlie Lafld; 

That their exceeding mirth may not be told : 

Suffice it, here by fignes to vnderftaiid 

Thevfuall ioycs atloiitting ofloucs band. 

Thrifc happy man tlie Knight himlclfe did hold, 

PoflclTedofhis Ladies hart and hand; 

And euer, when his eye did her behold. 
Her hart did fcemc to melt in pleafures manifold- 

41 
Herioyous prefence and fweet company 
In full content he there did long enioy, 
Ne wicked envie, nor vile iealoufie 
His deare delights were able to anrioy ! 
Yet fwimming in that kx of blisfulliov, 
Henoughtforgot,howhewhilomeha'df\vornc, 
In cafe he could that monfirous bcaft deflroy, 
Vnto his Faery Queene back to returne : 
The which he Ihortly did, andf'n«j left to moume 



Now 



58 



THE FIRST BOOKE OF 



CanuXlh 



41 



Now ftnkeyourfailesyeeiolly Mariners : 
For wc be come vnto a quiet rode. 
Where we muft land fome of our paffengers. 
And light this weaiic vefTell of hex lode. 



Heef e flic awhile may make her Cife aboade. 
Till file repaired haue her tackles fpent. 
And wants fupplidc. And then againe abroad 
On the long voyage whereto (he is bent : 
Well may fliee fpeed, and fairely finifli her intent. 



The end oftheJirU "BooJ^ 



e^. 




THE 



5^ 




SECOND^ BOOKE 

OF THE FAERIE 

aVEENE: 

CONT AINING 

THE LEGENDE OF SIR G V Y O N. 
OfT'empuunce-j, 




I Ight well I wotcjmoft fnighty Soueraigne, 
' That all this famous antique niftory, 
' Of fome, th'aboundancc of an idle brainc 
Will iudged be, and painted forgery. 
Rather then tnatter of iuft memory ; 
Sith Done thatbreatheth liuing aire, does knowc. 
Where is that happy Land of Faery, 
Which I fo much doevaunt,yetnovfherefliowe. 
But vouch antiquities, which no body can knowe. 

2 

But let that man with better fenfe advife. 
That of the world leaft part to vs is read : 
And daily how through hardy enterprife. 
Many great Regions are difcouered^ 
Which to late age were neuer mentioned. 
Who cuer heard of th'Indian Pfr» ? 
Or who in venturous vcffell meafiired 
The ^mal^m h uge riuer now found true ? 

Or fruitfiilleft Vir^nin who did euer view 1 

Yet all thefe were, when no man did them knowe ; 
Yet hauefrom wileft ages hidden beenc : 
And later times things more vnknowne fhall fliowc. 
Why then (hould wiueiTeinaafo muchmifwccne 



That nothing is, but that which he hath feene ? 
Wliat if within the Moones fairc fiuning Ipheare, 
What if in euery other ftarre vnfeene 
Of other worlds hehappilyfliouldheare? 
He wonder would much more : yet fuch to fome appcare^ 

4 

Of Faery lond yet if he more inquire. 

By certainc fignes heere (et in fundry place 
He may it find i ne let him then admire. 
But yield his fenfc tobetoobluntand bafe. 
That no'te without an hound fine footing trace. 
And thou, 6 faireft Princefle vndcr sky, 
In this faire Mirror maift behold thy face. 
And thine ownerealmcs in lond of Faery, 

And in this antique Image thy great aunccftry. 

The which, 6 pardon me thus to enfold 
In couert veile, and wrap in (hadowes light. 
That feeble eyes your glory may behold. 
Which elfe could not endure thofe beamez bright. 
But would be dazled with exceeding Light. 
O pardon, and vouchfafe with patient eare 
The braue adventures of this Faery Knight, 
The good Sir GwjfOB.gracioufly to heare, 

Jn whom great rule of Temp'raunce goodly doth appeare. 
F. C*nt, 



66 



THE SECOND BOOKE OF 



^a?2t. h 





f Hat cunning Architcft of cankred guile, 
fe Whom Princes late difpleafure left in bands, 
■ For fjifcd Letters and luborned wile, 
Sooiie as tlie HedcroJJe knight he vnderftands. 
To beene departed out of £i/f«lands. 
To lerue againehis loueraigne Elfin Quccne, 
Hisartesliemoues,andoutofcaytiuehands 
Himfcltc hefreesby fecretmeanes vnfeene; 
His (hackles emptie left, himfelfe cfcaped cleenc. 

2 

And forth he fares, full of malicious mind. 
To worken milchiefe and aucnging woe. 
Where euerhe that godly knight may find. 
His onely hart fore, and his oncly foe, 
Sith ^iia now he algatcs mull forgoe. 
Whom his viftoriciis hands did earft reftore 
To natiues trowne and kingdome lateygoe : 
W'htre flic enioycs fure peace for eucrmore. 

As weather-beaten fliip arriii'd on happy (hore. 

Him therefore now the obieft of his Ipight 
And deadly feude he makes : him to offend 
Bv forged treaion, or by open fight 
He ftcKs, of all his drift the aymed end : 
Thereto his (ubtilecngins he does bend. 
His praftkk wit,and his faire filed tong, 
With thouland other fleights : for, well he kend. 
His credit now in doubtftillballance hong ; 

Por,hardly could hehurt,who was already ftong. 

4 

Still as he went, he craftie ftales did lay, 

With cunning traines him to entrap vnwares, 

Andpriuiefpialsplac'tinallhisway, 

To weet what courfe betakes, and how he fares ; 

To ketch liim at avantage in his fnares. 

Bytriail ofhisformerharmesand cares, 

But now (o wife and warie was the knight. 

That he dcfcride, and fhunned ftill his flight : 

The fiflijthat once W4s caught,new bait willhardly bite- 



Nath'Iefle, th'Enchaunter would not fpirc his paine, 

In hope to win occafion to his will ; 

Which when he long awaited had in vaine. 

He chang'd his mind from one to otherill : 

For, to all good he enemy was fti 11. 

Vpon the way him fortuned to meet 

(Faire marching vndemcath a (hady hill) 

A goodly knignt, all arm'd inharneffe meetj 
That from his head no place appeared to hisfeet. 

His carriage was full comely and vpright. 
His countenaunce demure and temperate ; 
But yet (o ftcrne and terrible in fight, 
Thaicheard his friends, and did his foes atnate : 
He was an Elfin borne of noble ftatc. 
And mickle worfliip in hi s natiue land : 
Well could he tourney, and in hfts debate. 
And knighthood tookc of good SirHtions hand. 

When with king Oberon he came to Faerie Land. 

7 

Him als accompanid vpon the way 
A comely Palmer, clad in black attire. 
Of ripeft yeeres, and haires all hoarie gray. 
That with a ftafFe his feeble fteps did ftire, 
Leafthis long way his aged limbesfhouldtirc: 
And, if by lookes one may the mind aread. 
He leem'd to be a (age an J fober fire. 
And eucrwithflowepale the knight did lead. 

Who taught his tramphng {Iced with equall fl:eps to tread. 
8 

Such when as ^rchimago them did view. 

He weened well to worke fome vncouth wile; 
Eftfoonesvntwifting his deceitful! clew, ,, ^. ,„.., . 
He gan to weaue a web of wicked guile. 
And witli faire countenaunce and flattring (Hie • •■, , ■•» 
To dicm approaching, thus the Knight befpak'e t 'r 
Faire foiine oi Mars, that feeke with warlike fpoile, . 



Voudifafe to ftay your fleedror humble roifcrs fake. 



He 



Cant, I. 



THE FAERIE Q.VEENE. 



6t 



He ftaid his ftecd for humble mifers Qike, 
And bade tell on the tenor of his pl.unt ; 
Who, feigning then in cucry limbe to quake, 
Through inward feare^ and fccmihg pale and faint, 
With pittious monc his pearcmg fpcech gan paint ; 
Dcare Lady, how lliall I declare thy cafe, 
Whom late 1 leftin langourous conftraint 1 
Would God thy fell e now prefent were in place, 
1"o tell tliis ruefuU t.de ; thy light could win thee grace. 

lo 
Or rather would, 6 would itfo hadchaunc't. 
That you,moft noble Sir, had prefent beene. 
When that lewd ribauld (with vile Itift adiiaunc't) 
Laid firft his filtliy hands on virgin deene. 
To fpoilc her daintie corfe fo faire and fheenc. 
As on the earth (great mother of vs all) 
With liuing eye more faire was neiier leene, 
Ofchaftitie and honour virginall : 
Witneffe ye heauens, whom (lie in vaineto heipe did call. 

II 
How may it be (faid then the knight halfe wroth) 

Thatknightlhouldknight-hocdeuerfo hauefhent? 
None but that faw (quoth he) would weenefor trotJi) 
How fhamcfully that Maid he did torment. 
Her loofer golden locks he rudely rent, 
And drew her on the ground, and Iiis fliarp fword, 
Againft her fnov/ybrcaft he fiercely bent, 
And thr earned death with many abloudy word ; 
Tongue hates to tell the reft, that eye to fee abhord. \ ., 

II 
There-witli,amoouedfrom hisfober mood. 
And hues he yet (faid he) tliat wrought this aft. 
And doen the heauens affoord him vitall food? 
He liues (quoth he) and boafteth of the faft, 
Ne yet hath any Knight his courage crackt. 
Where may that treacliour then (faid he) befoond. 
Or by what meancs may I his footing traft ? 
That (liall I (hew (faid he) as fure, as hound 
The ftriken Deare doth chalenge by the bleeding wound . 

He ftaid not lenger ulke, but with fierce ire. 

And zealous hafte, away is quickly gone •-■• 

To fecke that Knight, where him tKat crafty Squire 
Suppos'd to be. They doe arriueanonej 
Wnere fate a gentle Lady all alone, 
With garments rent, and haire difcheueled. 
Wringing her hands, and making pittious mone ; . 
HerfwoUen eyes weremuch disfigured. 

And herfairefice, with teareswasfouly blubbered. 

ThcKnight,approchingnicrh,thustoherfaid, ,. 
Faire Ladie, through foule lorrow ill bedighti ■ 
Great pitty is to fee you thus difmaid. 
And marre theblonome of your beauty bright : 
For thy, appeafe your griefe and heauy plight. 
And tell the^caufe of your concciued paiiic. 
For, if he Hue that hath you doen defpjght ; 
He (lull you doe due recompense againc. 

Or elfc his wrong with greater g^flauee nuintiine,. , 



VVhich when (lice heard, is in dcfpightfuU wife. 
She wilfully her forrow did augment, 
And offred hope of comfort did delpife : 
Her golden locks molf cruelly Iht rent. 
And fcratchthcrfacc With gaftlydixruBcnt; 
Ne would (lie Ipcake, ne lec,,ne yet be leenc, 
Buthid her vifage, and her head dovvnc bent. 
Either forgrieuous iliame, or for great teeiie, 

As if her h.irt with forrow had trans fixed bcene ; 

Till her that Squire befpakc, Madame, my liefe. 
For Gods deareloue be notlo wiltuU bent, 
Butdoevouchfifenow toreceiuereliefe, 
Thewhich good fortuncdothtoyou prefent. 
For, what boots it to weepe and to wayment 
When ill is chaunc't, but doth the ill incte.ile. 
And the weakemind with doublewoe torment ? 
When (lie her Sqmre heard fpeake, (lie gan appeafe 
Her volimtarie paine, and feele fome Iccrct eale. 

17 
Eftfoonc fhefaid. Ah gentle truftieSquire, 
What comfort can I wofull wretch conceaue. 
Or why fliould eucr I henceforth dclire 
To fee faire heauens face, and life not leauc, 
Sith that fallc Tray tor did my honour reaue ? 
F.Jfe Traytour certes (laid the Faericknight) 
I read die man, that eucr would deceaue 
A gentle Ladie, or her wrong through migJi t : 
Death were too httle paine for liich a foule delpight. ■ 

i8 
But now, faire Lady, comfort to you make. 

And r«ad who hath ye wrought tins lliamefull plight ; 
That (hort rcuenge the man may ouertake. 
Where fo he be, and foone vpon him light. 
Certes (faid (lie) I wote not how he higlit i 
But vnder him a gray fteed did he wield, 
Whofc.fides with dapled circles wercn dight; 
Vpnght he rode, and in his (iluer lliield 
He bore a bloudy Crofle, that quartred all the field. 

I? 

Now by my head (faid Guy on) much 1 mufe , ' .» 

How tlut lame Knight Ihould doe fo foule ami/Si 
Or eucr gentle DamzcU fo.abufe : . 
For,mayIboldly(ay,hcefiirclyis ^ 'j ■ 
A right good Knight, and true of word ywis : 
I prefent was, and cm it witncfle well, 
Whcn.irmesbefwore,andftraightdidentcrpris 
Th'adventure of the HrrantdamoXctl, 

In whiclihehathgrcat.gloriewoiine, as Ihciretell.:..,; j 

20 

Nathl eflc, he fliortly fliall againc be try de. 
And fairely quite hifuof thimputed blame : 
Fife be ye liirc, he dcarcly (lull abide, 
Or make you good amendment for the fame : 
All wrongs haue mends, but no amends of Ihame. 
Now therefore Ladic,rifc oat of your paine, 
And fee the faluing of your Blotted name. 
Full loath Ihcefccmd thereto, but yet didfaine; 

For, (Ite w.as inly gl.id her purpofe fo to gainc. 

F I. ■ Her 



62. 



THE SECOND BOOKE OF 



Canu h 



Her purpofe wax not fuch, as fhe dtd fainc, 
Ne yet her perfon fucli, as it vras (ceilc > 
But vnder fimple (hcwe, and femblant plaine 
Lurkt falfe T>Hejfa, fecretly vnfcene, 
As a cliafte virgin diathad wronged bcene : 
So had falfe ^rchimagt Iier difguis'd, 
To cloake her guile witli forrow and fad teenc i 
And eke himteffe had craftily deuis'd 

To be her Squire, and doe her fcruice well aguis'd. 

2Z 

Her, late forlornc and Iiaked,hc had founds 
Where (he did wander in wafte Wildernefle, 
Lurking in Rocks and Caues farre vnder ground. 
And with grecne moffe cov'ring her nakedneffe. 
To hide her Ihame and loathly hithinefle ) 
Sith her Prince Arthur of proud ornaments 
And borrow "d beauty (poyld. Her natheleife 
Th'enchauntcr finding fit for his intents. 

Did thus rcveft, and deckt with due habiliments. 

For, all he did, was to deceiue good Knights, 

And drawe them from purluit of praile aud fame. 

To Aug in floth and fenl'uall delights. 

And end their daies with irrenowmed fhamc. 

And now exceeding gricfe him overcame 

To fee the K^dcroffe thus advaunced hie ; 

Therefore this craftie engine he did frame, 

Againfthis praife to ftirrevp enmitie 
Of fiiclijas vertueslikemotevnto himallie. 

So now he Gwj/on guides an vncouth way. 

Through woods & mountaines, till they came « bil 

Into apleafantdale, that lowely lay 

Betwixt two hilsjwhofe high heads overplac't. 

The valley did with cool e made overcaft ; 

Through midfl: thereof a little riuerrold. 

By which there fate a knight with helme vnlac't, 

Himfelfe refrertiing witli the liquid cold. 

After bis trauaile long, and labours manifold. 

»? 
Loe , yonder hec f cryde ^nhimage alowd) 

That wrought the (hamcfuU fad, which I did flicw ; 

And now he doth himfelfe in fecret fhrowd. 

To flic thevengeancefor his outrage dew; 

But vaine : for, ye fliall dearcly doe himrew, 

So God yce fpeed,andfend you good fucccfle 5 

Which we farre ofTwill here ^dside to view. 

So they him left, infiam'd with wrathfiilneffe, 
Thatfkiight againft tiiat knight his fpcare he did addreflc. 

z6 
Who,fceing him from farrc fo fierce to ptick, 

His warlike armcs about him gan embrace. 

And in the reft his ready fpeatcdid fticfc ; 

Tho when as ftiUhe law him towards pafe. 

He gan r'encounter him in equallrace. 

They beeneymet, both ready to affi-ap. 

When liiddainly that warriour gan abafc 

His threatned fpeare, as if fome nov mifhap 
Had liim bctiddc, or hidden danger did entraps 



And cryde, Mcrcie Sir Knight, and mercv Lord, 
For mine offence and heedlefTehardiment, 
That had almofl committed crime abhord, 
And with rcprochcfuUfhame mine honour (hent. 
Whiles curled ftecle againfi that badge I bent. 
The facred badge of my Redeemers death. 
Which on your fhield is fetfor ornament : 
But his fierce foe his ffeed could ftay vneath, 

Who(prickt With courage keene)did crucll bacccllbrcacli. 
i8 

But, when he heard him fpeake, ftraight way he knew 
His crror,and(himfeIfeinclyning)fiidi 
Ah ! deare Sir Cuyon, well becommeth you ; 
But mc behoueth rather to vpbrayd, 
Whofc haftie hand fo farre from reafon ffraid. 
That almoin it did haynous violence 
On thatfaire Image of thatheaucnly Maid, 
That decks and armes your fhield with faire defence t 

Your court'fie takes on you a&others due offence. 

So been they both attonc, and doen vpreare 
Their beuers bright, each other for to grcec i 
Goodly comportance each to other bearc^ 
And entertaine tliemfelues with court'fies meet. 
Then faid the I{edcroJJe Knight, Now mote I wett> 
Sir Gtyotfj why With lo fierce falianccv 
And fellintentye did at earfl memeet ; 
Fol-j fith I know your goodly gouernaunce. 

Great cauft(I ween)you guided,oi fome vncouth chaanee. 

JO 

Certes (faid he) well mote I /hame to tell 
Tht fond encheafon that me hither led. 
A falfe infamous faitour latebefell 
Me for to meet, that feemed ill befled. 
And plaind of grieuous outrage, which he red 
A Knight had wrought aeainfl a Ladie gent: 
Which to avenge, he to this place me Ied» 
Where you he made the marke of his intent. 

And now is fled; foule Ihame him follow, whcrehcc went. 

,. 3» 

So can he turne his carneft vnto game. 

Through goodly handling and wife temperaunce. 

By this, his aged guide in prefencecame ; 

Who, foonc as on that knight his eye didglaunce, 

Eftf bones of him had perfect cognizaunce, 

SitJi him in Faerie Court he late auiz'd ; 

And faid, Faire fonnc, God giue you happy chaunce« 

And that deare CrolTe vpon your fhield deuiz'd^ 
Where-with abone all knights ye goodly feeme aguiz j< 

loy mayyou haue, and cuerlaflingfame. 

Of late moft hard atchicu'mcnc,by you donne. 

For which enrolled is your glorious name 

In heauenly Regiflers aboue die Sunne, 

where you a Saint, with Saints yciur feat haue wonne i 

But, wretched we,where ve haue left your marke, 

Muftno'.yancwbegin.likeracetohinne, 

God ouide thee, Guy""' well to eijd thy warkc. 

An i to the wifhcd haven bring thy wearic barkc. 

' Palmer, 



Cant, I. 



THE FAERIE QVEENE. 



^3 



Pjimcr. (him onfwered the ^dcrojfe Knight) 
His bcthepraife, tliii this atchicu'mcnt wrought. 
Who made n;v hand the orson of his might ; 
More then good-will to mc attribute nought: 
For, all I did, I did but as I ought. 
But you, fairc Sir, wh ofe pageant next enfewcs. 
Well mote yec thee, as well can with your thought. 
Tiut home ye may report thefe happv newes ; 

For, well yee worthy beenc for wortli and gentle tliewet. 

J+ 

So, couneous conge both did giueand take. 

With nght hands plighted, pledges of good will. 
Then Gtyon forward gan his voyage make. 
With his black Palmer, that him guided ftill. 
Still he him guided ouer dale and mil. 
And with his fteadie ftafFc did point his way : 
His race with reafon, and v. ith words his will. 
From foulc intemperance he oft did ftay. 

And fufired not in wrath his hollie fteps to ftray. 

In this faire wize they traueild long yfere. 

Through many hard aflaies, which did betide ; 

Of which he honour ftill away did bearc. 

And fpred his glory through all Countries wide 

At laft , as chaunc't them by a Foreft fide 

To palTe (for fuccour from the fcorching ray) 

They heard a rueful! voice, that deamly cridc 

With pearcing (liriekes,and many a dolcfull lay; 

Whicli to attend, awhile their forward ileps they ftay. 

But, if that carclefle hcauens (quoth fhe) defpifc 
The doome of iuft reuengc, and take delighc 
To fee (ad pageants of mens mileries. 
As bound by them to hue in lifcs defpight i 
Yet can they not wamc death from wretched wight. 
Come then, comcfoonc, come fweeteft death to mee. 
And takeaway this long lent loathed light : 
Sharpe be thy wounds, but fwcct the medicines bee. 

That long cjptiued foules from weaiie thialdome &ce. 

37 

But thou, fweet Babe, whom frowning froward fate 
Hath made fad witnelfe of thy fathers fall, 
Sith heaucn thee dcignes to hold in huing ftatc. 
Long maift thou line, and better thriue withall, 
Then to thy lucklefle Parents did befall : 
Liue thou, and to thy mother dead atteft, 
That cleare file dide from blemifh criminall ; 
Thy little hands embrewd in bleeding breft, 

Loe, I for pledges leaue. So giuc me leaue to reft. 

With that, a deadly ftirieke llie forth did throwe. 
That through the wood reecchoed againe: 
And after, gaue a groanc fo deepc and lowe. 
That feem'd her tender hart was rent in twaine. 
Or thnld with point of thorough-pear cing paine ; 
As gentle Hind, whofe fides with cruell ftecle 
Through launced, forth her bleeding life does raine. 
Whiles the fad pang approching (he does feele, 

Brayes out her lateft brearfi, and vp her eyes doth fecje. 



19 

Which when that warriour heard, difmounting ftraiQ; 
From hi J tall llecd, he rullit into the thick, 
And (bone arriucd, where that fad pourtraift 
Ofdeath and labour lay, halfe dead, halfc quick. 
In whofe white alabafterbrcaft did ftick 
A auell knife, that made a grieflv wound, 
From which forth guflit a ftreame of gore-bloud thick. 
That all hergoodlv garments (iimd around. 

And into a deepc (anguine dide the graflic ground. 

Pittifull fpeftacle of deadly (mart, 

Befide a bubbling founraine lowe (he lav, 
Wliich (he increaled with her bleedino hart. 
And the cleane wanes with purple gold did ray 5 
Als in her lap a httle babe did play 
His cruell fport, in ftead of lorrow dew; 
For, in her ftreaming bloud he did embay 
His little hands, and tender ioyiits cmbrtvv; 

Pittifull (peftade, as euer eye aid vHew. 

41 

Befidej them both, vpon the foiled grafs 

The dead corfe of an armed knight was fpred. 

Whole armour all with bloud bcfprinklcd was ; 

His ruddie lips did Imile, and rofie red 

Did paint his chearetullchcckes,yetbecingded: 

Seem'd to haue bcene a goodly perfonagc. 

Now in his frelheft flowrc of lul't)'hcd , 

Fit to inflame faire Lady with loues rage. 

But thatfierce fate did crop the blollome of his age. 
41 

Wtom, when the good Sir Gwyo" did behold. 
His hart gan wcx as ftarke as Marble ftone. 
And his trelh bloud did frieze with fearcfull cold. 
That all his lenfes feem'd bereft attone : 
At laft, his mightie ghoft gan deepe to grone. 
As Lyon grudguig in his great difdoine, 
Moumes inwardly, and makes to Inmlelfe mone ; 
Till ruth and fraile afFcftion did conltraine 

His courage ftout to ftoupe, and fliew hii inward paine. 

43 
Out of her gored wound the cruell ftccie 

He lightly fnatcht, and did the floud-gatc ftop 

With nis faire garment : then gan foftly fede 

Her feeble pullc, to proue if any drop 

Of lining bloud yet in her veines did hop ; 

Which when he felt to moue, he hoped faire 

To callback life to herforfaken (hop ; 

So well he did her deadly wounds repaire. 
That at the loft (he gan to breathe out liuing aire. 

44 

Which he percciuing, greatly gan reioyce, 
And goodly counicll (that tor wounded hart 
Is mecteftmed'cine) tempted with fweet voice V 
Ay me I dearc Lady, which the Image art 
Of rucfull Pitty , and impatient fmart. 
What direfull chance, arm'd with reuenging fate, 
Or curfed hand hath plaid this cruell part. 
Thus foule to haften your vntimely date ? 

Speakc, 6 deare Lady fpcake : help ncuei comes too late. 
F J. There* 



^4 



THE SECOND BOOKE OF 



(^anuh 



4f 

Thcre-with lier dim eye-lids (he vp gan reare, 
On which the dreary death did fie, as fad 
As lump of lead, and made darke cloudes appeare ; 
But when as him (all in bright armour clad) 
Before her {landing fhee elpied had. 
As one out ofa deadly dreame affright. 
She weakely ftarted, y et fhe nothing drad : 
Straightdowneagaine her felfe in great defpight. 

She groueling threw to ground, as hating life and light. 
46 

The gentle knight, her foone with carefiillpaine 
Vplifted light, and foftly did vphold: 
Tliri ce he n er reard , and thrice flie funke againe. 
Till he his armes about her fides gan fold. 
And to her faid i Yet if the ftony cold 
Haue not all feized on your frozen hart, 
Let one word fall that may your griefc vnfold. 
And tell the fecret of your mortal! finart ; 

He oft findes prefent help, who does his griefc impart. 
47 

Then carting vp a deadly looke,fuIl lowe 

She fight, from bottom of her wounded breft. 
And after, many bitter throbs Ad throwe, 
Witli lips full pale, and foltring tongue oppreft, 
Thefe words (lie breathed forth from riuen cheft ; 
Leaue, ahleaue off, what eucr wight thou bee. 
To let a weary wretch from her duereft. 
And trouble dying foules tranquiUitee. 

Take notaway now got, which none would giue to mee. 

Ah ! farre be it (faid he) Deare dame fro mee, 

To hinder loulefrom h er defired reft, 

Or hold fad life in long captiuitee : 

For, all I fecke, is but to haue redreft 

The bitter pangs, that doth your hart infeft. 

Tell tlien (6 Lady) tell what fatall priefe 

Hath witli fo huge misfortuneyou oppreft > 

That I may caft to compafTe your rcliefe. 
Or die with you in forrow, and partake your griefc. 

49 

With feeble hands then ftrctched fortli on hie. 
As heauen accufing guilde of her death, 
And with dry drops congealed in her eye, 
In thcfe fad words ftie (pent her vtmoft breath: 
. Hearethen (6man)theforrowesthatvneath 
My tongue can tell, fo farre all fenfe theypafs : 
Lo, this dead corple, that lyes here vnderneath, 
The gentleft knight,that euer on greene grafs 

Gay fteed with fpurs did prick,the good Sir Mordant was: 

50 

Was (ay the while.that he is not fo now !) 

My Lord, my loue ; my deare Lord, my dcare loue. 
So long as heauens iuft with equall brow 
Vouchlafcd to behold vs from aboue. 
One day when him high courage did emmoue, 
(As wont ye knights to feeke adventures wild) 
Hee pricked forth, hispuifTauntforceto proue. 
Me then heleft enwombed of this child, 

This lucklefle child, whom thus yce fee with bloud dcfil'd. 



51 
Him fortuned (hard fortune ye may ghefTc) 

To come where vile ^crafiu does wonne, 

^crafia, a falfe EnchaimterefTc, 

That many errantknights hath foule fordonne : 

Within a wandring Ifland, that doth ronne 

And ftray in penlous gulfe, her dwelling is ; 

Faire Sir^ if euer there ye traucll, fhonnc 

The curled land where many wend amifs. 
And knoweit by the name ; it hight the Botvre ofblifs. 

Her blifTe is allinpleafure and delight, 

Wherc-with fhec makes her loutrs drunken mad; 

And then, with words and weeds of wondrous might, 

On them fhe works her will to vies bad : 

My lifeft Lord (he thus beguiled had ; 

For, he was flefh : (all flclli doth frailetic breed.) 

Whom, when I heard to been fo ill beftad, 

(Weake wretch) I wrapt my felfe in Palmers weed. 

And caft to feek him forth through danger & great dreci 

Now had faire Cynthia by euen toumcs 
Full meafared three quarters of her yeare, 
And thrice three times had fild her crooked home*. 
When as my wombc her burdein would forbeare. 
And bade me call Ludiia to me neare. 
tHcina came : a man-child forth I brought : (were ; 
The woods, the Nymphes,mybowres, my Midvviucs 
Hard help at need. So deare thee babe I bought; 

Yet nought too deare I dcem'd, while fo my dear I foughc 

U 

Him fo I fought, and fo at laft I found, 

Where him that Witch had thralled to her will. 
In chaines of Iuft and lewddefires ybound. 
And fo transformed from hisformer skill, 
That me he knew not, neither his owne ill ; 
Till through wife handling and faire gouernance, 
I liim recured to a better will, 
Purged from drugs of foule intemperance : 

Then meanes I gan deuife for his deliuerancc 

Which when the vile Enchaimterefie perceiu'd. 
How that my Lord from her I would repriue. 
With cup thus charm'd, him parting fhe deceiu'il ; 
Sad yerfejgiiie death to him that death does giue, 
^nd lojfe of loue, to her that hues to liue. 
So foone as Bacchus vnitb the T^mphe does littl{f .• 
So parted we, and on our iourney driue. 
Till comming to this Wdl, he ftoupt to drinke : 

The charme fulold, dead fuddenly he downe did finkc 

5^ . - 

Which , when I wretch. Not one word more (he faidi . • 

Butbreaking ofFthe end for want of breath. 

And flyding (oft, as downe to fleepe her laid. 

And ended all her woe in quiet death. 

That feeing good Sir Gnyon, could vneath 

From teares abftaine ; for griefe liis hart did grate. 

And from fo heauie fight his head did wreath, 

Accufing Fortune, and too cruell fate, 

Which plunged had faire Lady in fo wretched fhce. 

Then 



Cant, 1 7, 



THE FAERIE QVEENE. 



^5 



Then turning to the PjJmerjfaiil, Old CrCj 
Behold the Image of mortahtie. 
And feeble natiu-e doth'd widi ficlhly tire. 
When racing paffion \virh fierce tyrannic 
Robs reolbn of her duercgolitie, 
And nukes it Icrujunt to her bafcft part: 
The firong, it weakens w ith infirmitie, 
And with bolJfurie armcs the weakefthart ; 

The ftron?, through plealure fooneft foils, the weafcc 

5 8 (through Irnart. 

But temperance (faidhe) with golden fquire 
Betwixt them both can meoliire out a mcone. 
Neither to melt mpleafures hot deiire. 
Nor fry in hortlelFc gricfe and dolefull teene. 
Thrice happy man, who fares them both atwccne : 
But, flth this wretched woman overcome 
Of anguilh, rather then of crime ha thbeene, 
Reierue her caufe to her eternall doome ; 

And in the meane, vouchfafe her honorable tootnbe. 

, . 59 

Palmer (cjuoth he) dcatli is on euill doomc 
To good and bad, the common Inne of reft > 
But, after death, the tryall is to come. 
When bcft ftioll be to them that liucd beft : 



But, bothalike, when deatli hatii both kippreit, 
Religious rcuerence doth bunall teenc. 
Which whofo wants, wants lo much of his reft : 
For, all ib great (hame after death I weene. 

As fclfe to dy en bad, vnburied bad to beene. 
6o 

So, both agree tlicir bodies to engraue ; 

The great earths w ombe they open to the skj'. 
And with fad Cyprelfe feemelv it embraue ; • 
Then couering with a clod their clofcd eye, 
They lay therein thofecorfes tenderly. 
And bid them fleepe in euerlafting peace. 
But, ere they did their vtmoft oblequy. 
Sir Gw^ow^tnoreaffeftion toincrealc, 

Bynempt a (acredvow, which none ihould aye releafc. 
6i 

The dead Knights fword out of his fheath he drew. 
With which he cut a lock of all theirhairc. 
Which medling with their bloud an i earth, he threW 
Into the Graue, and gan deuoutly iweore ; 
Such and (uch euiU God on Ctyon rcorc. 
And worte and worfe young Orphonebe thy painc. 
If I, or thou, due vengeance doe forbeore. 
Till guiltie bloud her guerdon doe obtaine : 

So, fhcdding many tcares, they dos'd the earth againe. 




Canto II. 



Bahes bloudy hands may not he dens' d^ 

the face of golden Meane, 
Her fliers treo J.xtrem'ities : 

jlriue her to ban'tf) cleane. 





'<R.>,'','>r | Hus when Sir Cuyon with his faithfull guide 
P'kA J-,~r'>l| Had with due rites and dolorous lament 
(;^jS ^3^/1 The end of their fad Tragedievptide, 

'^ j^S^ll Thclitlebabevpinhisarmeshehent; 

ill Who with fweetpleafanceSc bold blondifh- 



Ginfmilcon them, that rathcrought to weep, (mcnt 
As carelcfle of his woe, or innocent 
Ofthatwas doen,thatruth emperceddeep 
In tliat Knights hart,& words with bitter tcares did fteep, , 

Ah ! lucklelTebabejbcmevndercrucll ftar. 
And in dead Parents balefuU alhes bred. 
Full litlewccncft thou, what forrowes arc 
Left thee for portion of thy liuelihed. 



Poore Orphane,in the wide world fcattercd. 
As budding branch rent from the natiue tree. 
And throwen forth , till it be withered : 
Such is the ftate of men : tlius enter wee 
Into this life with woe, and end with miferee. 

Then foft himfelfe inclining on his knee 
Downe to that Well , did in the water weene 
(So loue does loath dildoinefull iiicitee) 
His guilty hands from bloudie gore to cleene. 
He wafht them oft and oft, yet nought they beene 
(For all his vva(hing)cleaner. Snll he ftroue, 
Yet ftill the little h.uids were bloudie feene ; 
The which hini into great amaz'ment droue, 

And into diuers doubt his wauering wonder done. 



lie 



66 



THE SECOND BOOKE OF 



(^anulh 



He wift not whether blot ot foule ofFcnce 

Might not be pur^'d with water nor with bath ; 
Or that liigh God, in Iicu of innocence, 
Impri(itedhai thattokenof hiswrathj 
To (he w how fore bloud-guiltirefle he hat'th ; 
Or that the charme and venim, which they drunk, 
Their bloud with fccrtt filth infcfted hath, 
Beting diffufcd through the fenfelefle trunk. 

That through the great contagion direfull deadly flunk. 

Whom thus at gaze, tlie Palmer gan to bord 
With goodly reafon, and iJius faire befpake; 
Ye been right hard amated, gracious Lord, 
And of your ignorance great maruell make. 
Whiles caufe not well conceiued ye miftakc. 
Butknowe.thatfecre^vertuesareinfus'd 
In eucry Fountaine, and in euery Lake, 
Which who hath skill them rightly to hauechus'd. 

To proofe of pafling wonders hath full often vs'd. 
6 

Of tliofe, fomc were fo from their fourfe indewd 
By great Dame Nature, from whofe fruitfull pap 
Their Well-heads fpriiig, and are with moifture dcawd; 
Which feedes each Uuing plant with liquid (ap. 
And filles with flowres faire Vloraes painted lap : 
But other fome, by gift of later grace, 
Or by good prayers, or by other hap. 
Had vertue pourd into their waters bafc, (place. 

And thcncc-fonh were renowm'd, & fought from place to 
7 

Such is this Well, wrought by occafion ftrange. 
Which to her Nymph befell. Vpon a day. 
As fliee the woods with bowe and fliafts did raunge, 
The hartleflc Hind and Robucke to difinay, 
Van Faunus chaunc't to meet her by the way. 
And kindling fire at her faire burning eye. 
Inflamed was to follow beauties chace. 
And chacedher, that faft from him did fly; 

As Hind from her, fo file fled from her enemy. 
S 

At laft, when failing breath began to faint, 
And faw no meanes to fcapc, of (hame afiraid, 
She fate her dov/ne to weepefor fore conftraint. 
And to Diana calling loud for aide. 
Her He.ire btfought, to let her die a maid. 
The Goddefle heard, and fuddaine where (he fate. 
Welling out ftreames of teares,and cjuite difinaid 
With ftonie feare of that rude ruftick mate, 

Transform'd her to aftonc from ftedfafl: virgins ftatc. 

9 

Lo, row flic is that ftone ; from thofe two heads 

(As from two weeping eyes) frefh ftreames doe flowe. 
Yet cold through feare, and old conceiued dreads ; 
And yet the ftone her femblance feemes to ftiowc, 
Shap't like a maid, that fuch ye may her knowe ; 
Andyethervertuesinherwaterbide : 
For, it is chaftc and pure, as pureft Ciowc, 
Nt lets her waues with any filth be dide. 

Bat euer (like her fclf e) vnftaiaed hath been twds. 



From thence it comes, that this babes bloudy hand 
May not be cleanfd with water of this Well : 
Ne certcs Sir ftriue you it to withftand. 
But let them ftill be bloudy, as befell. 
That they his mothers innocence may tell. 
As fhe bequeath'din her laft teftament ; 
That as a iacred Sy mbole it may dwell 
In herfonnes flelh, tomindereuengement. 

And be for all clufte Domes an endlefle moniment. 
II 

Hee harkned to his reafon, and the child 
Vptaking, to die Palmer gaue to bcare ; 
But his lad fathers armes with bloud defild. 
An heauie load himfelfe did lightly reare. 
And turning to that place, in which wfcylcare 
He left his lofty fteed with golden fell. 
And goodly gorgeous barbes, him found not theare. 
By otha accident that earft befell. 

He is convaide ; but hoWjor where, here fits not telL - 
\i 

Which when Sir Guyon faw, all were he wroth. 
Yet algates mote he foft himfelfe appeafe. 
And fairely fare on footef how euer loth ; 
His double burden did him fore difeafe. 
So long they trauailcd with little eafe. 
Till tliat at laft they to a Caftle came. 
Built on a rock idioyning to the feas ; 
It was an auncient worke of antique fame. 

And wondrous ftrong by nature, and by skilful! frame. 
ij 

Therein three lifters dwelt of fundry fort. 
The children of one fire by mothers threes 
Who dying whylome did diuide this Fort 
To them by equall Ihares in equal] fee : 
But ftrifefiill mind,and diners qualitec 
Drew them in parts, and each made others foe : 
Still did they ftriue, and daily difagree ; 
The eldeft did againft theyoungeft goe. 

And both againft the middeft meant to worked woe.' 

»4 

Where, when the Knight arriu'd, he was right well 
Receiu'd, as knight of fo much worth became. 
Of fecond fifter, who did far excell 
The other two ; Medina was her name, 
A fober fad, and comely curteous Dame ; 
Who rich arrayd,and yet in modeft guizc, 
In goodly garments, that her well became, 
Faire marching fonh in honourable wize. 

Him at the threftiold met, and well did enterprize. 

ly 

she led him vp into a goodly bowre. 

And comely courted with meet modeftic ; 
Neinherfpeech, neinherhauiour. 
Was lightneffefeene, orloofer vanitie. 
But gracious womanhood, and grauitie, 
Aboue the reafon of heryouthly yeares : 
Her golden locks flie roundly did vptic 
In brayded tramels, that no loofcr hearet 

Did out of order ftray about her dainty earcs. 



Cant. 11. 



THE FAERIE QVEENE. 



67 



Whirft (he her felfc rhus bufily did frime, 
Secmelv to cntcrtaine her new-come gueft, 
Nevves Kecreof ro her other fifters cime. 
Who all this while were at their wanton reft, 
Accourting each her friend with lauiflifeaft : 
Thev were two knights of pecrleffe puilTiunce, 
And famous forre abroadfor warlike gcJ}, 
Which to thefe Ladies louc did countcnaunce, 

And to his Miftreffe each himfelfeftrouetoadvaunce. 

17 

He that made loue vnto the eldeft Dame, 
Was hight Sir Huddibras, an hardy man ; 
Yet not (o good of deeds, as great of name. 
Which he by many ra/h adventures wan. 
Since errant amies to few he firft began; 
Wore huge in ftrcngth , then wife in workes he wisi 
And realoD with foolc-hardize over-ran ; 
Sterne melancholy did his courage pafs, 

And was (for terrour more) all arm'd in (hiningbrzfs. 
18 

But he that lov'd the youngeft, was Sans-loy, 
He that faire ftut late foule outraged. 
The mod vnrulv and tJieboldeftboy 
That euer warlike weapons menagcd. 
And to all lawlefle luft encouraged. 
Through ftrong opinion of his matchleffe might t 
Ne ought he car'd, whom he endamaged 
By tortious wrong, or whom bereau'd of right. 

He now this Ladies champion chofe for loue to figHt 

19 " . 

Thefe t^vo gay knights, vew'd to fo diuefs loues. 
Each other does enviewith deadly hate. 
And diily waire againft his focman moues. 
In hope to win morefauour with his mate. 
And tJi'others pleafingfcruicc to abate, 
Tomagnifiehisowne. But when they heard. 
How in that place ftrangc knight arriued late. 
Both knights and Ladies forth right angry far'd, 

And fiercely vnto battell fleme themfelues prepaid. 

10 

But ere they could proceed vnto the place 
Where he abode, themlclues at difcord fell. 
And cruell combat ioynd in middle fpacc : 
Withhorrible iflault, and furie fell. 
They heapt huge ftroakes, the fcomed life to quell. 
That all on vprore from her fetled feat, 
The houfe was raifd, and all that in did dwell ; 
Secm'd that loud thunder with amazement great. 

Did rend the ratling skies with flames of fouldnngheat. 
21 

The n oyfe thereof calth forth that ftranger Knight, 
To weet what dreadfuU thing was there in hond; 
Where, when as two braue kiiights in bloudy fight 
With deadly rancour he cnraunged fond. 
His funbroad fhield about his wreft he bond, 
And (hyningbladevnlhe.ith'd, with which he ran 
Vnto that ftead, their ftrife to vnderftond ; 
And, at his firft arriuall, them began 

With goodly meancs to pacific, well as he can. 



But they him fpying, both witJi greedy force 

Attoiice vpon him ran, and hun bel'ct 

With itroakes of mortall ftcelc widiou: remorfc, 

And on his ftiield like iron fledges bet : 

As when a Bearc and Tigre, being met 

In cruell fight on lybicke Ocean widc> 

Efpy a trauailcr with feet fiirbct, 

WJiom they in equall prey hope to diuidc. 
They ftuit their ftrife, and him alfaile on cucry fi Je. 

But he, not like a wearie trauailerc, 

Their (harp aflault right boldy did rebut, 
And fuftred nottheir blowes to bite liim nerc, 
But with redoubled bufJes them back did put : 
WhofcgrieuedmindeSjwhichcholerdidenglut, 
Againft themfelues turning their ^vrathfuIl tpight, 
Gan with new rage their fhields to hew and cut ; 
But ftill when G»Jon came to part their fight. 

With heame load on him they frefhly gan to liniglit. 

i4 
As a tall (hip tolTed in troublous feas, 

Whom raging winds threatning to make the pray 

Of the rough rocks, do diuerfly dileafc. 

Meets two contrary biUowes by the way. 

That her on other fide do fore aftiy. 

And boaft to fvvallow her in greedy Graiic ; 

She.fcomingboth their fpights,does make wide way. 

And with her breaft breaking the fomy wauc. 
Does ride onboth their backs, and faire her felfc doth faue: 

So boldly he him beares, and rudieth forth 
Betweencthem both, by conduft of his blade. 
Wondrous great provvefTe and heroick worth 
He (hew'd that day, and rare enfamplcmade. 
When two fo mighty warriours he difmadc : 
Attoncc he wards and ftrikes, he takes and payes, 
Now forc't to yield, now forcing to invade. 
Before, behind, and round about him layes : 

So double was his piincs, fo double be his praife. 
16 

Strange fort of fight, three valiant knights to fee 
Three combats ioyne in one, and to darraine 
A triple warre with triple enmitee. 
All for their Ladies froward loue to gaine, 
Which gotten was but hate. So loue docs raine 
In ftouteft mindes, and makcth moiiftrous warre ; 
He maketh warre, he maketh peace againe. 
And yet his peace is but continuall iarrc : 

O miferable men, that to him fubicft arrc 1 
»7 

While thus they mingled were in furious armes. 
The f.iire Medina with her trclTes torne. 
And naked breaft (in pitty of their harmes) 
Emongft them ran, and falling them befornc, 
Befought them by the wombc which them had bornCj 
And by the loucs, which were to them moft dcare, 
And by the knighthood, winch they furc hadfworne. 
Their deadly cruell difcor J to forbe.irc. 

And to her iuft conditions offairepeacc to heare. 

But 



^8 



THE SECOND BOOKE OF ^^»/.77. 



But her tvvo other liflerj, {landing by, 

Her loud gainfaid, and both their Champion bad 

Purfuc the cud of their ftrong enmity, 

As euer of their loues they would be glad. 

Yetfhe, with pitthy words and counlellfad. 

Still ftroue their ftubborne ra^es to revoke; 

TJut, at the laft, lupprefling rury mad, 

They gan abftaine Horn dint of^direfull ftroke. 

And harken to the fober (pceches which (he fpoke. 

Ah I puiffaunt Lords, what curfed cuillSpright, 
Or fell ErmnySi m your noble harts 
Her hellifh brond hath kindled with defpight. 
And ftird you vp to worke your wilful! fmarts ? 
Is this theiov of armes ? be thefe theparts 
Of glorious knight-hood, after bloud to thurft, 
And not regard due right and i uft defarts ? 
Vainc is thevaunt, andviftory vniuft. 

That more to mighty handsjthen rightful caufe doth truft. 

And, were there rightfull caufe of difFerence, 
Yet were not better, faire it to accord. 
Then withbloud-guiltinefs to heape offence, 
And mortal! vengeance ioyne to crime abhord ? 
O ! fly from wrath: fly, 6 my liefeft Lord. 
Sad be the fights, and bitter fruites of warre. 
And thoulond Furies wait on wratliful! fword ; 
Ne ought the praife ofproweffe more doth marre. 

Then foule revenging rage, and baf e contentious iarre. 

Ji 

But louely concord, and moft facred peace. 

Doth nourifh vertue, and failfriendlhip breedes ; . 

Weake (he makes ftrong,& ftrong tiling docs increafe. 

Til! it the pitch of liigheft praife exceeds . • 

Braue be her warres, and honourable deedsj 

By which (he triumphs oucr ire and pride. 

And winnes an Oliue girlond for her meeds : 

Be therefore, 6 my deare Lords, pacifide. 

And this mifseeming dilcord meekly lay afide. 

Her gracious words their rancour did appall. 
And funke fo deepc into their boyling brefls, 
That downe they let their cruel! weapons fall. 
And lowely did abafe their loftie crcfts 
To her faire pretence, and difcrete bchefts. 
Then (lie began a trcatie to procure. 
And ftaUifliterriies betwixt both theirrequefts, - . 
That as a lawe for euer (hould endure ; 

Which to obferue, in word of knights they did a(rurc. . 

Which to confirme, and faft to bind their league. 
After their weariefweat and bloudytoile, , . 
She thembefought, during their quiet treague. 
Into her lodging to repaire awhile. 
To reft themfelucsj and grace to reconcile. 
They loone confent : fo fortli with her they fare, 
Where they are well receiu'd,and made to (poilc 
Themfelues of foiled armes, and to prep.are 

Their minds to pleafure^ and theirmouthes todaintyfarc. 



34 

And thofc two froward filters (their faire louts) 
Came with them eke (all were tlicy wondrous loth) 
And fainedcheare,asfor tlietime bchoucs ; 
But could not colour yet lo v/cll the troth, 
But that their natures bad .ippeard in both : 
For, both did at their fecondfiftcrgrutch, 
Andinly grieuc, as doth an hidden moth 
The inner earmcntfret, not th'vtter toucJi ; (much. 

One thought chcir cheat too little, tli'otlicr thought too 

£/>jyI( (fo the eldeft hight) did deeme 

Such eiitcrtaincmentbafc,neoughtwouId cat, 

Ne ought would fpcake, but euermore did feemc ■ 

As difcontentforwantof minh ormeat; 

No folace could her Paramour intreat 

Her once to fiiowe, ne court,nor dalliance : 

But with bentlowringbrcwes, as (he would threat. 

She fcould, andfrownd with froward countenaunce, 

Vnworthyoffaire Ladies comely gouernaunce. ■_^:._ 

But young Terijja was of other mind. 

Full ofdifporc, ftill laughing, loofely light. 

And quite contrary to her fitters kind ; 

No meafure in her mood, no rule of right. 

But poured out ill pleafur^ and delight ; 

In wine and meats (he flow'd abouc the bank. 

And in excefTc exceeded herowne might; 

In fumptuous tire (heioy'd herfelfe to prank ; 
But of ^er loue too lauilh (little haue (he thank.) 

• S7 

Firft, by her (ide did fit the bold Sansloy^ 

Fit mate for fuch a mincing mineon. 

Who in her loofeneflTe tooke exceeding icy ; , 

Might not be found afrankerfranion. 

Of her lewd parts to makecompanion; 

But H(«/(/;ii-ai,more!ikeaMalecontent, 

Did (ee ^nd grieueat Iiis boIdfa(hion ; 

Hardly could he endure his hardiment, 
Yet {!a\\hi fat, and inly did himfelfe torment. 

Betwixt them botli, the faire Medina fate, .• ,3 

Witli fojaer grace, and goodly cariage : , * 

With equal! meafure (lie did moderate 
The ftrong extremities of their outrage ; 
That forward paire (he euerwouldalTwage, 
When they would ftriuedue reafon to exceed ; 
But tliat fame froward twaine would accoitfagc. 
And of her plenty adde vnto their need : - 

So keptlhe them in order, and herfelfein heed. 

Thus fajrcly(hee attempered herfeafl, ; 

And pleald them all withmeet fatietie : 
At laft, when luft of meat and drinke was cejft. 
She Ghjok deare befought of curtefie. 
To tell from whence he came through ieopardic, 
Andwliithernowonnew.xdvcnturcbound, ,: ;„,/>. 
Who, with bold graccjand comely giauity,;; , ,-;,v 
Drawing to him the eyes of all around, , ' ;A 

From loftvfiege began thde words aloud to found. .1 '.7 
, ' This 



Cant, III, 



THE FAERIE QVEENE. 



h 



Tlusdiy Jcm.iund, 6 Lady, doth reuiue 
Frcfli memory in mc of that great Queenc, 
Gre^r and moft glorious virgin Quccne aJiue, 
That with hcrfoucraignc powrc, and fceptcr fliccnc, 
/.il Facnc Lend docs peaceable fuftccnc. 
In uidcft Ocean Ihe her tlirone docs reare, 
That cucr .ill theejrth it may befeene; 
As morning liuine her bean I cs dilpreddcn ckarc : 

And in her face, faire peace and mercy doth appcarc. 

4' 

In her, the riches of all heaucnly gr.ice 
In duefe degree arc licapcd vp on liie : 
And all.thatclfe this worlds cnclorurebafe 
Hath great or glorious in mortall eye, 
Adorncs the perlon of her Maieftie ; 
That men beholding fo great excellence. 
And rare pcrfcdlion in mortahtie, 
Doe her adore u i th facred reuerence. 

As th'Idole oi her Makers great magnificence. 
41 

To lier, I homage and my Icruice owe. 

In numbir ot the noblcft knights on ground, 
Mongftu'hom, on me (he deigned tobeftowc 
Order of M^ydciiheadj the mollrenownd, 
Thatnuy tJus dav in ,dl the world be found: 
An yeai eiy folemne feaft fhe wonts to nuke 
Tlic day that fiiftdoth lead the veare around ; 
To which all Knights of worth and couraae bold 

Relortj to hcare of ftronge adventures to be told. 

4J 
There this old Palmer (liewed himfelfe that day, 
Andtothatmightv Princtfledid complame 
Ot gruuous milchietcs, which a wicked Fay 
Had wrought, and many whelmd in deadly paine. 



Whcreot he crav'd redreffe. My Soueraigne, 
VVhofe glory is in gracious deeds, and ioycs 
Throughout the world her mircy to maintoinc, 
Ettfoones deuis'd redreffe for (ijch annoyes ; 
Mcc (allvnfitforfo great purpofe) Ihccmployes. 

44 
Now hath faire Thcebc with her filver face 

Thrice (cenc the fhadowcs of ihc ncather world, 

Sith laft I left that honourable place. 

In which hcrroyall prefencc is introld ; 

Ne eucr (liall I reft in houfe nor hold, 

Till I thatfalfe ^cr.tjut haiie wonne ; 

Of whofefoulc deeds (too hideous to be told) 

I witnefle am, and this their wretched lonnc, 
Whofe wofuU Parents (he hath wickedly foidonnc. 

45 

Tell on, faire Sir, foid (lie, that dolefull talc, 

From which fad ruth does feeme you to reflraine. 
That we may pi tty luch vnh,ippy bale, 
And learnc from pleafures poylon to abftainc : 
111, by cnlample, good doth often game. 
Then forward he his purpofe gan purfew, 
And told the ftorie of the mortal! paine, 
Which Mordant and ^mavia did rew ; 

As wirfi lamenting eyes himfelfe did lately view. 
46 

Night was farre fpent, and nowin Oce^n dcepc 
Om»,flying£ifbfTom hiding Snake, 
His flaming head did hoften for to ftccpc. 
When of his pittious talc he end did make; 
Whilft with delight of that he wilely fpoke, 
Thofe guefts beguiled, did beguile their eyes 
Of kindly flcepe, that did them ouenakc. 
At laft, when they had niarkt die changed skyes. 

They will their houre was (pent ; then each to rcll him hies. 




Canto III. 

Vaine BrdggadecchiOjgett'mgGayons 
horfe, ts made thejcerne 

Of knighthood true^ and is offiire 
Belphccbe foule forlorne. 






I Sir Cuyon, niindfull of his vow yplight, 

Oone as the morrowe faire with purple bcamcs Vprole from drowlie couch, and him addreft 

Dilpcrft the lliadowcs of the miflie night, Vnto the iourncy which he had bchight : 

Andr/>rtnpl.iymgcntheEaftcrneftreanKS, His puiflant amies about his noble breft, 

Gan cleare the deawy aire with (pnnging light. And many-folded fliickl he bound about his wreft. 



The 



70 THE SECOND BOOKE OF (^ant.lll. 



Tlien,tiking Conge of that virgin pure, 
The blouciy-handed babe vnto her truth 
Did earnefuy commit, and her coniure^ 
Invertuousloreto trainehis tenderyouth. 
And all that gentle nouriture enfu'th : 
And, that fo ioone as riper yeares he raught. 
He might for memory of that daies rudij 
Be called Bjtidymane, and thereby taught, 

T avenge his Parents death, on them that had it wrought. 

So forth he far'^, as now befell, on foot, 
Sith his good fteed is lately from him gone : 
Patience perforce ; helplefle what may it boot 
To fi-etfor anger, orforgriefeto mone? 
His Palmernow (hall foot no more alone : 
So fortune wrought, as vndergreenc woods fide 
He lately heard Sat dying Lady grone. 
He left his fteed without, and fpearebefide. 

And ruflied in on foote, to ayde her ere ftie dide. 

4 

The whiles, a lofell wandring by the way^ 
One that to bounty neuer call his mind, 
Ne thought of honour euer did aflay 
His baler breft, but in his fceftrellkind 
A pleafing veine of glory vaine did find. 
To which his flowing tongue, and troublous fpright 
Gaue him great ayde, and made him more incfcn'd : 
He,that braue fteed there findingready dight, 

Purloynd both fteed and fpeare, and ran away full light. 

Now gan his hart all fwell in iollitie. 

And of himfelfe great hope and helpc conceiu'd. 

That puffed vp with (moake of vanitic. 

And with felfe-loued perfonage deceiu'd. 

He gan to hope, of men to be receiu'd 

For (uch, as he him thought, or fainc would bee ; 

But, for in court gay portauncehe perceiu'd. 

And gallant (hew to be in greateft gree, 

Eftfoones to Court be caft t'auaunce ms firft degree. 
6 

And by the way he chaunced to efpy 
One fitting idle on a funny banke. 
To whom auaunting in great brauery. 
As Peacock, that his painted plumes doth pranke. 
He fmote his courfer in the trembling flanij 
And to him threitned his hart-thrillmg fpeare : 
The feely man, feeing him ride fo rank. 
And ay me at him, fell flat to ground for feare, 

And crying Mercy loud,his pittious hands gan reare. 

7 

Thereat the Scarcrow wexed wondrous proud. 
Through fortime of his firft adventure faire. 
And with big thundring voycc revil'd him loud ; 
Vile Caytiueivaffall of dread and defpaire, 
Ynworthy of the common breathed aire, - 
Why liueft thou, dead dog, a lenger day, 
Anddooft notvnto death thy felfe prepare ? 
Die, or thy felfe my captiue yieldfor ay ; 

Great fauour I thee grant,f«r aunfwere thus to fiay. 



Hold, 6 deare Lord, hold your dead-dooing hand. 

Then loud he cride, I am your humble thrall. 

Ah wretch (quoth he) thy deftimes withftani 

Wy wrathfull will, and doe for mercy call. 

I giue thee life : therefore proftrated fall 

And fcifle my IHrrup ; that thy homage bee. 

The Mifer threwe himl'elfc as an Oftall, 

Straight at his foote in bale humilitee. 
And deapedhim his Liege, to hold of him in Fee. 

9 
So, happy peace they made and faire accord : 

Eftlbones this liege-man gan to wex more bold. 

And when he felt the folly of his Lord, 

In his owne kind he gan himfelfe vnfold : 

For, he was wylie witred, and growne old 

In cunning fleights and praftick knauery. 

From that day forth he caftfor to vphold 

His idle humour with fine flattery. 
And blowe the bellowcs to his fwelung vanicie. 

lo 
Tnmfart, fit man for Bra»jadochio, 

To ferue at Court in view of vaunting eye ; 

Vaine-glorious man, whcnfluttring wind does blowe 

In his light wings , is lifted vp to sky : 

The fcorne of knight-hood and tme cheualrie. 

To thinke without defert of gentle deed. 

And noble worth,to be advaunced hie : 

Such prayfe is (hame ; but honour, vermes meed. 
Doth bcare the faireft flo wre in honourable feed. 

II 
Sojforth they palTe (a well conforted paire) 

Till that at length with ^rchimage they meet: 

Who feeing one that fhonein armour faire. 

On goodly courfer, thundring with his feet, 

Eftfoones fuppofed him a perlon meet, 

Of his revenge to make the inftrument : 

For, fince the Bsdcrojfe knight he earft did weet. 

To been with Guyon knit in one confent. 
The ill, which earft to him, he now to Guyou meant. 

12. 

And comming clofe to Trompart, gan inquerc 

Of him, what mighty warriour that mote bee. 

That rode in golden fell with fingle fpeare. 

But wanted fword to wreakc his enmitee. 

He is a great adventurer (faidhee) 

That hath his fword through hard aflayforgOJlc, 

And now hath vowd, till he avenged bee 

Of that defpight, neuer to wearcn none ; 
Thatfpeare is him enough to doeaa thouland gronc. 

I? 

Th'enchaunter greatly ioyed in the vaflnt. 
And weened well ere long his will to win, 

, And both his focn with equall foyle to daunt. 
Thoj to him louting lowely, did begin 
To plaine of wrongs, whicn had committed bin 
By Guy on, and by thatfalfe ^edcro/Je knight; 
Which two , through treafon and deccitfull gin. 
Had flaine Sir Mordant, and his Lady bright : 

That mote himhonour win, to wreake fo fouledelpight. 

There- 



Cant, 111, 



THE FAERIE QVEENE. 



71 



TLere-with all fuddiindy he feem'd enraged. 

And thrcatncd death with dreadfull countenaunce. 
As It their hues had in his hand been ga?ed ; 
And with ftiffe force ihaJanghis rnorullLiunce, 
To let him vveet his doughae vobaunce, 
Thus faid ; Old man, great fure fluU be thy meed. 
If where thole knights for feore of dew vengeance 
Doe luike, thou certoinely to me areed, 

That I may wreoke on them theirluinous hatefull deed. 

Certes, my Lord CCud he) that fhalll foone. 
And giue you eke good help to their decay : 
But mote Iwifelyyouaduiletodoon; 
Giue no ods to your foes, but doe puruay 
Your lelfe of fword before that bloudy day : . 
For, tliey be tvvo the proweft knights on ground. 
And oft approu'd in many hard allay ; 
And eke of fureft fteele, that may be foiuid. 

Do arme your fclfe agauift that day, them to confound. 
16 

Dotard (faid he) let be thy deepe advife ; 

Seemes that through many yeares thy wits thcefaile. 
And tliat weake eld hath left thee nothing wfe ; 
Elfe neuer fliould thy iudgement be lb fraile. 
To mealure manhood by the h\ ord or maile. 
Is not enoughfoure quaners of a man, 
Withoutcn Iword or Inield, an holt to cjuaile ? 
Thou little woteft, what this right hand can : 

Speake they, which haue beheld the battailes which it waa. 
"7 

The man was much abaflied at his boaft ; 
Yet well he wift, that whofo would contend 
With ather of thole Krughts on euen coaft, 
Should need of all his armes, him to defend ; 
Yet feared leall his boldndle Ihould ofFend, 
When Braiigadocchio laid. Once I did Iweare, 
When with one Iword feutn knights I brought to end, 
Thencc-forth in battaile neuer Iword to beare, 

Butit were that, which nobleft knight on earth doth weare. 
18 

Perdie, Sir Knight, faid then th'enchaunter bhuci 
That (hall I mortly purchafe to your hond : 
For, now the beft and nobleft knight oliue 
Pnnce Arthur is, that \Touncs in Faene lond ; 
He hath afword that flames like burning broud. 
The fame (by my ad vile) I vndertake 
Shall by to morrow by thy lide be fond. 
At which bold word that boafter gan to quake. 

And wondred in his mind, what mote tlut monfter make. 

19 

He ftaid not for more bidding, but away 
Was fuddaine vanifhed out of his fight : 
The Nortlierne wind his wings did broad difplay 
At his commaund, and reared him vp light 
From off the earth to take his aene flight. 
They lookt about, but no where could efpy 
Traft of his foote : then dead through great affright 
They both nigh werc,and each bad other flic: 

Both fled attoncc, nc cuer bAcke returned eye: 



Till that they come vnto 1 Foreft grccne, 

In which they flirowd ther.ilclues from caufclcfle feare; 
Yet fcare them tollovvcs (tU, where (o they beene. 
Each trembhng leolc, and whilfljug wind they heare. 
As galtly bug their h.ure 00 end does reare : 
Yet botli doe liriue their fearcfulnc/Ie to faine. 
At laft, they heard a home, tJiat iJinlted cleare 
Throughout the wood, that ecchoed againc, 

And mode tlie forcft ring, as it would riue in nvoine. 
:i 

Eft through the thick they heard one rudely rufli ; 
With noyfcwhereofhe from his lofty freed 
Downe tell to ground,and crept into a bulh, 
To hide his coward head from dying dreed. 
But Tropipart ftoutly ftaid to taltcn heed 
Ofwhat might hap. Eftloone there ftcpped forth 
A goodly Lady, dad in hunters \\eed. 
That leero'd to be a woman of ?reat worth. 

And by her ftately portance, borne of heauenly birth. 
22 

Her face fo faire ^s fldh it fecmed not, 

But heauenly pourtroift of bright Angels hew, 
Cleare as the skie, witliouten blame or blot. 
Through goodly mixture of complexions dew ; 
And m her checks the vermcill red did Ihew 
Likerofcs in a bed of LUics Ihed, 
The which ombrolial] odours from them threw. 
And gazers fenle \Mtli double pl^olure fed. 

Able to healetlic licfce, and to remue the dcd. 

In her faire eyes two liuing lamps did fl.ime, 
Kindledaboue at th 'heauenly makers heht. 
And darted fine beam es out of the lame, 
So pafsing pearceant, and fo ^voIldrous brio-ht. 
That quite bcreau'd the ralh beholders light : 
In tliem the blinded god his lultfuil fire 
To kindle oftalfayd, but had no might ; 
For, with drad Maicftic, and awfull ire, 

She broke his wanton darts, and quenched bafedellre. 

^4 

Her Ivoricforhead, full of bountie braue. 
Like a broad table did it Idfe dillprcd. 
For Louehis lokie triumphs to engraue, 
And write the battds of lus great godlied : 
All good and honour might therein be red: 
Fortherethdrdivelhngwas. And when fiiee fpakc. 
Sweet words, like dropping honny Ihe did (hed. 
And twixtthepearlcsandrubinsloftly brake 

A /liver Ibund, that heauenly muficke kcm'd to make. 

Vpon her eye-lids many Graces (ate, 
Vnder the Oiadovv ot her euen browes. 
Working belg.trds, and amorous retrate, 
And euery one her with a grace endowes : 
And eiicry one with meckcnelle to her bowes. 
So glorious mirrourofcdcftiall grace, 
Andlbucrainemonimentofmortallvowes, 
How (hill fraile pen ddcriue her heauenly face, 

Forfearc through want of s.kill her beautie to dilorace ? 

G. " So 



72- 



THE SECOND BOOKE OF fattt-Ul. 



So fairc, and thoufind thoufond times more fairc 
She feem'djwhcn fheprefentedwistoiight. 
And was ycl,id (tor heat of rcorchingaire) 
All in a lilkcn Camus, lilly white, 
Purflcd vpon with many a folded plight, 
Which all aboue belpnnklcd was throushoutj 
Wuh golden aygulets, that gliftrcd bright, 
Like twinkhng ftarres, and all the skirt about 

Was hcmd with golden fringe 

Belowe her ham her weede did fome-what traine, 
And her ftreight legs moft brauely were embay Id 
In gilden buskins of cofbly Cordwaine, 
All bard with golden bcndes, which were entaild 
With curious anticks, and full faire aumaild : 
Before,they fafrncd werevnder her knee 
In a rich Itwcll, and therein entraild 
The end of all theirknots, that none might fee. 

How they within their fouldings clofe enwrapped bee. 
28 

Like two faire Marble pillours they were feene. 
Which doe the temple of the Gods fupport, 
Whom all the people decke with girlands greene. 
And honour in their fcftiuall relort ; 
Thofe fame with (lately grace, and princely port 
She tai:glit to tread, when (lie her fclfe would grace ; 
But with the wooddy Nymphes when (lie did play. 
Or when the flving Libbard llie did chace, 

She could them nimbly mouc, and after flie apace. 

And in her hand a (harp bore-fpeare (lie held. 
And at her backe a bowe and quiuer gay, 
Stuft with ftecle-headed darts, whcre-with (he qucid 
Thefaluagebeaftsinherviftoriousplay, • 
Knit wuh a golden bauldnck, whichforelay 
Athwart her fnowybrcaft.and did diuide 
Her dainty paps ; which like young fruit in May 
Now httle gan to fwell, and beeing tide. 

Through her thin weed their places ouely fignifide. 

3° 
Her ycUowe locks crifped, like golden wire. 

About her (liouldcrs weren loo'ely (hed, 

And when the wind emongft them did intpire. 

They waved like a penon wide diflprcd. 

And lowe bchinde her backe were fcattered : 

And whether art it were, or heedk(re hap. 

As through the flowring forreft rafh (he fled. 

In her rude haires fweet flowres themfelues didlap, 

And fiouri(hingfre(h leaues andblofloms did enwrap. 
71 

Such as Viattit by the fandy fhore 

Of fwift F.urotM, or on Cynthm greene. 
Where all the Nymphes haue hervnwares forlore, 
Wanoreth alone with bowe and arrowcs keenc. 
To feeke her game : Or as that famous Queene 
Ol ^maJoi's,v/horuTyrrhiu did deftroy. 
The day that firfl oiTriame (he was (eenc. 
Did (liew herftlfe in great triumphant ioy. 

To luccour the weoke (late of fad afflidled Trnj. 



Such when as hartle(re Trompart her did view. 
He was difmayed in his coward mind. 
And doubted, whether hehimfclfe (liould (hew. 
Or fly away, or bide alone behind : 
Both feare and hope he in her face did find. 
When (lie at laft him fpymg, thus befpake ; 
Hailc Cro< me ;didil not thou fee a bleeding Hind, 
Whole right haunch card my (ledfaft arrowc ftrake > 

If thou didrt, tell mee, that I may her overtake. 

Wherc-with reviu'd, this anlwere forth he threw i 
O Goddelfe (for (uch I tliee take to bee) 
For, neither doth thy face tcrrtdiall (hew. 
Nor voyce found mortall ; I avow to thee. 
Such wounded bead, as diat, I did not fee, 
Sith earft into this forrcd wild I came. 
But mote thy goodlyhed forgiue it mee. 
To wect which of the Gods 1 (lull thee name. 

That vnto thee due worfliip I may rightly frame. 

To whom (lie thus ; but ere her words cnfewed, 
Vnto the bufh her eye did luddaine glauncc, 
In which vaine Braggadocchio was mewed. 
And faw it ilirrc : (he left her pe^rcing Lunce, 
And towards gm a deadly (liaft advaunce. 
In mind to marke the bead. At which (ad ftowre, 
Trompart forth deptj to d.iy the mortall chauncc, 
Out-crying,6 what euer heauenly powre. 

Or earthly wight thou be, with-hold diis deadly howre.' 

O day thy hand : for,yondtr is no game 
For thy fierce arrowes, them to cxercifc ; 
Lut lo, my Lord, my liege, whofe warlike name. 
Is firre rtnowm'd through many bold cmprile ; 
And now m (hade he (hrowded vonderlies. 
She daid: with that,he crauld out of his neft. 
Forth creeping on his caitiue hands and thies. 
And dandingdoutly vp, his loftie creft 

Did fiercely (hake, and rowze , as comming late &otnreft; 

As fearefullfowie, tliat long in fecret Caue 

For dread of foaring hauke her felfe hath hid. 

Not caring how, her (illy life to (aue. 

She her gay painted plumes diforderid. 

Seeing at la(l her felfe from danger rid, 

Peepes foorth, and foonc renewes her natluepridc; 

She gins her feathers foule disfigured 

Proudly to prune, andfet on euery fide, 
So (hakes oft (hamc, ne thinks how erd (he did her hide : 

J7 

So when her goodly vilage he beheld. 

He gen himfelfe to vaunt : but when he viewed 
Thofe deadly tooles, which in her hand (he held, 
Sooneinto other fits he was transmewed. 
Till (hce to him her gracious fpeech renewed ; 
All haile. Sir knight, and well may theebef.iU, 
As all the like, wJiich honour haue purfewed 
Through deeds of armes and prowede Martiall ; 

All vcrtue merits praife: but fuch the mod of all. 

To 



Cant, 111. 



THE FAERIE QVEENE. 



73 



5» 

To whom he thus ■, 6 fjireft vnder skie, 

True be thy\vords,and worthy ofrhypraifc, 

That w-irhte tcues dooft higheft glorifie. 

Therein h.iue I Ipent ill my youthly djies, 

And many b.ittailcs fought, and many fraies 

Throughout the world, wbercfo they might bee found, 

Endeuouring my dreaded name to raif'e 

Aboucthe Moone, that fame may it refound 

In her etcrnall trompe, witli laurell girland cround. 

39 

But, what art thou (6 Lady) which dooft range 
In this vvilde foreft, where no pleafure is, 
And dooft not it for ioyous Court exchange, 
Emongft thine equal! Peeres, whtrc happy blifs 
And all delight does raigncj much more then tliis J 
There thou mairt loue, and dearely loued bee, 
And fwim in pleafure, which thou heere dooft mifs ; 
There maift thou bcft be leene, and beft maift fee ; 

The wood IS fit forbeifls; the Court is fit for thee. 

4° 
Whofo in pompe of proud cftare (cjuoth fhee) 
Docs fuim, and bathts hirnft Ifcin courtly blifs. 
Does waftc his daics in darke obfcuritee. 
And in obliuion cucr buried is : 
W here eafc abounds, yt's eath to doe amifs; 
But who his limbs with la', ours, and his mind 
Bchaues with carts, cannot fo eoJie mjfs 
Abroad in amies, at home in lludious kind 
Who feekes with paincfuUtoiIe, rtull honour fooneftfind. 

41 
In woods, in w.mes, in wanes file u'onts to dwell. 
And ivill be found with peri U and wuhpaine; 
Nc can the man that moulds in idle Cell, 
Viito her happy maniion attaine : 
Before her gate h gh God did Sweat ordaine. 
And wakefull Watches euer to abide : 
But caiie is the way, and pallagc plaine 
To Pleafures palace ; it may loone befpide. 
And day and night her dorcs to all ftand open wide. 

41 
In Princes Court, The reft llic would hauefaid. 
But that the foolifli man (fild with delight 
01 her fwect words, that all his lenfe dilmoid, 
And with her wondrous beaury rauillit quight) 



Ganburne in filthy luft,andIeapiog light, 
Thought in his baftard amies her to embrace. 
With thar,(he livaruing back, her lauelin bricrht 
Againft him bent, and fiercely did menace : 
So, turned her about, and fled away apace. 

43 

Which when the Peafant faw, amaz'd hee ftood. 
And grieued at her flight ; yet dur(t he not 
Purfew her ftcps, through wild vnknowen wood ; 
Bcfides, he feard her wrath, and threatned fliot 
Whiles in the budi he lay, not yet forgot: 
Ne car'd he greatly for her prclence v.unc; 
But turning, (aid to Tromjiart, VVhatfoule blot 
Is this to knight, that Lady fhould againe 

Depart to woods vntoucht, and leaue lo proud difdaine ? 

4+ 
Perdie (faid Tromjiart) lethcrpafteatwill, 

Leaft by her prefence danger mote befall. 

For, who can tell (and fure I feare it ill) 

But that (lie is fome powre celeftiall ? 

For, whiles (lie (pake, her great words did appall 

My feeble courage, and my hart oppreffe. 

That yet I cju.ike and tremble oucr all. 

And I (laid Bra^gadocchio) thought no lefle, 
Whcnfirft I heard ner liorne (bund with iuch gaftlineflc. 

4f 

For, from my mothers wombe this grace I haue 
Mep-iuen byeternall deftinie. 
That earthly thing may not my courage braue 
Difmay with feare, or caule one foot to fhe. 
But either hellidi fiends, or powres on hie : 
Which was the caule, when earft that home I heard. 
Weening it had becne thunder in the sky, 
I hid my (clfe from it, as one affeanl ; 

B at when I other knew, my felfe I boldly reard. 
46 

But now, for feare of worfe that may betide, 
Let vs foone hence depart. They foonc agree ; 
So to his (feed he got,and gan to nde 
As one vnfit therefore, that all might fee 
He had not trained been in cheualree. 
Which well that valiant courier did difcerne ; 
For, he defpis'd to tread in dew degree. 
But chauft and fom'd, witli courage fierce and ftcrne. 

And to be eas'd of that bafe burden ItiU did y erne. 



G. 2. 



Canto 




74 



THE SECOND BOOKE OF C'^nt.lllL 





Canto nil. 

Guy on does Furor bind in chaineSf 

and Ji ops Gccnfion : 
Deliners Phedon, and therefore 

by Strife is ray Id vpon. 






I N brauepurfiiit of honourable deed. 
There is I knowe not what great difFerence 
Betweene the vulgar and the noble feed, 
I Which vnto things of valorous pretence 
I Seemes to be borne by natiue influence ; 
' As,feates of aimcs.and loue to entenaine : 
But chiefly skill to ride, feemes a fciencc 
Proper to gentle bloud ; fome others fainc 
To menage ftceds, as did this vaunter ; but in vaine. 

But he (therightfujl owner of that fteed) 

Who well could menage and fubduehis pride, „ 
The whiles on foot was forced for to yeed. 
With that black Palmer, his moft truftie guide ; 
Who fuffred not his wandring feet to Aide. 
But when ftrongpaflion, or weafce flefliHnefle 
Would from the right way fecke to draw him wide. 
He would through temperaunce and ftedfaflnefle. 

Teach him the weak to ftrengthen, & theftrong fuppreffe. 

It fortuned forth faring on his way. 
He faw from farre, or feemed for to fee 
Some troublous vprore or contentious fray. 
Whereto he drew in hafte it to agree. 
A mad man, or that fained mad to bee. 
Drew by the haire along vpon the ground, 
A handibmc flaipling with great crueltee. 
Whom fore he bet, and gor'd with many a wound. 

That cheeks with tcares,& fides with bloud did all abound- 
4 

And him behind, a wicked Hag did ftalke. 
In ragged robes, and filthy difarray. 
Her otlier leg was lame, that (he no'tc walfce. 
But on a ftafft her feeble fteps did ftay ; 
Her locks , thjt loathly were and hoari e gray. 
Grew all afore, and loofely hung vnrold. 
But all behind wis bald, and worne away. 
That none thereof could euer taken hold. 

And eke herface")llfauourd,full of wrinkles old. 



And euer as fliee went, her tongue did walke 
In foulcreproche, and tearnies of vile defpight, 
Prouoking him by her outragious talke. 
To heape more vengeance on that wretched wight; 
Sometimes Ihe raught him ftones , where-with to finite, 
Sometimes her ftaffe, tliough it her one leg were, 
Withouten which Ihe could not goe vpnglit ; 
Ne any euill meanes fhe did forbcare. 

That might him mo ue to wrath, and indignation reare. 

The noble Guyon moou'd with great remorfe, 
Approching, firlt the Hag didthruft away ; 
And after, adding more impetuous force. 
His mightie hands did on the mad man lay. 
And pluckt him back; who, all on fire fliraight way, 
Againft him turning all his fell intent, 
Witii beaftly brutilh ragegan him affay, 
And fmot, and bit, and kickt, and fcratcht,and rentj 

And did he wift not what in his auengement. 

7 

Aud fare he was a man of mickle might. 
Hid he had gouernance, it well to guide : 
But when the frantick fit inflam'd lus fpright. 
His force was vaine, and ftrooke more often wide. 
Then at the aymed marke, wliich he had eyde : 
And oft himfelfe he chaunc't to hurt vnwares, 
Whilft reafon blent through paflion, nought defcride. 
But as a blindfold Bull at randon fares, (nought cares. 

And where he hits, nought knowcs, and whom hee hurUj 
8 

His rude affault and rugged handeling, 

Strangefeemed to the Knight, that aye with fba 

In faire defence and goodly menaging 

Of armes was wont to fight: yet nathemoe 

Was he abaftied now not fighting fo; 

But more enfiercedthrough his currifli play. 

Him fternely gryp't, and haling tcfandfro. 

To ovenhrowehim ftrongly did aflay. 

But overthrew himfelfe vnwares, and lower Uy. 



kai 



Cant, 1111, 



THE FAERIE QVEENE. 



75 



And bccing Jcvvnc the vilbinefore did bcate, 
And bruzewjthclownirtififrs his manly face: 
And eke the Hag with many a bitter threat. 
Still cald vpon to kill liimiii the place. 
With whoie reproche and odious menace 
The Kniffht emboyling in his haughty hart. 
Knit all his forces , and gan (oonc vnbrace 
His grafping hold : (o lightly did vpftart. 

And drew his deadly weapon, to maintaine his part. 

10 

Which when the Palmer Ciw, he loudly cryde. 
Not fo, 6 Giiyon, ncuer thinke that fo 
That Monfter can be maillred or deftroyd : 
He is no, ah, he is not fuch a foe. 
As fteele con wound, orftrength conoverthroei 
That fame is hiror, curfed cruell wight. 
That vnto knightjiood works much fliameand woe; 
And that Qme Hag, his aged mothcrj hight 

Occajion, the root of all wrath and dcfpight. 
II 

With her, wbofo will raging furor tame, 
Muft firft begin, and well heramcnage : 
Firft her rcttrainefrom her reprochetiiU Wamc, 
And cuill meanes, witli which file doth enrage 
Herfrantick fonne, and kindles his courage: 
Then when Ihc is withdrawen, or ftrong withftoodj 
It's eath his idle furie to alTwage, 
And calme the tcmpeft of his paflion wood ; 

The bankes are ouerfiovvcn, when (lopped is the £ood. 
iz 

There-with Sir Cuyon lefthis firft cmprife. 
And turning to that woman , fafl her hent 
By the hoare locks, that hung before her eyes, 
And to the ground her threw : y et n'ould /he ftent 
Herbitterraylingandfoulercuilcment, 
But {fill prouok't her fonne to wreakeJicr wrong; 
But nathelcflehe didhcrfliU torment. 
And catching hold of her vngratious tongue. 

Thereon an iron lock did faftcn firme and flrong. 
ij 

Then when is vfe of fpeecli was from her reft. 
With her two crooked hands fhe fignes did make. 
And beckned him, the lafl: help HieTiad left : 
Buthe, that lart left help away did take. 
And both her hands fall bound vnto a flake. 
That (he no'te ftinc. Then gan her fonne to flie 
Full fail away, and did her qui te forfake ; 
But Guyon after him in hade did hie, 

And foone him overtooke in fad perplexitie. 

In liis flrong armes he flifFely him cmbrac't. 
Who him gaineflriuing, nought at all prcuaild ; 
For, all his powre was vttcrly defac't. 
And furious fits at earfl quite weren quaild : 
Oft he r'enforc't, and oft his forces faild. 
Yet yield he would not, nor his rancour flack. 
Then him to ground he cad, and rudely haild. 
And both his hands fifl bound behind his bock. 

And both his feet in fetters to an iron racL 



With hundred iron chaines he did h im bind, 

And hundred knots that did hiin lore conflraine ; 
Yet his great iron teeth he Ihll did grind. 
And grimly gnalh, thrcatning rcuengc in vainc : 
His burning ey en, whom bloudie flrakesdid flaine. 
Stared full wide, and threw forth (parks of fire. 
And more for ranke delpiglit, then for great painc, 
Shak't his longlocks, colourd like copper-wire. 

And bit his tawny beard to fliew his ragmg ire. 
i6 

Tims when as Cuyon, Furor had captiu'd, 
Torning about, he law that wretched Squire, 
Whom that madman of life nigh late dcprm'd. 
Lying on "round, all (oyld with bloud and mire ; 
Whoni,whenashcpcrceiuedtorcipi7e, 
He gan to comfort, and his wounds to drefle, 
Becin" at laftrecur'd, he gan inquire. 
What hard mifshap him brought to fuch diflrcife, 

And made that caitiucs thrall, the thrall of wretchednelTe, 
17 

With hart then throbbing, and with watry eyes, 
Faire Sir^ quoth he, what man can fliun the hap. 
That hidden lyesvnwares him to fuiprile i 
Misfortune waites advantage to entrap 
The man mofl warie,in her whelming lap. 
So me weake wretch, of many weokcfl one, 
Vnwcetinw, and vnware of fuch mifshap. 
She broughtto mifchiefe through occalion, 

Where this fame wicked villainedid nic lightvpon. 
18 

It was a faitlilefle Squire, that was die fourfe 
Of all my forrow, and of tlitfe lad teares. 
With whom from tender dug of common nourfc, 
Attonce I was vpbrought; and eft when yeeres 
More ripe vs realbn lent to chufc our Peares, 
Our (clues in league of vowed loue we knit : 
In which wclong time, without icalous feares, 
Our faultie thoughts continewd, as was fit ; 

Andfor my part (I vow) diffembled not a whit. 

It was my fortune common to that .ige. 
To loue a LaJie faire of great degree, 
The which was borne ofnoblc parentage. 
And (etin highcdfeat of dignitee. 
Yet feem'd no lelTe to loue, then lov'd to bee : 
Long I her leru'd, and found her faithfull Ml, 
Ne euer thing could caufe vs diiiigrec : 
Loue that two harts makes one, makes eke one will j 

Each ftrouc topleafe, and others pleofiu-e to fulfill. 
20 

My friend, hight Vhilemon, I did partake 
Of all my loue and all my priuitie ; 
Who greatly loyous (eemcd for my fake. 
And gracious to that Ladie,as to mee, 
Ne eucr wight that mote fo welcome bee. 
As he to her, withouten blot or blame, 
Ne euer thing, that fhec could thinke or fee, 
But vnto him (lie would iinpait the fame : 

O wretdied mani that would abiife (b gentle Dame. 

G J. Aft 



7^ 



THE SECOND BOOKE OF 



Cant' 11 Ih 



At loft, fuch oxice. I found, and meanes I wrought. 
That I that Lady to my (pou(e had wonne ; 
Accord offrJendsjConlent of parents fought. 
Affiance made, my happincfle begonne. 
There wanted nought but few rites to be donne, 
Which manage make ; that day too farrc did fecme : 
Moft ioyous man, on whom the Aiming Sunne 
Did fliew his face, my felfe I did efteeme, 

And that my falfer friend did no lefle ioyous deeme. 

22 

But ere that wiflied day his beame difclofd, 
He, either envying my toward good. 
Or of himfelfe to trealbn ill dilpofd. 
One day vnto me came m friendly mood. 
And told (for fecret) how he vnderftood. 
That Lady whom I had to me aflin'd, 
Had both diftaind her honourable blood. 
And eke the faith , which /he to me did bind ; 

And therefore wiflit me flay, till I more truth fhouldfind. 

^? 

The gnawing anguifh and fharpe iealoufie. 

Which his fad fpeech infixed in my brefl. 
Rankled fo fore, and fefkcd inwardly, 
That my engneued mind could find no refl. 
Till that the truth thereof I did outwreft. 
And him befought by that fame (acred band 
Betwixt vs both, to counfell me the beft. 
He then with lolemne oath and plighted hand 

AfTur'd, erelong the truth to let me vnderfland. 
24 

Ere long, with like againeheboorded mee. 
Saying, he now had boulted all the flourc. 
And that it was a groome of bafc degree. 
Which of my loue was partner Paramour : 
Who vfed in a darkefome inner bowre 
Her oft to meet : which better to approuc. 
He promifed to bring me at that howre, 
When I (hould lee that would me neercr moue. 

And driue me to with-draw my blind abufed loue. 

if 

This gracelefTe man, for furtherance of his guile. 
Did court the handmaid of my Ladv deare. 
Who glad t'embofome his affcftion vile. 
Did all (he might, more pleafing to appeare. 
One day to worke her to his wilTmore neare. 
He woo'd her thus : Tryene (lb fhee hight) 
' What great delpight doth fortune to thee beare. 
Thus lowcly to abafc thy beauty bright. 

That It fhould not deface all others lefser light ? 

But if fhe had her leafthelp to thee lent, 
T'adornc thy forme according thy defart. 
Their blazing pride thou wouldelt foone hauc blent. 
And ftaind their prailcs with thy Icaft good part ; 
Ne fhould faire Clanbell with all her art 
(Though (lie thy Lady be) approche thee neare : 
For proofe thereof, this cuening, as thou art. 
Array thy felfc in her moft gorgeous gcare, 

That I may more delight in thy embracemcnt dcare. 



The Maiden, proud through praife,& mad throueh loue. 
Him harknedto,anJfoone her felfe arraid. 
The whiles to me the treachour did rcmoue 
His craftie engin, and as he had faid. 
Me leading, in a fecret corner laid. 
The fad (peftator of my Tragcdie ; 
Whcrcleftjhe went, and his owncfalfe part plaid, 
Difeuifed like that groome of bafe degree. 

Whom he hadfein'd th'abufer of my loue to bee. 
28 

Eftfoones he came vnto th 'appointed place. 
And with him brought Tryene, rich arrayd. 
In Claribellaes clothes. Her proper face 
I not dilcerned in tliat darklomc (liade. 
But weend it was my loue, with whom he plaid. 
Ah God 1 what horrour and tormenting griefc. 
My hart, my hands, mine eyes, and all afl'aid I 
Me lieferwere tcnthoufand deathezpriefe. 

Then wound of iealous worme, & fliame of fuch repriefe. 
29 

I home returning, fraught With foule defpight. 
And chawing vengeance all the way I went, 
Soone as my loathed loue appeard in fight. 
With wrathful! hand I flew her innocent ; 
That after foone I dearely did lament : 
For, when the caufe of that outragious deed 
Demaunded.I made plaine and euident, 
Her fiultie Handmaid, which that bale didbreed, 

ConfefV, how "Philemon h er wrought to change ha weed. 

Which when I heard, with horrible af&iffht 

And hellifh fury all enrag'd, I fought 

Vpon my felfe that vengeablc defpight 

Topunifh:yctit better firfl I thought, 

To wreake my wrath on him . that firfl it wrougLt. 

ToP/j;/emon,fallefaytour'Pfc/7e»io», 

I call to pay that I fo dearely bought; 

Of deadly drugs I gaue him drinke anon. 
And wafht away his guilt with guiltie potion. 

?i 

Thus heaping crime on crime, and griefe on griefc. 
To lofle of loue adioyning loffe of friend, 
I meant to purge both, with athird mifchiefc. 
And in my woes beginner it to end : 
That was Tryene ; fhe did firfl offend. 
She lafl fhould f mart : with which cruell intent. 
When I at her my murdrous blade did bend. 
She fled away with gaftly dreriment, 

And I purfewing my fell purpofe, after went. 

Feare gaue her wings, and rage enforc't my flight ; 

Through Woods and Plaines, fb long I did her chacCj 

Till this mad man (whom your vidlorious might 

Hath now faft bound) me met in middle (pace; 

As I her, fo he me purfewd apace. 

And fhortly overtooke : I, breathing ire. 

Sore chaufFed at my flay in liich a cafe. 

And with my heate, kindled his cruell fire ; 

Which kindled once, his mother did more rage infpire. 

Betwixt 



Cant, IIIL 



THE FAERIE QVEENE. 



77 



33 
Eetvvixt them both, tlicv haue mc doen to die, 

Throus;h wounds, and ftrookcs.&ftubbornehandeling. 

That death were better then fuch agony. 

As gritfe and fiirie vnto me did bring ; 

Of which in me yet fticks the mortal! ftiog, 

That during hfe will ncuer be appeafd. 

When he thus ended had his lorrowing, 

Said G«^o», Squire, fore haueycbeencdifeofd; 
But all your hurts may foone through temperance be eafd. 

. 3+ 
Then gan the Palmer thus, Moft wretched man. 

That to atfcftions does the bridle lend ; 

In their beginning they are weake and wan, 

But foone through fufironce growe to feorefuU end ; 

Whiles they arewcafce, betimes with them contend : 

For, when they once to perfeft ftrength doc growc. 

Strong warres they make, and cruell battry bend 

Gainl\ fort of Realon, it to overthro we ; 

W'rath,iealou(y,griefe,loue,this Squirehaue laid thus lowc. 

Wrath , icaloufie, griefe, loue, doe thus expcll : 
Wrath is a fire, and icaloufie a wecde, 
Grccfc is a flood, and loue a monfterfell; 
The fire of fparks, the weed of linle feede. 
The flood of drops, the MonfterfiJth did breed : 
But (parks, feed, drops, and filth doe thus delay ; 
The fparks foone quench, thefpnnging feed outweed. 
The drops dry vp, and filth wipe deone away : 

So (hall wrath, iealoufie, griefe, loue, die and decay. 

Vnlucky Squire (faid Ctijon) fith thou haft 
Falne into mifchiefe through intemperaunce. 
Henceforth take heedc of that thou now haft paft. 
And guide thy waies with wane gouernaunce, 
Leaft worfc betide thee by fomelatcr chaunce. 
But read how art thou nam'd,and of what kin. 
Thedon I hight (quoth he) and doc advauncc 
Mine aunceflry from famous Coradin, 
Who firft to roife our houfe to honour did begin. 

37 
Thus as he fpake, lo, farre away they fpide 
A varletrunning tov/ards haftily, 
Whofe flying feet lo faft their way applide. 
That round about a cloud of duft did flie, 
Which mingled all with (weat, did dim his eye. 
He foone approched, panting, brejthlelTe, hot, 
And all lb loyld, that none could him defcry ; 
His countenaunce was bold, and bathed not 
For G«yoni lookes, but (corn efull eyglaunce at him fliot. 

38 

Behind his backe he bore a brazen (hield. 
On which was drawen fairc, i n colours fit, 
A flaming fire in midit of bloudie field, 
And round about the wreath this word was writ. 
Burnt I doe burnt. Rightwell befeemedit. 
To be the ftiield of fome redoubted knight ; 
Andin his hand two darts exceeding flit. 
And deadly fharpe he held, whofe heads were dighc 

In poyfon and in bloud of malice and defpight. 



, , ^ 39 

When heeinprclcnce came, to G«7on firft 

He boldly Ipake, Sir knight,if knight thou bce^ 
Abandon this forcftalled place at crlf , 
For feare of further harine, I counlcll thee. 
Or bide the chaunce at thine ovvnc leoperdie. 
The Knight at his great boldnclTe wondered. 
And though he Icorndhis idle vanitie, 
"y et mildly him to purpofe anfwcred ; 

For, not to growe of nought he it couiefturcd. 
40 

Varlct, this place moft due to me I deeme. 

Yielded by liim that held it forcibly. (feemc 

But, whence fliould come diat harme, which thou dooft 

To threat to him,that minds his chaunce t'aby ; 

Perdy (laid he) here comes, and is hard by 

A knight of wondrous powrc, and great allay. 

That ncuer yet encountred enemy, 

But did him deadly daunt, or foule difmay ; 

Ne thoufor better hope, if thou his prefence ftay. 
4» 

How highthe then (faid Guyon) and from whence ? 
Tyrrhochles is his name, renowmcd farre 
For his bold feates and hardy confidence. 
Full oftapprou'd in many acruelhvarrc. 
The brother of CjymocWfj, both which arre 
The fonnes of old Suites and Dejhiirht ; 
.Aerates, fonne oiVhlegcton and larre : 
BalThlegeton is fonne oi Herebm and 2^>fa.' 

But Herebm lonnc oi .Aeternitie is hight. 

4i 
So from immortall race he does proceed, 

That mortoll hands may not withftand his mi^ht^ 
Drad for his demng doe, and bloudy deed ; ° 
For, all m bloud and Ipoile is his delioht. 
His am I ^tm, his in wrong and rioht. 
That matter make for him to worke vpon. 
And ftirre him vp to ftrife and cruell fioht. 
Fly therefore, fliethisfearefullftead anon, 
Leaft thy foole-hardize worke thy fad confufiod, 

43 
His be that care, whom moft it doth concerne 
(Said he): but whither with fuch haftie flioht 
Art diou now bound ? for, well more I di^emc 
Great caufe, that carries thee fo fwiftand li^ht. 
My Lord (quoth he) me fcnt, and flxaight behight 
To feekt Occajwn, wherelb flie bee : 
For, he is all difpofd to bloudy fi<iht. 
And breathes out wrath and h.unous cruelric ; 
Hard is his hap, tlutfirftfals inhisicopardie. 

44 
Mad man (faid then the Palmer) that does feekc 
Occafinn to wrath, and caufe ot ftrife ; 
She comes vnfought: and (hunncd, followes eke. 
Happy, who can abftaine, when R incour rife 
Kindles Reuenge, and threats his ruftie knife ; 
Woe neuer wants, where cucry caule is caught, 
Andrafli OrcajJon makes vnquietlife. 
Then lo, where bound (lie (its, whom thou liaft fought, 
(Said Ciiyon) let that meflage to tliy Lord be brought." 

G 4- That 



78 



THE SECOND BOOKE OF 



CanuV. 



4? 

That, when the varlcthcard and faw, ftraight w.iy 
He wcxed wondrous wroth, and faidj Vile knight, 
Thit knights & knighthood dooft with Ih.ime vpbny. 
And fhew'ft tli'cnfainplc of thy childifli miglit. 
With filly wcake old woman thus to fight; 
Great glory and gay ipoilc fure haft thou got, 
And ftoutly prov'd tliy puiflaunce here in light ; 
That (hall Vyrrhochks well requite, I wot, 

Ar.d with thy bloud aboli/h fo reprochefuU blot. 



46 

With that, one of his thrillant darts he threw. 
Headed with ire and venp-eabledefpight; 
The quiuering ftccle his aymed end well knew. 
And to his brealhtfelfe intended right : 
But he was warie, and ere it empight 
In the meant marke, advaunc't his Ihicld atwcenc : 
On which it feizing, no way enter might, 
But backe rebounding, left the fork-head keene ; 

Eftfoones he fledaway, and might no where be leenc. 




Canto V. 

Pyrrhochles does mth Guy on fight ^ 
\^nd Furors chaine vnbinds : 

of "whom fore hurt .^f or his reuenge 
Kyitin Cjmochles finds. 





\ Ho-euer doth to temperaunce apply 
' His ftedfaft life, and all his aftions frame, 
. Truft me, fhall find no greater enemy, 
i Then flubborne perturbation, to the fame i 
To which right well the wife doe giue that name. 
For, it the goodly peace of ftayed mindes 
Does ovcrthrowe, and troublous warreproclamc : 
His owne woes authour, whofo bound it findes. 
As did Tyrrboehles, and it wilfully vnbindes. 

z 
After that varlets flight, it was not long, 
Ere on the Plaine faft pricking Guyon fpide 
One in bright armcs embattailed full fbong. 
That as the Sunny beames doe glaunce and glide 
Vpon the trembling wane, fo fhined bright. 
And round about him threw forth fparkling fire. 
That feem'd him to cnflame on euery fide : 
His fleed was bloudy red, and fomed ire. 
When with the maifbring fpur he did liim roughly flirc. 

Approching nighj he neuer ftay d to greet, 

Nc chaffer words, prouJ courage to prouokc. 

But prickt To fierce, that vndcrneath his feet 

The fmouldringduft did round about him fmoke. 

Both horfe and man nigh able for to choke ; 

And fairely couching his ftcele-hcaded fpcarc. 

Him firft faluted with a fturdy ftroke ; 

It booted nought Sir G»)'o» comming ncare 

To thinke, fuch hideous puifTaiuicc on foot to bearc. 



But lightly fhunned it, and pafCngby 

Wi th his bright blade did fmiteat him fo fell. 
That the fharpe fleele arriuing forcibly 
On liis broad fhield, bit not, but glauncing fell 
On his horfe neck before the quilted fell. 
And from the head the body fundred quight: 
So him difmounted lowe, he did compel! 
On foot with him to matchen cquall fight; 

The trunked beaflfaft bleeding, did himfouly dight. 

Sore bruzed with the fall, he flowe vprofe. 
And all enraged, thus him loudly llient ; 
Difleall kiught, whofe coward courage chofe 
Towreakeitfelfe onbeaflall innocent. 
And fliund the marke, at which it fhould be menr, 
Thereby thine amies (eeme ftrong.but manhood frailc; 
So haft thou oft with guile thine honour blent ; 
But little may fuch guile thee now availc, 

If wonted force and fortune doenocmuchmefaile. 
6 

With that he drew his flaming fword, and fhooke 
At him (o fiercely, that the vpper marge 
Ofhis feuenfolded fhield awayit tooke. 
And glauncing on his helmet, made a large 
And open gafli therein : were nothis targe. 
That broke the violence ofhis intent. 
The weary foulefrom thence it would difcharge ; 
Nathelefle, lo fore a buffe to him it lent. 

That made him reele, and to his breaft his beuer bent. 

Exceeding 



Cant, V, 



THE FAERIE QVEENE. 



-79 



Exceeding wroth was C'lyon jt tlut blowc, 

Andmucliiflum'd, tkuftroakeofljuingirmc 
Should him difmay , and make him ftoupc fo lowe, 
Though othcrvvilc itdidhimhtdeharme : 
Tho hurling high his iron braced arme, 
He (mote lo manly on liis fhoulder plate, 
That;ill his left fide it did quite difarme ; 
Yet there tlie ftccle ftaid not, but inly bate 

Deepe in his flcfh, and opened wide a red flood-gate. 
8 

Deadly dtfmaid, with horror of that dint, 
TyrrhoehUs was, and grieued eke entire ; 
Yet nathemore did ithis furiefbnt, 
But added flame vnto his former fire. 
That wel-nigh molt his hart in raging ire: 
Ne thencc-wrih his approued skill, to ward, 
Or ilrike, or hurlen round in warhke gyre, 
Remembred he, ne car'd for his faufegard. 

But rudely rag'd, and like a cruell Tigre for'd. 

9 

He hewd, and laflit, and foynd, and thundred blowes, 
And euery way did feckc into his lite : 
Neplate, ne male could ward fo mighty throwes, 
But yielded paiTage to his craell fcnite. 
But G«jo»jinthehcateofallhisftnfe, 
Was wane wife, and dofely did await 
Avanuge, wlul'fl: his foe did rage moft rife ; 
Sometimes athwartj fometimes he ftrooke him ftrait. 
And failed oft his blowes, t'lllude him with fuch bait. 

lo 
Like as aLion, whofe imperiall powre 
A proud rebellious Vnicorne deiics, 
T'avoyd the rafli afl'auk and wrathfull ftowrc 
Of his fierce foe, him to a tree applies , 
And when hiin runnmg in full courle he fpics. 
He flips aiide ; the whiles that furious beaft 
His precious homejfoughtof his enemies. 
Strikes in the ftock, ne thence can be rcleaft. 
But to the mighty Viftor yields a bountious feaft : 

II 
With fuch faire flight him G»y<»t often faild. 
Till at tlie Lift, all breathlclTe, we.uie, faint 
Himlpying, withfrefli onfetheaflaild. 
And kindling new his courage (fceming qucint) 
Strooke him lo hugely, that through great conl^aint 
He niide hini ftoupe perforce vnto his knee. 
And doe vnwilling worftiip to the Saint, 
That on his fliield depaintcd he did fee ; 
,Such homage til that inftant neuer learned hcc. 

li 
Whom G«>o» feeing ftoupe,purfewedfaft 
The prefent offer of faire vidlory. 
And foone his dreadfull blade about he caft, 
Where-with he frnote his haughty creft (b hie, 
That Ibaight on ground made him full lowe to he ; 
Then on has breaft his viftour foot he thruil : 
With that he cride, Mercy, doe me not die, 
Ne deeme thy force by Fortunes doome vniuft. 
That hath (maugre her fpight) thus lov/e me laid m duft. 



Eftfoones his cruell hand Sir Gtiyon flaid. 

Tempting the p.iflion with advifementflcnVe, 
And inaillring might on enemy dilmaid : 
For, th'cquall dye of warre he well did knowe; 
Then to him faid, Liue, and allegaunce owe 
To him that qiues thee life and hberty : 
And henceforth , by this daics enf.unple trowe. 
That haftie wroth, and heedlclTe hazardry, 

t)oe breede repentance late, and lafling infamy. 

So,vp he let him rife: who with grim looke 

And count'naunceflcrne vpflanding, gan to grind 
His grated teeth for great iiild.unc, and fhookc 
His landie locks, long hanging downebeliind. 
Knotted in bloi.:d and dull, for griefe of mind. 
That he in ods of amies was conquered ; 
Yet in himfelfe fome comfort he did find. 
That him fo noble Knight had maiftercd, 

Whole bounty more then might, yet both he wondered. 

,15 

Which G«7<"> marking faid. Be nought agrieu'd, 
Sir Knight, that thus ye now fubducd arrc : 
Was neuer man.who moft conquefts atchieu'd 
But fometimes had the worie, and 1 oft by warre. 
Yet (hortly gaind, tliat loffe exceeded farrc : 
LofTeis no fhame,nor to be lelfe then foe ; 
But to be leiTer, then himlelfe, doth marre 
Bothloofers lot, andviftors praifeaKo. 

Vaine others overthrowes, whole fclfe doth overthrowe. 
i6 

Fly, o Tynhochles, flie the dreadfull warre. 
That in tliy fclfc thy lefTer parts doe moue : 
Outragious anger, and woe-working iarrc, 
Diref u II impanence, and hart-murdnng loue ; 
Thole, thole thy foes, thofe warriours tarre remoue. 
Which thee to endleffe bale captiued lead. 
But fith in might tliou didft my mercy proue. 
Of curtciie to me the caufearead. 

That thee againft me drew widi fo impetuous dread. 
17 

DreadlefTe, faid he, that fhall I foone declare : 
It was complaind, that thou hadft done great tort 
Vnto an aged woman, poorc and bare. 
And thralled her in cliaines with ftrong effort. 
Void of all fuccour and necdfull comfort : 
That ill befeemes thee, fuch as I thee fee. 
To worke fuch fhame. Therefore I thee exLort 
To change thy will.ond fet Oa.-j/«>»free, 

And to her captiue fonne yield his firft Lbertee. 
i8 

Thereat Sir Cuyon fmil'd: And is tliat all 
Said he, that thee fb fore difplcaled hath ? 
Great mercy fure, for to enlarge a thrall, 
Whofe freedome fliall thee turne to greateft fcath. 
Nath'lefTc, now quench thy hot emboyhng wrath : 
Loe, there they be ; to thee I yield them free. 
Thereat he wondrous glad, outof thepath 
Did lightly leape, where he them boiuid did fee. 

And gan to breake the bands of ilicir captimtce. 

Scone 



So 



THE SECOND BOOKE OF 



(^ant, F. 



Sooneas Occafion feklierfclfevntiJe, 
Before her lonnc coui'i well olloilcd bee, 
She to her vie returud, and ftraight defide 
Botli Cuyon and Vyrrhochles: th'one (faid (he) 
Becaulc he wonne ; the other, becaufe hee 
Was wonne : fo matter did (he m,ike of nought. 
To ftirre vp flrifc.and doe them dilagree : 
But foone as f«)-or was enlarg'd, (he Ibughc 

To kindle his queuchtfire, and thoufand taules wrought. 

20 

It was not long, ere (he inflam'd him fo. 

That he would aigates with TynhoMes fight. 
And his redeemer chaleng'd for his foe, 
Becaufe he had not well main taind his rioht, 
But yielded had to that fame ftranger knight : 
Now CTan Vyrrhochles wex as wood as hee. 
And him affronted with impatient might : 
So both together fierce engrafped bee^ 

Whiles G»;yo»ftandingby, their vncouthflrife does fee; 

21 

Him all that while Oiffl/ton did proiioke 

AgainftPjrr/wcWejjand new matter fram'd '-■' ' 
Vpon the old, him ftirjing to be wroke 
Ofhislatewrongs, in which (lie oft him blam'd ■ 
For fufFi.nng fuch abufe, as knightliood (liam'd. 
And him dilabled quite. But he was wife, 
Ne would with vaine occafion be inflam'd ; 
Yet oth c rs (he m ore- vrgent di d deuifc : 

Yet noilung could him to impatience entife. 

22 

Their fell contention (fill increafed more, . y.'.T<'"_«y o ^li 
And more thereby incrcaied Furors might, rjv. 'frflT 
That he his foe has hurt, and wounded (ore, ' 
And him in bloud and durt deformed quight. 
His mother eke (more to augmen t h; s Ipnght)* 
How brought to him a flaming fierbrond, ■ 
Which (hein StygianX^e. (ay burning bright) 
Hid kindled : that (lie gaue into his hond. 

That arm'd with fircjmore hardly he mote liijn withftond. 

^l 

Th o gm th c villaine wex fo fierce and (bong, 
That nothing might (uftaine his furious force ; 
He caflhim downe to ground, and all along 
Drew him through durt and myre without remorfe. 
And fouly battel ed his comely corfe. 
That Gi-.yon much difdeign'd fo loathly fight. 
At laft, he was compeld to cry perforce, 
Hclpe (6 Sir Cuyon) help mofl noble knight. 

To lid a wretched man from hands of helUlh wight. 
24 

The knight was greatly moucd at his plaint. 
And gan him dight to fuccour his diftrefTc, 
Till that the Palmer, by his graue reftraint. 
Him flaid from yielding pittifuU redrelTe ; 
And (.lid, Dearc (onne, tliy cauleklTe ruthreprcfle, 
Ncletthvftouthartmcltinpittyvaine : 
He that his lorrow fought through wilfulnelTc, 
And his foe fcttred would releafe againe, 

Delerues to tafte his foUiesfruit, repented paine. 



Guyon obaid ; So him away he drew 

From needlclle trouble ot renewing fight 
Already fought, his voyage to purlcw. 
Butraih Vyrrhochles varlct .^tinlughr. 
When late he law his Lord in heauie plight, 
Vndcr Sir Cuyons puiflauiit Iboke to fall. 
Him deeming dead, as then he feem'd in (ight, 
Fled faft away, to tell his funcrall 

Vnto his brother, whom Cymochles men did call. 
\6 

He was a man of rare redoubted might, - 

Famous throughout the world for warlike priife. 
And glorious Ipoiles, purchaft in perilous fight : 
Full many doughty knights hem his daies - 

Hid doen to death, fubclewd in tquallfrayes ; 
Whole carcafes, for terrour of liis name. 
Of fowles and beafts he made the pittious prayes, 
And hung their conquered armes for more defame 

On gallow trees, in honour of his deareft Dame. 

His deareft Dame is thatEnchaunterefTe, 
The vile ^crafid, that with vaine delights, 
Andidleplealurts in her Bowre ofBLjfe, 
Does charmc her loucrs, and the feeble fprightS 
Can call out of the bodies of fraile wig' ts : 
Whom then (lie does transforme to mohftrous hewes, 
And horribly mis(hapes with vgly (ights, 
Captiv'd eternally in ironmewes ; 

And darkfomc dens, where Titan his face neucr (hewes. 
28 

There ^tin found Cymochles ("oiourning, 
To ferue his Leni.ms loue : tor he, by kind. 
Was giucn all to lull and loofe liuing, 
When euer his fierce hands he tree mote find: 
And now he has pourd out his idle mind 
In d jintie deliccs, and laui(h ioycs, 
Haumg his warlike weapons caft behind. 
And flowes in pleafures, and vaine pleating toyes. 

Mingled emongft loofe Ladies and la(ciuious boyes. 
29 

And ouer him. Art fb-iuing to compaire 

With Nature, did an Arbour greene difTpred, 
Framed of wanton Ivie, flowringfairc. 
Through which the fragrant Eglantine didfpred 
His pricking armes, cntrayld with rofes red. 
Which dainty odours round about them threw. 
And all within with flowres was garnifhed. 
That when mild Zefhyrus emongft them blew. 

Did breathe out bountious fmels, & painted colours (hew> 

And faft befide, there trickled foftly downe 

A gentle (beamc, whofe murmuring wane did play 
Emongft the pumy ftones, and made afowne, 
ToluUhimfoft afleepe,thatbyitlay ; 
The wearie Traueiler, wandring that way. 
Therein did often quench his thirftieheat. 
And then by it his wcarielimbes difphy, 
Whiles creeping (lumber made him to forget 

His former paine,and wip't away his toylfome fweat. 

And 



Cant, V, 



THE FAERIE Q.VEENE* 



%i 



, 31 

And on the otlier fide a pleolant Groue 

Wasfliot vp high, foil of the ftjtely tree. 

That di dicjtcdis t'Olympick^ loue. 

And to his (bnne chides, when as hee 

G.un'd in 7\eniia goodly viftoree ; 

Therein the inci^' b:rds,of euery fort, 

Ch.iunted aloud their chearefiill hormonie: 

And nude cmongit themfelues afweetconfort, 
Tlut cjuickned tlie dull fprighc with muficall comfort. 

3* 
There he him found all carekfly difplaid. 

In Iccrct fliadowe from tlie funny ray. 

On a (vv ect bed of Lillies foftly laid, 

Ami.'ft a flock of Damzels frelli and gay, 

Thatroimd abouthim difToIute did play 

Their wanton follies, and light menment ; 

Euer)' of which didloofely difaray 

Her vpperparts of meet habihments. 
And Ihewd them naked, deckt with many ornament*. 

And euer}- of tliem ftroue, with moft delights, 
Him to aggrate, and greateft pleafures fliew ; 
Some framd faire lookes, glancing like eucning lights; 
Otliers, fwect words, dropping like hormy dew i 
Some, bathed kifleSj and didlott embrew 
The lugrcd liquor through his melting lips : 
One boalls her beauty, and does yeeJd to view 
Herdainrvlimbes aboue her tender hips; 

Another, her out-boafls, and all for tryallftrips. 

34 

Hee, like an Adder, lurking in the weeds. 

His wan Iring thought in deepe defire does ftecpe. 

And lus fraile eye with fpoile of beautie feedcs ; 

Sometimes, he falfcly faines himfelfe to fleepe, 

W hiles through their lids his wanton eyes doc peepe. 

To fteale a Inatch of amorous conceit. 

Whereby dole fire into his hart does crcepe : 

So, them deceiues, dcceiv'd in his deceit. 

Made drunke with drugs of deare voluptuous rcceit. 



^tin arriuing there, when him Lc fpide, 

Thus in dill waucs cf deepe deliwJit to wade. 
Fiercely approching, to him loudly cride, 
Cymocbles , oh no, but CymochUs iha Je, 
In which that manly perlon late did fade. 
What is become of great ^crates (bnne ? 
Or where hath he hung vp his mortal] blade, 
That hath fo many haughty conqueils wonne i! 

Is all his force forlorne, and all his olorv donuc > 

Then pricking him with his (harpe-pointed dart. 
He (aid ; Vp, vp,thou womaniih v.eokekniglit. 
That here in Ladies lap entombed art, 
Vnmindfiill of thy praile and provveft might, 
And wectleiTc eke of lately wrought defpight. 
Whiles fad VyrroMes lyes on lenfeleffe ground. 
And groneth out his vtmoft grudging (prif lit. 
Through many aftroake, & many a llrcaming wourv.1^ 

Calhng thy helpe invaine, that hecrein ioves art drowud. 

37 

Suddainely out of his delightfuU dreame 

The man awoke, and would haue queftiond more ; 

But he would not endure that wofull tlicamc 

For to dilate at large, but vrged (ore 

With pearcing words, and pittifull implore. 

Him haftie to arife. As one affright 

With hellifh fiends, or Furies mad vprore. 

He thcnvprole, inflam'd with fell dcfpight. 

And called for his armes ; for he would alsates ficht. 

38 ° 

They beenybrought ; he quickly does him dight/ 
And lightly mounted, palTeth on his way : 
Ne Ladies loues, ne fweet entreaties inight 
Appeafe his heate, or half le padagc flay ; 
For,hehas vow'd to been avcng'd that day 
(That day itfeife him fecmcd all too long : ) 
On him, that did TyrrhochUs dearc dilmay ; 
So, proudly pricketh on hi: courfer (Irong, 
And ^tin aye him pricks withlpurs of fhame and wronc. 



Canto 




Si THE SECOND BOOKE OF C'^nt.VL 





\ Harder leffon, to learne Continence 
In ioyous pleafure,thenin grieuous paine: 
For, fwcetnes doth allure the weaker (enfe 
Softrongly, thatvneathesitcanrefraine 
I Fro that, which feeble nature couets faine; 
But griefe and wrath.that be her enemies. 
And foes oflife, flic better can reftraine; 
Yet vertuc vaunts in both their viftories. 
And Guyonin them all/hewes goodly mailteries. 

2 

Whom bold Cymochles trauailing to find. 
With cruell purpofe bent to wreake on Kim 
The wrath, which ^tm kindled in his mind, 
Cametoariuer,by whofevtmoftbrim 
Wayting to paffe, he law whereas did fwim 
Along the fhore, as iwiftas glaunceof eye, 
A little Gondelay, bedecked trim 
With boughes and arbours wouen cimningly. 

That like a little foreft I'eemed outwardiy. 

And therein fate a Lady freih and faire. 
Making Iweet folace to herfelfe alone ; 
Sometimes fhe fung, as loud as Larke in aire. 
Sometimes flie laught, that nigh her breath was gone. 
Yet was there not with her elfc any one, 
That might to her moue caufe ot merriment : 
Matter ot mirtli enough, though there were none 
She could deuife, and thou&nd waies invent 

To feed her fo ohfli humour, and vaine iolliment. 
4 

Which vhen farre ofF ChymochleshtoxA, andfaw. 
He loudly cald to fuch as were abord. 
The little barke vnto the fliorc to draw, 
And him to ferry ouer that deepe ford : 
The merry Marriner vnto his word 
Sooneharkned.andherpaintedboatftraightway 
Ttirnd to the fliore, where that fame warlike Lord 
She in receiu'd ; but ^tm by no way 

Shee would admit, albc the Knight her much didpray. 



Eftfoones her fhallow fhip away did Aide, 

More Iwift then Swallow flieres the Ii<juid skie, 

Withouten oare or Pilot it to guide. 

Or winged canuas with the wind to Are; 

Onely (lie tiurn'd a pin, and by and by 

It cut away vpon the yeelding waue, 

Ne cared ftiee her courfe for to applie : 

For, it was taught the way, which flie would hane, 

And both from rocks and flats it felfe could wifely Ciue; 
6 

And all the way, the wanton DamzelJ found 
New mirtli, her paflenger to entertaine : 
For, ftie in plealant purpofe did abound. 
And greatly ioy ed merry tales to faine. 
Of which a ftore-houle did with her remaine: 
Yet feemed, nothing well they her became; 
For, all her words medrownd with laughter vaine. 
And wanted grace in vtt'ring of the fame, 

That turned all her plealance to a fcoffing game. 

7 

And other whiles vaine toyes fhe would deuife. 
As her fantaftick wit did moft delight : 
Sometimes her head (he fondly would aguife 
With gaudie girlonds, or fredi flowrets dighc 
About her neck, or rings of ruflies plight ; 
Sometimes to doe him laugh, (he wotildaflay 
To laugh at (baking of the leaues light. 
Or to behold the water vvorke,and play 

About her little frigot, therein making way. 
8 

Her light behauionr, andloofe dalliaunce 

Gaue wondrous great contentment to the Knight, 
That of his way he had no fouenaunce. 
Nor care of vow'd revenge, and cruell fight. 
But to weake wench did yeeld his Martiafl might. 
So eafie was to quench his flamed mind 
With one fweet drop of fenfuall delight : 
So calic is, t'appeafe the ftormie wind 

Of malice in the calme of plealanj womankind. 

Diuctfe 



i 



Cant, VI, 



THE FAERIE QVEJENE. 



83 



Diuirfe difcourfcs in their vviy they fpcntj 
MonCTft whidi CymochUs of her (jueftioneJ, 
Both what fhe was, and what that vfagc ment. 
Which in her cot fhe daily praftifed. 
. Vaine man, fayd (he, that would'ft be reckoned 
A fir moer in thy home, and ignorant 
OiV'hxiiria (for (b my name is red) 
OtVludria, tliine ownefcllow fcruaimt ; 

For, diou to leruc ^crajut thy felfe dooft vaunt. 

]0 

In ihii wide Inland fea, that hightby name 
The TdU talif, my wandring (hip I rowc, 
That knowes het Port, and thither failes by ayme, 
Ne care, nc fcare I, how the wind doc blowe, 
OrwhcthtrfwiftIwcnd,orwhetherflowc : 
Both flowe and fwift ahke doe i'erue my tournc, 
Nc fwelling Tieptune,De loud thundring I tut 
Can change my cheare, or make me euer mournc » 

My little boat can fafely pafle this perilous bourne. 
II 

Whiles thus (he talked, and whiles thus fhe toyd, 
They were farre pafl the pafTage which he (pake. 
And come vnto an Ifiond wafle and voyd, 
That floted in the midit of that great lake, 
There herfmall GonJcLiy her Port did make. 
And that gay payre ifluing on the fhorc 
Disburdned her. Their way they forward take 
Into the Land that lay tliem faire before, 

Whofe pleafiUDce fhe him (hew'd, and plentiful great ftore. 
iz 

It was a chofen plot of fertile land, 

Emongft wide wanes faLke a little neft. 

As if it had by Natures cunning hand, 

Eccne choicely picked out from all the reft. 

And hydforth for cnfample ofthebcft: 

No daintic flowre or herSe thatgrowes on ground. 

No arboretwith painted blofloms drefl. 

And fmelling fwect, but there it might be found 

To bud out fayre, and her fweet Imels throwe all around. 

>5 

No tree, who.H: branches did not brauely fpring ; 
No branch, whereon a fine bird did not fit : 
No bird, but did her (hrill notes fweetly ling : 
No fong but did containc a louely dit : 
Trees, branches, birds, and fongs wercframed fit 
For to allure fray le mind to carelefTe cafe. 
CarclefTe the man foone wox , and his weake wit 
Was overcome of thing, that did him pleafe; 

So pleafed, did his wraihfuU purpofc faire appeafc 

14 
Thus when fhec had his eyes and fenfes fed 

With falfe delights, and fild vrith pleafures vaine. 
Into a fhady dale fhe (oft him led. 
And layd him downe vpon a graflie Plainc ; 
A nd her fweet fclfc, without dread or difdainc 

I She fet befide, laying his head difarm'd 
In her loofe lap, it foftly to fuftaine. 
Where (oonehe flumbred, fearing not behann'il, 



i 



Beliold, 6 man, tliat toyle-fome paines dooft take. 
The flowres, the fields, and all that pleafant growes. 
How they themfelues doe thine enlample make. 
Whiles nothing envious Nature them forth throwes 
Out of herfruitfuU lap ; how, no man knowes. 
They fpring, they bud, they blolTome frefh &: faire. 
And deck the world with their rich pompous (howes 5 
Yet no man for them taketh paines or care. 

Yet no man to them can his carefull paines compare. 
16 

The Lilly, Lady of the flowring field, 

ThcFlowre-deluce.her louely Paramoure, 
Bid thee to them thy fruitleffc labours yield, 
And foone leaue ofFthis toylefome wcarie ftoure ; 
Lo, lo, how braue fhe decks her bountious boure. 
With filken ciu'tens and gold couerlets. 
Therein to fhrowd herfumptuous Belamourc, 
Yet neither fpinnes nor cardes, ne cares nor &ets> 

But to her motlier Nature all her care (he lets. 

17 
Why tlien dooft thou, 6 man, that of them all 

Art Lord, and eke of nature Soueraigne , 

Wilfully make thy felfe a wretched thrall. 

And wafte tlw ioyous houres in necdlclTc paine, 

Seeking for danger and adventures vaine ? 

What boores it all to haue,aiid nothing vfe ? 

Who fhall him rew, that fwimming in the mainc. 

Will die for thu-ft, and water doth refufc i 
Refufe fuch fruitlefTe toyle, and prelent pleafures chufc> 

18 
By this, (he had him lulled faft afleepe. 

That of no worldly thing he care did take ; 

Then fhe with liquors ftrong his eyes didfteepc. 

That nothing fhould him haftily jiW.ikc : 

So (lie him left, and did herfelfe betake 

Vnto her boat againe, with which (lie deft 

The flothfullwaues of that great gnefly lake; 

Sodne fhe that Ifland farre bdiind her left, 
And now is come to that fame placc,where firft fhe weft. 

By this time,was the worthy Guyon brought 
Vnto the other fide of that wide ftrond, 
y Vhere fhe was rowing, and for pafTage fought : 
„ Him needed not long call, (he foone to liond 
Her ferry brought, where him flic by ding fond. 
With his fad guide ; himfelfe fhe tooke aboord. 
But the Black, Pd/merfuf&ed fbll to ftond, 
Ne would for price, orprayers onccafFoord, 

To ferry that old man ouer the perlous foord. 
20 

Guyon was loath to leaue his guide behind. 
Yet becing entred, might not back retire ; 
For, the flit barke, obaying to her mind, 
Forth launch -d quickly, as fhe did defire, 
Ne gaue him leaue to bid that aged Sire 
Adieu, but nimbly ran her wonted courfe 
Through the dull billovves thick as troubled mire, 
Whom neither wind out of their (eat could force, 

Nor timdy tides did driue out of theirfluggifh fourfe. 

H. Aai 



84 



THE SECOND BOOKE OF 



C^inuVU 



And by the way , as was her wonted guifc. 
Her merry n: fhe frefhly gan to reare. 
And did of ioy and iollitie deilife, 
Her felfe to cherifh, and hcrgueft to chcare : 
The Knight was courteous, and did not forbeare 
Her honeft mirth and pleafance to partake ; 
But when he faw her toy, and gibe, and gearc^ 
And pafle the bounds of modelt merimake. 

Her dalliance he defpis'd, and follies did fotfake. 

Yet flie ftill followed her former ftile. 

And layd and did all that mote him delight, 
Till they arriued in thatpleafant He, 
Where fleeping late fhe left her other knight. 
But, when as Gwjo" of that land had fight. 
He wift himfclfe amifs, and angry fayd ; 
Ah Dame, perdy y e haue not doen me right. 
Thus to miflead nie, whiles I you obayd : 

Me little needed from my right way to haue ftrayd. 

H 
Fayrc Sir, qudth flic, be not dilpleas'd at all ; 

Who fares on fea, may not commaimd his way, 

Ne wind and weatlier at his pleature call ; 

Thcfea is wide , and ealie for to ftray ; 

The wind vnftable,and doth neuer ftay. 

But heere awhile ye may in lafetie reft. 

Till fe.ifon ferue new paffage to alTay ; 

Better fife Port, then be in leas diftreft. 
Tbere-with (he laught, and did her earncft end in left. 

'. , H 
Buthe,halfe difcontent, motenathelefle 

Himfelfe appeale, and iffued forth oh fliore : 
The ioyes whereof, and happy fruitfulnefle. 
Such as hefaw fhcgan him lay before, 
And all tkouph pleafant, yet flie made much more : 
ThefielJs didlaugh, theflowrcs didfreflily fpring. 
The trees did bud, and earely blofloms bore. 
And all the quire of birds did fweetly fing. 
And told that gardins pleafur'cs in their caroling. 

, *^ 
And fhee, moVe fweet then any bird on bough. 

Would oftentimes emongft them beare a part, 

And ilriue to pafle (as fhee could well enough) 

Their natiue muiick by her skilful! art : 

Sodidfheall,thatmighthis conftanthart 

With-draw from thought of warhke enterprifc, 

And drowne m diflblute delights apart, 

Where noyfe of armes, or view of Martiall guifc 

Might not reviue defire of knightly exercife. 
26 

Buthee was wife,and wary of her will, 
' And euer held his hand vpon his hart^- 
Yet would not feemc fo rude, and thewed ill, 
As to detpiie fo courteous feeming part. 
That gentle Lady did to him impart ; 
Butfayrely tempring.fond ddirefubdcwd. 
And euer her defired to depart. 
She lift not heare, but her difports purfcwd. 

And euer bade him ftay, till time the tide reiJcwd. 



. *7 

And now by this, fjr»wfW« howre was fpent, 

Thatheawoke outofhis idlcdreame. 

And fliaking dffhis drowiie dreriment, 

Gan him avize, how ill did him befeemc, 

In ilothfuU fleepc his molten hart to ftemCj 

And quench the brond of his conceiued ire. 

Tho vp he ftarted, ftird with fhame extreme, 

Ne ftayedforhis Damfell to inquire, 
But marched to the ftrond^ there palTage to requiie. 

i8 
And in the way, he with Sir G»jy o« met, 

Accompanyde with Vhttiria thefaire : 

Eftfoones he gan to rage, and inly fret. 

Crying, Let be that Lady debonaire, 

Thou recreant knight, and loone thy felfe prepairc 

To battaile, if thou meane her loue to gainc : 

Lo, lo already, how the fowles in aire 

Doe flock, awayting fhortly to obtaine 
Thy carcafle for their prey, the guerdon of thy piinc 

^9 ; 

And there-withall he fiercely at him flew. 
And with important outrage him aflayld ; 
Who,foone prepar'd to ficld,his fword forth drew. 
And him with eqiiall value countervayld : 
Their mighty ftroakcs their haberieoos difmayld. 
And naked made eacii others manly (palles ; 
The mortall ftecle defpiteoufly entayld 
Deepe in their flefh , quite through the iron walles, 

That a large purple Ifreame adowne their giambcuxfalles. 

JO 

Cymochles, that had neuer met before 
So puiflant foe, with envious defpight 
His proud prefumed force increafed more, 
Difdeigning to be held fo long in fight ; 
Sir Gityon grudging not fo much his might. 
As thofe vnktiightly ray hngs, which he ipoke. 
With wrathfull fire his courage kindled bright, 
Thereof deuifing (hortly to be wroke. 

And doubling all his powres, redoubled euery ftroke. 

Both of them high attonce their hands enhauoft. 

And both attonce their huge blowes downc did fway ; 

CymoMes fword on Guyoas fliield yglaunc't. 

And thereof nigh one quarter Iheard away ; 

But Guyons angry blade fo fierce did play 

On th'others helmet, which as Titan Ihone, 

That quite it clone his plumed creftin tway. 

And bared all his head vnto the bone ; 

Where-with aftonifiit, ftill he ftood as fenfelefle ftone. 

Still as he ftood, faire Thitdria, that beheld 
That deadly danger, foone atweene them ran : 
And at their feet her felfe moft humbly feld. 
Crying with pittious voyce, and count'nance wan ; 
Ah,weal-away ! moftnobleLords,howcan 
Your crucll eyes endure fo pittious fight. 
To ftied your lines on ground ? wo worth the man. 
That firft did teach the curfed fteele to bight 

In his owne flelh, and make way to the liuing (prighc. 



tMit. VU 



THE FAERIE QVEENE 



85 



If ener loue of Ladic did cmpicrcc 

Your yron breaftes, or pirae could finde place. 

Withhold your bloudie bands from battcll fierce> 

And filh for me yc figh:,to me this grace 

Both y eeld.to ftay your deadly ftrife a fpace. 

They ftayd a whje : and fonh (he gan proceed : 

Moft wretched woman.and of wicked race, 

Thatim the audior of this hainous deed, ( Irteed. 

And caufe of death betweene two doughtie knights doe 

?4 

But if for me ye fight, or me will feme, 

Not this rude land of battell.nor thefe armes 
Aremeet, the which doe men in bale to ftcruc. 
And dolefull forrow heape with deadly hormcs : 
Such crucll game my fcarmoges di(armcs : 
Another warre.and other weapons I 
Doe loue, where loue does giuchis fweetalirmcsj 
Without bloudlhcd,and where the encmie , ^ 

PoesyceldvntohisfoeaplcaCmtviclorie. 

DebatefuU ftrife,and cniell enmitie 

Thefomous name of knighthood fowly fiiends 

But loucly peace, and gentle amirie. 

And in Amours the pafling houres to fpend, 

Themightie Maniall hands doc mofc commend ; 

Ofloue they euer greater gloric bore, 

Then of their armes : Mars is OifjJofjfircnd, 

And is ioryenus loues renowmc J more 

Then all his wars and fpovles ,the which he did of yort. 

Therewitli /he fweetly fmy I'd. Thcy> tliough Ml bent 

Toproue extremities of bloudic fight. 

Yet at her fpcach their rages gan relent, 

And calme the (ea of their tempcftuous fpight; 

Such powrehauep'eafing words .fuch is die might 

Of courteous clemencie in gentle hart. 

Now after all was ceaft, the Facne knight 

Bcfought that Damicll luffcr him depart, 
And vecid him readie paffage to that other part. 

Shenolefle glad.tlien he delirous was 
Of his depanure thence ; for of her ioy 
And vaine delight Ihe fiw he light did pafs , 
A foe of folly and immod eft toy. 
Still folemne Cid, or ftill dildoinefuU coy. 
Delighting all in armes and cruell warrc, 
That her fwect peace and pleofures did annoy. 
Troubled with terrour and vnquietiirre, 

That (he well pleafed was thence to amoue him fine. 
38 

Tho, him (he brought abord, and her fwift bote 
Forthwith direfted to thatfurther ftrand ; 
The which on th e dull waues did hghtly fiote. 
And foone arriued on the (hallow land. 
Where gladfome Cuyirt failed forth to land. 
And to 3ut Damzell thankcs gaue for reward. 
Vpon that(horehefpied ^tin ftand, 
There by his nui(ter left, when late he fir'd 

Ib Thtdnas fleet barke ouer chat pcrlous (hard. 



Well could he him remettier , fith of late 
He with Tyrr/jofA^M (harpedebatement nude; 
Streight gan he him reuijc.and bitter rate. 
As fhephcards curre,thatindarkeeuenings (had6 
Hath irafted fortli fome laluage beaflez trade ; 
Vile Milcreant (fiid he) whither doeft thou flic 
The(hameand death.whichwill theelbonciniude} 
What coward hand (hall doe thee next to die, 

Thatart thus foully fledfromfamousenemie J 
40 

With that, he (bfFcly(hooke his fteel-headdart: 
But fober Ga^on.hearing him fo raile. 
Though fomewhat moued in his mightie hart, 
Yet with I'trong reafon maiftred paflion fraiJe, 
AndpafTed Lircly forth. He turning taile, 
Backe to the (bond retyr'd and thtre(Hll ftayd. 
Awaiting po/Tagc, which him late did fade i ■ 
The whiks Cjmoi/j/Mwith that wanton nuyd 

Thehjftieheatof his auow'dreuenge delayd. 
4» 

Whiles there the virlet(\ood,he fawfromfiure 
An armed knight.tlut towards hmi fait ran; 
He ran on foot, as if in lucklede warre 
His forlorne fteed from him the viiflour wan ; 
Hce (eemed breathlefle,hartle(re,faint,and wia. 
And all his armour fprinkled was with bloud. 
And foy Id with durtie gore.that no man can 
Dilcerne the hew thereof He neuer flood, 

But benthis haftiecourfe towards the idle flood. 

4» 

The varlct (aw, when to the flood he came. 
How without ftop or (lay he fiercely lept. 
And dcepc himfclfe bcduckcd in the fame, 
Th.1t in the lake his loftic creft was fteept, 
Ne of his fatetie (eemed core he kept; 
But witli his raging armes hee rudely fla(ht. 
The waucs about,and all his armour fwept, 
Th.it all the bloud and filth away was waiht. 

Yet ftiU he bet the watcr,and the billowes di(ht. 

Ai 

~4tin drew nigh, to weet vrhat it mote bee ; 

For much he wondrcd at that vncouth (ieht; 
Whom fhould hee.buchis owne deare Lord.tliere feci 
His owne deore Lord Tyrrhochles, in fad plight, 
Readie to droune himfelfeforfclldefpight. 
Harrow now out,and weal-away ,he cryde. 
What difmall day hath lent this cur(cd h«»ht. 
To fee my Lordfo deadly damnifyder 
Tyrrhochles, 6 Tyrrhochles ^vihit is thee betydeJ 

44 
I burne,! burne, I bume,thenloud hecryde, 

O how I bume with implacable fire ! 

Yet nought can quench mine inly flaming fyde 

Nor fea of licour cold.norlake of mire, 

Nothing but death can doe me to refpire. 

Ah be It ( foid he) from Tyrrhochles forre 

Aftcrpurfewing death once to require:. 

Or thinke,that ought thofe pui(rant hand» may autre) 
Death isfor wretches borne vndervnJiappicftirrc. ' 

H » Perdi;; 



96 



THE SECOND BOOKE OF 



Cata^ril. 



4f 

Vaiie, then it isfit for me (fiid he) 

That am, I weenc, moft wretched man aliue: 
Burning in flamesj yet no flames can I fee. 
And dying daily, daily yet reuiue : 
O ^tiu, hclpc to me lift death to giue. 
The varlet at his plaint was grieu'd Co fore, 
That his deepe wounded hart in two did riue. 
And his owne health remembnng now no more, 

Did follow that enfample which he blam'd afore. 
46 

Into the lakehc lept.his Lord to ayd, 
(So loue the dread of daunger doth defpife) 
And of him catching hold,him ftrongly ftayd 
FromA'owning. But morehappiehe, then wife 
Of that feas nature did him not auife. 
The wanes thereof fo flowe and (luggifli were, 
Engroii with mud, which did them foule agrife. 
That eiierie weighnc thing they did vpbeare, 

Ne ought mote euer fioke downe to the bottome rhereT 

47 

Whiles thus they ftruggled in that idle waue. 
And ftroiiein vaine, the one himfelfe to drowne, 
The other bothfrom drowning for to faue; 
Lo,to thatihoreoneinan auncientgowne, 
Whoiehoane locks great grauitie did crowne, •■ 
Holdinginhandagoodlyarmingfword, ■ • '■ 
By fortuntcame, led with the troublous lowne'r •' 
Where drenched dcepe he found in that dull foi^ '■- 

ThecarefulliJctuantjftriuingwitlihisragingLoTd. ^■■' • 

48 
Him ./<t»nfpying,knewe right well of yore, ^^jlifis.' * 
Andloudly cid.Helpe heipe, 6 ^rchimage ; ' 
To faue my tordjin wretched plight forlore ; 
Helpe wit^thy hand, or with thy counfailefagtf«-i 



iboa 

.171 
■ IT 



Weake hands, but counfcU is moft ftrong in age 
Him when the old man Ciw,he wondred lore. 
To fee y^rr/jocfc/w there lo rudely rage : 
Yet iithens hclpe.hefaw, he needed more 
Thenpitue,heinhaile approached to thelhore*' 

49 ■■■-■''': 

And cald ; Tyrrhocbles, what is this, I fee ? " 
What hellilh Furie hath at earft thee hent? 
Furious euer I thee knew to bee, 
Yet neuer in this ftraunge altoni/hment. ■ > "^ 

Thefe flames, thcfe flames (he cryde)do me torment. 
What flames (quoth he) when I thee prefentfec, ' ' ' 
In danger rather to be drcnt, then brent? • ■^' 

Harrow, the flames jwhich me confume (Ciid hee)^ 

Ne can be quencht, within my fecret bowels bee. 

50 

That curfed man, that cruell feend of hell, 
Fiftror,oh Furor, hath me thus bedight : 
Hijideadly wounds within my liuer fwell. 
And his liot fire burncs in mine entrails bright, -i 
Kindled through his infernall brond of fpight, 
Sith late with him Ibatteil vain would bolle; '■1:>CI 
That now I weene/i>»fj dreaded thunder hght T 
D oes fcorch not halfe fo fore, nor damned ghoftef* 

In flaming Thlegeton dots not (o felly rofte. 

51 
Which when as ^rchirr.ago heard, his griefc 
He knew right well.and hun attoncc diiarmd : 
Thcnfearcht his fecret wounds.and madeapriefc 
Of euerie place, that was with brufing harmd. 
Or with the hidden fire too inly warmd. 
Which done, he balmes and herbcs thereto applydcj 
And eucrmore with mightie fpels them charmd, 
Thatin fhortfpace he has them qualifyde. 
And him reflor'd to health jthat would haue algates dyde. 




Canto V 11. 

Gtiyon fndes Mammon in a. delue^ 
Sunning his threafure horc 

Is hy him tetnpted.,&' led donrne 
To fee his fecret fiore. 





SPilotwell expert in perilous waue, 
That to a fliedtaft ftarrehis courfe hath bent, 
^jien foggy miftesjor cloudie tempefts haue 
ThefaithfuUlight of {hatfaire lampeyblcnt, 



And coucr'd heauen with hideous drcriment, 
Vpon his card and ccmpafs firmcs his eye, 
T he maiflcrs of his long experiment. 
And to them does the fteady helme apply, 
Bidding his winged vcflell fajrely forward fly: 



So 



Cant, F 11, 



THE FAERIE QVEENE. 



8;^ 



So Guyon hauing lofthistruftie guide. 
Late left beyond that Tdle lak^, proceedes 
Yet on his way, of none accompaniJe ; 
And cuermore himlclfc with comfort fecdes, 
Of his owne vertiies, ind pray fe-worthy deedes. 
So long he yode, y et no adventure found, 
Which Fame of her fhrill trumpet worthy reedes : 
For, ilill he trauaild through wide waftcfull ground. 

That nought but delertwildcrneirelhew'd all around. 

At kft, he came vnto a gloomie glide, 

Couer'd with boughcs &flirubs from heauens light, 

V Vhere-as he fitting found, in fccret Ihade, 

An vncoutli, falvagc, and vnciuill wight. 

Of gricfly hew, and foule ill fauour'd light ; 

His face with fmo.ike was tand, and eyes werebleard. 

His head and beard with fout were ill bcdight, 

His coale-black hands did Iccme to haue been feard 

In Smithes fire-fpettmg forgej& nailes like claives ap|)eard. 

4 
His iron coate all ovcrgrowne witli ruft. 

Was vnderneath enveloped with gold, 

Whole gliftringglolTedarkned with filthy duft, 

Well It appeared to haue been of old 

Aworkeof rich entaile, and curious mold, 

VVouen with an ticks and wild Imagery : 

And in his lap a mafs of coyne he told, 

And turned vpfidowne, to feed his eye 
And coueious deilre with his huge threalury. 

5 

And round about him lay on euery fide 

Great heapes of gold that neuer could be fpent : 
Of which, feme were rude ower, not purifide 
Of Mulcibers deuouring element; 
Some others were ne\v driuen, and diftent 
Into great Ingoes, and to wedges (quare; 
Some in round plates withcutcn moniment ; 
But moft were ftampt, and m their mctall bare 

The antique (hapes of Kings and Kefirs Hxange &rarc. 
6 

Soone as he G«jio» faw, in great affright 
And hafte he rofe, for to remouc alidc 
Thofe prctious hils from flrangers envious fight. 
And dcwne them poured through on hole full wide. 
Into the hollow eartli, them there to hide. 
But Gxjiowhghtly to him leaping, flayd 
His hand, that trembled, as one terrihde ; 
And, though himlelfe were at the fight difmaid. 

Yet him perforce reftroin'd, and to him doubtfull faid. 

7 

What art thou man (if man at all thou att) 
That heere in defert haft thine habitaunce. 
And thcferich heapes of wealth doofthide apart 
Fromtheworlds eye, and from her right vfaunce? 
Thereat, with Itaring eyes fixed afcaunce, 
In great dil'daine, hce anfwerd ; Hardy Elfe, 
That dareft view my dircfuU countenaunce, 
I read thee rofti, and heedleffe of thy felfe. 

To tioublc my ftill feate, and heapes of pretious pelfc. 



God ofthe world and worldlings I me call. 
Great Mammon^ greateft god belowe the sky. 
That of my plentie poure out vnto all. 
And vnto none my graces doe envic : 
Riches, renowmc, and principahtie. 
Honour, eftate, and all this worldes good. 
For which menfwinkandfweatinceffantly. 
Fro me doe flowe into an ample flood, 

And in the hollow earth haue their etemall brood. 

9 

Wherefore if me thou deigne to ferue andfew. 
At thy commaund loe all thefe moimtaines bee; 
Or if to thy great mind , or greedy view. 
All thefe may not fufKce, there (hall to thee 
Tenne timesfo much be numbredfranke and free. 
Mammon, faid hee, thy godheads vaimt is vaine, 
And idle offers of thy golden fee ; 
To them that covet fuch eye-glutting gaine. 

Proffer thy gifts, and fitter feruaunts entertaine. 
lo 

Me ill befits, that in der-doingarmes. 

And honours iuit my vowed dayes doe (pen J, 

Vnto thy bountious baytes,and pleafing charmes. 

With which vveake men thou vvitcheft, to attend : 

Regard ofworldly muckdothfoully blend 

And lowe abale the high heroick Ipnght, 

That ioyes for crownes and kingdomes to contend ; 

Faire fhields, gay fteedes, bngh t armes bee my delightl 

Thofe be the riches fitfor an advent'rous knight. 
II 

Vaine-glorious Elfe, faid he, dooft not thou weet, 
That money can thy wants at will fupply > 
Shields, fteeds, and armes, andall things for thecttect 
It can puruay in twinkling of an eye ; 
And crownes and kingdomes to tliec multiply. 
Doe not I Kings create^ & throwe the crowne 
Jlometimes to him, that lowe in duft doth ly ? 
And him that raignd, into his roome thruft downe," 

And whom I lull, doe heape with glory and renowne } 

12, 

All othcrwife, faid he, I riches read, 

Anddecmethcmrooteofalldifquietneffe; 

Firft got with guile, and then prelcrv'd with dread, 

And after fpent with pride andlavifhnefTe, 

Leauing behind them griefe and heauinelTe. 

Infinite milchiefes of them doe arife ; 

Strife, and debate, bloudfhed, and bittemefle, 

Outragious wrong, and hellifti couetife. 
That noble hart {is great di/honour) doth delpile. 

1? 

Ne thinebe kingdomes, ne the fcepters thine ; 
But realmcs and rulers thou dooft both confound, 
And loyall truth to treafon dooft incline; 
Witneffe the guiltlefie bloud pour'd oft on ground. 
The crowned often flaine, the flayer crownd. 
The facred Diademe in peeces rent. 
And purple robe gored with many a wound ; 
C iftles furpriz'd, great Cities lackt and brent ; 

So mak'ft thou kings, & goineft wrongfull gouemincnt. 
H J. Lo0g 



€8 



THE SECOND BOOKE OF C^uVlh 



14 

Long were to tell the troublous ftortnesj that tone 
The priuate ftate, and make the Lfe vnfwect : 
Who fwelling fay les in Cafpian fea doth crofTe j 
And in fraile wood on Adrian gulfe doth fleet. 
Do A not (I weene) fo many euils meet. 
Then Mammon wexing wroth , And why then, faid. 
Are mortall menfo fond and vndifcreet. 
So euill thing to (eekc vnto th cir ayd, 

And hauing not complaine, and hauing it vpbrayd i 

ly 

Indeed, quoth he, through fouleintemperancej 
Fraile men are oft captiu'd to couetile : 
But would they thinke, with how fmall allowance 
Vntroubled Nature doth her lelfe fuffice. 
Such fuperfluities they would defpife, 
Which with fad cares empeach our natiue ioyes : 
At the Wellhead thepurellftreames arife : 
But mucky filth his branching armes annoyes. 

And with vncomely weeds the gentle waue acdoyes. 
16 

The antique worldjin his firftflowring youth. 
Found no defeil in his Creators grace; 
But with glad thanks, and vnreproued truth , 
The gifts of foueraigne bountie did embrace; 
Like Angels life was then mens happy cafe ; 
But later ages pride (like corne-fed fteed) 
Abus'd her plenty, and fat fwolne encreafc 
To allhcentious luft, and gan exceed 

The meafure of her meane, and naturall firft need. 

Then gan a curfed hand the quiet wombc 

Of his great Grandmother with fteele to wound, 

And the hid threafures in her facred tombe. 

With Sacriledge to dig. Therein he found 

Fountaines of gold and filver to abound. 

Of which the matter of his huge defire 

And pompous pride eftfoones he did compound ; 

Then avarice gan through hi s veines infpire 

His greedy flames^ and Ijindled life-deuouring fire. 
18 

Sonne, faidhe then, let be thy bitter fcorne, 
Andleauetlierudeneffeofthatantiqueagc 
To them, that liu'd therein in ftate torlorne ; 
Thou that dooft iiue in later times, muft wage 
Thy works for wea!th,and lifefor gold eng.ige. 
If then thee lift my ofFred grace to vfe. 
Take what thou plcate of all this furplufage ; 
If thee lift not, leaue hauc thou to refufe ; 

But thing refuied, doe not afterward accufe. 

Me lift not, faid the Elfin knight, receaue 
Thing ofFred, rilll knowe it well be got: 
Ne wote I, but thou didft thefc goods bereaue 
From rightfuU owner by vnrightcous lot. 
Or that bloud-guiltinefle or guile them blot. 
Perdy, quoth he, yet neuer eye did view 
Ne tongue did tell, ne hand thefe handled not. 
But fafe I haue tlicm kept in fecret mew, 

Krom heauens fight, and powre of all which them purfew. 



What fecret place, quoth he, can fafcly hold ] 

So huge a maf s, and hide from heauens eye ? 
Or where haft thou rhy wonne, that fo much gold 
Thou canft prefcrue from wrong and robbery ? 
Come thou, quoth he, and fee. So, by and by 
Through that thi ck covert he him led, and found 
A darkelbme way, which no man could defcry. 
That deepe defcended through the hollow ground. 

And was with dread and horrour compalled around. 

21 

At length they came into a larger (jjace. 
That Ib-etcht it felfe into an ample Plaine, 
Through which a beaten broad hi gh way did trace. 
That flraight did lead to Tlutoes gnefly raigne : 
By that wayes fide, there fate infernall Paine, 
And faft befide him fate tumultuous ftrife : 
The one, in hand an iron whip did ftraine; j| 

The other brandilhed a bloudy knife, % 

And both did gnafh their teeth, and both did threaten Iif& 

On th'other fide, in one confort there fate 

Cruell Revenge, and rancorous Defpight, 

Difloyall Trealbn , and hart-burning Hate : 

But gnawing Icaloufie,out of their iight 

Sitting alone, his bitter lips did bight. 

And trembling Feare ftill to and fro did fly. 

And found no place, where fafe he (Itroud him mightj 

Lamenting Sorrow did in darknefTelyc, 
And Shame his vgly face did hide firom lining eye. 

And over them fad Horrour with grim hew. 

Did alwaies fore, beating his iron wings ; 

And after him, Owles .ind Night-ravens flev/. 

The hatefuU mefTengers of heauie things. 

Of death and dolour telling fad ty dings ; 

Whiles fad Ce/e»o,fitting on a dift, 

A fong of bale and bitter forrow fings. 

That hart of flint aliindtr could haue rift : 
Which hauing ended, after him fhe flyeth fwift. 

24 
All thefe before the gates oiTluto lay. 

By whom they paffing, fpake vnto them nought. 

But th'Elfin knightwith wonder all the way 

Did feede his eyes, and fild his inner thought. 

At laft, him to a little dote he brought. 

That to thegate of Hell, which gaped wide. 

Was next adioyning, ne them parted ought : 

Betwixt them both was but a little fiiide. 
That did the houfe of Riches from hell-mouth diuide. 

2y 
Before the dore fate felfe-confiiming Care, 

Day and night keeping wary watch and ward. 

For feare Icaft Force or Fraud fhould vnaware 

Breake in, and fpoyle the threafure there in gard : 

NewouldhefufferSleepeoncethither-ward 

Approche, albe his drowfie den were next ; 

For, next to death is Sleepe to be compar'd : 

Therefore his houfe is vnto his annext; 
Here Sleep, there Riches^ & Hel-gate them both betwirt. 

So 



Cant,VlL 



THE FAERIE QVEENE. 



8^ 



i6 

So foone a-; Mammon there arriu'd, the dore 
To hull ilid open, and affoordcd way ; 
Him followed eke Sir Guyon euermore, 
Nc darkcuclle him, ne d.inger miglitdifmay. 
Soone as he entredwas, die dore ftraight way 
Did (hut, and from bchinditforth theielepc 
An v^ly fiend, morcfoiUe then dilhull day, 
The uhicli with monftrous ftalke behind hiro ftept. 

And tvier as he went, due watch vpon him kept. 

i7 

Well hoped he, ere long that hardie gueft, 
Jt eiier couetous hand, or lultfiill eye, 
Ot hps he layd on tiling, that lik't liiin bed. 
Or euer fleepe his eye-ftrings did vntie, 
Should be his prey. And therefore ftiU on hie 
He oner him did hold his cruell clawcs, 
Threatnin^ with greedv gnpc to doe him die. 
And rend in pccces with his rauenous pawes, 

•If euer he tranlgreli the fatall Stygian lawes. 
28 

That houfes forme within was rude and ftrong, 
Like an huge Caue.hewne out of rocky chtt. 
From whole rough vaut the ragged breaches hong, 
Eniboft with mally gold of glorious gift, 
And with rich metall loaded cuery rift. 
That heauy ruine they did leeme to threat; 
And over them ^rudme hi2;h did lift 
Her cunning web, and Iprcd her fubnle net, 

Enwrapped inlQulcfnioik & dowdcs more black then let. 
19 

Both roofe, and floore, and wals were all of gold. 
But overgrowne with duft and old decay, 
And hid in darkeneiTe, that none could behold 
The hew thereof: for, view of chearefull day 
Did neuer in that houfe it lelfe difplay, 
Buta f unt Ihadow of vncertainehght ; 
Such as a lamp, whofe life docs fade away : 
Or as the Moone cloathed with dowdy night, 

Does flicw to hira, that walkes infeare andlad af&ight. 

In all that roome was nothing to be feene. 
But huge great iron chefts and coffers ftrong. 
All bard with double bends, that none could weene 
Them to efForce by violence or wrong ; 
On cuery iide they placed were along. 
But all the ground with fculs was fcattered. 
And dead mens bones, which round about were fiong. 
Whole hues (itleemed) whilome there were (hed, 

And their vile carcafcs now left vnburied. 

51 

They forward p-ifle, ne Guyon yet fpake word. 
Till that they came vnto an iron dore, 
Which to them opened of it owne accord. 
And fhew'd of riches luch exceeding ftore. 
As eye ofman did neuer fee before; 
Ne euer could within one place be found. 
Though all the wealth, whichis, or was of yote, 
Could gathered be through all the world around. 

And that aboue were added to rfiat vnder ground. 



The charge tliereofvnto a couerous Spright 

Commaundcd was, who thereby did attend. 

And wanly awaited day and night. 

From other couetous fiends it to defend, 

who it to rob and ranfack did intend. 

Then Mammon, turning to that warriour, (aid; 

Loe, heerc the worldez olils: loe, heere the end. 

To which all men doe ayme, rich to be made : 
Such grace now to be happy, is before thee laid. 

il 

Certes, faid he, In'ill thine offted grace, 

Ne to be made fo happy do intend : 

Another blifs before mine eyes I place. 

Another happinelTe, another end. 

To them, that lift, thefe bafe regards I lend : 

But I in armes, and in atchieuements braue. 

Doe rather choofe my flitting houres to fpend. 

And t« be Lord of thofc, that riches haue. 
Then them to haue my felfe, and be their feruile flauc- 

34 

Thereat the fiend his gnafhing teeth did grate. 
And gricu'd, lo long to lacke his greedy prey ; 
For, well he weened, that fo glorious bayt 
Would tempt his gueft, to take thereof aifay : 
Had he fo docn, he had him fnitcht away, 
More light then Culver in the Faulcons fift. 
(Etemall God thee fauefrom fuch decay.) 
But whcn-as Mammon faw his purpofe niift. 

Him to entrap vnwares another way he wift. 

Thence, forward he him led, and fhortly brought 
Vnto another roome, whole dore forthright 
To him did open, as it had been taught : 
Therein an hundred raunges wercn pight. 
And hundred fornaces all burning bright ; 
By cuery fornace m.iny fiends did bide. 
Deformed creatures, horrible in fight. 
And euery fiend his bufie paines apphdc. 

To melt the golden metall, ready to be tridc. 

One with great bcllowes gathered filling aire. 
And with forc't wind the fiiell didinflame ; 
Another did the dying bronds repaire 
With iron tongs, and Iprinkled oft the fame 
With liquid wanes, fierce J-'ulcans rage to tame. 
Who maiftring them, renewd Ins former heat ; 
Some fcumd the drofle that from the metall came ; 
Some ftird the molten owre with ladles great ; 

And euery one did fwink, and euery one did fweat. 

37 

But when as earthly wight they prefent faw, 
Ghftring in armes and battailous array, 
From their hot worke they did themlelues withdraw 
To wonder at theiight : for, till that day. 
They neuer creature faw, that came that way. 
Their flaring eyes fparkling with feruent fire. 
And vgly Ihapes did nigh the man difmay. 
That were it not for Ihame, he would retire. 

Till that him thus befpake their foucraigne Lord and fire: 
H 4. Behold, 



r 



THE SECOND BOOKE OF 



CMt.vu: 



38 

Behold, thou Faeries fonne, with mortall eye. 

That liuing eye before didneuer fee: 

The thing that tliou didftcrauefo eameftly 

(To weet, whence all the wealth late (hewd by mec, 

Proceeded) lo, now is reveald to thee. 

Hecre is the fountaine of the worldez good : 

Now therefore, if thou wilt enriched be, 

Avife thee well.and change thy wilfull mood, 
Leaft thou perhaps heereafter wifh, and be withftood. 

39 
Sufficeit then, thou Money-Go J,quoth hce. 

That all thine idle offers Ircfufe. 

All that I need I haue ; what needeth mee 

To covet more then I haue caufe to vie ? 

With fuch vaine fliewes thy worldlings vile abufe : 

But giuc me leaue to followe mine cmprife. 

Mammonwis much difpleafd, yetno'tehe chufe 

But beare the rigour of his bold mcfpife, • 
And thence him forward led, him further to entife. 

40 
He brought him through a darkfome narrow ftrait. 

To a broad gate, all built of beaten gold : 

The gate was open, but therein did wait 

A llurdy villaine, ftriding ftifFe and bold. 

As if the higheft God dene he would ; 

In his right hand an iron club he held, 

But he himfelfe was all of golden mold, 

Yet had both life and fen(e, and well could weld 
That curfed weapon, when his cruellfoes he queld. 

Vifdaine he called was, and did difdaine 

To befo cald, and who fo did him call : 

Sterne was to looke, and full of ftomack vaine. 

His portance terrible, and ilaturetall, 

Far pafliug th'height of men teneftiall ; 

Like an huge Giant of the Titans race. 

That made him fcorne all creatures great and fmall, . 

And with bis pride all others powre deface : 
More fit amongft black fiends,then men ro haue his place. 

Soone as thofe gUtterand armes he did efpy. 

That with their brightneffe made that darkneffe light. 

His harmefuU club began to hurtle hie. 

And threaten battell to the Faerie knight; 

Who likewife gan himfelfe to battaile dight. 

Till JW<jm»M» did his haltiehandwith-hold, 

And counfeld him abftaine from perilous fight : 

For, nothing might abafli the villaine bold, 

Ne mortall fteele emperce his mifcreated mold. 

4? 

So, hauing him with reafon pacifide. 

And the fierce Carle commaunding to forbearc. 

He brought him in. The roome was large and wide. 

As it fome Gyeld orfolemne Temple were : 

Many great golden pillours did vpbeare 

The mafly rocfe, and riches huge fuftaine : 

And euery pillour decked was full deare 

With crownes and Diadems,& titles vaine, (raigne. 

yyhich mortall Princes wore, whiles they on earth did 



44 
A rout of people there atTembled were, 

Of euery fort and nation vnder aky. 

Which with great vprore preaced to draw neaic 

Toth'vpperpart,wherewasidvaunccdhie 

A (lately fiege of foueraigne maieftic ; 

And thereon fate a woman gorgeous gay, 

And richly clad in robes of royaltic. 

That neuer earthly Prince infuch array 
His glory did enhaunce,and pompous pride difplay. 

4f 

Her face right wondrous faire did feeme to bee. 

That her broad beauties beame great brightnes thrcM 

Through the dim {hade, that all men might it fee : 

Yet was not that fame her owne natiue hew. 

But wrought by art and counterfeited ihew. 

Thereby more louers vnro her to call ; 

Nath'lcfle, moif heauenly faire in deed and view 

She by creation was, till (he did fall ; (alL 

Thenceforth (he fought for helps to clokc her ctitne wiAf 
46 

There, as in gliflring glory (he did fit. 
She held a great gold choine ylinked well, 
Whofe vpper end to higheft heauen was knit. 
And lower part did reach to loweft hell ; 
And all that preace did round about hcrfwell. 
To catchcn hold of that long chaine, thereby 
To chmbe aloft, and others to excell : 
That was Ambition, rafh defirc to ftie. 

And euery linke thereof a ftep of dignitie. 

47 
Some tliought to raife them'elues to high degree. 

By riches and vnrighteous reward, 

Somebyclofcfliouldringjfomebyflatterec; 

Others through friends, othersfor bafe regard ; 

And all, by wrong w-iycs, for themfelues prepar'd. 

Thofe that were vp themlelues, kept others lowe, 

Thofe that were lowe themfelues, held others hard« 

Ne fuffred them to rile orgreater growe. 
But euery one did ftriue his fellow do vvne to throwe. 

48 
Which, when as Guyon faw, he gan enquire, 

What meant that preace about that Ladies throne, 

And what (lie was that did fo high afpire. 

Him Mammon anfwcred ; That goodly one. 

Whom all that folke with fuch contention 

Doe flock about, my deare, my daughter is ; 

Hono ur and dignitie from her alone, 

Deriued are, and all this worldez blifs 
For which ye men doe ftriue : few get, but many mif$. 

49 

And faire ThilotimS (hee rightly hight. 
The faireft wightthat wonneth vnder sky. 
But that this darkfome neather world herlight 
Doth dim with'horrour and deformitie. 
Worthy of heauen and high fclicitie. 
From whence the gods haue her for envic thruft : 
But fith thou haft found fauour in mine eye. 
Thy fpoufe I will her make, if that thou iuft. 

That (he may thee advaunce for warks and merites iu(L' 

Gramcr^ 



■I 



Cant. Vll 



TH£ FAERIE QVEENE 



5° 

Gnmercy Mammon,biA the gentle knight, 
For fo grejt grace and ofued higii ellate ; 
Butl.that omfraileflefh and earthly wight, 
Vmvorthy mauh forluchimmortall mate 
My felfe well vvote,and mine vnequail fate ; 
And were Inot, yetismy trouthyplight, 
And loue auowd to other Lidv lace, 
Tbatto rcmouetheCime I haueno might : 

To chaungeloue cauleldTe.is reprocheto warhke knight. 

51 

Mammon emmoued was with inward wrath ; 
Yet forcing itto fame, him forth thence led 
Through gricfly (hadowes by a beaten path, 
into a garmn goodly gamifhcd 
With heorbs on J fruits jwhofc kinds mote not be red : 
Not fuch, as earth out of her fruitfuU woomb 
Throwcs foorth to men, fweet and well fauoured. 
But direfuU deadly blacke both leofe and bloom, 

Fittoadorncchedead,aud dcckcthe drery toombe. 

There moumfuU Cyfrrjje grew in greateft ftore. 
And trees of bitter G.i//,and Heben fad, 
DeadfleepingT>(i/ip<e,and blacke Hellebore, 
Cold Coloqumtida, and Tetra mad, 
Mortoll Sanmiti!,ini Cicuta bad, 
Whicb-with th' vniuft Mheniens made to dy 
Wife SocratesyiWo diereof quaffing gLd 
Pourdouthis life,and laft Philofophy 

To the faire Critiat his deareft Bulamie. 

55 

The 6'trdin of Trofetfina this hight ; 
And in the midftthcreof alUaerfeat, 
With a thicke Arbour goodly ouerdight. 
In which the oftct vs'dtTom open heat 
Her felfe to ihroud.and pleafurcs to entreat. 
Next thereunto didgrowe a goodly tree, 
With braunches broad diflfrcd, and body great. 
Clothed with leaues, that none the wood mote lee 

Andloadenall withfhrit as thickc as itnught bee. 

54 . . 

Thdrfruit were golden apples gliifring bright. 
That goodly>¥as their glone to behold. 
On earth like neuer grew,nc Luing wight 
Like euerfaw,but they firom hence were fold "■ 
Forthofe, which Hercules with conqueft bold 
Got from great Mltv daughters, hence began. 
And planted there,did bring forth fruit of gold ; 
And thofe with which th' Eubxan young man wan. 

Swift Malanta,vi\iin through croft he her out-ran. 

5f 
Here alfo fprong that goodly golden fruit, • 
With which ^contius got his louer trew. 
Whom he had long tune fought with fruitlcffc fuit : 
Here ckc thatfamous golden Apple grew. 
The which emongft the gods folle Me threw; 
For which th' Iditan Ladies difagreed. 
Till paraall Turn dempt it Fentu dew. 
And had (of her) faire Helen for his meed, 
TIu( nuny noble Greek^t and Troians made to bleed. 



The warlike Elfe much wondred at this tree. 
So faire and great, that fliadowed all the ground. 
And his broad braunches, laden with nch fee. 
Did ftretch tliemfelues without the vtmoft bound 
Of tliis great gar din,compal^ with a mound. 
Which ouer-hanging, they thcinfeluesdidftcqie. 
In a blacke flood which flow'd about ilTOWld; 
That is theriuerofCoyifHsdeepe, 

In which fiill many (ouJcs do endleffe waileand \veepe. 
J7 

Wliich to behold, he clomb vp to the banke. 
And looking downe,faw many damned wights. 
In thole fad waues; which dircfull deadly ftanke, 
Plonged continually of cruellSprights, 
That with their pituous cryes, and yelhng fhiigLtS', 
They made the further fhorerefounden wide: 
Emongft the reft of thole fame ruefull fights. 
One curfed creature he by chaunce efpide. 

That drenched lay full deepe.vnder the Garden fide. 
58 

Dcepc was he drenched to the vpmoft chin. 
Yet gaped ftiU, as coueting to drinke 
Of thccolJliquor,\vhichliewadedin, 
And ftretching forth his hand.did often thinke 
To rsadi the fruit,\vhich grew vpon the brinke : 
But both the fruit from hand,and floud from momb 
Did flie abackejand made him vainely fwinkc : 
The whiles he fteru'd with hunger and ivirh drouth 

He daily dyJc,yctncucr throughly dycn couth. 

^9 

Thekmght,himfeeinglabonrro invaine, 
Askt who he was, and what he meantthereby : 
Who.groning dccpe, thus anfwercd him a<'aine; 
Moft curled of all creatures vnder skye, 
Lo ,7'.rnfd'«>j I here tormented lye : 
Ofwhomhigh Jo«e wont why lomefeaftedbee^ 
Lo here I now for want of food doe dye : 
But if that thou be ruch,as I thee lee. 

Of grace I pray thee,giue to eate and drinke to mee. 
6q 

Nay ,nay,thou grecdic Tantalus (quoth he) 
Abide the fortune of thy prefent fate; 
And vnco all chat hue in high degree, 
Enfample be of mind intemperate. 
To teach them how to vfe their prelcntllate. 
Then gan the curled wretch aloud to cry, 
Accufinghigheft loue and gods ingiate. 
And eke blafphemingheauen bitterly. 

As authour of vniultice,there to let him dye- 
61 

Hce lookt a httle further.and cipyde 

Another wretch.whofe carcaffe deepe was drew 
Within the riuer.which the fame did hyde : 
But both his hands.moft filthie feculent, 
Aboue the water were on high extent. 
And fay nd to walh themfelues inceflintly ; 
Yet nothing cleaner were for fuch intent. 
Eat rather fowlerfeemed to the eye ; 

Solofthis labourvaineandidleinduftric. 



Th« 



9* 



THE SECOND BOOKE OF 



Cmt^yin: 



6x 

The knight him Cilling,askedwho he was, 
Who lifting rp his head,hini anfwcrcd thus : 
I P»itff am, the filfeft Iudge> alas, 
Andmoftvniud, that by vnrighteous 
And wicked doomc,to lewcs defpiteouJ 
Dcliucred vp the Lord of life to die. 
And did acquite a murdrer felonous ; 
The whiles my hands I waflit in puritic, 

Thewhilesmy foule was foyldwitli foulc iniquitic. 
6i 

Infinite moe, tormented in like painc 
He there beheld, too long here to be told : 
Ne Mammon would there let him long remainc. 
For terrour of the tortures manifold, 
In which the damned foules he did behold. 
But roughly him befpakc.ThoufearefuUfoole, 
Whytakeft not of tlut fame fruit of gold, 
Ne fitteft downc on that fimc filuer ftoole, 

Toreftthy wearieperfon,inthefliadow coole? 

64 
All which he did.to doehim dcjdly fall 

In fraylc intemperance through (infull bayt; 
To which if he incli ocd hid at all j 
Thatdreadfull feend,which did behind him wayt. 



Would him haue rent in thoufandpeeces ftny t ; 
But he was wane wife in all his wav. 
And well perceiued his deceiptfulffleight, . .. 

Ne fufFered luft Iiis fafetie to betray ; 
So goodly did beguile the Guyler of the pray. 

And now he hasfo long remained there. 

That vitall powres gan wexe both wcake and wan, 

For,want of food, and fleepe; which two vpbeare. 

Like mightiepillours.thisfrailc life of man, . 

That none without the fame endurencan. 

For, now three daycs of men were fiilloutwrou^i^ 

Since he this hardy entcrprizebegan : 

For-tliy great Mammm fiircly he beiought, 

Into the world to guide him backe, as he him brought. 
66 

The Godjthough loth.yet was conftraind t'obay : 
For Icnger time, then thit.no liuing wight, 
Belowe the ejrth, might fuffred be to ftay : 
So backe agjine,him brou oht to liuing light. 
But all fo foone as his enfeebled fpnght 
Gan fucfce this vitall aire into his breft. 
As ouercome with too exccedingmight. 
The life did flit away aut of her neft, 

And all his fenfes were with deadly fit oppreft. 




Canto VIII. 

sir GuyonjMd'mJbowne, is hj 
K^crates fonttes dejpoyld , 

whom K^rthar foone hath reskextei 
Kyind Paynim brethrenfoyld. 





' Nd is there care in heauenPan'^ is there loue 
' In heaucnly (pirits to tJiefe "c^-ares bale, 
' That may compafllon of their euils mouc ? 

; Ther is: elfemudimore wretched were the cafe 

Of mcn,then beafts. But 6 th' exceeding grace 
Of higheft Godlthat loucs his creatures (b, 
f And all liis workcs with mercie doth embrace, 
T That blelTed Angels, he fends to andfro. 
To feme to wicked maD,to ferue his wicked foe. 

i 
How oft do they, their filuer bowers leaue. 
To come to fuccour vs, that fuccour want ? 
How oft dothey,with golden pineons.deaKe 
The flitting sky'cs,Iikc flying Purluiuaiity 



Ag.iinft foule fcends to aide v s militant ? 
They for vs fight, they watch and dewly Ward, 
And their brightSquadrons rouiidaboutvsplant,' 
And all for Ioue,and noihing for reward : 
O why (liould heauenly God to mcnhaue fuch regard ! 

During the while that Gujon did abide 

In H*inmom\\o\x{f., the Pilmcr.whom whylerc 
That wanton Mayd of paflage had dciiide, 
By further fearch had paflage found ell'ewhere; 
And bcinz on his way.apptoched neare^ 
Where Gnjon lay in traunce.whcn (uddenly 
He heard a voice.that called loud and clcare, ' 
Come hither, hither, 6 come haftily ; f 

That all the fields rcfoundcd with the rucfull cry, 



Tke 



Cant,yill. THE FAERIE QVEENE. <P3 



The Pilmer lent his eare vnto the noyfe. 
To weet who Cilled fo importundy : 
Agiine, he hcjrd i more efforced voycc, 
Thatbadehimcomeinhiftc. Hebyandby 
Hisfeeblefeetdircdtedto theory; 
Wii:ch to thit fh-idy delue him brought at laft, 
W here Mammon carft didfunnehis threafury : 
Thtrethc good Cuyon hefound flumbringfaft 

In fenfelcflb dreanie ; which light at firft him lore agaft . 

Belidc his head there fate afaire voting man, 
Of wondrous bcautie, and offrelheftyeares, 
V Vhofe tender bud to blaffome new began, 
Andflourifiifaireabouc his equallpcares ; 
His luowy front curled with golden haircs. 
Like P/jirWfaceadorn'd with funny rayes. 
Divinely Ihone, and two fllaip winged iheares, 
Decked with diuerfe plumes , like painted laycs. 

Were fixed at his backc, to cut his aycricwayes. 
6 

Like as Cupido on Jdiean hill. 

When hauing laid his cruellbowe away. 

And mortall arrowes, whcre-with he doth fill 

The world with niurdrous fpoyles and bloudiepray. 

With his faire mother he liim dights to play. 

And with his goodly liftersj Grjces three ; 

The Goddefleplcal'cd with his wanton play, 

Suffers her felfe through (leepe beguil'd to bee. 

The whiles the othdr Ladies mind tlicir merry glee. 

7 

Whom when the Palmer faw, abaflit he was 

Through feare and wonder^ tliat he nought could fay. 

Till him the child bcfpake, Longlackt, alas. 

Hath been thy foitlifullaydein hard alTay, 

Whiles deadly lit thy pupill doth dilmay ; 

Behold tins heauy fight, ihou reucrend Sire, 

But dread of death and dolour doc away ; 

For, lite ere long Ihall to her home retire. 

And hee that breathleflc fecmes,lhall courage bold relpire. 

The charge which God doth vnto me arret, 

Ofhisdeare (afety, I to thee commend; 

Yet will I notforgoc, neyet forget 

The care thereof (my felfe) vnto the end. 

But euermore him fiiccour, and defend 

Againft his foe and mine : watch thou I pray ; 

For, euill is at hand him to oSend. 

So hauing laid, eftlboncs he gan difplay 
His painted nimble wings, and vanilht quite away. 

9 

The Palmerfeeing his left empty place. 
And his flowe eyes beguiled of their fight, 
Woxe fore afiraid, and fiinding Itill a (pace, 
Gaz'd after him,as fowle elciap't by flight ; 
Atla{l,him turning to his charge behight. 
With trembling hand h is troubled puBe gan try ; 
Where finding life not yet diflodged quight. 
He much reioy c't, and courd it tenderly. 

As chKkcn newly hatcht, from dreaded deftiny . 



At laft, he (pyde where towards him did pafc 

Two Paynim knights, all arm'd as bright is sky. 
And them bcfi^ ie an aged Sire did trace. 
And farre before a light-foot Page didfly. 
That breathed ftrife and troublous enmitic ; 
Thole were the two fonnes of ^crates old. 
Who meeting carft with .Archimago fly, 
Foreby that idle ftrond, ofhim were told, 

That he, which earft them combattcd, was Guytn boH. 
II 

Which to avenge on him they dearely vow'd, 
Where-euer that on ground they mote him find ; 
Falfe ^nliimage prouokt their courage proud. 
And ftrife-full ^tm in their ftubborne mind 
Coales of contention andhotvengeance tind. 
Now been they come whereas the Palmer fate. 
Keeping that flumbred corfe to him aflignd ; 
Well knew they both Iiis perfon, (ith of late 

Witli him in bloudyarmes they raflily did debate. 

12 

Whom when Tyrrhochles faw, inflam'd with rage. 
That lire he foule befpake, Thou dourd vilej 
That with thy bruteneffe Ihendft thy comely age, 
Abandone (oone, I read, the caitiuc fpoile 
Of that fame outcaft carcafle, that erewhile 
Made it lelfe famous through falfe trechery. 
And crownd his coward creft with knightly ftilei 
Loe where he now inglorious doth lye, 

To proue hee liued ill, that did thus foully dyi:. 
ij 

To whom the Palmer fearelefs anlwered ; 

Certes, Sir Knight, ye been too much to blame. 
Thus for to blot the honour of the dead, 
And with foulccowardize his carcafle flume, 
Whofe hujng hands immortaliz'd his name. 
Vile is the vengeance on thealhes cold, 
And enuy bafe, to barke at fleeping fame : 
Was neuer wight, that treafon of him tolde ; 

Your fetfehis prowels prov'd & found him fierce & bold. 

H 

Then Ciyd Cymochles; Palmer tliou docftdote, 
Ne canll of prowefle, ne of knighthood deeme, 
Saue as thou feeft or hear'ft : But, well I wotc. 
That of his puiflance tryall made extrecmc i 
Yet gold all is not, that doth golden feeme, 
Ne all good fcnights.that fliake well fpcarc and fliield; 
The worth of all men by their end efteeme, 
And then due praife, or due reproche them yield ; 

Bad therefore I him deem, that thus lies dead on field. 

'^ 
Good or bad (gan his brotherfierce reply) 

What doe I recke, lith that he dydc entire ? 

Orwhatdoth his bad death now latisfie 

The greedy hunger of reuenging ire, 

Sith wrathfull hand wrought nother owne defire J 

Yet fith no way is left to wreake my fpight, 

I will him reaue of armes, the viftors hire. 

And of thatlhield, more worthy of good knight ; 

For why ihould a dead dog be deckt in armour bnght ! 



Faire 



94 



THE SECOND BOOKE OF C^ntVUl. 



16 

Fairc Sir, fiid then the P Jmcr fiippliaunt, 

For knighthoods loue doc not fo foule 1 deed, 
Nc blime your honour with fo ftiamefuU vaunt 
Of vale revenge. To fpoyle the dead of weed 
Is facrilege, and doth all (innes exceed ; 
But leaue thefe rehqucs of his lining might. 
To decke his herce, and trap his tomb-Blick fteed. 
What herce or fteei (did he) (hould he haue dight. 

But be entombed in the rauen or the kight ? 

17 

With that, rude hand vpon his (hield he laid. 
And th'otlier brother gan his helme vnlace^ 
Both fiercely bent to haue him difarraid ; 
Till that they fpydcj where towards them did pale 
An armed knight, of bold and bountious grace> 
Whofe Squire Dore after him an heben launce, 
And couerd (hield. Well kend him fo farre Ipacc 
Th'enchaunter by his armes and amenaunce. 

When vnder him he law his Lybian fteed to praunce; 
18 

And to thofc brethren Ciid, Rife, rife by Hue, 
Andvnto battaile doeyourfelucs addrelTe ; 
For, yonder comes the prowefl knight aliue. 
Prince ylrtlmr, flowre of grace and nobileffe. 
That hath to Paynim knights wrought great diflrefle, 
And thoufand Sar'zins foully donne to dye. . ' 
That Word fo deepc did in their harts impreflc. 
That both eftfoones vpflarted furioufly, 

And gan themfelues prepare to battel! greedily. - 

But fierce Pjrrr/jocWfjjlacking his ownefword, 1 / 
The want thereof now greatly gan toplaine. 
And ^rchima^e betought, him that afford. 
Which he had t rought for Brargadocchio vainc. 
So would I, fayd th'enchaunter, glad and fame , • 
Beteeme to y ou his fword, y ou to d efend. 
Or ought that elfeyour honour might nuintaine, ' . 
But tliat this weapons powre I well naue kend. 

To be contrary to die worke whidi yee intend.. 

iO 

For, that fame knights owne fword this is of yore, 
Which Afer//» made by his almighty art 
For that his nourfling, when he knighthood (wore, 
There-with to doen his foes etcrnall fmart. 
The metall firft he mixt with MedeVfart, 
That no enchauntment from his dint might fauc; 
Then it in flames oi^etna wrought apart. 
And feauen times dipped in the bitterwaue 

Of hellifh Styx, which hidden vertue to it gauc. 
I 21 

The vertue is, that neither fteele nor ftone, 

The ftroakc thereof from entrance may defend ; 
Ne cuer may be vf ed by his fone, 
Neforc'this rightfiill owner to offend, 
Ne euer will i t brcake, nc cuer bend. 
Wherefore Morddure it rightfully is hight. 
In vaine therefore, Tyrrhochks, (hould I lend 
The fame to thee , againft his Lord to fight. 

For, fure it would dcceiue thy labour, and thy might. 



Foolifli old man, fayd then the Pagan wroth. 

That weeneft words or charmes may force withftond : 

Soonc (halt thou fee, and then beUeue for troth. 

That I can came with this cnchaunted brond 

His Lords owne flefh. There-with out of his hond 

That vertuous fteele he rudely (hatchtaway. 

And Guyons (hield about his wrift he bond ; 

So, ready dightfierce battaile to affay. 

And matchbisorother proud in battailous array. 

By this, that (tranger knight m prefence came. 
And goodly falued them : who nought againc 
Him aunfwered.as courtc(ie became ; 
But with fternelookes, and (tomachousdifdaine, 
Gaue ligiies of grudgeand difcontentmcnt vainc. 
Then, turning to the Palmer, hce gan fpy 
Where, at his feet, with forrowfiill demainc 
And deadly hew, an armed corfc did lye. 

In whofe dead face he read great magnanimity. 
24 

Said he then to the Palmer, Reucrend fyrc. 

What great misfortune hath betid this knight } 
Or did his life her fatal! date expyre. 
Or did he fall by treafon, or by fight ? 
How-euer, fure I rew his pitiious plight. 
Not one, nor other, fayd the Palmer graue. 
Hath him befalne, but dowdes of deadly night 
Awhile his heauy eyUds couer'd haue, 

And all his fenfes drowned in deepc fenfelefTc waue. 

Which, thofe fame foes that doen awaite hereby. 
Making advantage, to revenge their fpight. 
Would him dilarme, and treaten fhamefully; 
(Vnworthy vfage of redoubted knight.) 
But you, fayrc Sir, whofe honourable fight 
Doth promife hope of help, and timely grace. 
Mote I befeech to fuccour his fad plight. 
And by your powre proteft his feeble cafe. 
, Fiift prayle of knighthood is, foule outrage to deface. 
z6 

Palmer, fayd he, no knight fo rude (I weene) 
As to doen outrage to a fleeping ghoft : 
Ne was there euer noble courage (eene. 
That in advantage would his puilTancc boft : 
Honour is leaft, where oddes appcareth mofl. 
May be, thatbetter reafbn will aiTwagc 
The ra(h revengers heat. Words well dilpoft 
Haue fecret powre, t'appeafe inflamed rage : 

If not, leaue vnto me thy knights laft patronage. 

17 

Tho, turning to thofebrethren, thus belpoke; 
Yee warlike payre, whofe valorous great might. 
It feemcs, iuft wrongs to vengeance doth prouokc. 
To wreake your wrath on this dcad-(ccming knight, 
Mote ought allay the ftorme of your dcfpight. 
And fettle patience in fo furious heat } 
Not to debate the challenge of your right. 
But for this carcaffe pardon I entreat. 

Whom fortune hath already layd in lowcAfeac 



To 



Cant.yill 



THE FAERIE QVEENE 



>j 



i8 

Towhom CymochUsdii; Forwhat art thou, 
That mik'ft thy Itlfe his day es -man , to prolong 
The vengeance prcft ? Or who ftiall let me now 
On this vile body from to wrealce my wrong, 
And make his carcallc as the outcaft dong ? 
Why ihould not that dead carrion latisfie 
The giiilt.w hich if he hued had thus long. 
His lite for due reucnge (hould deare able ? 

The trefpafle ftill dothliue, albe the peribn die. 

Indeed, then fold the Prince, die euill donne 

Dies not, when breath the body firft doth leauc ; 
But from thegrandfire to the Nephewes lonne. 
And all his feed the curfe doth often cleaiie, 
Till vengeance vtterly the guilt bcreaue: 
So ftraightly God doth ludge. But gentle knight. 
That dorh agJinfl the dead his hand vpreare, 
His honour ftauies with rancour and dclpight. 

And great dilporagcment mokes to his former might. 

3° 

Tyrrhochles gan reply the fecond time, 
And to him laid, Now felon fure I read. 
How that thou art partaker of his crime : 
Therefore by Termjgaunt thou (halt be dead. 
With that, his kind (inore fad then lump oflead^ 
Vp'iftirg high, he weened widi Morddure, 
His ownc goodlword Morddure, to cleaue his head. 
The fauhfull ftcele fuch tre.ifon no'uld endure. 

But fworuing frora die marke, his Lords life did afTure. 

31 
Yet was the forcefo furious andfo fell, 

That horlcand man it made to reele alide : 

Nath'leile the Prince would not forfake his (ell 

(For, well of yore he learned had to ride) 

Bat full of anger fiercely to him cride ; 

Fj ill tTaytour,mifcre,int, thou broken haft 

The l-aw of armes, to ftrike foe vndefide : 

But thou thy treaCons fiuit ( I hope) fhalt toftc 
Right lowre, and feele the law, the which thou haft defac't. 

With that, his balefuU fpeore he fiercely bent 

Againft the Pagans breaft, and there -with thought 

His curfcd hfe out fcf her lodge haue rent : 

But ere the point arriued where it ought, 

That feaueii-fold fhield, which he from C'tyon brought 

He caft-betwecne,to ward the bitterftound: 

Through all thole folds the fteel-head palTage wrought, 

Anddirough fus fhouldcr pearc't ; wher-with to ground 

Hegrouehngfell, all gored in his gulhiog wound. 

Which when his brtither faw, fraught with great gricfe 
And wrath, he to him leaped furioufly. 
And fouly laid. By A/ rt/;jKne,curfed thiefe, 
That direful! ftioake thou dearely fhalt aby. 
Then hurling vp his harmcfull blade on hie, 
Smote him lo hugely on his hiughtie crcft, 
Thitfrom his faddleforced him to fly : 
Elfc mote it needs downc to his manly brcft 

Haue cleft hi s head in waine, and life thence difpofTefl. 



3+ 
Now was the Piince in dangerous diftrefTe, 

Wanting his fword, when he on foot fliculd fight: 

His liiigle Ipeare could doe him Iniall redreflc, 

Againft two foes of fo exceeding might. 

The leaft of which was match for any knighc 

And now the other, whom he earft did daunt. 

Had reard himfelfe againe to cruell fight. 

Three times more furious, and more puifTaunt, 

VnmindfuU of his wound, of his fate ignoraiuit. 

So, both attonce him charge on either lide. 
With hideous ftrookes, and importable powre. 
That forced him his ground to trauerfe wide. 
And wifely watch to ward that deadly ftowrc. 
For,on his Ihield, as thicke as ftormie Ihowre 
Their ftrookes did raine : yetdidheneuerqiuile, 
Ne backward fhrinke ; but as a ftedfaft towre. 
Whom foe with double battry doth alTaile, 

Them on her bulwarke beares,& bids themnought^vaijc: 

So ftoutly he withftood their Ifrong alTay, 
Till that at laft, when he advantage fpidc. 
His poy nant Ipeare he thruft with puill'ant fway 
At proud f)?KocWf 5, whiles his (lucid was wide. 
That through his thigh the mortall fteelc did gride: 
He, Iwaruing widi the force, within his flefh 
Did breake the Liunce, and let the headabide : 
Out of the wound the red bloud flowed frefh, 

That vnderneath his feet foonc made a purple pledl. 

J7 

Horribly then he gan to rage, and raile. 

Curling his gods, and himlelfe damning deepe : 
Als when his brother faw the red bloud traile 
Adownc lo faft, and all his .irmour ftecpe. 
For vei y felneffe loud he gan to wecpe. 
And faid, Caytiue, curfe on thy cruell hond, 
That twice hath fped ; yet fhall it not thee keepc 
From die third brunt of this my faull brond : 

Lo, where the dreadfull Death behind thy back doth ftond. 

With that hee ftrooke, and th'other ftrooke withall. 
That nothing feem'd mote beare fo monftrous might : 
The one vpon his couer'd fhield did fall. 
And glauncing downe, would not his owner bite : 
But th'other did vpon his troncheon fmite ; 
Which hewing cjuite alunder, further way 
It made, and on his hacqucton did lite. 
The which dimding with importune fivay. 

It feiz'd in his right fide, and there the dint did ftay. 

39 

Wide was the wound,and a large lukewarme flood. 
Red as the Rofe, thence gudied grieuouflv ; 
That when the Paynim fpide the ftreaming blood, 
Gauehimgrcathart,andhopeofviftorie. 
On th'othtr fide, in huge perplexitie. 
The Prince now ftood, hauing his weapon broke; 
Nought could he hurt, but ftili at ward did Ue : 
Yet with his troncheon he fo rudely ftroke 

CyntochUs twice, that twice himforc'; his footcreroke. 

'■ , Whom, 



^6 THE SECOND BOOKE OF ^ant,FIlL 



40 

W horn wh en the Palmer fiw in fuch diftrcflc. 
Sir Giiyons (word he lightly to him raught, 
And Liid ; Faire fonnej great Go J thy right hand bleffe, 
To vfe that fword fo vvilcly as it aught. 
Glad was the knight,and with frefh courage fraught. 
When as againe he armed felt his hond ; 
Then hke a Lion, which hath long time faught 
His robbed whclpes, and at the laft them fond 

Emongft the Shepheardfwaines,the wexethwood &yond: 

41 

So fierce helaid about Iiimj and dealt blowcs 
On either fide, that neither maile could hold, 
Ne (hield defend the thunder of his throwcs : 
Now to Tyrrhochles many ftrokes he told i 
Eft to Cymocbles twice fo many fold ; 
Then backc againeturning his bufie hond, 
Them both attonce compeid with courage bold, 
To yield wide way to his hart-thrilling brond ; 

And though they both flood ItifFe, yet could not both 

42 (withftond. 

As falvage Bull, whom two fierce maftiues bayt, 
V Vhenrancour doth with ragehim onceengore. 
Forgets with wane ward them to await. 
But with his dreadflillhorncs them driues afore. 
Or flings aloft, or treads downein the flore, 
Breathing out wrath, and bellowing difdaine. 
That ail the foreft qualces to heare him rorc : 
So rag'd Prince jlrthur twist his foemen twainc. 

That neither could his mighty puiffance luftaine. 

43 

But euer at Tyrrhochles when he fmit 

(Who Cuyom fhield cafl euer him before. 
Whereon theFaeryQuecnespourtraft was writ) 
His han.) relented, and the flrokc forbore. 
And his deare hart the pi fturegan adore: 
Which oft the Paynim fiu'd from deadly ftowrc. 
But him h ence-forth the fame can faue no more ; 
For, now arriued is his fatall ho wre, 

Tlut no'te avoyded be by earthly skill or powre. 

44 

For, when Cymochles (aw the foule reproche. 

Which them appeached; prickt with guilty fhamc. 

And inward griefe, he fiercely gan approchc, 

Refolv'd to put-away tliatloathly blame. 

Or die with honour and delert of fame ; 

And on the hauberk ftrooke the Prince fo fore. 

That quite difparted all the linked frame. 

And pearced to the skin, but bit no more. 

Yet made him twice to reek, that neuer moou'd afore. 

., '^'^ 
Whereat renfierc't with wrath and fharp regret, 

Hee ftrooke fo hugely with his borrow'd blade. 

That it empearc'tthe Pagans burganet. 

And cleauing the hard fteele, did deepe invade 

Into his head , and crucll paflage made (ground. 

Quite through his braine. Hee tumbling downe on 

Breath 'd out his ghoft ; which to th'infernall fhade 

Fafl: flying, there eternalltormentfound. 

For all the finncs, where-with his lewd Ufc did abound. 



46 

Which when his german faw, tlie ftony fearc 
Ran to his hart, and all his fenfe dilmayd, 
Ne thenceforth life nc courage did appeare ; 
But, as a man whom heUifli fiends haue frayd, 
Long trerabling ftill he flood : at laft thus faid ; 
Traytourwhat haftthoudoen? how euermay 
Thy curfed hand fo cruelly haue fwayd 
Againft that knight : Harrow and weal-away ! 

After lo wicked deed why hv'ft thou lenger day 1 

. , , 47 

With that all defperatc, as loathing light. 
And with revenge defiring foone to die, 
Aflembling all his force and vtmoft might. 
With his owne fword he fierce at liim did fly, 
And flrooke, and foynd, and li(ht outragiouflv, 
Withouten reafon or regard. Well knew 
The Prince, with patience and fufFerance fly 
So haftie heat foone cooled to fubdue : 

Tho,when this breathlefle woxe, that battailegan renue. 

As when a windie tempeft bloweth hie, 

That noth ing may withfland his flormy ftowrc. 
The clowdes (as things afraid) before him fly ; 
But all fo foone as his outrageous powre 
Is layd, they fiercely then begin to (houre. 
And as in fcorne of his fpent itormy fpight. 
Now all attonce their malice forth doe poure ; 
So did Prince ^rf/jnr be.ue himlelfe in fight. 

And fuffred rafh Tyrrhochles wafte his idle might. 

49 

At laft, when as the Sarazin percciu'd. 

How that fbange fword refus'd to feme his need. 
But when he flrooke moft ftrong, the dint deceiu'd. 
He flong it from him, and devoyd of dreed, 
Vpon him lightly leaping without heed, 
Twixt his two mighty armes engrafpedfaft, 
Thinking to overthrovve, and downe him tred : 
But him in ftrength and skill the Prince furpaft. 

And through his nimble flcight did vnder him downe caft. 

'>° 
Nought booted it the Paynim then to ftriue; 

For, as a Bittur in the Eagles claw, 

That may nothope by flight tofirape aliuc, 

Still waitcs for death with dread and trembling awc; 

So he, now fubieft to the Viftors law. 

Did not once moue, nor vpward cafl his eye, 

For vile difdaine and rancour, which didgnaw 

His hart in twaine with fad melancholy, 

As one that loathed life, and yet delpis'd to die. 

But full of Princely bountie and great mind, 
The Conqueroiir nought cared him to flay. 
But cafling wrongs and all reiienge behind. 
More glory thought to giuelife, then decay. 
And faid, Paynim, tliis is thy difmall day ; 
Yet if thou wilt renounce thy mifcreance. 
And my true liegeman yield thy fclfe for ay, 
Life will I graunt thee for thy valiance. 

And all thy wrongs will wipe out of my foitenaunce. 

Foole 






Cant, IX. 



THE FAERIE QVEENE 



97 



5i 

Foole, fiid the Pagan, I thy gift defie : 
But vfe thy fortune, as it doth befall, 
Afld fay, that I not overcome doe die. 
But in defpight of hfe, for death doe call. 
Wroth was the Prince, and fory yet withall 
That he fo wilfully refufed grace ; 
Yet fith his fate fo cruelly did fall. 
His (hining helmet he gan foone vniace, 

And left his headlelle body bleeding all the place 

By this, Sir Guyon from his traunce awak't. 
Life hauing maiftered her fenleleffe foe ; 
And looking vp, when as his fliield he lackt, 
And hvord faw not, he wexed wondrous woe : 
But when the Palmer, whom he long ygoe 
Had loft, heby him fpidc, right ghd he grew. 
And fiiri, Deare iir, whom wandring to andfio 
I long haue lackt, I loy thy face to view ; 

Firme is thy faith, whom danger neuer fro me drew. 

54 
But read what wicked hand hatli robbed mec 

Ofmy good Ivvord and (Weld? The Palmer glad. 
With fo frelh hew vprifing him to Ice, 
Him anfwered ; Faire fonne, be no whit fad 



For want of weapons : they fliall foone be had. 
So gan he to dilcourfc ihewhole debate. 
Which that ftrange knighttorhim (uAained haJ, 
And thofe two S arazms confounded late, 
Whofe carcafles on ground were bornbly proftnitc 

Which when he heard, and law the tokens true. 
His hart with great affeftion was embayd. 
And to the Prince with bowing reuercnce due, 
As to the Parrone of his life, thus faid; 
My Lord, my liege, by whole moft gracious ayd 
I hue this day , and fee my foes fubdewd. 
What may iiiffice, to be for meede repayd 
Of fo great graces, as ye haue melhewd. 

But to be euer Bound 

56 

To whom the Infant thus ; Faire Sir, what need 
Good tiu'nes be counted, as a feruile bond. 
To bind their dooers to receiue their meed ? 
Are notall Knights by oath bound, to withftonj 
Oppreflburs powre by armes and puiflant hond i 
Suffice, that I haue done my due in place. 
So, goodly purpofe they together fond. 
Of kindnellc and of curtcous aggrace ; 

The whiles faife ^rchimage and ^tin fled apace. 




Canro IX. 

The houfe of Temperance^ in which 

dothfober Alma dwell^ 
Befieg 'd ofmAnyfoes, whomjlranger 

knights to fight compell. 





k F all Gods works ,whicli do this world adorn, 
i There is no one more fiire and excellent, 
El Then is mans body both for powxe & form, 
y^X Whiles it is kept in fobcr gouernmcnt ; 
'^- But none then It more foule and indecent, 
Diftempred through milrulc and palfions bafe : 
It growes a Monfter, and incontinent 
Doth lofe his dignitie and natiue grace. 
Behold (who lill) both one and other in this place. 

1 
After the Paynim brethren conquer'd were. 
The Briton Prince recov'ring his ftolne (word. 
And Gnyon}us loft fhield, they both yfere 
Fonh palTed on their way in faire accord, 



Til! him the Prince with gentle court did bord ; 
Sir Knight, mote I of you this curt'fie read, 
Towettwhy on your fhield (fo goodly fcord) 
Beare ye the pidlure of that Ladies head ? 
Full liuely is the fcmblaunt, though the fubftance dead. 

Faire Sir, (aid he, if in that pifture dead 
Such hfe ye read, and vertuc in vaine (hew. 
What mote ye weene, if the true liuely-head 
Of thatmoft glorious vifagc ye did view i 
But if the beuitie of her mind ye knew. 
That IS , her bountie, and imperial! powre, 
Thoufand times fairer then her mortal! hew, 
O h ow great wonder would your thoughts deuoure. 

And infinite defire into your fpirit poure l 

I J. '~' siee 



9^ 



THE SECOND BOOKE OF 



Catit'lXi 



Sbee is tlie mighty Queene ofTame, 

Whofcfaire retrait I in my fliield doe beare ; 
She is the flowre of grace and chaftitie. 
Throughout the world renowmed farre and neare, 
Mv heft, my liege, my Soueraigne, my dearej 
Wnofe glory ihineth as the morning ftarre. 
And wiui her light the earth enlumines cleare ; 
Farrereach her'mercies, and herpraifesfarre. 

As well in ftatc of peace, as puiflaunce in warrc. 

Thrice happy man, faid then the Briton knight. 
Whom gracious lot, and thy great valiaiince 
Haue made a fouldicr of that Princeffe bright. 
Which with her bounty and glad conntaiaunce 
Doth bleflc her feruaunts, and them high aduauncc. 
How may ftrange knight hope eucr to afpire. 
By faithfull feruice, and meet amenauncc 
Viito fuch bliffe ? fuflScient were that hire 

Forlofleofthoufandhues, to dieatherdefire. 
6 

Said G«)»»,NobIeLord,whatmeedfogreatj 
Or grace of earthly Prince fo loucraine, 
But by your wondrous worth and warlike feat 
Ye well may hope, and eafily attainc ? 
But were your will, her fold to entertaine. 
And numbred be mongft knights oi Maydenhead, 
Great guerdon (well I wote) (liould you remaincj 
And in her fauour high be reckoned. 

As ^rthegali, and Sojtl/y now beenehonoured. 

7 

Ccrtes, then faid the Prince, I God avow. 

That fince I armes and knighthood firfl: did plight. 
My whole defire hath beene, and yet is now. 
To ferue that Queene with all niy pbwrc andmight. 
Now hath the Sunne with his lamp-burning light, 
Walktround about the world, and I no lefle. 
Since of that Goddcfle 1 haue (ought the fight. 
Yet no where can her find : fuch happiiicfle 

Heauen doth to me envy, and fortunefauourleiTe. 
8 

Fortune (the foe of famous cheuifaunce) 
Sildome (fiid Guyon) yields to vcrtue ayde, 
Butin her way throwes mifchiefeand mifchaunce. 
Whereby her courfe is ftopt, and palTage ftaid. 
But you,faire Sir,be not here-with dif maid, 
But conftant kecpe the way in which ye (land > 
Which wereitnotj that I amelfe dclaid 
With hard adventure, which I haue in hand, 

1 labour would to guide you tlirough all Faerie land, 

9 

, Gramercie Sir, faid he; but mote I wote. 

What ftrange adventure doe ye nowe purfue ? 
Perhaps my fuccour, or advizement meet, 
Mote ftead you much your purpofe to fubdue. 
Then gan Sir Cnyon all the ftory (hew 
Offalfe Acrafia, and her wicked wiles, 
Which to avenge, the Palmer him forth drew 
From Faerie court. So talked they, the whiles 

They wafted had much way, and raeafurd many miles. 



And DOW faire "Ph/thm gan decline in hafle 
His wearie wagon to the Wefteme vale, 
When-as they ipidc a goodly Ca(tle,plac'C 
Foreby a nuerin a pleafant dale ; 
Which choofing for that euenings hofpitalc, 
They thither marcht : but when they camein fights' 
And from their fweaty courfers did avale, 
They found the gates f.ift barred long ere night. 

And euery loup faft lockt, as fearing foes dcfpighc 
II 

Which vvhen they faw, they weened foule reprochc 
Was to them docn, their entrance to forftall. 
Till that the Squire gan nigher to approchc ; 
And wind his home vnder the caftle wall, 
That with the noife it ihooke, as it would fall : 
Eftibones foorth looked from the higheft fpire 
The watch, and loud vnto theknights did call. 
To weet what they fo rudely did require. 

Who gently anfwered, They entraunce did dcfire. 
II 

Fly fly, good knights, faid he, fly faft away 
If that your lines ye loue, as meet ye <hould ; 
Fly filf, and faue your fclucs from necre decay. 
Here may ye net haue entrance, though we woulds 
We would and would againe, if that we could ; 
But thoufand enemies d)out vs raue. 
And with long fiege vs in thiscaftlehould; 
Seauen yeares this wizc they vs befieged haue. 

And many good knights flaine, that haue vs iought tof<U(& 

ij 

Thus ashefpake, loe, with outragious cry 

A thoufand villaincs round about them (waxm'd 
Out of the rocks and caues adioyning nie. 
Vile caitiue wretches, ragged, rude, deform'd. 
All threatning death, all m ftrange manner arm'd. 
Some withvnweldy clubs, fomc with longfpeaxet. 
Some ruftie kniues, fome ftaucs in ficr warm'd. 
Sterne was their looke, like wil ! amazed Steares, 

Staring with hollow eyes, andfbfFe vpftanduig heares. 

H , 

Ficfccly at firft thofe knights they I • Tailc, 
And drouc them to recoile : but wlicn againe 
They gaue frcih charge, their forces gan tofaile, 
Vnable ihcir encounter to fiiftaine ; 
For, with fiich puiflaunce and impetuous maine 
Thofe Champions broke on them, thatforc'tthcmfly,' 
Like fcattered Slieepe, when as the Shcpheards fwainc 
A Lyon and a Tigre doth cfpy. 
With greedy pafe forth rufhing trom the foreft nie. 

If 

Awhile they fled, but foone returnd againe 
With greater fury then before was found ; 
And euermore their cruell Capitaine 
Sought with his ralcall routs t'endofe them round,' 
And (ouer-runne) to tread them to the ground. 
But foone the Knights with their briglit-burniiig blades 
Broke their mde troupes, and orders did confound. 
Hewing and flafliing at their idle (hades ; (fades. 

For, chough they bodies feeme, yet fubftoncc from them 



Cant, IX, 



THE FAERIE QVEENE. 



99 



16 

As when a fwarme of Gnats at eucntide 
Out of the ftnncs of Allan doe arife, 
Their murmuring fmall trumpets fouDden wide, 
VVhiki m thcayre their ciuftring annie flies, 
That iS a cloud doth Iccme to dim the skies ; 
Ne man nor beaft may reft, or take rcp.ift. 
For their fharpe wounds, and noyous iniuries, 
Till the fierce Northernc wind with bluftring blaft 

Doth blowe them quite awav, and in the Oce^n caft. 
17 

Thus when they hadthattroublous rout difpeiftj 
Vntc the Caftlc gate they come againc, 
And entraunce crav'd , which was denied erft. 
Now, when repon of that theirperilous paine. 
And combrous conflift vvhich they did luftainc. 
Came to the Ladies eare vvhich there did dwell. 
She fortli iflued with a goodly traine 
Of Squires and Ladies cquipaged well, 

And entertained them riglitfairely, as befell. 
iS 

,/ilm4 fhe called was, a virgin bright ; 

That had not yet felt Cupids wanton rage, 
Yet was (lie woo'd of many a gentle Knight, 
And many a Lord of noble parentage, 
That fought with her to linke in marriage : 
For, file was faire, as fairc mote euer bee, 
And in the flowre now of her frefliefl age ; 
Yet full of graceand goodly modeftee. 

That euen heauen reioy ccd her fweet face to fee. 

19 
In robe of lilly white fhe was arrayd. 

That from her fhouldcr to her hcele downe raught. 
The traine whereof loofe far behind hi.r ftray d, 
Branched with gold and pcarle, moft richly wrought. 
And borne oftwofiire D.imfcls, which were tauglit 
That fcruice well. Her yellow golden hairc 
Was trimly wouen, and in trefles wrought, 
Ne other tyre flie on her head did w eare. 
But crowned with a garland of fweet Rofiere. 

20 
Goodly fhe entenaind thofe noble knights, 
And brought them vp into her caftle hall ; 
Where, gentle court an >^gracious delight 
She to them made, with mildncfle virginall. 
Shewing hcrfelfe both wife and libcrall : 
There when they 1 eftcd had a fcafon dew. 
They her belou^ht of fauour fpeciail. 
Of that faii-e Caftlc to affoord them view ; 
She grauntcd, and them leading forth, the fame did fhew. 

it 
Firfl.fhetliem led vpto the Caftle wall, 
That was fo high, as foe might not it cb'me. 
And all fo f^ire, and fcnfible withall. 
Not built of brick, ne yet of ftone and lime. 
But of thing hke to that BgyftUn (lime, 
Whcrcofking7^«whilome built Btfiefltowre; 
pi" f, great pitty, that no lenger time 
So gt Mly workmanfhip fhould not endure : 
Soonc it mu.'': tumc to earth ; no earthly thing i s furc. 



The frame thereof feem'd partly circulare. 

And part triangulare : 6 worke divine ! 

Thofe two the firft and laft proportions are. 

The one imperfeft, mortall, fLcminine ; 

Th'otherimmortall, pcrfeft, mafculine ; 

Andtvvixt them both a quadrate was thebaic, 

Proportioned equally by feuen and nine ; 

Nine was the circle fet in heauens place. 
All which compafted, made a goodly Dyafafe. 

Therein two gates were placed fecmely well: 
The one before, by which all in did palTe, 
Did th'other far in workmanlhip excell ; 
For, not of wood, nor of enduring brafic, 
But of more worthy fubftaiice fram'd it was ; 
Doubly difparted, it did lock and clofe. 
That when it locked, none might thorough pafle. 
And when it opened, no man might it dole. 

Still open to their friends, and clofed to their foes. 
24 

Of hewcn ftone the porch was fairely wrought. 
Stone more of valew, and more fmooth and fine. 
Then let or Marble firre from Ireland brought ; 
Orcr the which was caft a waiidring Vine, 
Enchaced with a wanton luie twine. 
And over it a faire Portcullis hong. 
Which to the gate direftly did incline. 
With comely compaflc, and compafture ftrongj" 

Neither vnfeemely fliort, nor yet exceeding long. 

^^ 
Within the Barbican a Porter fate. 

Day and night dulic keeping vratch and ward. 

Nor w ight, nor word mote pafle out of the gate,' 

But in good order, and with due regard ; 

Vttcrcrs of fecrets he from thence debard. 

Babblers of folly, and blazers of crime. 

Hislarum-bell might loud and wide be heard 

When caufe requir d, but neuer out of time ; 
Earely and late it rong, at eucning and at prime. 

16 
And roun d about the porch on cucry fide 

Twice iixteenc warders fate, all armed bright 

In glifiringftcele, andftrongly fottifide : 

Tall yeomen feemcd they, and of great might,' 

And were enranged ready II1II for fight. 

By them as ^!ma palTed with her guefts, 

They did obeylaunce, as befeemed right. 

And then againe returned to their rcfts : 
The Porter eke to her did lout with humble gefU>' 

i7 
Thence fhe thembrought into a ftately Hall, 

wherein were many tables faire diffpred. 

And ready dight with drapets feaftiuall, 

Againft the viands Ihould be miniftred. 

At th'vpper end there fate, yclad in red 

Downe to the ground, a comely perfonage. 

That in his hand a white rod menagcd: 

He Steward was, hight Diet ; ripe or age. 
And in demeanure fober, and in counfellfage. 

I J. And 



loo THE SECOND BOOKE OF 



^^A IXn 



18 

And through the Hall there walked to and fro 
A iolly yeoman, Marfliill of the lame, 
Whofc name was ^pfietite ; he did bcftowe 
Both guefts and meat, when euer in they came, 
And knew them how to order without blame. 
As him the Steward bade. They both attone 
Did dutie to their Lady, as became ; 
Who pafling by, forth led hcrgueftes anone 

Into the Kitchin roome, ne fpar'd for nicencffe none. 

It was a vaut ybuilt for great difpcnce. 
With many raunges reard along the wall i 
And one great chimney, whofe long tonnell thence. 
The Cnokc forth threw. And in the midft of .Jl 
There placed was a caudron wide and tali, 
Vpon a mighty furnace, burning hot. 
More hot, then ^etn or flaming Mongibnll: 
For, day and night it brent, ne ceaffed not, 

So long as any thing it in the caudron got. 

3° 
But to delay the heat, leaft by mifchaunce 

It might breake out, and fee the whole on fire. 
There added was by goodly ordinaun ce, 
An huge great paire of bel'o wes, which did ftirc 
Continually, and cooling breath infpirc. 
About the cau Jron many Cookes accoyld, 
With hookes andladles, as need did require; 
The whiles the viands in thevelTellboyld 
They did about tlieir bufincfle fweat, and forely toyld. 

?i 

The maifter Cooke was cald CoiicofHoii, 
A carefull man, and full of comely guifc : 
The kitchin Gierke, that hight Dtgesiion, 
Did order all the catcs in feemely wife, 
Andfet them forth, .is well he could deuile. 
The reft had feuerall offices aflign'd : 
Some to rcmoue the fcum as it did rife ; 
Others to beare the fame away did mind i 

Aad others it to vfe according to his kind. 

But all the liquour, which was fouleand wade. 
Not good nor fcruiccable elfcfor ought. 
They in another great round vcffell plac't. 
Till by a conduit pipe it thence wcrebrought: 
And all thercft, that novous was and nought. 
By fecret way es that none might it efpy. 
Was clofe convaid, and to the back-gate brought. 
That cleped was Tort Efquiline, whereby 

It was avoided quite, and thrownc out priuily. 

Which _^oodly order, and great workmans skill 
When as thofc Knights beheld, with rare delight 
And gazing wonder they their minds did fill ; 
For, neuer had they feene fo ffrange a fight. 
Thence bacfce againcfaire ^Ima led themright. 
And foone into a goodly Parlour brought. 
That was with royall Arras richly dight. 
In which was nothing pourtrihed, nor wrought. 

Not wrought, nor pourtrahed, but cafie to be thought. 



And in the midfl thereof rpon the floure, 
A loucly bcuy of faire Ladies fate. 
Courted of many a lolly Paranioure, 
The which them did in modeft wife amatCt 
And each one fought liis Lady to aggratci 
And eke emongfl themhttle C»/>;ipiaid 
His wanton Iports, beeing returned late 
From his fierce warres, andhauing from him layd 

His cruell bowe, where-with he thoufandshath diinuyl. 

Diuerfc delights they found themfelues to pleife; 
Some fung in fweet confort, fome laught for icy. 
Some plaid with ifrawes, fome idlefate at eafe > 
But other fome could not abide to toy. 
All pleafance was to them griefe and annoy : 
This firound, thatfaund,thc third for Ihamcdidblufllj] 
Another fcemcd envious, or coy. 
Another in herteetli did guawarufh : 

But at thefe fir angers prefence euery one didhufh. 

Sooneas the gracious ^Ima camein place. 
They all attonce out of their feates arofc. 
And to her homage made, with humble grace : 
Whom, when the Knights beheld, they gan di&olc 
Themfelues to court, and each a Damfellchofe: 
The Prince (by chance^ did on a Lady light. 
That was rightfaire and frefh as morningrofc. 
But f ome-what fad, and folemne eke in fight. 

As if fome penflue thought conflxaind her gentle fprigbs 

37 

In a long purple pall, whofe skirt with gold 
Was fretted all about, file was arrayd ; 
And in her hand a Poplar branch did hold : 
To whom the Pnnce in curteous mannerfaid; 
Gentle Madame, why been ye thus difmaid. 
And your faire bcautie doe with fadncife ^ill t 
Liues any, thatyou hath thus ill apaid i 
Or doen you louc, or doen you lacke your will J 

What-eucr be th e caufe, it fure befeemes you ilL 

Faire Sir, faid fhe (half e in difdainefuU wife) 
How is it tJiat tliis word in me ye blame. 
And in your lelfe doe not the fame advifc i 
Him ill befeemes, anothers fault to name. 
That may vnw.ires be blotted with the fame : 
Penfiue I yield I am, and fad in mind, 
Through great defire of glory and of fame ; 
Ne ought (I weene) are ye therein behind, (finj.' 

That haue twelue months fought one,yet no where can her 

39 

The Prince was inly moued at her (peach. 
Well wecting true, what fhe had rafhly told ; 
Yet with faire femblaunt fought to hide the breacli« 
Which change of colour did perforce vnfoldj 
Now feeming flaming hot, now ftony cold. 
Tho,turningfoft afide, he did inquire. 
What wight fhe was, that Poplar branch did hold : 
It anfwered was, her name was Truife-dejtre, 

Th.« by w ell dooing fought to honour to aifpire. 

Tbt 



Cant, IX. 



THE FAERIE QVEENE. 



lOl 



Thewliiles. the Faerie knight did entertaine 
Another Domfell of that gentle crew. 
That Wis rightfaire, and modeft of demiinc. 
But that too oft fhe chang'd her naoue hew : 
Strange was her tire, and all lier garment blew, 
Clo'c round about her fuckt\;ith many a plight : 
Vpon her fift, the bird v.'hich Ihunneth view. 
And keepes in coucrts cicfe ft cm liuing wight, 
id fit,as yet afliomed.how rude Van did her dight. 



Did 



41 



Solong as C/ij'OH with ha communed, 
Vnto the ground fhc call her modeft eye. 
And tuer and anone with rofie red 
The bo/lifiill bloud herfuowy chcekes did die. 
That her became, as poliiht Ivory, 
Which cunning Craftelm.ins hand hath overlaid 
With fairc Vermilion or pure laftery . 
Great wonder lud the knight to lee the maid 

So Ibangcly pallioned, and to her gently faid^ 

Faire Domfcll, fcemcth by your troubled chearc. 

That eidierme too boldyce v.ecne, tins wile 

You to molcf:, or other ill to fears 

That in tlie fccret of your hart dole lyes. 

From whence it doth, is cloud from lea arifc. 

If it be I, of pardon I you pray ; 

Butif ought elfe that I rrotc not devife, 

I will (if pleafc you it dikure) oflay 
To eafe you of that ill, fo wifely ss I may. 

4J 

She anl^vcred nought, but more abafht for flume. 
Held downe her head, the whiles her loutlviace 
Theflalhmg bloud with blulhingdid ipflame. 
And the fttong pafsion mard her modeft grace. 
That Guyon meruaild at her vncouth c.\'.e : 
Till ^Ima him beipake. \\ hy wonder yee 
Fairc Sir at that, wliicli yelo much embrace ? .,' 
She IS thefountaine of your mcdcftce ; 

Tou fhamefac't arc, but Shamcfaftaefje it I'eL^e is flice. 

44 
Thereat the Elfc did blufll in priuitee. 

And tumd his face away i but flie the fame 

Diflemblcd faire, and fiind to oucrfee. 

Thus they awhile with court and goodly game,. 

Themldues did (blace each one with his Dame, 
* Till that great Ladie thence away them (ought. 

To view her Caftlcs other wondrous frame. 
, Vp to a ftaiely Turret fhc them brought, 
'Afccnding by ten fteps of Alablaftcr wrought.' 

4!i 

That Turrets frame moft admirable was, 
Like higheft heauen compaffed around, 
And hftcd highabouc this earthly mafs> 
Which it furview'd, as hils doen lower ground ; 
But not on ground mote like to this bcfoimd. 
Not that which antique Cadmuf whilomc built 
In Thebes, which Alexander did confound ; 
Nor tlut proud towre of Tro^, though richly gilt, 

Fr6 which young H<flw bloud by crucll Creel^wis fpilt, 



The roofc hereof was arched ouer head. 

And deckt with flowers and herbars daintily ; 
Two goodly Beacons, let in watches ftead. 
Therein gaue light, and flam'd continually : 
For, they of huingiiremoft ftibtilly 
Were made, and let in iilver fockets bright, 
Couer'd with lids deviz'd of fiibftoncc fly. 
That readily they iliut and open might. 

0,who can tell the prayfes of that makers might I 

47 

Ne can I tell, ne can I ftay to tell 

Tliis parts great workinanftup, and wondrous powie, 

That all tins other worlds worke doth O'cdl, 

And likcft is vnto that heauenly towre, 

That G od luth built for his owne blelTed bo\vre. 

Therein were dineile roomes, and diuerle ftagcs. 

But tliree the chiefcft, and of greateft powre. 

In which tliere dwelt three honourable fagcs. 

The w il'eft men (I weenc) that liued in their ages, 
48 

Not he, whom Greece (theNurfe of all good Arts) 
By Thebiis doomc, the wifeft thought ahue, 
^iight be compar'd to tliefe by many parts : 
Nor that fage Vylian fire, which did liiruiuc 
TJiree ages, fuch as mortall men contnue. 
By whole advile old Tnams cittiefrll. 
With thele in pr.ule ot policies mote ftriuc. 
Thefe three in thefe three roomes did fundry dwell. 

And counfellcdtaire ^^>B<j,how togoueme well. 

49 

The firft of them could things to come fore-fee : 
The next, could of tilings prcfi.r:t beftadvife; 
The third, tilings paft could kecpe in memorec: 
So that no time, norreafon could arife. 
But that the lame could one of thefe comprize. 
For thy, t he firft did in the fore -port fit, 
That nought mote hinder hi s quickc preiudize : 
He had a (harpe fore-Hght, and working wit. 

That neuer idle was, ne once could reft a whit. 

JO 

His dumbcrwas difpainted allwithin. 

With fundry colours, in the which were writ 

Infinite fhapes of things dillpcrfed thin i 

Some fuch as in the world wereueueryit, 

Ne can deuifed be of mortall wit ; 

Some daily feene, and knowen by thdr names. 

Such as i n i die fontalies doe flit : 

Infernall Hags, Caitaures, feends, Hippedames, 

Apes, Lyons, Eagles, Owles,fooles,louers,chi]drcn, 

J I (DamesT 

And all the chamber filled was with flycs. 

Which buzzed all about, and made fuch found. 
That they encomhred all mens cares and eyes. 
Like many fwarmes of Bees alfembled round. 
After their hiucs with honny doe abound : 
All thofe were idle thoughts and fan tafies, 
Dcuices,dreames, opinions vnfound, 
. Shewes, vifions, footh-layes, and prophecies ; 

And all that fained is, as lealings, tales, and lies. 

1 4. Emoogft 



101 



THE SECOND BOOKE OF 



CanulXL 



EmongA ttem all fite he which wonned there. 
That hight Thantastis by his nature trew ; 
A man of yeires yet frefli, as moteappere. 
Of fwarth complexion, and of crabbed hew, 
That him full of melancholy did flicw ; 
Bent hollow beetle browes.uiarp flaring eyes> 
That mad or foolifti feem'd : one by his view 
Mote deeme him borne with ill difpofed skyes. 

When oblique Saturne fate in th'houle of agonies. 

Whom ~4lma hauing fliewed to her gueftcs. 

Thence brought them to the fecond roome,whofe wals 

Werepainted faire witli memorable geftes 

Offamous Wifards, and with pifturals 

Of Magiftrates, of courts, of tribunals. 

Of common wealthes, offtates, of policic. 

Of lawes, of iudgements, and of decretals ; 

All Artes, all Science,all Philofophy, 

And all that in the world was aye thoueht wittily. 

Of thofethatroome was full: and them among 
There fate a man of ripe and perfcft age. 
Who did them meditate all his life long. 
That through continuall praftife and vfagc. 
He now was growne right wife, and wondrous fagow 
Great pleafure had thole ftranger Knights, to fee 
His goodly reafon, and graue perfonagc. 
That his difciples both defir'd to bee ; 

But -4lm* (hence them led to th'hindmofl roome of three. 

Tbat chamber fecmed ruinous and old, 
And therefore was rcmoucd firre behind. 
Yet were the wals, that did the fame vphold, 
Rightfirmc and ftrong.though lomwhat they declin'J ; 
And thereinfate an old old man, halfe blind. 
And all decrepit in his feeble corfe. 
Yet liuely vigour refted in his mind. 
And recompenc't him with a better fcorce : 

Wcakc body well is chang'd for miuds redoubled force. 

^nu* man of infinite remembrance was. 

And things foregone through many ages held. 
Which he recorded ftill as they did pafs, 
Ne fufied them to perilh through long eld. 



As all things elfe, the which this world doth wcL^ 
But laid them vp in his immortall ferine. 
Where they for euer incorrupted dweld ; 
The warres he well remembred of king Hme, 
Of old Ajfaracus, and Inathus diuine. 

57 
The yeares of ?(e/?or nothing were to his, 
Ne yet Mathufaltm,l\io\x^ longeft lyu'd; 
For, he remembred both their infancies : 
Ne wonder then, if that he were depriu'd 
Of natiue ftrength now, that he them furviu'J- 
His chamber all was hangd about with roUes, 
And old records from auncient times deriu'd. 
Some made in bookes, fomein long parchmcntfcioajj 
That were all worme-eatcn, andfull of canker holes. 

58 
Amidft them all he in a chaire was fet. 

Tolling and turning them withouten end; 
But for lie was vnable tlicm to fet, 
A httle boy did on him ftill attend 
To reach, when euer he for ought did fend; 
And oft when things were loft, or laid amifs. 
That boy them fought, and vnto him did lend. 
Therefore he ^na7W«e/?f( deped is. 
And thatold man EHnmeftes, by their propcrtis. 

The Knightfjthere entring,did himreuerencedew. 
And wondrcd at his endleffe ezercife. 
Then as they gan his Libraric to view,' 
And antique Rcgifters for to avife. 
There chounced to the Princes hand to rifc 
An auncient booke, hight Briton moniments, 
That of this lands firft conqueft did deuife. 
And old diuifion into Regiments, 

Till it reduced was to one mans goucrnments. 
60 

Sir Guyon chaunc't eke on anotherbooke. 
That hight ^ntiquitie oi Faerie lond. 
In whidi when as he greedily didlooke; 
Th'ofF-fpring of Elves and Faries there he fond, 
Asitdeliuer'dwasfromhond tohond: 
Whereat they burning both with feruent fire 
Their countries aunceftty to vnderftond, 
Crav'd leaue of^lma, and that aged fire. 

To read thofe b ookes ; who gladly graunted thdr dc&e.' 



Canto ' 




Cant, X* 



THE FAERIE QVEENE. 



103 



%^^T^0&^: 



i>^^ 




r 



■it 



\ 



K^ chronicle of Briton Kings 
from Brute to Vthers raigne 

K^nd relies ofElpn imperourSy 
till time of Gloriane. 




\ 




Ho now fh Jl giue vnto me words and found, 
Equall vnto this haughtie entcrprile ? 
O: wlio (hiW lead me wings, wuli which from 
Mv lowely verie may loftUy infc, (ground 
And hft it leife vnto the hiql-.eft skies ? 
More implc (puit then hitherto was wount, 
Heere nccdcs me, wliiJes the fimous aunceftries 
O: my mofc dreaded Soutraigne I recount. 
By which ill eorthiy Pnnces fhe doth farre lurmount. 

2 

Nc vnder Sunne, that (hines fo wide and £iirc, 
whence all ruat liucs, does borrow life and light, 
Lines ought, that to her Image may compau'c, 
Which thoughfrom e^jth it be dcnucdn^ht, 
Yet doth it ieifc ilTctch forth to heaucnshight. 
And all the world widi wonder ovcrtprcd ; 
A labour huge, exceeding farre my micht : 
How (hall trade pen , ^vitK fcire difparagcd , 

CoDceiuefuch foueraignc glory, and great bcuntihed ? 

Argumcntworthy of Jitaeonian qmll. 
Or ratlier worthy of great Vixbui rote, 
Whereon tlie ruincs of great Offa hill, 
And triumphes oiVhk^ian loiie he wrote. 
That all the Gods adnnr'd his lofcie note. 
But if fomerelifh of thatheauenlv lav 
His learned daughters would to me report. 
To decke my long witholl, I would oflay. 

Thy name, 6 fouerouie Queene, to bLzou forreaway. 

4 

Thy name, 6 foueraine Queene, thy realme and race. 
From this reno>vmed Prince deriucdarre. 
Who mightily vpheld thatroyall mace. 
Which now thou bcar'ft, to ihec delcended farre 
From mighty Kings, and Conquerours in warrc. 
Thy Fathers and great Grand-fathers of old, 
Whoft noble deeds aboue the Nordierne floire 
Immortall fame for euer hith enrold ; 

As in ^hatoldmans bookc they were in order toIiL ' 



The londjwliich warlike Britons now poflcfle, 
And therein haue their mightie Empire rayfdj 
In antique times was falvage wilderneflc, 
Vnpeopled, vnmanur'd, vnprov'd.vnprayfd; 
Ne was It Ifland then, nc was it payfd 
Amid the Ocean waues, ne was it fought 
Of Marchants farre, for profits theran prayfH, 

■ But was all defolate, and oflome thought 

(By lea to luuc been from the Celtick^ main-Iand brough;.' 
6 

Nc did it then deferue a name to haue. 
Till that the venturous Mariner that way 
Learning his lliip from thofe white rocks to faue, 
VVhicli all ilongtlie South erne fea-coaftlay, 
Thrcatning vnheedie wreck and rarti decay. 
For fafcries fake that fame his fea-markcmadci 
Andnam'dit^/iion. Butlatcrday 
Finding in it fit ports for fi/hers trade, 

Gan more tlie famefrequent, and further to invade 

7 

But farre in land a falvage nation dwelt, 

Of hideous Giants, ondhalfe beaftly men. 
That neuer toiled grace, nor goodneffe felr. 
But like wildbeafts lurkine in loathfome den, 
And flpng fift as Roebuck through the fen. 
All naked without fhame, or care of cold. 
By hunting and by fpovlingliued then ; 
Of ibture huge, and eke of courage bold, 

Thitlonnes of mcnamaz'd theirfternnefleto bcholiL' 
8 

But whence they fprong, or how they were bcot, 
Vneath is to alfure ; vneath to wcene 
That monftrous error which doth fotne alTot, 
That D«if/f/«nififtic daughters fhccne 
Into this land by chaunce haue driuen beene. 
Where, companing with fiends an d filthy SprightS," 
Through voine illuiion of theirluft vncleene, 
They brought forth Giants and fudi drcadfijl wights," 

As farre exceeded men in their immf afiir'd mights. 

They 



I04 



THE SECOND BOOKE OF 



Cauf^Xi 



They helj tWs Land, and with their filthinefle 
Polluted this fame gentle foylc long rime : 
That their owne mother loath 'd their beaftlineflc. 
And gan abhorre her broods vnkindly crime, 
All were they boine of her owne natiucflime; 
Vntill that Brutus anciently deriu'd 
Fromroyall ftock of old ^ffaracs line, 
Driuen by fatall errour, hecre arriu'd, 

And them of their vniuftpofleffion depriu'd. 
lo 

But ere he had eftibliflied liis throne, 

And fpred his Empire to the vtmofb (hore, 
Hefought great battailes with hisfaluagefone; 
In which he them defeated eaermore. 
And many Giants left on groning flore ; 
That well can witneffc yetvnto this day 
The wefterne Hoghjbefprinkled with the gore 
Of mighty Goemot, whom in ftoutfray 

Corineus conijuered, and cruelly did flay. 
II 

And eke that ample Pit, yet farre renownd. 
For the largeleape, which Debon did compel! 
Coulin to make, beeing eight lugs of ground ; 
Into the which returning back, he fell : 
But thofe three monftrous ftones doe moft excel!. 
Which that huge fonne of hideous Mbion, 
Whofefatherj Hercules in Fraunce did quell. 
Great Gtw/wer threw, in fierce contention, 

At bold Canutus ; but of him was flaine anon. 
II 

In meed of thefe great conquefts by them got, 
Corineus had the Prouince vtmofl wcit. 
To him afligned for his worthy lot. 
Which of his name and memorable geft 
He called Cornewailej yet fo called bell : 
And Vebons rtiaire was, that is Veuon/hire : 
But Canute had his portion from the rtift. 
The which he cald Canutiumj for his hire; 

Now Cantium, which Kent we commonly inquire. 
ij 

,TIius Srute tliis Realmc vnto his ru!e fubdcwd. 
And raigned long in grcatfehcitie, 
Lov'd of his friends, and of his foes cfchcwd. 
He left three fonnes (hisfamous progeny) 
Borne of faire Imgene oi Italy ; 
Mongft whom he parted his imperiall ftate. 
And Locrme leftchiefe Lord oiBritany. 
Atlaftj ripe age bad him furrender late 

His [ife,and long goodfortune, vnto final! fate. 

14 
iocr/ne was left the foueraignc Lord of all ; 
But Mbanad had all the Northrene part. 
Which of himfelfe Mbania he did call ; 
And Camber did pofftfl'e the Wefterne quart. 
Which Seuerne now from Lon^'ps doth depart : 
And each his portion peaceably enioyd, 
Ne was there outward breach , nor grudge in hart, 
That once their quiet gouernment annoyd, 
But each his paines to others profit ftill employd. 



Vntill a Nation ftrangc, with vifage (vrait. 
And coiu-age fierce, that all men did affiay, 
Which through the world tlienfwarmdineueiypaR, 
And overflow'd all countries fene away. 
Like "^oyes great floud, with their importune fway« 
This Land invaded with like violence. 
And did themfelues through all the North difplay: 
Vntill that Locrine for his Realmes defence. 

Did head againft them make, and llrong muiuficeace> 
16 

Hee them cncountred (a confufcd rout) 
Foreby the Riuer, that whilome was hight 
The aunciert ^bus, where with courage ftout 
He them defeated in viftorious fight. 
And chac't fo fiercely after fearefiill flight. 
That forc't their Chiefetaine, for hisfateties lake 
(Their Chiefetaine H«mier named was aright} 
Vnto the mightie flreame him to betake. 

Where he an end of battel!, and of life did qukc 

«7 . 

The King returned proud of viftorie. 
And infolent wox through vnwonted eale. 
That (liortly he forgot the ieopardie. 
Which in his land he lately did appeafc. 
And fell to vaine voluptuous difcafc : 
He lov'd faire Ladie Efirild, lewdly lov'd, 
Whofe wanton pleafures him too much did pleafe. 
That quite his hart fi-om Guendolene remov'd, 

From Guendolene hh wife, though alwaies faithful prOT*^ 
18 

The noble daughter oi Corineus, 

Would not endure to be fo vile dilHaind; 
But gathering force, and courage valorous, 
Encoun tred him in battaile well ordaind. 
In whi ch him vanquilht fhe to fly conftraind-; 
Butlhelo faffpurlewd, that him llie tooke. 
And threw in bands, where he till death remaindi 
Als his faire Leman, flying through a brooke, 

She overhent, nought moued with herpittious lookeS 

But both herfelfe, and ekeher daughter deare. 
Begotten by her kingly Paramoure, 
The faire Sabrina almoft dead with fcare. 
She there attached, farre from all fuccoure ; 
The one (he flew in that impatient ftoure: 
But the fad virgin innocent of all, 
Adowne the rolling riuer ftie did poure. 
Which of her name now Seyerne men do caH : 

Such was the end that to diiloyall loue did falL 
10 

Then for her fonne, which (he to Locrine bore 
(Madan was young, vnmeet the rule of (way) 
In her owne hand the crowne (he kept in (lore. 
Till riper yecres he raught, and (tronger ftay ; 
During which time, her powre (he did dilplay 
Through all this Realme (the glory of her kx) 
And firft taught men a woman to otay : 
Bur when her fonne to mans eftate did wcx, 

Shec i t furreadrcd, ne hcifelfe would lengcr rex. 

TIio 



Cant, X, 



THE FAERIE QVEENE. 



105 



1^ 



I 



I 



Tho Madan raign'd , vQwortliy of his race : 
For, with all ihame that facred throne he fild : 
Next, Mcmfrife, as vnvvorchy of th-itplace, 
In whicli bcciDg conforted witli M,imld, 
For third: ofiinglckingdomehimhekild. 
But Lbrnncl^i.j.WzA both their infamies 
With noble deedes, and warreyd on Erunchitd 
In Henaiilt, where yet of his viftorics 

Braue moniments remaine, which ye: that land envies. 

An happy man in his fiift dayes he was. 

And happy father of fairc progeny : 

For, all io many wcckes as the yeerehas. 

So many children he did multiply ; 

Of which were twcniie fonncs, which did apply 

Their minds to praifc, and chevalrous delire : 

Thofc gcrmans did fubdew all Germany, 

Of whom it hight; but in the end their 3irc, 
With foulc rcpull'c, from Fraunce was forced to retire. 

VVhich blot, his fonnc fucceeding in his fctr. 
The fecoiid Bmte (the lecond both in name 
And eke 111 Icmblancc of his pcillance great) 
Right well recur 'd, and did away that blame 
With rccompcnce of euerlatting fame. 
Hce with his vidl;our ftvord firil opened 
The bowels of wide Fraunce, a forlomc Dame, 
And taught lier firft how to be conquered ; 

Since which, with fundry Ipoiles llie hath beai ronlacked. 

Let Sialdii tell, and let tell Hania, 

And let the marfli oiEfiham bruges tell, 
What colour were their waters that fame day> 
And all the mooretwixt Elfer/Jiam and Dell, 
With bloud o'iHenalois, \vhich therein fell. 
How oft thatday did fad Brimcliildn lee 
The grecnc fliield dydc in dolorous vermill ? 
That not Scuitb giiiridh it mote feeme to bee; 

But rather jr South go^h, ligne of fad crueltee. 

His fonne king teiU, by rachtrs labourlong, 
Enioydan heritage oflafting peace. 
And built CairleiU, and built Cairleon ftrong. 
Next, Hiiddibriu his realmc did not encreale. 
But taught the land from wearie warrcs to ceafc. 
Whofefootftcps Bladiid following, in arts 
Eiceld at ^them all the learned preace, 
From whence he brought them to tliefe CJvage partsj 

And with fwect fcience mollifidctheirftubbome harts. 
i6 

Enfampleofhis wondrous faculty. 

Behold the boyling Bathes at Cairbadon, 

Which leeth with iecret fire eternally, 

And in their entrailcs, full of qiuckBrimfton, 

NourifTi the flames , which they are warm'd vpon, 

That to her people wealth they forth doe well. 

And health to eucry forraine nation : 

Yethe atlaft, contending to cxccll 

The reach of men, through flight into fond mifchiefe felL 



17 

Ne^thim, king Ifji- in happy peace long raignd. 
But had no ifTuc male him to lucceed, 
But three faire daughters, which were well vptraind> 
In all that Teemed fit for kingly feed : 
Mongft whom his realme he equally decreed 
To haue diuided. Tho,whenfeebleage 
Nigh tohisYtmoftdateheTaw proceed, 
Hee caldhis daughters ; and with fpeechcs (age 

Inquir'd, which of them moll did loue her parentage. 
28 

The eldeft, GonoriU, gan to proteft, 

That fhe much more then her owne life him lov'd : 
And Hs^au greater loue to him profcft. 
Then all the world, when euerit wereproou'd ; 
But Cordeill laid (he lov'd him, as behoou'd : 
Whole iimple anfwere, wanting colours fairc 
To paint itforth, him to difplealance moou'd> 
That in his crowne he counted her no heire. 

But twixttlie other rvvaine hiskingdome whole did fliairc. 

So, wedded th'one to Maglaa king of Scots, 

And th'otlier to the king of Cambria, 

And twixt them (haird hjs realme by equall lors : 

But without dowre the wife Cordelia 

Was fent to ^^aitip ofCeUica. 

Their aged Syre, thus cafed of his crowne, 

A private life led in Albania, 

With ConoriU, long had in great renowne. 
Thatnoughthimgrieu'dto been fro ruledepofeddowno 

i° 

But true it is. that when the oy le is fpent. 

The hght goes out, and wike is thrownc away ; 
So, when he hadreiign'dhis regiment. 
His daughter gan delpifehis drouping day. 
And wearie wox ot his contmuall ftay. 
Tho to his daughter I\j^a>i he repaird, 
V Vho hi m at firft well vfed euery way ; 
But when of his departure (he delpair'd. 
Her bounty (he abated, and his cheare empair'd. 

The wretched man gan then avife too late, 

That loue is not, where moft it is profeft ; 

Too truly tryde in his extreameft ftate : 

At laft, refolv'd likcwife to proue the reft, 

He to Cordeliahimklfc adjreft. 

Who with entire afledlion him receau'd; 

As for h er Syre and king her feemed bed ; 

And after all, an army ftron? (hee leau'd. 
To war on thofe, which him had of his realme bereau'd. 

So to Ills crowne (hehim reftor'd againe, 

In which he dyde, made ripe for death ty eld. 
And after will'd It Ihould toherrcmaire: 
Who peaceably the fame long time did weld : 
And all mens harts in dew obedience held : 
Till that her fifters children^woxen ftroni^. 
Through proud ambition againfl: her rebeld. 
And ouercommcn kept in pnfon long, 

Till wearie of that wretched life, her fclfeflie hong. 

Then 



10^ 



THE SECOND BOOKE OF CantVXi 



Then gan the bloudie brethren both to raigne : 
But fierce Cundab gan fliortly to envie 
His brother Morgan, prickt with proud difdaine 
•To hiue a Pecrc in par: of foueraintie, 
And kindling coales of cruellenmitiej 
Rais'd warre, and him in battaile overthrew : 
Whence as he to thofe wooddie hils did flie, 
Which hightof him Glamorgan, therehimflew : 

Then did he raigne alone, when he none equall knew. 

34 

His fonne I{iyaU' his dead roome did fupply. 
In whole (ad time bloud did from heauen raine : 
Next, great Cur^ftus, then faire decily 
In conllantpeace their kingdomes did containe ; 
After whom, iajo, and Kmmark^ did raigne. 
And Gorbogud, till f jrre in yeeres he orew ; 
Wlien his ambitious lonnes vnto them twainc, 
Arraught the rule, and from their father drew ; 

Stout Ferrcx and fterne Vortex him in prifon threw. 

But 6 ! the greedy thirft of royall crownc, 

That knowcs no kinred, nor regards no right, 
Stird Torrex vp to put his brother downe i 
Who,vnto him artembling forraine might. 
Made warre on him, and fell himfelfe in fight : 
Whofe death t'avenge,his mother mercilcfle 
(Moft mercileffe ofwomen, IVyden hight) 
Her other fonne faft fleeping did opprefle. 

And with moft cruell hand him murdred pittileffe. 

Here ended Brutus facred progenie. 

Which had leauen hundred yeeres tliis fcepter borne. 

With high renowme, andgreatfehcitie. 

The noble branch from th'anti>^ueftock was tomt 

Through difcord, and the royall throne forlorne : 

Thencc-forth this Rcalmewas into fa ftions rent, 

Whil'ft each o^Brutm bojfled to be borne, 

That in the end was left no moniment 

OihrHtus, nor of Britons glory auncient. 

Then vp arofe a man of matchleffe might. 
And wondrous wit to menage high afFaires, 
Who ftird with pitty of the ftrellcdphght 
Of this fad Rcalmc, cutinto fundry fhaires 
By fuch, as daimd themfelucs Brxfes rightful! heires, 
Gathered the Princes of the people loole. 
To taken counfell of their common cares ; 
Who.with his wifedome won, him ftraight didchoofe 

Their King, and fwore him fealty to win orloofe. 

3,8 
Then made he head againft his enemies. 

And Tmnerflew, or Logrh mifcreaie ; 

Then Bjiddoc and proud Stater, both allyes. 

This oiMbanie nev/ly nominate. 

And that oiCambry king confirmed late. 

He overthrew through his owne valiauncc ; 

Whofe countries he reduc't to quiet ftate. 

And (hortly brought to ciuill gouernaunce, 
Now one,which earft were many made through variauncc. 



J9 

Th«n made he faaed lawes, which fome men &y 
Were vnto him reveal'd in vifion , 
By which he freed the Trauailers high way, 
The Churches part, and Ploughmans portion, 
Refrraining ftealth, and ftrong extortion ; 
The gracious "Huma of great Eritannie : 
For, till his dayes, the chiefe dominion 
By ftrength was wielded without policie ; 

Therefore hefirft wore ct owne of gold for dignide. 

4° 
Vonvnallo dide (for, what may line for ay ? ) 

And left two fonnes, of peereleffe prowefle both; 

Thai facked R^me too dearely did aflay, 

Therecompence of theirperiured oth. 

And ranfeckt Greece well tr)de, when tliey were wroth ; 

Befidcs fubiefted Fraunce, and Germany , 

Which yet their pray fes fpeake, all be they loth. 

And inly tremble at the memory 
OlBrennus and BelUnus, Kings of Britanny. 

41 

Next them, did Gurgunt, great Bellinits fonne. 
In rule fucceed, and eke in fathers praife ; 
He Eafterland fubdtwd, and Danmarke wonne. 
And of them both did foy and tribute raile. 
The which was due in his dead fathers dayes : 
He alfo gaue to fugitiues oiSfayne 
(Whomhc at feafoundwandring from their wayes, 
A featein Ireland fifcly to remanie. 

Which they fhould hold or him, as liibied to ZritMHt, 
42 

After him raigned G«itfc(7;»ehisheyre 
(Theiufteftmanandtrucftin his dayes) 
Wlio had to wife Dame Mertia the fayrc, 
A woman worthy of immortall prayfe. 
Which for this Realme found many goodly layes, 
And wholefome Statutes to her husband brought; 
Her many deem'd to haue beene of the Fuyes, 
As was Megerie, tliat "Huma tought ; 

Thofe yet of her be Mtrtian lawes both nam'd & thought 

43 
Her fonnes SifiUiu after her did raigne. 

And then Kimarus, and then Danim ; 

Next whom Morindus did the crowne fuftainc : 

Who, had he not with wratii outragious, 

And cruell rancour dimm'd his valorous 

And mighty deeds, fhould matched haue thebeft : 

As well in that fame field viftorious 

Againft the forraine Morands he expreft ; 
Yet hues his memory, though carcaffe fleepe in reft. 

44 
Fine fonnes he left begotten of one wife, , 

All which fucceffiuely by turnes did raigne*; 

Firft, Gorboman, a man ofvenuous life ; 

Next, Arcbigald, who for his proud difdaine, 

Depofed was from Princedome foucraine. 

And pittious Endure put in his fted ; 

Who ftiortly It to him reftor'd againc. 

Till by his death he itrecouered ; 
But Pcr/i/Krf and f/jirnt him difthronized. 

In 



Cant, X. 



THE FAERIE QVEENE 



107 



4^ 

In WTc tched prifon long he did rem line, 
Till they outraigncdh.idthcirvtmoll date, 
And then therein refeizcd was i^aine, 
Andruied long with honorable iiacc, 
Till helurrencired realme and lite to fate. 
Then all the Tonnes of thele fine brethren raignd 
By due fuccclTe, and all their Nephewes late, 
Eucn thnfe elcuen de(centi the crowne retaynd. 

Till a^ed Hdy by dew hcntage it gay nd. 
46 ■ 

He had two fonnes, whofc elded called tnd 
Left of his hfe moftfamous memory. 
And endlelTe moniments of his great good : 
The ruin d w.Js he did rexdifie 
Of Troy iiou Jilt, goinft force of enemy, 
And built that gate, which of his namcishight. 
By which he lyes entombed folemnly. 
He left two fonnes, too youi-g to rule aright, 

^itdrogsKs and Tenarttius, piftures of his noight. 

47. 

V\'hilft they were young, Cit/Jib.tUne their Emc 
Was by the people cholcn in their fted, 
Who on him tooke the royoll Diademe, 
And goodly well long time it goucrned. 
Till the proude i^omawwhimdifcjuieted. 
And warlike C£far, ti-mpted with the name 
Of this fweet 111 ind,neuer conquered, 
And enuyinotheBnton? blazedfame, 

(O hideous hunger of dommionl) hither came. 
48 

Yet twife they were repulfed backe againe, 
And twife r'enforc't, backe to their fhips to flv. 
The whiles with bloud they all the fhorc did ftoine. 
And the gray Ocean into purple dy : 
Ne had dicy footing found at laft perdie. 
Had not ^ncLrogeui, falfe to natiue foyle, 
Andenuiousot Vnclesfoucraintie, 
Betraid his countrey vnto forreine fpoile : 

Nought cKe.but trcalou, from the fiift this land did foile. 

49 

So by him Ctfar gotthe viftory. 

Through great bloulhed, and many a fad iffay. 
In which hinilelfe was charged heauily 
Of hardy "Njnn. us, whom he yet did lUy, 
But loft his Iword.yettobefeenethis day. 
Thenceforth this land was tributarie made 
T'ambitious Home, and did their rule obay. 
Till Arthur all that reckoning did defray ; 

Yet oft the Bnton bngs againft them ftrongly fwayd. 

Next him Tenanti-M raignd, then KimbeUne, 
What time th'eternall Lord in flcfhly flime 
Enwombed was, from wretched ^dams line 
To purge away the guilt of finfuU crime : 
O ioyous memory of happv time, 
Thatheauenly grace io plentioufly difplaid t 
Otoohighditry for myfimplenme! 
Soone after this , the F^manes him warrayd ; 

For that their nibute he rcfus'd to let be pay d. 



51 

Good Claudius, that next was Empsf our, 

An army brought, and with hini battel! fought. 
In u hjch the king was by a Treachetour 
Difguifedflaine, ere any thereof thouoht: 
Yet ceal'ed not the bloudie fight for ought ; 
For ^rmrage his brothers place lupphde, 
In arm.es, and eke in crowne; and by that draught 
Did driue the Romanes to the weaker lide, 

That they to peace agreed. So all was pacifide. 
Ji 

Was neuer king more highly magnifide, 
Nor chad of Romanes, then was ^uiragr. 
For which the Emperour to him allide 
His daughter Genuifs in marriage : 
Yetfliortlyherenoiinc'tthcvallallage 
Of I{ome againc, who hitherhaft'ly fent 
yelpafian , that with great Ipoyle and rage 
For\vJ^cd all, rill GfnH///tf gent 

Pcrlwaded him to ceafl'e, and her Lord to relent. 

51 

He dyde : and him fucceeded Marius, 

Who ioy'd his dayes with great tranquillity: 

Then Coytl, and .ifterhim good Lucius, 

Thariirftrecciued Chnftianitic, 

The lacred pledge of ChnftsEuangcly: 

Yet true it is, that long before that daie. 

Hither cjme lofefh oi\y4rimathy, 

V\ ho brought with him tlie holy gr.iyle (they fay) 

Andpreacht the truth; but fince it greatly did decay; 

54 

This good king fhortly without ilTew dide. 
Whereof great trouble in the kingdome grew, 
That did her lelfc iii fundry p.'rts diuide. 
And with her powre her owne felfe ouerthrew, 
WhilTt J^mmejdailvdid the weakefubJew: 
Which feeing (tout £««</<(« vp arofe. 
And taking armes, the Britsns to her drew ; 
With whom (he marched ifraightagainff her foes. 

And them vnwarcFbelides the Seuerne didenclofc. 

There (he with them icruell battell tride, 
Not with (o good fuccelle, as (lie deferu'd ; 
By rejfon that the Captaines, onher fide, 
Corrupted by Vaiilinui, from her livcru'd ; 
Yetfuch, as were through former flight prefcru'd. 
Gathering againejherHoft (he did renew, 
And with frelli coiu-age on the viftour feru'd : 
But beino all defeated laue a few, 

Rather then fly, or be captiu'd, herielfe file flew. 

O famous moniment of womcnspraife, 

Matchablecithcrto Simiramis, 

Whom antique hiilorv fo high dothraife, 

Or to Hyfiphil' or to Thomim : 

Her Hoft two hundred thouluid numbrcd is ; 

Who, whiles good fortune fauoured her might, 

Triumphed oft againft her enimis ; 

And yet though ouercome in haplefs fight, 
She crimnphed on death, in enemies defpight. 



Her 



laS 



THE SECOND BOOKE OF 



Cant. X, 



57 
Her reliques fulgent hauing gathered. 

Fought with Stiierw and him oucrthrcw ; 

Yet in the chice was flainc of them, that fled ; 

So made them viftours, whom he did fubdew. 

Then gaii Caraufiui tyrannixe anew, 

And gainft the I{o>r.a>tes bent their properpowrc, 

But him ^lleilm rreacheroufly flew. 

And tooke on him ihe robe of Empcroure : 
Naih'leffe the fame cnioyed but ftiort happy howre ; 

Eor ^fdefiodat ehim ouercame, 

And left inglorious on the vanquifht Playne, 
Without or robe, or rag, to hide his (hame. 
Then afterwards he in his (lead did raigne ; 
But fhortly was by Coyll in battcll flaine : 
Who after long debate, fince Liicies time, 
Was of the Tritons firft crovvnd Soueraigne : 
Then gan this Realme renew her pafled prime: 

He of his name CoyUhe^er built of ftone and lime. 

Which when the I{omanes heard, they hither fent 
Conjiantiu), a man of mickle might. 
With whom king CoyU made an agreement. 
And to him gaue for wife his daughter bright, 
FaircHe/f»d, the faireif liiiingwight ; 
Who in all godly thewes, and goodly praife 
Did far excell, but was moft famous hight 
For skill in Muficke of all in her dayes, 
Afwell in curious inftruments, as cunning Layes. 

60 
Of whom he did great Conjiantine beget, ^ 

Who afterward was Emperourof I{ome; 
To which whiles ablent he his mind did fee, 
0(f?«»('»<* here lept into his roomc. 
And it vfurped by vnrighteous doome: 
But he his title iuftifide by might, 
Slaying 7>tf/«r»e,and hauing ouercome 
The Humane legion in dreadtuli fight : 
So fettled he his kingdomc, and confirm'd his right. 

61 
But wanting iffew male, his daughter deare 
He gaue in wedlocke to Maximian, 
And him with her made of his kingdome heyrc. 
Who foone by meancs thereof the Empire wan, 
Tillmurdredbythefriends of Gratian; 
Then gan theHunnes and PIfts inuadcthis land, 
During the raigne of Maximmian; 
Who dying lerc none hcire them to withftand, 
But that they ouerrah all pans with eafie hand. 

6i 
The weary Britorts, whofe w.ir-hable youth 
Was by Maximian lately led away , 
With wretched milcries, and woefull ruth. 
Were to thofc Pagans made an open pray. 
And day ly rpeftacle of fad decay : (yearcs. 

Whom i^»!4»e warres, which now foure hundred 
And more had wafted, could no whit difmay ; 
Till by confent of Commons and of Pearcs, 
They crownd the fccond Conjiantine with ioyous teares : 



Who hauing oft in battel! vanquifhcd 

Thofe fpoylefuU Pifts, and Iwarming Eafterlii^gSj 
Long timeinpeacehis Realme cftabiiflied. 
Yet oft annoyd with lundry bordragings 
Of neighbour Scots , and torrein Scatterlings, 
Withwhicli the world did in thofe dayes abound : 
Which to outbarre, with paincfullpyonings 
From fea to fea he heapt a mightie mound. 

Which from Mclmd to Fanwdt did that border bowd. 
64 

Three Tonnes he dying left, all vnder age; 
By meanes whereof, tiicir vncle yonigere 
Vfurptthe crowne, during their pupillage ; 
Which th'Infants tutors gathering to fearc. 
Them clofely into ^rmorich^i^ beare : 
For dread of whom, andfor thofePifts annoycs, 
He lent to GermAnie, ftrange aide to reare. 
From whence eftfooncs arriued here three hoyes 

Of Saxons, whom he for his fafetie imployes . 

Two brethren were their Capitaines,which hight 
Hengijl and Horfus, well approov'd in warre. 
And both of them men of renowmei might ; 
Who malcing vantage of their civill larre. 
And of thofe forreintrrs, which came from faire, 
Grew great, and got large portions of land, 
That in the Realme ere long they ftronger arre. 
Then they which fought at firft their helping hand. 
And Fortirer enforc't the kingdome to aband. 

66 
But by the heipe of Fortimere his fonne, 
Heisagainevntohis rule rcftor'd. 
And Uengtfl feeming fad, for that was donne, 
Receiueri is to grace and new accord, 
Through his faire daughters face, &f)attring word; 
Soone after which, three hundred Lords he flew 
Of Britifli bloud, all fitting at his bord ; 
Whofe dolefull monimcnts who lift to rcw, 
Th'eternall marks of treafon may at Stontitng view. 

6-, 
By this.the fonnes oiConflantitie, which fled, 
^mbrife and Ftber did ripe yeares attainc> 
And here arriuing, ftrongly challenged 
The crowne, which Fortiger did long detaine : 
Who, flying from his gmlt, by them was flaine. 
And Hengifi eke foone brought to ftiamefull death. 
Thenceforth ^«rei/K< peaceably didraignc. 
Till that through poyfon flopped was his breath ; 
So now entombed lyes at Stoneheng by the heath. 

68 
After him Fther, which Tendrngon hight, 
Succeeding There abruptly it did end. 
Without full point, or other Cefuie right. 
As ifthe reft fome wicked hand did rend. 
Or th'Authour Iclfe could not at leaft attend 
To finifh it : that fo vniimely breach 
The Prince himfelfehalfefeemcth to offend. 
Yet fecrctpleafure did ofFence impeach. 
And wonder of antiquitie long ftopt his fpcach. 



At 



Cant. X. 



THE FAERIE Q.VEENE 



109 



Atlift, quite riuifht vvitL delight, to Iiearc 
The royal! OHpnng of his natiue l.mJ, 
Cridc out, Deare countrcy, 6 how dearely deare 
Ought thy remembrance, and perpetuall band 
Be to thy fofter Childe, that from thy hand 
Did common breath and nounnirc receaue '. 
1 Jort briitifii lb it, not to vndcrftand 
How much to her we owe, that all vs gaue, 

That gaue vnto vs all,what eucr good we haue! 
70 

But Guyon all this while his booke did read, 
Ne yet has ended : for it was a great 
And ample v oiumc, that doth far excead 
My Icalure, fo long leaues here to repeat : 
It told, how firft "Prometheus ilA create 
A man, ot manv parts from bcafts dcriucd. 
And then if ole tire trom heauen, to animate 
His workc, for winch he was by loue depriueJ 

Of hfe himlelfe, and hart-ft nngs of an Agle riued. 

71 

That man fo made, he called £/ff, to wect, 
Quick, the firlf authour of all Elfin kind : 
Who, wandring through the world witli wearie feet. 
Did in the gardins oi^donii find 
A goodly creature, whom he decm'd in mind 
To be no earthly wight, but either Spright, 
Or Angell, th authour of all woman-kind ; 
Therefore a Tay he her according hight, 

Of whom al] faycrtes fpriiig, and fetch tlieir lignage right; 

71 
Of thefeamighty people fliortlygre\v, 
»- And puilTant kings, which all the world warrayd. 

And to tliemlchies all Nations did fubdew : 

The tirft and eldelf , which tliatfcepterfwayd. 

Was Elfin ; him all India obayd, 

And all that now America men call : 

Next him was noble Elfinnn, wholayd 

C,Vo;'o/<)foundaDon firit of all : 
But Elfiline enclos'd it with a golden wall. 

73 
His fonne was Elfinel, who ouercamc 
The wicked Gobbeiines in bloudy field : 
But Elfant was of moil: renowmedfame, 
Who all of Cryftall did Vantheahaild : 



Then Elfar, who t\vo brethren gyonts kild. 
The one of which had two heads, th'other three : 
Then Elfinor, who was in Magick skild; 
Hebuiltbyartvpontheglaily See (bee. 

A bridge of brafs, whofe found heauens thunder feem'd to 
74 

He left three fonnes, the which in order raignd. 
And all their Offpnng, in thdrdew defcents, 
Euen feuen himdred Princes, which maiptaynd 
With mightie deeds their fundry gouemmexics ; 
That were too long their infinite contents 
Here to record, ne much materia]! : 
Yet fhould tliey be moft famous moniment». 
And braue enfample, both of Martiall 

And ciuill rul e to Kings and States imperiall. 

7J 
After all thefe Elfideos did raigne. 

The wife Elfideos in great Maieilie, 

Who mightily thatfcepter didfuftaiue. 

And with rich fpoiles andfamous viftory. 

Did high aduance the crowne ofPaery : 

Helcft two fonnes, of whidifiire Elferon 

The cldclt brother did vnnmely die ; 

Whole empty pLce the mightie Oberon 
Doubly fupphde, in Ipoufall and dominion. 

Great was his power andglorie, ouer all 

Which hiin before that facred leate did fill. 

That yet remain es his wide memonall : 

He dying left the faireft Tanaqmll, 

H.m to lucceed therein, by his laft will : 

Fairer and nobler hueth none this howre. 

Ne like in grace, ne like in learned skill ; 

Therefore they Glorian call that glorious flowre. 
Long maifl thou Glorian hue, in glory and great powre. 

77 

Beguil'd thus with delight of nouelties. 
And natural! delire of countries ftate. 
So long they re.id in thofc antiquities. 
That how the time was fled, tliey quite forgatc. 
Till gentle ./*im4 feeing It fo late. 
Perforce their iludies broke, and them befought 
To thmkei how fupper did them long awaite : 
So, halfc vnwilhng from their bookes them brought, 

Andfairely feafted, as fo noble knights flie ought. 



K 



Canto 




HO THE SECOND BOOKE OF 



Cam- XI, 





Canto XI. 

The enemies of Temperance 

beftege her dwelling place : 
Prince ^rthar them repells, andfowle 

Maleger doth deface. 



iyhy/-^ Ayainii; cnc loi t ui illUuiicucihiuh 
-<rffit<t^ To bring the foulemto captiuitie 1 
Their force is fiercer through infirmicie 
Of thefraile flcfh.rclcntingto thcirr.ige. 
And excrcile moft bitter t)'ranny 
Vpon the parts, brought into their bondage : 
No wretchedueffeis hke to linfull villenagc. 

2 

Bucin abody, which doth freely yeeld 
His parts to reifons rule obedient, 
And lettcth herthat ought thefcepterweeld. 
All happy peace and goodly goucrnment 
Is fetlcd there in fure eftablifhment ; 
There ^Ima, like a virgin Queen moft bright. 
Doth florilL in all beautie excellent ; 
And to hergucftcs doth botmtious banket dight, 

Attempred go odly well for health and for delight. 

Early before the Morne with cremofin ray. 
The windowes of bright heauen opened had, 
Through wiiich into the world the dawning day 
Might look, thatmaketh euery creature glad, 
Vprofe Sir Cuyon, in bright armour dad , 
And to his purpofd iourney him prcpar'd : 
Witli him the Palmer eke in habite fad, 
Himfelfe addrcft to that aduenture hard : 
So to the riuers fide they both togetherfar'd} 

4 
Where them awaited readie at the ford 
The Ferriman, as ^Ima had behight. 
With his well rigged boate : They pc abord. 
And he eftfoonel gan launch his barkeforthright. 
Ere long they rowed were quite out of fight. 
And faft'thc land behind them fled away. 
But let them pafs, whiles wind and wcaUier right 
Do (eruc their tiirncs : here I awhile muft ftay. 
To fee a cruell fight doen by the Prince this day. 



For, all fo foonc as Giiyon thence was gon 
Vpon his voyage with his truftie guide, 
That wicked band of villeins frefh bcgon 
That caftle to aflayle 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 fow!eandvgly,that exceeding fearc 

Their vifages impreft, when tliey approched neare. 
6 

Them in twclue troupes their Cipt.iin did dilparc 
And round aboutin fittcft ftcads did place. 
Where each might bcft offendhis propcrparc. 
And his contrary obieft moft deface, 
As euery one feem'd meeteft in that cafe. 
Scucn of the fame againft the Caftle gate, 
In ftrong entrenchments he did cIo!ely place. 
Which with inceffantforce and endlefle hate, 

They battered day and night, and entrance did awate. 

7 
The other fiue, fine fondry wayes he fet, 
Againft the fiiie great Bulwarkes of that pile. 
And vnto each a Bulwarke did arret, 
T'affayle with open force or hidden guile. 
In hope therof to win viftorious fpoylc. 
They all that charge did feruently apply. 
With greedy malice andimportune toyle. 
And planted there their huge artillery. 

With which they daily made moft dreadfiill battery, 
8 

The firft troupe was a monfbous rabblement 
Offowle misftiapen wights, ofwhiclifomewere 
Headed like Owles, with beakes vncomely bent. 
Others likeDogs, others like Gryphons dreare. 
And fome had wings, and fome had clawes to tearCj 
And euery one of them had Lynces eyes. 
And every one did boawe and arrowes beare 
All thofe Were laweleffelufts, corrupt enuics. 

And couetous afpeCtes, all crucll enetnies. 



Thofe 



Cant, XL 



THE FAERIE QVEENE. 



Ill 



Tliofe fame awainft tlie Bulwarkc of the Sight 
Did lay ftrong iiege, and battailous aflaalt, 
Ne once did yield it rclpit day nor night, 
Butloouca? rjMnganhis hcadcxault. 
Andlooiieagaincas he his light withhault, 
Tln-ir wicked engins they againft it bent : 
Tliat IS, each thing, by which tlie eyes may fault ; 
But two then all more huge and violent, 

Beautic, and money, they that Bulwarkelbrejy rent. 

lO 

The fccond Bulwarkc was tlic Hearing fenfc, 

Gainft which thefecond troupe deflignmcnt makes ; 
Deformed creatures, in fb-ange difference. 
Some hauing heads like Harts , fomc hkc to Snakes , 
Some like wild Bores late rous'd out of the brakes i 
Slaundtrousreproches, and foule infamies, 
LeafingSjbackbiungs, and vaiue-glorious crakes. 
Bad counlelsjprayles, and falfe flatteries. 

All thole againft that Fort did bend their batteries. 
II 

Likewife that fame third Fort, that is the Smell, 
Of that third troupe was cruelly aflavd : 
Whofe hideous Ihapcs were like to fcenJs of hell. 
Some like to Hounds , lome like to Apes difmayd, 
Somelikcto Puctockes.allin plumes arrayd ; 
All Ihap't according their conditions, 
For, by thole vgly formes waen pourtraid 
Foolifti deligh ts and fond abufions, 

Which dothatlenle beficgewith light illufioni. 
iz 

And that fourth band, which crucll battery bent, 
Againlt the fourth Bulwarke, that is the Ta^, 
Was as the reft, a grylie rabbkmcnt. 
Some mouth'd like greedy Oyftriges,fomc fac't 
Like loathly Toades, fomc falhioned in the waftc 
Like Iwine i for, fo dcformd is luxury, 
Surfait, milditt, and viithnftie waftc, 
Vainefeafts, and idle (upcrfluitie; 

All thole this fenles Fort afl'ailc inceffantly. 
1? 

But the fifttroupc moft hombleof hew. 

And fierce of force, was dreadfiill to report : 
For,fome like fnay les,(ome did like fpiders (hew, 
And fome like vgly Vrchms thickc and ftiort : 
They cruelly altiyled thatfift Fort, 
Armed with darts of fenfuall delight. 
With ftings of carnall luft, and ftrong efFort 
Of feeling pleallires, with which day and night 

Againft that fame fif t Bulwarke they continued fight. 

14 
Thus thcfe twelue troupes with dreadful! puitTance 

Ag iinft that Caftle reftlefle licge did lay, 

And euermore their ludeous Ordinance 

Vpon the Bulwarks cruelly did play j 

That now it gan to threaten necre decay : 

And euermore their wicked Capitaine 

Prouoked tliem the breaches to aflay, 

Somtimes with threats, fomtimes with hope ofgaine. 
Which by the ranfack of thatpeece they (honld attainc. 



I? 
On th'othcr fide, th'aflicged Caftles ward 
Their ftedfaft ftonds did mightily maintainc. 
And many bold rcpulfe, and manie hard 
Atdiivement wrought with periU and with paine. 
That goodly frame from ruine to fuitaine ; 
And thofe two brethren Giants did defend 
The waUes fo ftoutly with their fturdy maine, 
Thatneucr entrance any durft pretend. 
But they to direful! death their groning ghofts did fend. 

16 
The noble Virgin, Lady of thatplace, 

Was much d"i(mayed with that dreadful! fight 
(For.iicuerwas fhein fo euill cale) 
Till that the Pnncc feeing her wotull plight, 
Gan her recomfort from lo fad affright, 
Offting his fcruicc, and his deareft life 
For her defence, againft tliat Carle to fight. 
Which was their cliiefc and th 'author of thatftrifc: 
She him remercied as the Patrone of her life. 

17 
Eftfoones himfelfe in glitterand arms hedight. 
And his well proued weapons to him heiit ; 
So taking courteous conge he bchiglit, 
Thofe gates to be vnbard, and forth he went. 
Faire mote he thee, the pro weft and moft gent, 
TKateuer brandilhcd bright fteele on hie : 
Whom fooneas thatvnruly rabblement. 
With his gay SquircifTuing did efpy, 
They reard a moft outragious dreadful! yelling cry. 

18 
And therewith all attonce at him let fly 

Their fluttring arrowes, thicke as flakes of Giowe, 
And round about him flocke impetuoufiy, 
Like a oreat water flood, that tombling lowe 
From the liigh mount.uus, threats to ouerflowe 
With fuddein fury all the fertile Plainc, 
And the fad husbandmans long hope doth throwe 
Adowne the ftreame, and all his vowes m.ike vaine. 
Nor bounds nor banks his headlong rume may fuftaiuc. 

Vpoil his fliield.their heaped hailehc bore. 
And with his fword difperft the rafcall flockes. 
Which fledafunder, and him fell before. 
As withered leaues drop from their dried ftockes. 
When the wroth Weftern wind does reaue their locks 5 
And vnderncath liim his courageous ftced , 
The fierce Sfumador trodc them downe like docks. 
The fierce Spumador borne of heauenly feed : 

Sucli as La'imcdm of Vhccbtu race did breed. 

Which fuddeinehorrour and confuted cry. 

When as their Captainc heard, in hafte he yode 

Tlie caufe to weet, and fault to remedy ; 

Vpon a Tigre fwift and fierce he rode. 

That as the winde ran vnderneath his lode, 

While his long legs nighraughtvnto the ground ; 

Full large he was of limbe, and fhoulders brode. 

But of luch fubtilc fubftance andvnlbund, (bound. 

That like a ghoft he feem'd, whofe Graue-dothes were vn- 
K ; AiiJ 



112. 



THE SECOND BOOKE OF 



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And in his hand a bended boaw was fcene. 
And many arrowes vnder his right fide. 
All deadly dangerous, all cruetl keenc , 
Headed with flint, and feathers bloudy didc. 
Such as the Indians m thtir quyucrs hide ; 
Thofe could he well direil ;nd ftreight as line. 
And bid them ftrike the :narkc, which he had eyde; 
Ne was there falue, ne was there medicine. 

That mote recure their wounds : fo inly they did tine. 
2i 

As pale and wan as afhes was his looke ,' 
His body leane and meagre as a rake. 
And skin all withered like a dry ed rookc. 
Thereto as cold and drery as a Snake, 
That fccm'd to tremble euc'rmore, and quake : 
All in a canuas thin he was bedight. 
And girdedwith a belt of twifted biake, 
Vpon his head he wore an Helmet light. 

Made of a dead mans fcull, that fecm'd a gaftly fight. 

Makger was his name, and after him 

There follow'd faft at hand t^vo wicked Hags , 
Witli hoarie lockes all loofe, and vifage grim ; 
Their feet vnfliod, their bodies wrapt in rags, 
And both as fwift on foot, as chafed Stags ; 
And yet the one her other leg had lame, 
Whicii with a ftaffe, all full of little fnags 
She did difport,and Iw/'ofenre her name : 

Butth'otherwas Impatience, arm'dwithraging flame. 
Z4 

Soone as the Carlcfrom faire the Prince elpidc, 
Gliftering in armes and warlike ornament. 
His beaft he felly prickt on cither fide. 
And his mifchieuous boaw full readie bent. 
With whichathimacrucll (hafthefent: < 
But he was warie, and itwarded well 
Vpon his fhield, that it no further went. 
But to the ground the idle quarrell fell : 

Then he another and another did expell. 

Whicli to preuentj the Prince his mortall fpeare 
Soone to him raught, and fierce at him did ride , 
To be auenged ofthat (liot whyleare : 
But he was not fo hardy to abide 
Thatbitterflownd, but turning quicke afidc 
Hjs light-foot beaft, fled faft away fot fcare : 
Whom to purlue, the Infant after hide. 
So faft as his good Courfer could him beare. 

But labour loft it was, to weene approche him nearc, 
i6 

For, as the winged wind his Tigre fled. 

That view of eye could fcarfehim ouertake, 
Ne fcarce his feet on ground were feene to tred ; 
Through hils and dales he fpeedie way did make, 
Nc hedge ne ditch his readie paffage brake. 
And in his flight thevillein turn'd his face 
(As wonts the T^rfdr by the Caffianhke, ' 

When as the ^ujfian him in fight does chace) 

Vuto his Ty gres tade, and Ihot at him apace. 



Apace he (hot, and yet h e fled ;m ce. 

Soil as the grecdie knight nigh :o him drew. 
And oftentimes he would relent his pafe. 
That him his foe more fiercely (hoi'!d purfew : 
Who when his vncoiith manner he di,; vew 
He gan auize to follow him no more, 
Butkeepe his ftanding, andhis (haftes efchcw, 
Vntill he quite had (pent his perlous ftore, 

And then aflay le him frelh , ere he could (hift for more. 
28 

But that lame Hag, ftill as abroad he ftrew 
His wicked arrowes gathered them againe. 
And to him brought, fre(h battell to renew : 
Which he elpying, caft her to rcftraine 
From yielding fuccour to that curfed Swaine, 
And her attaching thought her hands to tie; 
But foone as him difmountcd on the Plaine, 
That other Hag did faraway efpy 

Binding her fifter, fhe to him ran haftily. 
29 

And catching hold of him, as downe he lent. 
Him backward ouerthrcw, and downe him fbayd 
With their rudehands andgriefly grapplement. 
Till that the villein comming to their ayd, 
Vpon him fell, and lode vpon him layd ; 
Full little wanted, but he had him flaine. 
And of the battell balefull end had made, 
Had not his gentle Squire be!) eld hispaine, 

And commen to his reskew, ere liis bitterbane. 

3° 
So, greatcft and moft glorious thing on ground 

May often need the help of weaker hand ; 

So feeble is mans ftate, and life vnfound. 

That in affurance it may ncuer ftand, 

Tillit dilTolued bcfrom earthly band. 

Proofe be thou Prince, the proweft man aliue. 

And nobleft borne of all in Briton land ; 

Yet thee fierce Fortune did (b neerely driue, 
That had not grace thee bleft, thou (houldeft notreuiue. 

The Squire arriuing, fiercely in his armes 
Snatch t firft the one, and then the other lade , 
His chicfeft lets and authors of his harmes , 
And them perforce withheld with threatned blade, 
teaft that his Lord they (hould behind inuade ; 
The whiles the Prince prickt with reprochefullfliame. 
As one awak'tout of long flombring (hade, 
Reuiuing thought of glorie and of fame, 

Vnited all his powres to purge himfclfelfe from blaftie. 

Like as a fire, the which in hollow caue 

Hath long been vnder-kept, and downe fuppreft , 
With murmurours difdaine doth inly raue, 
And grudge,in fo (freight prifon to be preft, 
At lart breakes forth with furious vnreft. 
And ftriues to mount vnto his natiue feat ; 
All tliat did earft it hinder and moleft, 
It now deuoures with flames and (i:orching heat. 

And carries into fmooke with rage .ind horror great: 



So 



Cant, XL 



THE FAERIE QVEENE. 



113 



;; 

£0 mightily tlie Bnton Prmcc liim rous'd 
Ourcf Ills hold, and broke his c.iibiic bands. 
And as 1 Be.ire whom angrv curres hauc touz'd, 
H.iuing olF-fliak't them , and cfcap't tlicir hinds, 
Becomes more fell, and ail that him withliinds 
Treads doivne and oucrtlirowes. Now had the Carle 
Alighted from his Tigre, and his hands 
Dilcbarged of hi; boaw and deadly quar'lc, 

To (eize vpon his foe flat lying on the marie. 

\\'hich now him tumd to dilauantage dearc j 
For.neithercan hcfly, nor other harmc. 
But truft vnto his ftrenCTth and manhood mcarc, 
Suli now he is farrc from his monftrous fvvarmc. 
And of his weapous did himlclfedifarnie. 
Tlie knight yet wrothfull for his late difgrace. 
Fiercely aduaunft his valorous right arme. 
And him fo forefmote with his iron mace, 

Thatgroueling to the ground he fell, and fildliis place. 

Well weened he,that field was then his ownc. 
And all his labour brought to happy end, 
When fuddein^-p the villein oucrthrowne, 
Out of his fwowne arole, frefh to contend. 
And gan himlelfc to (econd battcll bend. 
As hurt he had not been. Thereby therclay 
An huge great ftonc, which (food vpon one end. 
And had not been remooued many a day, 

Some land-marke (eem'd to be, or figne of fundry waie. 

Thefamchclnatcht,andwithexceeJingfway ■ • 

Threw at his foe, who was right well aware 
To (hunne the engin of his meant decay ; 
It booted not to think that throwc to bcaici 
But ground he gaue, and lightly leapt arcore : 
Eft fierce retuniing, as a Paul ;on faire, 
That once hathiadedofherloufcfullnearcj- - • 
Remounts agame into the open aircj 

And vnto better fortune doth her tclfc prcpairc: 

37 

So brauereturning, with his brandiflit blade, 
He to the Carle himfelfe againe addreft, 
And ftrooke athim fo fterncly, tint he made 
An open poffage through his nuen brefl, 
That halte the ftcelc behind his backe did reft ; 
Which drawing backe, he looked euermore 
When the heart bloud Ihould gufli out of his cheftj 
Or his dead corfe fhould fall vpon the flore; 

But his dead corfc vpon the flore fell nathcmore : 
38 

Ne drop of bloud appeared ilied to bee, 

All were the wounde fo wide and wonderous, 

That through his carcilTc one might plainely fee : 

Halfe in a rnaze with horror hideous. 

And halfe in rage to be deluded thus, 

Againe through both the lides he ftrooke him quight. 

That made his fpright to grone full pitious : 

Yet nithemorc forth fled his groninglpnghti 

But fteflily, as at firftj prepar'd himfdfc to fight. 



19 
Thereat he fitiitten was with great aiFrioht, 

And trembling terror did his heart appall : 

Nc wirt he, what to luinke of that fame fight, 

Ne what to Lj, ne wliat to doeat all ; 

He doubted, leaft it were fome mao-icall 

Illufion, that did beguile his fenfc," 

Or wandring ghoft,'that wanted funeral!. 

Or aerie fpirit vnder falTe pretence. 
Or hellilh fecnd rays'd vp through diueli/h fciencc- 

.fO 

His wonder farre exceeded reafons reach, 
That he began to doubt his dazled ficht. 
And oft of error did himfelfe appeach : 
Flefli without bloud, a perlon without fpright. 
Wounds without hurt, a body withoutrnK^ht, 
That could doe harme, yet could not harmed bee. 
That could not die, yetfcem'd a mortall wight, 
Thatwas moftftrong inmoftinfirmitee ; 

Like did he neucr hearc, hke did he neuerfee. 

41 
Awhile heftood in this artonilhment; 

Yet would he not for all his great difmay 

Giue ouer to cfteft his firft intent. 

And th'vtmoft meanes of viftorie affay. 

Or th'vtmoft \i[t\w of his owne decay. 

His owne good fword Morddure, thatncucrfayld 

Atnced, till now, he lightly threw away. 

And his bright lliield, Aat nought him now availd. 
And with Lis naked hands him forcibly affayld. 

42 
Twixt his two mightie armes him vp he fnatcht, 

Andcrulhthiscjrcaffefoagainfthisbreft, 

That the difJaintiill foule he thence difpatcht, 

And th'idle breath all vttcrly cxpreft : 

The vacn hefcltlumdeadjadownehckcft 

The lumpifh corfe vnto the fenfelefle ground ; 

Adowiie he kcft it witli fo puilTant wrdl. 

That backe jgame it did aloft rebound, 
And gaue againft his motlier Earth a groncfullfound ; 

43 

As when loua harnefle -bearing Bird from hie 

Stoupes at a flying heron with proud difdaine, 

The rtone-dead quarrey fals fo forcibly , 

That it rebounds againft thelowliePlaine, 

A fccond fall redoubhng backe againe. 

Then thought the Prince all pcnll fure was part, 

And that he viilor oncly did rcmainc ; 

No fooncr thought, then that the Carle as f..ft 
Gan heape huge ftrokcs on him, as ere he downe was caft. 

44 

Nigh his wits end then v/oxe th'amazed knight. 
And thought his labour loft and trauell vaiuc, 
Againft this lifelcfs Ihadow fo to fight : 
Yet life he I.1W, and felt his mighty maine, 
That whiles he marucild ftill, Jid flill him painc : 
For thy he gan fome other wayes .iduize. 
How to take life from that dcad-liuinglwainc. 
Whom ftiUhe markedfrcllily to arize 

From th'earth, and from her wombc new fpirits to reprize. 
K 4 Hcc 



114 THE SECOND BOOKE OF 



Cant.XlL 



4? 
He then remcmbred well, that had been fayd, 

How th'Earthhis tnother was, and firfthim bore ; 

She eke,fo often as his life decayd. 

Did life with vfury to him reftore. 

And rayfd him vp much ftrongcr then before. 

So foonc as he vnto her wombe did fall ; 

Therefore to ground he would him caft no more, 

Ne him commit to Graue terreftriall, 
But beare himfane from hope of fuccour vfuall. 

46 
Tho, vp he caught him twixt his puiffant hands. 

And hiuing fcraz'd out of hi s canion corfe 

The lothfuU life, now loofd from iinfiill bands, 

Vpon his (houlders canned him perforce 

Aboue three furlongs, taking his full courfe, 

Vntill he came vnto a ftanding lake ; 

Him thereinto he threw without remorfe, 

Ne ftird, till hope of life did him forfake ; fmake. 

So, end of that Caries dayes, and his owne paines did 

47 
Which when thofc wicked Hags from farre did Ipie, 
Like two mad dogs they ran about the lands. 
And th'one of them with dreadfull yelling cry, 
Throwing away her broken chaines and bands, 



And hauing qucncht her burning fier brands, 
Hcdiong her iclfe did caft into that lake ; 
Bur Impotence, with her owne wilful! hands. 
One of MalegencaiicA darts did take. 

So riv'd her trembling hean, and wicked end did make. 
48 

Thus now alone he conquerour remaines i 

Tho.comming to his Squire, chatkepthisfteed. 
Thought to haue mounted : but his feeble varnes 
Him faild thereto, and ferued not his need, (bleed, 
Tluough lofs of bloud, which from his wounds did 
That he began to faint, and life decay : 
B«this good Squire liim helping vp withfpecd. 
With ftedfoft hand vpon his horfe did ftaie. 

And led him to the Caftle by the beaten wait; 

45> 

Where many Groomes and Sqmers readie were. 

To take liim from his fteed full tenderly. 

And eke the faircft Mma met h.im there 

With balme and wine and coftly fpicerie. 

To comfort him in his infirmity i 

Ettfoones flic caus'd him vp to be conuaid. 

Aud of his armes defpoyled cafily. 

In fumptuous bed fiie made him to be laid. 
And all the while his wounds were dreffing.by him ftayd. 





Canto XII. 

Guy on by Palmers gouermnce^ 
pajfing through perils gr eat y 

Doth ouerthretve the Eovere ofbliJpLJ, 
a»d\^crafie defeat. 





Ow gins this goodly frame of Temperance 
3 ^Fairelylorifcjandheradornedhcd 
'^Toprickof higheftpraife forth to aduauce, 
j Formerly grounded, and faft fettelcd 
I On firme foundation of true bountihed ; 
'And this brave knight, thattorthis vertue 
Now comes to point of that fame perilous fted, (H ghts. 
Where Pleafure dwelles infenftiall delights, 
MogftthoufanddangerSj&tenthoufandmagickmights. ' 

I 
Two dayes now in that fea he fayled has, 
Ne euer land belield, ne liuing wight, 
Ne ought faue perill , ftill as he did pafs : 
Tho, when appeared the third Morroxv bright 



Vpon the waues to fpred her trembling light, 
An hideous roaring fane away they heard, 
Thar all theirfenfes filled with af&ight, 
Andftraightthcyfawtheragingfurgesreard 
Vp to the skies, that them of drowning madeaileard; 

Sayd then the Boateman, Palmerfteere aright. 
And keep an euen courfe ; foryonder way 
We needsmuftpals (God do vs wellacquight) : 
That is the Culfe ofCreedintjfe, they fay. 
That deepe engorgeth all this worlds pray : 
Which hauing (wallowed vp eicefliuely. 
He foone in vomit vp againe doth lay, 
Andbelcheth forth hisfuperfluitie, 

That all the feas for feare dofeemc away to fly. 



Oa 



Cant, Xlh 



THE FAERIE Q.VEEN& 



"5 



On th "other fide an hideous Rock is pight. 
Of mightic Magms ftonc, \vho(e craggv clifc 
DcpciiLling from on iiigh, drcadUiil to iighti 
Oner the wjucs his rugged annes doth lift, 
And threatnetli down to throwe his ragged rift 
On who fo commeth mgh ; yet nigh it drawes 
All p.illcngcrs, that none from it can fhift : 
For whiles they fly tlutGulfes dcuouring lawes. 

They on this rock arc rent, -indlunk in helplefs wawcs. 

Forward they pafle, and ftrongly he tlicmrowes, 
VutiU they nigh vnto that Gulfc arriue, 
\\ here ftre.iijie iMore violentand greedy growes : 
Then he with all his puiflaunce doth ftriue 
To ftrilce his owres, and mightily doth driue 
The liollow veflcll through die thrcatt'ul! \vaue; 
W'Juch gaping wide, to luallow diem alme 
In th'hiige abylVe of his engulfing Graue, 

Doth rorc at them in vaine, and with great tenor raue. 
6 

They pafling by, that griefly moudi did fee. 
Sucking tJie Seas into his cntrallcs deepe, 
That leem'd more horrible then hell to bee, 
Or that dai'ke drcadluU hole of Tartare fteepe, 
Through which the damned ghofts doen often aeepe 
Backe to_ the world, bad hucrs to torment : 
But nought that falles into this direful] deepe, 
Ne that approcheth nigh the wide defcent, 

May backe returne, but is condemned to be drent. 
7 

On th'othcr fide, they f^iiv that perilous Rocke, 
Thrcatniog it (elfe on them to ruinate, 
On wliofc fliarpe clifts the ribs of vefTcls broke. 
And fliiucred (liips, which had been wrecked late, 
Yetftuck,widi c.ircafles exanimate 
Of fuch, as hauing -dl their fubftance fpent 
In vv.uiton loies, and luftes intemperate. 
Did after\vaxds make fhipwracke violent 

Both of their life, and fame for euer fowly blent. 
8 

For tliy, this hight The I{gcl^e of vile I^proche, 
A dangerous and deteitable place. 
To which nor fifh nor fowle did once approche. 
But yelling Meawes, with S:ag'jlles hoorle and hafe. 
And CormoyrantSj with birds of rauenous race, 

-, Which fhlJ late waiting on that waftfull clift. 
For (poile of wretches, whole vnhappy cafe. 
After lofl crcdite and confuirted thrift. 

At laft them driueahath to this del'paircfull drift. 

9 

The Palmer, feeing them in fafetie paft. 

Thus fiid ; Bthold th'eufiinples in our fights 

Of lullfuU luxury and thnftleflc wofte : 

What now i^ left of mifcrable wights. 

Which fpent their looier daics in lewd delights. 

But fhame andfad reproche, hae to be red, 

By thcfc rent reh^ues, (peaking their ill phghts? 

Let all that line, hereby be counlelled, 

To fhunnc ^ckf of I^efrocbe, and it as death to dred. 



So forth they rowed, and that ferryman 

With his IbfFe oares did brulli the (ea fo ftrongi 
That the hoare waters from his frigot ran. 
And the light bubbles daunced all along, 
Whiles thefaltbrineoutof thebillowesfprong. 
At laft, far ofFthey many Iflandsfpie, 
On euery fide floting the floods emong : 
Then faid the knight, Loe, I die land defcrie; 

Therefore old Syre thy courfe do thereunto apply. 
II 

That may not be, faid then the Ferryman, 
Leaft we vnweeting hap to be fordonnc : 
For thofe fame Iflands, feeming now and than. 
Arc not firme l.ind, nor any cenein wonne. 
But ftaggling plots; which to and fro do ronne 
In the wide waters : therefore are they hic-ht 
The xraniring IJlands. Therefore do them flionne ; 
For they liaue oft drawne many a wandring wight 

Into moft deadly danger and diftrefled plight. 
II 

Yet well they feeme to him, that farre doth vew. 
Both faire and fruitfuU, and the ground difTpreJ 
With grailic green of deleflablehew. 
And the tall trees with leaues apparelled. 
Are deckt with blolTomes dyde in white and red. 
That mote thepoflengers dicreto allure ; 
But whofoeuer once hath faftened 
His foot thereon, may neucr it recure. 

But wandreth euermorc vncertain and vnfure. 

I? 
As th'Ifle of Delos wlvlowLi men report ; 

Amid th'./<€5<«<(» Tea long dmedidftray, 

Ne made for (hipping any certaine port, 

Till that Latona trauclhug that way, 

FlyingfromiBHOfjwrath and hard allaVj 

Of her faire twins was there deliuered. 

Which afterwards did rule the night and day ; 

Thenceforth it firmly was eftabl i Ihed, 
Andfor./*/'oCo«honour highly herried. 

They to him hearken, as befeemeth meete. 
And pafTe on forward : Co their way does Iv, 
That one of thofcfame Iflands which doe fleet 
In the wide fei, they needes muft paflcn by. 
Which feem'd fo fweet and pleafant to the eye , 
That It would tempt a man to touchen there ; 
Vpon the bank they fitting did efpy 
A dointie damzell, drefling of her heare. 

By whom a Ude skippet floting did appearc. 

She, them elJbying, loud to them gan caU, 
Bidding them nigher drawevnto die fliore ; 
For file had caufe to bufie them withall ; 
And therewith loudly laught : Butnathemore 
Would diey once tume , but kept on as afore : 
Which when llie faw, fhe left her lacks vndight. 
And running to her boat withouten ore. 
From the dcpardng land it launched light. 

And after them did dnue with all hcrpower and tnighL 

Whom 



[I<^ 



THE SECOND BOOKE OF Cant^KlU 



\6 

Whom ouertiking, flie in merry fort 
Them gin to bord, and purpofe diuerfly. 
Now faining dalliance and wanton fport. 
Now throwing forth lewd words immodeftly ; 
Till that the Palmer gan full bitterly 
Her to rebuke, for being loofc and light : 
Which not abiding, but more fcornetully 
Scoffing at him, that did her iuftly wire. 

She turnd her bote about, and from them rowed quite. 

17 

That was the wanton Vhadria, which late 
Did ferry him, ouer the YdteUke: 
Whom nought regarding, they kept on their gate. 
And allher vaine allurements did forfake J 
When them the wary Boateman thus befpake ; 
Here now behooueth vs well to auyfe. 
And of our fafetie good heed to take ; 
For here before a perlous pafTage lyes, 

Where many Mermayds haunt, making falfc melodies. 
18 

But by the way, there is a great Quickfand, 
And a whirlepoole of hidden icopardie: 
Therefore, Sir Palmer, keep an euen hand ; 
For twixt them both the narrow way doth lie. 
Scarfe had he faid, when hard at hand they fpy 
That quickfand nigh, with water couered i 
But by the checked waue they did defcric 
It plaine, and by the fea difcoloured : 

It called was the quickfand o£Fntbriftyhed. 

They, paffing by, a goodly Ship did fee. 
Laden from fir with precious merchandize. 
And brauely furnifhed, as fhip might be. 
Which through great dilauenture, ormilprize. 
Her felfe had runne into that hazardize ; 
Whofe Mariners antfMerchants with much toyle, 
Labour'd in vaine to haue recur'd their prize. 
And the rich wares to faue firom pittious fpoyle : 

But neither toyle nor traucU might her backe recoyle. 
20 

On th'other fide tliey fee that perilous Poole, 
That called was the ffhirlefoole of decay , 
In which full many had with haplefs doole 
Beene lunke, of wnom no memory did ftiy : 
Whofc circled waters rapt with whirling fway, 
Lifcero areftleflewhecle. Ml running round, 
Didcouet.as theypaffedby thatwaie. 
To draw the boat within the vtmoft bound 

Of his wide Labyrinth, and then to haue them dround. 
21 

But th'heedfull Boateman ftrongly foorth did ftretch 
His brawnie armes, and all his body ftraine, 
That th 'vtmoft fandy breach they fhortly fetch, 
Whiles the draddangcr does behind remaine. 
Suddaine they fee, from midft of all the Maine, 
The furging waters like a Mountaine rife. 
And the great fea puft vp with proud difdaine, 
Tofwell aboue themeafurcof his guife. 

As threaming to deuoure all, that his powre dcfpife. 



The waues come rolling, and the billowes tore 
Outragioufly, as they enraged were ; 
Or wrathfuU 7{eptune did them driue before 
His whirling charet, for exceeding feare : 
For, not one puffc of wind there did appeare, 
That all the three thereat woxe much afirayd, 
Vnweeting whatfuch horrour ftrange did reare. 
Eftf oones they faw an hy deous hoft arrayd 

Of huge Sea monfters, fuch as huing fenfe difhuyd; 

Moftvglyfhapes, and horrible afpefts, 

Such as Dame Naturefelfe motefeare to fee. 
Or fliame, that euer fhould fo fowle defers 
From her moft cunning hand efcaped be ; 
All dreadfiill pourtraifti of deformitiee : 
Spring-headed Hydraes, and fea-(houldring Whales, 
Great whirlpooles, which all fifties make to flee. 
Bright Scolopendraes, arm'd withfiluerfcales. 

Mighty Monoceroi,v/ith immeafured tayles. 
24 

The dreadfuU Fifti, that hath deferv'd the name 
Of Death, andlike him lookes in dreadfullhew. 
The griefly Waflerman, that makes his game 
The flying ftiips with fwiftneffe to purfew, 
The hornble Sea-fatyre, (hat doth ftiew 
His fearefuU face in time ofgreateft ftorme, 
HugcZiffins, whom Mariners efchew 
No Icffe then rockcs (as trauellers informe) 

And greedy B^fmarhies with vifages deformei 

All thefe, and thoufand thou&nds many more, » 
And more deformed Monfters thoufand fold. 
With dreadfuU noife, and hollow rombhngrorc. 
Came ruftiing in the fomy waues enrold. 
Which feem'd to fly forfeare, them to behold : 
Ne wonder, if thele did the Knight appall ; 
For, all that here on earth we dreadful! hold. 
Be but as bugs to fearen babes withall. 

Compared to the Creatures in the feas entrall. 
26 

Feare nought.then faid the Palmer well auiz'd; 
For, theiefame Monfters are not thefein deed, 
Butare into thefe fearefullftiapesdifguiz'd 
By that fame wicked witch, to worke vs dreed. 
And drawe from on this lourney to proceed. 
Tho, lifting vp his vertuous ftaffe onhye. 
He fmote the lea, which calmed was with (peed. 
And all that dreadful! Armiefaft gan flye 

Into great Tetlijs bofome, where they hidden lye. 

^7 
Quit from that danger, forth their courfe they kept : 

And as they went they heard a rueful! crie 

Of one, that wayld and pittifully wept, 

That through the fea retounding plaints did fly ! 

At laft they in an Ifland did elpy 

A feemly Maiden, fitting by the ftiore. 

That with great forrow, and (ad agony. 

Seemed fome great miffortune to deplore. 
And lo wd to them for fuccour called cuermor?. 

Wliich 



Cam,XU. 



THE FAERIE Q.VEENE. 



"7 



28 

which Guyon heiring, ftreiglit his Pilmer bade 
To Itcrc thcfcoitc towards that dolf full Miyi, 
Tlut hcniiohtkiiovvc.andcalehcriorrowlid: 
Who hiui juizing better, to iiiin layd ; 
F.iirc Sir, be not difpleas'd, if difobayd : 
For ill It vv ere to hearken to her cry ; 
Fo: (he is inly nothing ill appayd, 
Bu: orelv woinonidi fine lor^erie, 

Your llubbornc heart t'afFcft with fraile infirniitie. 
29 

To v/liicli when fhc your courage hath inc!m'd 
Tl»ough foohfh pitae , then her guileful] bajrt 
She will cmbolome deeper in your mind; 
And for your ruinc at the hft awayt. 
The knight was ruled, and the Eoateman ftrayt 
Held on his courle with ft.iycd ftcdfallneirc, 
Ne euer lhrun!:Cj nc euer fought to bay t 
His tired armes for tovllomc wearinclfc. 

But with his oares did fweepc the watry wildernefle. 

And now they nigh approched to the ftcd, 
U here as thole MciTCaids dwelt : it was a ftill 
And calmy bay, on th'oncfide fheitercd 
With the broad Hiadow of an hoariehill, 
On th 'other iide an high rockc toured ftill, 
That twixt them both a pleafuit pore they made. 
And did like an h.dfe Theatre fulfill : 
There tliole fine Cfters had conrinuull trade. 

And vs'd to batlie thcmfclues in that deceitfull flude. 

31 

They were faire Ladies till tliey fondly ftriv'd 
With ih.' Heliconian maidcs for maiftery ; 
Of whom they oucrconimcn were depriv'J 
Of their proud bcautie, and th'one moity 
Transform 'd to fifn, for dieirboldlurquedry ; 
But th'vpper hdfe their hew retained ftill. 
And their fwect skill in wonted melody ; 
W hicli euer after they abus'd to ill, 

T'aliure weake Trauelicrs^whom gotten they didkill. 

So now to Guyoit, as he pafled by, 

Thdrplcafuit tunes they fweetly thus applidc > 
O thou fairc fonne of gentle Faery, 
That art in mighty armes moilmagniSde 
Aboue all knights, that euer bartell tride, 
O turne thy rudder hitherward awhile: 
Here may thy ftorine-bet vclTell fafely ride i 
This is the Port of reft from troublous toylc. 

The worlds fweet In, from painc & wearifome turmoyle. 

With that, the rolling Tea rcloundingfofc. 
In his big bafe them litly anfwcred , 
And on the rocke the waucs breaking aloft, 
A lolcmnc Meane vnto them mealured. 
The whiles fweet Zeffc^rx* lowd v.hiftele J 
His trcbble,a ftrange kind of hannome; 
Which Cuyons fenlcsfoftly tickcled. 
That he the Boateman bad rowe eafily. 

And let him heare fome part of their rare melodic. 



34 
But him that Palmer from thatvanitie, 

With temperate aduife difcounfelled, 

That they itpaft, and fhortly gan defcry 

The land, to which tlieir courle they Icuelcd ; 

When fuddeinly a groile fog ouer-lprcd 

With his dull vapour all that defert has. 

And heauens chearefull face enueloped, 

That all things one, and one as nothing was. 
And thi s great Vniuerfc fcem'd one confuied mafs. 

Thercatthcy greatly were difmayd, ne wift 

How to direfl: their way in darkneffc wide. 

But feard to wander in tliat waftfull mift. 

For tombling into mifchiefe vneipide. 

Worfe is the danger hidden^ then defcride. 

Suddeinlv an innumerable flight 

Of harmefuilfovv!es,abouttliem fluttering, cride, 

And with their wicked wings them oft did Imight, 
And fore annoyed, groping in that griefly night. 

Euen all the nation of vnfortunate 

And fatall birds about them flocked were, 
Such as by nature men abhorre and hate, 
TheiU-fac't Owle, deaths drcadfull mcflengere. 
The hoarle Night-raucn, trump of dolefulldrere. 
The lether-winged Bat, dayes enemy, 
TheruefullStrich, ftill waiting on tlicberc, 
The Whiftler Ihrillj that wholo hcares, doth dy; 

Thehcllifti Harpies, Prophets of (ad deftinie. 

57 

All thofe, and all that elfe does horrour breed. 
About them flew, and hid their fiyles witli feare : 
Yet ftayd they not, but forward did proceed. 
Whiles th'one did rowe, and th'otherftifly ftcarc » 
Till that at laft the weather gan to clcare. 
And the faire land it 'elfe did plaincly fliowe. 
Said then the Palmer, Lo where docs appears 
Thefacred toile, where all our penis growc ; 

TherforCj Sir knight, your ready armes about you throwe. 

He hearkned, and his armes about him tooke. 
The whiles the nimble boate fo well her fped, 
Thatwith her crooked keele theland flie ftrooke. 
Then forth the noble G»i'0»fallied, 
And his fagc Palmer, that him gouerned ; 
But th 'other by his boate behind did ftay. 
They marched faircly forthj of nought ydred. 
Both firmely armdfor euery hard aflay. 

With conftancie and care, gainft danger anddifmay. 

39 

Ere long they heard an hideous bellowing 

Of many beafts, that roarde outrageoufly, 

Ai if that hungers point, or ^tnw fting 

Had them enr.iged with fell furquedry ; 

Yet nought they feard, but paft on hardily, 

Vntill they cameinvicw of thole wilde beafts : 

Who all at once, gapmgfull greedily, . 

And rearing fiercely their vpftarting crefts. 
Ran towards, to deuoure thofe vnotpeiled guefts. 

But 



ii8 



THE SECOND BOOKE OF 



Cant, XI I. 



40 

But foonc \^ they approch'tj with deadly threat 
The Palmer over them his ftofFe vpheld. 
His miohty ftafFc,th.it could all charmet defeat : 
Etribones their ftubborne courages were queld. 
And high advaunced crelts downe meekely feld: 
In ilead of fraying, they themfelues did feare. 
And trembled, as them pafling they beheld : 
Such wondrous powre did in chat ftaffe appeare. 

All monfters to fubdue to him that did it bcare. 

41 
Of that fame wood it frim'd was cunningly 
Of which Cai/Kfc«nvhjlome was made; 
C4</«ff«i,therod of Mercury, 
With which he wonts the Stygian realmes invade. 
Through gaftly horrour, and ettrnall (hade ; 
Th'infernall fiends with it he can aflWage, 
And Orcui tame, whom nothing can pcrfwade. 
And rule the F»n«, when they moft doe rage : 
Such vertue in his ftaffe had eke this Palmer (age. 

Thence pafling torth , they Ihortly doe airiuc. 
Whereas the Bowre of Blijfe wis fituatei 
A place pickt out by choice of beft ahue. 
That Natures workeby art can imit ite : 
In which what-eutrin this worldly ftate ■ 
Is fweet, and pleaiing vnio liuing fenfcj 
Or that may daintieft fantafie aograte, 
Was poured forth with plentifull dilpencc. 

And made there to abound withiauilh affluence. 

4J 

Goodly it was enclofed round about, 

Afwell their en tied guefts to ke^pe within. 
As thole vnruly beafts to hold without ; 
Yet was the fence thereof but weake and thin : 
Nought feard their force, that fonilageto win. 
But wiledoms powre, and temperances might. 
By which the mightielt things efforced bin : 
And eke the gate was wrought of fubftance lighti 

Rather for plealure, then for battery or fight. 

44 

It framed was of precious yuory, » 

That fetm'd a worke of admirable wit;. 

And therein all the famous hiftory 

Of Jafon and Medea wasywrit; 

Her mighty charmes, herforious louing fit, 

His goodly conqueft of the golden fleece. 

His falfed faith, and loue too lightly flit. 

The wondred ^rgn,wl\kh in vcnt'rous pcece 

Firft through the Euxine leas bore all the flowr of Cretct. 

4J 
Ye might haue feene the frothy billowes fry 

Vnder the ITiip as thorough them (he went, 

That leem'd the wanes were into yuory. 

Or yuory into the waues wtre fent ; 

And other where the fnowy fubftance fprent,- 

Wi th vermeil likethcboyesbloud therein (hed, 

A pitious fpeft icle did reprefent. 

And othenvhilcs with gold befprinkeled ; 
It Icemd th'enchaunted flame, which did Crttifn wed. 



4^ 

All this, and more might in that goodly gate 
Be read ; that cuer open ftood to all, 
Which thither came : but in the Forth there (ate 
A comely perfonage of (Mature tall, 
And femblaunce plcafing, more then naturall, 
ThatTraucllers to him ieem'd to entile ; 
His looier garment to the ground did fall. 
And flt w about his heeles in wanton wife. 

Not fit for (peedy pale, or manly exercilc. 

47 

They in that place him Genius did call : 
Not that celeftiall powre, to whom the care 
Of life, and generation of all 
That hues, pertaines, in chargeparticular, 
Who wondrous things concerning our welfare. 
And ftrange phantomes doth let vs oft forefee. 
And oft ot fecret ill bids vs beware : 
That is our Selfe; whom though we doe not fee. 

Yet each doth inhimlelfe it well perceiue to bee. 

^'^ 
Therefore a God him fage Antiquity 

Did wifely make, and good ^gdi/fes call : 

But this fame was to that quite contrary, 

The foe of life, that good enuyes to all. 

That fecretly doth vs procure to fall, 

Tlirough guilefulllemblaunts,whichLenukesvsfce. 

He of this Gardin had the gouernall. 

And Plcafures porter was deuiz'd to be, 

Holding a ftaffe in hand for more formahtee. 

With diuer'i: flowres he daintily was deckr, 

And ftrowed round about, and by his fide 

A mighty Mazer bowle of wine wasfet. 

As if It had to him been facrifide ; 

Wherewith all new-come guefts he gratifide: 

So did he eke Sir Cuyon pafling by : 

But he hi s idle curtefie defide , 

And oucrthrew his bowle difdainefiJly ; 
And broke liis ftaffe, with which he charmed femblants fly. 

Thus being entred , they behold around 
A large and fpacious plaine, on eucry fide 
Strowed with pleatance, whole faire graffie ground 
Mantled with greene, and goodly beauafidc 
With all the (jrnaments of f/or<j« pride, 
Wherewith her mother Art, as halfe in fcorne 
Of niggard Naturelike a pompous Bride 
Did decke her, and too lauifhly adorne, (mome. 

When forth from virgin bowre fhe comes in th 'early 

Ji . 

Thereto the Heauens alwaies louiall, 

Lookt on them louely, ftillin ftedfaft ftate, 
Ne fuffred ftorme nor froit on them to fall. 
Their tend er bud s or leaues to violate. 
Nor fcorchmg heat, nor cold intemperate 
T'afflift the creatures, which therein did dwell. 
But the milde aire with feafon moderate 
Gently attempted, and difpos'd fo well, 

That ftHl it breathed forth fweet fpihc & holeiome fmell. . 

More 



Cant.Xll THE FAERlE QVEENE. 



119 



More fiveetinJ wholfomc, then thepleafant hill 
Of Hliodt)fe,on which the Nymph that bore 
A giant babe, her feltc for gricfe did kill ; 
Or the Thedalian Tempi, wncre of yore 
Fiire Dafhm, Vhxbi*i hart with loue did gore ; 
Or Ida, where the Gods lov'd to repaire, 
Whcn-euir thcv their hcauenlv bowres forlore i 
Or fweet Tarnaffe, the haunt of Mules faire ; 

Or Eden, if that ought with Eden mote compaite. 

Much wondrcd Guyon at the fiire afpeft 
Of that fweet placej yet fufFrei no delight 
To linke into his fenle, nor mind affecti 
But palled forth, and lookt llillforward right, 
Bridling his will, and maiftcring his might: 
Till that he came vnto another gate, 
No gate, but like one, bccing goodly dight 
With boughcs and branches, wlich did broad dilate 

Their clafping armes, in \vantoii wreathings intricate. 

J4 

So faflrioned a Porch with rare deuife, 

Archt over head with an embracing Vine, 
Whole bunches hanging downc, Iccm'd to entice 
All paflers by, to ufte their lulhious wine. 
And did thcuUtlues into their hands inchnc, 
Aj trcelie offering to be gatlicred : 
Some dccpc empurpled as the Hyacint, 
Some as the Rubine, laughing hveetly red, 

Some like fake Emcraudes, not yet wcil ripened- 

And them amongfl, fomc were of burniflitgold. 
So made by art) to beautifie the reft. 
Which did thcmfelues cmcngft the leaues enfold, 
Aj lurking from the view ot couetous gueft. 
That the w cake boughcs, with fo rich load opprcft. 
Did bow adowne, as over-burdened. 
Vnder that Porch a comely Dame diJ reft, 
Clad infaire wcedts, but t'oule dilbrdered. 

And garments loofe, that feem'd vumeet for womanhed. 

In her left hand a Cup of gold (he held, 
And with her right the riper fruit did reach, 
Whofe fappy liquor thatwith fulneflc fweld. 
Into her cup (he fcrui'd, with dainty breach 
Of her fine fingers, without foule empeach. 
That fo fiyre wine-preffe made the wine more fweet : 
Thereof Hie vs'd to giue to drinke to each. 
Whom palling by (lie happened to meet : 

It was her guife, all Strangers goodly lo to greet. 

57 

So (hee to Guyon ortred it to ufte ; 

Who takipgit out of her tender hond, 
The cup to ground did violently caft, 
That all in peeces it was broken fond, 
And with the Lquor ftaincd all the lond : 
Whereat £rtf(/f exceedingly was wroth, 
Yctno'te the lame amend, ne yet wiihftond. 
But fuf&ed him to pjfle , all were (he loth J 

Vi'liu,ootregarding her difpleafurc, forward go'th. 



There the moft dainty Paradife on grounil> 
It felfe doth otfcr to his lober eye, 
In which all plealures pientioufly abound. 
And none docs otliers happinefle envy : 
The painted flowres, the trees vplhootiDg hie. 
The dales for (hade, the hilles for breathing fpace. 
The trembhnggroucs, the Cryftall running by ; 
And that, whicn ail faire works doth moft aggrace, 

Theartjwhich all that wrought,appeared in no place. 

59 

One would hauethought (fo cunningly therude 
And korncd parts were mingled with the fine^ 
That Nature had fqr wantonneire enfude 
Art, and that Art at Nature did repine; 
So ftriuing each th'o;her to vndermine. 
Each did tlie others worke more beautifie > 
So differing both in willes, agreed in fin«; 
So all agreed through fweet diuerlitic. 

This Garden to adornc wjtli allvarietic. 
60 

And in the midft of all, a Fountaine flood. 
Of richeft lubftance that on earth might hte. 
So pure and fliiny,tJiat thefilver flood 
Through euerychannell running one mightfee} 
Moft goodly it with pure imageree 
Was over-wrought, and ftiapes of naked boyes. 
Of which fomc kem'd with hucly lolhtee 
To fly about, playing their wanton toyeJ, 

W'hil'ft others did themlelues embay in liquiJioyes. 
61 

And over all, of pureft gold was fprcd 
A trayle of,Ivie in his natiue hew : 
For, the rich metall was fo coloured, 
That wight, who did not well avis'd it view, 
VVould lurely deemeit to be Ivie true : 
Lowe his lafciuious armes adowne did crerpe. 
That themlelues dipping in thefilver dew, 
Their fieccie flowres they tenderly did fteepe. 

Which drops of Cryftall feem'd for wantonneffe to wecpCi 
6z 

Infiru'te ftreomcs continually did well 

Out of this Fountain?, fweet and fairc to fee. 
The which into an ample Lavtr fell. 
And (hortlv grew to io great quantitie. 
That like a little lake it feem'd to bee i 
Whofe depth exceeded not three cubits hight. 
That through the waues one might the bottom fee. 
All pav'd beneath with lalpar (hining bright. 

That feem'd the Fountoine in that Sea did (ayle vpright. 

And all the margent round about was fet. 
With (hady Laurell trees , thence to defend 
The funny beames , which on the billovves bet. 
And thofe which therein bathed, mote offend. 
As G'tyon hapned by tlic fame to wend. 
Two naked Damz;l]es he therein efpydc, 
'Which therein bathing, feemed to contend. 
And wrcftle wantonly, ne car'd to hide 

Their d linty parfs from riew of any whicli theni e'yde. 

L. Soffl»* 



no 



THE SECOND BOOKE OF Cant.XlL 



64 

Some-times, the one would lift the other quight 
Aboae the waters, and then downe againe 
Her plonge, as over-maiftered by might. 
Where both awhile would couercd remaine. 
And each the other from to rife reftraine ; 
The whiles their fno wy limbes, as through a vele, 
So through the Cryflall waues appeared plainc : 
Then fuddainly both would themfelues vnhele. 

And th'amarous fweetfpoyles to greedy eyes reuele. 

As that faire Starre, the meflenger of morne. 
His dcawy face out of the lea doth reare : 
Or as the CyfrUn Codieffe, newly borne 
Of th'Oceans fruitfuUfroth, did firil appeare : 
Such feemed they, and fo their yellow heare 
Cryftalline humour dropped downe apace. 
Whom fuch when Guyondw, he drew him neare. 
And fome-what gan relenthis earneftpafe. 

His ftubborne breail gan fecret pleafance Co embrace. 

> ^^ ■ ■••■■. . .-■■ !.■„• 
The wanton Maiden s him cfpyin^, ftooi ■ ; ' ',1' Y ' "-O ' 
Gazing awhile at his Vnwontedoiiife; '^ ■" '"^ , 
Then th'oneherfeh^eloWe ducKedin theflobSl'' ' .', . 
Abafht, thathei- a ftranger did avife : ■^aOlt■ i 

But th'other, rather higher did arife. 



iilolA , 



And Her two Lily pipsaloft difpUyd, 'j" ^ j ".' ^^ 



And all that might his melting hart entifc 
To her delights, fhevnco him bewrayd: '. ', 
Thereft hid vndcrneath, him more defirous ttaSt ' 



With that, the other likewifc vp arofe, "'"^ ' '; .^' "'■'•'' 
Andhcr fiirelocks, which formerly wer&bqui|3f .^ 
Vpin oneknotjfheloweadownedidlofe:' 
Which, flowing long and thick,herclotli'daroui'id," 
And th'Iuorie m golden mantle gownd : 
Sothatfairefpcftaclefromhimwasreft, 
Yet tliat which reft it, no leffe faire was found : 
So hid in locks and waues from lookers theft, 

Nought but her loucly face (lie for his looking left. 
■ - I.68,- 

Withall flielaughed, and iliee blufht withall, 
That blufliing to her laughter gaue more grace. 
And laughter toiler blufliing, as did fall : 
Now when they fpyde the knight to flack his pafc. 
Them to behqldji andiii his fparkling face 
The (ecretfignes of kindled luft appeare. 
Their wanton meriments they did encreafe. 
And to him beckned, to approche more neare, 

And fhewd him many fights ,that courage cold could reare. 

On which when gazinghim the Palmcrfaw, 
Hemuchrcbuk'tthofcwandringeyesofhis, 
And (counfeld well) him forward thence did draw. 
Now are they come nigh to the Bcnvre ofblifs 
Of her fond fauorites lo nam'd amils : 
When thus the Palmer ; Now Sir, well avife; 
For, hecrethe end of all ourtrauell is : 
Hcere wonnes ./*c»-<j/(/Jj whom we muft furprifc, 

Elfe (he will flip away, and all our drift delpife. 



Eftfoones they heard a moft melodious found. 
Of all that mote delight a dainty care, 
Such as attonce might noton liuing ground, 
Saue in this Paradile, be heard elfwhere : 
Right hard it was for wight winch did it heare. 
To read what manner mulick that mote bee : 
For,all that pleafing is to liuing eare. 
Was there conforted in one harmonee, 

Birds, voyces, inftruments, windes, waters, all agree. 

Theioyous birds, fhrouded in cheareful fludc, 
Their notes vnio the voyce attempred fweet ; 
Th'AngeKcall foft trcmblingvoyces made 
To th'inftruments divine relpondcnce meet : 
The filucrlbunding inftruments did meet 
With the bafe murmure of the waters fall : 
Thcwaters fall with difference difcreet. 
Now foft, now loud, vnto the wind did calU 

The gentle warbling wind lowe anlwercd to all. 

7* 

There, whence that Mufick feemed heard tobee. 
Was the faire Witch, her felfe now folacing 
With a new Louer, whom through forccree 
And witchcraft, fhefromfarre did thither bring: 
There (lie had him now layd aflumbering, > 

In fecret fhadc, after long wanton ioyes : 
Whil'ft round about them pleafantly did fing 
Many faire Ladies, and lafciuious boyes. 

That euer mixt their fong with light licentious toyes. 

And all the while, right over him (he hong, 

With her falfe eyes faft fixed in his fight, 

As feekuig medicine, whence (he was ftong. 

Or greedily depafturing delight : 

And oft inclining downe with kifles light, 

Forfeare of waking him, his lips bedewd, 

And through his humid eyes did fuck his ipright. 

Quite molten into luft and pleafurelcwd ; 
Where- with (he fighed foft, as if his cafe (he rewd. 

74 
The whiles, fome one did chaunt this louelylay; 

Ah fee, whofo faire thing dooftfaineto fee. 

In fpringing flowre the image of tliy day j 

Ah fee the Virgin Rofe, how fweetly (hee 

Doth firft peepe foorth with baflifuU modeftce. 

That fay rer feemes , the lelTe yee fee her may ; 

Lo, fee loone after, how more bold and free 

Her bared bofome (he doth broad difplay; 
Lo, fee foone after, how (he fades and fallet away. 

7 J 

So pa(reth, in thepaffingofaday. 

Of mortall life the leafe, the bud, the flowre, 
Ne more doth flouri(h after firfl decay. 
That earft was fought to deck both bed and bowre 
Of many a Lady, and many a Paramoure : 
Gather therefore the Rofe, whil'ft yet is prime. 
For, foone comes age, that will her pride deflowrc : 
Gather the Rofe of loue, whil'ft yet is time, 

Whil'ft louing thou mayft loued be with cquall crime. 

He 



Cant,XIl THE FAERIE QVEENE. 



IXI 



76 

He ceift.anj tlien gin all the quire of birJs 
Their limcrlc notes t'attunc vino his lay. 
As in approuaiice ofhis pleating words. 

PThe conftant paire heard all that he dad fay. 
Yet fwanicd not, but kept their fonvard way, 
Through many coucrtgroiics,and thickets dofe. 
In v. hich tliey creeping did at laft difplay 
That wanton Ladie, with herLoucrlofe, 

Whole flcepy head llic m her lap did foft difpofc. 
77 

Vpon a bed of Rofcs file was layd, 

As faint through heat, or dight to pieafant iln. 

And was airayd, or rather dilarrayd, 

AH inaveiieoffi'.keand filverthin. 

That hid no whit her alablaller skin. 

But rather iliewd more white, if more might bee : 

More fubule web ^radmc cannot fpin. 

Nor the fine nets, which oft wc woucn fee 

Of Icorched deaw, doe not in th'airc more lightly flee. 
7S 

Her fnowy breaft was bare to ready fpoy le 

O. hun^rv eyes, which note there-with be fild ; 
And yet through languour of her latelweettoylc. 
Few drops, more clcare then Nedbr, forth ditUld, 
That like pure Oncnt pcarlcs adownc it trild: 
And her fayre eyes fweet fmyling in delight, 
Moyftened their fierie beames, with which flic thri] J 
Frailc harts, yet quenched not ; hkc Itarry light 

Vj'hich fporklmg on tlie filent waues, docs leemc more 

79 (bright. 
The young mm fleeping by her, feem'd to bee 

Some goodly f\vayne of honourable place, 
That certcs It great pitty was to fee 
Him his nobilitie lo foule deface ; 
A Iweetreg.ird, and amiable grace, ■ 
Mixed with manlv ftemneflc did appears 
Yet fleeping, in his well proportiond face. 
And on his tender lips the downv haire 
Did now but ficfiily fpring, and lilkcn blofloms bcare. 

80 ** 
His warlike armes (the idlcinftruments 

Of fleeping praife) were hong vpon a tree. 

And his braue fhield (full of old mbniments) 

Was foully ras't, that none the fignes might fee; 

Ne for them, ne for honour cared hee, 

Ne ought that did to his advauncemcnt tend. 

But in lewd loues, and waftefuU luxurce. 

His dayes, his goods, his body he did fpend : 

O horrible encluunimcnt, that hun fo did blend ! 
81 

The noble Elfe, and carcfull Palmer drew 

So nigh them (minding nought but luftfull game) 
Thatfuddaineforththey on them rulht, and threw 
A fubtile net, which onely R r the fame 
The skilful! Palmer formally did frame. 
So held them vnderfaft, the whiles the reft 
Fled all away for feare of fouler fhame. 
The faire Enchauntrcffe, fo vnwares oppreft, 

Ti^dc all her arts, and all her flaghts, thence out to wrcft. 

The end of the 



And eke her Louer ftroue : but all in vaine ; 

For, that fame net fo cunningly was wound. 

That neither guile nor force might it difkainc. 

They tookc them both, & both them ftrongly bound 

In captiue bands, which there they ready found : 

But her in chaines of Adamant he tyde ; 

For nothing elfe might keepe her life and Ibund; 

But /^erJant (fo he hight) he Ibone vntyde. 
And counfell fage in fleed thereof to him applidc. 

But all thofe pieafant bowres, and Palace braue, 
Cuyon broke downe, with rigour pi ttileffe ; 
Ne ought their goodly workmanlhip miglitfauc 
Them from the tempefl of his wrathfulncire. 
But that their blifle lie turn'd to bolefiilnefle : 
Their Groues he feld, their Gardens did deface. 
Their Arbers (poyld, tlicir Cabinets fupprcfle. 
Their Bankct-houfes biirne, their buildings race. 

And of the fajTeft late, now made the fouleftplace. 

84 

Then led they her away, and eke that knight 
They with tliem led, both forrowfull and fad : 
The way they came, thefame returnd they right, 
Till they amued where they lately had 
Charm 'd thofe wild-bcafls, that rag'd with fury mad. 
Which now awaking, fierce at them gan fly. 
As in their mifh-effe reskcw, whom they lad ; 
But them the Palmer foone did paafie. (didlfew 

Then Cuyon askt, what meant diolc beoftes which there 

Said hee, Thefe fecming beaftes arc men indeed. 
Whom this Enchauntreflc hath transformed thus, 
Whylome her Loucrs, which her lufts did feed. 
Now turned into figures hideous. 
According to their inindes like monftnious. 
Sad end, quoth he, ot life intemperate. 
And mournetuHineedeofioyes delicious : 
But Palmer, ifit mote thee fo aggratc. 

Let them returned be vnto their former ftate. 
r-, 86 

Straight-way he with hi? vertuous ftafFe them flrooke. 
And ftraight of bcafts they comely men became i 
Yet beeingmen.they did vnmanly looke. 
And flared gaflly , fome for inward (hame. 
And fome tor wrath, to fee their captiue Dame : 
Butoneabouethereftinipcciall, 
That had an hog been late (hight (Jr/ae by name) 
Repined greatly, and did him milcall , 

That had from hoggifh forme him brought to naturall. 
87 

Said Cuyon, See the mind of beaflly man. 
That hath fo foone forgot the excellence 
Of hi J creation, when he life began. 
That now he choofcth with vile difFerence, 
To be a bcaft, and lacke intelligence. 
To whom the Palmer thus. The dungliill kind 
Delights in filth and foule incontinence : 
Let GriR be GriR, and haue his hoggifh mind. 

But let vs hence dep.irt, whil'il vvcatlicrferucs and wind. 
fecond Boakf. L 2. TJ15 



113. 




THE THIRD BOOKE 

OF THE FAERIE 

aVEENE: 

CONT AINING 

THE LEGENDE OF BRITOMARTIS. 

OX 
Of ChaUitie^. 




T falles me heere to vixite of Cliaftirie, 
Tlwt fair eft venue, forre abouc the reft ; 
For which what needs me fetch from f<jo»5( 
Forrainc enfamples, it to haue expreft ? 
D Sithitis (hrined in my Soueraignes breft, 
And form'd fo hucly in each perfeft part, 
That to all Ladies , which haue i t profeft. 
Need but behold the pourtraifl of her hart, 
If pourtraydit might be by any Luing art. 

z 
But liuing art may not leaft part exprefle. 
Nor life-refembling pencill it can paint. 
All were it Zeuxis or VraxiteUs : 
His d sdak hand would faile, and greatly faint. 
And herperfeftions with his error taint : 
Ne Poets wit, that pafleth Painter farre 
In pifturing the parts of bcautie daint. 
So hard a workmanfhip adventure darre, 
For feare through want of words her excellence to marre. 

How then fhall \, Apprentice of the skill, 
Thatwhylomcindiuineftwitsdidraigne, 
Prefume fo high to ftretch mine humble quill J 
Yet now my luckleffe lot doth me conftraine 
\ 



Heere-to perforce. But 6, drad Soueraigne, 
Thus farre forthpardon, fith that choiceft wit 
Cannot your glorious pourtraift figure plaine 
That I in colourd fhowes may ftiadow it. 
And antique prayfes vnto prefent perfons tit. 

4 
But ifin liuing colours, and right hew. 
Your felfe you covet to fee piftured. 
Who can it doe more liuely , or more fJew, 
Then that fweet verfe, with T^fiar (prinkeled, 
In which a gracious (eruaunt pi fturcd 
His Cynthia, his heauens faircft light ? 
That with his melting fweemefferauifhed, 
Andvrith the wonder of herbeamez bright. 
My fenfes lulledarem flumber of delight. 

But let that fame delicious Poet lend 

A little leaue vnto a ruflicke Mufe, 

To fing his Miftrcfle praife ; and let him mend, 

If ought amifs her liking may abufe : 

Ne let his fayreft Cynthia remle, 

In mirroiu's more then one her felfe to fee ; 

But eyther Gloriana let her chufe, 

Or in Belphache falhioned to bee : 
In di'onc her rule, in th'other her rare chafHtee. 



L3. 



Cant. 



u4 



THE THIRD BOOKE OV 



Qant, I. 





Canto I. 



Gayon encomtreth Britomartf 
faire FlorimeU is ckicei : 

Dueffaes tr nines and MtteraFiAes 
chamfiens are defaced. 



,1 

\ 





Ij Hefdinous Briton Piince and Faery knight, 
I After long v/ayes &pcnIouspaines endured, 
'|| HJinngrheirwearylinibcs ro perfcftplight 
RcOor'd, &; fcr^' wounds right well recurcd, 
Ol the faire Mma greatly were procured 
To m:;ke there Icngcrfoiourne and abode; 
' But when thereto they might not be allured, 

From feeking praife, and deeds of amies abroade. 
They courteous couge tookc, and forth togctheryode. 

i 
Butthecaptiu'd ^crafahccCcntj 
Becaule of trauell long.a nighcr way, 
With a (Irong gard, all rcsltcvv to prevent, 
And her to Faery-court (afc to conuay, . 
That her for witnefTe of his hard aflay, 
Vnto liis Paery Qucene lie might prefent : 
Buthehimlelfc betooke another way. 
To make more triall of his hafdiment. 
And feeke adventures, as he with Prince Arthur went. 

? "'^ 

Long fo they trauellcd through waftefuU wayes, 

Where dangers dwelt, and perils moft did wonflcj 

To hunt for glorie and renowmed praife ; 

Full many Countries they did over-runpCi 

From tlie vpriiing to the fetting SunnC, 

And many hard adventures did atchieue ; 

Of all the which they honour eucr vyonne. 

Seeking the weakeoppreffcd to relieue. 
And to recouer right for luch as wrong did grieue. 

4 

At laft, as through an open Plaine they yode. 

They fpyde a knight, that towards pricked faire, 

And him befide an aged Squire there rode. 

That fccm'd to couch vnder his (liield three-fquare> 

As if that age bade him that burden fpare. 

And yield it thofe, that ftouter could it wield : 

He them efpying, gan himfelfe prepare. 

And on his arme addreffe his goodly fliicld 

That bore a Lyon paiTant in a golden field. 



which feeing good Sir Cuyon, dearc befought 
The Prince of gi-ace, to let him runne that turne. 
He oraunted : thentht Faery quickly raught 
His poynantfpearc, r^nd fharpely gantofpumc 
His fomyftccdjVvhote fiery fccte did burne 
The verdant grafic, as he thereon did tread ; 
Nedid the other backchisfootereturne. 
But fiercely forward came withouten dread. 
And bent his dreadfull Ipearc againft the'others head* 

6 
They bcene ymet, and botli tlicir poynts orriued, 
But Guyoti droLie fo furious aiid fell, 
That fcem'd both lliicld and plate it would haucTiued; 
NithtlclTe, it bore Ins fee notfrom his fell, 
Butnudehim Itagger, as hcwercnotwell: 
Bat Giiyoii fclfe, >.rc well he was aware. 
Nigh a (peareb length behind his crouper fell. 
Yet in his fa! 1 fo well himfcife he bare. 
That mifchieuous mifchaunce his life & limbes did fpare. 

7 
Great (hame and forrow of that fill hee tooke ; 
For ncucr yet fince warlike arme? he bore. 
And f hiuering (pcare in hloudy field firft fliookc. 
He found himfelfe dillionoured lb fore. 
All gentlcft knight that eutr armour bore. 
Let not tliec grieue Jifmountcd to haue beene, 
And brought to ground, that heuer waft before ; 
For, not thy fault, but fecrctpowrevnfeene, 
*rhat fpeare cuchaiited was, which laid thee on the Greene, 

8 
But weenedft thou whatwight thee overthrew. 
Much greater griefe and (hamcfuller regret 
For thy hard fortune then thou wouldft renew. 
That of a finglcDamfell thou wert met 
On equall Plaine, and there fo hard befet ; 
Euen the famous Britomart it v/as, 
whom ftrange adventure did from Britainifn, 
To feekeher Louer (loue farre fought ala^) 
Whofe image ftie had feene in fenus looking glafs. 

Fiji 



Ca/it, L 



THE FAERIE QVEENE. 



115 



\ 



Full ofiUfJ.iinefull wrath, he fierce vp-rofc, 
for to revenge thactoulercprochefuil Ihatne, 
And l'n.uching his bright fu ord, begin to dofc 
\V'it!ihcrontoote,anjftoutlyfor\v.irdcame; 
Die ratiuT would he tlien endure thatfime. 
Which V. hen his Paliiicr law, he g.in to fearc 
His towaril perill and vntoward b'ame, 
Which by that new r'encouncer he lliould rcarc : 

For,death (ate on thcpoint of that enthaunted (pcare. 
10 

And haflioCT towards him, jan faire perfwadc, 

Ki ° t • r ^ 

Not toprouoke mistortune, nor to wcene 
His (pearcs default to mend with cruell blade 5 
For, by his mighty Science he had ftene 
Thefecrct vertuc of that weapon kecne. 
That mortallpuilTance mote not withftond : 
Notliing on earth mote alwaics happv bcene. 
Great hazard were it, and adventure fond, 

To lofe long gotten honour with one euill hond. 
II 

By dich good mcancs he huii difcounfcllcd. 
From profccuting his reuenging rage ; 
And eke the Prince like treaty hondeied. 
His wrathfull will with reafon to alTwagCj 
And laid the blame, not to his carnage, 
But to his Ibrtmg fctzA, tliatfworu'd aiide. 
And to theill purveyance of his page. 
That had his furnirjrcs not firmely ti ic : 

So is liis angr^' courage fan ely pacifide. 
II 

Thus reconcilement was betwecne them knit. 

Through goodly temperance, and atFeftion chafte, 

And either vow'd with all their powre and wit, 

To let not others honour be dtf.ic't 

Of trieod orfoe, who euer it embas't, 

Ne armcs to bearc againil tiie others fide : 

In v.luch accord th.e Pnnce was alio plac't, 

And with tiiat golden chainc of concord t^'de. 

So goodly oil agreed, tiiey forth yttre did rydc. 

O goodly vfage of thofe anticjue times 1 

In which the fword was (eruaunt vnto right ; 
When notfor mahce and contentious crimes. 
But all for prailc, and proofe of manly might. 
The Martiall brood accultomed to fight : 
Then honour was the meed otviftorie, 
And yet the vanquillicd had no defpight: 
Let later age that noble vie envie. 

Vile rancour to avoyd, and cruell lurquedry. 

14 

Long ttcy thus Crauelled in Inendly wife. 

Through countries wafte, and eke well edifyde, 
Seeking adventures hard, to exercile 
Their puilTancc, whylome full dernely tryde : 
At length they come into aforrcft wide, 
Whofe hideous horror and fad trembling found 
Full griefly feem'd : Therein they long didride. 
Yet traft ofliuing creatures none they found, 

Sauc Beares, Lyons, & Buis, whidi romed them around. 



All fuddenly out of the thickell brulh, 
Vpon a mllkG-^vhite Palfrey all alone, 
A »oodly Lady did foreby them ruihi 
Whofeface did feeme as deare as Cryftall ftone. 
And eke (through feare) 3.% white as Wholes bone : 
Her garments all were wrought of beaten gold. 
And all her ftccd with tinlcU trappings (hone. 
Which fled fo faft, that notliing mo te him hold^ 

And fcorcethem lealuregaue, her pafling to behold. 
16 

Still as (he fled, her eye (he backward threvr. 
As feanng cuiU, that purfewd her fait ; 
And her faire yellow locks behind her flew, 
Looicly difperftwith puiFc ofeucry bloft : 
All as a blazing ftarre doth farre out-caft 
His hoirie beames, and flaming locks didpred. 
At fight whereof the people ftandagaft: 
But the fage VViford tellcs (as he has read) 

That it importunes death, and dolefull drgihead. 

17 

So, as they gazed after her awhile, 

Lo, where a grifly Foftcr foorth did ru(h. 
Breathing out beaftly luft her to defile : 
His tyieimp- iadc he fiercely forth did pu(h. 
Through thicke and thin, both over bankc and bu(h. 
In hope her to attaine by hooke or crooke, 
That from his gone iides the bloud did gu(h : 
Large were his ambes, and terrible his looke, 

Andin ids dowoilh hand a fharpc bore-fpeare he fllooiK. 
i8 

Which outrage when thofe gentle knights did fee, 
Full of great envie and fell iealoufie, 
They (layd not to avife who firft (houldbee. 
But all fpurd after fa(b, as they mote fly, 
Torcske\v herfromlhamefiillvillanv. 
The Pnnce and C'lyon equally byliue 
Her ielfe purfewd, in hope to win tliereby 
Moft goodly meed, thefivrcft Dame aliue : 

But after thefoule Fofter Tiniias did ftriue. 

The whiles faire Eritomittt, whofe conftant mind. 
Would not fohghtly follow beauties chace, 
Nc reckt of Ladies loue, did ftay behind, 
And them awaited there a ceriaine (pace, 
To wect if thev would turne backeto thatplace : 
But when (hee law them gone, fhe fonvard went. 
As lay her iourncy, through that perlous Pace, 
With ftedfaft courage and flout hariiment; 

Ne euill thing Ihe fear'd, nc euill thing (he ment. 
zo 

At laft, as nigh out of the wood (he came, 
A ft.;ti ly Caifle farie away fhe fpydc. 
To which her ftcps direcUy (lie did trarac. 
That Caftle was moft goodly cdifyde. 
And plac't for plealure nigh tliat forreft fide : 
But faire before the gate a fpatious Plaine, 
Mantled with grecne, it felfe did fpredden wide. 
On which ihe law fixe knights, that did darrame 

Fierce battailc againft one, witli cruell uught and maine. 
L 4. Mainely 



^ 



lit 



THE THIRD BOOKE OF 



Qant.l. 



Mainely they all attoncc ypon him layd. 
And fore bcfet on euery fide around. 
That nigh he breathlelTe grew, yet nought difmayd, 
Ne euer to them yielded foot of ground 
All had he loft much bloud through many a wound. 
But ftoutlydealthisblowes, and euery way 
To which he turned in his wrathfull ftound, 
Made them recoyle, and fly from drad decay. 

That none of all the fixe, before him durftaffay ; 
iz 

Like daftard Curres, thathauing at a bay 
The falvage beaft embofb m wearie chace. 
Dare not adventure on the ftubborne pray, 
Ne byte before,but romefrom place to piace> 
To get a fnatch, when turned is his face. 
In fuch diftrefle and doubtfull ieopardy. 
When Britomart him faw, fhee ran apace 
Vnto his reskew.and with earneft cry. 

Bade thofe fame lixe forbeare that fingie enemy. 

But to her cry they lift not Icnden eare, 

Ne ought the more theirmighty ftroakcs furceafe. 
But gathering him round about more neare, 
Thar direful! rancour rather did encreafe ; 
Till that ftierufliing through the thickeftpreace, 
Perforce difparted their compacted gyre. 
And foone compeld toharkenvnto peace : 
Tho gan Ihe mildly of them to inquire 

The cauleof their diflenfion and oiitragious ire. 
24 

VVhere-to that fingie knight did aunfwere frame ; 
Thefe fixe would me enforce by oddes of might. 
To change my liefe, and loue another Dame, 
That death me liefer were then fuch defpight^ 
So vnto wrong to yield my wrefted right : 
For, I loue one, the trueft one on ground, 
Ne hft me change ; ftie th' Errant Damjill hight, 
For whofe deare fake full many a bitter ilound 

I haue endur'djand tailed many a bloudy wound, 
if 

Certes, faid flic, then been ye fixe to blame. 
To weene your wrong by force to loftifie : 
Forj knight to leaue his Lady were great fliamc. 
That faithful! is, and better were to die. 
All lolTe is leffe, and leile the infamy, 
Then lofle of loue, to him that loues but one ; 
Ne may loue be compeld by maiftcry ; 
For, looneas maiftcry comes, Iweet loueanonc 

Takethhis nimble wings, and foone away is gone. 
» 26 

Then fpake one of thofe fixe. There dwelleth hccrc 
Within this Caftle wall a Lady faire, 
Whofe foueraine beautie hath no liuing peerc ; 
There-to fo bountious and fo debonaire, 
Thatneuerany mote with hercompaire. 
She hath ordaind this lawe, which we approue, 
That euery knight, which doth this way repaire. 
In cafe he haue no Lady,nor no Loue, 

Shall doe vnto her feruice ueuer to remoue. 



i7 
Butjif he haue a Lady or a Loue, 

Then muft he her forgoe with foule defame, 

Or elle with vs by dint of fword approue. 

That (he is fairer then our faircft Dame, 

As did this knight, before ye hither came. 

Perdie, faid Britomart, the choice is hard : 

But what reward had he that overcame ? 

He Ihould advaunced be to high regard 
Said they, and haue our Ladies loucfor his reward. 

z8 
Therefore aread Sir, if thou haue a Loue. 

Loue liaue I fure, quoth flie, but Lady none ; 

Yetwill I notfro mine owne Loue remoue, 

Ne to your Lady will I feruice done. 

But wreake your wrongs wrought to this knight alone. 

And proue his caufe. With that,hermortaIl fpeare 

She mightily aventred towards one. 

And do wne him fmote ere well aware he were. 
Then to the next (he rode, and downe the next did beare. 

29 
Ne did flic ftay till three on ground (he layd. 

That none of them himfelfe could rcarc againe ; 

The fourth was by that other knight difmayd, 

All were he wcarie of hisformerpaine, 

That now there doe but two of fixe remaine ; 

VV hich two did yield before flic did them fmight. 

Ah, faid liic then, now may ye all fee plaine, 

Thata-uihis Itrong.andtruelouemoft ofmighc. 
That for has trofty leruaunts doth fo ftrongly fight. 

3° 

Too well we fee, {aid they, and proue too well 

Our faultie weakenefle, and your matchlefle might : 
Foi-thy faire Sir, yours be the Damozell, 
Which by her ownc law to your lot doth hght. 
And wc your Iicge men faith vnto you phght. 
So vnderneath herfectthcir fwords they (hard, 
And alter, hei befought, well as they might. 
To entir in, and reape the due reward : 

Shee graunted, and then in they all together far' J. 

Long were it to defcribe the goodly frame. 
And ftately port of Cafile loyeous, 
(For, fo that Caftle hight by common name) 
Where they were entertaind with curteous 
And comely glee of many gracious 
Faire Ladies, and many a gentle knight. 
Who through a Chamber long and fpacious, 
Eftloones them brought vnto their Ladies fight. 

That of them cleeped was the Lady of delight. 

But for to' tell the fumptuous array 

Of that great chamber, ftiould be labour loft : 

For, liuing wit (I weene) cannot dilplay 

The royall riches and exceeding coft 

Of euery pillourand of euery poft ; 

Which all of purelf bulhon framed were. 

And with great pearles and pretious ftones emboft. 

That the bright glifter of their beamez deare 

Did fparkleforth great light, and glorious did appeare. 

Thefe 



Canul. THE FAERlE QVEENE. 



1^7 



Tliefe ftraiiCTer knights through pjffing, forth were led 
Into an inner roome, whole royJtee 
And nch purveyance might vncath be read ; 
Mote Princes place bcleeine fo Jecktto bee. 
Which rtatk-'lv manner when as they did fee. 
The image of fuperi5uous riotize, 
Exceeding much the ftatc of meane degree, 
They greatly wondred, whence fo fumptuous guifc 

Might be maintaind, and each gan diucrfely deuife. 

54 
The wals were round about apparelled 

With coftly clothes oi^rras and of Toure ; 

In which, with cunning hand was pouitrahed 

The ioue ot Fenus and her Paramour 

The fayrc adonis, tumedto aflowre, 

A worke ot rare deuife, and wondrous wit. 

Firft did it Ihew the bitter balcfull rtowre, 

Which her allayd with many a feruent fit. 
When firft her tender hart was with his beautie fmit. 

Thcn.w'th what fleights and fWeet allurements fhe 

Entic't tiie Boy (as well that art Hie knew) 

And wooed him her Paramour to be ; 

Now making girlonds of each flowre that grew. 

To crowne liis golden locks with honour dew ; 

Now leading him into afecret fhade 

From his Beaupcres, and from bright heauens viewj 

Where him to fleepe fhe gently would perfwade. 
Or bathe him in a fountaine by lomc couert glade. 

And whil'ft he flept, file over him would fpread 
Her mantle, colour'd like the flarryskyes,' 
Andherfoftarrae lay vnJerneathhis head* 
And with ambrofiali killcs bathe his eyes ; 
And whil'ft he bath'd, with her two crafty fpyes 
She (ccrctly would feirch each dainty Um, 
And diroweinto the Well fwect Roiemanes, 
Andfragrant violets, and Pances trim, 

And euer with Iwcet Neftar file did fpnnkle him. 

So did flic ftealc his faeedlcfle hart away, 
And loy'd his Ioue in fecret vnefpide. 
But, for fhefawhim bent to cruell play, 
To hunt thefalvage beaftinforeft wide, 
DreadfuU of danger, that mote him betide, 
Shee oft and oft adviz'd him to refraine 
From chafe of greater beafts, whofe brudfh pride 
Mote breed him fcathe rnwares : but all in vaine; 
For, who can lliun the chaunce that dcft'ny doth ordaine ? 

58 
Lo.wherebeyond he lyeth languifhing. 
Deadly engored of a great wiide Bore, 
And by his fide the Goddelfe groueling 
Makes for him cndlefTe mone, and euermore 
With her foft garment wipes away the gore. 
Which rtaines his fnowy skin with hatefull hew : 
But when fhcfaw no helpe might him reftore, 
Him to a dainty flowre Ihe did tranfmcw, 
\Vluchintlutclothwaswrought,asifitliuelygrew. . ' 



39 

So was that chamber clad in goodly wize, 
And round about it many beds weredight, 
As whylomewos the antique worldezguize. 
Some for vntiniely eafe, fomefor delight. 
As pleafed them to vfe, that vfe it might : 
And all was full of Damzels,and of Squires, 
Dauncingand reuellingboth day and night. 
And fwimming decpe in fenfuall deiires, 

And Cu^ii fbll cmongft them kindled luftfuU fires. 
40 

And all the while, fweet Mulickdid diuide 
Her loofer notes with Lydian harmony ; 
And all the while, fwect birds thereto applide 
Their dainty layes and dulcet melody, 
Ay caroling of Ioue and iolline, 
That wonderwas to heare their trim confort. 
Which when thofc knights behcld.with fcornefull eye 
They fdeigned fuchlafciuious difport. 

And loath 'd the loofe demeanure of that wanton fort. 

4» 

Thence they were brought to that great Ladies view. 
Whom they found iitting on alumptucus bed. 
That gliftred all with gold and glorious fncw, 
As the proud Terfitn Queenes accuftomed : 
She feem'd a woman of great bountihed, 
And of rare beaurie, faumg that alcauncc 
Her wanton eyes, ill fignes of womanhed, 
Did roll too lightly.and too often glauncc. 

Without regard of grace, or comely anienaunce. 
42 

Long worke it were, and necdlefTe to deuize 
Their goodly cnte rtainemcnt and great glee : 
She caufedthembeledin curteous wize 
Into a bowre, difarmed for to bee. 
And cheated well with wine and Ipicerce : 
The i^f/cro/Te Knight was fbone difarmed thctei 
But the braue Mayd would not difarmed be. 
But onely vented vp hervmbriere. 

And fo did let her goodly vifage to appere. 

4J 
As when faire Cynthia, in darkefome night, 

Is in a noyous cloud enveloped, 

Where fhe may find the fubftance thin and light, 

Brtakes forth her fducr beanies, andhcr brighthead 

Difcouers to the world difcomfite J ; 

Of the poorc trauellcr that went affray, 

WithrhoufandblcfTines fhe is hericd; 

Such was the beauty and the fliining ray, 
Wi th which faire Britomart gaue light vnto the day. 

44 

And eke thofe fixe, which lately with her fought. 
Now were difarmd, and did themlclucs prefent 
Vnto her view, and company vnfought; 
For they all feemed curteous and gent. 
And all fixe brethren, borne of one parent. 
Which had them traynd in all ciuilitee, 
Andgoodly taughtto tiltand turnament; 
Now were they liegemeil to this Lady free, 

And her Knights-feruice ought,to hold of her in Fee. 



The 



1x8 



THE THIRD BOOKE OF 



Qant, 1, 



4J 

The firft of them by name Gtrd/mtela^t, 
A iol ly perfoHj and of comely view ; 
The lecond was Varlaiite, a bold knirfit. 
And next to him locante did cofew ; 
Bafciante did himlclfc moft curteousfliewj 
But fierce Bacchante feem'd too fell and keene ; 
And yet in armes ?(<)(f74«ff greater grew : 
All were fairc knights, and goodly well befeene ; 

But to faire Britomart they all but fliadowes beenc. 
46 

For (he was full of amiable grace, 

And manly terrour mixed there-withall. 

That as the oneftird vp affeftions bafe. 

So th'other did mens rath defires appall. 

And hold them backf , that wouldin errour fall; 

As he that hatli elpyde a vermeill R-ofe, 

To which ftiarpe thornes and briers the way forftoll, 

Dare not for dread his hardy hand expofc ; 

But wilhing it farre off, his idle wilh doth lole. 

47 

Whom when the Lady faw (o faire a wight. 
All ignorant of her contrary fex, 
(For fhe her weend a frefh and lufty knight) 
She greatly g.in enamoured to wex. 
And with vaine tlioughts her falfed fancy vex : 
Her fickle hart conceiued haftie fire. 
Like fparks of fire which fall in flendcr flex> 
That fhortly brent into extreame defire. 

And ranfackt all her vcines with palGon entire. 
48 

Eftfoones fliee grew to great impatience. 
And into tearmes of open outrage burft, 
That plaine difcouer'd her incontinence, 
Nc rcclct flic, who her meaning did miftruft ; 
For,(he was giuen all to fleflily luft, 
And poured forth in fenfuall delight. 
That all regard of fliame (lie had dilcuft. 
And meet refpeft of honour put to flight : 

So fhamclcITe beauty foone becomes a loathy fight. 

Faire Ladies, that to loue captiued arrc. 

And chafte defires doe nourilh in your mindj 

Let not her fault your fwcet afFcftions mane, 

Ne blot the bounty of all womankind, 

Mongft thoufands good, one wanton Dame to find : 

Emongft the Rofes growe fome wicked wecdes } 

For, thi s was not to loue, but luftinclin'd ; 

For, loue does alwaies bring forth bountious deeds, 

And in each gentle hart defire of honour breedes. 

Nought fo of loue this Joofer Dame did skill. 
But as a coale to kindle fleflily flame, 
Giuing the bndle to her wanton will. 
And treading vnder foote her honeft name : 
Such loue is hate^ and fuch defire is ftiame. 
Still did file roue at her with crafty glauncc 
Of her falfe eyes, that at her hart did aymej'jc r L;. A 
Andtoldhermeaninginhercountenauilco^j.vvycj.T 

Sut Britomart diHembled it with ignorauncb m2 »/■ bn' 



5' 

Supper was (hottly dight, and downe they fat. 
Where they werelerued with all liimptuousfarc. 
Whiles fruitfull Ceres, and Lytut fat 
Pourd outtheirplenty, withoutfpight orfpare : 
Nought wanted there, tliat dainty was and rare > 
And aye the cups their banks did overflowc. 
And aye betwcene the cups, (hedidprepaje 
Way to her loue, and fecret darts did tlirowe ; 

But Britomart would not fuch gulefiill meflageknowe. 

So when they flaked had the feruent heat 
Of appetite with meates of euery fort> 
The Lady did faire Britomart entreat. 
Her to diCirme, and with dehghtfull (port 
To loofe her warlike limbs and ftrong effort : 
But when /he motenot there-vnto be wonne, 
(For, (heeher fex vnderthatftrange purport 
Did vfe to hide, and plaine apparaunce Ihunne:) 

In plainer wife to tell her grieuaunce (he begunne ; 

5J 
And all attonce difcouered her defire 

With'fighes,andfobsjandplaints,&pittiousgricfe, 

The outward (parkes of her in-burning fire ; 

Which fpent in vaine, atlaft flie told herbriefe. 

That but ifftiedidlcndherfhort reliefc. 

And doe her comfort, fhe mote algates die. 

But the chafte Damzeil, that had neuer priefc 

Of fuch malengine and fine forgcrie. 
Did eafily beheue her ftrong extremitie. 

^4 

Full eafie was for her to haue belicfe. 
Who, by felfe-feehng of her feeble fcx, 
And by long triall ofthe inward grief e, 
Where-with imperious loue her^art did ver, 
Could iudgc whatpaines do louing harts perplet. 
Who mcanes no guile, be 'guiled iooneft (hall. 
And to faire femblaunce dothlight faith annex ; 
The bird, that knowcsnot the falfe Fowlers call, 

Into his hidden net full ca£ly doth fall. 

U 

For-thy, fhe would not in difcourteous wife, 
Scorne the faire offer of good will profcft; 
For, great rebuke it is, loue to defpifc, 
Or rudely fdeigne a gentle harts requeft ; 
But withfaire countenaunce, as befeemed beft. 
Her entertaind ; nath'leffe, fhee inly deem'd 
Her loue too light, to wooea wandring gueft: 
Which fhe imfconftruing, thereby eftecm'd 

That fro hke inward fire that' outward fmoke had fieem'i. 

^^ 

There-with awhile fhe her fli t fancie fed. 

Till (he mote winne fit time for her defire; 
But yet her wound ftill inward freflily bled, 
And through her bones the fall'e inftilled fire 
Did fpread it felfe, and venime dofe infpire. 
Tf-o, were the tables taken all away, 
And euery Knight, and euery gentleSquire 
Gan choofe his Dame with Bafcio mani gay, 
With whom he meant to make his ^ort and courtly play.' 

Some 



Qant. I. 



THE FAERIE QVEENE. 



^^9 



Some fell to daunce, fonie fell to hazardry. 
Some to mike loue, lome to make merimcnt. 
As djuerfe wits to diucrfe things apply ; 
And all the while f.tire Malecafia bent 
Her crafty engins to herclolc intent. 
By this til ctcriiall lanipcs, where-vvith high loue 
Doth light die lower world, were halfe ylpcnt. 
And the moift daughters of huge ^f/ajltroue 

Into the Ocean deepe to driue their wearic droue. 
S8 

High time it Teemed tlien for euery wight 
Them to betake vnto their kindly reft ; 
Eftfoones long waxen torches wcren light, 
Vnto their bowres to guiden euery guell : 
Tho.when the Britonellc law all tlie reft 
Avoided quite, (he gan her felfe defpoile, 
And fafe commit to her foft ix-thered neft ; 
Where, through longwatch, & late dayes weary toyle. 

She foundly flept, and carefull thoughts did quite affoiJe. 

59 
Now, when-as all the world in iilence deepe 
Yftirowded was, and euery mortall wight 
Was drowned in the depth of deadly flecpe, 
Faire Malecafia, u hole engrieucd (pright 
Could hnd no relt in fuch perplexed plight. 
Lightly arole out of her weary bed, 
And vnder theblacke veilc of guilty Night, 
Her with a fcarlot mantle couered, 
That was with gold and Ermines fay re enveloped. 

60 
Then panting foft, and trembling euerj' ioynt. 
Her fearetuU feet towards the Dowrc (he moued ; 
Where (he for (ecret purpofc did appoy nt 
To lodge the warlike mayd vnwilely loued, 
And to her bed approching, firlt (lie prooued, 
Whether (he flept or wak't, with her foft hand , 
She foftlyfelt, li'any member mooued, 
And lent her wary eare to vnderftand, 
If any pufFc of brcathj or figne of fenfe (he find. 

61 
Which,when-as none (he fond, with eaCe fiiift, 
For feare leaft her vnwares (he (hould abrayd, 
Th'embroderd quilt fhe lightly vp did lift. 
And by her fide her felfe (he foftly layd, 
Ofeueryfineft fingers touch affray d; 
Ne any noyfe (he made, ne word (he fpakc. 
But inly fight. At lall, the royall Mayd 
Out of her quiet (lumber did awake, 
And chang'd her weary fide, the better eafe to take. 

6x 
Where, feeling one dofe couched by her fide. 
She lightly leapt out of her filed bed, 
Andto her weapon ran,in mind to gride 
The loathed leachour. But the Dame, halfe deai 



Through luddajne feare and gaflly drerihed, 
Did (hneke aloud, that through die houfeit rong. 
And the whole family there-widi adrcd^ 
Raflily out of their rouzed couches fpronc, 
And to the troubled chamber all in armes did chron?. 

And thofe fix Knights, thatLadies Champions, 
And eke the J^dcroffe knight ran to the ftound, 
Halfe arm'dand halfevnarm'd, with them attons : 
Where when confufedly they came, they found 
Their Lady lying on the fenleleire ground ; 
On th'othcr lidc, they Paw the warlike Mayd 
All in her fnow-white Iniocfc, widilocks vnbound, 
Threatning the poynt of her avenging blade. 

That with fo troublous terrour diey were all difmayj. 

About their Lady firft they flocktarouad: 
Whom hauing layd in comfortable couch, 
Shortly they reard out of her frozen fwound; 
And afterwards they gan wi tli foule reprochc 
To ftirrevpftrife, and troublous conteck broche: 
But by enfampleofthelaft dayes loffe, 
None of them rafhly durft to her approche, 
Ne info glorious fpoylethem(t;luescmbo(re; 

Her fuccour'd eke the Champion of the bloudy CrofTe. 

But one of thofe fixe Knights, Gardante hi^h t. 
Drew out a deadly boawe and arrow keene. 
Which forth he lent with fclonous defpioht. 
And fell intent againft the Virgin rtieene : 
The mortall ftecleftaid not, till It was feenc 
To gore her fide ; yet was the wound not deepe. 
But lighdy rafed htrfoftfilkcn skin. 
That drops of purple blood there-out did weepe. 

Which did hcrlilly (mock with ftaines of vermeil fteepe. 
66 

Where-withenrag'd.fhee fiercely atdiemflew. 
And with her flaming fword abouther layd. 
That none of them foule mifchiefe could efcLew, 
But with her dreadfull ftrokes were all difmayd : 
Here, diere, and euery where about her fwayd 
Her wrathfiill ileele, that none mote it abide ; 
And eke the B^dcroffe knight gaue her good ayde. 
Ay ioymng foot to foot, and fide to fide, 

That in (hotc Ipacc their foes they haue quite terrifidc. 
67 

Tho, when-as all were put to (hamefuU flight. 
The noble JBr/foTwdrrH her arrayd. 
And her bright armes about her body dight : 
For nothing would fhe lenger there beftaid. 
Where fo loofe life, and fo vngentle trade 
Was vs'd of Knights and Ladies feeming gent : 
So earely,erc the groffe Earthes gryefy fhade. 
Was all difperft out of the firmament. 

They tooke their fteeds, & forth vpon their journey went. 



Canto 



13® 



THE THIRD BOOKE OF 



Cant, 77. 




Canto II. 

7 he Redcrojfe knight to Brltomart 

defcribeth Artegall : 
The wondrous mirrour., by which fhe 

in loue with him did fall. 





\ Ire haue I caufe, in hieti fuft blame to find, 
I That in their proper praife too partiall be, 
' And not indifferent to woman-kind, 
I To whom, no fhare in amies & cheualrie 
They doe impwt, ne maken niemorie 
Of their braue geftes & proweffe Martiall; 
Scarce doe they fpare to one, or two, or three, 
Roome in their writs; yet the fame writingfmall 
Does all their deeds deface, and dims their glories alT: 

1 
But by record of antiquetimes I find. 

That women wont in warres to beare moft fway. 
And to allgreat exploits themfelues inclin'd : 
Of which they ftill the girlond bore away, 
Till envious Men (fearing their rules decay) 
Can coyne ftraight lawes to curb their liberty > 
Yet fith they warlike armcs haue laydaway> 
They haue exceld in artes and policie. 
That now we fooliih men that praifegin eke t'enuy. 

I 

Of warlike puiflaunce in ages fpent, 

Be thou fairc Britomart, whofepraife I write. 

But of all wifedomc be thou precedent, 

O fqueraigne Queene, whole praife I would endite, 

Endite I would as ductie doth excite ; 

But ah ! my rimes too rude and rugged arre. 

When m (o high an obieft they doe lighte, 

Andftriuingfttomake, Ifcaredoemarrc: . ; 

Thy felfe thy prayles tell , and make them knowen farre. 

' ( 'M 4 , 

ShejtrauelIingwithG»J/o»bythcway, 
Of fundry things faire purpofc gan tOifind, 
T'abbridge their iourney long.and lingring day ; 
Mongft which it fellinto that Faeries mind. 
To aske this Briton Mayd, what vncouth wind 
Brought her into thofe parts , and what inqucft 
Made her diflemble hcrdifguifed kind : 
Faire Lady (he him feemd,Tike Lady dreft; 

Butfayfcft knight aliue, when armed was her breft. 



5 

Thereat (hee fighing foftly, had no power 
To fpeake awhile, ne ready anfwere make. 
But with hart-thrilling throbs and bitter itowre. 
As if (he had a feuer nt, did quake. 
And euery dainty limbe with horrour (hake ; 
And euer and anone the roly red 
Flalht through her face, as it bad b(;ene ji flake 
Of lightning, through bright heaucn fulmined ; 

At laft,ue pamon pall, Ihe thus him aulwered. 
6 

Faire Sir, I let you wcet, that from the howre 
I taken was from Nurles tender pap, 
1 haue beene trained vp in warlike ftowrc. 
To toffen Ipcarc and fnield, and to afirap 
The warlike rider to his moft misfliap ; 
Sithcnce I loathedhaue my life to lead. 
As Ladies wont, in pleafurcs wanton lap. 
To finger the fine needle and nyce thread ; 

Me leuer were with point of foe-mans fpearebe dead. 

7 
All my delight on deeds of armes is fet, 
To hunt out perils and adventures hard. 
By fea, by land, wherefo they may be met, 
Onely for honour and for high regard. 
Without relpeft of riches or reward. 
Tor fuch intent into thefe parts I came, 
Withouten compafle, or withouteii.cardj 
- Far from my natiue foylc, that is bv name 
The greater Eritaine, heere to feeke for praife and fanUk 

8 : 

Fame blazed hath, that h eere in Faery lond 
Doe many famous Knights and Ladies wonnei 
And many ftrange adventures tobefond. 
Of which great worth and wordiip m.iy be wonne; 
Which I to proue, this voyage haue bcgonne. 
But mote I.weet of you, right curteous knight, 
Ty dings of one, that hack vnto me donne 
Late foule di(honour and reprocbefull fpight, 

I'he which I feeke to wrcake, and ^rthtgaU he hight. 






The 



Ca?}t, 7 7. 



THE FAERIE Q.VEENE 



131 



The word gone out, (he backe agiinc would call> 
As her repenting fo to haue miffayJ, 
But that he it vp-taking ere the fall, 
Her fhortly jnfwered ; Faire mirtiall Maid 
Certes ye mifjuileJ been, t'vpbraid 
A pcntfc knight with lb vnknightly blame : 
For, weet ye well, of all that cuer playd 
At til r or tourney, or like warlike game, 

The noble ^rffc? »aWhath eucr borne the name. 
10 

For-thy great wonder were it, if fuch Ihime 
Should eucr enter in his bountious thought, 
Oreuerdo that mote deleruen blame : 
The noble courage neucrweeueth ought, 
Tlwt may vnvvorthy of it felfe be thought. 
Therefore, taire DamzcU, be ye well awarCj 
Leaft that too farre ye hjuc your forrowe fought: 
You and your countrey both I wi(h welfare, 

And honour both; lor each ot other worthy are. 
II 

The royall Mayd woxeinly wondrous glad. 
To hcare herlouefolughlymagnindcj 
And ioyd that euer (lie afExed had 
Her heart on kniglit lb goodly glorifide, 
How euer finely fheitfaind tohide.- 
The louing mother, that nine moneths didbearc. 
In the deare dolet of her painefull fide, 
Her tender babe, it feeing lafe appcare. 

Doth not fo much reioice, as Hie rcioiccd there. 
11 

But to occafion him to further talkc, 

To feed her humour with his pleafing ftile, 
Her lift in ftnft-fuU tearmes with him to balke. 
And thus rcplide, How eucr. Sir, ye file 
Your courteous tongue bis priifes to compile. 
It ill beleemes a knight of gentle Ibrt, 
Such as ye haue him boalled, to beguile 
A fimplc mayd, and workc fo haynous tort, 

In fliamc of knighthood, as I largely can report. 

Let be therefore my vengeance to diflwade. 
And read, where I that fay tour falfe may find. 
Ah,butif realbn faire mightyouperlwade. 
To flake your wrath, and mollifie your miad, 
Sayd he, perhaps ye Ihould it better find : 
For, hardy thing it is, to weene by might, 
Thatman to hard conditions to bind, 
Or euer hope to match in equall fight ; 

Whofe prowefle paragon law neuer liuing wight. 

Ne foothlich is it eafie for to read, 

Where now on earth, or how he may be found; 
For, he ne wonneth in one certaine ftead, 
But reftlefs walketh all the world around. 
Ay doing things, that to his fame redound. 
Defending Ladies caufe,and Orphans right, 
Whcrefo he heares, that any doth confound 
Them comfortlelTe, through tyranny or might ; 

So is his (oueraine honour rais 'd to heauecs hight. 



His feeling words her feeblclenfe much pleafed. 
And fohly funke into her molten heart; 
Heart, that is inly hurt, is greatly eafed 
With hope of thing, that may allegge his fmart ; 
For, pleafing words are like to Magickart, 
That doth the charmed Snakein flomber lay : 
Such fecret eafe felt gentle Bntomart, 
Yethft the fame efForcewith faindgainefay ; 

(Sojdifcord oft in Mufick makes thefwceterlay.) 
16 

Andfayd, Sir knight, thefeidle tearms forbeare. 
And fith it is vneath to finde his haunt. 
Tell me fome markes, by whi ch he may appeare. 
If chaunce I him encounter parauaunt ; 
For, perdy onefhallother flay, or daunt: (fted; 

What fliape, what lhield,whatarms, whatftecd, what 
And whatfo elfe his perfon moft may vaunt > 
All which the i^f</croj(J« knight to pointareW, 

And him in euery point before herfalhioncd. 
17 

Yet him in euery part before flie knew, 

How-euerlift her now her knowledge faine, 
Sith him whilome in Britainefhc didview. 
To hcrreuealed in a mirrourplaine ; 
Whereof did growe her firft cngrafFed paine ; 
Whole root and ftalke fo bitter yet did tafte, 
That but thefruite more fweemelTe did containe, 
Herwretched dayes in dolour Ihemotewoftc, 

And yield the pray of loue to loathfome death at laft. 
18 

By ftrange occafion fhe did him behold. 

And much more flrougely gan to loue his fight. 

As it in bookeshath wntteu been of old. 

In DeheubartI? that now South-wales is hight. 

What time king ]{yenre raign'd, and dealed right, 

Thegreat Magician Merlin had deuiz'd. 

By his dcepelcicnce, and hcll-drcaded might, 

A looking glals, right wondroufly aguiz'd, 

Whofe vermes through the wide world loon were folem- 
1 9 (niz'd. 

It vertue had , to (hew in perfeft fight, 

What-euer thing was in the world contain'd. 
Betwixt the loweft earth and heauens hight, 
So that it to the looker appcrtayn'd ; 
What-euerfoe had wrought orfriend had fiyn'd. 
Therein difcouered was, ne ought mote pafs, 
Ne ought in fecret from the fame remayn'd ; 
For-thy it round and hollow fhaped was. 

Like to the world i t felfe, and feem'd a world of glafs. 
20 

Who wonders not, thatreades fo wondrous worke i 
But who does wonder that has red the Towre, 
Wherein th'jEgyptian Thai long did lurke 
From all mens view, that none might her difcoure, 
Yet (he might all men view out of ner bowre ; 
Great Vtolomee itfor his lemans lake 
Ybuilded all of glafs, by Magicke powre, 
And alio it impregnable did make ; 

Yet when his loue was falfe, he with a peazeit brake. 
M Such 



ii% 



THE THIRD BOOKE OF 



Catjt, 11. 



Such was the glaflie globe that Merlin made. 
And gaue vnto king ]{ience for his guard, 
That neuer foes his kingdome might inuadc, 
Butheit knew it home before he liard 
Tidings thdrof, and fo them ftill debard. 
It was a famous Prefent for a Prince, 
And worthy work of infinite reward, 
That treafons could bewray, and foes conuince : 

Happy this Realme, had it remained cuerfince. 

22 

One day it fortuned, faire Sritoman 
Into hcrfathers cl^fct to repaire ; 
For, nothing he froVn her refervi'd apart , 
Being his onely daughter and his hayre : 
Where when flie had efpide that mirrour faire, 
Herfelfe awhile therin file viewd in vaine; 
Tho, her avizing of the vermes rare. 
Which thereof ipoken were, (he gan againe 

Her to bethinke of that mote to herlelfe pertaine. 

But as itfalleth in the gentleft hearts 

Imperious Loue hath higheft fet his throne, 

And tyrannizeth in the bitter fmarts 

Of them, that to him buxome are and prone : 

So thought this Maid (as inaidens vfe to done) 

Whom fortune for her husband would allot, 

Notthatfhelufted after any one ; 

For, (he was purefrom blame of finfullblor, 

Yetwiftherlifeatlaft muft linke in that (iuhe knot. 
24 

Eftfoones there was pre(ented to her eyei 
A comely knight, all arm'd in complet wiiCj 
Through whofe bnght ventayle lifted vp on hie 
His manly face, that did his toes agrize. 
And fnends to tearms of gentle truce entize 
Lookt foorth, as Thcebiu fice out of the ea(t 
Betwixt two (hady mountaines doth arize ; 
Portly his perfon was, and much incrcaft 

Through hi s Heroicke grace, and honorable geft. 

. . ^^ 
His creft was couercd with a couchant Hound, 

Andallhisarmourfeem'dof anti^uemould. 

But wondrous maflie and a(riired found. 

And round about yfretted all with gold. 

In which there written was with cyphers old, 

^chillesarmes which Arthegdldid'winrie. 

And on his (hield enueloped feuenfold 

He bore a crowned little Ermilin, 

That deckt the azure field with her faire'pouldred sfcih. 

i6 

The Damzell well didview his perfonage, 

And hked well, he further failned not, 

But went her way; behervnguiltyage 

Did weene, vn wares, that her vnluckie lot 

Lay hidden in the bbttome of the pot ; 

Of hurtvnwift mo(t danger doth redound ; 

But the falfe Archer, which that arrOw (hot 

So flyly, that (he did not feele the wound. 

Did foile fullfmoothly at her \yeetlcfs wofull ftoimd. 



i7 

Thenceforth the fcatherin herlofty creft. 
Ruffed of loue, gan lowely to auaile. 
And her proud portance, and ha princely geft, 
With which (he earft triumphed, now did cjuaile : 
Sad, folemne, fowre, and full of fancies fraile 
She woxe ; yetwift(he neither how, nor why. 
She wift not, filly maid, what (he did ailc ; 
Yet wift, (he was not well at eafe perdy , 

Yet thought it was not loue, but fome melancholy. 
28 

So foone as night had with her pallid hew 
Defac't the beauty of the (hinmg sky, 
And reft from men the worlds defired view. 
She with her Nourfe adownc to fleepe didlie; 
But fleepe fuUfarre away from her did flie : 
In ftead thereof fad fighcs and forrowes deepe 
Kept watch and ward about her warily. 
That nought (he didbutwaile, and often fteepc 

Her dainty couch with tears, which dofcly (he did weep. 
29 

And if that any drop of flombring reft 
Did chaunce to ftiU into her wcarv fprighr, 
When feeble nature felt her fclfe oppreft: ; 
Streight-way with drcames, and with fantafticke fight 
Of dreadfoll things the fame was put to i^ight. 
That oft out of her bed (he did aftart, 
As one with view of ghaftly fcends affiight : 
Tho, gan (he to renew herformer (mart, 

And thinke of that faire vi(age written in her heart, 

J° 

One night, when (he was toft with fach vnreft, 
HeragcdNurfe,whofcnamcwas Glattce hight, 
Feeling herleapeout ef her loathed neft, 
Betwixt her feeble armes her quicidy keight, 
And downe againe in her warme bed her dight ; 
Ah my deare daughter, ah my deareft dread, 
Whatvncouth fit, fayd (he, what cuill plight 
Hath thee oppreft, and with fad drcaryhead 

Chaunged thy liuely chearc, and huing made thee dead ? 

For, not of nought thefefnddeine ghaftly feares 
All night affliflthy Daturall repoie : 
And all the day, when as thine equall Peares 
Their fit difports v^th faire delight doe chofcj 
Thou in dull corners doft thy felfe inclofe, 
NetaftcftPrincespleafures,nedoeft(pred 
Abroad thy fre(h youthes faireft flowre, but lofc 
Both Iclfe and fruit, both too vn timely (hed. 

As one in wilfiill bale for euer buried. 

The time, that mortall men their weary cares 
Do lay away, and all vvilde beaftes do reft. 
And euery riuereke his courfeforbeares. 
Then doth this wicked euill thee infcft. 
And riue with thou(and throbs thy tlirilled breft; 
Like an huge ^etn of deep cngulied griefe, . 
Sorrow is heaped in thy hollow cheft , 
Whence forth It breakes in fighes and anguilh rife. 

As (moke and fulphure mingled with confuted ffrifc. 



CantJL 



THE FAERIE QVEENE. 



»33 



Aye me, how much I fcarc, Icift loue it bee; 
But if that loue it be, .;s liarc I read 
By knosven ligncs and paffions , which I fee. 
Be itworthy of thy race and royail fead, 
Then I avow by tins moft facred head 
Of my dcarc fofttr child, to ea(e thy griefc. 
And win thy will : Therefore away doc dread ; 
For,dcath nor danger from thy dew rcliefe 

Shall mc dcbarre; tell nie therefore my hefeft liefe. 

J4 
So hiuing fiid, her twixt her armes twaine 

She ftraightly ftrayn'd, and coiled tenderly. 

And eucry trembling ioynt, and euery voinc 

She fofrly felt, and rubbed buCly , 

To doe the frozen colde awaie to flic ; 

And her faire dcawy eyes with kilTes deare 

She oft did bathe, and oft againe did dry; 

And cuerhcrimportun'd,uottofcare 
To let die fccrct of her heart to her appcare. 

ThcDamzellpaus'dj andthen thusfearefully ; 
Ah Nurfc 1 what needctli thee to eke my point ? 
Is not enoufjh, that I alone doc die. 
But it muft doubled be with death of twaine ? 
For, noughtfor me but death there doth remaine. 

daughter deare, Qid Ihc, defpoire no whit ; 
For, Neucr fore, but might a faluc obtaine : 
That blinded god, which hath ye bhndly (iruti 

Another arrow hath your louers heart to hit. 

Eutmineis notj<juothnic,likc others wound ; 
For which no reafon can findc remedie. 
Was neueriuch, but mote the like be found. 
Said (he, and though no reafon may apply 
Salue to your fore, yet loue can higher ftie, 
Then rtifons reach, and oft luth wonders donnc. 
But neither god of loue, nor god of sky 
CandoeCfaid fhc) that, which cannot be donne. 

Things ott impofllble (ijuoth llie) feemc ere begonnet 
37 

Thefc idle words, faydftie, doe nought aflwage 
My ftubbomc (mart, but more annoyance breed. 
For, no, no vfuall fire, no vfuall rage 
Itis, 6 Nurfe, which on my life doth feed, 
And fuckes the bloud,which from my heart doth bleed. 
But fince thy faithfuU zeale lets me not hide 
Mycnme (if aime it be) I will it reed. 
Nor Prince , nor pere it is whofe loue hath grydc 

My feeble breft of lite, and launced thi s wound wyde; 

Nor man it i s, nor other huing wight : 

For then fome hope I might vnto me drawe ; 
But th'only (hade and lemblant of a knight, 
Whofe fhape or perlon y et I neuer fawc. 
Hath me fubiefted to loucs cruell lawe : 
The fame one day, as me misfortune led, 

1 in my fathers wondrous mirrour fawe. 
And plealed with that fecminggoodly-hed, 

Vnwaics (he hidden hookc with baite I iwailowed. 



39 

Sithens it hath infixed fafter hold 

Within my bleeding bowels, and fo fore 
Now raiikleth in this fame fraile fle(hly mould. 
That all mine entroilcs flowe with poyfnous gore. 
And thVIccr groweth day ly more and more ; 
Ne can my running (ore find remedie. 
Other then my hard fortune to deplore. 
And languilh as the leofe falnc from the tree. 

Till death make one end of my daies and miferie. 
40 

Daughter, fayd (Tie, what need ye be difmayd. 
Or why make y e fuch monfter of your mind ? 
Of much more vncouth thing I was af&ayd; 
Of filthy lufl,contraryvntoKind: 
But this ofFefbon nothing ftrange I find ; 
For, who with reafon can you aye reprouc. 
To loue the femblant pleaiing moft your minde> 
And yieldyourheartwhence ye cannot remoue? 

No guilt in you, but in the tyranny of loue. 

41 

Nor fo ik'^rahiati Myrrh' did fet her rhinde; 
Not lo did B/'i/«[pend her pining heart, 
But lov'd their native flefh againft all kind. 
And to their purpofe vied wicked art : 
Yet playd P^j/Tp/wca moremonftrouspart. 
That lov'd a Bull, and Icarnd a beaft to bee ; 
Such (h.imefullluds who loathsnot,whichdeparC 
From courle of Nature and of modeify ? 

Sweet loue luchlewdnes bands from hisfairc company. . 

4» 
But thine my Deare (welfare thy heart my Deare) 

Though ilrange beginning had, yet fixed is 

Oil one, that worthy may perhaps appcare; 

And certesfeems beftowed notamifs : 

Icy thereof haue thou and etcmallblifs. 

With that vpleaning on her clbowe wcafce, 

Hcralabiafter breft' Ihc foft did ki(s. 

Which all that while (he felt to pant and <juake. 
As It an Earth-quake were; at laft (he ihus befpake : 

43 

Beldame, your words do worke me little cafe ; 
For, though my loue be not fo lewdly bent. 
As thofc ye blame, vet may it not appcafc 
My raging fmart, ne ought my flame relent. 
But rather doth mv hclplefs gricfe augment. 
For tlicy , how euer (hamefull and vnkinde, 
Yet did polTelTc their hornblcintent : 
Short end of (orrowes they thereby did finde ; (minde. 

So was their fortune good, though wicked were their 

44 

But wicked fortune mine, though mine be good. 
Can haue no end, nor hope of my defire. 
But feed on (hadowes , whiles I die for foodc. 
And like a (hadow wexe, whiles with entire 
AfFeftion I doe hnguifh and expire. 
I fonder, then Ce^hiftuiao\i(h child. 
Who hauing viewed in afountainefhere 
ILs face, was with the loue thereof beguil'd ; 

1 fonder loue a (hade, the body farre exil'd. 

M i. Noagkt 



134 



THE THIRD BOOKE OF 



Cant, 1 1, 



4f , , 

Nought like, cjuotliflic, for that fame wretched boy 
Was of himfclfe the idle Paramoure ; 
Both louc and loucr, without hope of ioy. 
For which he faded to a watry flowre. 
But betterfortune thine,aiid better howrc, 
Which lov'ft the fliadow of a vvarhke knight; 
No fhadowj but a body hath in powre : 
That bodie,whcre(oeuer that It hght. 

May learned be by cyphers, or by Magicke might. 
4<5 

But if thou may with reafon yet repreffe 

The growing euill, ere it ftrength haue got, ' 
And thee abandond wholly do poffelTe, 
Againft it ftrongly ftnue, and yield thee not. 
Till thou in open field adowne be fmot. 
But if the paflion mafter thy fraile might, 
So that needs loue or death muft be thy lot. 
Then I avow to thee by wrong or right 

To compaflc thy defire, and find that louedknight. 

47 

Her chearefoU words much chear'd the feeble Iprighc 
Of the ficke virgin, th. t her downe the layd 
In her warme bed to fleepe, if that ftie might ; 
And the old-woman carefully difplayd 
The clothes about her round with bufie ayd ; 
So that at laft a little creeping fleepe 
Surpris'd her fenfe: She, tiierewiih well apayd, 
The drunken lampe downe in the oy le did ftecpe. 

And let herty to watch, and let her by to weepe. 
48 

Earcly the morrow next, before that day 
His ioyous face did to the world reueale, 
They both vprole and tooke their readie way 
Vnto the Church theirpr.iycrs to appeale, 
With great deuotion, and with httle zeale : 
For.the faire Damzell from-the holy herfe 
Her loue-ficke heart to other thoughts did fteale; 
And that old Dame fayd many an idle verfe , 

Out of her daughters heart fond fancies to reuerfe. 



49 

Returned home, the royall Infant fell 
Into her former fit; for why, no powre 
Nor guidance of her felfe in her did dwell. 
But th'aged Nurfc, her calling to her bowre. 
Had gatliered Rcw, and Saiune, and the flowre 
Of Cdmf/Mra, and Calamint, and Dill, 
All which flic in an earthen pot did poure, 
And to the brim with Coltwood did it fill. 

And many drops of milke and bloud through it did fpill. 

50 
Then taking thrice three haires from off her head. 

Them trebbly braided in a threefold lace. 

And round about the pots mouth, bound the thread. 

And after hauing whilpcred a fpacc 

Ccrtaine fad words, with hollow voice and bafe. 

She to the virgin faid, thrice (ayd Ihe i t ; 

Comedaughtercomc,come;fpitvpon myface, . 

Spit thrice vpon me, thrice vpon me fpit ; 
Th'vntuen numbcrfor this bulineffeis moft fit. 

5» 

That (ayd, her round about fliefrom her tumd. 
She turned her contrary to the Sunne, 
Thrile (he her turn'd contrary, and return'd. 
All contrary; for (he the right did fliunne. 
And cuer whatflie did, wasftreightvndonnc' 
So thought (he to vndoe her daughters loue : 
But loue, that is in gentle breft begonne. 
No idle charmesfo lightly may remooue ; 

That well MD witnelTe, who by triall it does prouc. ■ 

ji 

Neoughtitmotcthe noble Maydauaile, 
N; (lake thefurie of her cruell flame. 
But thatflie (bll did wafte, and ftill did wayle. 
That through long langour , and heart-bumtogbrimc 
She (hortly like a py ned ghoft became, 
Which long hath wayted by the Stygian ftrond. 
Tlutwhen old G/<J«irefaw,forfeareleaft blame 
Of hermiicarriage (houldin her befond 

She wift opt how t'amend,nor how it to withftond. 



Canto 



JssItixiJoIis. 




i^M 



Cant.IlI. 



THE FAERIE Q.VEENE. 



135 




Canto III. 

Merlin bewray es^ to Britomeirt^ 

thejiate of Artegdl; 
And fhevees the famotis Progeny 
which from thtmjpringenjhall. 




^ H ficred fire, that burneft mightily 
^ In Iiuin^ brcfts, ykindled firft jboue, 
J; Emonoil th'cternall fphcres & lamping sky, 
S^¥^ And thecc pourd into men,\vhich me cal loue; 
-flL Not that fame , which doth bafe jfte£lions 
Iq brutilTiminds.S; filthy luft inflame; (moue 

But that Iweel fit, that doth true beauty loUe, 
And chofeth vcrtue for his dearcft Dame, 
Whence fpring all noble deeds and neuer dying fame; 

2 

Well did Antiquitie a God thee dceme, 

That ouer mortall minds haftfo great might. 
To order them, as beft to thee doth (ccmc. 
And all their aftions to direft anght ; 
The fatall purpole of divine foreiight 
Thou doeft etteft in dcftined defcents , 
Through deepe imprcfllon of thy fecret might, 
And ftirredftvp th'Hetoes highincents, 

Which the late world admires for wondrous moniments. 

? 

But thy drad darts in none do triumph more, 
Ne braver pro3'^ in any, of thy powre 
Shcwdft thou, then in this royall Maide of yore, 
Making her (eeke an vnknowne Poramoure, 
From the worlds end, through many a bitter ftowrc : 
From who(e two loynes thou after^vards did raife 
Moft famous fruits of matrimoniall bowre, 
Which through the earth haue fpred their lining prayfe, 

Thatfamem trompe of gold eternally difplayes. 

4 

Begin then, o my deareftfacred Dame, 
Daughter of Tbcebiu and of Memorit, 
That doeft ennoble with immortall name 
The warUke Worthies, fromantiquitie. 
In tliy great volume of Eternity : 
Begin, 6 CUo, and recount from hence 
My glorious Soueraignes goodly aunceftry, 
Till that by dew degrees and long pretence, 

Thou haueit laftly brought vnto her Excellence. 



Full many waies within her troubled minde, 
Old CUuce caft, to cure this Ladies gricfe : 
Full many waies fhefought, but none could finde, 
Nor herbcs, nor chjrmes,nor counfcll, that is chiefe 
And choifeft med'cine for ficke hearts rclicfc : 
For-thy great catefhetooke, and greater feare, 
Lcafl thatitfhould her turne to foulc repriefe. 
And fore rcproche, when (o her father deare 

Should of his deareft daughters hard misfortune heare. 
6 

At laft,(he her aduis'd, that he, which made 
That mirrour, wherein the ficke Damofell 
So ftrangely viewed her ftrange louers lliade, 
To wect, the learned Merlin, well could tell, 
Vndtrwhatcooftof heaucn the man did dwell, 
And by what mcanes his loue might beft be wrought: 
For, though beyond xbe^Jfricl\IfmaeU, 
Or th'Indian Teru he were, Ihe thought 

Him forth through infiniteindeuour to haue fought. 

7 

Forthwith thcmfelues difguifing both in ftrange 
And bafe attyre, that none might them bewray. 
To Maridimum, thit is now by chaunge 
Of name Crfyr-Afcr(/;»cald, they tooke their way: 
There the wife Merlin whylome wont, they lay. 
To make his wonne, lowevndcrncath the ground. 
In a deepe delue, farrefrom the view of day, 
That of iiohu ngwghthemotcbefound. 

When fo he counleld with hi s fprights encompaft round. 

And if thou euer happen that fame way 
To trauell, goe to !ee that dreadfuU place : 
It IS an hideous hollow cave, they lay, 
Vnder a rocke that lies a little fpace 
From the fwift Earry , tombling downe apacci 
Emongft the woody hilles oi Dynsuowrt : 
But dare thou not, I ch irgc, in any cafe. 
To enrer into that lame balefull Bowre, 
For feare the cruel Fcends (hould thee vnwares deuowre. 
M| Slit 



n6 



THE THIRD BOOKE OF 



Cant, III. 



But (landing highaiof:, lowe l.iv thine care, 
And there fuch gh.iftly noife of yron chaines, 
And brafcnCaudrons thou (halt rombhngheare, 
Which thoufandfprights with longenduringpaines 
Doe to(re, that it will fronne thy feeble braines. 
And oftentimes great grones, and grieuous ftounds. 
When too huge toile and labour them conftraines : 
And oitentimes loud ftrokes, and ringing founds 

From vnder that deepe Rocke moft horribly rebounds. 

. 9 

The caufe fome fay is this : A litle while 
Before that Merlin dyde, he did intend, 
A brafen wall in compafs to compile 
About Cairmardin, and did it commend 
Vnto thefe Sprights, to bring to perfeft end. 
During which worke, the Lady of the Lake, 
Whom long he 1 ov'd, for him in hafte did fend. 
Who thereby forc't his workemcn to for£ake, 

Them bound till his returne, their labour not to {lake. 

10 

In the meane time,through thatfalfe Ladies traine. 
He was furpris'd,and buried vnder bere, 
Ne ever to his work returnd againe : 
Nath'lelTe thole feends may not their work forbeaie, 
So greatly his commandemcntthey feare, 
But there doe toyle and trauell day and night, 
Vntill that brafen wall they vp do reare : 
For, Merlin had in Magicke more infight. 

Thai euer him before or after Iming wight. 
II 

For, he by words could call out of the skie 

Both Sunftc and Moone, and make them him obay : 
The land to fea, and lea to maine-land dry, 
And darkcfome night he eke could turne to daie : 
Huge hoftes of men he could alone difmay, 
And hoftes of men of meaneft things could frame> 
When-fo him lift his enemies to fray : 
That to this day, for terror of his fame. 

The feends do quake, when any him to them does name. 
II 

And, footh^men fay that he was not thefonne 
Of mortall Syre, or other liuing wightj 
But wondroufly begotten, and bcgunnc 
By falfe iHiifion of a giiilefuU Spright, 
On a faire Lady Nonne, that whilome hight 
Matilda, daughter to Tubidius , 
Who was the Lord of Marthraiiall by right. 
And coofen vnto king ^mhrofiut : 

Whence he indued was with skill fo maruellous. 

1? 

They here ariuing, ftayd awhile without^ 
Ne durft aduenture rafhly in to wend. 
But of their firft intent gan make new doubt 
For dread of danger, which it might portend : 
Vntill the hardy Mayd (with loue to friend) 
Firft entering, the dreadfull Mage there found 
Deep bulled 'bout worke of wondrous end. 
And writing ftrange charafters in tlie ground, 

With which the ftubborn feends he to his feruice bound. 



He nought was moued at their entrance bold : 
For, of their comming well he wift afore ; 
Yet lift them bid their bulinclle vnfold. 
As if ought in tl)is world in fccretftore 
Were from him hidden, or vnknowcn of yors. 
Then G/axce thus, Let not it thee offend. 
That we thus radijy through thy darkfome dore, 
Vnwares haue pre(i : for, eitlicr fatall end, 

C^ other mighty caufi:, vs two did hitlierlcnd. 

He bade tell on : And then (he thus began; 

Now haue three Moones with borrow'd brothers light. 
Thrice Ihinedfaire, and thrice leem'd dim and wan, 
Sith a fore euill, which this virgin bright 
Tormentcth, and doth plonge in dofefiiU plight, 
Firft rooting took; but what thing it mote bee. 
Or whence it fprong, I cannot read aright ; 
But this Iread, thatbutifremedee, 

Thou her afFord,full Ihonly I her dead (hall fee. 
i6 

Therewith th'Enchaunter foftly gan to fmyle 
At her fmooth (peeches, weeting inly well , 
That (he to him dilTembled womaniih guile. 
And to her fayd , Beldame, by that ye tell, 
Moreneed of leach-craft hath your Damozell, 
Then of my skill : who help may haue elfewhere. 
In vainc feekes wonders out of Magickc fpell. 
Th'old woman woxhalf blank, thofe words to heare r 

And yet was loth to let her purpofeplaine appeare. 
17 

And to him faid. If any leaches skill. 

Or other learned meanes could haueredreft 
This my deare daughters deepe engralFed ill, 
Certes I Ihould be loth chee to moleft : 
But this fad euiU, which doth her infeft, 
Doth courfe of naturall caufe farre exceed. 
And houfed is within her hollow breft. 
That either feemcs fome curfed witches deed, 

Or euill fpright, that in her doth fuch torment breed. 
i8 

The wifard could no longer beare her bord. 
But brufting forth in laughter, to her fayd ; 
GUttce, what needs this colourable word, 
To cloke the caufe, that hath it felfe bewrayd » 
Ne ye faire Britcmartu, thus arrayd. 
More hidden are, then Sunne in cloudy vele ; 
Whom thy good fortune, hauing fate obayd. 
Hath hither brought,for fuccour to appeale : 

The which the powres to thee are pleafed to reueaJe. 

The doubtful! Mayd, feeing her felfe defcrydc. 

Was all abafiit, and her pure yuory 

Into a deare Carnation (iiddainedyde ; 

As faire Aurora, riling haftily. 

Doth by her bluHiing tell, that (he did ly 

All night in old Tithonus frozen bed, 

Whereof (hefeemes alhamed inwardly. 

But her olde Nurfe was noughtdishartenedj 
But vantage made of that, which Merlin had ated. 

And 



CantAlh 



THE FAERIE QVEENE. 



'37 



AnJ fayd, Sitli :!ien thou knovvcft all our griefe, 
(For wh^t doft not thou know?) of grace I pray, 
Pitty our pLunt, and yceld vs ir.eet rclieff . 
With that, the Prophet ftill awhile did ftay, 
/nd then his Ipirite thus gan forth dilplay j 
Mofi noble Virgme, that by fatail lore 
Had Icarn'd to love, let no wliit thee difmay 
The hard bccui, that meets thee in the dorcf 

And with iharpc fits thy tender heart opprcireth fore. 

21 

For.fo muft all things excellent begin, 

And eke enrooted deepe niuft be that Tree, 
Whofe big embodied brjnchcs fluU no: lin, 
Till they to hcaucns hight forth frrctched bee. 
Forjfrom thy wombe a Limous Progcnie 
Shall Ipring, out of the ancient Trwdn blood, 
Which (hall reuiue the flceping memory 
Of tliofe fame antique Pecrsjthc heauens brood, 

V\'!uch Greece and ^fian ruiers ftavned which their blood. 

22 

Rcnowmcd kings, and facredEmperours, 

Thy fruitfuilOflpringjfliallfrom thee defccnd ; 
Braue Captames, and moil mighty Warnours, 
That (lull their conquefts tlirougli all lands extend. 
And their decayed kingdomes Ihall amend : 
The feeble Britons, broken with long warre. 
They (hall vprcire, and mightily dttcnd 
Againft tharforiem toe, that comes from farre. 

Till vniuerfall peace compound all ciuill larre. 

It was not, Britomarty thy wandring eye, 

Glauncing vnvvarcs in charmed looking glafx, 
But the fti aight courie of hcauenly defuny. 
Led witliEtcriiallprouidence, that has 
Guided thy glaunce, to bring his will to paG : 
Nc is thy fate, ne is thy fortune ill. 
To loue the prowcft knight, that eucr was. 
Thereforclubmit thy waics \nto his will. 

And i.o by all dew meancs tliy deftiny fulhll. 

Butread (faid G/<4(«'e')thou Magician 

What meancs (hall (he out-feek, orwhat waies take ? 
How fliall (he fcnowe, how fliall (he find the man :- 
Orwhat needs her to toylc,{ith fates can make 
Way for thtm(elaes, their purpofe to partake ; 
Then Meriin thus ; Indeed the fates are firme. 
And may not (lirink, though all the world do (hake : 
Yet ought mens good endcuours them confirme. 

And guide the heauenly caufes to their conltant cermc. 

Theman,whom heauens haue ordayn'd to bee 

The fpoufe of Brttomart, is ^rtliegall .- 

Hewonnethin the land of Kiyeree, 

Yet IS no far) borne, ne fib at all 

To Elfes, but fprong of (eed terrefhiall, - 

And whilome by f allc V.irm ftolnc away. 

Whiles yet in infant cradle he did crall ; 

Ne other to himlf Ife is knowne this day. 
But thai he by anElfe was gotten of a Taj. 



But footh he is the fonne of Corloif , 
And brother vnto Cador Cornilh king, 
And for his warlike featesreuowmed is> 
From w here the Day out of thcfea doth Ipring, 
Vntill the clolure of theEuemng. 
From thence, him firmelv bound with faithfull band, 
To this his natiue foyle thou backe (halt bring. 
Strongly to ayde his countrey, to witlilland 

The powre of forran Paynims, which inuade thy land. 

17 

Great ayd thereto his mighty puilTance, 

And dreaded name,fhall giuc in that fad day : 
U'here alio proofc of thy prowvahaunce 
Thou then (lialt make, t'mcrealc thy louers pray: ' 
Long time ye both in armes Ihallbeare great fvvay, 
Till thy wombes burden thee from them do call. 
And his laft fate him from tlicc take away. 
Too rathe cut off by practice criminall 

Of fecret foes, tlut him (hall makein mifchicfefall. 
28 

Where thceyetfliall he Ieaue,formcmoric 
Of his late puiflance, his Imagedead, 
Thathuing hun in all atfiuitie 
To thee fiiail rcprcfent. He from the head 
Of his coolin Confiantiitt without dread 
Shall take the crowne, that was his fathers right. 
And therewith crowne himfelfein th 'others (^cad : 
Then (lull he ifTcw forth with dreadfull might, 

Againft his Saxon foes in bloudy field to fight. 
29 

Like as a Lyon, that in drowiie caue 

Hath long time flept, himfelfe fo (hall lie (hike ; 
And comming forth, (halllpred his banner braue 
Ouer the troubled South, that it (hall make 
The warlike Mertians for fcare to quake : 
Thrice (hall he fight with them, and twice (hall win, 
But the third time Ihall faire accordance make : 
Andif hethenwithvicloriecanlin, 

He (hall his dayes with peace bring to liis eartlily In. 

His fonne, hight ^ortif'ori;, (hill him fucceedc 
In kinsdome, but notin felici tie : 
Yet (hall he long time warre with h^ppv fpccd. 
And with great honour many battels try : 
But at the laft to th'importunity 
Of firoward fortune (hall be forc"t to yeeld. 
But his (bnne Malgo (lull full mightily 
Auengehis fathers lolfe, with fpcare and (hicli. 

And his proud foes dilcomnt m vicf onous field. 

Behold the man, and tell mtBritomart, 

If ay more goodly creature tliou didftfce; 

How like a Giantin eachmanljiparc 

Beares he himfelfe with portly maicftee. 

That one ot th'old Heroes feemes to bee ; 

He the fix Iflands comprouinciall 

In ancient times vnto greatBritannce, 

Shall to the fame reduce, and to him call 
Their fundrv kings to do theirhomaee feua.dl. 

M4 ^ Ali 



138 



THE THIRD BOOKE OF 



Cant. Ill, 



3» 

All whieh Lis forme Caretkut awbilc 

Shall well defend, and Saxons powrc fupprefle, 
Vntill a fcrangtr king fromvnknowne foyle 
Arriiung, lum with niulntude oppreffe ; 
Great Cormond,\\3.\i\a^ with huge mightincflit 
Ireland fubdewd j and therein fixt his throne, 
Like a fwift Otter, fell tlirough etnptineffe , 
Shall oueriwim die Sea witli many one 

Of his Norueyfes, to aflift the Britons fone. 

JJ 

He in his fury all (h all oucrrunne, 

And holy Church with faitlilets hands deface. 

That thy Cid people vtterly fordonne, 

Shall to the vtmoft mountaines fly apace : 

Was neuer fo great wafte in any place, 

Norlo foul outrage doen by liuing men ; 

For, all thy Citties they (hall facke and rafe, 

And the green grafle, that groweth, they /hall brtn. 

That cucn me wil2 beaft (hall die in ftarued den. 

. ^^, 
Whiles thus the Britons do m languour pine. 

Proud Etheldred fliall from theNorth arife, 

Seruing th'ambitious will of ^uguftine ; 

And paffing Dee with hardy enterpnfe. 

Shall backc^rcpullc the valiant BrocIifveU twifc. 

And B angor with maflacred Martyrs fill ; 

But the third time fliall rew his foolhardife : 

For, C<j(/w<!»,pittyinghis peoples ill, 

Shall ftoutly liim defeat, and thoufand Saxons kill. 

Butafterhim,Cd(/w<jK;'»miohtiIy 

On his fonne Edwin all thofe wrongs fliall wreakc} 
Neftiall auaile the wicked forcerie 
Of falfe Tellite, his purpofes to breake. 
But him fiiall flay, and on a gallowes bleake 
Shall giue th'endiaunter his vnhappy hire : 
Then fliall the Britons, late difmayd and weakc. 
From their longvaflalage gin to refpire, 

And on their Paynim foes auenge their rankled ire. 

3^ 

Ne flial! he yet his wrath fo mitigate. 

Till both the fonnes of Edrvin he ha»e flaine, 
Offricke and Ofrickf, twinnes vnfortunate. 
Both flaine in battell vpon Layburne Plainc, 
Togither with the King of Louthiane, 
Himxt ^din, and the King of Ork^ny, 
Bo3i ioynt partakers of the fatall paine : 
But Tenda, fearefull of like deftiny , 

Shall yield himf'elfe his liegeman, and fweare fealty. 
37 

Him fliall he make his fatall Inftrument, 
T'affli £1: the other Sasfowj vnfubdewd ; 
He marching forth with fury infolent 
Againft the good king Ofxvald, who indewd 
With heauenly powre , and by Angels resfcewd. 
All holding crofles in their hands on hie 
Shill him dcfeate withouten bloud imbrewd : 
Ofwhich.thatfieldforendleflememoty, 

Shall Heuenfield be taU to all pofterity. 



38 

Whereat C<»(/ij>4ffi/» wroth, (hiUforthiflew, 
And an huge hofte into Northumberlead, 
With which he godly Ojwald fliall lubdew, 
And crowne with Martyrdome his facred head. 
Whofe brother 0/tw», daunted with like dread. 
With price of flluer fliall his kingdome buy; 
And Tenda, feeking him adownc to tread. 
Shall tread adowue, and dohimfowly die. 

But fliall witli gifts his Lord Cadwallinpici&e. 

39 
Then fliall CadwaUin dye, and then the raigne 

Of Britons eke with him attonce fliall die ; 

Ne fliall the good Cadwalladerv/nh paine. 

Or powre, be habic it to remedy. 

When the full time prefixt by deftiny, 

Shal be expir'd of Bmom regiment. 

For, heaucnitfelfe fliall their fuccefsenuie. 

And them with plaguesand murrins peftilent 
Confume, till all thtir warlike puiflance be fpent. 

40 
Yet after all theleforrowes, and huge hills 

Of dying people, during eight yeeres ^ace, 

C/rfwaWcrnotyeeldingtohisills, ' 

From ^rmorick^, where long in wretched ca& 

He hv'd, returning to his natiue place, 

Shal be by vifion ftayd from his intent : 

For, th'heavenshauc decreed, to difplace 

The Bfi'tonjjfor theirlinnes dew punifliment , 
And to the Saxons ouer-giue theirgouermnent. 

Then woe, and woe, and euerlafting woe, 
Be to the Briton babe that flial be borne. 
To liue m thraldome of his fathers foe ; 
Late King, now captiue, lateLord, now forlornc. 
The worlds reproche, the cruell yiftours fcorne, 
Baniflit from Princely bowrc to waflfuU wood : 
O who fliall help tne to lament, and mourne 
The roy all feed, the antique Troian blood ! 

Whofe Empire longer here then cuer any flood. 
4Z 

The Damzell was full deepempallioned. 
Both for his gricfe, and for her peoples fake, 
Whofe future woes (b plaine he fafliioned , 
And fighingfore, at length him thus befpake; 
Ah! but wiUheautnsfuryneuer flake, 
Nor vengeance huge relent it felfe at laft ? 
Will not long mifcry late mercy make. 
But fliall their name For euer be defac't. 

And quite from ih'earth their memory be ras't i 

43 
Nay but the tearme (fayd he) is limited. 

That in this thraldome Britons fhali abide. 

And theiuft rcuolution meafured. 

That they as Strangers fliall be notifide. 

Fortwifefourehundreth fliall be full fupplide. 

Ere they to former rule reftor'd fliall be. 

And theiriniportunefates all fatisfide : 

Yet during this their moftobfcuritee, (may fee. 

Their beames fliali oft breake forth, that men them faire 

For 



Cant, III. 



THE FAERIE QVEENE. 



^i9 



For lil.odonck^e . v.'hofe furnjnie ftialbe Great, 
Sii.dl ot l)in:k'Ue abr.iuc en(ample fhew, 
Tkat Saxon kings his friendfhip iliall inacat ; 
/nii Horecll Dlia llull goodly well indew 
The laliuge minds with skill of iiift and trew ; 
Then Crijjyih Conaii alio (hall vp-reare 
His dreaded head , and th'oldc fpaikes renew 
Oi natiue courage, that his toes (lull feare, (bcare. 

Leaft backe againc the kingdome he from them fhould 

Ne (hall tlie Saxons felues all peaceably 

Enioy the crowiie, which they from Britons wonne 
Fiift ill, and after ruled wickedly : 
For, ere two hundred y ceres be full outriinne, 
There fhall a R^ucn farrc from riiing Sunre, 
With his wide wings vpon them fiercely fly. 
And bid his fiirhlellc chickens ouerrunne 
The frmtfull Plains, and with fell cruelty, 

In their aucn?e, tread dow nc the vift ours lurquedry. 

Yet fliall a third both thefe, and thine fubdew ; 
There (liall a Lion from the fea-bord wood 
Of TSji'firia come roring, with a crew 
Ot hungry w helpes, his battailous bold brooJ, 
V\ hole dawcs were newly dipt in ciuddy blood, 
Thai from the Daniske Tyrants head fhallrend 
Th'vturpcd crow ne, as if that he were wood, 
Andthclpoyleof thccountrey conquered 

Emongft his young ones tliall diuide with bountyhed. 
47 

The, when the termeisfiill accomphfhid, 

Tfiere fhall a Iparkc of fire, which hath long-whJc 

Bene in his afhcs rake J vp and hid. 

Be frethly kindled in the truiifuU He • 

Ot ^/o)M, where it lurked in txile; 

Which Hull brcake forth into bright burning flame. 

And reach into tlie houfe that bearcs tlie ftile 

Of royal! Maafty and fcucraigne name; 

So lliall the Eriton bloud tlieir crownc againe reclame. 
48 

Thenceforth etemall vnion (hall be made 
Between the Nations citFcrentafore, 
Ani facrcd Peace fliali loumgly perlw.ide 
The warlike mmcs.to Icarne her goodly lore, 
And ciuile armes to csercifcne-more : 
Then (hall a royall virgin raigne, which (liall 
Stretch her white rod ouer the Bf/j(ci;f fhore. 
And the grcit Callle Imjoht lo fore withall, 

Thatit (lull make him lliakc, and fliortly learne to fall. 

49' 
But yetthe end is not. There MerUn^xyi , 

Asouercommen of the(p>rirs powre. 

Or other ghaftlv fptft.iclc dilmayd. 

That iecretly he (aw, y ct n'ote ddcoure : 

Which luddein fit, and halfecxtaticfctfourc 

When the two fearcfull women (aw, they grew 

Greatly confufed in behauioure ; 

At laft the fur\' pa(f, to former hew 
She tumd againe, and chearefuU looks as earft did flinr. 



50 

Then, when thcmfclues they well inftrufled had 
Of all, that needed tliem to be inquir'dj 
They both conceiuing hope of comfort gUd, 
Witli lighter hearts vnto their home retird. 
Where they in fecretcounlell dole conlpir'd 
How to effeftfohardanentcrprize. 
And to poflclTe the purpofe they defir'd : 
Now this, now tlut,twixt them they did deuife, 

And diuerlc plots did frame, to maske in ftrange devifo. 

At laft the Nourfe in her foolhardy wit 

Conceiv'dabolddeuile, andthusbefpake ; 
Daughter, I deeme tlut counfell ayemoft fit. 
That ot the time doth dew aduantagc take ; 
Ye fee thatgood king Vther now doth make 
Strong warre vpon the Paynim brethren, tight 
0<fjf<» and 0:!a, whom he lately brake 
Befide C<rj)r^fro/rtmf, in vidorious fight. 

That now all Briunnie doih burne in armcs bright. 

5* 

That therefore nought our patTage m.iy impeach, 
Letvsinfemcdarmesourfelucsdifguife, (teacU 

And our weake hands, whom need new (h-ength fhall 
The dreadfull (peare and Ihield to cxcrcile : 
Necertes daughterthatf-imewarlikewile, 
I weene, would you mifTecme ; for ye been tall. 
And large of limbe, t'atchieue an hard emprife, 
Ne ought ye want, but skill, which practice fmall 

Willbring, and Ihortly make you a mayd Martiall. 

And footh, it oughtyour courage much i^ame> 

To hcare !o often, in that rcyall houfe, 

From w hence to iic ncinferiour ye came : 

Bar<mcli of 'rr1a^Ty^vGnlell valoroirs 

Which haue full many feats aduenturous 

■PCTtp^)'d,in Paragoneof proudeftmen: 

The bold BuryJiiut, whofe viftorious 

Exploits nude J\ame to quake, ftout Quendolen, ' 
Renowrncdj^f d«j<l, and redoubted Emmilen. 

And tJjAt, which mofe then all therefttnay fway. 
Late Jayeserilample, which thefe eyesbehcld. 
In the lall field before Meneuia 
W hich Vther with thole forrein Pagans held, 
-IiiW-i-5<t>:o;* virgin, tb€ which fcld 
G»eat P'ifir. thriceypoa the bloudy Plaine, 
Andhad not Carndm herhand withheld 
Frorftrafn rcB» ngc-;-(hel¥ad him (lirclv (laine, 

Yet Camdos himfelfc from her clcap't with paine. 

Ah rcad.'JJBoth Britomart, how is (he hight? 

Faire'-^ii^f/rf; quoth the, men do her call, 

No whit lelletaire, then terrible in fight : 

She hath the leading of a Martiall 

And iTMghty people, dreaded more theaall 

The other Saxons, which do for her (ake 

And loue, themlelues of her name Angles cali. 

1 hercforefaire Infantherenlimp^erruke 
Vnto thy lelfe, and ecjuall courage t»chcecike< 

Her 



140 



THE THIRD BOOKE OF 



Cant, 11 IL 



Her heartie words fo dcepe into tlie minde 
Of the young Damzell funk, that great defirc 
Of warlike arnies in her forthwith they tyn'd. 
And generous ftout courage did m(pire, 
That (lie refolv'd, vnwecting to her Sire, 
Aduent'rous knighthood on her (elfe to don, 
And counfcld with her Nurfe her mayds attire 
To turne into a mjflie habergeon, 

And bade her all things put in readinefle anon. 

Th'old woman nought, that needed, did omit; 
But all things did conueniently puruay : 
It fortuned (fo time their turne did fit) 
A band of Britons riding on forray 
Few dayes before , had gotten a great pray 
Of Saxon goods, cinongfttlie which was fecnc 
A goodly Armour, and full rich array, 
Which longd to ~4ngeU, the Saxon Qucene, 

All fretted round with gold, and goodly wellbefecnc. 

The fame, with all the other ornaments. 
King Kyence caufed to be h.mged hie 
Jn his chiefe Church, for endleffe monimentj 
Of his fuccefleandgladfullviftory : 
Of which her felfe aUifing readily. 
In th'cuening late old Glauce thither led 
Faire Britomart, and that fame Armory 
Downe taking, her therein apparelled. 

Well as flie might, and with brauc bauldrick garnifiied. 



'>9 

Eefide thofe armes there flood a mighty (pcare. 
Which Bladud made by Magickc art of yore. 
And vs'd the fame in battaile aye to beare ; 
Sith which it had been here prelcrv'd in ftorc , 
Forhisgreatverrucsprouedlongafore: 
For neuer wight fo faftin fell could fit. 
But him perforce vnto theground it bore : 
Both fpeareftietooke,andfhield, which hong by it; 

Both Ipeare & fhield of great powre, for her purpofe fit. 
6o 

Thus when fhe had the virgin all arrayd, 
Anotho-harnelTe, which did hjng thereby. 
About htr (elfe fhe dight, that the young MayJ 
She might in equ.ill armes accompanic. 
And as her Squire attend her carefully : 
Tho,to theirreadie Steeds diey clombe full light. 
And through back wayes, that none might them efpic, 
Couered with fecret cloud of filent night, 

Themfelucs tjicy forth conuaid, & pafTcd forward right. 
6z 

Nc reftcd they, till that to Faery lond 

They came, as Merlinthcm dircftcd late : 

Where meeting wit!i this S^dcrojfe knight, Ihefund 

Of diuerfe things difcourles to dilate, 

But moft of ^rthegall, and his ellate. 

At laft their waies (o fell, that they mote part 

Then each to other well affectionate, 

Fricndfhip profclTed with vnf.iined heart. 

The i^«(/crojfe Icnight diuerft; but forth rode Britomart. 




tr'r Here is the antique glory now become, 
i^M That whilome wont in women to appeare ? 
,^»VWo VVlierc be thebraue atchieuemets don by fom i 
f^i^^J^ Where be the battel 5,where the (hield & fpeare. 
And all the conquefts, which them high didreare. 
That matter made for famous Poets verfe. 
And boaftfuU men fo oftabaflit to heare ? 
Bene they all dead, and laid in doleful! herfe ? '/ 
Or doen they bncly fleepe, and ftullagainc reuerfe! 



If thev be dead , then woe is me therefore : 
But if they fleepe, 6 Ictthem (oone awake : 
For all too long I burnc with cnuy (ore. 
To heare the warlike featcs, which HowierefJ^akc 
Of bold Taiithefihe.v/hkh made a lake 
Of Creekjfi>WL6ad(ook in TroMK Plaine; 
Butwhen I read, how (loutDeiora ftrake 
Proud Sifera, and how Camili hath flame 

The hi^e Orfiiochm, I Iwell with great difdainc. 



y«t 



Cant,llll, 



THE FAERIE Q.VEENE 



141 



Yet thcfe, and all that elfe hid puiflince. 
Cannot with noble Britomart compare> 
As well for glory of great raluncc, 
As for pure cluflitie and vcrtue rare ; 
Tliat all her ^oodl)' deeds do well declare. 
Well worth)Mlock, from which the branches fprong, 
That in Lite yearcs fo faire a bloffome bare. 
As thee , 6 Qucene, tlie matter of my fong, 

Whofe lignage from this Lady I deriue along. 

4 

Wlio when through fpccches with the J^edcroJJe knight, 
She learned had th'eftate of ^rthegall. 
And in eachpointherfelfeinform'd aright, 
A friendly league of loue perpctuall 
ShewithfiimhoundjandfongTtookewithall. 
Then he forth on his lourney did proceede, 
To feekeaduentures,whicli mote him befall, 
And win him worship through his warlike deed. 

Which alwaies of his paines he made tlie chiefeft meed. 

But Bntomitrt kept on hcrformer courfe, 
Ne cuer doft herarmes, but all the waie 
Grew pcnfiue through that amorous dilcourfej 
By which the ivf'/o-j/j't knight did earftdilplay 
Hcrloucrs fliape, and cheualrous array ; 
A thouland thoughts fhe falhiond in her mind. 
And in her fciningfanciedid purtray 
Him fuch, as fittcit fhe for loue could findc. 

Wife, warlike, perlonable, curteous, and kindc. 
6 

With fuch felfc-pleafing thoughts her wound (he fed. 
And thought To to beguile hergneuous (inart ; 
But fo her (mart was much more grieuous bred, 
And the deep wound more deep engor'd her heart. 
That nought but death her dolour mote departj 
So forth fhe rode without repofe or reft, 
Searching all lands and each remoteft part. 
Following the guidance of her blinded gueft. 

Till that to the fca-coaft at length fhe had addreft. 

7 

There Ihc alighted from her light-foot Beaft, 
And fitting downevpontherockiertiore, 
Bade her olde Squire vnlacc her lofty crcaft ; 
Tho, hauing vicwd awhile tlie furges hore. 
That gainft the craggy difts did loudly tore, 
And in their raging lurqucdry difdayn'd. 
That tlie faft earth affronted them ioforc. 
And their deuouring couctizerefbayn'd, 

Thereat file fighcd deepe, andafter thus complayn'd ; 
8 

Huge fea of forrowe. and tempeftuous griefe. 
Wherein my feeble barke is tofled long. 
Far from the hoped Hauen of reliefe. 
Who do thy cruell billowes beat fo ftrong. 
And thy moyft mountaines each on others throng, 
Threatning to fwallow vp my fcarefidl life ? 
O do thy cruell wrath and fpightfuU wrong 
At length allay, and ibnt thy ftormy ftrife. 

Which inthefc troubled bowels reignes,&rageth rife. 



For, elfe my feeble velTell craz'd, and crackt 

Through thy ftrong buffets and outrageous blowes, 

Cannot endure , but needs it muft be wrackt 

On the rough rockes , or on the Tandy (liallowej. 

The whiles that loueitftcres, and fortune rowes ; 

Loue my lewd Pilot hath a reftlefs mind 

And fortune Boat-fwaine no aflurance knowes. 

But (aile withouten ftarres, gainft tideand wind : 

How can they other do, iith both are bold and blind ? 
10 

Thou God of winds, that reigneft in tliefcas. 
That reigneft alio in the Continent, 
At laft blowe vp fome gentle gale of cafe. 
The which may bring mv Ship, ere it be rent> 
Vnto the gladlbme pore of her intent : 
Then when T (hall my fclfe in fafery fee, 
A table for etcrnall moniinent 
Of thy great grace, and my greatieop.u:dee, 

Great Tieftune, I avow to h.Ulow vnto thee. 
II 

Then (ighingroftlyfore,and inly deepe, 
She fliut vpall her plaintin priuiegriefe ; 
For, her great courage would not let her weepe. 
Till that old Glance gan with ftiarpc repriefc 
Her to rcflraine, and giue her good rclicfe. 
Through hope of thole, whicli Merlin hid her tolde 
Should of her name and nation be chiefe. 
And fetch their being from tlie iacrcd mould 

Of her immortall vvonibe, to be m heauen cnrol'd. 
iz 

Thus as flie herrecomforted, fiicfpyde. 
Where farrc away one all in armour bright. 
With liafty gallop towards her did ride ; 
Her dolour loone fhe ccaft, and on her digh t 
Her helmet, to her Courfcr mounting light: 
Her former forrowe into fuddein wrath, 
Both coofen paflions of diftroubled fpright, 
Coniicrting, forth lliebeates the dufty path ; 

Loue and defpight attonceher courage kindled hatB. 

I? 

As when a foggy mifl: hath oUercaft 

The face of heaven, and the cleare aire engroft. 
The world in darknelTe dwcls , till that at laft 
The watry South-winde from the fea-bord coft: 
Vpblowing ,doth difperlc the vapour loft, 
Andpourcs it fclfe forth in a ftormy (howr i 
So thcfaire Britomartlxminz, difclo'ft 
Her dowdy care into a wratiifull fto\vre, 

Themiftoi griefediflblv'djdid intovengeancepowre. 

14 
Eftfoones her goodly fliicld addreflang faire. 

That mortall fpeare (lie in her hand did take. 

And vnto battel! did her felfe prepare. 

The knight,approching, ftcrnely her befpakc ; 

Sir knigk', that doeft thy voyage raftily make 

Bv this forbidden way in my defpight, 

Ne doeft by others deatlienfample take, 

I read thee ibone retire, whiles thou haft mioht, 
Leaft aftenvards it be too late to take thy flight. 

Ytbrllj 



142/ 



THE THIRD BOOKE OF 



Cant, II II. 



y thriU with decpe difJjine of his proud threat. 
She (liortly thus ; Fly they, thatneed to fly : 
Words fearen babes. I meane not tliee entreat 
To paffe ; but m.iugre thee will pal's or die. 
Ne leneer ftayd for th'other to reply. 
But wi th (harpe Ipcare the reft made dearely knowfie. 
Strongly the ftrange knight ran, and fturdily 
Strookc her full on the breaft, that made her downe 

Decline her hcad^ & touch her crouper with her crowiic. 
t6 

But (he ap;a!ne him in the (hield did froite 
With (b fierce fury and great puiffance, 
That through his threefquare fcuchin pcarcing quite. 
And through his mayledhauberque,by mifchaunce 
The wicked fteele through his left fide did glauncK 
Himfo transfixed fhcbeforeher bore 
Beyond his croupe, the length of allherlaunce, 
Tillfadly foucing on thefandy fliore. 

He tombled on an heape, and wallow" Jin his gore. 

17 

Like as the facred Oxe, that carelefs ftands. 

With gilden homes, and flowry girlonds crdwn'd, 
Proud" of his dying honor and deare bands. 
Whiles th'altars fume with frankincenfe arownd. 
All fuddenly with mortall ftrokc aftown'd, 
Doth grouelingfall, and with his ftreaming gore 
Diftainesthepillours, and the holy ground. 
And the faire flowres, that decked him afore ; 

So fell proud Afrfrmc/Zvponthepretjous fliore. 
18 

The Martiall Miyd ftayd not him to lament, 
But forward rode, and kept her ready way 
Along the ftrond: which as fhe ouer-went, 
She fawe beftrowed all with rich array 
Of pearles and pretious ftones of great affay. 
And all the grauell mixt with golden owre 5 
Whereat (he wondred much, but would not ftay 
For gold, orpearles, or pretious ftones an howro> 

But them dcfpifed all i for, all was in her powrc. ** 

Whiles thus he lay in deadly ftoniftiment , 
Ty dings hereof came to his mothers eare ; 
Hismotherwas theblack-browd Cymbent, 
The daughter of great T^rens, which did bearc 
This warlike fonne vnto an earthly peare, 
The famous Dumarin ; who on a day 
Finding the Nymph afleepe in fecret whearc, 
As he by chance did wander that fame way. 

Was taken with her loue, and by her clofely lay. 
20 

There he this knight of her bcgof.whom borne 
Sheof his father Jifdr/neC did name. 
And in a rocky caue as wightforlorne. 
Long time (he foftredvp, till he became 
A mighty man at armes, and micklcfame 
Did get through great aduentures by him donne : 
For,ncuer man he fuffted by that fame 
I{ichJ!rond to trauell, whereas hedid wonnc. 

But that he muft do battell with the Sca-nymphes fonne. 



An hundred knights of honorable name 
Hr hadfubdcw'd, and them his vaiTals made, 
Tiiat through all Fary lend his noble fame 
Now blazed was, andfeare did all inuade. 
That none durft paffen through that perilous glade-a 
And to aduance his name and glory more. 
Her Sea-god fyre (he dearely did perfwadc, 
T'cndow herfonne, with threafure and rich ftorc, 

Boue all the foones, that were of earthly wombes yborc.l 

The god did grant his daughters deare demaund, 
To doen his Nephew in all riches flowe ; 
Eftfooneshis heaped waues hedidcommaund. 
Out of theirhollowebolomeforth to throwe 
All the huge threafure ,which the (ea belowe 
Had in his greedy gulfe deuoured deepe, 
And him enriched through the ouerthrowe 
And wreckes of many wretches, which did wccpe 

And often wailc their Wealth,which he from them did keep. 

Shortly vpon that fliore there heaped was 
Exccedingrichcs and all precious things, 
The (poyle of all the world, that it did pafs 
The wealth of th'Eaft, and pompe of Terfian kings ; 
Gold, amber, yuorie, pearles, owches, rings, 
Andall that elfe was pretious and deare, 
The fea vnto him voluntary brings. 
That (hortly he a great Lord did appearc. 

As was in all the lond of Faery, or elfewhere. 
24 

Thereto he was a doughty dreaded knight, 
Tryde often to the Icatne of many deare. 
That none in equall armes him matchen might : 
The which his motherfeeing, gan to fearc 
Leaft his too haughty hardinefs might rearc 
Some hard mishap , in hazard of his life : 
For-thy (he oft him counfeld to forbeare ' 

The bloudy battell , and to ftirre vp ftrife. 

But after all his warre, to reft his weary knife. 

And for his more ailurance, flie enquir'd 

One day of Froteufhy his mighty (pell 

(For Troteus was with prophecic inlpir'd) 

Her deare fonnes deftinie to her to tell , 

And the fad end of her fweet Marmell. 

Who, through forefight of his etemall skil, 

Bade her from woman-kind to keep him well : 

For, of a woman he (hould haue much ill, 
A virgin ftrange and (tout him (hould difinay, or kill; 

z6 
For-thy (he gaue him warning euery day, 

Theloueof women notto entertaine; 

A lefTon too too hard for liuing claie. 

From loue m courfe of natu;« to refrainc .* 

Yet he his mothers lore did well retaine. 

And euer from faire Ladies loue did flie : 

Yet many Ladies faire did oft complaine, 

That they for loue of him would algaCes die ; 
Dy, whofo lift for him, he wasloues enemy. 

But 



Cant.lllL THE FAERIE QVEENE. 



H5: 



^7 

But .ill, who cm dcceiue his deftiny, 
Or wecnc by w-irniug to auoyd his fate ? 
That when he flcepes in moft fecurity. 
An J fafeft fcemes, him looneft doth aawte. 
And findcth dew efttft or loonc or late. 
So feeblcis the powrc of fiellily arme. 
His mother bade him womens loue to hate. 
For, fhe of vvomans force did fearc no harme ; 

So weening to hauc arm'd him, fhe did quite difarme. 
28 

This was that woman, this tliac deadly wound. 
That Protfx/prophccicd (hould him dilmay, 
The which his mother vaiacly did expound, 
To behart-wounding loue, which (houldaflay 
To bring her fonne vnto his laft decay. 
So tickle be the tearmes of mortall ttxtt, 
And full of fubtile fophifmcsj which doc play 
With double fenfes, and with falfe debate, 

T'approuechevnknownepurpofeofetenullfate. 

Too true the famous Marinelln found. 

Who through late triall, on that wealthy Strond 
Inglorious now hes in fenleleffe fwound. 
Through hcauy flroke ot Bntomartu hond. 
Which when his mother dcaredid vnderflond. 
And heauv tj'dings heard, whcre-as llic playd 
Amongft her watiy lifters by a Pond, 
Gathering fweet DafFadillics, to haue made 

Gay girlondsjfVom the Sun their forheads fairc to fliadc ; 

3° 
Efifoones both flowres and girlonds farre away 

She flong, andherfaire deawie locks yrent. 
To forrow huge ihee turnd her former play, 
And gamcfome mirth to grieuous drciiment : 
Shee threw herfelfcdowneon theCouunent, 
Ne word did fpeakc, builay as in a fwoune. 
Whiles all her (liters did for her lament, 
With yelling out-cnes, and with Hirieking fowne ; 
And euery one did teare her girlondfrom her aowne. 

Ji 

Soone as (hee vp out of her deadly fit 

Arofe, (hee bade her charet to be brought. 
And all her fifterSj that with her did fit, 
Bade eke attonce their charets to be fought ; 
Tho, full of bitter griefe and penliue thought, 
She to her wagon dombe ; dombe all the reft. 
And foorth togi ther went, with forrow fraught. 
The waues, obedient to their beheaft, 

Them yielded ready pallage, and their rage furceaft. 

Great Tiej>tune ftood amazed at their fight. 

Whiles on his broad round backe they foftly Aid, 
And eke himfelfemourn'd at their mournful! phght, 
Yet wift not what their wayling meant, yet did 
For great companion of their forrow, bid 
His mighty waters to them buxome bee : 
Efifoones the roaring biUowes ftiUabid, 
And all the gnefly Monfters of tlie See 

Stood gaping at then gate, and wondied them to fee. 



A teme of Dolphins ranged in array, 
Drew the fmooth charet of fad Cym'ient; 
They were all taught by Triton, to obay 
To the long traines, at her commaundement : 
As fwift as Swallowes on the waues they went, 
That their broad flaggy finnes no fome did rearc, 
Ne bubbling roundell they behind them fent ; 
The reft, of other fifties drawen were, 

Which with their finny oars the fweUing fea did fheare. 

34 
Soone as they beenearriu'dvpon the brim 

Of the I{ichJIroud, their charets they forlore. 

And let their cemed fifties foftly fwim 

Aloi^ the margent of the fomy fliore, 

Leaft they their finnes Ihould briize, and furbate fore 

Their tender feet vpon the ftony ground ; 

And coiiiming to the place, where all in gore 

And cruddy bloud enwallowed they found 
The lucklclle Marinell, lying in deadly fwound i 

His mother fwounedthrice,and the third time 
Could fcarcerecouered be out of htrpaine; 
Had ftiec not been deuoyd of morull llime, 
She (hould not then haue been reliu'd againe : 
But foone as life recouered had the raine. 
She made to pittioiis moane and deare waymenr. 
That the hard rocks could fcarce from teares rcfraine. 
And all her Cidci Ny mphes with one confeiit 

Supplidc her lobbing breaches with fad complement. 

36 
DeareimageofmyfeIfc,flie(aid,thatis, 

The wretched fonne of wTctchcd mother borne. 

Is this thine high advauii cement ? 6 is this 

Th'immoitallname, witlnvhich thee yet vnborne 

Thy Cranlire "Herem promift to adorne ? 

Now lyeft thou of life and honour reft ; 

Now lyeft thou a lumpe of earth forloruc, 

Ne of thy late life memory is left, 
Ne can thy irrevocable dcftiny be weft. 

57 
Fond !Pri)tf»«,fathcr of falle prophecis. 

And they more fond thatcreditto theegiue. 

Not this the worke of womans handy wis, (dtiue; 

That fo deepe wound through thele deare members 

I feared loue : but they that loue doe hue ; 

But they that die, doe neither loue nor lute. 

Nath'lcfle, to thee thy folly I forgiue. 

And to my felfe, and to accurfed fate 
The guilt I doc afcnbc : deare wifedome bought too lare. 

38 

O whatavailes it of immortaO feed 

To becne ybred and ncuer borne to die , 

Farre better I it decmc to die with fpeed, 

Then wafte in woe and wailefuU milerie. 

Who dyes, the vtmoft dolour doth able; 

But who thitliues, is left to waile his lolTe : 

So life is lolTe, and death felicitie. 

Sad life worfe then glad death : and greater crolTc 

To fcefiiends Grauc, then dead the Graucftife to engrofs. 
N. - ■ - ■ ■ g^^ 



144 



THE THIRD BOOKE OF 



CAttt, nil. 



19 

But if the heauens did Lis dayes cnvie, 

Aiid my fhortblifle miligne, yet mote they well 

Thus much afford me, crc that he did die 

That the dim eyes of my dcare Marinell 

I mote haue clofed, and him bid farewell^ 

Sith Other offices for mother meet ' 

They wouldnotgraunt. 

Yet maulgre them,farcwell my fweeteftfweet; 
Farewell my fweeteft fonne, fith we no more ftiall meet. 

Thus when they all hadforrowedtheirfill, 
They foftly gan to fearch his griefly wound : 
And diatthey might him handle more at will. 
They him difarm'd , and fpredding on the ground 
Their watchet mantles frindg'd with filuer round. 
They foftly wip't away the icily blood 
From th 'orifice ; which hauing well vp-bound. 
They pourd-in foueraigne balme,and Ntftar good. 

Good both for earthly med'cine, and for hcauenly food. 

41 

Tho, when the lilly-handed Liagore 

(This Liagore whylome hid learned skill 
In leaches craft, by great^/iofiow lore, 
Sith herwhylomevpon high T'lWwj hill. 
He loued, and at lalt licr wombe did fill 
Withheauenly feed, whereof wife Pieon Iprong) 
Didfeele his pulfe, (hce knew there ftaied ftill 
Some little life his feeble fpntes emong ; 

Which to his mother told, dcfpairc ftie fiom her flong. 

41 

Tho.himvp-ukingin their terder hands. 
They eafily vnto hcrcharet beare : 
Hct time at hi rcommaunjemcnr quiet ftands, 
V\hiles they the corfe into litrwagon reare, 
Ana ftrowc with flovvres the Lmtntable beare: 
Then all the reft into their coches dim. 
And through the brackifli wanes their pafTagc fheare! 
Vpon great T{eptnnes neckc they (ofrly fwim. 

And to her watry chamber Iwiftly carry lura. 

Deepe in the bottome of the Sea, her bowrc 
Is built, of hollow billowes heaped hie, 
Like to thick t lowdes, that threat a ftormy fhowrc. 
And vaulted all within, like to the sky. 
In which the Cods do dwell eternally : 
There they him layd in eafie couch well dight ; 
And fcnt in hafte for Tryphon, to apply 
Salucs to his wounds, and medicines of might: 

For, Ttyfhon of Sea-gods the foueraine leach is hight. 

44 

The whiles, the Nymphes fit all about him round. 
Lamenting his mishap and heauy phght ; 
And oft his mother viewing his wide wound, 
Curfed the hand that did (o deadly fmight 
Her deareft fornc, her dearcft harts dehght. 
But none of all thofe curfes overtooke 
The warhke Mayd, th'enfample of that might. 
But fairely well (hethriu'd. and well did brooke 

Her noble dcedes, ne her right courfefor ought forfooke. 



4J 
Yet did falfe ^rchimage her itill purlcw. 

To bring to pafle his mifchicuous intent. 

Now that he had herfinglcd from the crew 

Of curteous knights, the Prince, and Faery gcotj 

Whom late in chace of beautie excellent 

Shelcft, purfewing thatfamefofterftrong; 

Of whofe foule outrage they impatient, 

And full of fiery zeale, him followed long, 
To rcsk«w her from fhamcj and to reuenge her wrong. 

46 

Through thickeand thin, through mountaincs & through 
Thofe two great champions did attonce purfcw (plains. 
The fe^refull Damzell, with incellant paines : 
Who from them fled, as light-foot Hare from view 
Of hunters (wift, and lent of liounJes trcw. 
At lall, they came vnto a double way. 
Where, doubtfuU which to take, her to reskcw, 
ThemlUues they did difpart, each to alTiy, 

Whether more happy were, to win lb goodly pray. ' 

47 

But T/TO;<tf, the Princes gentle Squire, 
That Ladies loue vnto his Lord forlent. 
And with proud envy and in.ti^nant ire, 
After that wickedfoftcrficrcely went. 
So beenc they three three fundry waies ybcnt. 
But faircft fortune to the Prince befell, 
Whofe chaunce it was,that foone he did repent 
To t.ike that way, in which that Damozell 

Was fled afore, afFraid of him, as fiend of hell. 
48 

At laft.of herfarre of hee gained view : ^ 

Then gan he frefhly pricke his fomy fteed, 
Andeuerashenighertoherdrew, . 

So euermore he did incrcafc his fpeed. 
And of each turning ftill kept w.u-y heed : 
Aloud to her heoftentimes did call. 
To doe away vaine doubt, and ncedleffc dreed : 
Full mildc to herhcfpake,and oft let fall 

Many mceke words, to rtay and comfort her witlull. 

49 

But notliing might relent her haftie flight ; -■ 

So deepe the deadly feare of that foule fwaine 
Was carft imprefled in her gentle fpright : 
Like as a fearful! Doue, which through the rainCj 
Of the wide ayre her way does cut amaine, 
Hauing farre ofFefpyde a TalTell gent. 
Which after her his nimble win^s doth ftraine, 
Doubleth her hafte for feare to be fore-hent. 

And with her pineons cleaues the hquid firmament. 

5° 

With no leffe hafte, and eke with no lelTc dreed. 
That fearefuU Lady fled from him, that ment 
To her no euill thought, nor euill deed ; 
Yet former feare of beeing foully fhent. 
Carried her forward with her firft intent : 
And though, oft looking backward, well Ihe view'd. 
Her felfe freed from that foftcr infolent. 
And that it was a knijht, which now herfcwd, 

Yet (he no Icfle the knight feard, then that villainerudc. 

Hi« 



Cant.lUL THE FAERlE QVEENE. 



145 



His vncouth (hielJ and ftringe armes her difmayd, 
Wlio^e like in Faery lond were fildome feene, 
That faft (he From iim fled, no lelle affray d 
Then of wildc beafts if flicc had chafed beene : 
Yet he her follow'd ftiU witli courage keenc. 
So long, that now the golden Hefpirus 
Was mounted high in top of heauen (liecne. 
And warnd his other brethren ioycoiis. 

To light their blcflbd lamps in loues eternall hous. 

AUfuddeniy dimwoxethedampilliayre, 

And griefly fhadowes couered heauen bright. 
That now with thoufand ftarres was decked foirc ; 
Which when the Prince beheld (a lothfuU iight) 
And that perforce, for want of lenger light, 
He mote furccj'e his luit, and lo(e the hope 
Of his long labour, began foully wite 
His wicked fortune, that liad turnd aflope, 

And curled night, that reft from him lb goodly fcope. 

5J 

Tho, when her waies he coidd no more defcry, 
Beit to and fro at difaventure ftrayd; 
Like as a (hip, whofe Load-ibrfudJainly 
Couered with clowdcs, her Pilot hath dilinayd ; 
His weanlbme purluit perforce he (tayd, 
And from his loftie (feed difmounting lowc. 
Did let him forage. Downe himfelfe he layd 
Vponthcgraifieground,tofleepeatlirovve; 

The cold earth was his couch, the hard ftede liis pillowe. 

^+ 
But gentle Sleepc envide liim any reft ; 

In ftead thereof lad forrow, and difdaine 

Of his hard hap did vex his noble breft. 

And thoufand fancies bet his idle braine 

With their light wings , the fights of lemblants vainc : 

Oft did he wilh , that Lady faire mote bee 

His Faery Quccnc,forvvhomhedidcomplaine: 

Or that his Fatrv Quecne were fuch as (hce : 

And cuer ha{He Nigh: he blamed bitterly. 

IS 

Night, thou foulc Mother of annoyance (ad. 
Sifter of heauy Death, and iiurfc of Woe^ 
Winch waft begot in Heauen, but for thy bad 
And bruti(h (hape, thruft downe to HellbelowB) 
Where, by the grim floud of Cocytus (lowc 
Thy dwelling is, in Herebus black hous 
(Blacke Herebus thy husband is the foe 
Of all tlie Gods) wnere thou vngratious, 

Halfe of thy daies dooft lead in horrour hideous. 

What had th 'eternall Maker need of tliee. 
The world in his continuall courle to keepe. 
That dooft all things deface, ne letteft fee 
The beautie of his worke ? Indeed in fleepe. 



The flothfull body, that doth loue to ftcepe 
His lulllcire limbes,and drowne his bafer mind. 
Doth proile thee of t, and oft from Stygian deepe 
Calls chcc.his godde(rein his errour blind. 

And great Dame Natures hand-miid,chciring cueryiind. 
i'7 

But well I wote, that to an heauy hart 

ThoB art the root and nurli; of bitter cares, 
Breeder of new, rcnewer of old tinarts : 
In ftead of relf thou lendeftrayling teares. 
In ftead of deepe thou f.ndeft troublous fcares, 
And dreldfiill vi(ions, in the which aliue 
Th'c drearie image of (ad death appcares : 
So from the wearie (pirit thou dooft driue 

Defired reft, and men ot happinefTe depriuc. 
58 

Vnder thy mantle blacke there hidden lye, 
Light-'lhunniiig theft, and trayterous intcnfc 
Abhorr'd bloudihcd.and vile felony, 
Shamefull deceipt, and d mger imminent ; 
Foule horror, and eke hcllilh dreriment : 
All thefc (Iwote) in thy proteftionbee. 
And light doe lliunne, for feare of beeing (hent: 
For, hghtylike IS loth'd of them and thee. 

And all that lewdnelTe loue, doe lute the hght to fee. 

For, dav difcouers all dislioneft wayes. 
And flicweth each thing .is it is indeed : 
The prayfcs of high God he faire dilplayes. 
And hislargcbounty rightly doth arced. 
Dayes deareft children betheblelfeci feed. 
Which darkneflc (hall fubdew, and heauen win : 
Truth is his daughter ; he her firft did breed, 
Moft facred virgin, without (pot of iin. 
Our life is day: but death with darknefle doth begio. 

60 
O when will day then tiirne to mee againe, 
And bring with him his long expefted light I 
O Ti'.'an, haftc to rearc tiiy ioy ous waine : 
Speed thee to fpread abroad thy beamcz bright. 
And chale away this too long lingring night; 
Chafe her away , from whence (lie came, to hell. 
She, fhceitis, that hath mee donedefpight : 
There let her with the damned (pirits dwell, 
And yield herroome to day, that can it gouerne well, 

61 
Thus did the Prince that wearifc night out-wearc, 
In reftlelTe angui(h and vnquict poine : 
And earcly , ere the morrow did vpreare 
His deawy head out of the Ocean maine. 
He vp arofe, as halfe in great dildaine. 
And clombe vnto his (feed. So forth he went. 
With heauy looke and lump!(hpafe,thatplaine 
In him bewrayd great grudge and malulent : 
His fteed eke feem'd t'apply his fteps to his intent. 



Ni; 



Canto 



i4^ 



THE THIRD BOOKE OF 



CaiJt» y* 




Canto V. 

Priffce Arthur hearts ofFlorimelt : 
three lojiers Timias wound: 

Belphabefndes him almojl dead^ 
andreareth out offeaound. 





I On Jcr it is to fee in diuerfe minds , 
' How diuerfly Louc doth his pageants play, 
I And ftiewes his powve in viriable kinds : 
' The bi(er wit, whofe idle thoughts ahvay 

> Arewonttocleaucvntothelowely day) 

Itfl'nethvptofenfualldefire, . 

And in lewd flotli to wafte his carcleffe day : 

But m braue fprite it kindles goodly fire. 
That to all high defert and honour doth afpirc. 

Ne fufFereth it vncomely idlenefle. 

In his free thouehtto build her^Uggifh neft: 

Ne fuffereth if thought of vngcDtlenefle, 

Euerto creepeinto his noble breft; 

But to thehighcftand the worthieft 

Lifteth it vp, that elfe would lowely fall : 

It lets not fall, it lets it not to reft : 
, It lets not fcarce this Prince to breathe at all, 
3ut to his firft purfuTt him forward fhll doth call: 

I 
VVho long time wandred through the foreft wide, 

To find feme ifllie thence, till at the laft 

He met a Dwarfc, that feemed terrifide 

With Ibme latepcrill, which he hardly paft. 

Or other accident, which him agaft ; 

Of whom he asked, whence he lately came. 

And whither no w he trauelled fo faft. 

For, fore he fwat.and running through that lame 
Thicke foreft, was befcratcht, and both his feet nigh lame. 

4 

Panting for breath, and almoft out of hart. 
The Dwatfe him anfwerd, 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 fway , 
And high account through-out all Elfin landj 
Wholately left the Cime, and tooke this way : 
Her now I leeke, and if ye vndcrftand 

Which way fhec fared hath, good Sir tell out of lucd4 



what mifter wight, (aid he, and how arrayd ? 
Royally clad, quoth he, in cloth of gold, 
Asmeereilmaybv-feemeanoblemayd; 
Her fayre locks in rich circlet be corold, 
Andfairer wight did neuerfunnebchold, 
And on a Palfrey rides more white thenlhowe, 
Yet (he her felfe is whiter manifold : 
The (ureft (igne whereby ye may herknowe. 

Is, that (he is the faireft wight aliue, I trowe. 
6 

Now certes fwaine, (aide he, fuch one 1 weene, 
Faftflying through this foreft from herfo, 
A foule ill fauoiu-ed fofter, I haue feene ; 
Her (elfe (well as I might) I reskew'd tho. 
But could not ftay ; fo faft (he did fore-goc. 
Carried away with wings of (peedy feare. 
Ah deareft God, quoth he,thjt is great woe. 
And wondrous ruth to all th.u (hall ithearc. 

But can ye read. Sir, how I may her find, or where ! 

7 

Pcrdy, me letier were to weeten that 

Said he, then ranfome of the richeft knight. 
Or all the good that euer yet I gat : 
But froward Fortune, and too forward Night 
Such happinclTedid (maulgre) to mc fpigSc> 
And fro me refr both life and light attone. 
But Dv^arfe arc ;.d, what is that Lady bright. 
That through this foreft wandreth thus alone ? 

For, of her erroui ilrange I haue great ruth »nd mohC> 

That Lady is, quothhe, vvhere-fo (he bee. 
The bountieft virgin, and moft debonairc. 
That euer liuing eye I weene didfee ; 
Liuei none this day, that may with her compare 
In ftedfaft ch.ift:;tie and vertue rare. 
The goodly ornaments of beauty bright; 
And IS ycleped Florimell the fairc, 
Faire florimell, belov'd of many a knight ; 

Yet (he loues none but one, that Marinetl is hight. 



Cant. V. 



THE FAERIE QVEENE. 



147 



A Sea-nyniphcs fonne, that Marhiell is highx, 
Ot my deare D.ime is loiied uc.irely well ; 
In other none, but hun , (lie fets delight : 
All her delight is let on M^nnell ; 
But he lets nought .it ill by Florimell : 
For, Ladies louc, his mother long ygoe 
Did him (they Ciy) forwarne through facred fpell. 
But fame now flyes, that of a forraine foe 

Hee IS ) flainc, which is the ground of all our woe. 
10 

Fiuc dayes there be, fince hee (they fay) was fl.iine, 
And foure llnce Ftortmell the Court for-wcnt. 
And vowed ncucr to rcturiie ag.une, 
Till him ahue or dead (liee did invent. 
Therefore, fairc Sir, for lour of knighthood gent, 
And honour of true Ladies, ifyemay 
By vour good counlelij or bold hardimcnt. 
Or luccour her, or me direft the way ; 

Doc one, or other good, I you molt humbly pray. 
II 

So may you g-'-inc to you full great rcnowme, 
Of all good Ladies through tlie world fo wide. 
And h.iply in her h.ir! findhigheft roome 
Oi'whom yce feeke to be moft nugnifidc : 
AtleaftjCternallmeedc Hull you abide. ■ ■ ■ 

To wliom the Prince ; Dwarfe, comfort to thee t.ifce. 
For, till thou tydiDCTs learne what her betide, 
I hccre .ivow tlice neuer to forfake. 

Ill (vearcs he amies, that mil them vie for Ladies fake. 
II 

So with the Dwarfe hee back rcturn'd againe, 
To Icekc his Lady , where he mote her find ; 
But by the way, he greatly gan compl.une 
The want of his good Squire late left behind, 
For whom he wondrous peniiue grew in mind. 
For doubt of danger which mote him betide ; 
For, liim he loued aboue all nun-kind, 
Haujng him true andfiithfull eucr tride, 

And bold, as euer Sf[uire that waited by knights fide. 
1^ 

V Vho, all this while.full hardly was alTayd 
Ofdeadly danger, which to him betid; 
For, whiles his Lord purli wd that noble Mayd, 
After that Fofter loulc he fiercely rid , 
To becne avenged of the flume he did 
To that f.ureDamzi.11 : Him he ch.iced long 
Through the thick woods, wherein he would haue hid 
FIis fliamefuU he^id from his avengement ftrong : 

And oft hini threatned death for Ins outrageous wrong. 

14 

Nato'leffe, thcvillainefpcdhimfclfefowell, 
Whether through fwiftneffeot his (peedybe.aft. 
Or Icnov.'ledge of thole woods, where he did dwell, 
Th It fliortly he from danger was releaft, 
Aikl out of fight elcaped at the lead ; 
Y ct not efcaped from the due reward 
O.'hisboddeeas, which daily hee increaft, 
Ne cealed not, till him opprefled hard 

I'licheauy plague, Uiacforfuchleachours is prepar'd. 



For, foone as hee was vanilht out of fight, 
His coward courage gan emboldned bee, 
And call: t'avenge him of that foule defpight. 
Which he had borne of his bold cnemee. 
Tho to his brethren came : for they were three 
Vngratious children of one gracelellc Sire, 
And vnto them complainedjhow tliat hee 
Had vied beene of that foole-hardy Squire ; 

So them witli bitter words he ftird to bloudy ire. 
16 

Forth-with.themfelues with their fad inllruments 
Of fpoyle and murder they gan arme by hue. 
And with him forth into the forcft went, 
To wre.ike tiie wrath, which he did earft reviue 
In their fteme brealb, on him which late did driue 
Their brother to reproche and fliamefuU flight: 
For, they had vow'd, that neuer he aliue 
Outof thatforeftfliould efcape their mioht", 

Vile rancour their nide harts had fild with (iich defpight, 
17 

Within that wood there was a covert glade, 

Forc-by a narrowe foord (to them well knowne) 
Through which it was vneath for wight to wade ; 
And now by fortune it was overflowne : 
By that f.ime way, they knew that Squire vnknownc 
Mote algates palfe ; for-thy themlelues they fee 
There in aw.ait, with thicke woods over-growne. 
And .ill the whde their m.iHce they did whet 

Witli cruell threats, his paflage through the ford to let. 
18 

It fortuned, as they.deuifedhad, 

The gentle Squire came riding that fame wa^', 
Vnweeting of their wile and treafon bad, 
And through the ford to paflen did alTay ; 
But that fierce Fofter which late fled aw.iy. 
Stoutly forth ftepping on the further fhore, 
H'ln boldly bade his paflage there to ft.iy. 
Till he had made amends, and full rellore 

For .dl the damage which hehad him doen afore. 

With that, .at him a quiu'ring dart he threw. 
With fo fell force and villainous delpight, 
That through his haberieon theforkehead flew, 
And through the linked m lyles empearced quite, 
But had no powreinhisfoftflefhtobite : 
That ftroake the hardy Squire did lore dilpleafe. 
But more, that him he could not come to (mite ; 
For, by no meanes the high bauke he could feale, 

But labour 'd long in that deepe ford with vaine dileafe. 

lO 

And ftill the Fofterwith his long bore-fpeare 

Him kept from landing at his wiflied will ; 

Anone one fent out of the thicket neare 

AcrucU fliaft,headed with deadly ill. 

And feathered with an vnlucky quill ; 

The wicked fteelc lUyd not, till it did light 

In his left thigh, and deeply did it thrill : 

Exceeding griefe that wound in him empight ; 
Butmore.thitwith his foes hccouldnotcome to fight. . 
N ?. At 



148 



THE THIRD BOOKE OF 



Cant, F. 



At lift (through wrath and vengeance making way) 
Hce on the banke arriu'd with mickle paine. 
Where the third brother him did fore affay. 
And droue at him with all his might and mainc 
A forrcft-bill, which both his hands did ftraine > 
But warily he did avoyd the blowe, 
And with hisfpeare requited him againe. 
That both his fides were tlirilled with the throwe. 

And a large Itreame of bloud out of the wound did flowe. 
iz 

Hee, tumbling downe, with gnalhing teeth did bite 
The bitter earth, and bade to let him in 
Into the baleful! houfe of endleffe night. 
Where wicked ghofts doe waile their former &J. 
Tho, gan the battel] freflily to begin ; 
For, nathemorefor that fpeftade bad. 
Did th'other two thdr cruell vengeance blin. 
But both attonce on both fides him beftad. 

And load Vpon him layd, his life for to haue had. 

Tho, when that villaine he aviz'd, which kte 
Affrighted had the faircft J^lorimeU, 
Full of fierce fury, and indignant hate. 
To him he turned ; and with rigour fell 
Smote him fo rudely on the Pannikell, 
That to the chin he cleft his head in t waine : 
Downe on the ground his carcafle groueling fell i 
His finfull foule, with defperate diWaine, 

Out of her flelhly ferme fled to the place of paine. 
24 

That feeing now the onely laft of three. 

Who wii^ that wicked fliaft him wounded had. 
Trembling with horrour, as that did fore-fee 
Thefearewll end of hisavengemcntfadj 
Through which he follow fhould his brethren bad, 
His bootlefle boaw in feeble hand vpcaught. 
And there-with fliot an arrow at the lad ; 
Whichfaintlyfluttrrng.fcarce his helmet raueht. 

And glauncing, fell to ground, but him annoyed naught. 

V Vith that, he would haUe fled into the wood { 
But TimiM him lightly overhent. 
Right as hee entriDg was into the flood. 
And ftrooke at him withforce fo violent, 
Thatheadleffe him into the ford he fent : 
The carcaffe with the ftreame was carried downe. 
But th'head fell backward on the Continent. 
So mifchiefefell vpon the meaners crowne ; (nowne: 

They three be dead with fliame, the Squire liues with re- 
z6 

Hee liues, but takes fmall ioy of his renowne ; 
For, of that cruell wound he bled fo fore, 
That from his fteed he fell in deadly fwowne ; 
Yet ftill the bloud forth gufht in fo great ftore. 
That he lay wallow'd all in his pwne gore. 
Now Godthee keep, thou getitleft Squirealiuc : 
Elfe ftiall thy loumg Lord thee (ee no more ; 
But both of comfort him thou (halt depriue, 

And eketKyfelfe of honour, which (hou didil auhieue. 



Prouidcnce heauenly pafleth huing thought. 
And doth for wretched mens rtliefe make way ; 
For, loc, great grace or fortune thither brought 
Comfort to him , that comfortlcffe now lay. 
In thofe fame woods, ye well remember may. 
How that a noble hunterefle did wonnc, 
Shee, thatbafc Braggadoccbio did affray. 
And made him faft out of the foreftrunne ; 

Belfbdbe was her name, as faire as Vhocbus funne. 

Shee, on a day, as ftiee purfewd the chacc 

Of fome wild beaft.which with her arrowes kcene 
She wounded had, the fame along did trace 
By trail of bloud, which (he had tre(hly feenc. 
To hauebefprinkled all the graflie Greene} 
By the great perlue which (he there perceau'd. 
Well hoped (he the beaft engor'd hid beene. 
And made more hade, the life to haue bereaa'd: 

But ah 1 her expeilation greatly was deceau'd. 
29 

Shortly (he came, whereas that woflill Squire 
With bloud deformed lay in deadly (wound : 
In whofc faire eyes, Lke lamps of quenched fire. 
The cryftall humour ftood congealed round ; 
His locks, like faded leaues fallen to ground. 
Knotted with bloud, in bunches rudely ran. 
And his fweet lips, on which before that ftounJ 
The bud of youth to blolTome faire began, 

Spoyld of their rofie red, were woxen pale and wan. • 

• 30 

Saw ricuer liuing eye more heauy fight. 

That could haue made a rock of (tone to rew. 
Or riue in rwaine : which when that Lady brighc 
(Befides all hope) with melting eyes did view. 
All fuddainly aba(ht,(he changed hew. 
And with fterne horrour backward gan to ftart : 
But, when (he better him beheld, (he grew 
Full of foft pa(fion and vnwontedfmart : 

The poynt of pitty pearccd through her tender haru 

Kleekely (he bowed downe, to weetif life 
Yetinhis frozen members did rcmainc ; 
And feehng by his pulfes beating rife. 
That the weakefoiueherfeatdidyetretaincj 
She cafl: to comfort him with bufie paine : 
Hisdouble-foldedneck(heerear'dvpright, 
And rubd his temples, and each trembling rame ; 
His may led haberjcon (he did vndight. 

And from his head ids heauy burganet did light. 

Into the woods thence-forth in hafte (he went. 
To feekefor hearbes, that mote him remedy » 
For,fheofhearbeshadgreatintendiment, 
Taught of the Nymph, which from her infancy 
Her nurfed had in true Nobility : 
There, whether it divine Tobacco were, 
Or "Panacbta, or Tolygony, 
Shee found, and brought it to her Patieiit deare, 

Who all this while lay bleeding out hif hat^-bloud oeare. 

The 



Qtnt.F. 



THE FAERIE QVEENE. 



14^ 



V 



The foueraigne wccdc betwixt two marbles plaine 
She powndcd fmall, and did in pecccs bruze, 
And then atweenc her hlly hondcz twainc, 
Into his wound the luvce thereof did fcruie. 
And round about (as (lie could well it vze) 
The flclh there-with (hce liippled and did fteepe, 
T'abate all (pafmc, and (okc die fwclling bruze ; 
And after, hauing i'earcht the intule deepe. 

She with her (caifc did bind the wound &6 cold to kcepe. 

?4 

By this, he had (wect L'fe recur'd againe ; 
And groning inly deepe, at laftnis eyes, 
His watry eves, dnzling Lke deawy rainCj 
He vp gan lift toward the azure skyes. 
From whence delccnd all hopelcfle remedies : 
Therc-witli he ligh't, and turning himafidc, 
Thegoodly Klaid (full of divinities, 
And gifts of heauenly grace) he by liim Ipide, 

Her boaw and gilden quiuer lying liim belidc 

Mercy deareLord,faidhee, what grace is this. 
That thou hall (hewed to m ee linfull wight. 
To fend thine Angcll from her bowre of blifs, 
To comfort me in mvdiftrclTed plight? 
Angell, or GoddtlTe doe I call thee right > 
What feruice may I doc vnto thee meet, 
That haftfrom darkneire mee return 'd to hght, 
And with thy heauenly falues and med'cines iwcct, 

Haftdrcft my linfull wounds ? Ikiffe thy bldfed feet. 

36 
Thereat fhe blufhingfaid, Ah gentle Squire, 

Nor Goddtfle I, nor Angel I, but the Mayd, 

And daughter of a wooddy Nymph^ delire 

No feruice, but thy fafety and ayde ; 

Which if thou game, I (hall be well apayd. 

W'ec mortall wights, whole hues and fortunes bee 

To common accidents ftill open layd. 

Arc bound with common bond of frailtec. 
To fuccour wretched wights, whom we captiucd fcc 

By this, her Damfels, which the fortncr chace 
Had vndertaken, after her arriu'd. 
As did Btlfhcebe, in the bloudy place. 
And thereby decm'd the bcaft had been depriu'd 
Ot life , whom late their Ladies arrow nv'd : 
For-thy,the bloudie traft they follow faft. 
And euery one to runne the (wiftcft ftiiv'd : 
But two of them the reft far overpaft. 

And where their Lady was, arriued at the laft. 

Where, when they (aw that goodly boy, with blood 
Befouled, and their Lady dreffe his wound. 
They wondred much , and (hortly vnderftood. 
How him m deadly cale their Lady found. 
And rcskewed out of the heauie (found. 
Eftfoones his warlike courfer, which was ftrayd 
Farrein the woods, whiles that he lay in fwound, 
Shee made thofe Damfels fearch, which beeing ftayd, 

They did him fct thereon ^ and forth with them conuayd. 



Into that foreftfarre they thence himled. 
Where was their dwelling, in aplealantgladc. 
With mountaines round about environed. 
And mightie woods, which did the valley flude. 
And hkc a ftately Theatre it made. 
Spreading it ftlfc into a (patious Plii'nc 
And in the midft a little riuer plaid 
Emongft tlie pumy ftones, which feem'd to plains 
With gende niurmure, that his courfe tliey did reftraine, 

40 
Bcfide the fame, a dainty place there lay. 

Planted with myrtle trees and laurels greenc. 
In wluch the birds fung many a louely lay 
Of Gods high praiie, and of their loues fwcetteencj 
As it an earthly Paradife had beene : 
In whofe enclo(ed (liadovv tlicre was pight 
A faire Pauilion, fcarcely to be feene, 
The which was all within molt richly dight. 
That greatcft Princes liuing it mote well dehght. 

41 
Thither they brought that wounded Squire, and layd 
In ealie couch his feeble limbes to reft. 
Hee relted him awhile, and then the Mayd 
His ready wound with better (alues new drell; 
Daily (lie dredcd him, and did the beft 
His gneuous hurt to garifli, that (he might. 
That (hortly (he his dolour hath redreft. 
And his foul e fore reduced to faire plight : 
It (he reduced, but himfelfe deftroyed quighr. 

42 
O fooliih Phyfick, and vnfruitfull paine, 

That healcs vp one.and makes another wound ; 
She his hurt thigh to him recur'd againe, 
Buthurthis hart, thevvhich before was found. 
Through an vnv/ary dart, which did rebound 
From her faire eyes and gradous countenauncc 
What bootes it him from deaih to be vubound. 
To be captiued in cndleife durance 
Of forrow and delpaire without aleggeance ? 

Still as his wound did gatlier and growe whole. 
So ftillhis hart woxe fore, andhealth decayd : 
MadnelTe to faue a partj andlofe die whole. 
Still when-as heebeheld the heauenly Mayd, 
Whiles daily plaifters to his wound ihe layd. 
So ftill his malady the more increaft. 
The whiles her matchleiTe beauty him difmayd. 
Ah God ; what other could he doe at leaft. 

But loue fo faire a Lady, thathis life rcleaft ? 

Long while he ftroue in his courageous brelf. 
With realbn dew the paffion to fubdcw. 
And lone for to diflodge out of his neft: 
SdII when her excellencies he did view. 
Her foueraigne bounty, and celeftiall hew. 
The fame to loue he ftrongly was conftraind ; 
But when his meane eftate he did renew. 
He from fuch hardy boldneire was reftraind, 

And of his hicklelTelot and cmeillouc thus plaind ; 

N 4. Vnthank- 



1^0 



THE THIRD BOOKE OF 



Cant^y 



4? 
Vntluiikfull w'rqtclijf-uii te.is this tlic meed, 

VVitJi which her toueraigne mercy thou dooft quight ? 

Thy Hfc Ihc faued by her gracious deed, 

But thou dooft weenewith villiinous defpight 

To blot her honour, aiid her heaueuly hght. 

Dye rather, dye, then Co difloyally 

Deeme of her high defert, or feeme fo hght : 

■ Fairedeathitistofhunncmorefliamejtodie: 

Die rather, die, then cuer loue difloy ally. 

. . 46 

But if to loue difloyaltie it bee. 

Shall I then hate her, that from deathes dore 
Me brought? ahlfarrebefuchreprochefromee. 
What can I lefle do, then her loue therefore, 
Sith I her due reward cannot reftore : 
Dye rather, die, and dying doe her feme. 
Dying her ferue, and Huine her adore ; 
Thy life flie gaue, thy life Ihe doth deferue : 
Dye rather, die, then euerfrom her feruice Iwerue. 

But foohfli boy, what bootej thy feruice bafc 
- Toher,tovyhomtheheauensdoeferueandfew? 
Thou a meane Squire, of meekc and lowely place, 
She heauenly borne, and of celefliallhew. 
How thai } of all.loue taketh equallview : 
And doth not higheft God vouchfafe to take 
The loue and fervice of the bafeil crew ? 
If ihee will not, dye meekly for her falce ; 
Dye rather, dye, then euer fo faire loue forfake. 

48 
Thus warreid heelong time againft his will. 

Till that (through weakeneffe) he was forc't atlaft 
To yield himfelfe vnto the mighty ill : 
Which, as a Viftor proud, gan ranfack faft 
His inward parts, andall his entrailcs wafte, 
Thatneitherbloud in face, nor life inhart 
It left, but both did quite dry vp, and blaft ; 
As pearcing levin, which theinner part 
Of euery thing confumes, and calciueth by art. 

49 

Which feeing, faire Belfhcebe gan to feare, 

Leaft thatliis wound wcreinly well not healed. 

Or that the wicked fteele empoyfned were : 

Little flicc wecnd, that loue he clofe concealed ; 

Yet ftill he wafted, as tliefnowe congealed. 

When the bright funne his beames thereon doth beat. 

Yet neuer he his hart to her revealed. 

But rather chofe to die for forrow great. 

Then with dilhonourable tearmes her to intrcac. 

5° 
Shec (gracious Lady) yet no paines did fpare 
To doe him Cafe, or doe him remedie : 
Many Reftor^tiues of vertues rare, 
And coftly Co'rdialles fhee did apply. 



To mitigate his ftubborncrrtalady : 
But thatlweet Coidiall, whicli can reftore 
A loue-lick hai t, fliee did to him envy ; 
To him and all th'vnworthy world forlore 
She did envy thatfoueraigncfalue,in fecret ftbre. 

ThatdaintyRofe, tlie daughter of lierMorne, 
More Jcare then lifeflice tendered, whole flowrc 
The girlond of her honour did adorne : 
Ne luffred llie the Middayes fcorchingpowrc, 
Ne'the llurp Northeine wind thercou to Ihowre, 
But lapped vp her filken kaues moft chaire, 
Whcn-Io the froward sky began to lowre : 
But foone as calmed was the Cryftall ayre, 

She did itfaire dilfprcd, and let to flonlli raire. 

. ^* 
Eternall God, in his almighty povvre, „ 

To make enfample of his heauenly grace. 

In Paradife vvhylomc did plant this ilowre ; 

Whence he it fetcht out of her natiue placc^ 

And did in ftock of earthly flefh cnrace. 

That morull men her glory lliouli admire: 

Ingentle Ladies brelt, and bountious race 

Orwoman-kind it faircft flowrc dotli fpire, 

Andbearethfruite of honour and all chaftedelire. 

n 

Faire impes of beauty ,who(e bright fiiining beames 
Adorne the world with liJK to heauenly light. 
And to your vvilles both royalties and Realmes 
Subdcw, through conqiicif ofyour wondrous might, 
With this faire tiovvrc your goodly girlonds dight, 
Of chaftitie and vertue virginall. 
That (hall embeUilli more your beautie bright. 
And crowneyour heads with heauenly coroiull. 

Such as the Angels weare before Gods tribunall. 

To your faire felues a faire enfample frame, 
Of this faire Virgin, this Bilphizbs faire ; 
To whom, in pcrfeft loue and fpotlefle fame 
Of chaftitie, none huino may compaire : 
Nc poylhous Envy iulf ly can empaire 
The prayte of hcrfrefh fiowring Maidenhead ; 
For-thy (he ftandeth on the higheft ftaire 
Of th'honourable Ibgc of womjn-head, 

Thjt Ladies all may followe her enfample dead. 

In fo great prayfe of ftedfaft chafbtic, 
Nath'Ieffc.diewasfocurteousandkind, 
Tempredwith grace, and goodly modefty, 
That feemed thofe two vertues llroue to find 
The higher place in her Hcroick mind : 
So ftriuing each did other more augment, 
And both cncreaft the prayfe of woman-kind. 
And both encreaft her beauty excellent ; 

So all did make in her aperfeft complement. 



Canta 



Cant, VI. 



THE FAERIE QVEENE. 



151 





Canto VI. 

The birth affaire Bdphcebe, and 

of ^moret is told. 
The Gardens of-^donis, fraught 

rvith pleafiires manifold. 




I Ell may I wecne, faire Ladies, all this while 
Ye woniJcrj how this noble Damozell 
■ So great perfeftions did in her compile; 
I Sith thatinlaluage forefts llie did dwell. 
So farre from Court and royall Citadell, 
The great fchoolcmiftrelTe of all curtely : 
Seemcth that luch wild woods (hould far expell 
All ciuill vfage and gcntihty. 
And gentle fpnte deforme with rude rufticity. 

But to this fayrc Belphxbe in her berth 
The heauenslofauourablt were and free, 
Looking With inild 'oipeft vpon tlie earth. 
In ii'Horofcope ofhernatiuiiee, 
Tlut all the gifts of grace and chalHtce 
On her they poured fonh of plentious home ; 
ioae laught on y^f nxj ff om his loueraigne fee,. 
And P/jriws with faire beames did heradome; 

And oil the Graces rockt her cradle beeing borne. 

Her birth was of the wombe of Morning dewc, 
And her conception of the ioyous Prime, 
And all her whole creation did her (hewe 
Pure and vnfpotted from all loathly crime. 
That is ingenerate in fieftily flime. 
So was this Virgin borne, fo was (he bred; 
So was flice trained vp from time to time; 
In all chafte vertue, and true bounti-hed. 

Till to her due perfedion (hec was npcned. 

4 
Hermotherwasthefeirettr)|/oro»f«, ■ 

The daughter of^mphifa, who by race 

A Faerie was, ybomcofhigh degree; 

She bore Belphabe, (he bore in liEe cafe 

Faire ^morctta in the fecon d place : 

Thele two were twinncs, and twixt them two <Jid (hare 

The heriuge of all celeffiall grace ; 

That all the reft it fecm'd they robbed bare 
Of bouutic, and ofbeautie,andali ratucs rote. 



Itwercagoodly ftorie.to dcd.ire. 

By what ftran^c accident faire Chryfo'<-o>tt 
Concciu'd thef c Infants, and how tiiem Ihe bare. 
In this wilJeforcrt wandrint; a!i alone. 
After fh; had ninemoncths fuliild and gone : 
For, not as other wemens common brood, 
They were enwomLed in the lacred throne 
Of her chafte body; nor with common food. 

As other wcmens babesj tliev fucked vitall blood: 
6 

Butwondrouflvtheywerc begot, and bred 
Through influence of th'hcauens fruitfull ray, 
As it in antique bookes is mentioucd. 
It was vpon a Sommers lliiny day 
(When Titan fiyre his hot beames did difplay) 
Inafrefhfountainc.farrefrom all mens view, 
She barh'd her bre(t:the bovlmg heat t'allay ; 
She bath'd with roles red , and violets blew, 

And ail the fweeteft flovvxes, that m the forcft grew ; 

7 

Till faint through irkefom wearineue, adown 
Vpon the gr.flie ground her (;lle ihc layd 
To flcep, thewhilcs a gcntk flumbiing (woun 
Vpon her fell all naked bare diiplayJ ; 
Tlie funne-bcamcs bright vpon ii>. r body playd. 
Seeing through former bathing mollitidc, 
And pearc't into her wombe^ « here they embayd 
With fo (\v eet lenfe and fccret power vnlpid<:, 

Thatin het pregnant fielh they (iiortlv fruiSifide. 
8 

Miraculous may feemc to him ,that rcades 
So ftranoe cnfample of conception ; 
But rcafon te.icheth that the fruitfullfeadet 
Of all tilings huing, through imprellion 
0;"the(un-beames in moyft complexion, 
Doe hfe concciue, and quickncd are by kind : 
So, after T^liis inundation, 
Infanitelliapesofcrcaturcs men doe find. 

Informed in the mud, on which the Sunae hath Ihia'd. 



Great 



i5i 



THE THIRD BOOKE OF 



Cant, VL 



Great father hee of generation 

Is rightly cald,th'authouroflife and light; 
Andliis faire lifter for creation 
Miniftrcth matterfit.whichtempred right 
With heat and humour, breedes the huing wight. 
So fprong thefe twinnes in wombe aiclrryfogone. 
Yet wift me nought thereof, but lore atfright, 
Wondred to leeherbeUy (b vp-blone, 

Which ftill inaeaft, till ihe her terme had full out-gone. 

10 

Whereof conceiuing fhame and foule difgracc, 
Albc her guil tkfle confcience her cleard. 
She fled into the wildcrnefle a fpacc, 
Till that vnweeldy burden (he had reard, 
And fhund dishonour ,which as death Ihefeard: 
Where wearie of long trauell, downe to reft 
Her felfe Ihe ("et, and comfortably cheard ; 
Thereafad clowd offleepc her outrkeft. 

And feized euery fenfe with forrov/ fore oppreft. 
II 

It fortuned, faire f cmwhauing loft 

Herhttlefonne, the winged god of loue. 

Who for fome light difpleafure, which hira croft. 

Was from her fled, as flit as ayery Doue, 

And left her blisfull bowre of icy aboue, 

(So from her often he had fledaway. 

When (he for ought him fharply did reproue. 

And wandredin the world in ftrange array, (wray.) 

Ditguiz'd in choufand ftiapcs, that none might him be- 

12 

Him for to fecke, flieleft her heauenly hous 
(The houfe of goodly formes and faire alpeAs, 
Whence all the world deriues the glorious 
Features of beauties, and all fhapes feleft, 
With which high God his workmanftiip hath deckt) 
And fearched euery way, through which his wings 
Had borne him, or his traft (he mote deteCt : 
She promift kilTes (weet, and fweeter things 

Vnto the man, that of him tydings to her brings. 

Firft, (heehim fought in Court, where moft he vfeJ 
Whylome to haunt, but there (he found him not ; 
But many there ftie found, which fore acculed 
His fallehood, and witli foule infamous blot 
His cruell deedes and wicked wiles did (pot : 
Ladies and Lordes (hee euery where mote heire 
Complayning, how with his empoylhed (hot 
Their wofiiUharts he wounded badwhylcarc. 

And fo had left them longuifhing twixthope and feare. 

«4 

She then th e Cities fought,fTom gate to gate, 

And euery one did aske, did he him fee i 

And euery one her aniwerd, that too late 

Hee had him feene, and felt the crueltic 

Of his (harp darts, and hot artillerie ; 

And euery one threw forth reproches rife 

Of his mifchieuous deedes, and faid, That hee 

Was the di(turber of all ciuill life, 
The enemy of peace, and au(hor of all ftrifc, 



Then, in tlie Coimtrey (he abroad him fought, 
And in the nirall cottages enquired ; 
Where alfo, many plaints to her were brought, 
How hee their heedlelTe harts witli loue had fired. 
And his falfe venira tlirough their veines infpired; 
And eke the gentle (hepheard fwaines, which fat 
Keeping their fleecie flocks, as they were hired. 
She iwcetly heard compbine, both how and what 

Herfonne had to them doen ; yet (hee did (milctbercikt- 
16 

But when in none of all thefe (hee him got, 
Shee gan avi(e where elfe he mote him hide : 
At lalt, (heherbe-thought, that (hee had not 
Yet fought the falvage woods and forefts wide. 
In which foil many loucly Nyrophes abide, 
Mongft whom might be, that he did clofely lye> 
Or that the loue of fome of them him tydc : 
For-thy (he thither caft her courfe t'apply. 

To fearch the fccret haunts oiDianes company. 

17 

Shortly, vnto the waftefuU woods (hee came> 

Where-as (hee found the GoddefTe with her creWj ' 

After late chace of their embrewed game, 
Sitang belide a fountaine in a rewc. 
Some of them wa(hing with theliquid dewc 
From ofFtheir daintie limbes the dufty fweat, 
Andfoyle, which did deforme their liuclyhewe; 
Other lay (liaded from the fcorching heat ; 

The reftjVpon her pcrfon,gaue attendance great. 
18 

Shee,hauinghong vponaboughpnhigh 
Her boaw and painted quiuer, l^^d vrlac't 
Her (iluer buskins from her nimble tliigh, 
And her linfce loynes vngirt, ^nd breafts vnbrac't, 
After her heat the breathing cold to tafte ; 
Her golden locks, that late in trelTes bright 
Embreadedwereforhindringofherhalte, 
Now loole about her llioulders hong vndight. 

And were with fwect ^mbroJU all befprinkled lightj;^ ^, j^ 
19 * 

Sooneas (he ^e»«ifaw behind her back, ij^j ,.j{{ 

Shee was alham'd to be fo loofe furprifed ; ■■ ' r.K 
And woxehalfe wroth againft her damfels (lack, ., » 
Thathad not her thereof before aviled. 
But fuf&edher fo carelefly dilguifed 
Be overtaken. Soone her garments loofc 
Vpgath'ring,inherbofome(hecompri(ed, .^^^-^ 
Well as (hee might, and to the Godde(rero(e, . ^^^ i 

Whilft all her Nymphes did hke a girlond her endnje^^ j* 

10 

Goodly (hee ganfayre Cyttiereaffeet, ,, ,„{_j 

And (hortiyaskedher whatcaufeherbrought ;-j 
Into that wilderae(re (for her vnmeet) ' a, . . 

From her fweetbowres,& beds with pleafures fraoshti 
That fuddaine change (he ftrange adventure thougnt. 
To whom,(halfe weeping) (hee thus anlwcted. 
That (hee her deareft lonne Cubido fought. 
Who in his frowardneffe from her was fled ; 

That (he repented fore, to haue him angered. 

Thereat 



Cant.VL 



THE FAERIE QVEENE. 



15 J 



% 



Thercit Dinna gan to fmiie, in fcorne 

0:'hcr voine pliint, and to her koffing fiid; 
Great pittyfure, that ye bcloforlorne 
Oi'your gay lonne, tn.it giues ye fo good ayd 
To yourdilports: ill moceycc been apayd. 
Biit Ihccwas more cngneucd, andrepLde; 
Fjirc lilkr, ill bcfecnies it to vpbriyd 
A dolefull hart with To JirdainefuU pride ; 

The like that mine, may be your piine another tide. 
iz, 

A% yoii in woods and w.inton wilderncffe 
Vour glory let, to chacethelaluagebeafts; 
So my Jebghtis all in loyfulnefle, 
In beds, inoowres, in b.inkets, and infeafts : 
And ill becomes you with your loftie creafts. 
To fcorne tlieioy that loue is giaj to lecke ; 
We botli arc bound to tbilow heaueus beheafts. 
And tend our charges with obcifance meeke : 

Spare (gentle lifter) w uh reprocbe my painc to eekc ; 

Ad J tell mcj if that yee my Tonne haue heard, 

To lurkc emongft your Nymphes in (ecrctwiic; 
O; keepe their cabins : much 1 am aifeard, 
LealVhe like one ot them himfelfe dilguizc. 
And turne his arrowes to their exercize : 
So may hee long himielfe tuil ealic hide : 
For, heis £iirc and frclli in face and guizc. 
As any Nymph (let not it be envide.) 

So fiying, eucry Nymph tullnarrowly Ihc eydc 

But Thrlie there-with fore was angered. 

And lliarply laid ; Goc Dame, ooe fceke your boy. 
Where you him lately left, in Mars his bed ; 
He comes not here, we Icornc his foolilh ioy, 
Ne lend we leifure to his idle toy : 
But if I catch him in this company, 
By Stygian lake I vow, w hole (ad annoy 
The Gods doe dread, he dcarely (hall aby : 

lie clip his wanton wings, that he no more (hall fly. 

Whom whenis^f»«>(awfoforedi(pleafcJ, 
She iuly fory was, and gan relent 
What (hee bad (aid : (o her (hee foone appealed, 
Withfugred words and gentle blandilhment. 
Which as a fountiine Irom herfwcet lips went. 
And welled goodly torth, that in(hort(pace 
Shee was well plea'.d, and forth herdamzels fcnt. 
Through all the woods, to learch ti-om place to place. 

If any tract of him or tydings they mote trace. 
z6 

To fearch the God of Loue, her Nymphes (he fenc 
Throughout the wandnng foreli cuery where : 
And after them her lelff eke with her went 
To feekc the fugitiue, both farre and nere. 
So long they fought, till they arrived were 
In that lame (hidie covert, where-as lay 
Faire Chryfigone in Aumbry traonce whilerc : 
Who in her fleepe (a wondrous thing to fay) 

y&warcs bad borne two babes, a^ £ure as Iptioging day. 



\'^nwares (he them conceiu'd, vnwares (he bore : 
She bore witJioutcn painc, that (hee conceiued 
Withouten plealure : ue her need implore 
Z«Hn.i«ay de : whicli when they both perceiued. 
They were through wonder nigh of (enie bereiued, 
And gazing each on other, nought befpake : 
At lalt, they both agreed, her (leeming grieued) 
Out of her heauy Iwounc not to awake. 

But from her louing lidc tlic tender babes to uke. 
18 

Vp they tJiem tookc ; each one a babe vp-toofce. 
And with them earned, to befoftcred. 
Dame ThoeU to a Nymph her babe betookc. 
To be brought vp in perfeft Maydcnhed> 
And ot her fclfe, her name Eelfhwhe red : 
But Fenuf hers hence farre away convayd. 
To be vp-brought in goodlie womanhed, 
And in her little Loucs (lead, which was fbaid^ 

Her^moretta cold, to comfort her dilmaid. 

-9 
Sheebroughthertohcrioyous Paradife, (dwell. 

Where moft (he wonnes, when lliee on earth does 

So faire a place, as Nature can deuife : 

Whether in Vaphot, or CythcronhiW, 

Or it in Gn;(/«jbe, Iv.otenoiwell; 

But well I wote by try all, tlut this fame 

All other pleaiintplaces doth excell. 

And called is by licr loft Loners name. 
The Garden oi^doiiu, f.irrerenowni'd by fame. 

In that fame Garden, all the goodly flo\VTes 
Whcrc-with dame Nature doth her beautifie. 
And decks thcgirlonds of her Paramourcs, 
Arcfetcht: there is tJie firftfeminarie 
Of all things, that are borne to liue and die. 
According to their kinds. Long worke it were* 
Hcere to account the cndlefTe progenic 
Of all the wee Jes, that bud andblolTome there; 

But fo much as doth need, mufl needs be counted here. 

Ji 

It fitcd was in fruitfull foy !e of old. 

And girt-in with two walks on eitlierfide j 

The one of iron, the other of bright gold. 

That none niight thorough breaJcc, nor over-ftride : 

And double gates it had, which opened wide. 

By which both in and out men motcn pals ; 

Th'one faire and fredi, the other old and dride : 

Old Gtnius die Porter of them was, 

Old Genius, the which a double nature has. 

He letteth in , he letteth out to wend, 
All that to come into the world de'irc ; 
A thoufand thoufand naked babes attend 
About him day and night, which doe require. 
That hee with flefhly weedes would tlicna attire i 
Such as him I1 ft, luch as etcrnall fate 
Ordauied hath, he clothes widi iinfull mire, 
Ancifenderhfordi to liue in mortoll ilatc. 

Till they againc rctuine backc by the hinder gate. 



A&ct 



154 



THE THIRD BOOKE OF 



Cant. Vh 



After that they igaiae returned bcenc. 

They in that Garden planted be againe ; 

And erowe afrefh, as they had neuer fccne 

Flefhly corruption, nor mottall paine. 

Some thouCind yeares fo doen they there rcnuinc ; 

And then of him are clad with other hew. 

Or fcnt into the changeful! world againcj 

Till thither they returnCj where firlt they grew : 
So like a wheele around they runnefrom oLl to new. 

34 

Ne needs there Gardiner to let, or fowe. 

To plaut, orprunc : for, of their owne accord. 
All things as they created were, doe growe. 
And yet remember well the mighty word, 
Which firft was fpoken by th'Almighiy Lord, 
That bade them to incrcale and multiply : 
Ne doe they need with water of the ford. 
Or of the clowdes, to moyften their rootes dry ; 

For, in themfelucs, eternall moyfture they imply. 

Infinite fliapcs of creatures there are bred, 

And vncouth formes, which none yet euer knew, 

And euery fort is in a fundry bed 

Set by It fclfe, and rankt in comely rew : 

Some fit for reafonablefoulest'indew. 

Some madeforbealtsjfomemadefor birds to weare, 

And all the fruitfiill fpawne of fifties hew 

In endlefle ranks along enranged were, 

That (eem'd the Ocean could not contains thetn theie. 

Daily they growe, and daily forth arc fenc 

Into the world, it to replenifti more ; 

Yet is the ftocke not leflened, nor fpent. 

But ftill remaines in euerlafting ftore. 

As it at firft created was of yore. 

For, in the wide wombe of the world, there lyes 

In hatefulldarkneffe,and in deepehorrore. 

An huge eternall Cfcdoj, which fupplies 
The fubftances of Natures fruitful! progenies. 

37 

All things fromthence doe their firft beeing fetch. 
And borrow mattcr.whereof they are made ; 
Which.when as formeand featureit doesketch, 
Becomes a bo die, and doth then inuade 
The ftate of life, out of the griefly ftiade. 
That fubftance is eterne, and bideth fo ; 
Ne when the life dccayes, and forme does fade. 
Doth it confume, and into nothing gOj 

But changed is, and often altred to and fro. 

38 

The fubftance is not chang'd, nor altered. 
But th'onely forme and outward &fhion ; 
For, euery (iibftancc is conditioned 
To change her hew, and fundry formes to don. 
Meet for tier temper and complexion ; 
For, formes are variable, and decay 
By courfe of kinde, and by occafion ; 
And thatfaireflowreofbeaoty fades away. 

As doth the blly frelh before the funny ray. 



Great enemy to it, and to ail the reft 
That in the Garden of Mionn fprings. 
Is wicked Time ; who, with his fey the addreft, r 

Does mowetheflowring herbes and goodlythings. 
And all their glory to thcground downeflings. 
Where they doe wither, and are foully mard : 
Hee flye J about, and with his flaggy wings, 
Beates downc both leaues and buds without regard, 

Necuerpitty may relenthis malice hard. 
40 

Yet pitty often did the gods relent, 

To fee fo faire things m.ud, and fpoyled quight : 

And their great mother yenai did lament 

The lofle.6f her dearc brood, her dcare deh'ghti 

Her hart was pcarc't with pitry at the light. 

When walking through the Garden, them (he fpyde. 

Yet no'tc fhe End rcdrefle for fuch defpight. 

For, all that liues is fubieft to that law : 

All things decay in time, and to their end do draw. 

41 

But, were it not that Time their troubler is. 
All that in this delightful! Garden growes. 
Should happy be, and haue immortall blifs : 
For, heere all plenty , and all pleafure flowes. 
And fweet loue gentle fits emongft them throwcs. 
Without fell rjncour, orfondiealoufie; 
Frankly each paramour his leman knowes. 
Each bird his mate, ne any does enuic 

Their goodly meriment, and gay felicitie. 
41 

There is continual! fpring,andharueft tTiere 
Continual!, both meenngat one time : 
For, both the boughes doelaughing blofloms beire. 
And with frefti colours deck the wanton Prime, 
And eke attonce the heauy trees they clime. 
Which feeme to labour vnder their fruites lode : 
The whiles the ioyous birds make their paftimc 
Emongft the fhady leaues, their fweet abode. 

And their true loues without fufpicion tellabrode. 

43 

Right in the middeft of tlut Paradjfe, 

There flood a ftately Mount, on whoferouod top 
A gloomy groue of myrtle-trees did rife, 
Whofe Ihadie boughes fharpe ftecle did neuer lop. 
Nor wicked beafts their tender buds did crop, 
But like a girlond compaffed the hight, 
And from their fruitfull fides fweet gum did drop. 
That all the ground with precious deaw bedight, 

Threw forthmoft dainty odours, & moftfweet delight, , 

44 

And, in the thickeft coUert of that /hade. 
There was a plealant Arbour, not by art. 
But of the trees owne inchnation made, 
Whidi knitting their ranke branches part to part. 
With wanton Ivie-twine entraylJ athwart. 
And Eglantine, and Caprifole emong, 
Fafhiond aboue within their inmoft part. 
That ncitlier Pfcariwbeames could through the throng, 

Nor Atokf fhatp blaft could worke them any wrong. 

And 



Cant.FL 



THE FAERIE Q.VEENE* 



«55 



4J 

An J all about grcwe eucn- (or: of flowre. 

To winch (id loucrs were trinstbim'd of yore ! 

Frcfh Hyacmthfu, FhabM^Uimoure 

Anddcjrcrtlouc, 

Foolilh Tiarcijfe, tlut likes the witry (hore. 

Sad ^maranthm, made a flowTe but late. 

Sad ^maranthuf, in whofc purple gore 

Me Icetncs I fee ^mintM wretched fate, 

To whom fweet Poets yerfe hath giuen endlefli: date. 
46 

There wont faire f'cnw often to enioy 
Htr dciie^donu ioyoUKompanic, 
And rcapc fweet pleaturc of the wanton boy ; 
Therey ct fomc lay in fecret he docs ly, 
Lapped in flowrcs and precious fpycery , 
By her hid frotn the world, and from the skill 
Of Stynan gods, which do herloue enuic ; 
But (he herlelfc, when euerthatflie will, 

PtSffefleth him , and of his fweetnefle takes her fill. 

47 

And footh, it fecmes, they lay : for, he may not 
For euer die, and euer buried bee 
In balcfull night, where all things are forgot! 
All be he (ubieft to mortalitie. 
Yet is etemeinmutabilitic, 
And by fucceflion made perpetual!. 
Transformed oft, and changed diuerfly : 
For, him the Father of all formes they call; 

Therefore needs mote he liue,that liuing giu« to ilL 
48 

There now heliueth in eternallblifs, 

loying hiseoddeffe, andof herenioyd: 

Ne fcareth he henceforth that foe of hisj 

Which with his crucll tuske him deadly cloyJ ; 

For, that Wilde Bore, the which him once annoyd, 

She firmely hath cmprifoned forave 

(That her fweet loue his malice mote luoyd) 

in a ftrong rockic Cjve, which is they Gy, ("may. 

Hewen rnderneath that Mount, that none him loofcn 

49 

There now he Hues in euerlalting icy. 
With many of the gods in company, 
Which thither haunt, and with the winged Boy 
Sporting himfclfc in Cifc fehcitie : 
Who, when hcluth with fpoiles and crueltic 
Ranfackt the world, and in thewofull hearu 
Of many wretches fethis triumphes hie. 
Thither reforts, and laying his lid darts 

Afide, with faire adonis playes his wauton parts. 



50 

And his true loue faire Tfyche widb Iiim playes, 
Faire Tfyche to him lately reconcyl'd. 
After long troubles and vnmeet vpbrayes, 
With which his motlier f'tTuu her reuyl'd, 
And eke himfelfeher cruelly exy I'd : 
But now in ftedfaft loue aad happy ftate 
She with him hues, and hath him borne a child, 
Vlrafurt, that doth both gods and men aggrate , 

Tleafure, the daughter of Cufid and Tfyche late. 

f« 

Hither great Venut brought this infant faire. 

The younger daughter of Chryfonnee, 

And vnto 'PJyci)e with grcattrult and care 

Committed her, yfoftered to bee. 

And trained vp in truefeminitee : 

Who no IcfTe carefully her tendered, 

Then her owne daughter Tleafure, to whom fliee . ;, 

Made her companion, and her lertoned , I 

In all the lore of loue, and goo Jly womanhead. 

lo which when (lie to pcrfeft ripenclTegrcw, 
O: grace and benuty noble Para<»one, 
She Lroughc her forth into the worldes view. 
To be th'enfamplc of true loue alone. 
And Load-iljrre of all chifte afFe6Hone, 
To all faire Ladies, that doc Imc on ground. 
To Faery court (he came, where many one 
Admyr'dhcrgoodlyhaucour, and found 

His feeble heart wide launced with loues cruell wound. 

But (lie to none of thetn her loue did caft, 
Saue to the nobleknight Sir ScHdamore, 
To whom her louing heart (he linked faft 
Infaithfullloue,t'jbidcforeuerinore, 
And for his dcareft fake endured (ore. 
Sore trouble of an hainous enemy; 
M'hoiier would forced haue to haueforlore 
Herformerloue and ftedfaft loialtie. 

As ye may eKewhere reade that ruefull hiftory. 
54 

But well I wecnc, ye firft defire to Icarne, 
What end vnto that fearefuU Damozell , 
Which fled (b faft from that fame fofter ftearne. 
Whom witli his brethren TimiiU (lew, befell : 
That was to weet, the goodly Floriwli ; 
Who wandring for to feek her louer dcarc, 
Herlouer deare, her deareft Mttrinell, 
Into misfortune fell , as ye did hcjrc. 

And from Pnncc ^rtWfied vyith wings of ijle fcore. 



Canto 




THE THIRD BOOKE OF 



Ca>3t, VI 7. 





Canto VII. 

7he Witches fenne loues FlorifKell: 

fjeflyes-fhef dines to die. 
SatymnefAues the Squire of Dames 

from Gi^xnts tyr.inny. 






Ike as an Hynd forth finglcd from the heard. 
That h.uh dcjpeJfrom a raucnous beaft, 
Yctfliesawayof herowncfcetafRard, i.i 

And euery leafe, that fhaketh with th e leaft 
Murmure of winde, her terror hathinctcaft; 
So fled faire r.or;'meK from her vainc feare, 
Long after fhe from perill was releaft: '' • 
Each fliade fhe fawe^ and each noife fhe did hcat'e. 
Did feeme to be the fame, which file cfcap't why leirc.- ' ■ 

2 ■ 

All thatfarae eueningflieinflyingfpcnt,''/ 

And all that night her cour{c continued : 

Nc did file let dull fleepe once to relent, ■ 

Nor wearirielTe to (lacke her hafte, but fled 

Eucr alike, as if her former dread ' '' 

Were hard behindcjherready to arreft ! '' 

And her white Palfrey hauing conquered 

The maiftring raines out of her weary wreffj'"'^ ' 
Perforce her carried, where-euer he thought b eftiiC''" 






So long as breath, and hablepuiflaunce ■;•«!.. V^.- '; 

Did natiuc courage vnto him fiipply, iJioiJ-n// 

His pafe he frcflily forward did aduauncci '^^ '^''' ' •' 
And carried her beyond all ieopardy : ' " '■nf" W 
But nought that wanteth reft, can long aby .''•'" -'''| ' 
Hej hauing through inceffaut trauellfpcnt'"'''" '^- ' / 
His force,atlaft perforce adown did ly, i'J"-i 
Ne foot could further mdue i The Lady' j^tifl!"' "'" ' 

Thereat was liiddein ftrook with great a!ftoniftiin^eat ii 

4 

And forc't t'alight, on foot mote algates fare, 
A traueller vnwonted to fuch waie : ' 

Need teacheth her this leffon hard and rare. 
That fortune all in equall kunce doth (way, 
And mortall mi(eries doth make herplay. 
So long fhe traueld, uU at lengthflie came 
To an hilles (ide, which did to her bewray 
A littlevallcy , fubieft to thelame, 

Allcouerd with ;iuckwo9ds,thatquijei|;ouercatnc. 



Through th'tops of the high trees file did defcry 
A little fmoke, whofc vapour thin and li?ht, 

; Reeking aloft, vproUcd to the sky : » 

Which checrefull fignc did fend vnto her fight. 
That in the lame did wonne foine liuing wight. 
Efttoones her fteps fhe thereunto .ippHde, 
And came at laft in weary wretched plight 
Vnto the place, to which her hope did guillc, 

To findefome refuge there, and relt her weary fide. ■ 

There, in a gloomy hollowe glen file found 
A little cottage, built of ftickes and reedes 
In homely wize, and wall'd with fod's abound. 
In which a witch did dwell , in loathly weedes. 
And wiifull want, all carelelTe of her needes; 
So chooiing fohtary to abide. 
Far from alTncighbours, that her diuelifii deeds 
And hellifii arts from people file might hide. 

Andhartfar off vnknowne,whom-euer file enuide; "" 

. . 7 f-r 

The Damzell there arriuing entred in; 

Where fitting on the floorc the Hag fhe fouodj 

Bufie (as feem'd) about fome wicked gin ; 

Who,fbonea-s fhe beheld that fuddeinftound. 

Lightly vpflartcd from the dufty ground. 

And with fell looke arid hdllow deadly gate 

Stared on her awhile,as one aftound, 

Ne had one word to fpeake, for great amaac ; (daze. 
Sut fhcw'd by outward fignes, that dread her fenfe did 

At lafl, turning hcrfeare to foolifil wrath , 

She askt, what diuell had her thither broughtj 
And who file was, and whatvnwonted path 
Had guided her, vnwelcomed.vnfoiight? 
To which the Damzell full of doubttull thought, 
Her mildly aniwer'd : Beldame.bcnot wroth 
With filly Virgin by aduenturebrought 
Vnto your dwelling, ignorant and loth. 

That crauc bu( roomc (o leflj while tcnipeft ouerblo'th. 
— ■ ^' -. YVith 



Cant.FlU THE FAERlE QVEENE, 



157 



\A'itIi rfiitjadownc out of her Cr^"(ljll eyne, 
Few trickling tearcs flie foftly forth let fall, 
That hke two orient pcjrlcs, did purely fhinc 
Vpon hcrfiiowie chtck ; and therewithal! 
She iighed loft, that none lb befliall, « 

Norlaiujge heart, but ruth of her fad phght 
Would make to melt, or pitioufiy appall; 
And that vilc Hag, all were her whole delight 
In milchiefc, was much moucd at fo pitious figh t; 

9 
And gan reconifort her in her rude wife, 
With womanilh compaffion of her plaint, 
Wiping the tearcs from her fuffijled eyes. 
And bidding her £lt downe, to reft her faint 
And vvearic limbs awhile. She nothiug quaint 
Nor s'deignhill of fo homely fa/hion, 
Sith brought /he was now to lo hard conftraint. 
Sate downe vpon the dufty ground anon. 
As glad of that fmill reft, as Bird of tempeft gon. 

10 
Tho, gan (he gather vp her garments rent. 
And her loofe lockes to dight in order dew, 
With golden wreath, and gorgeous ornament; 
Whom Inch when-as the wicked Hag did view, 
She was aftoniflit at her heauenly hew. 
And doubted her to decme an earthly wight. 
But or lome goddelle, or of Dianes crew, 
Andthoughthertoadorewith humble fpright; 
T'adore thing fo diuine as beauty, were but right. 

ti 
This wicked woman had a wicked fonne. 
The comfort of her age and weary dayes, 
A laelie loord, for nothing good to donuc. 
But ftretched forth in idlenelle alwaics, 
Neeucrcafthis mindto couetpraile, 
Orply huTifelfc to any honeft trade ; 
Butallthedjy before the funny rayes 
He vs'd to Aug, or fleepe in flothfuU Ihade : 
Suchlaefinellc both lewd and pooreattoncehim made. 

iz 
He, comming home at vndcrtime, there found 
Thefaireft creature that he cuer faw. 
Sitting befide his mother on the ground ; 
The light whereof did greitly him adaw. 
And hrs bale thought with terror and with awe 
So inly (mote, thatas onewhich had gazed 
On the bright Sunnc vnwares, doth foone withdraws 
His feeble eyne, with too much brightnelTc dazed ; 
So flared he on her, and ftood long wlule amazed. 

iJ , 

Softly at laft he gan his mother aske, 

What mifterwightihat was, and whcncederiued. 
That in fo ftrange difguizemeut there did maske. 
And by what accident fhe there arriued : 
Butlhe.asone nigh ol herwits depriued. 
With noughtbutghaftiy lookes him aniwered , 
Like to a ghoft, that lately is reuiued 
From Stfirian Ihores, where late it wandered; 

So both at her, and each at otha wondered. 



»4 

But the fiire Virgin was fo meeke and milde. 
That (lie to them vouchfafed to embale 
Her goodly port, and to their fenfesvild 
Her gentle Ipeach apphde, that in ftiort fpace 
She grew familiar in that defert place. 
During which time, the Chorle through herfo kjadc 
And curteife vfe conceiu'd afFeftjon b.ife. 
And caft to loue her in his brutilh mind ; 
No loue, but brutifli luft, that was lb beaftly tin'd. 

ij 
Clofely the wicked flame his bowels brent. 
And Ihortlygrew into omrageous fire ; 
Yet had he not the heart, nor hardiment, 
Asvntohertovtterhisdelire; 
His caitiue thought durft not fo high alpirc : 
But with foft fighes, and louely femblances, 
Hewecn'dthathisafFeftion entire 
She fliouldarcadi many refemblances 
To her he mad e, and many kind remembrances. 

16 
Oft from tlieforreft wildings he (Ijdbrino-, 
Whofe (ides empurpled were with fmiling rc<J; 
And oft young birds, which he had taught to Qag 
His miftrelle praylcs fwectly caroled, 
Girlonds of flowrts (ometimes for her faire head 
He fine would dight ; fometimes the fquirell wild 
He brought to her in bands, as conquered 
To be her thrall, his fellow fcruant vild ; 
All which (he of him took with countenance meek & mil J. 

17 
But part awhile, when (he fit feafon fawe, 
To Icaue that defen manfion, (he calf 
In fecrtt wile hcrfelfe thence to withdrawc. 
For feare of mifchiefe, which (he did forecaft 
Might be the witch or that her (bnne compaft ; 
Her weary Palfrey, clofely as (he might. 
Now well recouered after long repaft. 
In his proud furnitures (he freihiy dioht. 
His late raifwandred waies now to rcmeafure rieht. 

18 ^ 

And early ere the dawnin g day appeard , 

She forth ilTewed, and on her lourney went; 
Shewentinperill,of e.ichnoife.ifFe.ird, 
And of each (hade, that did it felfc prefent ; 
For, ftill (he feared to be oucr-hcnt. 
Of that vile Hag, or that vnciuile fonne : 
Who, when too late .iwoking well they kent 
That their faire gueft was gone, they both begonne 
To make exceeding mone, as they had been vndomie. 

But that lewd louer did the moft lament 
For her depart, that eucr man did heare; 
He knockt his breft with delperare intent. 
And fcratcht his face, and with his teeth did teare 
His rugged fle(h, and rent hisrjggcdhearc: 
That his ("ad motherfeeing his fore plight, 
Was greatly woe-begonne, and gan to feare 
Leafthisfrailefenleswereemperiihtquight, 

And loue to frenzy turnd, fith loue i| franticke hiehc. 

Oi ' ^ Alt 



158 



THE THIRD BOOKE OF 



Cant, VIL 



All wayes flie fought, him to reflore to plight, 

With herbSjWith charms, with counlell, and with teares: 

But teares, nor charms, nor herbs, nor counfell might 

AiTwage thefurv, wliich his entrailcs teares : 

So ftrong is paffion^ that no reafon heares. 

Tho, when all other helpes fhe fawc to failc, 

She turnd lier fclfc backe to her wicked Icares, 

And by her diuchdi arts thought to preuaile 

To bring her backe againe, orworke her finall bale. 

21 

Eftfoones out of her hidden caue fhe cald 
An hideous beaft,of horrible alpeft, 
That could the ftouteft courage bauc appald; 
Monftrous misfhap't, and all his back was (peft 
With thoufandfpots of colours queint eleft. 
Thereto fo (wift, that it all beafts did pafs : 
Like neuer yet did liuing eye deteft ; 
But likeft it to an Hyena was, 

Thatfeeds on womens flefhjas others feed ongrafs< 
zx 

It forth (he cald, and gaue it ftreight in charge. 
Through thick and thin her to purfew apace, 
Ne once to ftay to reft, or breath at large. 
Till her he had attaind, and brought in place. 
Or quite deuour'd her bcauti cs fcornefull grace. 
The Monfter,fwift as word that from her wcnr> 
Wentforth in hafte, and did her footing trace 
So fureandfwiftly, through his perfciS: fent. 

And paffing fpeed, that (hortly he her ouer-herit. 

^? 
Whom when the fearefull Damzell nigh elpidc. 

No need to bid her fift away to flie ; 

That vgly fliape fo fore her terrlfide, 

Thatit(liefhundnolefle,thcn dread to die : 

And her flit Palfrey did fo well apply 

His nimble feet to her conceiued feare, 

That whil'ft his breath did ftrcngth to him fupply. 

From peril! free he her away did beare : 
But when his force gan faile, his pafe gan wex areare. 

24 
Which when as fhe pcrceiu'd, fhe was difmayd 

At that fame laft extxemitie fiiU fore. 

And of her (afcty greatly grew afraid ; 

Andnowfheganapproachetothefeafhorc, 

As it befell , that (he could fly no more, 

But yield lier feife to fpoile of greedineffe. 

Lightly /he leaped, as a wight forlore. 

From her dull horfe, in delperatc diftrefs, . 
And to her feet betooke her doubcfull Cckernefle. 

if 

Not halfe fo faft the wicked Myrrlia fled 
From dread of her reuenging fathers hond: 
Nor halfe fo faft to faue her maidenhcd, 
Fledfearcfuli£)rf^/)nconth'^£5;*d»ftrond, 
As Florimell&ed tromthe Monfteryoud, 
To reach the fca, ere Ihe of him were raught: 
For, in the fea to drowne her felfe (he fond, 
Rathcrthen ofthe tyrantto becaught : 

Theito feare gaue her wings j& need her courage taUghti 



26 

Itfortuncd (high God did fo ordaine) 
As (he arnued on the roring fhore, 
In minde to Icape into the mighty Maine, 
A litde boatc lay houing her before. 
In which there flept a Fillier old and poore. 
The wliiles h:s nets were dr)'ing on die land : 
Into the fame Ihe leapt, and with the ore. 
Did thruft the fliallop from the flotingif rand : 

So fafety found at fea, which ftie found not atLmd. 

The Monfter, ready on the prey to feafe. 

Was of hisforward hope deceiued quight; 

Ne durft aday t o wade the perlou s leas. 

But greedily long gaping at the fight, 

Atlaft in vaine was forc't to turne his flight. 

And tell the idle ty dings to his Dame : 

Yetto auenge his diucli/h defpight. 

He fct vpon her Palfrey tiredlame. 
And flew him cruell v ere any reskew came. 

28 
And after hauing him cmbowelled. 

To fill his helhlh gorge, it chaunc't a knight 

To pafle that way, as torth he trauelled ; 

It was a goodly Swaine, and of great might. 

As euer man that bloudy field did fight ; 

But in vaine Ihewes, that wont young knights bewitch. 

And courtly fermccs took no delight, 

Butratherioyd to be, then feemen fich : 
For, both to be and feeme to him waslabour lich. 

29 
It was to wect, the good Sir Satyrane , 

That ranng'd abroad, to feckc aducntures wilde, 

As was his wont in forreft, and in Plaine ; 

He was all arm "d in rugged fteele vnfilde. 

As in the fmoky forge it was compilde. 

And in Iiis fcutchin boreaSatyres hed : 

He commingprefent, where the monfter vilde 

Vpon that milke-while Palfreycs carkas fed, 
Vnto his reskew ran^ and greeddy him fped. 

JO 

There well perceiu'd he, thatit was thehorfe. 
Whereon faire FlorimeU was wont to ride. 
That of thatfcend was rent without remorfe : 
Much feared he, leaft ought did ill betide 
To that faire Mayd ,the flowre of womens pride; 
Forj her he dcarcly loued, and in all 
His famous conquefts highly magnifide : 
Befides,hergoldengirdle, which didfall 

From her in flight, hefound, that didhimfore appall. 

5' 

Full of fad feare, and doubtfull agony. 
Fiercely he flew vpon that wicked feend ; 
And with huge ftrokes, and cruell battery 
Him forc't to leaue his prey, for to attend 
Himfelfefrom deadly danger to defend : 
Full many wounds in his corrapted flefh 
Hcdideueraue, andmuchcllblouddidlpend. 
Yet might not doe him die; but aye more fi^efh 

And fierce he ftiU appeoi'd, the morehe dxd him threlli. 

Hce 



Cant,Vlh 



THE FAERIE Q.VEENE 



^9 



35 . 

Hcvvift not, Iiow I'Jm to dcfpoile of life, 
Nc how to win the wiflied viftory , 
Sith lum he l.uve ftill ilronger growe through flrife, 
AnJhimfdfewcikcr ihrougli infirmity j 
Grcitly he crrew cur.ig'd, and funoiifly 
Hurling his Iwofd aw.iy, hehghtly Icpt 
Vpon tliL- Btilt, that with great cruekic 
Rorcdj and raged tobevndcr-kept: 

Yet lie perforce mm held, and ftrokes vponhimhcpt. 

As he that ftriues to ftop a luddein flood, 
And in ftrongbankes his violence cndofc, 
Forctth it Iw tU aboue his wonted nwod. 
And largely oucrflowe the fruittull Plaine, 
That all the countrev fcemcs to be a Maine, 
And the rich fuirowcs flotc,al! quite fordonnc ; 
The wofull husbandman doth lowd complaine. 
To fee his whole yccrcs labour loft lb foone, 

For which to Cod he made lo many on idle boonc: 

So him he held, and did through might amatc. 
So lortg he held him, and him b« fo long, 
That at the loft his fiercenclTegan abate^ 
And nieekcly ftoup vnto the vidour ftrong : 
VV ho, to aucugc the implacable wrong, 
Whichhefuppoleddonneto f/on'me//, 
Souglit by all meanes his dolour to prolong, 
Sith dint of l^celc his carcafs could not quell ; 

His maker with her charmes had framed hiij;l'o well. 

The golden ribband, which that virgin wore 
About her flcnder walk, he tooke in hand. 
And with it bound the Beaft that loud did tore 
For great delpjght of tliatvnwontcd baud. 
Yet dared not his viftour to withftand. 
But trembled like a lambe, fled from the pray. 
And all the way himfollow'd on thellrand. 
As he had long been learned to obay ; 

Yt t ntucr learned he fuch fcruice, till chat day. 

56 

Thus as he led the Beaft along the waie , 
He (pidefar off a mighty Giamefte, 
Faft flying on a Courier dapled gray. 
From a bold knight, that with great hardineffc 
Her hard purlewd, and foughtfor to fupprefs : 
She bore before her lap a dolefull Squire, 
Lying athwart her horle in great diftrefle, 
Faft bounden hand and foot with cords of wire. 

Whom (lie did meone to make the thrall of her delire, 
37 

Which when as 5^jr/i«cbeheld,iiihafte 
He left his captiue Beaft at libertie, 
And croft the ncareft way, by which he caft 
Her to encounter, ere ftic parted by : 
But (he the way fhund nathemorc for.thy. 
But forward gollopt faft ; which when he fpidc, 
His mighty Ipearehe couched warily, 
And at hcrranne : fhejhauinghimdefcridc. 

Her felfe to fight addreft, and twew her lode afidc. 



Like as a Goshauke, that in foot doth beare 
A trciiibling Culucr, hauing fpide on hight 
An itgle, that withplumv wings dothlhcare 
The lubtile ayre, ftouping with all his might. 
The quarrey throwes to ground with fell delpight. 
And to the battell doth her Iclfe prepare : 
So ran the GiontelTe vnto the fight ; 
Herfiry eyes with furious fparkes didftare. 

And with blasphemous bannes high God iu peeccs Ure. 

?9 

She caught inhandahugcgreat iron mace. 
Wherewith file many had of life depriued; 
But ere the ilroke could fcize his aymed place. 
His fpeare amids her fun-broad (llieldarriuedj 
Yet nathemore the ftecle afunderriued. 
All were the beame in bignelTe like a maft, 
Ne her out of the ftedfalt laddie driued, 
Butglauncin?on the tcmprcd metall,braft 

In thomand fiiiuers,and fo forth bcfide her paft:. 
40 

Her Steed did ftagger with that puiflantftroke; 
But (he no more was mouedwith that might. 
Then it had lighted on an aged Oke ; 
Or op the marble Pillour, that is pight 
Vpon the top of Mount 0!ymp«s highr. 
For the brave youthly Champions to alTay, 
With burning charet wheeles it nigh to Imite : 
Butvvho thatlinites it, marrcshisioyousplay. 

And is the fpeftade of ruinous decay. 

41 

Yet therewith fore enrag'd, with fteme regard 
Her dreadfull weapon (he to him addreft. 
Which on his heljnct martelled lo hard, 
That made him lovvc incline his lofty creft, 
Aod bovv'd his battred vilour to his brcft : 
Wherewith he was fo ftun J, that he n'oteridc. 
But reeled to and fro from Eaft to Weft : 
Which vvhcn his cruell enemy efpide. 

She bghtly vnto him adioyned lide to fide ; 
41 

And onhis collar laying ptuflant hand. 

Out of his waucring (bate him pluckt perforce, 

Perforce him pluckt, vnablc to withftand. 

Or help himfclfe; andlaying thwart her liorfe. 

In loathly wife like to a cation corl'e. 

She bore him faft away. Which when the knight. 

That her purfewed, faw, with great remorfe 

He neere was touched in his noble Ipnght, 

And gan increafe his fpeed, as (lie increaft her flight. 

4J 
Whom when as nighapproching (he efpide. 

She threw av.'ay herburden angrily ; 

For, (he lift notthe battell to abide, 

But made her felfe more hght away to fly ! 

Yet her the hardy knight purfew'd fo nie, 

That almoftin the backe he oft her ftrakc : 

But ftill when him at hand (he did e(py , 

Sheturn'd, andfemblance of faire fight didmake; 
But when he ftay d, to flight againe (lie did her take. 

o J By 



1^0 



THE THIRD BOOKE OF 



Cant, VI L 



By this, j^ood Sir Satyrane gan awake 

Out of his dream, tlu: did him long entraunce ; 
And feeing none in place, he gan to make 
Exceeding mone, and curft that ctucU chaunce. 
Which reft him from fo faire a cheuifance : 
At length he fpide, whereas that wofull Squire, 
Whom he had reskewcdfrom captiuancc 
Of hisibongfoe, laytombledinthemire, 

Vnable to arife, or foot or hand to ftirc. 

41 

To whom approching, well he mote perceiue 
In that foule plight a comely perfonagc. 
And lovely face (made fit for to deceive 
Fraile Ladies heart with loues confuming rage ) 
Now in thebloffome of his frerticft age : 
He reard him vp, and loos'd his ironbands, 
And after gan enquire his parentage, 
And how he fell into that Giants hands. 

And who that was, which chaced her along the lands. 
46 

Then trembling yet through feare, the Squire befpake ; 
That Gianteffe ^r^ante is behight, 
A daughter of the T«f4nj which did make 
Warreagainft heauen, and heaped hils on hi^ht. 
To fcale the skies, and put loae from his right : 
Her fire Tyfh<xmviis,viiio (mad through mirth, 
And drunk withbloud of men, flaine by his might) 
Through inceft, her of his owne mother Earth 

Whilomc begot, beingbuthalfe twin of that berth. 

47 

For, at that birth another babe (hebore. 

To weet, the mighty OUyphant, that wrought 
Great wreake to many errant knights of yore. 
And many hath to foule confufion-brought. 
Thcfc twinnes,menfay. (a thing far pafling thought) 
Whiles in tlieir mothers wombe endos'd they were. 
Ere they into the lightfome world were brought. 
In flelhly lull were mingled both yfere, 

And in that monftrous wife did to the world appeare. 
.48 

So liv'd they ever after in like fin, 

Gainft Natures law, and good behauiour : 

But greateft fliame was to that maiden twin. 

Who not content fo fowly to deuoure 

Her native flcfli, and ftraine her brothers bowre ; 

Did wallow in all other fiefhly mire. 

And (uftred hearts herbody to deflowre : 

So hot ftic burned in that luftfaU fire; 

Yet allthat might not flake her fenfuall defire. 

„49 

But ouer all the countrey flie did range. 

To fceke young men, to quench her flaming thurft. 
And feed herfancy with delightfull change : 
Whom-fo ihe fitted finds to ferae her luft. 
Through her maine Ibength, in which fhe moft doth 
She with her brings into aieaet He, (truft. 

Where in eternal! bondage dye he muft. 
Or be the vaflall of her pleafures vile. 

And in all Ihamef lill foit him felfe with her defile. 



JO 

Me feely wretch ihe fo at vantage caught. 

After flielong in waitefor mcdidhe. 

And meant vnto her prifon to haue brought. 

Her loathlome pleafure there to fatisfie ; 

That thouland deaths me leuer were to die. 

Then breake the vowe, that to faire Columbell 

I plighted haue, and yet keepe ftedfaftly : 

As for my name, it miftreth not to tell ; 
Call me the S^uyre of Dames .- that me befeemeth wcU. 

5" 

But that bold knight, whom ye purfuing (awe 
That Giintefle, is notfuch, as ihe fcemed. 
But a faire virgin , that in Maniall lawe. 
And deeds of armes aboue all Dames is deemed. 
And aboue many knights is eke eilecmed. 
For her great worth ; She Tatladme is hight : 
She you from death, you me from dread redeemed. 
Ne any may that Moniter match in fight. 

But (he, or fuch as fhe, that is fo chafle a wight. 

Her well befeemes that Queft, quoth SafjiMw.* 
But read, thou Squire of Dnmes, what vow is this. 
Which thou vpon thy felf haft lately ta'ne ? 
That fliatl I you recount(quoth he) ywis. 
So beye pleas'd to pardon all amils. 
That gentle Lady, whom I loue and feme. 
After long fute and weary feruicis, 
Did askcme, how I could herlouedefenie. 

And how (he might be fure , that I would neuerfwerac. 

I, glad by any meanes her grace to gaine. 
Bade her commaund my life to (aue, or fpill: 
Eftfoones (he bade me, with incefTantpainc 
To wander through the world abroad at will. 
And euery where, where with my power or skill 
I might do feruice vnto gentle Dames, 
That I thefame (liould faithfully fulfill, (names 

And at the tivelue months end fhould bring their 

And pledges i as theipoiles of my viflorious games. 

T4 

So well I to faire Ladies feruice did, 

And found fuch fauour in their louing hearts. 
That ere the yeare his courfe had compafled, 
Three hundred pledges for my good deCirts, 
And tlirice three hundred thanks for my good parts 
I with me brought, and did to herprefent : 
Which when ihe fawe, morebent to eke my (imrtt. 
Then to reward my trufty true intent. 

She gan for me deuife a grieuous puniihment; 

11 

To weet, that I my trauell fhould refume, 

And with like labour walke the world around, 

Ne eucr to her prefence (hould preiume. 

Till I (o many other Dames had found. 

The which, for all thefuit I could propound. 

Would me refufe their pledges to afford. 

But did abidefor euerchafte andfound. 

Ah gentle Squire, quoth he, tell at one word. 
How many foundlt tliou fuch to putin thy record ? 

In- 



Cant.yilL 



THE FAERIE QVEENE. 



1(^1 



. 56 

Indeeti Sirkniglit.faydhe, oneword miy tell 
All, that I eucr found fo wifely ftayd; 
For, onely three they wercdifpos'd fo well : 
And yet three yceres I now abroad haue (Irayd , 
To find them out. Mote I (then laughing fayd 
The knight) inquire ot thee, what were thofe three, 
The which thy jToffredcurteiiedenay'd? 
Or ill they feeincd lure auiz'd to bee. 

Or brutiflily brought vp, that ncv'r did fafhions fee. 

57 
The firft w hich then refufed me, fayd hee, 
Certes was but a common Courtiliiie, 
Yet fljt rcfas'd to haue a-do with niee, 
Becaufc I could not giue her many a lane. 
(Thereat full heartily laught Satyrane) 
The fecond was an holy Nunne to chofe, 
Which would not let me be her Chapellanc, 
Becaufe (he knew, (he laid, I would difdofe 
Her counkU, if ftie (hould her truft in me repofc. 

. . ^^ 

The third a Damzell was of lowc degree, 

"'' Whom I in couiitrey cottage found by chance ; 
Full httle weened I, that chaftjtee 
Had lodging in fo mcane a maintenance : 



Yec wxs lliefaire, and in her countenance 
Dwelt iiniplc truth in feemely taihion. 
Long thus Iwoo'dhcrwith dew obferuance , 
In hope vnto my plcafure to haue wonne ; 
But was as tarre at lall, as when I firft begonne. 

Safe her, I ncucr any woman found, 

Th at chaftity did for it felfe embrace. 

But were for other caufcs firme and lound ; 

Either for want of handfome nme and place. 

Or clfe for feare of (hame and fowle difgrace. 

Thus am I hopelcflc euer to attainc 

My Ladies loue in luch a defperate cafe. 

But all my dales am like to waftc in vaine, (traine. 

Seeking to match the chafte with th'vnchafte Ladyes 

60 
Perdy, faid Satyrane, thou Squire of Dames, 

Great labour fondly haft thou hcnt in hand, 

To get fmall thankes, and therewith many blames. 

That may among chides labours ftand. 

Thence backc returning to the former land. 

Where late he left the Beaft he ouercame. 

He found him not; for, he had broke his band. 

And was relurn'd ag.unevnto his Dame, 
To tell what tidings of faire FhrimeU. became. 







Canto VIII. 

The IVitch creates a fnowy Ladjr, 

liketoFbrimell, 
Who v>rongdby Carle., by Proteus fiv'd^ 

ii fought by Pari dell. 





O oft as I this hiftory record. 
My heart doth melt with mecre compaflion. 
To thinke.how caulelcfs of her owne accord 
This gentle Damzell whom I write vpon. 
Should pionged be in fuch affliction, 
. Without all hope of comfort or rctiefe, 
That lure I weenc, the hardeft heart of ftone, 
Would hardly find to aggrauate her griefe ; 
For mifcry craues irathcnnercy, then repriefe. 

z 
But that accurfed Hag, her hoftelfe late, 
Had lo enrankled her malitious heart, 
That Ihe defir'd th'abbridgement of her fate, 
Orlongcnlargcmemof herpainefuUlmart. 



Now when the Beaft, which by her wicked art 
Late fnrrh fne fent. (he backercturningfpidc, 
Tvde with her broken girdle; it, apart 
Of her rich Ipoylcs.whom hehad c.-.rftdeftroyd. 

She wecnd, and wondrous gladnelle to her heart apply de. 
7 

Anl withitru/ininghaft'lytoherfonne. 

Thought with that fight him much to haue relieued , 

Whothercby deeminglurctheihingas donne , 

His former griefe with furicfrcdi rcuiued. 

Much more then caril, and woul d haue alg itcs iiued 

The hart out of hisbrcft: for, (ith her dead 

He (uiely dempt, himfclfe he thought depriued 

Quite of all hope, wherewith he long h idled 

Hi>: foolilh malady, and long time had milled. 
O4 WuH 



1^2 



THE THIRD BOOKE OF 



Cant. VI 11. 



With thought whereof, exccedfngmadhe grew. 
And in his rage his mothtr would haue fliine. 
Hid Ihe not fled into a fccret mew, 
Where (he was wont her Sprights to entertainc 
The mailers of her art: there was (he faine 
To call them all inorder to her ayde. 
And them cooiure vpon cternall painej 
To counfell her fo carefully difmayd, (cayd. 

How (he might heale her fonne, whofc fenfes were dc- 

By their aduife, and her owne wicked wit. 
She there deuiz'd a wondrous worke to frame, 
Whofe like on earth was ncuer flamed yit. 
That euen Nature felfe cnuide the fame, 
And grudg'd to fee the counccrfct (hould (hame 
The thing it felfe. In hand (he boldly tookc 
To make another like the former Dame, 
Another Florimell, in (hapc and looke 

So liuely and lb like, that many it miftookc- 
6 

The fubftarce,whereof (he thebody made,' 
Was pureft fnowc in malfie mould congeal'd, 
Which (he had gathered in a (hady glade 
Of the fjfhcean hils , to her reueald 
By errant Sprights, but from all men conceaid : 
The fame (he tempred with fine Mercury, 
And virgin wax, that neiier yet was feal'd, 
' And mingled them with perfeftvermily. 

That like a liuely fanguine it feem'd to the eye. 

7 
In (lead of eyes, two burning lamps (he (et 

In iiluerlockets, (hining like the skies. 

And a quicke moouing Spirit did arret 

Toftirandroll them, like a womans eyes : 

In (lead of yellow lockes (he did deuife, 

Wirfi golden wire to wcaue her curled head ; 
.. Yet golden wire was not fo yellow thrice 

As FlorimeUs£iiTe haire : and in the (lead 
Of life, (hcput a Spright to rule the carca(re dead; 

8 
A wicked Spright yfraught with fawning guile. 

And faire refemblance aboue all the reft. 

Which with the Prince of darknelTefellfomewhilc; 

From heauens blifs and euerlaftingrcft ; 

Him needed not inftruft, which way werebeft 

Himfelfe to fafhion likeft VlorimeV., 

Ne how to fpeafcc, ne how to vfe his geft : 

For, he in counterfeifance did excell ; 
And all the wyles of womens wits knewpadlngwell. 

, 9 

Him (haped thus (he deckt in garments gay\. 

which Wonwit// had left behind her late, " 

That whofo then her fawe, would furely fay. 

It was her felfe whom it did imitate, 

ibr fairer then her felfe , if ought algate 

Mightfairerbe. And then (heforth her brought 

Vnto her fonne, that lay in feeble ftate ; 

who feeingherganftraightvpftart, and thought 
She was the Lady (elfe, whom he fo long hadfought. 



Tho, farther clipping twixt his armestwaine, 
Extrcamely ioyed info happy (igiu. 
And foonc forgot his former Ikkly paine ; 
But (he, the more to fceme fuch as (he hight, 
Coilyrebuttedhiscmbracemcnt light; 
Yet flill with gentle countenance retained. 
Enough to hold a foole in vaine delight : 
Him long (hefo with (hadowes entertained. 

As her CreatrelTe had in charge to her oidaincd } 
It 

Till on a day, as he difpofed was 

To walke the woods-with that his IdoleFaire, 
Her to difport, and idle time to pjfs. 
In th'opcn frelhncire of the gentl e aire, 
A knight that way there chanced to repai're > 
Yet knight he was not, but a boaftfull Swaine, 
That deeds of armes had euer in defpaire, 
Proud Bra^adocchiOyX\i3Xm vaunting vaine 

His glory didrepofe, and credit did maintaine. 
iz 

He feeing with that Chorle fo faire a wight, 
Decked with many a cofUy ornament. 
Much merueilcd thereat, as well he might, 
And thought that match afoule difparagement : 
His bloudyfpeareefrfoones he boldly bent 
Againft the filly downe, who dead through feare. 
Fell ftraight to ground in greataftonilhment. 
Villein, faid he, this Lady is my deare; 

Dy , if thou it gaincfay : I will away her beare. 

'J 

The fearefull Chorle durftnot gainefay, nor doo. 
But trembling ftood, and yielded him the pray ; 
Who finding little leafure her to wooe. 
On rro/M/jtfctjfteedher mounted without flay. 
And without rrskew led herquiteaway. 
Proud man himfelfe then Bra^adocchio deemed. 
And ne*t to none, after that happy day. 
Being po(re(re<l of that fpoilc, which feemed 

The faircft wighton ground, and moft of men eftcemed. 

H 

But when he fawc himfelfe free from purfute. 
He gan make gentle purpofcto his Dame, 
Withtearmsof loueandlewdneffediffolute; ., 
For, he could well his glozing fpeeclies frame 
To fuch vaine vfes, that him beft became : 
But (lie thereto would lend but light regard; 
As feeming fory, that (he cuer came 
Into his powre, thatvledher fo hard. 

To reaue her hono ur, which (he more then life prefardf 

If 

Thus as they two of kindne(re treated lo'ng. 
There them by chance cncountred on the way 
An armed knight, vpon a courferftrong, 
Whofe trampling fecte vpon the hollow lay 
Seemed to thunder, and did nigh affray 
That Capons courage : yet helooked grim, 
Andfayn'd to cheare his Lady in difmay ; 
Who feem'd for feare to quake in euery lim, 

A)ndhertofaueffomoutrage,tneekelyprayedhun. 

Fiercely 



Cam.FUL 



THE FAERIE QVEENE. 



1^5 



Fiercely t!i.i: flnnger forvv'.ird came, and nigh 
Apjirodiing, with bold words, and bitter tlircat, 
B-ule that iaine boafter.as he mote, on high 
To icauc to h;m that Lady for excheat, 
Or bide him battcll without further ireat. 
That challenge did too peremptory fecmC) 
And fild his Icnfes with abalh m en t great ■, 
Yet Iccmg nigh him icopardy extreain. 

He it diflcaibku well, and light feem'd to cfteeme ; 

iV 

Saying, Thou foolifh knight, that ween'il: with words 
To ftcale away thati withblowes hauewonne, 
And brought through points of many perilous fwords 
Butif thecbft to fee thy Courfcrronne, 
Orproue thy Iclfcj tins fad encounter (honne, 
Andfeekellcwirhouthazardof thy hed. 
At thole proud words that other knight begonnc 
To vvcx exceeding wroth, and him ared 

To tiirnchis ftccd about, or lure he fhould be dead. 
i8 

Sith then, fai<l Braggadicchio, needs thou wilt 

Thy daics abbridge, through proofc of puiflancci 
Turne we our ftcedcs, that both in equall tilt 
May meet againe, and each take happy chance. 
This faid, they both a furlongs mountenancc 
Retyr'd their iked s, to ronne in eueu race : 
But Braf^^adociliio with his bloudy lance 
Once hauing turnd, no morcreturndhis face. 

But left his loue to lols, and fled himlelfc apace. 

The knight, him feeing fly , had no regard 
Him to purfew, but to the Lady rode ; 
And hauing hcrfrom Tiom^arf lightly reard, 
Vpon his courier let tlie louely lode^ 
And withherfled away with out abode. 
Well weened he, that hureft florimell 
It was, with whom in company heyodc, . 
And lo her fclfe did alwaies to him tell ; 

So made him chink himlelfe in heauen.that was in hell. 
10 

But florimell her felfc was farre away, 

Dnuen to great dilfrefle by fortune ftraunge. 

And taught the carcfull Mariner to play, 

Sith late mikhaunce had her compeld to chaunge 

The land for Cei, at randon there to raungc : 

Yet there that cruellQueeneauengercffe, 

Not fatisfide fo farre her to eftrange 

From courtly blifs and wonted hippinefle. 

Did heape on her new waues of weary wretchednefle. 
21 

For, being fled into the Fifliers boat. 
For refuge from the Monfters cruelty, 
Long fo (he on the mighty Maine did flote, 
And with the tide drouc forward carelefly ; 
For, th'airc was milde, and cleared wis the skyj 
And all his windes Dan ^eiliu dad keep 
From ftirring vp their ftormy enmity. 
As pitying to fee her wailc and weepe ; 

But illthp while^he Filherdidfecurelyfleepe. 



At laff, when drunk with drowfinefTe, hr woke, 
And Uwc his drouer driue along the ffrcame, 
He was dilinay d, and thrice his breff lie flroke. 
For maruell of that accident extreame ; 
But when he Lvj that blazing beauties bcame. 
Which with rare light his boat did beautifie, 
He maracild more, and thought he yet did drcame 
Not well awak't, ortliat fonie exta/ic 

Aflotted had his fenfe, or dazed was his eye. 

'■I 
But when her well auizing, he pcrceiued 
To be no Villon, norfantafticke fight. 
Great comfort of her prcfence he conceiued. 
And felt in his old courage new dehght 
To gin awake, and ftir his frozen Ipright : 
Tho, rudely askt her, how (he thither came. 
Ah.fayd (he, father, I note read aright. 
What hard misfortune broughtme to rfiefameS 

Yet am I glad that here I now in fafetie am. 
24 

But thou good man, fith farre in (ea we be. 
And the great waters gin apace to (well. 
That now no more we cm themainc-landfce, 
Hauc care, 1 pray, to guide the cock-boat well, 
Leafl worfc on lea then vs on land befell. 
Thereat th'old man did nought but fondly grin» 
And laid, his boat the way could wilely tell : 
But his deceitful] eyes did neuer hu 

To lookc on her faireface, and marke her Ihowy skfb.' 

The (ight whereof, in his congealed flefli, 
Iiilixi fuch lecret fling of greedy luft. 
That the dry withered (fock itgan refrcdi. 
And kind led heat, that foonein flame forth bruft ; 
The dricftwoodis (boneff burnt to duft. 
Rudely to her he Icpt, and his rough hand 
Where ill becamehim,ra(hly would hauethruft; 
But fhe with angry fcornc him didwithftond. 

And fliamefully reprooued for his rudencire fond. 
26 

But, he that neuer good nor manners knew. 
Her (harpe rebuke full httle did cftecm ; 
Hard is to teach an olde horie amble trcw. 
The inward fmokc, that did before but ftecme. 
Broke into open fire and rage extreame, 
And now he ftrcngth gan ailde vnto his will. 
Forcing to doe that didhim fowie mlleeme : 
Beaftly he threw her downe, ne car'd to fpill 

Her garments gay with fcales of fi(h, that all did filL 

The filly virgin ftroue him to withfland. 
All that (he might, and lum in vaine reuil'd : 
She fbugglcditrongly both with footandhandi 
To (aue her honorfrom thatvillaine vild. 
And cridc to heauen, from humane help exil'd. 
O ye braue knights, that boaft this Ladiesloue, 
Wh ere be yc now, when (he i s nigh defil'd 
Of filthy wretch ? wellmay iheyoureproue 

Of falfliood-, or of flouth, wh&n moif it may bchoae. 



Bu? 



[^4 



THE THIRD BOOKE OF 



Cant, V 111. 



18 

Butif thatthou, Sir Satyran, didft wecte. 
Or thou, Sir Veridure, her (ory ftate, 
How foone would ye aflemble mjny iflccte 
Tofetch from fca, that ye at Und loftlate ? 
Towres, Citycs, Kingdomes y e would ruinate, 
111 youraucngementand difpiteousragc, 
Ne ought your burning fury mote abate > 
But if Sir Caltdore could itprcfagc, 
' No lining creature could his cruelty affwage. 

But fith thatnonc of all her knights is nic. 
See how the heaucns of voluntary grace, 
And foueraigne fauour towards chaftity , 
Do fuccour lend to her diftrefled ca(e : 
Somuchhigh Goddothiunocence embrace. 
It fortuned, whilcif thus fhe ftifly ftroue, 
And the wide fea importuned longfpace 
With (hrilling fhriekes ^Vroteuf abroad did roue. 

Along the fomy waues driuing his finny droue. 

3° 
Trotetu is Shepheard of the Seas of yore, 

And hath the charge of T{ef tunes mighty heard; 
An aged fire with head all trory here. 
And (prinkled froft vpon his dewy beard : 
Who when thofepjttifuU outcries he heard 
Through all the leas fo ruefully refound. 
His Charet fwiftinhaftehe thither fteardi 
Waich,with a teeme of fcaly P/wtf* bound, 
Was drawne vpon the wauc s, that fomed him around. 

And commin? to thatFifiiers wandring bote. 
That went at will, witliouren carde or fay le. 
He therein fawe that yrkefome fight, which fmote 
Deepe indignationand compaffion fraile 
Into his heart attonce : ftreight did he hailc 
The greedy villein from his hoped prey. 
Of wiiich he now did very little faile. 
And with his (tafte that driues his heard aftray. 

Him bet fo fore, that hfc and fenfe did much dilraay. 

The whiles the pitious Lady vp did rife, 
Ruffled and fowly rayd withfilthy foile. 
And blubbred face with teares of her faire eyes : 
Her heart nigh broken was with weary toyle 
To (aue her leJfc from that outrageous fpoile: 
But when fne looked vp, to wect what wight 
Had her from fo infamous fa£t alTcild, 
For fliame, but more forfeare of his grim fight, 

t)owne in her lap (he hid her face, and loudly fhright. 

33 

Her felfe not faucd yetfrom danger dred 

She thought, but chang'd from one to other feare; 

. Like as a fearefiill i'artndge, that is fled 
From the (harpe H luke , which her atached ncate, 
Andfals to ground, to fecke for luccour there, 
Whereas the hungry Spaniels flie doesfpy. 
With greedy iawes her readiefor to tearei 
In fuch diftrcffe and fad perplexity 
Was Florimell , when Trotetfs fti e did fee thereby. 



But he endeuoured with fpeechcs milde. 
Her to recomfort, and accourage bold. 
Bidding her feare no more herfoemanvilde, 
Nor doubt himlelfe; and who he was , her told. 
Yet all that coujd not from affright her hold, 
Ne to recomfort her at all preiuild ; 
For,hcr faint heart was with the frozeirrold 
Bcnumbd I'o inly, that her wits nigh faild. 

And all her fenfes with abafhment quite were <juail«k 

Her vp betwixt hisruggcd hands he reard. 
And with his frory lips full (bftly kift. 
Whiles the cold yficles from his rough beard 
Dropped adowne vpon her y uory breft : 
Yet he himlelfe fo bufily addrcft, 
That her out of aftonifhmcnt he wrought. 
And out of that fame fiftiers filthy neft 
Remouing her, into his charet brought. 

And there with many gentl e tcarms her faire befought. 

Butthat old leachour, which with bold aflaulc 

That bcautie durft prefume to violate. 

He cid to punilh for hi s hainous fault ; 

Then toofce he him yet trembling fith of ]ite. 

And tyde behind his charet, to aggrate 

The virgin, whom he had abus'dio fore : 

So dragd him through the waves in fcomefull ftate. 

And after call him vp vpon the fhore ; 
But lUrimeU with him vnto his bowre he bore. 

J7 
His bowre is in the bottome of the Maine, 

Vnder a mighty rock, gainft which do rauc 

The roring billowcs in theirproud difdaine ; 

That with the angry working of the waue. 

Therein is eaten out an hollow caue. 

That feemes rough Mafons hand with engines keene 

Had long while laboured it to cngraue ; 

There was his wonne, neliuing wight was fecne, 
Siue one olde Nymph, hight "Pano^, to keepe it cleane. 

'38 
Thither he brought the fory WoriBjefl, 

And entertained her the befthemight ; 

And Tanofeher entertaind eke well. 

As an immortall mote a mortall wight. 

To winue her hking vnto his deUgnt : 

Withflattring words hefweetly wooed her. 

And offered raire giftcs t'allure her fight : 

But fhe both offers and the offererer 
Dcfpifde, and all the favraing of the flatterer. 

Daily he tempted her with this or that. 

And neuer luffred her to beatreff : 

But cuermore fhe him rcfiifed flat. 

And al! his fained kindneffe did detefl ; 

So firmely fhe had feaJed vp her breff. 

Sometimes he boafted, that a God he hight : 

But file a mortall creature loued befl : 

Then he would make himfelfe a mortall wight ; 
But then fhe faid fhe lov'd none, but a Faerie knight. 

Then 



Cant,FIll. 



THE FAERIE QVEENE 



1^5 



T.'icn like i Fjcry knight himielfe he drcft; 
For,cuery ih.ipe oa him he cou! J en Jew ; 
Thcnhkei kinghewjjto herexjTcft , 
And ofFrCid kin?(Jome5 vn to her in view , 
To be his Lcman and his Lady trew: 
But when ail this he nothing fawepreujilcj 
With harder meancs he caft her to fubdcw. 
And with Hurpe threats her often did alTayle, 

So thinking for to make her ftubborne courage quaile. 

41 

To dreadf ull Ihapcs he did hmifelfe transforme, 
No>v like a Giant, now hke to a fiend. 
Then hke a Ccntaure, then like to aftorme, 
RaginCT within the waues ; thereby hcweend 
Her will to win vnto his widied end. 
But when with feore, norfauour, nor with all 
He el!e could doe, he fawchiinleife eftcem'd, 
Downe m a dongeon deepe he let her fall. 

And threatned there to mike her his eternalldirall. 
41 

Eternal! thraldomewjs to her more licfe, 
Then lolTe of chollitce, or diange of loue : 
Die had (he rather in tormenting griefc, 
Thenany/Tiouldof fallcnelTehcr rcproae, 
Orloofencilejthatllie lig'itlv did rcmooue. 
Moft vertuous virgin, glon.' bcchvmced, 
And crowne of heautnly praifc with Saints abouCj 
Where mart (wcethymnes of this thy famous deed 

Are flill emongft them fung, tliat far my rimes exceed. 

Fit fong, of Aneels caroled to bee ; 

But vet what To my feeble Mufc can frame, 
Shall be t'adaance thy goodiv chart itec. 
And to enroll thy memorable name. 
In th'hcart of cuery honorable Dame, 
That they thy vcrtuous dcci's may imitate. 
And be parukers of thy endlcflc tame. 
It vrkes me leaue thee m this wofull ftatc. 

To tell of Satyraite, where I him left of late : 

44 

Wto hauing ended with that Squire of Dames 
A long difcourfe of hiraducnturesvoine. 
The which himle!fe,then Ladies more defames, 
And finding not th'Hje»4 to be fliine. 
With that fame Squire, returned backe agiinc 
To h i s firft way . And as they forward went. 
They ipide a knight faire pricking on the PLiinc, 
As it hewereonlomeaducncurebcnt, 

And in his port appeared manly hardimenc. 

4r 

Sir Satyrani him towards did addrefle, 

To weet what wight he was , arid what his queft : 
And comming nigh, eftloones he gan to gheffc 
Both by die burning heart, which on his brell 
He bare, and by die colours i 1 his creft. 
That P4ricffait was. Tho to him yode,^ 
And him laluting, asbefeemed beft, 
Gan firft inquire of tydi ngs farrc abroad ; 

And olxerwords on wlut aducncarc now heroic. 



46 

Who thereto anfwcring,fayd ; The tydinasbad. 
Which now in Faery court oJl men do tell. 
Which turned iuth great mirth , to mourninc di, 
Is the late ruineof proud Marinell, 
And fuddein parture of faire thrtmcU, 
To find him forth : and after her arc gone 
All the braue knights, that docn in armes excdl^ 
To (auegard her, ywandred all alone; 

Emongft the reft, my lot (vnworthy) is to be one. 
47 

Ah gende knight, faid then Sir Satyraite, 
Thy labour all 1 s loft, I greatly dread, 
Thath.ift a thanklcfle fcruice on thee ra'ne, 
Andoffreftlacrificcvnto the dead : 
For dead, I lately doubt, thou maiftaread 
Henceforth for euer FhrimeUto bee^ 
That all the hoble knights of MaydenheaJ, 
Which her ador'd, may (ore repent with mcj 

And all fairc Ladies may for euer lory be. 
48 

Whicli words, when Varidellhid heard, his hew 
Gan greatly change, and leem'd difinaid to bee ; 
Then faid, FaireSir, hov/ may Iweenittrew 
Tliatyc do tell in fuch vn;ertaintee i 
O: Ipeake ye of report, or did ye fee 
luft caufe of dread, that mikes ye doubt fo fore? 
For, pcrdy elfe how raote it euer bee, 
That euer h ind fhould dare for to encore 

Her noble blouJ .- the heaucns fueh cruelty abhore. 

49 
Thefe eyes did fee, that they will euer rew 

T'haue leene, quoth he, when as a monftrous bead 

The Palfrey, whereon (he did traueil,i]ew. 

And of his bowels madeabloudyfeaft: 

Which Ipeaking token Iheweth at the leaft 

Her certaine lolfc, if not herfure decay : 

Belides, that more fuipicion eccrcaft, 

I found her golden gird lecaft aftray, 

Dilhynu with dur t and bloud, as rehque of theprey. 

SO 
Aye me,fayd TarideU, the (ignes be fad , 

And but God turne the lame to good footh&v. 

That Ladies fifcty is fore to be drad : 

Yet Will I notforlakc my forward way. 

Till triall doe more certaine truth bewray. 

Faire Sir, quoth he, well rtiiy it you fucceeij 

Nclong (hall Satyraixbchni youftay, 

But to the reft, which in this Qucft proceed 
My labour adde, and be partaker of their fpeed. 

Ye noble knights ,fayd then the Squire of Dames, 
Well may ye (peed in fo praile-worthy paine : 
But lith theSunne nowgmnes to fl.ike his beames, 
In dewy vapours of the weftenie Maine, 
And lofe the tcme out of his weary wainc. 
Mote not miflike you alto t j abate 
Your zealous hafte, till morrowe next againe 
Both light of hcauen, and ftrength of men relate : 

Which if ye plcafe, w yonder CalUe turnc your gate. , 

THit 



i66 



TH E THIRD BOOKE OF 



Cant. IX, 



Thjt counlcllplejfciiwcll; loallyferc 
Forth nurchcd to .\ C Mi them before, 
W here foonc- amuing, tliey rcrtriincd were 
Of ready entrance, which ought euermore' 



To err.int knights be common : wondrous fore 
Thcre.it difplcis'J they were , ti 11 that youno Squire 
Gan them iufnrme the caule, why th it fame dore 
Wa'! (hut to all, which lodgino tlid dcfirc : 
The which to let you weet, will turthcr time require. 




Canto IX, 

Malbecco mil no ft range knights hoft^ 

Forpeeuifhieahufie : 
Pari dell giujls with Britomart ; 

Bothjhew their amcejlrie. 





EdouVtedkniglits, and honorable Dames, 
To \A horn I level! all my labours end, 
Rightfore I feare, Icaft with vnworthy blames 
This odious argument my riines (hould fliend, 
Oroughtyour goodlv patience oftcnd. 
Whiles of a wanton Lady I do write. 
Which with her loofe incontinence doth blend 
The (hining glory of yourfoucraigne light, 
Andknighthcodfoulcdefaced by a faithlelle knight. 

I 
But neuer letth'enfample of the bad 

Offend the good : for, good by paragonc 
Of euill, may more notably be rad, 
As white feenics fairer, matcht with blackeattone; 
Ne, all are (liamed by the fault of one : 
For loj in heaucn, whereas all goodncfle is, 
Emongft the Angels, a whole legione 
Of wicked Sprights did fall from happy blifs ; 
What wonder then, if one of women all did mifs J 

ThenliftenLordings, ifye lift to weet 

The caufe, why Satjrane and TarideH 

Mote not be entertain'd , as feemed meet , 

Into that Caftle (as that Squire does tell.) 

Therein a cancred crabbed Carle does dwell. 

That has no skill of Court nor courtefic, 

Ke cares, what rnen fay of him.illorwcllj 

For, all his daies he drownes in priuiry. 
Yet has full large to liue, and Ipend at libertie. 

.4 
But all his minde is fet on mucky pelfe, 
To hoord vp heapes of euill gotten maflc. 
For which he others wrongs, and wreckes himfelfe ; 
Yet is he linked to alouely LalTe, 



Whofe beauty doth his bounty farrc furpafTe, 
The which to him bodi far vnrquall yeares. 
And alio far vnlikc conditions has ; 
For^ fhe does ioy to play emongft her pearcs, 
And to be free from hard reftraintandiealousfeares. 

f 

Butheis old, and withered likehay, 
Vnfit faire Ladies feruice to fupply ; 
The priuy guilt whereof makes him aiway 
Sufpeft her crutli , and keepe continuall fpy 
Vpon her with hisothcrbhnked eve; 
Ne fuffi-eth he refortof liuing wigkt 
Approche to her, ne keep hcrcompanic. 
But in clofe bowrehermewes from all mcns.Jight,' 

Dcpriv'd of kindlyioyand niturall delight. 
6 

Xilbecco he, and Hellenore fhe hight, 
Vnfitly yok't together in one teeme : 
That is the caufe, why neuer any knight 
It fufRed here to enter, but he feemc 
Such, as no doubt of him he needc mBdeeme. 
Thereat Sis Satyrane gan fmile and fay ;- 
Extreamely mad the man I lurely dcemc, 
That weenes with watch and hardreftraint to ftay 

A womans will which is dilpos'd to goe afbaie. 

7 

In vaine he feares tliat which he cannot fhonne : 
For,who wotes not, that womans fiibtilties 
Can guilen ^rgtn, when (he lift misdonnc ? 
It is not iron bands, nor hundred eyes , 
Nor braT.en walls,nor many wakefuU fpyes. 
That can withhold her wilfilll wandring feet; 
But faft good will with gentle courtefics , 
And timely feruice to her pleafures meet 

May her perhaps containe, that elk would algatej fleet, 

Thea 



(ant. I X, 



THE FAERIE QVEENE. 



1^7 



TIicii, is lie not niorc nud, liid T.:r:deil, 
Th.i: lijtli himfcifc vncoluch Icruicc lold, 
In Jo!cfii!l thr.ildomcall hi'; daycs to dwell ? 
For, liirc ifoolc I doe luni firmcly hold, 
That loiici his fetters, thoiiph they were of gold. 
But why lice we dcuife oi: others ill, 
VVhiks thus we fulter thi s fame dotjrd old 
To kccpcvs out, in fcorne ofhisowncwillj 

And rather doe not ranlack all, and himfcifc kill t 

9 
Nay, Ictvs firft,faid Sjtyrane, intreat 

The man by gentle nicanes, to let vs in, 

And afterwards affray with cruell threat, 

Ere tli.:t we to efforce it doe begin : 

Then, if all fade, we will by force it win, 

And eke reward ;hc wretch forhis mcfprife. 

As may be worthy of his luynous fin. 

TlutcoiinfcllpJcalJ: Then P.jriWc^a did rife. 
And to the Caiilc gate approch't in quiet wife. 

lO 

VV hcrcjt left knocking, entrance he deiir'd. 

The good-man (dl:t(u Inch then the Pcr-crpliid) 
Hini.inlwcrtd, that all were now rctir'd 
Vnto thcirreft; and all thekeycs convaiH 
Viito tlieirMiiflerjwho in bed was laid, 
Th.'.t none him durft awake out of his dreame • 
And therefore them of paticnccgcntlypraid. 
Then T'.in./r// beg-in to change his tlicame, 

And threatncd him withforcc, and punifliment extrcime. 
It 

But .ill in vaine t for nought mote !iim relent. 
And now lb Ions before the v.ickctfaft 
They waited, that the night was tbnvard fpent, 
And the fiire Welkin (foulljoyvcr-caft) 
Gan hluwcn vp a bitter ftormy blaft , 
With lliowre and h.iilcfo horrible and dred, 
Thattliis taire many were compeld at laft 
To fly for fuccour to a little flied. 

The which bclide the gate for (wine was ordered. 
11 

It fortuned, foone after they were gone. 

Another knight, whom tcmpeft thither brought, 
Came to tlut Caftle ; and with earneft mone. 
Like as the reft, late entrance deare belought : 
But, like lo as the rcfl, he prayd for nought; 
For, flatly he of entrance wai rcfus'd. 
Sorely thereat he was difpleas'd, and thou^t 
How to avenge himfcifc fo fore abus'd. 

And cuermore the Carle of curtefie accus'd. 

I? 

But, to avoyd th'intolerablc ftowre, 

Hee was compeld to fecke fome refuge neare. 

And to that llied (to flirowd him from the fhowre) 

Hce came, which full of gueftshefoundwliyleare. 

So as he was not let to enter there ; 

Whereat he gan to wex excec ding wroth. 

And fwore that he would lodge with them yfere, 

Or them diflodge, all were they liefe or lotn ; 

And them defied each, and lo defide them both. 



Both were full loth to Icaue that needfull tent. 

And botii full loth in darknclle to debate ; 

Yet both full hcfe him lod<.;uig to haue lent, 

And both full licfe his boalhng to abate i 

But chiefely Ttiriddl his hart did grate. 

To he-are him tiireareiilodefpightfullyj 

As if he dida dogge to kencll rate. 

That durft not barkc ; and rather tudhe dy. 
Then when he was defide, in coward corner ly. 

Tho, haftily remounting to hi j ftecd, 

Hee torth idew'd ; like as aboiibous wind. 

Which in thearths hollow caucs hath long bio hidj 

And (liut vp faft within herprilons blind, 

Makes the huge element againft her lord 

To moue, and trcmblcas it were agaft, 

Vntill that it an iffue fortli may find ; 

Then forth it brcakes, and with hisfiinousblift 

Confounds both land and fcas, and skyes doth over-cad. 
x6 

Their ftcde-head fpcarcsthey flrongly coucht.anJ met 
Together with impetuous rage and force ; 
That with the terrour ot their fierce of&et. 
They rudely droue to ground both man and horfe, 
That each (awliile) lay like a fenfeleffe corfc : 
But Vnridell, fore brufed with the blowe. 
Could notarile, the countcrchange to (cotce, 
Till that young Squire him reared from belowe; 

Then drew he his bright Iword, & gan about him dirowc. 

17 

But S.itjrane^^orri\ ftepping, did them ftay, 
A.nd with faire treatie pacifidc their ire ; 
Then , when they were accorded from die fray, 
Ag.iinlf that Calf Ici Lord they gan confpire, 
To heape on him due vengeance for his hire. 
They been agreed, and to the gates they goe 
To burne the fame with vnqucnchablc fire. 
And that vncurteous Carle (their common foe) 

To doc foulc death to die, or w rap in grieuous woe. 
18 

Mtlhecco, feeing them refolv'd indeed 

To flame the gates, and hearing them to call 
For fire in earneftjraone with fearefullfpeedi 
And to them caUing from the Caftle wall, 
Befought them humbly, him to bearc withall. 
As ignorant of feruaunts bad abufc. 
And flack attendance vnto ftrangcrs call. 
The knights were willing all things to cxcufe. 

Though nought belicud, & entrance late did not refufci 

They been ybrought into a comely bowre, 
And feru"d of all things that mote needfull bee ; 
Yetfecretly their hoft did on them lowrc. 
And weicomd more for fearc then chariteci 
But they dilFemblcd what they did not fee. 
And welcomed themfelues. Each gan vndigh: 
Their garments wet, and weary armour free. 
To dry themfelues by yulcanes flaming light. 

And eke their lately bruzcd paxts to bring in phght. 

P. Atti 



i6^ 



THE THIRD BOOKE OF 



Cajit, 1X» 



And eke tlut ftranger knight, cmongft the reft. 
Was for like need cnforc't to diCirr.iy : 
Tho, when is vailed was her lotty creft, 
Her golden locks, that were in tramcls gay 
Vp-Doundenjdidthemleluesadowncdirplay, 
And raughtvnto herheeles ; like liinny beames, 
That in a clowd their light did long time ftay. 
Their vapour vaded, fliew their golden gleames. 

And through the perfent ay re fhoot forth meir azure 

2.1 (ftreames. 

She alfo doft her heauy haberjeon, 

Which the faire feature ot her limbcs did hide ; 
And her well plighted frock, which fhe did won 
To tuck about her (hort when fhe did ride, 
Shee lowe let fall, that flow'd from her lauk fide 
Downc to her foot, with careleflcmodeftee. 
Then of them all fliee ploinely was cfpide 
To be a woman-wight (vnwift to bee) 

The faireft woman-wight that euer eye did fee. 

22 

Like as Minerua, beeing lateretiu-nd 

From flaughter of the Giants conquered ; 
Where proud Encelade, whofe wide nofethrils burnd 
With breathed flames , like to a furnace red. 
Transfixed with thefpeare.downe tumbled ded 
From top oiHemtn, by him heaped hie ; 
Hath loofd her helmet from her lofry hed, 
Andher 6orgonian^i<:\i gins to vnde 

From her left arnie, to reft in gloriou s viitory. 

Which when as they beheld, they fmitten were 
With great amazement of lo wondrous fight; 
And each on other, and they all on her 
Stood gazing, as it fuddaine great allright 
Had them (urpris'd. At laft, avifing right. 
Her goodly pcrfonageand glorious hew. 
Which they io much miftooke, they tooke delight 
In their firft crrour, and yet ftill anew 

With wonder of herbeauty fed their hungry view. 
24 

Yet note their hungry view be fitisfied; 
But feeing, ftill the more dcfir'd to fee. 
And euer firmely fixed did abide 
In contemplation of diuinitie: 
But moft they mcruaild at her cheualree 
And noble prowefte, which they had approued, 
That much they faind to knowe who fliee mote bee °, 
Yetnone of all them her thereof amoued, 

Yet cucry one her lik't, and euery one her loued. 

*^ 

And Varidell, though partly difcontent 

With his Iatefall,andfou!eindignity, 
Yet was foonewomiehis malice to relent. 
Through gracious regard of her faire eye. 
And knightly worth, which hce too late did try, 
Yettryeddidadxire. Supper was dighti 
Then they Maliecco prayd of curtefie. 
That of his Lady they might haue the fight. 
And company at meat, to doe them more delight. 



16 
But he, to fliift their curious retjueft, 

Gan caufcn why flicc could not come in place; 

Her crafed health, her late rccourfe to reft. 

And humid eucning, ill for ficke folkes cafe : . 

But none of thofe excufes could take place ; 

Ncwould they eatc, til! fliee in prclencecame. 

Shee came in prefence with right comely grace. 

And fairely them faluted, as becamcj 
And (hew'd her felfe in all a gentle curceous Dame. 

They fate to meat, and Satyrane his chauncc 
Was her before, and Varidell bcfide ; 
But he himfelfe fate looking ftill afcaunce, 
Gainft Britomart, and euer clolely eydc 
Sir S/ttyraiie, that glaunccs might not glyde : 
But his blind eye, that lided Taridell, 
All his dcmeanure from lus fight did hide : 
On her faire face fo didhec feede his fill. 
And fent dofe meflagcs of loue to her at will. 

28 
And euer and anone, when none was ware. 

With fpeaking lookesj that clofc embafTage bore, 
Hcc rov 'd at her, and told his fecret care : 
For, all that art he learned had of yore. 
Ne was fliec ignorant of that lewd lore. 
But in his eye his meaning wifely red. 
And with the like him anlwcrd cucrmore : 
She fent at him one firie dart, whofe hed 
Empoifned was with priuy luft, and lealous dred. 

29 
Hee, from that deadly throwe made no defence, 
But to the wound his weake hart opened wide ; 
The wicked engine through falfe influence 
Paft through his eyes, and fccretly did glvde 
Into his hart, which It did forely gryde. 
But nothing new to him was that lamepaine, 
Nepaineatall -.forhcfoofthad tryde 
The power thereof, and lov'd fo ottin vainc, 
That thing of courfe he counted, loue to entertaine. 

3° 

Thcnce-forth to herheefoughtto intimate 

His inward griefe, by meanes to him well knowne ; 

Now Bacchus fruit out of the filuer plate 

He on the table daflit, as overthrownc. 

Or of the fruitfull licjuoroverflowne. 

And by the dauncing bubbles did divine. 

Or therein write to let his loue be ftiowne ; 

Which wellflic red out of the learncdline; 

(A facrament profane in myfterie ofwine.) 

And when-fo of hishand the pledge (he raught. 
The guilty cup flie faincd to miftake, 
And in her lap did fhed her idle draught. 
Shewing dclire her inward flame to ilake : 
By fuch clofe fignet they fecret way did make 
Vnto their wils, and one eyes watch efcape ; 
Two eyes him ncedcth, for to watch an<l wake, 
Who Louers will decciue. Thus was the ape. 

By their faire handling., put into Malbeccoes cape. 



Now 



Qant.lX. 



THE FAERIE QVEENE. 



\.6<^ 



Now when of mcitcs and driiiks they had tJidrfill, 
Purpolc Wis raooued by thit gentle Dame, 
Vnto thole Koights adventurous, to tell 
Of dtcds of amies, which vnto them became, 
And eueivonchiskindied, and his name. 
Tl-.cn VartieV,. (in whom a kindly pride 
Of tTjcious Ipccch, and skill his words to frame 
Abounded) bceing glad of Co fit tide 

Him to commend to her, dius fpake, of all well eyde : 

1 5 

trtij, that art now nought but an idle name. 
And in thine afiies buried lowe dooft lye, 
Though whylome far much greater then thy fame. 
Before that aiigi y Gods, and cruell sky 
Vpon tlice hcapt a dircfuU dcftinie ; 
What boots it boaft thy glorious defcent, 
Andfetch from hcaucn thy great Genealogie, 
Sith all thy worthy pr.ivlcs faecing blent, 

Their of-lpring hath eir.bas't, and later glory fhent ? 

54 

Moft famous Worthy of the vi'orld, by whom 
That warrc was kindled, which did Tny inflame, 
Andftatcly towres oiliion whilome 
Brought vnto balcfull ruinc, was by name 
Sir Vartt, far renowm'd through noble fame ; 
VVliOjtlirough great prowcfle and bold hardincfle, 
From Lacedimon fctcht the faireft Dame 
That eucr Greece did boaft, or knight polTeffe, 

Whom remtf lo him gaucfor meed of worthioertc > 

Faire Helene, flowre of beauty excellent. 
And girlond of the mighty Conquerours, 
That niadci^ man v Ladies de.ire lament 
The heauy I olfe of their braue Paramours, 
Which they far ofFbcheld from TroUn towres, 
And faw the fieldcs of faire i'lam.Dw/erftrowne 
With carcalTcs of noble \varnours, 
\\ ho(e fruitlefle !;ues were vnder furrow fowne. 

And Xanthuiii.ai^ bankes uidibloudall ovcrflownc. 

From himjmy linage I denuc aright. 

Who long before the ten ycares iicge of Troy, 

Whiles yet on Idd he a (licphcand hight. 

On fairC Oenone gotalouely boy : 

Whom, for remembrance of herpafled toy, 

Slie ofhis Father, Varim did name; 

V Vho^ after Greel\es did Triams realme deftroy, 

Gath'rcd the TroMjwrehqucsfau'd from flame. 

And with them layhng thence, to th'lfle oiVaros came. 

J7 
That was by him cald Pdrw, which before 
, Hight T^tifa : there he many yeares did raignc. 

And built iiaujklt by the Vontick^ lliore ; 

The which he dying, left next in remainc 

To T.jriJoi his lonnc. 

From whom I Taridell by kin defcend ; 

But for faire Ladies loue, and glories gaine, 

My nariue foile haue left, my dayes to fpcnd 
lo fewing deeds of armcs, my liues andlabours eniL 



38 

When-as the noble Britomnrt heard tell 
Oi Troirtnt warrcs, and Vriarm Citic fackt 
(The ruefull ftory of Sir Taridell) 
She was einpafliond at thatpittious aft. 
With zealous envy ofGreckes cruell faft, 
Againft that Nation,firomwhorerace of old 
She heard that (hec was lineally extraft : 
For, noble £r/ronj(prongfromrro)dm bold. 

And Troynouantvixi built ot old Trojyw afhcs.cold. 

39 

Then Cghing foft awhile, at laft, (lie thus : 
O lamentable fall of famous towne ! 
Whichraign'dfo many vearcs viftorious. 
And of all ^fia bore thefoucraignc crowne. 
In one lad night conlum'd, and throwen downe : 
What ftony hart, thatheares thy hapleflefatc, 
Is not cmpearc't with decpe compailiowncy 
And makes enfample of mans wretched ftate. 

That floivres fo frefh at morne, and fades at cuening late I ; 

. *° 
Behold, Sir, how your pittifull complaint ' ■ 

Hath found another partner of your paine : 

For, nothing may imprcffe fo dearc conlbaint. 

As Countries caufe, and common foes dildaine. 

But, if it (hould not grieue you backe againc 

To turne y our courfc, I would to heare ddire 

What to ^eneai fell ; fith thatmen fayne 

Hee was not in the Cities wofull fire 

Confum'd, but did himrdfe to iafeuc retire. 

^nthyfes fonne, begot of ^e»«w faire, 

Said hee, out of the flames for fafegard fledj 
And wiih a remnant did to fe j rcpaire. 
Where hee through fatal! erroui long wis led 
Full many yeares , and wectlelTe wandered 
From (hore to ihore, emongft the Lybkk^Cinds, 
Ere reft he found. Much there he futFercd, 
And many penis paftin forraine lands, 

To faue his peoplefadfrom Viftors vecgefuU hands. 

41 

At laft, in Latium hee did arriuc. 

Where hee with auellwarrcwas entertaind 

Of th 'inland folke, which (ought him backe to driue» 

Till hee with old Irtf/rtHi was conftrauid 

To contraft wedlock: ((btheFatesoidaind.) 

VVedlock contraft in blood, and eke in blood 

Accomplillied, that many deare complaind : 

The riuall flaine, the Viftor (through the flood 

Efcaped hardly) hardly prayfd his wedlock good. 

43 
Yet after all, hee ■ViftordidUuviuc, 

And with Z.df/K«i did the kingdomc part. 

But after, when both nations gan to ftriue. 

Into their names the tide to convart. 

His fonnc lulus did from thence depart, 

With all the w.irlike youth of Troians bloud. 

And in long ^Iba p!ac"t his throne apart, 

Where faire it florillied, and long ume ftoud. 
Till B^mulus renewing it, to ^pme remoud. 

P 1. TLere, 



170 



THE THIRD BOOKE OF 



Cant, IX. 



44 

There, there, did Britomart, afrefh appear'd 

The glory ofthe laterworldto fpring, 

And Troy againe out of her duft was rear'd, 

To fit in fecond (bate of foueraigneking 

Of all the world vnderher goueming. 

But a third kiugdomeyet is to arife. 

Out of the Troiani fcattered of-fpnng, 

Th at in all glorie an d great enterprile. 
Both fii-ftand lecond Troy fhalldareto cqualife. 

It Troynouant is hight, that with the waues 
Of wealthy Thamu wafhed is along, 
Vpon whofe ftubborne neck (where-at he raues 
With ronng rage, and fore himfelfe does throng. 
That all men feare to tempt his biUowes ftrong) 
Shefaftnedhathherfoot, which (lands fo hie. 
That it a wonder of the world is fong 
In forraine Lands; and all which paflen by. 

Beholding it &om far, doe thinkeit threats the sky. 
46 

The Trolane Brute did firftthatCitiefound, 
And Hygate made the meare thereof by Weft, 
And Ouert-gate by North : that is the bound 
Toward the land ; two riuers bound the reit. 
So huge a (cope at firft him feemed beft. 
To be the compalTe of his king Jomcs feat : 
So huge a mind could not m letfer reft, 
Ne in fmall meares containe his glory great. 

That Albion hadxonqucred firft by warlike feat. 

47 

Ah 1 fayreft Lady-knight, faid Taridell, 
Pardon (I pray) my heedlefle over-fight. 
Who had foi got, that whylome I heard tell 
From aged Mnemon ; for, my wits been light. 
Indeed, he faid, if I remember right, 
That of the antiqui: Troiane ftock, there grew 
Another pLnt, that raught to wondrous mght. 
And far abroad his mighty branches threw. 

Into the vtmoft Angle of tlie world hcknew. 
48 

For, that fame Brute (whom much he did aduaunce 
In all his fpeech) was Syhius his forme. 
Whom hauing flaine.through lucklcfs arrowes glaunce, 
Hee fled for feare of thathe had mifdonne, 
Or elfe for fhame,fo foule reproche to Ihonne ; 
And with him led to fea ayouthly traine. 
Where wearie wandnng they long time did wonne, 
And many fortunes prov'd in ^ Ocean maine, 

And great adventures found, that now were long to faiae. 



49 

At laft, by fatall courfc they driuen were 

Into an Ifland (pacious and brode, 

The furtheft North, tliat did to them appearc : 

And (after reft they (eeking farre abrode) 

Found it the fitteft foyle for their abode ; 

FruitfuU ofall things fitforliuingfoodc, 

But wholly wafte, and voyd of peoples erode, 

Saue an hngenation ofthe Giants brood, 
Thacfed on Uuing flelh, & drunke mens vitall blood. 

JO 

Whom he.through wearie warres and labours long, 

Subdewd withlolTeofmany Bnfowbold: 

In which, the great Goema^ot of ftroiig 

CorineuSj and Coulin of Del>on old 

Were overthrowne, andlayd on th'earth full cold. 

Which quaked vnder their lb hideous mals : 

A famous hiftory to be enrold 

In euerlalbng moniments of brafs. 
That all the antique Worthies merits far didpa&. 

yi 

His worke, great Troynouant, his worke is eke 
Faire Z.«wo/»e,bothrenowmed faraway. 
That who from Eaft to Wi. ft will end-long fecke. 
Cannot two fairer Cities find this day. 
Except C/co/io'a.-fo heard I fay 
Old Mnemon. Therefore Sir, I greetyouwdl 
Your countrey kin, and you entirely pray 
Of pardon for the fbife, which late befell 

Betwixt vs bothvnknowue. So eaiti VarideU' 

J» 

But all the wliile that he the(e fpeeches fpent, 
Vpon his lips hong fairc Dime Hellenort, 
With vigilant regard, and due attent, 
Fa(hioning worlds of fancies euermore 
In her fraile wit, that now her quite forlore: 
The whiles, vnwares away her wondring eye. 
And greedy earcs, her weake hart from her bore : 
Which he pcrceiuing, eucrpriuily 

In (peaking, many falle b'elgardes at her letfly. 

So long thefe knights difcourfed diuerfly. 
Of ftrangc afFaares, and noble hardiment. 
Which they had paft with mickle ieopardy. 
That now the humid night was farforth fpent. 
And heaucnly lampes were halfendeale ybrent : 
Which th'old man feeing well (who too long thought 
Euery difcourle, and euery argument. 
Which by thehoures he meaSred) befought 

Them go to reft. So all vnto their bowres were brought. ■ 



Canto 




Qant. X 



THE FAERIE QVEENE. 



171 




Canto X. . 

Paridell rapeth Hellenore : 

Malbecce her pur/ewes : 
Undes emongU Satyres .rohence with him 

to ttirne (lie doth refufe. 





He morrow next, fo foone as Vhxbus Lamp 
Bewrayed hid the world with eardy light, 
And frefh Aurora h.id the lludy damp 
^., Out of the goodly heauen amoued quighc, 
Faire Britoinart and that lame Vaerie knight 
Vprofe, forth on their lourney for to wend : 
But TaridcU compLynd, that his late fight 
With Britomart, fo fore did him ofFend, 
That ride he could not, till his hurts he did amend. 

So forth they far'd ; but he behind them ftaid, 
Maulgre his hoft, who grudged grieuoufly 
To houfe a gucft, thai would be needs obayd, 
And of his owne him left not liberty : 
(Mightjwanting mea!ure,mooueth furquedry.) 
Two tlrings he iearedj but the third was death ; 
That fierce young mans vnrulv maiftcr)' ; 
His money, which he lov'd as liuing breath ; 

And his faire wife, whom honeft long he kep t vncath. 

But patience perforce : he muft abie 

What fortune and his fate on him willlay: 

Fond is the fearc that findcs no remedy; 

Yet wanly he watcheth euery way. 

By which hcfeareth euill happen may : 

So th'cuill thinks by watching to prevent ; 

Ne doth he fufFer her, nor night,nor day, 

Out of his light her lelfe once to ablent. 
So doth he puniih her,and eke hi mfelfe torment. 

4, 

But TarideU kept better watch, then hee, 
A fit occafion for his turne to find : 
Fallc iouc, why doc men fay^ thou canft not fee. 
And in their foolilh fancic feme thee blind, 
That with thy charmes the fh.irpeft fight dooft bind, 
And to thy will abufe ? Thou walkeft free. 
And feed eucry lecret of the mind ; 
Thou leeft all.yet none at all fees thee ; 

All thit is by the working of thy Deitec. 



So pcrfeft in that art was VarideU, 

That he Malbeccoei halfen eye did wile, 

His halfen eyche wiled wondrous well, 

And HellcnOTs both eyes did eke beguile, 

Both eyes and hart jttonce, during the while 

Thathcthcre foiourned his wounds to hcole i 

That Cnpid felfe it feeing, clofe did (mile, 

To wect how he her loue away did ftealc, 
■And bade, tliat none theirioyous treofon fliould reueale. 

6 
Tlie learned Loucr loft no time nor tide. 

That leaft avantage mote to him afford, 

Yet bore fo taire afaile, that none elpide 

His fecfet drift,tillhe hcrlayd abord. 

When-fo in open place, and common bord. 

He fortun'd her to meet, with common fpccch 

He court?d her, yet bayted eucry word, 

Tluthisvngentlchofte n'otc himappeadi 
Of vile vngentlenefle, or hofpitages breach. 

7 
But, when apart (if euer her apart) 

He found , then hi"; fatfe engins faff he plide, 
And all the fleights vnbofomd in his hart ; 
Hefigh't,hefol)d,hclwouud,hepcrdy dide. 
And cafthimfelfe on ground her faft bcfidc: 
Tho, when againc he him bethought :o hue. 
He wept, and waild, and falle laments belide. 
Saying, but if (hee Merciewould him giue, 
That he mote algites diCjyet did his death forgiue. 

And other-whiles, with amorous delights, « 

And pleafing toyes he would her cntertaine, 
Now linking Iwcetly, to furprile her (prights, 
Now m.ikjng layes of loue and Louers paine, • 
BranQes, Ballads, virelayes, and vcr(esvaine; 
Oft purpoles, oft riddles he dcvis'd. 
And thoufand s like, which flowed in his braine, 
Wuh which he fed her fancy , and enris'd 

To cake to his new loue, and leaue her old defpis'd. 

P J, And 



i7t 



THE THIRD BOOKE OF 



Cant,X. 



And euery where he might, andeuerywLile 
Hedldherferuicedutifull,an<lfewcd 

• At hand with humble pnde, and pleafing guile. 
So clofely yet, that none but (hee it viewed. 
Who well pcrceiued all, and all indewcd. 
Thus finely did he his falle nets diffpred. 
With which he many weake harts had fubdewed 
Of yore, and many had y like mifled : 

What wonder tlien, imee were likewife carried > 

10 

No fort fo fenfible, no walks fo ftrong, 
But that continuallbattery will riue. 
Or daily iiege through diipuruayance long, 
And lack oireskewes will to parley driue ; 
And Peece, thatvnto parley eare will giue. 
Will fhortly yield it feife, and will be made 
The vaflall of the Viftors will byhue : 
That ibatagcme had oftentimes affaid 
This aafty Paramour,and now itplainedifplaid. 

II 
For, through his traines he her intrapped hath. 
That flie her loue and hai-thath wholly fold 
To him, without regard ofgaine, or fcath. 
Or care of credite, or of husband old, 
Whom Ihc hath vow'd to dub a faire Cuckold. 
Nought wants but time and place, which lhor;Iy fiieo 
Denized hath, and to her Loner told. 
Itpleafedwell. So well they both agree; 
Soready ripe to ill, ill wemens counfelsbce. 

li 
Darke was theEuening,fitforlouers Health, 
When chaunc't Malbecco bii/ie be elfe-wherc, ' 
She to his dofctwent, where all his wealth 
Lay liid : thereof fliee countkfle liimmcs did reare. 
The which (lie meant away with her to beare ; 
The reftjflieefir'dforfport, orfordefpight; "' 
As HeCcne, when (he faw aloft appeare 
The Troiane fiames,and reach to heauens hight. 
Did clap her hands, and ioycd at that dolefull light. 

. ij 

This fecond Hellene, faire Dame Hellenore, 
The whiles her husband ranne with fory hafte 
To quench the flames which (lie had tyn'd before, 
Laught at his foolifh labour (pent in wafte ; 
And ranne into herLoVers amies rightfaft; 
Where ftraight embraced, (liee to him did cry, 
And call aloud for helpe, ere heipe were pafl: ; 
For, lo, that Gueft would beare herforcibly. 

And meant to rauifli her, that rather had to die. 

The wtetched man, heanng her call for ayde, 
* And ready feeing him with her to flye. 
In his dilijuiet mind was much difmaide: 
But, \j(lien againe he backward caft his eye, 
And faw the wicked fire fo furioufly 
Confume his hart, and fcorcli his idoles face, 
Hee was thcre-with diftreflcd diuerfly, 
Ne will he how to turne, nor to what place ; 

Was heuer wretched man in fuch a wofml caf«> 



If 
Ay when to him (lie cryde, to her he turn'd, 
Andleft thefire; loue, money overcame : 
But, when hee marked how his money burn'd. 
He left his wife ; money did loue difclame : 
Both was he lotli to loole his loued Dame, 
And lotli to leaue his liefeft pclfc behind. 
Yet fith he n'ote (aue both, he lau'd that (ame 
Which was the deareftto his dunghill mind. 
The God of his defire, the ioy of milers blind. 

16 
Thus, whiKtall things in troublous vprore were. 
And all men bufie to fupprelTe the flame, 
Tlie louing couple need no reskew feare. 
But leafurehad,andhbercieto frame 
Theirpurpoft flight, free from all mensreclame ; 
And Night (the patronelTe of loue-ftealth faire) 
Gaue them fafe conduft, till to end they came : 
So beenc they gone yfeare (a wanton paire 
Of Lovers loofely kiiit) where lift them to repaire. 

17 
Soone as the cruell flames yflaked were, 
Malbecco, feeing how his lofle did lye. 
Out of the flames , which he had quencht whylcre 
Into huge waues of griefe and iealoufie 
Full decpe cmpionged was, and drowned nie, 
Twixt inward doole and felonous defpight ; 
Heerav'd,hewept,heftamptjhelouddidcry, 
And all the palfions thatin man may light. 
Did him attonce opprefle, and vex his caytiue fpright. 

i3 
Long thus he chawd the cud of inward griefe, 
And did confume his gall with anguifll fore: 
Still when he mufcd on his late mifchiefe. 
Then ftill the fmart thereof increafed more. 
And feem'd more grieuous, then it was before ; 
At laft, when forrow he faw booted nought, 
Ne griefe might not his loue to him reltore, 
He gan deuife, hovv her he reskew mought. 
Ten thoutand waies he caftin his conflifed thought. 

'9 

At laft, refoluing like a pilgrim pore • 

Tofearch herforth,wherefo (he might be fond. 
And bearing with him threafure in clofe ftore, - 
The reft heleaues in ground : So takes in hond 
To fccke her endlong, both by fea and lond. 
Long he her fought, he fought her farre and netc. 
And eucry where that he mote vnderftondj 
_ Of Knights and Ladies any meetings were. 

And of each ose hemet, he ty dings did inquere. 
20 

But all in vaine, his woman was too wife, 
Euer to come into his clouch againe. 
And he too (imple euer to furprife 
The ioWy VdrideR, for all his paine. 
One day, as he forepalTed by the Plaine 
'With weary pale, he farre away efpide 
Acouple (fcemingwelltobenistwaine) 
Which houed clofe vnder a foreft fide. 

As if they lay in wait, or clfe thetnfelues didhidc. 



Well : 



Cant. X. 



THE FAERIE QVEENE. 



175 



I 



Well weened lie, tli.u diofc the fame motcbee : 

And as he better did tlicir (hapc avizc, 

Him iccmea more tlieirmjnncr did agree; 

For, til 'one was .irnicd a/I 10 w.vrlike wize, 

V\'honi, to be Ta;-iJell he did deuize ; 

And tli'ochcr, all yclad in ganiients light, 

Dilkoknir'd like to womanilh dil^uile, 

He did relemble to Ins Lady bright; 
And euer his faint hart much yearned at the fight. 

Z2. 

And euer faine hee towards them would goe, 
But yet durft not for dread approchcn nie. 
But Itcod aloofc, vnwccting what to doe; 
Till that prickt forth withlouescxtremitie. 
That is thcfathcr offoule lealoufie, 
He clolely necrcr crept, the truth to weet : 
But, as he nighcr drew, he e.ifily 
Might Icerne, tLit it was not his fweetcfl fwcet, 

Ne yet her Bdamour, the partner of his iheet. 
25 

But it was fcorncfull Bra.ggadocchio, 

That with hisferuaunt Trompart houerd there, 
Since late he fledfroni his too earned foe : 
Whom fuch v.hcn is Malbeao (pyed clere, 
He turned bicke, and would haue fled arere 5 
Till Trom/iai-f running haftily^ )iim did ftay. 
And bade before his loucraaie Lord appere : 
That was him loatli, yet durft he notgaine-fay. 

And comming himbefore, lovvelouted on thelay. 

Tlie Boafter, at him fterncly bent his brow. 
As it hee could haue kild him with his loolce, 
That to the ground him meekely made to bow. 
And awfuU terror deepc into him ftrooke. 
That eucry member of his body quooke. 
Said he, thou man of nought, what dooftthou here, 
Vnfitlyfiuniditwiththy bagand.booke. 
Where I expcfted one with lliield and fpere, 

To prouc fome deedes of armes vpon an equall perc. 

The wretched man, at his imperious fpeach. 
Was all abaflit, and lowe proftrating, (aid ; 
Good Sir, letnot my rudedeffe be no breach 
Vnto your patience, ne beiUypaid; 
For, I vnwares thi s way by fortune ftraid, 
A filly Pilgrim driuen to diftreffe. 
That (eeke a Lady. There he fuddaineftaij-. 
And did the reft with grieuous fighes fupprcflc, 

W hile teares ftood in his eyes (few drops of bitternefle.) 
z6 

What Lady, man ? faid Tromfart, take good hart. 
And tell thv griefe, if any hidden lye ; 
Was reucr better time to fliew thy fmart 
Then now, that noble fuccour is tliee by. 
That is the whole worlds common remedy. 
That chearefull word his weake hart much did cheare. 
And with vaioe hope his fpirits faint fupply. 
That bold he faid ; O moft redoubted Pere, 

Vouchfafe with mild regard a wretches cafe to heaie. 



Then fighingfore, It is not long, faid hee. 
Since lemoydethegentlcftDamealiuc". 
Of whom a knight, no knight at ail perdee. 
But flume of all that doe for honour ftriu«s 
By treacherous deceit did me depriue ; 
Through open out-rage he her bore away. 
And with foule force vnto his wll did driue, 
Wluch all good knights, that armes do beareAis day, 

Are bound for to revenge, and punifli if they may. 

£8 

And you (moft noble Lord) that can and dare 

Reikelic the wrong of miferable wight, . 

Cannot employ your moft viifloriouslpeare 

In better tjuarrell, then defence of right, 

Andfora Lady,gainftafaithlelTe knight; 

So (hall yourglory beadvaunced much, 

And all taire Ladies magnifie your might. 

And ck-e my felfc (olbe I iimple fuch) 
Your worthy paine lliall well reward with guerdoaricli. 

29 
With tliat, out of his bouget forth he drew 

Great ftore of tlireafure, there-with him to tempt; 

But he on it looktlcornefiilly askew^ 

As much difdcjgning to be (o mifdempt. 

Or a war-monger to be bafehe nempt ; 

And laid ; Thy offers bafc I greatly loth, 

Andekethy wordsvncourteousandvnkcmpt; 

I tread in duft tliee and thy money both. 
That, wereitnotfor (hame; So turned&om him wroth. 

30 
But Trompart, that hismaifters humour knew, 

In lofty lookcs to hide an humble mind. 

Was inly tickled with that golden view. 

And in his eare him rounded dofe behind : 

Yet ftoupt he not, but lay ftill in the wind. 

Waiting advantage on theprey to (eafe ; 

Till Trompart lowelie to the ground inclin'd, 

Betought him his great courage to appeafe. 
And pardon fimple man, that rain did him difpleafe. 

Bigge looking, like a doughtie Douzepere, 
At laft, he thus ; Thou clod of vileft clay> 
I pardon yield, and with thy rudenefle beare i 
But weet henceforth, that all that golden pray. 
And all that elfe the vaine world vauntenmay, 
I loath as dung, ne deeme my dew reward : 
Fame is my meed, and glory vertues pay. 
But minds of mortall men are muchell mard. 

And moov'd amilte with maflie mucks vnmeet regard. 

And more, I graunt to thy great miferie 

Gratious refpeft, thy wife fliallbackcbe fent : 
And that vile knight, who euer that hebe, 
Which hath thy Lady reft,and knighthood fhent. 
By Sanglamort my fword.whofe deadly dent 
The bloud hath of lo many thoafands (hed, 
I fweare, ere long fhall dearelie it repent ; 
Ne hee twixt heaucn and e.inh (hallhide his head, 

But foone he (lull befound, and (hortlicdoenbe dead. 
P. 4. The 



174 



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The foolilh man thereat woxe wondrous blith, 
As if the word 16 Iboken, were halfe donne. 
And humbly thanked him a thoufand fith, 
Tliit had from death to life him newly wonne. 
Tho, fortli the Boifter marching, brauebcgonne 
His ftolen fteed to thunder funoufly, 
As if he hcauen and Iiell would over-ronne. 
And all the world confound with auelty. 

That much Malbecco ioyed in his iollitie. 

Thus, long they three togetlier trauailed. 

Through many a wood, and many an vncouth way. 

To (eekehis wife, tliatwas farre wandered : 

But thoft\]svo fought nought but the prefent pray, 

To weet, the threafurc, which he did bewray. 

On which their eyes and harts Were wholly let. 

With purpoCe how they might it beil betray > 

For, fitli the houre that firft he did them let (whet. 

The fame behold, there-with their keene deiires were 

It fortuned as they together tar'd. 

They fpidc where TParidetl came pricking fafl 
Vpon the Plaine, the which himlelfe prepar'd 
To giuft with that braue ftranger knight a caft,' 
As on adventure by the way he paft : 
Alone he rode without his Paragone; ^ 

For, hauing filcht her bels, hervp he caft 
To the wide world, and let her fly alone, 

He n'ould be clogd. So had he ferued many one. 

The gentle Lady, loofe atrandon left. 

The greenc-wood long did walke, and wander wide 

At wilde adventure, like a forlorne weft, 

"Till on a day the Satyres her efpidc 

Strayingalone withouten groome or guide ; 

Her vp tliey tooke, and with them homeher led, 

With them as houfewife eucr to abide. 

To milke their goates, and make them cheefe & bred, 

And euery one as common good her handeledi 
J7 

That fliortly (hee Malbecco has forgot. 
And eke Sir Taridell, all were he deare ; 
Who from her went to feeke another lot. 
And now (by fortune) was arriued heere. 
Where thofetwo guilers with Malbecco were : 
Soone as the old man faw Sir Taridell, 
Hee fainted, and Was almofl dead with feirej 
Ne word he had to (peake.his griefcto tell. 

But to him louted lowe, and greeted goodly well; 
J8 

And after, asked him for He&nore. 
I take no keepe of her, faid VarideU : 
She wonneth in tlie foreft there before. 
So forth he rode, as his adventure fell ; 
The whiles, theBoafter from his lofty fell 
Fay nd to ahght, fomethine amifle to mend ; 
But the frelh S waine wouldnot his leafurc dwell. 
But went his way ; whom when he paffed kend. 

He vp remounted light, and after fund (o wend. 



19 

Perdy nay, faid Malbecco, fhall ye not : 

But let him palle as lightly as he came : 

For, little good of him is to be got. 

And mickle periJl to be put to fliame. 

But, let vs goe to (eeke my dearcit Dame, 

Whom he hath left in y onder foreft wild : 

For, of her fafety in great doubt I am, 

Leaft falvage bealls her perlon haue defpoy Id : 
Then all the world is loft, and we in vaine haue toylcL 

40 
They all agree, and forward them addreft : 

Ah ! but laid crafty Trompart, weet ye well. 

That yonder in that waftefuU wildcrnefle 

Huge Monfters haunt, and many dangers dwell t 

Dragons, and Miuotaures, andnends of hell, 

And many wil Je wood-men, which rob and rend 

All traucllers ; therefore avifc ye well, 

Bcforeyee enterprife that way to wend : 
One may his iourney bring toofoone to euillend. 

■*' 

Malbecco ftopt in great aftonifhment. 

And with pale eyes faft fixed on the reft. 
Their counfell crav'd, in danger imminent. 
Said Trompart, Tf ou that are the moft oppreft 
With burden of great threafure, I thinke beft 
Heere for to ftay in fafety behin d ; 
My Lord and I will fearch the wide forreft. 
That counfell pleafed not il/aiJf ffotjmind ; 
For, he was much affraid, himlelfe alone to find. 

4Z 
Then is it beft, faid h:, that yce doe leaue 
Your treafure here in fome fecuritie, 
Eitherfaft doled in lome hollow greaue. 
Or buriedin thegroundftom ieopardie. 
Till we retume againe in (afetie : 
As for vs two, leaft doubt of vs ye haue. 
Hence farre away we will blindfolded lie, 
Ne priuie be vnto your threafurcs Graue. 
It plealed : fo he didi Then they march forward brauc. 

43 

Now, when amid the thickeft woods they were. 
They hearda noyfe of many bagbipcs rtirill. 
And fhrieking Hububs them approching nere> 
Which all the foreft did witlihorror fill : 
That dreadfull found thcboafters hart did thrill. 
With fuch amazement, that in hafte he fled, 
Ne euerlooked backeforgoodorill. 
And after him ekefearefull7"ro»»f<«r*(ped; 

The old man Could not flie, but fell to groutid halfe dead. 

44 

Yet afterwards, clofe creeping as he might, 
Hee in ah ufh did hide his fearefull hed : 
The iolly Satyres, full of frelh delight, 
Came dauncing forth, and with them nimbly led 
FaireHe//f»ore,vvith girlonds all befpred. 
Whom their May-lady they had newly made : 
She prou J of th Jt new honour, which they red. 
And of tlicir louely fellow/hip full glade, 

Daunc'c liuely, and her face dtd wi(h aLawrell /faa4e. 



Tlie 






Qant. X. 



THE FAERIE QVEENE. 



175 



45 

The filly nun that in the thicket l.iy, 

Saw all rhis goodly Iport, and gricued fore. 

Vet durft he not jgainft it doe or lay, 

But did his h.irtwith bitter thoughts engore. 

To lee th'vnkindnefl'e of his Hellenore. 

All day they daunced with great luftihed. 

And with tlieir horned feet the grccne graffe wore, 

The whiles their Goates vpon the brou7es fed. 

Till drouping "Pbcebus gan to liidc his golden hcd. 
46 

Tho, vp they ga'i their merry pipes to trufle. 
And ali their goodly heords did gather round; 
But euery Satyre firlt didgiuc a bufle 
ToHellenore: (o bulTes did abound. 
Now gai> the hunyd vapour (lied the ground 
With pearly deaw, and theEarthes gloomy (hade 
Did dim the brightnelfe of tlic welkin round, 
That euery bird and beaftawarned made 

To flirowd thefelues, whiles flecp their lenfcs did invade. 

47 

Which when Malhecco faw, out of the bufli 
Vpon his hands and feet he crept full light. 
And Lke a Goate emongft the Gojtes did rufli. 
That through the help of his faire homes on hight. 
And miftie dampe of mifconceiuing night, 
And eke through likcneflc of his goatim beard, 
Hee did the better countcrfeitc aright : 
So home he marcht emongft the horned heard, 

Thit none of ail the Satyres him elpyde or heard. 

48 

At night, when all they went to fleepe, he viewd, 
Wncre-as his louely wfe emongft them lay, 
Embraced of a Satyre rough and rude. 
Who all the night did mind his ioyous play : 
Nine times he heard him come aloft ere day. 
That all his hart with lealouiie did fwell j 
But yet that nights cnQmple did bewray, 
That not for nought his wife them loued fo well, 

When one fo ought a night did ring hi s matins bell. 

49 

S dofcly as he could ; he to them aept. 

When weane of their fport to fleepe they fell ; 
And to his wife, that now full foundly flept, 
He whifpered in her eare, and did her tell. 
That It was hee, which by her fide did dwell, 
And therefore prayd her wake, to heorc him plaine. 
As one out of a dreame not waked well, 
Shee turn'd her, and returned back againc : 

Yet her for to awake he did the more conftraine. 

^° 
At laft, with irkfomc trouble flieeabraid j 

And then perceiuing, that it was indeed 

Her old Malhecco J which did her vpbraid. 

With looleneffe of her loue, and loathly deed, 

Shee was aftoruiht with exceeding dreed, 

And would haue wak't the Satyre by her fide ; 

But hee her prayd, for mercy, orfor meed. 

To faue his life, ne let him be defcride, 

Butharken to his lore, and all his counfellhidc 



Tho, gan he her perfwade, to leaue that lewd 
And loathfome life, of God and man abhord, 
And home returne, where all Ihould be renew J 
With pcrfeft peace, jnd bands of frelh accord, 
And Ihee rccciu'd againe to bed and bord. 
As if no trclpaffc euerhad beene donnc : 
But (hee itall refufed at one word. 
And by no meanes would to his willbe wonne. 

But chofe emongft theioily Satyres ftillto wonne. 

Hee wooed her, till day fpnng hee elpide ; 
But ail in v.une : and then turnd to the heard. 
Who butted ium with homes on euery fide, 
A nd trode downe in the durt, where his hore bear J 
Was foully dight, and he of death afFeard. 
Early before the heauens faireft light 
Out of the ruddy Baft was fully reard. 
The heards out of their folds were loofed quiglit^ 

And he emongft the reft creptforth in fory plight. 

I , ^^ 

So foonc as hee the Pri(on doore did pals, 

Hee ranne as faft as both his feete could beare. 

And neuer looked who behind him was, 

Ne (carccly who before : like as a Beare 

That creeping dole, emongft thehiues to reare 

An hony-combc, the wakctuU dogs efpy , 

And him aflayling, fore his carcalle teare. 

That hardly lie .iway with life does (lie, 

Ne Hayes, till fafe himldfe he fee from ieopardy. 

J4 

Ne ftaid he, till he came vnto the place 

Where late his threafure he entombed had ; 
Where whtn he found it not (for, TromfarthiCc 
Haditpurloynedforhis maiflerbad; ) 
Witli extreame fury ht became cjuite mad. 
And ran away, ran with himfclfe away : 
That who (o firangely had him fcene beftad. 
With vpftart haire,and flaring eyes difmay, 

From Limbo lake him late elcaped lure wouldfay. 

High over hilles and over dales he fled. 

As if the wind him on his wings had borne, 
Ne bank nor bufli could (lay him, when he fped 
His nimble feet, as treading ftill on thorne : 
Gnefe, and de'pight, and iealoufie, and fcorne 
Did all the way him followe hard behind: 
And he hiinlelfe,himfelte loath'd fo forlorne. 
So flumefuUy forlorne of woman-kind ; 

That,as a Snake, ftill lurked in his wounded mind.' 

Still fled he forwatd,lookingbackwardftiIl, 
Ne ftaid his flight, nor fearefull agony. 
Till that he came vnto a rocky hill. 
Over the leafulpcnded dreadfully. 
That huing creature it would terrifie 
To looke adowne, or vpward to the hight : 
From thence he threw himfelfe defpiteoufly. 
All delperate of his fore-damned fpright, 

Thatfeem'dno help for hun was left inhuingfight. 



But 



iy6 



THE THIRD BOOKE OF 



Cant.^l. 



But through long anguifh, and fclfe-murdring thought, 
Hec was 16 w.ifted and fore-pin«d quight. 
That all his fubftance was confuni'd to nought> 
And nothing left, but like an airie Spright, 
That on the rocks he fell fo flit and light, 
That he thereby rcceiu'd no hurt at all. 
But chaunccd on a craggy chfFc to light; 
Whence he with crooked clawcs (o long did aall, 

That at the lait hefound a Caue with entrance finalJ. 

Into tliefamchee creepes, and thence-forth there 
Refolu'd to build his baleful! m.infioii, 
In drety darkneffe, and continuail fearc 
Of that rocks fall ; which euer and anon 
Threats with huge ruine him to fall vpon. 
That he dare neucr (leepe, but that one eye 
Still ope he kcepcs for that occaiion ; 
Ne euerrefts he in tranquillity. 

The roringbillowes beatehis bowre fo boiftroufly. 



59 ^ 

Nc euer is he wont on ought to feed, 

But toades and frogs (his pafture poyfonous) 
Which in his cold complexion do breed 
A filthy bloud, orhumour rancorous. 
Matter of doubt and dread (utjncious, 
That doth with curelefle care conlume the hart. 
Corrupts the ftomackc with gall vitious, 
Crofs-cutstheliuerwithmtcrnallfmart, 

And doth transfixe the foule with dcathes etetnall dait. 
^o 

Yet can he ncuerdie,butdyinghues. 

And doth himfelfe with foiTow new fuftainc. 
That death and life attonce vnto him giues. 
And painefull plealure turncs to pleafing paine. 
There dwels he euet, miferabk fwaine, ' 

Hatefall both to himfelfe, and cucry wi»ht; ' 
Wherehe through priuy griefe, and horrour vaine. 
Is woxen fo deform 'd that he has quight 

Forgot hec was a man, and Ictloufie is hight. 




Canto XI, 

Britomart chaceth Ollyphant^ 
findes Scudxmottr dijireft : 

Ajfayes the houfe of Bufyrane^ 
where Louesffoyles are exfrefi. 





'^ Hatefull hellifh Snake, what fury furft 

Brought thee fio baleful houfe of yro/erf/nf. 
Where in her bofom (he thee long had nurft, 
'^iM^ Arid foftredvp with bitter milkeof tine, 
-(*&. iFouIe lealouiic, that rurneft loue divine 
Toioylcflt dread, and mak'ft the louing hart 
With hatefull thoughts to languifli and to pine. 
And feed it felfe withiclfe-confuming fmart i 
Of all the paflions in the mind thou vileft art. 

2 

1 let him farre be bani(llcd away, 

And in his ftead let Loue for euer dw clh 
Sweet Loue, that dotli his golden wings embay 
Inblelled Neftar,andpurePleafurcs VVeU> 
Vntroubled ot vile feare, or bitter fell. 
And yce faire Ladies, that yoUr kingdoms make 
In th'hartsof men,them goucrne wifely well. 
And of faire Britomart enlample take, 

That was .is true in loue, as Turtle to her make. 



Who with Sir Satyrane (as card yee red) 
Forth riding from Malbeccoes hoftlefle hous, 
Far ofFefpide a young man, the which fled 
From an huge Giant, that with hideous 
And hatefull out-rage long him chaced thus ; 
It wis that Ollypharit, the brother deare 
Of that ./irjdwfe vile and vitious. 
From whom the Squire of Barnes was reft whylere ; 

This all as bad as Ihc, and worfe, if worfe ought were. 

4 
For, as the filler did in feminine 

And filthy luft exceed all woman-kind, 

So hec furpafled his fex mafculine, 

In beartly vfc that I did euer find ; 

Whom when as Britomarthzht\A behind 

The fcai efuU boy fo greedily purfew, 

Shec was emmoucd in her noble mind, 

T iniploy her puidaunce to his reskew. 
And pricked fiercely forward, wiiere ihe him did view. 






Ne 



Cant. XL 



THE FAERIE QVEENE. 



177 



. Nc WJS Sir S.ityrane her for behinci, 

But with like riircenefTe did cnfcw the cliacc ; 
Wlioni, when the Giant l.iw, he (bone rclignd 
His former fine, and from th-m fled apace ; 
Tliey aher both, and boldly bade hmi bace, 
AaA each did ftriuc the other to out-goc : 
But he them both out-ran a wondrous (pace. 
For, he was long.indhviftas any Roe, 
And now made better fpeed, t'efcapc his feared foe. 

6 • 

It was not Satyritne whom hedid fcarc, 
But Britomart.thi flowre of chaPtity ; 
For, he the powre of chafte hands might not be-irc, 
But alwaies did their drad encounter fly : 
And now fo faft his feet he did apply, 
That he has gotten to a foreft ncarc, 
Where hee is'lhrowded in fecurity : 
The wood they enter, andfearch cucry where, 
Tliey feardied diucrfly ; lb both diuidcd were. 

7 

Faire Britomart (o lon^him followed. 

That Die at laft came to afountaine flicarc. 
By whic!) there lay aknight all wallowed 
Vpon the gr.ifly ground, and by him nearc 
His habcrjeon, his helmet, and his (peare ; 
A little olF, his lliield was rudely throwne. 
On which the winged boy in colours clc.ire 
Dcp.iinted was, full eaiic to be knowne. 

And he thereby , where-euer it in field was fhowne. 
8 

His face vpon the ground did groueling lye. 
As if he ha.l been flumbrins; in the fli.ide, 
That the braue M.iid wauld not forcourtcfie. 
Out of his quiet (lumber him abrade, 
Noriecme too fuddainly him to invade : 
Still as Ihee flood, fhe heard with gricuous throb 
Him gronc, as if his hart were peeccs made, 
Andwithmofcpamcfull pangs tofighandlob. 

That pitty did the Virgins iurt of patience rob. 

9 

At laft, forth brciking into bitter plaints. 
He faid : O (oueraignc Lord that (itft on hie, 
And raign'ft in bills c mcngft iliy blclled Saints, 
How (uffrcft thou fuch fliamefull cruelty. 
So long vnwreakedofthine enemy ■ 
Or hart thou ,Lord,of good mens caufe no heed ? 
Or doth ihv niltice flecpe, and filent ly } 
V\ hat boorcth then the good and righteous deed. 

If goodncUe find no grace, nor righteoufneffc no meed ? 
10 

If good find grace, and righteouthelTe reward, 
Why then is ^moret in cay tiuc band, 
Sith tJiat more bountious creature iicuerfar'A 
On foot, vpon the face ot lining land ? 
Or if that heaucnly iuftice may withftand 
The wrotigfuU out-rage of vnrighteous men. 
Why then is JBH/tvaw with wicked hand 
Suified, theleleaucn moneths day, in fecrec den 

My Lady and my loue fo cruelly to pen } 



My Lady and my Loue, is crucH'pcud 

Jn dolefulldarknelle from the view of day, 
Whil'ft deadly torments do hcrch.-.ftehrtaft rend. 
An J the rtiarp I lecle doth rme her hart m tway. 
All for llic Scudamore will not denay. 
Yet thou, vile man, vile ScuAa>nore, artfound, 
JVccanif hcrayde,necanftherlbedili!i.iy ; 
Viiworthy wretch to tread vpon the ground. 

For whom lo faire a Lady feelcs fo lore a wound. 

There an huge hcapeofiingults did opprelle 
• His ftrughng (bulc, and Iwcllmg throbs cmpeach 
His folmng tongue with pangs of drcrinefle. 
Choking the remnant of his piamtifc Ipeach, 
As if his dales were come to their laft reach. 
Which when (lice heard, and faw the gallly fit, 
Thrcatning into his life to make a breach, 
Both with greatruth and tcrrour (lie was fmit, 

Fearing leaft trom her cage the w eary loule would flit, 
ij 

Tho, (looping downc, (liee him amoued light; 
Who there- with (bnie-whatftarting,vpgarilooke. 
And feeing him behind a ftrangcr .knight, 
Wherc-as no liuing creature he miftooke. 
With great indignancc hee thatfightforlboke, 
Andiiowncagainehinifelfcdildaincfully 
Abiefting, th'earth with his fure forhead ftrookc : 
Which the bold Virgin leeing, gan apply 

Fit medcinc to his gnefe, and fpake thus curtefly : 

Ah ! gentle knight, whofe dccpe cbnceiucd griefe 
Well feemes t'cxcccd the powre of patience, 

.' Yetifthathe.iuenlygr.icefomcgoodrcliefe 
You(end,fubm;tvouto high prouidence; 
And eucrin your noble h.irt prepenle. 
That all the (orrovvin the world, is lelTe 
Then vertucs might, -and v.ilues confidence : 
For, who nill bide liie burden of diftrcfle, 

Muft not hccre thinke to hue, for, life is wretchednelfc; 

Therefore (faire Sir) d6e comfort to you take, 

And freelv read, whar wicked felon fo 

Hath oiit-ng'd you, and thrald your gentle make. 

Perhaps this hand may help to e.de your woe. 

And wTeakeyourforrow on vour cruell foe, 

At leaft, it faire endeuour will .tpply. 

Thole fueling words fo ncere the quick didgoe, 

Thatvp his head he reared eafily ; 

And leaning on his elbow, thefe few words let fly : 
16 

What boots it plainc,that cannot be redreft. 
And fowe vaine forrow in a fruitlcfTe eare, 
Sith powre of hand, nor skill oflc.irned breft, 
Ne worldly pricecannotredccme my deare. 
Out ofhertliraldome and continual! fcaref 
For, he (the Tyrant) which her hath in ward 
By ftrong enchauntments, and black Magick leare. 
Hath in a dungeon deep her cloleembard, 

And many drcadjfull fiends hath pointed to her gard. 

There 



178 



THE THIRD BOOKE OF 



Cant^XL 



There he tormenteth her moft terribly. 

And diy and'night iffli£ts with mortiU painc, 

Bccaufe to yield him loue (he doth deny. 

Once to me yold, not to be yold agoinc : 

But yet by torture he would her conftriine 

Loiie to conceuie in her dil'dainefull breft ; 

Till fo llie doe, fhee tnuf\ in doole remaine, 

Ne iruy by liuing meines be thence releft : 
What boots it tlien to plaine^ that cannot be redrcft ! 

18 
Witli this fad herfall of his heauy ftrefle, 

ThcWarlikeDamzcllwasempaffioad forcj 

And fiid ; Sir Knight, your caufe is nothing leflc 

Then is your forrow, certcs if not more ; 

For, notliingfo much pitty doth implore. 

As gentle Ladies heiplefl'e mifery. 

But yet,if ple.ife ye hften to my lore, 

I will (with proofe of laft extreamity) 
Dcliuer her fro thence, or with her for you die. 

19 

Ah ! gentleA Knight aliue, faid ScuJMmou ; 
y Vhat huge heroick magnanimitic 
Dwels in thy bountious breft } what could'ft thou 
If (he were thincj and thou as now am I i (more, 

O (pare tliy happy dayes, and them apply 
To better boot, but letme die that ought ; 
More is more loffe ; one is enough to die. 
Life is not loft, faid (lie, for which is bought 

Endlcfleienowme, that more then death is to be fought. 
10 

Thus, flice at length perfwaded him to rife. 
And with her wend, tofccwhatnewfuccelle 
Mote him befall vpon new entcrprifc. 
His armcs, which he had vow'd to difprofcflc. 
She gathered vp, and did about him drefle, 
And his forwandrcd fteed vnto him got : 
So forth they both yfere make theirprogrelTe, 
And march not paft the mount'naunce of a (hot, 

Till they arriu'd, where -as theirpurpofe they did plot. 
21 

There they difmounting, drew their weapons bold. 
And ftoutly came vnto the Caftle gate ; 
Wierc-as no gate they found them to with-holdj 
Nor ward to wait at morne and eucning lates 
But in the Pori.h(that did them fore amate) 
A flaming fire, ymuct with (mouldry fmokc. 
And iHnking Sulphurc, that with griefly hate 
And dreadfull horrour did all entrance chokcj 

Enforced them their forward footing to reuokc. 
zz 

Greatly thereat was BWfomartdiCnaid, 

Nc in that ftownd wift, how herfelfe to bcare; 
For, danger vaine it were, to haue aiTaid 
That crucll element, which all things fearc> 
Ne none can fufFer to approchen nearc : 
And turning back to Scuadmore,th\is fayd ; 
What monrtrous enmity prouoke we here, 
Foolc-hardy, as th'Earthcs children, the which made 

BattcU againft the Gods ? fo wea God invade. 



Danger withoutdifcretion to attempt, 

Inglorious and beaft-iike is : therefore. Sir knight, 

Aread what courfc of you is (afeft dempt. 

And how we with our foe may come to tight. 

This is,(]uoth he, the dolorous defpight, 

Which earft to you I plaind : for, neither may 

This fire be cjucncht by any wit or might, 

Ne yet by any meanes remou'd away. 
So mighty be rh'enchauntmcDts, which the fame do fta/t 

24 
What is there elfe, but ceafc thefe fruitlcffe painci. 

And leaue me to my former languiflung ? 

Faire ^mortt ma&. dwell in wicked chainet, 

And Scudamort here die with forrowing. 

Pcrdy not fo, faid (he ; for, (hamefull thing 

It were t'abandon noble cheuilaunce. 

For (hew of perill, \vithout venturing : 

Rather let try extremities of chaunce, 
Thenenterprifed praife for dread to difauauoce. 

Thcre-with,rerolv'd to proueher vtmoft might. 
Her ample (hield ftie threw before her face. 
And (her fwords point direiflingforward right) 
Aflaild the flame, thewhich eftloones gaue place. 
And did it felfe diuide with equall (pace. 
That through (he pafled ; as a thunder-bolt 
Pearceth the yielding ayrc, and dothdifplace 
Th e fbring clowds into fad (howres ymolt ; 

So to her yold the flames, and did their force revolt. 
16 

Whom, when as Studamorc faw pafl the fire. 
Safe and vntoucht, he likewile gan affay, 
With grcedie will, and envious defire. 
And bade the ftubborneflames to yield him way : 
But crucll Afw/wicrwouldnotobay 
His threatfull pride ; but did the more augment 
His mighty rage, and his imperious fway 
Him f orc't (maulgrc) his fiercenefle to relent. 

And back retire, all fcorcht andpittifuUy brent. 

With huge impatience he inly fwelt. 

More for ereatforrow thathc could not pals. 
Then for theburningtorment which hefelt. 
That with fell woodneflc he effierced was, 
And wilfully him throwing on the grafs. 
Did beat and bounfe his head and breaft full fore : 
The whiles, the Championeffe now entrcd has 
The vtmoft roomc,and paft the formoft dore. 

The vtmoft roome abounding with all precious (lore. 
z8 

For,round about, the wals yclothed were 
With goodly Arras of great maiefty, 
Wouen with gold and lilke fo clofe and nere. 
That therich metalllurkedpriuily, 
As faining to be hid from envious eye ; 
Yet hcre,and there, and euery where vnwarcj 
It (hewed it felfe, and (hone vnwillingly ; 
Ltkeadifcolour'dSnakc.whofehiddcnfnarct (dares. 

Throgh the ^ccne grals.kis long bright burnifht back dc- 

And 



Cant. XL 



THE FAERIE Q.VEENE. 



li^ 



And in thofc Tapets weten ufhioned 

Many faire pourtriids, and itiiny a fiire feate: 
And all of loue, and all of lufty-hed. 
As feemedby ttdrfemblaunt, did entreat; 
And eke ail Cwfw/j warres they did rcpeate, 
And cruell bands, which he whilome fought 
Gainfl all the gods, to make his empire great ; 
Befidcs the hnge maflacres.which he wrought 

On mighty Kings and Kcfars, into thraldomc brought, 
go 

Therein was wiitj how often thundring lont 
Had felt the point of his heart-pcarcing dart, 
And leaning neauens kingdome, here did roue 
In ftrange difguifc, to flake his fcalding [mart ; 
Now like a Ram.faireHfCf to peruart. 
Now like a Bull, Eunpt to withdrawc : 
Ah , how thefearcf all Ladies tender heart 
Didliuelyleeme to tremble, when (he fawe 

The huge (cjls vnder her t'obay her fenunts lawel 

?i 

Soone after that into a golden (howre 
Him-felfehe chang'd fairc Danae to vcw. 
And through the roofeof her ftrong brafen towre 
Did raine into her lap an hony dew. 
The whiles her fbolilh guarde, that little knew 
Of fuch deceiptj kept th'yron dore faft bard. 
And watcht, that none (hould enter nor iflew ; 
Vainc was the watch, and bootleffe all the ward. 

When as the god to golden hew him (elfe tran sfard. ■ 

Then washeturnd into afnow)' Swan, 
To win faire Leda to his louely trade : 
Ovvondrous skill,andlweetwitof the mart, 
That her in dafFadilhes fleeping made, 
From fcorching heat her dainty' limbs to (hade : 
Whiles theproud Birdruffinghis feathers wide. 
And brulhing his faire breaft, did her inuadc ; 
She flept,yettwixt her eye-lids clofelyfpide. 

How towards her he rufht, andfmyled at his pride. 

Then (hcw'dit.how the Thebane Semelce, 
Dcceiv'd of iealous luno did require 
To fee him in his (ouerainc maieftee, 
Arm'd with his thunder-bolts and lightning fire. 
Whence iearely (he with death bought her de(ire. 
But faire Clemen* bettermatch did make, 
loy ing his loue in hkeuefs more entire ; 
Three nights in one^ they fay, that for her lake 

He then did put, his pleafures lenger to partake. 

34 
Twice washefccneinfoaring Eagles (hape. 
And with wide wings to beate the buxome ayre : 
Once when he with./^frie'did (cape ; 
Againe, when as the Troiane boy fo faire 
He fnatcht from Ida hill, and with him bare : 
WondroUs delight it waS; there to behold. 
How dierudeShepheirds aftcrhim did ftarc, 
Tremblingthrough feare leift down he fallen fliould, 
And often to hiax camng, to take (tua holde. 



In Satyres lhipe,^ntiopa he fiiatcht : 
And likeanre, wlicnhe ^enn affxyi : 
A (hepheard, when JUntmofynihe catcht : 
And like a Serpcntto the r/ir-jfMM mayd. 
Whiles thus on earth great loite thefe pageants pliyd. 
The winged boy did thruft into his throne. 
And fcofiing tlius vnto his mother fayd, 
Lo, now the heauens obey to me alone. 

And take me for their /o»e, whiles loite to earth is gons. 
^6 

And thou , faire Vheebttt, in thy colours bri»ht 
Waft there enwouen, and thelad diftrefle 
In which that boy thee plonged, for defeioht 
Thatthoubewraidfthis mothers wan tonnelle. 
When (lie with Af^n was meyntin ioyfulneflc : 
For-thy he tlirild thee with a leaden dart. 
To loue faire Daphne, which thee loued lefle : 
Leffe (he thee lov'd, then was thy iuft defart; 

Yet was thy loue her death, & her death was thy (cian. 

So loucdft thou the lufty Hyacinft, 

So louedft thou the faire Connii deare : 
Yet both are of thy haplefs band extinft, 
Yet both in ilowtes do liue, and loue theebearcj 
The one a Paunce, the other a fweet breare ; 
For griefe whereof, ye mote haue Luely feen* 
The god hinilelfe rendmg his golden heare. 
And breaking quite his girlondeuer greene , 

With other fignes of forrowandimpaticntteen^:. 

Both for dio£c two, and for his owne dearefonne. 
The fonne of Clymene he did repent. 
Who bold to guide the charet ot the Sunne, 
Himfclfein thoufand peecesfondlyrent. 
And all the world with flalhing fire brent , 
So like, that all the walks didfeemeto flame. 
Yet cruell Cupid, notherewitli content, 
Forc't him eWoones to follow othergime. 

And loue a Shepheards daughter for his deareit Dame, 

19 

He loued J/Je for his deareft Dame, 
And for her fake her cattell fed awhile, 
Andfor her fake a cow-heard vile became. 
The feruant of ^dmttm cow-heard vile. 
Whiles that from heauen he fufFered exile. 
Long were to tell each other loucIy fit. 
Now like a Lion , hunting after (poile , 
Now like a Hjg, now hkea Falcon flit : 

All which in that fairearras was moft Uuely writ. 
40 

Nertrnto him was T^pttme piftured. 
In his iiuinercfemblance wondrous like: 
His f.ice was rugged, and his hoary' head 
Dropped with brackirti deaw ; his three-forkt Pyke 
He Itcamly (hooke, and therewith fierce did (bike 
The raging billowes, that on euery fide 
They trenibling ftood, and made along broad dyke» 
That his (wift char etmighthjue pallage wyde, 

Which foure great H</yo<i»Bei did draw interne-wife tide. 
Q^ His 



i8o 



THE THIRD BOOKE OF 



Cant. XL 



4* 

His fea-horfes did feeme to fnort atnaine , 

And from tlieir nofcthrilles blowc the briny ftreamc. 
That made tliefparkhngwaues to fmoikeagaine. 
And flame with gold : but the white foamy creame 
Did (hine with filuer, and fliootforth his beamc. 
The god himfelfe did penfiue feem and tad, 
And hong adowne his head , as he did dreame : 
For, priuy loue hi s bread empearced had; 

Ne ought, but deare Bifaltit, ay could make him glad. 
4i 

He loued eke IfhimedU deare, 

And ^eolMsiiire daughter ^me hight ; 
For whom he tumd himfelfe into a Stearc, 
And fed on fodder, to beguileher fight. 
Alfo to win Deucalions daughter bright. 
Her tumd him lelf e into a Dolphin taire ; 
And hke a winged horlehe tooke his flight, 
To fnaky-lock Medufa to repaire. 

On vvhom he got faire Te^aftn, that flitteth in the ayre. 

4J 

Neit Saturne was, (but who would euer wccncj 
That fullein Satmne euer wcend to loue ? 
Yet loue is fullein, and Sitturn-Mkc fecne, 
As he did for £rij;o»e it proue.) 
Th at to a Centaure did him felfe tranfmoUe. 
So proov' d it eke that gracious god of wine, 
When for to compaiTe TlulUroi hard loue, 
He turnd him felfe into a truittiiU vine , 

And into her £iire bofonie made his grapes dccline« 

44 ^ 
Long were to tell the amorous allayes, 

And gentle pangs, with which he maked meeke 

The mighty Mars, to learne his wanton playes : 

How oft for f^en »«, and ho w often eeke 

For many other Ny mphes he fore did Ihreek; 

With womanifli teares, and withvnwarlikefmarts, 

Priuily moiftening his horrid cheek. 

There was he p.unted full of burning darts. 
And many wide wounds lanced through liis inward parts. 

4y 

Ne did he fparc(fo cruell was theElfe) 

His owne deare mother, (ah why ftiould he fo !) 
Ne did he fpare fometimc to prick himfelfe, 
That he might taftc the fweet confurriing woe. 
Which he had wrought, to many others moe. 
But, to declare the mournfiill Tragedies, 
And fpoiles , wherewith he all the ground did ftrowe, 
More eath to number, with how many eyes . 

High heauen beholds (ad louers nightly theeuerics. 

46 

Kings, Queenes, Lord$,Ladies, Knights & Damzels gent. 
Were heap't together with the vulgar fort. 
And mingled with therafcallrablement, 
Withoutrefpcft of perfon or of port. 
To ihew Dan Citpids powre and great effort : 
And round about, a border was entrayld 
Of broken boawes and arrowes fliiuered fhort, 
And a long bloudy riuer through them raylij. 

So hucly andfo like, that huingfenfeitfayld. 



And at the vpper end of that faire rowme. 
There was an Altar built of precious ftone. 
Of pafllngvalew,andof great renowme. 
On which thereftood an Image all alone. 
Of maflie gold, which With his owne light (hone ; 
And wings it had with fundry colours dight, 
Morefundry colours,then the proud y4»o»« 
Beares in his boaftcd fan, or Irit bright, (bright. 

When her difcolourd boaw (lie fpreis through heauen 
48 

Blindfold he was, and in his ctucU fift 

A moruU boaw and arrowes keenedid hold, 
W' th which he (hot at randon, when him hft. 
Some headed with fad lead, fome with pure gold; 
(Ah man beware, how thou thofe darts behold.) 
A wounded Dragon vndcr him did lie, 
Whofe hideous taile his left foot did enfold , 
And with a (haft was fliot through cy ther eye. 

That no man forth might dtawe , ne no manremedy. 

49 
And vnderneath his feet was wntten thus, 

ynto the yiflor of the gods thu bee : 

An4 a^rhe peoplein that amplehoufe 

Did to that image bow their humble knee. 

And oft committed fowle Idolatree. 

That wondrousfightfaireBmoBMrt amazed, 

Ne feeingcould her wonder fatisfic^ 

But euer more and more vpon it gazed. 
The whiles (he pafling brightneiTe nerfrailefenfes daZej. 

JO 

Tho , as (he backward caft her bufie eye. 

To fearch each fecret of that goodly fte J, 

Ouer th« dore thus written (he did fpye 

Be bold : (he oft and oft it ouer-rcad. 

Yet could not finde what fenfe it figured : 

But what-fo were therein or writ or ment. 

She was no whit thereby difcouraged 

From profecuting of her firft intent, 
But forward with bolde fteps into the next roomc went. 

Much fairer, then the former, was that roome. 

And richlycr by many parts arrayd ; 

For, not with arras made in painfull loome. 

But with pure gold it al was ouer-layd, 

Wrough t with wild Anticks,which their follies playJj 

In the rich metall, as they lining were : 

A thoufand monftrous formes therein weremadc. 

Such as falfe loue doth oft vpon him weare . 
For, loue in thoufand monfb-ous formes doth oft appeaie. 

Ji 

Andallabout.theghftringwalleswerehong 
With warlike (poiles, and with viftorious praye$ 
Of mighty Conquerors and Captainesflrong, 
Which were whilome captiued in their daycs 
To cruell loue, and wrought their owne decayes : 
Their fwords Sc fpeares were broke, 8c haubcrques rents 
And theirproud girlonds of tryumphantbayes 
Trodcnin duftwith furyinfolent, 

To (hew the Vigors might and mercilcITeiiitcnt. 

- The 



CanuXil. THE FAERlE QVEENE. 



iSi 



The warlike Mxyi, beholding carneftlv 
The goodly ordinjQce of wis rich pucc^ 
Did greatly wonder, ne could fatisfie 
Her greedy eyes with goiing a lougfpace : 
But more (hcmcnuild,thatnofootmgjtrace , 
Nor wight appear 'd, but waftefull emptineffe. 
And foictnne iilence ouer all that place : 
Scange thing it fetm'd, Aat none was to polTcCe 

iSo rich pumeyahc*, ne them keep with carenilncflc. 

And as (helooktaboOt, ihe did behold. 
How ouer that Cijne dore was likewifc writ 
Mt bald, St hold, )aitacry'm\\t.KSeliQli\ 
That miicb /Ik pux'J, yet coold not conftrac it 



By any riddling skiJl , or common wit . 
At laft Ihc fpide, at chatroomcs vpper end, 
Another iron dore, on which was writ 
S< not too bold , whereto though (he did bend 
Her earneil mind, y tt wift not what i t iHigbc intend. 

Thus there flie waited vnnllcuentide. 

Yet liuing creature none (hclawcappejJe ; 
And now lad flladowts gan cbe world to hide, 
From moitall Tiew, and wxap in darknclTc dreare ; 
Yet n'oul J Ihc d'ofF her weary armes, for fcarc 
Of (ecrct d.ingcr, ne let fleepc opprclTe 
Her heauy eyes with Natures burdcm deare. 
But drew her felfe ilidc in fickernefff , 

And her wel-pointed weapons did about her drefle; 





Camo XII. 

ike Mask of Cupid ^ and tl/ enchanted 

Ckamb er are dijplaid- i 
IVhenee Brit»mart redeemesfairt 

uJimeret^throttgh charms dro^d. 





Ho.whea as chcaTeleiTe Night ycouercdiud 
Faire heauen with m vniuerfall cloud, 
rhattutry wight.aifmayd with dai kaeffc f»d, 

I In iilence and in flerpethemfelucs did (hroud, 

She hearda (hrjlling Trompct found aloud, 
Signe of nigh bittiil, or got viftory ; 
Nought ihcre*ith daunted was hei courage proudt ■ 
But rather fhrd to crucU enmf.y, 
Expefting cucT, w kea fomefoe (he might defcry. 

» 
VVith tliat.an hileous ftormc of winde arofc. 
With drcadfull thunder and lightning atwiit. 
And an cattb-H^uakc) as if it ftrcighc would lefc 
The worlds foundations from his centre fixt i 
A dircfuil Itcnch of (inokeandfulphure mi« 
Enfewd, whqfc noyance fild the fcarcfullftcd. 
From thie^fthhoure of night voull the fixt i 
Yet ch« bold £n«MM)(^ was nought ydied. 
Though much coinfv»v'd, but Attd^t itill pcrfeuoed. 

All fuddcnlv»JlQriny whulwifld blew 

Throughout the hoafe, tk»t clappedeucty dgcc 
With whithiibwtiion wickctopcn flew , 
>.s It wiJi mighty leucrj had been tore: 



And forth ifl'cwd, , as on the ready florc 
Oi: fomeThcatrejagraucpcr(ona»e, 
That in his hind a branch of lauitl bore. 
With comely haucour and count'nancefage, 
Yclad in coftly garments, fit for tragicke Suge. 

4 
Proceeding to the midft, he ftill did ftand. 

As if in mind he fomewhat had to fav ; 

And to the ^•ulgar bctkning wiji his hand, 

In lignc of (ilcnce, as ta hcare a PLy, 

By liuely a£lions he gan bewray 

Some argument of matter p. (Tioned ; 

Which doen, he backe retyrcd Ibfc away ; 

And pafling by , his name difcoucred, 
tafc) on Iiis robe in golden luters cyphered. 

The noble mayd, ftill ftan Jing.all this vicwdi 
And mcrueild athisftrangc iniendiment; 
With that, a ioyousfcifowniip jfTcwd 
Of Minftrats.mikinggooJIy meriinenr. 
With wantonBardes, and Rymers impudentf 
All which together fuugfutl cheorcfully 
A lay of loues delight, with f.veet concent: 
Afterwhom, marcntaiol.'y company. 

In manner of a inaske, cnranged ordaly. 



tie 



iSi 



THE THIRD BOOKE OF 



Cant, Xll^ 



The whiles a moft delicious harmony, 

III full ftriiige notes was fwcetly heard to found, 

Tiut tlie r.ire fvveetncffe of the melody ... . _ 

Tlie feeble fciates wholly did confound. 

And thefraile foule in deepe delight riieh dround : 

And vvhcnitccaftfiuilltrompets loud did bray, 

That their report did farre aw Ay rebound, 

And when they ccaft, it gan again to play. 

The whiles the maskers marched forth in tnmamy. 

. .■:■.■:,< 7 ■;:.! .:. ■ ;•■": , 

The firft was f <»wy , like alouely^oy. 

Of rare .-((peft, and beauty wichjoQt peare ; 

Matchabk ey thcr to that impe of Troy, 

Whom lout did loucjand cjipfc his cup to bearSj 

Or that lame dainty lad , which" was fo deare 

To great ^Uides, that whctlAS hc.dide, .^. . ^,_ 

He wailed womanlike with many a teare, "''* 

And cucrv wood and euery valley wide 
He fild with H^/« name ; the Nj-mpbes ckc.Hji/«M,efidc. 

Hisgarri^enthcitherwasof filkenorfay, 11 

.But painted plumes ,in goodly order dight, • ''■* 
Like as thclun-burnt jW/aw do array 
Their tiwny bodies, in their proud eft pliglrtV.\\ »;", ;. \ 
I As thofe lame plumes, fo fcem'd he vaine and light, 
'That by his gate might eafityappeare; , 
■For,ftill he far'd as danciugin delight,- '.\,V.(V. , 
And it) his lund a winJy faji^d bca^<^. _j^.^ ; „ ^ , 

T%at in the idlv aire he mpv'dflill here and there. ' ' ' 

And him bcfidemarcht amorous De/Tre, ./k.C ' <• 
Who fcem'd of riperyeares, then th'othef Sw^^e; 
Yet was ttut other fwaihc this elders fyre, - '•'■'■' 
And 2;auc him being, common to them twaine : 
Hisearmciitwasdilguiledvery yiine, • ■ 
AnJ his embrodered Bonetfat awry i 
Twixt both his hands few (parks he clofe didftriinc> 
Which ftill he blew, and kindled bufily, 

That foone they hie conc'eiv'd, & forth in flames did fly. 

10 

Next afterhim went Vouht, who was ydad 
In a difcolour'd cote.of ftrange difguife. 
That at his backe a brode Capuccio hadj 
And flef ues dependant ^Ibaneji-viite : 
He lookt iskew with his miftruftfull eyes, 
V And nicely trode, as thoraes lay in his way, 
^ Or that the floreto flninke he did auyfe. 

And on a broken reed he ftill did ftay 
His feeblt fteps, which lhn^e» whcii hard thereon he lay. 

With him went Danger, cloth^in ragged Weed, 

Made of Beares sfein, that him more drcadfull m«Je : 

Yethisoyfnefacewasdreadfull,nedidnetd 

Sffange horror, to deform his gricfly fhade; 

Anetinth'ohehaDd,andaruftyblade 'x 

In th'other was: t^s Milchiefe, that Miftiap ; ^ '^^ '■ 

With th'one his foes he thrcamed to inuade, y 

With th'othcrhcjjis friends mcntto enwrap; '• , 

For, Tvtom he could not kill, he pn^tiz'd (o cn(n^ : 



»dT 

r 
a 
n 
a 

i\ 



Nexthim was fMre,allarm'dfTomtoptoa^, •;•, 
Yet thoughthimfelfenotfafe enough therebyj 
But feard each fliadow mouing to and fro: 
And his owne armes when glittering he didipy. 
Or clafiiing heard, he fall away did fly. 
As alhes pale of hew, and wingj'-heeld ; 
And euermore on danger-fixt his ey e, 
Gainft whom he alwaies bent a braien /hieldt ° j. 

Which his right hand vnarmedfearefiilly did vyiejt4^ " "^ - 
,j - ■ '. -"i"^* 

WithhimwentlH()/>einrai)ke,ahandfoineMay4« l »^ 
Of chearefiill looke and louely to behold » ., u 

Infilkenfamite (hewaslightarrayd, '' j Voi « 
And her fairelockcs were wouenvpingol4|,' .\^-r 
She alway fmy I'd, and in her hand did hold 
An holy water Sprinkle, dipt in deawe. 
With whiclifhefprinkledfauours manifold/ " •' 
On whom flie lift, and did great liking fhewei 

Great liking TDto many,but true loue to fewe. 

And iftertbem D/jf/emJia/jfc and 5»/f e<rf 
Marcht in one ranke, yet an vuequall paire : 
For, fhe was gentle, and of milde afpeft. 
Courteous to all, and feeming debonaire, 
Goodly adorned, and exceeding faire : 
Yet was that all but painted, and purloynd, '(luirc , 
' • And hetbnghtbroweswfredeckt with borrowed .; 
Her deeds were forged, and her wtAJsfalfecoyndj ■ 

And alwaies in her hand tWo dewcs of filkc ihe twynd. 

.ij \ . ■'■;. —J 

Bui he was foule ,ill-fauoiU'ed, and grim, 
Vnder his eye-brows looking ftillalcaunce; 
And euer as Difl'emblance laught on him, 
Helowrdon hcrwithdangerouscye-glanccj 
Shewing his nature in his countenance ; 
His rolling eyes did neuer reft in place. 
But walkt each where, for feare of hid mifchaonce, 
. Holding a lattice ftiU before his face. 

Through which he ftill did peepe, as forward hcdid paft. 
\6 

Next him went Griefe, and Tury matcht yfere ; 
Gr/>/c,allinfablelotrowfullycIad, 
Downe-hjnging his dull head, with heattychercj 
Yet inly being more, then feeming fad : 
A paire of pincers in his hand he had. 
With which he pinched people to the heart. 
That from thenceforth a wretched life they lad, 
-In wilfulllanguourandconfumingfmart, • 

Dying each day with inward wounds of dolours dait. 

«7 

But Fury was full ill appareiled 

In rags, that naked nigh fhe did appeare, 
WitlTghaftfriU lookes and dreadfuU drerilied ; 
For, from her backc her garments (he did teare. 
And from her head oft rent her fnarled beare : 
In her right band a fire-brand (he did tofle 
About her head, (till roming here and there. 
As a difiTi?yed Deere in chacc efflboft, 

f orgctfuU o^ his iofety, hath his right Way loft. 

After 



V-'^. ' 



Cant,Xlt, THE FAERlE QVEENE. 



After thcrn, went P//^/ea/«re and WfB/a»cf. 
Helookinglonipi(ii.aDilfuilful]einf.id, i: . 
And hansina dowac Jiis heiuy countenance*! \'.v\ 
She chearciull frcfli and full ot ioyaace giid»-.' 'i 'J' i 
As if DO lorrow fhe nc felt, ne drid; 
That cuill mitchedpjirc they fcem'd to bee : 
An angry Wafpc th'oneau a viall had : 
Th'oclier in hers an hony-lady Bee ; 

Thus marched diile fne couples forth in faire degree. 
19 

After all thefe, there marcht a mod faire Dame, 
Led of two gryCevillems, th'one Dejpi^:t, 
The otiicr cicpcd CtHelty by name : 
She dolcfullLady, like a dreary Spn'ght, 
Cild by ftronw charmcs out of eternall night, 
Had Deaths ownciiungefigur'dmherface. 
Full of lad fignes, fcarcftdl to liuing iight ; 
Yet in that horror (hcw"d a I'eemly grace, 

And with her feeble feet did niouca comely pafe. 
20 

Her breaft all naked, as act i uonr, ' 

Without adorneof gold or fiJuer bright, 
Vi'herewith the Craftcl-man wonts it beautifie, 
Of her dew honour was dcfpoyledquight. 
And a wide wouud therein (O rucfuilligiit !) 
Entrenched decpcwithkniteaccurledkeenc. 
Yet fieflily bleeding forth her fainting fpnght 
(The v/orke of cruell hand) was to be leene, 

That dydcin languuie red her skin Al fiiowy cleane. 
II 

At that wide orifice, hertrcmbling heart 
Was drawncfortli , and in filuer baiin layd, 
Quite through txansExed with a deadly darr. 
And in herbloud yet ftccmingfrefli embay d : 
And thofe two vjlicins, which her ftcpsvpftayd, 
When her weake feete could fcircely her liiftainej 
And fading vitall powers gan to fade, 
Her forward ftili with torture did conftraine. 

And cuermore encrcaled her conlumiug paine. 

Next after her, the winged God himfclfc 
Came riding on a Lion raucnous. 
Taught to obey the menage of thatEIfe, 
That man and bcaft with powre imperious 
Subdewcth to his kingdome tyrannous : 
His blindfold tyes hebadeawhde vnbmd, 
That hi s proud Ipovle of that fame dolorous 
Faire Dame he might behold in perfeft kind; 

Which (eene, he much reioyced in his cruell mind. 

Of which full proud, himlelte vp rearing hye, 
Helooked round about with Iterne difdainti 
And did liiruay his goodly company : 
And m. irlholiing the cuill ordered traine, 
W'lth that the darts which hisright hand did ftraine, 
Full dreadfully he lliookc that all did quake, 
And cUpt on hie his coloured winges twaine. 
That all his many it affraide did make : 

Thoj blinding him againe, liis waj he forth did ukc. 



S4 

Bchindehimwas I{eprodche,^fiintarKe,Shaflte ; 
B^froache theiirll:, S/jame next, I{eftnt behind : 
^ I{epei!tifiKe feeble, forrowful 1 an d lame : 

B^fronche defpightfull, cardclfe, and vnkinde; 
Shame moft ill fauourd, bcftiall, and blind : 
Shame lowrd, ^efentance ligh't, {{ejiroacht did fcould« 
R^froache fharpe flings, Repentance whips entwyn'd. 
Shame burning brond-yrons in her hand did hold ; 

All three to each vnlike, yet all made in one mould. 

Andafterthem,arude confufedrouc 

Of perfons flockt, vvhofe names is hard to read : 

Emongft them was fterne Strife, and^nferftoutp 

Vnquict Care, and fond Fnthnftihead, 

Lewd Loffe of Time, and Sorrow leeming dead, 

Inconftant Change, andfallc Di/lqyaltie , 

Confuming EJotife, and guilty Dread 

Of heauenly vengeance, faint Infirmitte, 

Vile Vouertie, and laftly Death with infamic. 
26 

There v/ere full many moe hke maladies , 
vvhofe names and natures I n'ote readea well; 
So many moe, as there be phantafies 
In wauering womens wit, that none can teU, 
Or paines in loue, or punidiments in hell ; 
And which dilguil'ed marcht in masknicr wife. 
About tiie chamber with that Damozcll, 
And then returned (luuing marched thrice) 

Into the inner roome, from whence they firit did rile, 
i7 

So fooneasthcy werein,thedorc (freight way 
Fail locked, driuen with that ftoriny blaft. 
Which firft it opened ; and bore all away. 
Then the braue Mai J, which all this while was plac'Ct 
Jn fecretihade, and fawe both fir If and lift, 
Il™J?ed forth , and went vnto the dore, 
Toenter in, but found it locked fail: 
It vaine fhe thought with rigorous vprore 

For to efForce, when charmes had dofed it afore. 
28 

Where force might not auaile, there Heights and art 
She call to v(e,j?oth fit for hard cmprize ; 
Fbr-thy ,from that lame roome not to depart 
Till morrow next, fliedid her Iclfe auize, 
When that fame Mas ke again e Ifiould forth arize. 
The morrowe next appeal- 'd with loyous chearc, 
CaHing men to their daily exercile. 
Then (he, as morrowe frelh.herfelfcdidreare 

Out of her fecretftaiid.that dayior to out-wearc. 
29 

All that day (he out-wore in wandcri ng. 
And gazing on that chambers ornament. 
Till that againe the fecond cueuing 
Her coueredwith herlableveftiment, 
Wherewith the worlds faire beauty (he hath blent; 
Then, when the Cecond watch was almoft palh 
That brafen dore flew open , and in went ' • 
Bold Britemart, as (he had late fbrecaft. 

Neither of idlelhewes, nor of falfe charmes a»haft. 



1 84 



THE THIRD BOOKE OF 



Cane, XII. 



S» foonc as (he was entred, round about 
She cjft her eyes, to fee what was become 
Of all thofeperfons, which fhefawewithout: 
But lo, they ftraieht were vanifiit all and fome, 
Ne Iiuing wightme fawc in all that roome , 
Saue that fame woefuU Lady ; both whofe hand* 
Were bounden faft, that didherill become, 
And her fmall wafte girt round with iron bands, 

Vnto 1 brazen piUour, by the which (he (lands. 

5« 

And her before the rile Enchaunter fate, 
Figuring ftrange charafters of hit art : 
With Lumg bloud he thofe chara£lert wrote. 
Dreadfully dropping from her dying heart. 
Seeming transnxcd with a cruell dart; 
And allperforce to make her him tolouc. 
Ah ! who can loue the worker of her fmart i 
A thoufand charmes he formerly did proue ; 

Yetthouland charmes could not herfted£i(Vfacan rcmoae. 

Soone as that virgin knight be fawe in placcj 
His wicked books in hafte he ouerthrew. 
Not caring his long labours to deface; 
And fiercely running to thatLady trcw, 
A murdrous knife out of his pocket drew; 
The which he chought,forvilleinous defpight. 
In her tormented body to embrew : 
But the (tout DamzeU to him leaping light, 

Hi s curfed hand withheld, and maiftcred his mijht. 

From her, to whom his fury firft he ment. 
The wicked weapon rifhly he did wreft; 
And turning to her felfe his fell intent, 
Vnwires it ibookeinto hcrOiowy chefV, 
That little drops empurpled her taire breaft. 
Exct eding wroth therewith the virgin grew, 
Al!-e the wound were nothing deep imprsft. 
And fiercely forth her monafi blade (he drew. 

To gme him the reward for tuch vile outrage dew. 

?4 

So mightily (he fmote him , th at to ground 

He tell halfe dead i next (troke him (houlJ haue flaine, 
Had not the Lady which by him ftood bound, 
Dcmely vnco her called to ablVaine, 
From doing him to dy. For, elfe her painc 
Should be rcmedilefle, (ith none but hee, 
Which wrought it, could the (ame recurcaeaine. 
Therewith (he ftaid her hand, loth (laid to bee ; 

for, life (he him enuide, and longd rcuenge to fee : 

And to him fayd, Thou wicked man, whofe meed 
For lo huge mifchiefe, and vilevillany , 
Is death, or if that ought do death exceed, 
Be fare, that nought may faue thee from to dy. 
But if that thou this Dame doe prefcntly 
Reftore vnto her healtli , and former (late ; 
This doc and liue, e)(c die vndoubtedly. 
He glad of life, that lookt for death but late. 

Did yidd himfclfe nght willing to prolong his date. 



And rifing vp, gan (Ireight to ouerlooke 

Thofe curfed leaues, his charmes backe to reuerfe i 
Full dreadfiill things out of that balef ull bookc 
He read, and mealur'd many a fad verle. 
That horror gan the virgins heart to perfe. 
And herfaire lockes vp (tared (h(Fe on end. 
Hearing him thole fame bloudy lines rehearfe; 
And all the while he read, (he did extend 

Her fword high oucrhim,if ought he did ofFen4. 

J7 

Anon (he gan perceine the houfe to quake. 
And all the doresto rattle round about ; 
Yet all that did not her difmaied make. 
Nor flacke her threatfull hand for dangers dout; 
But ftill with (Icdfafl eye and courage (tout 
Abode, to weet what end would come of all. 
At laft, that mighty chainc, which round about 
Her tender wa(te was wound, adownc gan fail. 

And that great brazen pillour broke in peeces (mall. 

The cruell (leele which thrild her dying heart. 
Fell fofUy forth , as of his owne accord : 
And the wide wound, which lately did dilpart 
Herbleedingbreaft, and riuen bowels gor'd. 
Was clofed vp, as it had not been bor'd ; 
And euerypartto (afety fullfound, 
As (he were neuer hurt, was foone re(lor'd. 
Tho, when (he felt her felfe to be vnbound, 

Aad pcrfeA whole,pro(lratc (hefell vnto the ground ; 

i9 

Before faire Britomait, (he fell proftrate, 

Saying; Ah noble knight, whatworthy meed 
Can wretched Lady, quit from wofull (late. 
Yield you in liew of this your gracious deed ? 
Your vertue felfe her owne reward (hall breed, 
Euen immortal] praiie, and glory wide. 
Which I your vaflall, by your prowt(re freed. 
Shall through the world make to be notifidc, 

And goodly well aduance, that goodly well was tridc 
40 

But £r<><!»i«rt,vprearing her from ground, 
Sayd, Gentle Dame, reward enough I weene 
For many labours more, then I haue found. 
This , that in (afety now I haue you feenc, 
And mrane of your deliuerance haue beene: 
Henceforth faire Ladv comfort to you take. 
And put away remembrance of late tecne ; 
In (lead therof knowc, that y our louing Make 

Hath no lelTe gnefe endured for your genue (ake. 

4» 

She much was cheard to heare him mentiond. 
Whom of all huing wights (he loued bed. 
Then laid the noble Champione(reftronghond 
Vpon th'enchaunter, which had her didrw 
So fore, and withfoule outrages oppreft : 
With thatgreat chainc, wherewith not longygo 
He bound that pitious Lady prilpner, now releaft, 
Himfelfe (he bound, more worthy to be fo. 

And captiHC with her led to wretchedne(re and woe. 

Retur- 



Cant. X 11, 



THE FAERIE QVEENE 



185 



41 

Rcmrningbacke.thofe goodly roomcs, which erft 
She fiw fo rich and royally arriyd, 
Now vAnillu vtterly , and clcane fubuerft 
She found, and ill their olory quite dccayd, 
Thit iight of luch J. change her much difmivd. 
Thcnce.forth delcending to that pcrlous Porch, 
Thole dreadfull flames (he alfo feund dclayd, 
And quenched quite, like a confumcd torch. 

That erft all enarers wont fo cruelly to fcorcH. 

4J 

More cafie iffew now, then entrance late 

She found : for, now that fained dreodfijll flame. 
Which chok'itlic porch of that enchaunted gate. 
And paffige bard to all , that thither came, 
Was vanilht quite, as it were not the fame. 
And giue her leaue at pleafure forth to pofs. 
Th'Enchiunterfclfe, which all that fraud didframc, 
To hauc efForc't the loue of that faire lals, 

Seeing his work now walled, dcepe eogrieued was. 



But when the ViiSorefle arnued there, 
Where late (he left the penfiue SctuLonore 
With her owne trufty Squire, both full of feare, 
Ncithtf of them (he found where (he them lore ■ 
Thereat her noble lican was ftonilhtfore i 
But moft,fjire^m»ret, whole gentle fprioht 
Now gan to fcede on hope , which (he before 
Conceiuedhaijto fee her owne deare knioht. 

Being therof beguy I'd was fild wi th new affright. 
4T 

Bac Lefad man, when he hadlong in dreed 
Awayted there for Bntonurts returne, 
tetfawe hernotnor Cgnc of hergoodlpeed , 
His eipeftation to delpaire did tume, 
Mifdeeming fure thathertholeflames didbume; 
And therefore gan aduize with her old Squire, 
Who herdeare nourflings loUc no leffe did moumcj 
Thence to depart for fiirther aide t'enquirc : 

Where let them wend at will, whileft kere I doc refpiic 



^he mdof the third ^ooh^. 



0^4 



A 




^A Vifion vpon this conceipt of the Faerie 

Qv BENE. 

\A E thought I fawe theGrauc, where L««r<Iay, 
-,*y Within that Temple, where the vcRall flame 
Was wont to burne ; and pafling by that way, 
-To fee that buried duft of liuing fame. 
Whole tombc fairc loue, and fairer vertue kept. 
All fuddenly I fawe the Faery Queene : 
At whofe approache the fbule of Petrarke wept. 
And from thenceforth thofc Graces were not (ecne. 
For, they this Queciic attended, in whofe ttccd 
Obliuion laid him downc on Laurxf herfe : 
Hereat the hardcft ftones were feene to bleed. 
And grones of buried ghofis the heauens did pctfe % 

Where Homers fpright did tremble all for gricfe. 

And curit th'acceffc of that cclcliiall thiete. 

i^nother of thefamcj. 

TTHc praife of meaner wits this workc like profile brings. 

As doch the Cuckocs long delight when Phi/nmeft* fingt. 
If thou haft formed right trucVertues face herein : 
Veitue her felfc can befi difccrne^ to whom they written biOi 
If thou haft Beauty prayfd, let her folclookes diuine 
Judge if ought therein be amifs, and mend it by her cyne. 
If Chaftitie want ought, or Temp: ranee her dew. 
Behold her Princely mindc aright, and wright thy Quttne anevr* 
Mcanc while fhe fhali pcrcciue, how farrcncr vertues fore 
Abouc the reach of all that liue, or fuch as wrote of yore : 
And thereby will excufc aud fauour thy good will : 
Whofe vertue cannot be expreft, but by an Angels quill. 
Of mc no lines are lov'd, nor letters are ofpricc, 
0{ all which Ipeak our Englilh tongue,but thofe of thy deuicc. 



To the learned Shephcard. 



y^OUin, I fee hy thy nev) tah^n taslf, 
C' fomef acred fury hath enricht thy braynes. 
That lendci thy Miife in hauglfty terfe to maske, 

,md loath the layes that longs to lowely fwaynes, 
Tl>at lifts thy notes from Shepheards ynto kjn^s, 
So hk^ the huely Larke that mor,ntingpn7S' 

Thy lonely I{ofolinde feemes no\f forlorne, 
and all thy identic flockp forgotten quight. 

Thy changed heart now holdes thy pyfes infcorne, 
thofe prcty fypes that did thy mates delight; 

Thofe tmfty mates , that loued thee fo vpell, 

whom thou gait fl mirth : as they gaae thee the Jeff. 

Tettis thou earji voith thyfweetrounielayes,. 

didflftirre to glee oiir laddes in homely boviers : 
So -mon'!l>t[i thou now in thefe refyned layes, 

delioht the dainty eares of higher potvers. 
^iidfo moHght they in their dee fefcanningsl^iE 
Mlow and grace oht Collins fiowingquill. 



^ndfairebefaUthat'BxiryQncatCtfihilitf 
in whofe faire eyes kite Unhfwith yertut/ks: 

Enfufing, by thofe beauties fiers diuine, 
fuch high conceits into thy humble ^its, 

^sraifedhathpoorefaflqrsoatenreedeSf 

From rujlickf tunes, t» chaunt beroiquedeedtt. 

So mought thy Redcroffe knight with hapfy btui 
yi&oriouf be in thatfaire Hands ri^t , 

Winch thou doefl voile in type of Faery laud , 
Elyza's blejjed field, that Albion hi^t ; 

That/hields her friends, andwarres her mi^tyftu, 

TetJliU withpeople, peace, and plenty flowes. 

But (iolly Shepheard) though, with pleafingftile, 
thoufeafi the humour of the courtly trainet 

Let not conceit thy fettled fenfe beguile, 
ne daunted he through enuy ordifdaine. 

Sabiedthy doometo her Empyringjpright, 

From Vfbence thy Mufe, and all the worldt<J<(s U^. 

Hebynoll. 



S E C O N D 

PART OF THE 

FAS%IS QVSS^^S: 

Contdning 
fF O V R T H, 

The<Fift, 6c 

lSixt Booke. 




I m printed at London for ^5M atheV!> LoiU'nes, 

l6 O q. 



.A .r 



V. 



O 1 



^^K'^ 




THE FOVR^H BOOK 

OF THE FAERIE 

aVEENE: 

CONTAINING 

The Legend of Cambel& Telamond, 

OX 

OfFriendJhip. 




(\ My loofcr nmes, I wote , doth fharply v. 
* J j For priyliDg loue is I haue done of lace, 
Andrrugnityinglouers deare debate; 
By which, frailevcuth is oft to folly led, 
Through falfealluremait of thatpleafingbaitc. 
That belter were m venues djfcipled, 
Then widi voine poems weed s to haue their fancies fed. 

Such ones ill iud^e of loue, that cannot loue, 
Ne iu their froleu hearts fcele kindly flame : 
For-ihy they ought not thing vnknowne rcproue, 
Ne natural 1 ofFcibon fiultlefle blame, 
For fau' t of few chit haue abus'd the fame. 
Fofjitof honor and all vertue is 
The rootc.aud brings forth glorious flowres of fame, 
Tlut crowne true loucrs with immortill bhfs. 

The meed of them that loue , and do not hue amifs. 

Which whofo hft look backe to former ages, 

And call to count the dungs that then were donoe. 
Shall find, that all the workes of thole wife Ciges, ; 
And braue exploits which great Heroes wonne. 



In loue were either ended orbegunne: 
Wimeffe the father of Philofophie, 
Which to his Crititu, (haded oftfrom fiinne. 
Of loue tuU many IclFons did apply. 
The which thefc Stoick Cenfours cannot well deny. 

4 

To fuch therefore I doe not ling at all; 

But to that facred Saint my loueraigne Qucenc, 

In whole chafte brcaft all bounty natural!. 

And trcalurcs of trueloue enlocked beenc, 

Boue all her fexe tliat euet yet was feenc ; 

To her I ling of loue, that loueth beft. 

And beft is lov'd of all alme I weene: 

To her, this fong moft fitly is addrelt. 
The Queene of loue,& Prince of peace from heaaen bleiL 

Wiiich that (he may the better deigne to heare. 
Do thou drad infant, f «»«* dearling done. 
From her high Ipirit chafe imperious feare, 
And vfe of awetull Maieftiereraoue : 
In ftcad whereof with drops of melting loue, 
Deawd with ambrofiall killes, by thee gotten 
From thy fweet fmyling motherfrom abouc, 
Sprinkle her heart, and haughty courage foftcn. 

That fhe may heorke to loue, and reade ttiis leflon often. 



Canter; 



I^C 



THE FOVRTH BOOKE OF 



Cant, I. 




Canto I. 

Faire Britomart/aues Amoret : 

Duejfadifcord breeds 
Twixt ScudAmour attd Blandafoour : 

Their fgijt and warlike deeds. 





F louers fad calamities of old. 
Full many piteous ftories do remiine: 
But none moit piteous euer wis ytold. 
Then that of ^morets hart-binding choine. 
And this of Florimels vnworthy painc : 
The deare compoffion of whofe bitter fit 

My loftened heart fo forely doth con(lraine> 

That I with teares full oft doe pitie it. 
And oftentimes doe wifli it neuer had been writ; 

2 

For.from the time that Scudamour her bought 
In perilous fight, file neuer ioy ed day, 
A perilous fight when he with force her brought 
From twenty knights, that did him all afliy : 
Yet fairely well he did them all dilmay : 
And with great glory both the fliield of loue, 
And eke liieLadyfelfehebroTight away ; 
Whom hauing wedded as did him behoue, 

A new vnkno wen mifchiefe did from him remoue. 

J 

For, that fame vile Enchaunter Bufyran, 

The very felfe fame day that file was wedded, 
Amidft the bridale feaft, whil'ft euery man 
Surcliarg'd with wine, were heedleffc and ill headed. 
All bent to mirth bctpre the bride was bedded, 
Brought in that Maske of loue which late was fiiowcn: 
And there the Lady ill of friends beflredded. 
By way of fport, as oft in Maskes is kiiowen, 

Conuey ed quite away to liuing wiglit vnknowen. 

4 

Seauen months he fo her kept in bitter fmart, 
Becaufe his finfull luft file would not feruc, 
VntilKuch time as noble Br/to»Mrt 
Releaf ed her , that elfe was like to fterue. 
Through cm ell knife that her deare heart did kerkc 
And now file is with her vpon the way, 
Marching m louely wife, that could deferue 
No fpot of blame, though fpite did oft affajf 

.To blot her with diftionour otfo faire a prey. 



Yet fhould it be a pleafant tale, to tell 
The diuerfe vfjge and demeanure daint, 
That each to other made, as oft befell. 
For, ^moret right fearefull was andfaint. 
Left file with blame her honour ftiould attaint, 
Th It euery word did tremble as file fpake. 
And euery looke was coy, and wondrous quaint. 
And euery limbe that touched her did quake : 

Yet could flic not but courteons countenance to her make. 
6 

For .well flie wift, as true it was indeed, 

Thather hues Lord, and Patronc of her health. 
Right well defemed as his duefuU meed. 
Her loue, herferuice, and hervtmoft wealth. 
All is his luftly, that all freely dealth : 
Nathleffe herhonour, dearer then her life. 
She fought to faue , as thing referu'd from Health ; 
Dit had file leuer with Enchanters knife. 

Then to be falfe in loue, profefta virgine wife. 

7 

Thereto her feare was made fo rtiuch the greater 
Through fine abufion of that Briton mayd : 
Who, for to hide her fained fex the better, 
And maske her wounded minde, both did and Ciyd 
Full many things fo doubtfuU tobewayd, 
Thatwell fiiewiftnotwhatbythemtogheflc : 
For, other whiles to her file purpofe made 
Of loue, and otherwhiks of luiifulneffc. 

That much Hie fear'd his mind would growe to fom excels. 
8 

His will (he fear'd ; for him fiie furely thought 
Tobc a man, fnch as indeed he feemed; 
And much the more, by that he lately wrought. 
When her from deadly thraldome he redeemed. 
For which no feruice fhe too much efteemed ; 
Yet dread of fiiamcjand doubt of foule difiionor. 
Made her notyecld fo much,as due file deemed. 
Yet Britomart attended duly on her. 

As well became a knight, and did to het all honor. 



Qmt,I; 



THE FAERIE QVEENE. 



191 



It fo befell one euening, that tlicy came 
Vnto a CaftcU, loJgecf there to bee, 
VVlierc many a Kniglit, and many a louely Dame 
Was then aflcmblcd, Jeedes of armcs to lee : 
Amongft all wluch was none more fairc then flice, 
Tliat many of them niouM to eye her fore. 
The cuftome of that place was fudi, that hce 
Which had no Loue nor Lemman there in itore, 
Should other wjnne him one, or lye without the dore. 

10 
Amongft the reft tlicre was a iolly knight. 
Who bceing asked for his Loue, avow 'd 
That fairelt ^moret was his by right, 
And offred that to iuftificalowd. 
The war-hke Virgine, iecing his fo prowd 
And boaftfull chalenge, wexed inly wroth. 
But for tlie prclen t did her anger Ihrowd i 
And faid, her Loue to lofe (he was full loth, 
But either he fliould neither of them haue,or both- 

II 
So forth they went, and both together giufted ; 
Butihatfame younkcrfooncwas over-throwne, 
And made repent, that he had raflily luftcd 
For thing vnlawfull, that was not his ownc : 
Yctfith ilefeemedvaIianr,though vnknownc. 
She that no lefle was courteous and ftout, 
Cafl: how to faluc, that both the cuftome (howne 
Were kept, and yet that knight not locked out; 
Tha t fecm'd fi ill hard t'accord two tilings fo far in dout. 

12 

The Sencfchall was ciU'd to deeme the right: 
Whom flic recjuir'd, that firft faire ~4moret 
Mightbetoherallow'd.astoaknight, 
That did her win,andfrce from challenge fct : 
Whidi ftraight to her was yeeldcd without let. 
Then lith tliatftrauge Knights loue from him wis 
She cloim'd that to herklfe, as Ladies det, (quitted. 
He as a Knight might luftly be admitted : 

So none fliould be ouc-l]iut,lith .%11 of Loues wcrefitted. 

ij 

With that, her gliftring helmet fliec vnlaced ; 

Which deft, her golden locks, that were vp-bound 
Still in a knot, vnto her heeles downe traced. 
And like a iilkcn veile in compalle round 
About herbackandallhcr body wound: 
Like as the lliining sky in fummers night. 
What time the dayes with fcorching heat abound. 
Is creafted all with lines of firie light. 

That it prodigious feemes in common peoples fight. 

14 

Such when thofc Knights and Ladies all about 
Beheld her, all were with amazement fmit. 
And eiicry one gan growe in fccret dout 
Of this and that, according to each wit. 
Some thought, that fome enchauntment fainedit J 
Some, that Bellona in that war-like wife 
To them appcar'd, with fliield and armour fit ; 
Some, that It was a maskeofftrange difguife : 

So diuctfly each one did fundry doubts demfe. 



But thatyoung Knight, which through her gentle deed. 
Was to that goodly fcllowfhip reilor'd. 
Ten rhouland thanks did yield her for her meed, 
And doubly overcommen, her ador'd : 
So did they all their former ftrife accord ; 
And eke faire ^moret, now freed from fearc. 
More frankc affecbon did to her afford, 
And to her bed, which (he was wont forbcare, 

Now freely drew, and found right fafe afluronce theare. 
16 

Where, all that night they of their Loues did treat. 
And hard adventures t^vixt themfelues alone. 
That each the other gan with paffion great. 
And gricfe-full pitty priuately be-mone. 
The morrow next, fo foonc as Titan flionc. 
They both vp-rolc, and to their waies them dight : 
Long wandred they, yet neuer met with one 
That to their willcs could tliemdireft aright. 
Or to them tydings tell, that mote their harts delight. 

17 
Lo, thus they rode, till at the loft they fpide 

Two armed Kmghts, that toward them did pafe. 

And each of them had riding by his fide 

A Lady, feeming in fo fairc a fpace : 

But Ladies none they were, albec in face 

And outward fliew fairc femblance they did bcare ; 

For, vndcr maske of beauty and good grace. 

Vile treafon and foule falshood hidden were. 
That mote to none but to the wary wife appeare. 

iS 
Theoneofthem.thefalfeDtffjJihight, 

That now had chang'd her former wonted hew : 

For, flie could d'on fo many (hapcs in fight. 

As euer could Chameleon colours new ; 

So could flic forge all colours, faue the trew. 

The other, no whit better was then (hee. 

But that fuch as (he was, (he plaiiic did (hew ; 

Yetotherwife much worfc, if worfe might bee, 
And daily more ofFcnfiuevnto each degree. 

19 , 

Her name was -^te, mother of debate. 

And all dilTcnlion, which doth daily growe 
Amongft fraile men, that many apubliqucftite 
And many a priuate oft doth over-throwe. 
Her.faKe Duejfa, who full well did knowe 
To be moft fit to trouble noble knights 
Which hunt for honour, raifed from belowe. 
Out of the dwellings of the damned fprights. 

Where fhe in darknes waftes her curfed daics and nights. 
20 

Hard by the gates of Hell her dwelling is. 

There where-as all the plagues and harmcs abound, 
VVhich punifti wicked men, that walke amifs : 
It is a darkfome deluefarrevnder ground, 
With thornes and barren brakes enuirond round. 
That none the fame may eafily out-win ; 
Yet many waies to enter may be found. 
But none to ifTue forth when one is in : 

For, difcord harderis to end then to begin. 

R. And 



1^1 



THE FOVRTH BOOKE OF 



Cant, I. 



And all within, the riuen walles were hung, 
With rigged monuments of times fore-pift ; 
All which, thefad efFefts of difcordfung : 
There were rent roabes , and broken fcepters plac't. 
Altars defil'djand holy things defac't, 
Disfliiuered fpeares, and ftiields ytorne in twaine. 
Great Cities ranfackt, and ftrong Caftlcs ras't. 
Nations captiued, and huge armies flame : 

Of all which ruines there fomerelicjucs did remaine. 

There was the figne of antique Babylon, 

Of fatall Thebes, of Rome that raigned long} 
Of facred Salem, and fad Uion , 
For memory of which, on high there hong 
The golden Apple (caufe of all their wrong) 
For which the three faire Goddcffes did fliiuc: 
There alfo was the name of 2{j»(ro<i ftrong, 
Oi Mcxander, and his Princes fiue, 

Which ihar'd to them thefpoyles that he had got alius. 

And there the reliques of the drunken fray, 
The which amongft the Lapithees befell. 
And of the bloudy feaft, which fent away 
So many Centaures drunken foules to hell, 
That vnder great ^/fi</« furie fell : 
And of the dreadftdl difcord, which did driuc 
The no\Ai^rgenautno out-ragefell. 
That each of hfefought others to depriue, 

All mindlefle of the Golden-fleece, which made the ftriuc. 
24 

And eke of priuateperfons many moe. 

That were too long a workc to count them all ; 
Some of Iwome fnendcs, that did their faith forgoc ; 
Some of borne brethren,prov'd vnnaturall ; 
Some of deare Loiters, foes pcrpetuall : 
Witnefle their broken bands there to be feene, 
Their girlonds rent, their bowres defpoyled all ; 
The moniments whereof there by ding becncj 

As plaine as at the firft, when they were frcfh and greene. 

Such was her houfe within ; but all without. 
The barren ground was full of wicked weedes. 
Which (hee)ierfelfehadfowen all about. 
Now growen great, at firft of little (cedes, 
The feedes of eiiill words, and faftious deedcs; 
Which when to ripeneffe due they growen arrc. 
Bring forth an infinite increafe, thattreedes 
Tumultuous trouble, and contentious iarre, 

The which moft often end in bloud-flied and in warre. 
26 

And thofe fame cuifedfeedesdoealfo feme 
To her for bread, and yield her lining food : 
For, hfe it is to her, when others fterue 
Through mifchieuous debate, and deadly feood. 
That ftiee may fuck their hfe, and drink their blood, 
With which file fi:om her childhood had been fed. 
For, ftiee at firft was borne of hellifh brood. 
And by infernall Furies nourifhed. 

That by her monftrous (hape might eafily be red. 



Her face moft foule and filthy was to fee. 
With Iquinted eyes contrary waics intended. 
And loathly mouth, vnmeet a mouth to bee, 
That nought but gall and vcnim comprehended. 
And wicked words, that God and man offended : 
Her lying tongue was in two pans diuided. 
And both the parts did fpcake, and both contended ; 
And as her tongue, fo was her hart difcided. 

That neuer thought one thing,but doubly fbll was guided. 
28 

Als as fhee double fpake, fo heard fhe double. 
With matchlclTe earcs deformed and diftort, 
Fild with falfe rumors and feditious trouble. 
Bred in affcmblies of thcvulgarfort, 
That ftill are led with euery light report. 
And as her eires, fo eke herfeetwere oddc, 
And much vnlike; th'one long, the other fhort. 
And both mifplac't ; that when th'one forward yode, 

Tlie other back retired, and contrary trode. 

Likewifevnequallwereherhandes twaine: 
That one did reach, the other pufht away; 
That onedidmake, the other mardagainC} 
And fought to bring all things vnto decay ; 
Whereby great riches, gathered many aday. 
She in (liort (pace did often bring to nought. 
And theirpoHeflburs often did difmay. 
For, all her iludy was, and all her thought, (wrought. 

How fhee might overthrowe the things that Concord 

JO 

So much her malice did her might furpafs, 
That euen th "Almighty fclfe ihe did maligne, 
Becaufe to man fo mercifuU he was. 
And vnto all his creatures fo benigne, 
Sith (heeherfeife was of his ?race indignc : 
For, all this worlds faire workmanfhip (he tride, 
Vnto his laft confufion to bring. 
Ana th ;t great golden chaine quite to diuide. 

With which it blefled Concord hath together tide 

Ji 

. Such was that hag, which with TDueffit rode ; 
And ferung her in her malicious vfe. 
To hurt good knights, was as it were herbaude. 
To (ell her borrowed beauty to abufe. 
For, though like withered tree, that wanteth iuyce, 
Shcc old and crooked were, yet now of late. 
As frelh and fragrant as the Flowre-deluce 
Shce was become, by change of her eftate, 
And made full goodly ioyance to her new found mate. 

J* 

Her mate hee was a iolly y outhfull Knight, 

That bore great (way in armes and cniualric, 

And was indeed a man of mickle might : 

His name was Blandamour, that did defcry 

His ficklemindfuli ofinconftancie. 

And now himfelfe he fitted had right well. 

With two companions of like qualitie, 

FaithlefTe Due^a, and falfe "Paridell, 
That whether were more falfe, full hard it is ^o tell. 

Now 



Qant. I, 



THE FAERIE QVEENE. 



'^5 



Now when this gill.int, with his goodly crnv. 
From forre elpide the famous Eritomart, 
Like knight adventurous in outward view. 
With his fajre Paragon (liis conquefts part) 
Approchirg nigh, cftfoones his wanton hart 
Was tickled with dchght, and idling laid ; 
Lo tlicre, SiTVariilell,i'or yourdctart, 
Good lucke prefents you with yond louely maydj 

For pitty that y e want a fellow for your ayd. 

By that, tlic louely piire drew nigh to hond : 
Whom when as TaridtU more plains beheld, 
Aibe in hart he like affeftion fond, 
Ycc mindful! how he late by one was feld, 
That did thole armcs and that fame fcutchion weld, 
He had fmalUuft to buy his Louefo dearc : 
But anfwerdj Sir, bim wife I neuer held, 
That hauing once elcaped pcnll neare, 

Would afterwards afrclh the flceping euill rearc. 

This knight too late his manhood and his mighc 
I did allay, that me right dearely coll ; 
Ne lift I tor revenge prouoke new fight, 
Nc for light Ladies loue, that Ibonc is loft. 
The hot-lpurrc youth lo fcorning to be croft, 
Take then to you tliis Dame of mine, quoth he. 
And I without your peril! oryourcoft, 
Will chalcnge youdiame other for my fee : 

So forth he fiercely prickt, that one him Icarce Could fee. 
36 

The warlike Britonnejfe her Ibone addreft. 
And with Inch vncoutli welcome did receauc 
Her fiyncd Paramour, her forced gueft, 
That hccing forc't his faddlc foonc to leaue, 
Himfclfe he did of his new Loue deceaue : 
And made himfelfe th'enfample of his folly. 
Which done, flic p.ifled forth not taking leauc. 
And left him now as fid.as whilomc iolly, 

V Veil warned to beware with whom he dar' J to dally. 
37 

Which when his other company beheld, 
They to his luccour ran with ready ayd : 
And finding him vnablc once to weld. 
They reared him on horfe-back.and vp-ftayd. 
Till on his way they had him forth conuayd: 
And all the way with wondrous griefe of mind 
And fliame, hec flicw'd himfelfe to be difmayd. 
More for the Loue which he had left behind, 

Tlien that which he had to Sir Taridell refign'd. 
38 

Nath'lefle, he forth did march well as he might. 
And madcgood fcmblance to his company, 
Dillcmblinghis difeolc and euill phght; 
Till that ere long they chaunced to efpy 
fc T^vo other knights, that towards them did ply 
■ With Ipcedy courle, as bent to charge them new. 
V Vhoni , when as Blandamour, approching nie, 
Percciu'd to be fuch as they feem'd in view, 

Hec was full wo, and ganhis former griefe renew. 



39 

For, th'one of them he perteftly defcride 
To be Sir Seudamore, by that he bore 
The God of Loue, with wings difplayed wide; 
Whom mortally he hated euermore, 
Botli for his worth (that all men did adore) 
And eke bccaufe his Loue he wonne by ripht : 
Which when he thouglit, it grieued him full fore. 
That through the bruzcs of his former fight. 

He now vnable was to wreoke his old dclpight. 
40 

For-thy, hcdius to Taridell befpake, 

Faire Sir, offriendlhip let me now you pray. 
That as I late adventured for your lake. 
The hurts whereof me now from battell ftay, 
Yee will me now with like good turne repay, 
Andiuftifie my caufe on yonder Knight. 
All Sir l fold Taridell, doe not difmay 
Your felfe for this ; my Iclfe will for you fight, 

As yee hauc done for mee : the lefchand rubs theright. 

VVith that, he put his fpurrcs vnto Lis ftced. 
With Ipeare in reft, and toward him did fare. 
Like fhaft out of a boaw preuenting fpeed. 
But Scudamorewis Ihortly well aware 
Of his approciie, and gan himfelfe prepare 
Him to receiuc with entertainment meet. 
So furioully they met, that either bare 
The other downe vnder their horfes f eete. 

That what of them became, themfelues did fcarcely wecte. 

■*^ 
As when two billowes in the Irilh fbv/ndcs, . 

Forcibly driuen with contrary tydes. 

Doc meet together, each aback rebowndes 

V Vith roring r.^e ; and dalliing on all fides. 

That filleth all the fca with fomc, diuidcs 

The doubtfull current into diuers waies: 

So fell thofc two in fpight of both theirprides; 

But Scudamour himfelte did foone vp-raifc, 

And mounting light, liis foe forlying long vpbraies. 

Who, rolled on an heape, lay dill in (wound> 
All carelcfle of his taunt and bitter raile : 
Till that the reft him feeing lye on ground. 
Ran haibly, to weet what did him ayle. 
Where, finding that the breath gan him to faile. 
With bufie care they Itoue him to awake. 
And doft his helmet, and vndid his mailc : 
So much they did, that atthelaft they brake 

His flumber, yet fo mazed, that he nothing (pake. 

44 

Which whcn-as £/4;«/d»jo»r beheld, he laid, 
Falfe faitour ScHdamoitr, that haft by flight 
And foule advantage this good knight difmaid, 
A knight much better then thy felfe behight i 
Well falles it thee that I am not in plight, 
This day, to wreake the damage by thee donne ■ 
Such is thy wont, that ftill when any Knight 
Is weakned, then thou dooft him over-ronne ; 

So haft thou to thy felfe falfe honour o&cn wonne. 

Ri. Hec 



1^4 



THE FOVRTH BOOKE OF 



Cant, 7. 



4? 

Hee little anfwer'd, but in manly hirt 
His mighty indignation did forbeare; 
Which was not yet fo fecrct, but fome part 
Thereof didin his frowning face appearc : 
Like as a gloomy ciowd, the which doth bcare 
An hideous ftornic, is by the Northerne blaft 
Quite over-blowne, yet doth notpaflefo deare. 
But that it all the sky doth over-caft 

With darkncs drad, and threatens all the world to waft. 
46 

Ah ! gentle kmght,then falfe Dueffa faid, 
V Vhy doe ye ftriue for Ladies loue (o fore. 
Whole chiefc defire is loue and friendly ayd 
Mongft gentle Knights to nourilh cucrmorc ? 
Ne be ye wroth Sir Scudamore therefore, 
That me your Loue lift loue another knight, 
Ne doe your felfe diflike a whit the more ; 
For, loue IS free, and led with (elfe delight, 

Ne will enforced be with maifterdome or might. 
47 

So falfe Duejft : butvile ./<«' thus ; 

Both foobfh Knights, I can but laugh at both> 
That ftriue and ftorme with ftirre out-rageous. 
For her that each of you alike doth loth, 
And loues another, with whom now (he go'th 
In louely wife, andfleepes, and fports, and playe* i 
Whil'ft both you herewith many a curled oth, 
S wcare (he is yours, and ftirre vp bloudy frayes. 

To win a Willow-bough, whil ft other weares the Bayes. 
48 

Vile hag, fayd Scudamore, why dooft thou lye ? 
And talfly feek'ft avi.rtuous wrghtto ihame ? 
Fond Knight, faid (hee^ the thing that with this eye 
I faw, why (hoiiid I doubt to tell the fame i 
Then tell,(|uot!i Blandarmur, and feare no blame. 
Tell what tholi faw 'ft, maulgre who-fo it heares. 
I faw, quoth (he, a ftranger Knight, whofe name 
I wote not well, but m his ftiield hebeares 

(That well I wote) the heads of many broken ^cares. 

49 

I faw him haue your ^moret at will, 
I (aw him kiflfc, I (aw him her embrace, 
I faw him fleepe with her all night hi6 fill. 
All many nights, and many by in place. 
That prefent were to teftifie the cafe. 
Which when as Scudamore did heare, his hart 
Was thrild with inwjrd griefe, as when in chacc 
The Parthian ftrikes a Stag with fhiuering dart. 

The beaft aftoniflit ftands in middeft of his fmart. 



J" 
So flood Sir Scuiamore when this he heard ; 

Ne word he had to fpeake for great difmay, 

Butlookt on G/'tfcc grim, who wox aifeard 

Ofout-rage for the words which ftiehcardfay, 

Albe vntrue fhe wift them by affay. 

But Blandtm(>ur,vihzn-3L% he did efpy 

His change of cheare, that anguifhdidbewtay. 

He wox full blithe, as he had got thereby. 

And gan thereat to triumph without vi^orie. 

Lo, recreant, faid he, the fruitlefle end 

Of thy vaine boaft, and (poyle of loue mifgotten, 
Whereby the name of knight-hood thou dooft fhend. 
And all true Louers with cfishonourblotten: 
All things notrootcd well, willfoone berottco. 
Fie, fie, falfe knight, then falfe Diuj}* cryde, 
Vnworthy life that loue with guile haft gotten > 
Be thou, whcre-eucr thou doe goe or ride. 
Loathed of Ladies ail, and of all Knights dcfidc. 

But Scudamon (for pafling great defpioht) 
Staid not to aunfwer, Icarcely did refroioe. 
But that in all thofc knights and Ladies fightj 
Hefor rcuenge had guiltleffe G'^tf eflaine : 
But beeing paft, he thus began amaine ; 
Falfe traytour Squire.falfe Squirt of falfeft Knight, 
Why doth mine hand from thine avenge abftaine. 
Whofe Lord hath done my Loue this fonle defpight i 

Why doe I not it wreake,on thee,now in my might } 

U 

Difcourteous, difloyall Britomart, 
Vntrue to God, and vnto man vninft, 
What vengeance due can equall thy defart. 
That haft with (hamefuU Ipot of finfull luft 
Defil'd the pledge committed to thy truft i 
Let vgly (hame, and endlefle infamy 
Colour thy name with foule reproaches rufl. 
Yet thou falfe Squire his fault (halt dearc aby, 

And with thy punilhment his penance (halt lupply. 

54 

The aged Dame him feeing fo enraged. 

Was dead with feare ; nath'lefle as need required. 
His flaming furie fought tohaue aflwaged 
With (ober words , that fufFerance defired. 
Till time the try all of her truth expired: 
And cuermore iought Britomart to cleare. 
But he the more with furious rage was fired. 
And thrice his hand to kill her did vprearc. 

And thrice he drew it backe : lo did at lift forbeare. 

Cant9 




(y.nt. 1 1. 



THE FAERIE QVEENE. 



'^1 





Canro 1 1. 

Blandamour mvvesfdfe Florimelly 

Paridellfor her jtriucs^ 
They are accorded: Agnpe 

doth lengthen her fonnes Hues. 




' Ircbr.ind of Hell, firft riii'l in Vhlegflon, 
Svj' By rhouCmd Furies, 5: from thence out-thrown 
! f-^-C Into this world, to worke coiifulion, 
And (et it all on fire (by force vnknown) 
Is wicked Diicord; whole (malHpark';, once blowne, 
None but a God, or ood-like man can flake ; 
Such as was Orpbem, th.u when ftrifc was grown 
Amongft thoiefanious inipes o^Cfeece, did take 
His filuer H.up in hand, and fliortly friends tliem mike. 

Or fuch as that cckftiall Pfalmifl: was. 

That when the wicked ficn.l his Lord tormented, 
With heaucnly notes, that did all other pals. 
The out- rage of his furious fit relented. 
Such mufickis wife words with time concerned. 
To moderate fbifFe mindes, difpos'd to ftriue : 
Such as that prudent R om ane well invented. 
What time his people into pjrts did riuc. 

Them reconcil'd agame, and to their homes did driuc. 

Such vs'd wife CUitce to that wrathfull Knight, 
To calme the tempeft of his troubled thought : 
Yet Biandamour, with tearmes of fou!e delpight. 
An,! Taridell her fcornd, and let at nought, 
And old and crooked, and not good for ought. 
Both they vnwife, and wareleffe of the cuill. 
That by themfclues, vnto themfelues is wrought, 
Through that falle Witch, and that foule aged dreuill. 

The one a fiend, the other, an incarnate deuiU. 

4 

With whom, as they thus rode accompanidc. 
They were encountred of a luftie Knight, 
That had a goodly Lady by hi s fide. 
To whom he made great dalhance and delight* 
It was to wcet the bold Sir Ferraugb hight. 
He that from Bra^adocchio whilome reft 
The fnowy VlohmeU., whofe beauty bright 
Made him feeme happy for fo glorious theft; 

Yet was it in due triall but a wandring weft. 



5 

Which, when as B.'Wjmowr (whofe fancieliglit 
Was alwaics flitting, as the waueringwind, 
After each beauty tliat appear'd infight) 
Beheld, eftfooncsitprickt his wanton mind 
With ftingofluil, that reafons eye did blind, 
That to Sir PrtnWfUthefe words he fent; 
Sirknight, why ride ye dumpifh thus behind. 
Since lo good fortune doth to youprefent 

So fairc a fpoyle, to make you ioyous meriment i 
6 

But Vnridell, that had too late a triall 
O: the bad iiTue of his counfell vaine, 
Lilt not to harke, but made this faire dcniall ; 
Lad: turns was mine , well proued to my paine: 
This now be yours, God lend you better gaine. 
Whole Icoffed words he taking halle in fcorne. 
Fiercely forth prickt his fleed , as in ditdaine 
Againft that Knight, ere he him well could torne ; 
By meancs whereof, he hath him lightly over-borne. 

7 
Wlio, with the fuddaine ftroke aftoniftit fore, 

Vpon die ground awhile in flumber lay ; 

The whiles, his Loue away the other bore, 

And lliewing her, did Taridell vpbray ; 

Lo, fluggifh Knightj the Viftors happy pray : 

So fortune friends the bold. Whom Taridell 

Seeing fo faire indeed (as he did fay) 

His hart with fecret envy gan to fwell. 
And inly grudge at him, that he had fped fo well. 

8 
Nathl'eflc, proud manhimfclfe the other deemed^ 

HauingfopeerelelTeparagonygot : 

For, fure thefaweft FkrimeU. him feemed. 

To him was fallen for his happy lot, 

Whofe like aliuc on earth he weened not : 

Thereforehe her did court, didlerue, did wooe, 

W.th humblcft fuit that he imagine mot. 

And all things did deuiTe, and all things doo. 
That might her loue prepare, and liking win theretoo. 

"R j. She 



1^6 



THE FOVRTH BOOKE OF 



Cant,lh 



Shee, in regard thereof, him recompenc't 

With golden words, and goodly countenance, 
And fuch fond fauoursfporjnglydifpenc't: 
Sometimes him blcfling with a light eye-glance, 
<And coy lookes tempring with loofe dalbance i 
Some-times eftrangiiighimin fhernerwifc, 
Thathauing caft hun in a foolifli trance, 
Hee fcemed brought to bed in Paradife, (wife. 

And proud himfelfe moftfoole, in what hee fcem'd moft 

lO 

So great a miftrefle of her art Ihec was, 
And perfeftly praftiz'd in womans craft, 
That though therein liimfelfc he thought to pals. 
And by his falfe allurements wy lie dratr. 
Had thoufand women of their loue beraft. 
Yet no w he was furpriz'd : for, that falfe fpright, 
VVhicli that fame Witch had in this forme engraft. 
Was fo expert in euery (iibtilc (light, 

Thatit could over-reach the wifeil earthly wight. 
II 

Yet hee to her did daily feruice more. 
And daily more decciued was thereby ; 
Yet Taridellhim envied therefore, 
Aslccmingplac't in fole felicitie : 
So bhnd is luft, falfe colours to defcry. 
But^/efoonedifcoueringhis defire, 
And finding now fit opportunity 
To ftirvp ftrife.twixtloue, and fpight, andirc, 

Didpriuily put coalcs vnto his (ecret nrc. 
iz 

By fundrymeanesthere-tofheprickthim forth; 

Now with remembrance of thofc (pightfull (peaches, 
Now with opinion of hi s owne more worth. 
Now with recounting of like former breaches 
Made in their friendiliip, as that Hag him teaches : 
And euer when his paflion is allay d, 
Sheitreviues, and new occafion reaches : 
That on a time, as they together way 'd, 

Hee made him open chalenge, and thus boldly fayd : 

13 

Too boaftfuU BlandamoHr, too long I bearc 
The open wrongs thou doolT: mee day by day ; 
Well know'll thou, when we friendfhip fir(t didfwearc. 
The couenaunt was, that euery fpoyle or pray 
Shouldequally be fiiar'd betwixt vs tway : 
Where is my part then of this Lady bright. 
Whom to tliy felfe thou takeft quite away ? 
Render therefore therein to me my right, 

Or an(vverc for thy wrong, as (hall fall out in fight. 

14 
Exceeding wroth thereat was Blandttmour, 

And gan thi s bitter anfwere to him make ; 

Too foo!i(h Taridell, that fayreft flo wre 

Would'ft gather faine,and yet no paines would'ft take : 

But not (b ea(ie will I herforfake ; 

This hand her wonne, this hand(hallher defend. 

With that, they gan their (hiuering fpeares to (hake. 

And deadly points at cithers brcaft to bend. 
Forgetful! each to haue been euer others &icdd. 



Their firy (tceds, with fo vntamed force. 
Did bearc them both to fell avenges end, 
That both their fpeares with pittileflfc remorfe. 
Through (hield and maile, and haberjeon did wend. 
And in their flelh a griefly pafTage rend, 
That with the furie of their owne affret. 
Each other horle and man to ground did fend ; 
V Vherc lying (bll awhile, both did forget 

The perilous prefent ftound, in which their liucj werefec 
i6 

As when two warlike Brigandines at fea, 

With murdrous weapons arm'd to auell fight. 
Doe meet together on the watry lea. 
They ftemme each other with (6 fell defpight. 
That witii the (hock of their owne heedleflf'e might, 
Theirwoodden nbs are (haken nigh afunder ; 
They which from (horebehold the dreadful fight 
Of ilafhing fire, and hearc the ordcnance thonder. 

Do greatly (land amaz'd a: (uch vnwonted wonder. 

17 

At length, they both vpftarted in amaze { 
As men awakedrafnly outof dreme. 
And round about thcmfelues awhile did gaze. 
Till feeing her, that Florimell did fecme, 
In doubt to whom (he viftory (hould deeme, 
Therc-with their dulled fprights they cdg'd anew, 
And drawing both their fwords with rage extrecme. 
Like two mad maftiffes, each on other (lew, (hew. 

And (hields did (hare, and mailes did ra(h, and helmet did 
18 

So furioufly each other did alTailc, 

As if their foules they would attonce haue rent 
Out of their breads, thatftreames of bloud didrailc 
Adowne, as if their fprings of life were fpent ; 
That all the ground with purple bloud was fpreat. 
And all their armours ftaind with bloudy gore : 
Yet fcarcely once to breathe would they relent; 
So mortall was their malice and Co fore. 

Become of fayned friendfliip which they vow'd afore. 

19 

And that which is for Ladies moftbefitting. 
To (tint all (tife, and fofter friendly peace. 
Was from tliofe Dames fo far and fo vnfitting. 
As that in flead of praying them furceafe. 
They did much more their cruelty encreafe : 
Bidding them fight for honour of their loue, 
And rather die then Ladies caufe releafe. 
With which vaine termes fo much they did them raoue. 

That both refolv'd the laft extremities to proue. 
20 

There they (I wecne) would fightvndll this day. 
Had not a Squire (euen he the Squire of Dames) 
By great adventurctrauelled that way; 
Who fecingbothbenttofo bloudy games. 
And both of old well knowing by their names. 
Drew nigh, to weet the caufe of their debate : 
And firf}, layd on thofe Ladies thoufand blames. 
That did notfeeke t'appeafe their deadly hate. 

But gazed on their harmes, not pittying their eftate. 

And 



i 



Cant, 11 



THE FAERIE QVEENE. 



97 



And then, thofe Knights he humbly did befecch 
To ftay their hands, till he awhile h.id (poken ; 
Who iookt .1 httlevpat that hisfpeech, 
Yet would not let their battell fb be broken. 
Both greedy fierce on other to be wrokcn. 
Vet he to them (o eameftly did call. 
And them coniur'd by fonie well known token, 
That they at laft,their wrothfull hands Ictfall, 

Conrent to hearc him fpeote, and glad to reft withall. 
21 

Firft, he defir'd their caufc of ftrifc to fee : 
They laid, it was for loue oi Florimell. 
Ah 1 gentle knights, quoth he, how may that bee. 
And ihcfo farrc oftray, as none can tell. 
Fond Squire, full angry thaifaid Taridell, 
Seeft not the Lady there before thy face t 
Hee looked backe, and her avifing well, 
VVeend as he laid,by that her outward ^ace, 

That fayrcft Florimell was prefcnt tlierc in place. 

Glad man was he to fte thatioyous fight 
(For, none aliue but ioy'd in FlonmsiT) 
And lowely to her louting, thus behight ; 
Faircftoffaire.thatfaiTcncrtedooftexccU, 
This happy day I haue to greet you well. 
In wluch you lafe I fee, whom tlioufand late 
Mifdoubted loft through niifchiefe that befell; 
Long may you liuc in health and happy ftate. 

Shec little aunlwer'd him, but lightly did aggrate. 
24 

Then, turning to thofe Knights, he gan anew \ 
And you Sir BUndamour and Taridell, 
That for this Lady prelcnt in your view, 
Hauerays'd this cniell warrc and out-ragefcll, 
Certes (mec feenies) been not advifed well : 
But rather ought in inendlhip for her fake 
To loyne your force, their forces to repcll 
That leeke perforce her from you both to take ; 

And of your gotten Ipoylc, their owiie triumph to nuke. 

If 

There-at, Sir BlanJamoitr, with countenance fterne. 
All full of wrath, thus fiercely him befpake ; 
Aread, thou Squire, that I the man may learne. 
That dare fro mee thinke Florimell to take. 
Not one, quoth he, but many doepartike 
Heerein, as thus: It lately fo befell. 
That S<«tyrd»f a girdle did vp-t.ike, 
Well knowne to appertaineto Florimell i 

Which for her fake he wore, as him bcfeemed well. 
16 

But, when as fhee herfelfe was loft and gone. 
Full many Knights, that loued her like deare. 
Thereat did greatly grudge, that he alone 
That loft fayre Ladies ornament (liould weare. 
And gan therefore dole fpight to him to beare : 
Whichhe to ftiuii, andiiop vile envies fting, 
Hath lately caus'd to be proclaini'd each where 
A folcmne feaft.with pubhque turneying, 

To which all knights with them theu Ladies are to bring. 



And of them all, (lice that is faireft found. 

Shall haue that golden girdle for reward ; 

And of thofe Knights who is moft ftout on ground. 

Shall to that faireft Lady be prefard. 

Sith therefore (he herfelfe is now your ward. 

To you that ornament of hers pcrtoines, 

Againftall thole thatchalenge itto gard, 

And faue her honour with your vcntrous paines ; 
That fliiU you win more gloiy, then ye here find gaines. 

28 
When they the reafon of his words had hard. 

They gan abate the rancourof theirrage, 

And with their honours and their loues regaid. 

The fiirious flames of malice to alTwage. 

Tho, each to otlier did his faith engage. 

Like faithfull friends thence-forth to ioyne in one 

With all thcirforce, and battell ftrong to wage 

Gainft all thofe knights, as their profelTed fone, 
That chalcng'd ought in Florimell, faue they alone. 

29 
So well accorded, forth they rode together 

In friendly fort, that lafted but awhile ; 

And of all old diflikes they made fairc weather : 

Yet all was forg'd,andlpredwith goldenfoyle. 

That vnder it hid hate and hollow guile. 

Ne certes can tliatfriendfliip long endure, 

How-cuer gay and goodly be the ftile. 

That doth ill caule or cuill end enure : 
For, vertuc is the band, that bindeth harts moft fiire. 

Thus, as they marched all in clofe difgui(e 
Of fained loue, they chaunc't to over-uke 
Two knights, that linked rode in louely wile, 
As if tliey fecret counfcls did partake ; 
And each not farre behind him had his Make, 
To wect, two Ladies of moft goodly hew. 
That twixtthemfelues did gentle purpofe make, 
Vnmindfiill both of that difcordfull crew. 

The which with fpecdie pafe did after them purfew. 

Who, as they now approched nigh at hand. 
Deeming them doughty as they did appcare. 
They (ent that Squire afore, to vndcrftand 
Whatmote they be : who viewing them more neare 
Returned readv newcs, tliat thole fame were 
Two of theproweft Knights m Faery londv 
And thofe two Ladies their two Louers deare, 
Couragious CamJfU, and ftout Triamond, 

With Caitacee and Ctmbine, linkt in louely bond. 

Whylome, as antique ftorics tellen vs, 

Thofe two were foes, the fcUoneft on ground. 
And battell made, the draddeft dangerous 
That eucr (lirilling trumpet did refound ; 
Though now their afts be no where to befound, 
As thatrenowmed Poetthemcompiled, 
With warlike numbers , and Heroick found, 
Dan Chancer (Well of Englidi vndefilcd) 

On Fames etcrnf 11 bead-roll worthy to be filed. 

R4. But 



1^8 



THE FOVRTH BOOKE OF 



Cant, I L 



But wicked Time, that all good thoughts doth wafte, 
And vvorkes of nobleft wits to nought out-weare, 
That famous moniment hath quite dcfac't, 
And robd the world of threafure endklTe deare. 
The which mote haue enriched all vs heare. 
O curted Eld ! the canker-worme of writs ; 
How may thefe rimes (fo rude as doth appeare) 
Hope to endure, fith workes of heauenly wits 

Are quite deuour'd, and brought to nought by little bits J 

?4 \ 
. Then pardon, o mod facred happy fpirit, 
That I thy labours loft may thus reviue. 
And ftealeftom thee the meed of thy due merit. 
That none durft cuer whil'ft thou waft aliue, 
And beeing dead, in vaine yet many ftriue : 
Ne dare I like, but through infufion Iweet 
Of thine owne fpirit (which doth in me furviue) 
I follow hcerc the footing of thy feet, 
That witli thy meaning fo I may the rather meet. 

Cambelloes fifter was faire Canacee, 

That was the learnedft Lady in her dayes> 

Well feenein euery Science that mote bee. 

And euery fecret worke of Natures wayes. 

In witty riddles, and in wife (oothlayes. 

In power of hcrbesjand tunes of beafts and burds : 

And (that augmented jll her other pray fc) 

Shee modcft was inall her deeds and words, , 

And wondrous chafte of lifcy et lov'd of Knights & Lot^s. 

Full many Lords, and many Knights her loued. 
Yet file to none of therv her hking lent, 
Ne eucr was with fond affe ftion moued , 
Butrul'd her thoughts with goodly gouemment. 
For dread of blame, and honours blemifhmcnt : 
And eke vnto her lookes a law fhe made, 
That none of tliem once out of order went; 
But like to wane Centoncls well ftayd. 

Still watcht on euery fide, of fecret foes afFroicL 

37 
_ So mUch the more as fhe refus'd to loue, 

So much the more flie loued was and fought. 
That oftentimes vnquietftrife did moue 
Amongft her Louirs andgreat quarrels wrought : 
That oft for her in blcudie armes they fought. 
Which , when-as CamhcU (that was ftout and wife) 
Pcrceiu'd would breed great mifchiefe, he bethought 
How to preuent the perill that mote rife. 

And turue both him and her to honour in this wife. 
JS 

Ouc day, when all that troupe of war-like wooers 
AlVemblcd were, to wect whofe fhee fhould bee ; 
All mightie men,and dreadfull derring dooers 
(The harder it to make them well agree) 
Amongft thein all this end he did decree ; 
That of them all which loue to her did make. 
They by confcntfliould chufe the ftouteft three. 
That with himfclfe fhould combat for her fake. 

And of tlicra all, the Viftor fhould his fifter take. 



39 
Bold was the chalenge, as himfelfe was bold, 

And courage full of haughty hardimcnt, 

Approued oft in perils manifold. 

Which hee atchieu'd to his great ornament : 

But yet his fiftcrs skill vntohim lent 

Mofl confidence and hope of happy fpeed, 

Concciued by a ring, which fliee him fent; 

Tlut mongft the many vertues (which we reed) 
Had power to fbunch all wounds that mortally did bleed. 

+° 
Well was that rings great vertue knowcn to all ; 

That dread thereof, and his redoubted might. 

Did all that youthly rout fo much appall, 

That none of them durft vndertake the fight : 

More wife they weend to make of loue dehght. 

Then life to hazardfor fairc Ladies looke ; 

And yet vncertaine by fuch outward fight 

(Though for her fake they all that perill tooke) 

Whether me would them louejorinherlikingbrookc. 

41 

Amongft thofe Knights, therewercthreebrethrenbold 
(Three bolder brethren neuer were ybornc) 
Borne of one mother in one happy mold. 
Borne at one burden in one happy morne; 
Thrice happy mother, and thnce happy morne. 
That bore three fuch, three fuch not to be fond: 
Her name was ^^ape, whofe children werne 
All tlireeas one ; the firft hight Tnanwnd, 

The fecond, Diamond, the youngeft, Triamond. 

Stout Triamond, but not fo fbong to flrike ; 
Strong Diamond, but notlo ftout aknight ; 
But Triamond was ftout and ftrong alike : 
On horfe-backe vfed Triamond to fight, 
And Triamond on foot had more delight. 
But horfe and foote knew Dw»j«n<i to wield : 
With curtax vfed Diamond to finite. 
And Triamond to handle Ipeare and fhield, 

But fpeare and curtax botk vs'd Triamondia&Ai. 

4J 

Thefe three did loue each other dearely well. 
And With fo firme afFedtion were alhde. 
As if but one loulein them all did dwell. 
Which did her powre into three parts divide ; 
Like three faire branches budding far and wide, 
Thatfrom one root deriu'd their vitall fap : 
And like that root that doth her life divide. 
Their mother was, and had full bleffed hap, 

Thefe three lo noble babes to bring forth at one clap. 

44 
Their mother was a Fay, and had the skill 

Of fecret things, and all the powres of Nature, 

Which fhee by art could vfe vnto her will, 

A nd to her feruice bind each Uuing creature, 

Through fecret vnderftanding of their feature. 

There-to (hee was right faire, when-fo her face 

Shee lift difcouer, and of goodly ftature ; 

But fhe (as Fayes are wont) in priuy place 
Did fpend her dayes, and lov'd in forcus wilde to (pace. 

The^e 



(ant. 1 1. 



THE FAERIE QVEENE. 



^99 



4f 

There, on i day,.i noble youtlily knight, 
SeekiiijT advtniurcs in the filvuge wood. 
Did by gre.it fortune get of licr the fight. 
As fliccljtecarelclltby .icrj'lhll flood. 
Combing her golden lockcs, as feem'dhergoo J: 
And vnawares vjion her Living hold, 
Thatihoiieinvojnehimlongtohauewithftood, 
Opprclled her.and there (as it is told) (bold. 

Got thele three louely babes, chat prov'd three champions 
46 

VVhichftee, with her, long t'oftred in that wood, 
Till that to ripenelFc of mans ftate they grew : 
Then flicwing forth figncs of their fathers blood, 
Thcv loued armes, andknight-hood did enfcw. 
Seeking adventures where they any knew. 
W hich when their mother (aw, Ihe gan to doubt 
Their fafctie; leaft by fearching dangers new. 
And rjfli prouoking perils all about. 

Their dales mote be abbridged throgh their courage ftout. 

47 

Therefore, defirous th 'end of all their dayes 

To knovve, and them t'enlarge with long extent. 
By wondrous skill, and many hidden wayes. 
To the three fatall Sifters houfe (he went. 
Far re vnder ground from tradl of lining went, 
Downe in the bottom of the deepe ^byfs. 
Where Demogorgonin dull darknefle pent, 
Farre from the view of Gods and heauens blifs. 

The hideous Chaos kcepes, their dreadful dwellingis. 
48 

There dice them found, all littinground about 
The direfulldiftafte ft andmg in the mid ; 
And with vnweaned fingers drawing out 
The lines ot life, from liuing knowledge hid. 
Sad Clotlio held the rocke, the whiles tlie thrid 
By grufly Lachefii was (pun with paine. 
That crucll yitrofoi eftloones vndid. 
With curled knife cutung the twilt in twaine : 

Moft wretched me.whole dayes depend on thtids fo viine 1 

49 
Shee them fainting, there by them fate ftill, 

Beholding how the thrids of life tliey (pan : 

And when at laft (lie had beheld her nil , 

Trembling in hart, and looking pale and wan, 

Hcrcaufe of comining (heeto tell began. 

To whom , fierce u^tropos. Bold Fay, that durft 

Come lee the Iccret of the hfe of Man, 

Well woorthy tliou to be of /o»f accurft. 
And eke thy childrens thnds to be afunder burft. 



50 

Where-at (he fore afirayd, yet her befought 
To graunt her boone, and ri?our to abate. 
That ihe might lee her childrens thrids forth brought. 
And know the meafure of their vtmoft date. 
To them ordained by cternall Fate. 
Which Clotho graunting, (hewed her the fame : 
That when (heefaw, It did her much amate. 
To fee their thrids lo thin, as (pydcrj frame. 

And eke i"o (hort, that feem'd their ends out fhortly came* 

51 

She then began them humbly to intreate 
To draw them longer out, and bcner twine> 
That fo their lines might be prolonged late. 
But Lacbefisdieieit gan to repine. 
And fayd. Fond Dame, that deem'fti)f things diuiiK 
As of humane, that they may altred bee. 
And chang'd at pleafurefor thole Impes of thine. 
Not fo ; f or.what the Fates doe once decree. 

Not all the Gods can change, nor loue himlelfe can free. 

51 

Then fith, quoth (he, the tearme of each mans life 
For nought may le(rened nor enlarged bee, 
Graunt this, that when ye (hred with fatall knife 
His line, which is the eldeft of the three. 
Which is of them the (horteft, as I lee, 
Eftfoones his hfe may palTe into the next : 
And when the next (hail likewife ended bee. 
That both their hues may hkewi!e be annexe 

Vnto the third, thathis may (b be trcbbly wext. 

U 

They graunted it ; and then that carefull Fay 
Departed thence with full contented mind ; 
And comming home, in warhke frelh array 
Them found all tliree according to their kind : 
But vnto them what deftiny was aflign'd. 
Or how their hues were eekt, (hee did not tell; 
Buteuermore, when (hee fit nme could find. 
She warned them to tend their faftties well, 

And loue each other deare,what-euet them befell. 

54 

So did they furely durin» all their day es. 
And neuerdilcorddid amongft them fall ; 
Which much augmented all therr other praife. 
And now t'lncreale affeftion natural). 
In loue of Canacee they loyned all : 
Vpon which ground t' is fame great battel I grew 
(Great matter growing of beginning fmall;^ 
The which for length I will not herepurlew. 

But rather will rtferue it for a Canto new. 

Canii 




100 



THE FOVRTH BOOKE OF CantJlL 




Canto III. 

I The hat tell trpixt three hrethrerJ, with 
■i Cambellfor Canacee. 

\ Camhi»a with trttefriend(l}ips hand 
doth their long fir if e agree. 






1 Why tloe wretched men fo much defire 
Sk To draw their d.iyes vnto the vtmoft date, 
And doe not rather wilh them foone expire, 
' Knowing themifery ofthcircftate, 
i And thoufand ferils which them ftill awate, 
Toffing them hke a bbate amid the Maine, 
That euery howre they knock at Deathcs gate ? 
And hee that happy feemes,and leaftin paine. 
Yet is as nigh liis end, as he that moft doth pLiine. 

z 
Therefore this Fay I hold but fond and vainc. 
The which in feeking for her children three 
Long hfc, thereby did more prolong their paine : 
Yet whil'ft they Iiued, none did euer fee 
More happy creatures then they fcem'd to bee. 
Nor more ennobled for their curtefie: 
That made them dearely lov'd of each degree. 
Ne more renowmed for their cheualrie : 
That made them dreaded much of all menfarreandnie. 

Thefe three that hardie challenge tooke in hand. 
For Canacee with Cambelllor to fight : 
The day was fet, that all might vnderftand. 
And pledges pawnd the fame to kecpearight. 
That day (tlie drcddert day that liuing wight 
Did euer Iccvpon this world to (hine) 
So foone as heauens window fliewed light, 
Thefe warlike Champions, all in armour (hine, 

Aflembled were in Held, the challenge to define. 

4 
The field with liftcs was all about endos'd. 

To barre the preafe of people farre away ; 

And at th'one fide fix ludges were di^os'd. 

To view and deeme the deeds oFarmes that day : 

And on theotherfide, in frefli array, 

Faire Canacee vpon a ftately ftage 

Was fet , to fee the fortune ofthat fray. 

And to be feene, as liis moft worthy wage, 
that could her purclulc with his lines advcntur'd gage. 



Then entred Cambell firft into tlie lift. 

With ftately fteps, and fearclcfle countenance. 

As if the conqueft his he (urely wift. 

Soone after,did the brethren diree advance. 

In brauearray, and goodly amenance. 

With fcutchins gilt, and banners broad difplayJ : 

And marching thrice in warlike ordinance. 

Thrice louted lowely to the noble May d. 

The whiles (hrill trumpets & loud clarions fweetly playd. 

Which doen, the doughty Chalengcr came forth. 
All arm d to poynt his chalenge to abet; 
Gainft whom, Sir Vriamond with equall worth. 
And equall armes himfclfe did forward fet. 
A trumpet blew ; they both together met. 
With dread fullforce, and furious intent, 
Carelcffe of perill in their fierce affret. 
As if that life to lofTe they had forelent, 

And cared not to fpare, that Ihould be (hortly ipenc. 
7 

Right pra£ycke was Sir VrUmond in fight, 
Andthroughly skildin vfeof ftiield'andfpeare; 
Ne leffe approued was Cambelloes might, 
Ne Icfle his skill in weapons did appfearc. 
That hard it was to weene which harder were. 
Full many mighty ftrokes on either fide 
Were fent, that feemed death in them to beare: 
But they were both fo watchfuU and well eyde. 

That they avoyded were, and vainely by did flydc. 
8 

Yet one of many was fo ftrongly ben: 
By Vriamond J that with vnlucky glaunce. 
Through Cambels (houlder it vnwarely went. 
That forced him his Ihield to difadvaunce : 
Much was hee grieued with thatgraceleffe chatince i 
Yetfrom thewound no drop ofbloud there fell. 
But wondrous paine, that did the more enhaunce 
His haughty courage to avengement fell : (fwell. 

Smart daunts not inightie harts , but makes them more to 

With 



QantAll. THE FAERIE QVEENE. 



ibi 



With that,Ius poynant fpearc he fierce avcntred. 
With doubled force dofc vnderneith his fliield, 
Thit through the maylcs into his thigh it entred, 
And there arrcfting, ready way did yield, 
For bloud to gulli forth on the graflie field ; 
Thatheforpainchimfelfen'oterightvp-reare, 
But to and fro in great amazement recl'd, 
Like an old Oake, whole pith and fap is feire. 

At pufFc at euery ftorme doth ftaggcr here and there. 

10 

Whom fo difmaid when Cambell had efpide, 
Againe he droue at him with double might, 
That nought mote ftay th^fteele, till in his fide 
The mortall poynt raoft cruelly empight : 
Where foft infixed, vvhilft he (ought by flight 
It forth to wrell, the flaffe afunder brake, 
And left the head behind : with wht ch defpight 
Hee all enrag'd, his Ihiuering fpeare did (hake. 

And charging him afrefli, tlius felly him befpoke i 
II 

Lo faitour, there thy mcede vnto thee take. 
The meed of thy mifchalengc and abet : 
Not for thine owne, but for thy Cftcrs fake, 
Haue I thus long thy life vnto thee let : 
But to forbeare,doth not forgiue the dec. 
The wicked weapon heard his wrathfullvowj 
And paffing forth with furious affi-et, 
Pearc't through his beuerquiteintohisbrow. 

That with the force it backward forced him to bow. 
iz 

There-with afunder in the midftit braft, 

Andin his hand nought but the troncheonleft; 
The other halfe behind yet flicking faft, 
Out of his hcad-peece Cambell fiercely reft : 
And with luch fury back at him it heft, 
That making way vnto his deareftlife. 
His wealand pipe It through his gorget cleft: 
Thence ftreames ofpurplebloud,ifluingrife, 

Let forth his weary ghoft, arid made an end of ftrifc. 

ij 

His weary ghoftjafToyld from fledily band. 
Did not (as others wont) direftly fly 
Vnto her reft m Tlutoes griefly land i 
Ne into ayre did vanifh prefently, 
Ne changed was into a ftarre in sky : 
But through tradudlion was cftfoones deriuedi 
Like as his mother prayd the Deftinie, 
Into his other brethren, that furviued ; 

In whom he liu'd anew, of former life depriued. 

>4 
Whom, when on ground his brother next beheld. 
Though fad and lor}' for lo heauy fight. 
Yet Icaue vnto his lorrow did not yield: 
But rather fbid to vengeance and defpight, 

1^ Through fecrt t reeling of his generous (pright, 
K Ruflit fiercely forth, the battell to renew, 
•"• As in reuerfion of his brothers right ; 
And chalengingthe Viro-in as his dew. 
His foe was ioone addreft : the trumpets frelhly blew. 



With thar, they both together fiercely met. 
As if that each meant other to deuoure ; 
And with their axes both fo fbrely bet, 
Thatneitherplatenormaile,where-astheirpowre 
They felt, could once fuftainc the hideous ftowre. 
But riued were, like rotten wood afunder, 
WhilTt through their rifts the ruddy bloud did Ihowrcj 
And fire did flafh, hke lightning after thunder, 

Thatfild the lookers on attonce with ruth and wonder. 
16 

As when two Tigers prickt with hungers rage, 

Haue by goodfortune found fome beafts frefh fpoylcj 
On which they weene their famine to aflwage. 
And gaine afcaftfull suerdon of their toy le, 
Both falling outjdoe flirre vp ftrifc-full broyle, 
And crucll battell twLxtthemfelues doc make. 
Whiles neither lets the other touch the foyle. 
But either fdcigncs with other to partake : 

So cruelly thcfc Knights ftroue for that Ladies fake. 

»7 
Full many ftroakes, that mortally were ment, 

TIic w hiles were enterchanged twbtt them two i 

\ et they were all with fo good wariment 

Or warded , or avoy ded and let goe, 

That ftill the hfe (food fearelelTe ofherfoe : 

Till D;rfj«o>K/,difdeigning long delay 

Of doubtfull fortune wauering to ondfro, 

Refolv'd to end it one or other way ; 
And hcau'd his murdrous axe at liim with mighty fway. 

i3 
The dreadfull ftroake, in cafe it had am'ued. 

Where it was meant (fo deadly was it ment) 

The foule had lure out of his body riued, 

And ffinted all the ftrifc incontinent. 

But C<jwie/j fate thatfortune did preuent: 

For, feeing it at hand, he fwam'd afide. 

And fo gaiie way vnto his tell intent : 

Whojmiiliiig of the marke which he had eyde. 
Was with die force nigh fcld, whiift his right root did Aide. 

As when a Vulture greedy of his pray. 

Through hunger long, that hart to him doth lend. 
Strikes at an Heron with all his bodies fway. 
That from his force feemes nought may it defend ; 
The wary fowle.that (pies him toward bend. 
His dreadfull foufe avoydes, it fliunninglight. 
And makcth him his wing in vaine to Ipend ; 
That with the weight of his owne weeldlcfle might. 

He falleth nigh to ground, and fcarce recouereth flight, 
zo 

Which faire adventure when CambeUo fpide, 
Full lightly, erehimfelfe he could recover, 
From dangers dread to ward his naked fide. 
He can let driue at him with all his power, 
And with his axe him fmote in euili howre, 
That from his (liouldcrs quite his head he reft : 
The headlefle trunk, as heedle(re of that fl:ower. 
Stood (hll awhile, and his faft footing kept. 

Till feeling life to f^iicjit fell^ and deadly flcpt. 

They 



tor 



THE FOVRTH BOOKE OF CantJlL 



They, whicli that pittious fpeftade beheld, 

VVci e much aniaz'd the head-leffe trunke to fee 
Stand vp fo long, and weapon vaine to weld, 
Vnwecting of the Fates divine decree, 
For lifes fuccdlion in thofe brethren three. 
For, notwithftanding that one foule was reft. 
Yet had the body not dilmembred bee. 
It would haueliued, and rcviued eft; 

Butjiindingno fit leate, thelife-leffe corfe itleft. 
%i 

It left ; but that fame foulc which therein dwelt, 
Straight entring into Triamond, him fild 
With double htc, andgriefc ; which when hefeltj 
As oue whofe inner parts had been ythrild 
With poynt of fteele, that clofc his hart-bloud fpild. 
He hghtly leapt out of his place of reft. 
And ruftiing forth into the empty field, 
Againft CamheUo fiercely him addreft ; 

Who,him affronting, foone to fight was ready preft. 

Weil mote ye wonder, how that noble Knight 
After he had (0 often wounded beene. 
Could ftand on foot, now to renew the fight. 
But had ye then him forth advauncing feenc. 
Some new-borne wight yc would him furely weenc : 
So freih he feemed, and (o fierce infight ; 
Like as a Snake.whom weary Winters teene 
Hath worne to nought, nowfeeliugSommers might, 

Cafts ofFhis ragged slan, and frefhly doth him dight. 

H 
All was through vertue of the ring he wore. 
The which not onely did not from him let 
OnedrojpofbloudtO'fall,burdidreftore 
His weakned powers, and dulled (pirits whet. 
Through working of the flone therein yfet. 
Elfe how could one of cquall might with moft, 
Againft fo many no lelTe mighty met. 
Once thinke to matcli three (iich on equall coft i 
Three luch as able were to match a puiiunt hoft. 

Yetnoughrthereofwas Triamond adred, 
Nedefperate of glorious viftory. 
But (harply him aflayld, and fore befted. 
With herpes of ftroakes, which he at him letfly. 
As thickc as hayle forth poured from the sky : 
He ftrooke,he fouft.he foynd, he hew'd, he lafllt. 
And did his iron brond lb faft apply. 
That from the fame the fiery fparkles flafhtj 

As faft as water-lprinkles gainft a rock are dafht;. 
i6 

Muchwas CtfwJfffo daunted withhisblowcs : 
So thick they fell, and forcibly were fent, 
That he was forc't (from danger of the throwes) 
Backe to retire, andfome-what to relent. 
Till th'heat of his fierce fury he had fpent : 
which when for want of breath gan to abate. 
He then afrefti, with new encouragement. 
Did him airaile,and mightily amate, 

As faft as forward earft, now backward to retratc. 



Like as the ty de that comes fro th'Ocean miine, 
Flowes vp the Shcnan with contrary force. 
And over-ruling him in liis owncraine, 
Driues backe the currentof his kindly courfe. 
And makes it feeme to haue fome other fourle : 
But when the floud is fpent, then backe againc 
His borrowed waters forc't to redisbourfe. 
He fends the fea his owne with doable gaine,^ 

And tribute eke withall, as to his Soueraigne. 
28 

Thus did the battell vary to and fro. 

With diuerfe fortune doubtfull to be deemed : 
Now this the better had, now had his foei 
Then he halfe vanquiftit, then the othcrfeemed; 
Yet Victors both themfelues alwaies eftcemcd. 
And all the while, thedifentrayledbloud 
Adowne their fides like little riuers ftremed ; 
That with the wafting of his vitall flood. 

Sir Triamond at laft, fuluaint and feeble ftood. 
29 

But Cambell ftill more ftrong and greater grew, 
Nefelthis bloud to waftc, ne powres cmperifht. 
Through that rings vcrtue,that with vigour new. 
Still when as he enfeebled was , him chenftit. 
And all his Wounds, and all his brufes guariflit: 
Like as a witliered tree through husbands toylc 
Is often feene full frelhly to hauefloriftit. 
And fruitful! apples to haue borne awhile, 

As frefhas whenitfirft was planted in the foyle. 

Through which advantage, in his ftrength he rofc, 
A nd fmote the other with fo wondrous might. 
That through the (eame, which did his hauberk clofc. 
Into his throat and life it pierced quight. 
That downc he fell, as dead in all mens fight : 
Tet dead he was not, yet he fure did die. 
As all men doe, that lofe the liuing (pright : 
So did one foule out of his body fly 

Vnto her natiue home, from mortall mifery . 

Ji 

Butnathelefle, whilltall the lookers on 
Him dead behight, as he to all appear'd. 
All vnawares he ftarted vp anon. 
As one that had out of a dreame beene rcar'd, 
AndfreftiaiTayldhisfoe; who halfe afFeard 
Of th'vncouth fight, as hee fome ghoft had feene. 
Stood ftill amaz'd, holding his idlefwcard; 
Till hauing often Ijy him ftnken beene. 

He forced was to ftrike, and faue himfelfe from teene. 

J* 
Yet,from thence-forth,roore warily he fought. 

As oneinfcarethe Stygian gods t'offend, 

Ne follow'd on fo faft, but ratherfought 

Himfelfe to faue, and dangerto defend. 

Then life and labour bothin vaine to fpend. 

Which 2r»d»Jo«i/perceiuine, weened fure 

He gan to faint, towardthe battels end. 

And that he (hould not long on foote endure; 

A figne which did to hini the Tiftorie affure. 

Whereof 



i 



Cam, 111. 



THE FAERIE QVEENE. 



Z03 



Wlicreof full blithe, eftfooncs hismiglityhiiid 
He hejv'd on liigli, m mind with th.it lame blowe 
To make an end of all that did withftand : 
Which Camhell feeing come, was noriung flowe 
Him fclfc to fiue from that lo deadly throwe ; 
And at that inftant reaching forth his fvvord 
Clole vnderneath his fhicld, that fcarce did ftiowe> 
Strookhim,ashehishandtoftnkevp-reard, 

lu th'arm-pit ful.that through boA fides the woud appeaxd. 

34 

Yet ftill that dircfull ftroke kept on his waie. 
And falling heauy on CamieCow creft, 
Strooke him fo hugely, that in fwowne he lay* 
And in his head an hideous wound impreft : 
And lurc.had it not happily found reft 
Vpon the brim of his broad plated fhield* 
It would haue cleft his braine downe to his breft. 
So both at once fell dead vpon the field, 

And each to other feem'd the viftoiy to yield- 

V\ hich when as all thelookcrs on beheld. 
They weened fure the warre was atan end , 
And Judges rofe, and Marflials of the field 
Broke vp the liftcs, their armcs away to rend i 
And Canacee gan wavle licr deareft friend. 
All fuddcnly they both vpftartedlight, 
The one out of the fwownd, which him did blend, 
The other breathing nowanotherfpright, 

And fiercely each aflayling, gan a&efh to fight. 

Long while they then continued in that wize. 

As if but then tiie battell had begonnc : 

Strokes, woun.ls.wards, weapons, allthey diddetpifcj 

Ne either car'd to ward, or peti II llionne, 

Deiirous both to haue the battell donne ; 

Nc cither cared lite to faue or Ipill, 

Ne which of them did winne, ne which were wonne. 

So weary, both of fighting had their fill, 
That hie ic Iclfc feem'd loathlbme, and long fifety ill. 

37 

Whil'li thus the cafe in doubtfull ballancehong, 
Vufure to whether fide it woul i inchne, 
And all mens eves and hearts which there among 
Stood gazi;)g, filled were with rueful! tine. 
And fecret feare to fee their fatall fine; 
All fuddcnly they heard a troublous noyfe, 
That feem'd Ibnie perilous tumult to define, 
Confus'd with woniens cries, and (houts of boycs, 

Such is the troubled Theaters oft-times annoyes. 

Thereat the Champions both ftood ftill a fpacc. 
To wccten what that fudden clamour ment ; 
Lo, where they Ipide with fpcedy whirling p.ife, 
One in a charet of ftrange furninicut, 
Towards thcmdnuing like aftorme outfent. 
Tl-.c charet decked was in wondrous wife, 
Wiih gold and many a gorgeous ornament, 
After the Perfian Monarks antique guife 

Such -s the maker felfc could beft by irt deuife. ^ 



And drawne it was (that wonder is to tell) 
Of two grim lions, taken from the wood. 
In which theirpowre all others did excell i 
Now made forget their former cruell mood, 
T'obey their riders heft, as feemed good. 
And therein fate a Lady paffing fairc 
And bright,that feemed borne of Angels brood. 
And widi her beauty ,bounrv did compare, 

Whether of them in her Ihould haue the greater (lure. 
40 

Thereto ftie learned was in Magicke leare. 
And all theartcs, thatlubtillwits difcouer, 
Hauing therein been trayned many a year«, 
And well inftru£tcd by the Fay her mother. 
That in the fame fhe farre exceld all other. 
Who vnderftanding by her mighty art. 
Of tli'euill phght,in which her deareft brother 
Now ftood, came forth in hafte to take his pore. 

And pacifiethe ftrife, whichcaufd fo deadly Cmutk t>i '. 
41 

And as (lie pafled tlirough th'vnruly preace : ." 

Of people, thronging thicke her to behold. 
Her angry teame breaking their bonds of peace, 
Greathcapes of them, like ftieepein narrow fold> 
For hafte did ouer-runne, in duft enrould ; 
That thorough mde confufion of the rout, 
Some fearing ftinekt, fome being harmed hould, 
Somclaught for fport, fome did for wonder ftiout, 

Andfome that wouldfeem wife, their wonder turnd to dout. 

In her right hand a f od of peace file bore, 
About the which two Serpents weren woiui'l, 
Entray led mutually in loucly lore, * 
And by the cayles together firmcly bound. 
And both were with oneoliue garland crownd. 
Like to the rod which Maiat fonne doth wicldj 
Wherewith the hellifli fiends he doth confound. 
And in her other hand a cup ftie hild, 

The which was with Nepenthe to the brim rp-fild. 

4? 

Nepenthe is a drink of foueraigne grace, 
Deuizcd by the gods , for to affwage 
Hearts griefc, and bitter gall away to chace. 
Which ftirsvp anguifhand contentious rage : 
In ftead therof , fweet peace and quiet age 
It dotli eftablifti in the troubled mind. 
Fewe men, but fuch as fober .ire and fage, 
Are by the gods to drink thereof alPyn'd ; 

But fuch as drink, eternall happineffe do finde, 

44 
Such famous men, fuch Worthies of the earth. 

As loue will haue aduaunced to the skie. 

And there made go Js, though borne of mortal! berth, 

Fortheirhigh merits and greatdigniry , 

Are wont, before they may to hcauen flie. 

To drink hereof; whereby , all cires forepaft 

Are waflit away quite from their memory. 

So did thofc olde Heroes hereof tafte. 
Before th« they in blils amongft the gods wae pl»c*t. 
S Muck 



zo4 



THE FOVR.TH BOOKE OF 



Cant J 11, 



Mudi more of price ind of more gracious powrc 
Is this, then thatfame water of Ardcnne , 
The which F^inaldo drunke in happy hourc, 
DefcribedbytliatfamousTuIcanepenne: 
For, that had might to change the hearts of men 
Fro loue to hate, a change ot euill choi(e : 
But this doth hatred make in loue to brennc. 
And heauy heart with comfort doth reioyce. 

Who would not to this vertucradieryceld his voice! 
46 

At laft, arriuing by theliftes lide. 

She with her rod did foftly fmite thcraile i 
Which ftreight flew ope, and gaue her way to tide. 
Eftfoones out of her Coach (he gan availe. 
And pafingfairely forth did bid All haile, 
Firft to her brother, whom (he loued dearc. 
That fo to fee him made her heart to quaile : 
And next to Cambell, whofe Cid rueful! cheare 

Made her to change her hcwj and hiddenloue t'appeirc. 
47 

Thev lightly hcrrequit (for,fmall delight 
They had as then herlongto entertaine.) 
And eft them turned both againe to fight. 
Which when Ihcfawe.dowue on thebloudy Plainc 
Her felfe (he threw, and teares gan (hed amaine ; 
Amongfther teares immixing prayers meeke, 
And (with her prayers, reafons to reilraine 
From bloudy ftrire, and blefled peace to feeke) 

By all that vnto them was deare, did them befecke. . 
48 

But when as all might nought with them preuaile, . 
She £mote them lightly with her powrefidl wand. 
Then fuddenly as if their hearts did faile. 
Their wrathfuU blades downe fell out of their hand. 
And they like men aftoniflit ftiU did ftand. 
Thus whil'ft their minds were doubtfully diftraught. 
And mighty fpirits bound with mightier band. 
Her golden cup to them for drinke (he raught, 

Whereof full glad for thirft, each drunk an hearty draught. 



49 

Of whichfofooneas they once tailed had 
(Wonder it is that (uddcn change to fee. ) 
In (lead offtrokes.cachothertiffedgiad. 
And louely hauiil fiom fearc of trea(on fr»c. 
And plighted hands for euer friends to be. 
When all men faw this fudden change of things. 
So mortallfoesfo friendly to agree. 
For pafling ioy j which fo great maruailebriqgs. 

They all gan (hout aloud, that all the heaucn rings. 

^° 
All which , when gentle Canacee beheld. 

In halle (he from her lofty chaire defcended. 

To weet what fudden tidings was befeld : 

Where when (he faw that cruel 1 war fo ended. 

And deadly foes fo foitlifully afhended. 

In louely wife (he gan that Lady graet. 

Which had (o great difmay fo well amended; 

And entertaining her with curt'lics meet, 

Profeft to her true triendihip and afFection fwect. 

51 

Thus when they all accorded goOdly were , 
The trumpets (oundcd, and they all arofe , 
Thence to depart with glee and gladfome cheere. 
Thofe warlike Champions both together chofe, 
Homew.ird to march , themfclues there to repofc: 
And wife Camhina,tihng by her fide 
Fairc Canacee as fre(h as morning rofe, 
Vnto her Coach remounting, home did ride, 

Admir'd of all thepeople, and much glorifide. 

^* 
Where making ioyous feafts their dayes they fpent 

In perfcft loue, deuoide of hatefull flrife , 

Allide with bands of mutuall couplemtnt ; 

For, Triamond bad Canacee to wife, 

With whom he led a long and happy life ; 

And Cambel took Camhina to his fere. 

The which as life were e^ch to other liefe. 

So all alike did loue, and loued were. 

That fince their daies iuch louers were not found elfwhere. 



Canto 




Cant.lIlL 



THE FAERIE QVEENE. 



io5 




Canto nil. 

Satyr ane makes a Turneyment 

lor lone of llortrnell: 
Britomart mnries the priz^e from all., 

{_Af)dArteg-ill dsth quell. 





T cftcn f.ils (as here it carft befell) 
That morull foes.do turnc to hiithfull friend s! 
AnJ fiieiiQs profeft, are chong'J to foe-nicn fell: 
Tl;c.cau!eotbotli,of both their nimJs depeJs ; 

A ad then i of both, hkewife of both their ends. 

For, enmity, that of no ill proceeds, 

Butof occ.iiiou, with tli'occafion ends ; 

And iricnalhip, which a faint affeftion breeds 
Without regard of good, dyes like ill grounded feeds. 

That well (me fcemes) appeares, by tliat of late 
Twist Cambtll and Sir Trtamond befell ; 
As als by this, that now a ntw debate 

-■ StirJvp twist Si:«(L»ioijr and P-jriV/tH, 

The which by courfe befalls me here to tell : 
Who, hauing tliole two other knights efpidc 
Marchng afore, is ye remember well, 
Sentfordi their Squire to haue them both defcridc. 

And eke thole masked Ladies riJngthcm belide. 

3 

Who, backe returning, tolde as he had feenc, • 
That they were doughty knights of dreaded name ; 
And thole two Ladies , tlicir two loues vnfecne ; 
And therefore widit them without blot or blame. 
To let ihcm pafs at will, for dread of flume. 
But BUndamoar full of vainglorious fpnght, 
And rather Ihrd by his difcordfuUDame, 
Vpon them gladly would haue prov'd his might. 

But tliat he yet was fore of his late lucklefle fight. 
4 

Yet nigh approching, he them fowle befpake, 
Dilgr-icing them", him felfethereby to grace. 
As was his wont; fo weening way to make 
To Ladies louc, where-fo he came in place, 
And with lewd tcarmes their louers to deface. 
Wliofc fhurp prouokement them incenft (o fore. 
That both wcrebent t'aueDgehisvfagebafe, 
And gan their Ihields addrefle them I'elucs afore : 

For, euill deeds may better then bad words be bore. 



But faire Camhina,\\\i\\ pcriwalTons mild. 
Did mitigate the licrcencire of their mode, 
That for the prefent they were reconcyl'd. 
And gan to treate of deeds of armesabroad. 
And ftrange aducntures, all the way they rode : 
Amongft the which they told, as then befell. 
Of that great turney , which was blazed broad. 
For thatnch girJle of faire flonmell. 
The prize of her, which did in beauty moft excell. 

6 
To which folkc-mote they all with one confent, 
Sith each of them his Lady had him by , 
Whofc beauty each of them thought excellent, 
Agreed to traucll , and their fortunes try. 
So as tliey palTcd forth, they did efpy 
One in bright arnics with ready fpeare in reft. 
That toward them his courfe feeni'd to apply, 
Gainft whom Sir 'Paridell him Iclfc addreft. 
Him weening, ere he nigli approacht, to haue rept eft. 

7 
Which th 'other feeing, gan his courfe relent. 
And vaunted fpeare cftfooncs to difaduancc. 
As if he nought but peace and plealure ment, 
Nowfalne into their fellowlhipby chance , 
Whereat they flievved courteous countenance. 
So as he rode with them accompanide. 
His rouing eye did on the Lady glaunce. 
Which E/ijWawwrhadriding by his fide : 

Whom fure heweend, that he fomv^hcre tofore had eydc. 
8 

It was to weet.th at fnowy Florimell, 

Which Perrau late from Bra'^'raJocchio wonne ; 
Whom he now feeing, her rcmembred well, 
How hauing reft hertrom the witches fonne. 
He foone her loft : vrherefore he now begonne 
Tochallengeheranew.ashis owneprize. 
Whom formerly lie had in battell wonne. 
And proftlr made by forcehcr to reprife : 

Which fcotafull offer Blandamour gan foone defpife. 

S I Arid 



2jo6 



THE FOVRTH BOOKE OF CanUlll. 



And fayd, Sir Ktiiehc, fith ye this Lady dime, 
Whom he thjt hath, were loth to lofe fo light, 
(For, fo to lofe a Lady, were great fhamc) 
Ycc fhall her winne, as I haue done in fight : 
And lo fliee fhall be placed here in fight, 
Together with this Hagbciideherfet, 
That who-fo winnes her, may her hauc by right: 
But he fhall haue the Hag that is y bet , 

And with her alwaics ride, till heanothcr get 

10 

That offer pleafed all the company. 

So Florimell with ^te forth was brought ; 

At which they all gan laugh full memly : 

But Braggadouhit layd , he neuer thought 

For fucn an Hag, that feemed worfc then nought^ 

His perlon to impcrill fo m fight. 

But if to match that Lady they had fought 

Another like, that were like faire and bright. 

His life he then would fpend to iuflifie his right. 
II 

At which his vaineexcufe they allganfmile. 
As fcorning his vnmanly cowirdife : 
And Florimell himfowly ganrcuile, 
Thatfor her fake refus'd to cntcrprife 
The battclljoffred info knightly wife. 
And ^te eke prouok" t him priuily , 
With loue of her, and (hame of fuch mefprifit. 
But nought he car'd for friend or enemy, 

For, in bafe mind nor friendfliip dwcls nor enmity, 
li 

But Citmhetl thus did fliut vp all in ieft, 

Brauc Knights and Ladies, certes ye doe wrong 
To ftirre vp flnfc, when moft vs needeth reft. 
That we may vs refeme both firefti and flrong, 
Againft the Tumeiment which is not long ; 
When who-fo lift to fight, may fight his fill : 
Till then your challenges ye may prolong ; 
And then it fhall be tried, if ye will, 

Whether fhall haue the Hag, or hold the Lady ftilL 

I? 

They aJl agreed: fo turning all to game. 

And pleafantbordj they paft forth on their way. 
And all that while, wherc-fo they rode or came, 
That masked Mock-knight was theirfport and play. 
Till that at length vpon th'appointed day, 
Vnto the place of mrneyment they came; 
Where they before them found in frefh array 
Many a braue knight, and many a dainty dame 

AfTembled, for to get the honour of that game. 

14 

There this faire crew arriuing, did diuide 
Them felues afunder : Blandamourv/ith thofc 
Of his, on th'one ; thercft on th'other fide. 
But boaftfuU Braggadocchio rather chofe. 
For glory vaine their fellowfhip to lofe. 
That mcnonhim the more might gaze alone. 
The reft them felues in troupes did elfe difpofe, 
Like as it feemed beft to eucry one ; 

The knights in couples marcht, with Ladies linkt attone. 



Then firft of all forth came Sir Satyrant, 
Bearing that precious rehquc in an arke 
Of gold, that bad eyes might it notprofane : 
Which drawing fofdy forth out of the darke. 
He open fhew'd, that all men it mote markc > 
A gorgeous girdle, curioufly emboft 
Withpearle & precious ftonc, worth many itaarke. 
Yet did the workmanfhip farre paffe the coft : 

It was the fame, which lately i^/ermxS hadlofi. 
16 

That fame aloft he hong in open vew, 
To be the prize of beauty and of might ; 
The which eftfoones, dil'couered , to it drew 
The eyes of all.allur'd with dofedclight. 
And hearts quite robbed with fo glorious fight. 
That all men threw out vowes and wifhcs vaine. 
Thrice happy Ladie, and thrice happy knight. 
Them feemd, that could fo goodly riches gainc> 

So worthy of the perill, worthy of the paiuc. 
17 

Then tooke the bold Sir Satyrane in hand 

An huge greatfbeare, fuch as he wont to wield. 
And vauncing forth from all the other band 
Of knights, addreft his maiden-headed fhield. 
Shewing him felfeall ready for the field. 
Gainft whom, there fingled from the other fide 
A Painim knight, thatwellinarmeswas skild. 
And had in many a battell oft been tride, 

Hight Bruncheual the bold, who fiercely forth (Ud ride. 
18 

So furioufly they both together met. 

That neither could the others force faftaine. 
AstwofierceBuls,thatftriuetheruletoget 
Of all the heard, meetc with fo hideous maine. 
That both rebutted, tumble on the Plaine : 
So thefe two Champions to the ground were feld. 
Where in a maze they both did long rem line, 
And in their hands their idle troncheons held. 

Which neither able were to wag, or once to weld. 

Which whf n the noble Ferramont efpidc, 
Heprickedforthinaydeof Satyritn; 
And him againft. Sir Blandamour did ride 
With all the fbength and ftifnefTe that he can. 
But the more ftrong and ftifly thathc ran. 
So much more forely to the ground he fell. 
That on a heape were tumbled horfc and man. 
Vnto whofereskew forth rode Taridetl ; 

But him hkcwife with that fame fpeare he eke did quell. 
10 

Which Braggadoccliio ledng, had no will 
To haften greatly to his parties ayd, 
Albee his turne were next; but flood there fWI, 
As one that feemed doubtfullordifmayd. 
But Triamond halfe wroth to fee him ftaid, 
Sternly fteptforth, and raught away his fpeare. 
With which fo fore he Ferramont aflaid , 
That horfeand man to ground he quite did beare. 

That ndther couldin hofte themfdues again vpreare. 



Which 



Cant.llU. 



THE FAERIE QVEE^E. 



107 



VVliicIi to aucnge, Sir Veum him A\A dicht, 
Butwith no better fortune then tlie reft : 
For, him hkewjfc he quickly downcdid ftnight, 
And jfter him j Sir DouglM him addrcl^ , 
And after him, Sir Prf/zmori/ Forth preft : 
But none of them againft his ftrokes coiJd ftand; 
But all the more, the more his praifeincreaft. 
For, cither they were leh vpon the land, 

Or went away fore wounded of his haplefs hand. 

And now by this. Sir Satyrane abraid. 

Out of thcfwowne, in which too longhelay ; 
Andlookingioundabout, like onedifmayd. 
When ashelawcthe mcrcileffeaftay, 
Which doughty Triamond had wrought that day, 
Vntothenoble Knights of Maidenhead, 
His mighty heart did almoftrcndin t\vay. 
For very gall,thatratherwholly dead 

Himtelfe he wilht luue becue, that in fo bad a Head, 

Eft'boncs hcpan to sathervp around 

Hi5 weapons, which lay fcattercd all abroad ; 
And as it fell, his fteed he ready found. 
On whom remounting, fiercely forth he rode, 
Li!ve fparke of fire, that from the andvile glode. 
There where he fawe the valiant Triamond 
Chafing, and laying on them heauy lode. 
That none his force were able to witkftond , 

So dreadfull were his ftrolces, (o deadly was his hond. 
14 

With thatj at him his beam-like fpeare he aymed. 
And thereto all his powre and might applydc : 
The wicked ftccleformifchicfefirit ordained. 
And hailing now misfoi tune cot for guide. 
Staid not, tillitarriued in his iide. 
And therein made a very gricfiy wound, 
Thjtftreames of bloudhis armour all bedide. 
Much was he daunted with that direful! ftounJ, 

That fcorfc he hira vpheld from falling in a found. 

if 

Yet as he might, himfelfe he foft with-drew 
Out of ihc field, that none pcrcciu'd it plaine. 
Then gan the part of Chalengers anew 
To range the field, and Viftor-Uke to raine. 
That none againft them battell durft maintaiiie. 
By that, the gloomy euening on ihemfell, 
That forced them from fighting to reft jine. 
And trumpets loundto ceafc did them compel!. 

So Srt/jyr,;;jethatday wasiudg'dto beare the bell. 
16 

The morrow next the Tumcy gan anew, 
And with the firft the hardv S4t)ira»e 
Appcar'd in place, with all his noble crew : 
On th 'other iide, full many a warlikefwoine 
Ancmblcd were, that glorious prize to gaine. 
But mongft them all, was not Sir Triamond, 
Vnabie he new battel! to darrainej 
Through grieuance of tus 1 ate rcceiued wound, 

Thatdoubly did him grieue^when-fo Ivimfelfe he found. 



^7 

Which CumbeU. feeing, though he could not falue, 
Nc done vndoe.yctfor to falue his name. 
And purchafe honour in h is friends behalue. 
This goodly counterfcfaunce he did frame. 
Thcilnield and amies well Icnowne to be tliefame, 
Which TriamondhiA worne, vnwares to wight. 
And to his friend vnvvift, for doubt of blame. 
If he mifdid ; he on himfelfe did dight. 

That none could him dilcerne, and fo went forth to iighc> 
28 

There Satyrane Lord of the field he found. 
Triumphing in great ioy and iolity ; 
Gainft whom none able was to ftand on ground ; 
That much he gan !us glory to enuy, 
Anft caft t'autnge his friends indignity. 
A mighty (peare eftoones at him hebent; 
Who lecing him come on fo furioufly. 
Met him mid-way with equall hardiment, 

Thatforcibly to ground, they both together went. 

'9 
They vp againe thcmfclucs can hghtly reare. 

And to their tiyed fwords themfelues betake ; 

With which they wroughtfuch wondrous maruels there 

That all the reft it did amazed make, 

Neany dar"d theirperill to partake ; 

Noyv cuffling dole, now chaiing-to and fro. 

Now hurtling round, aduantage for to take : 

As two wild iSoares together grapling goe, 
Chaufing,and foming choler, each againft his foe. 

So as they courft, and turneyd here and there, 

Itchaunft Sir S.tfjirane his fteed at laft. 

Whether tlirough foundring or through fodein fearc, 

To ftumble, that his rider nigh he caft ; 

Which vantage CamheU. did purfuc fo faft. 

That ere himfelfe he had recoucred well , 

So fore lie fo wft liim on the compoft crcaft. 

That forced him to Icaue his lofty fell. 
And rudely tumbling downe vnder his horfefeetefelL 

Lightly Cambello leapt downefrom his fteed. 
For to haue rent his fhield and armes away. 
That whylome wont to be the Viitors meed ; 
When all vnwares he felt an hideous fway 
Of m.iny fwords that load on him did lay. 
An hundred knights had him cnclofed round. 
To refcue Satyrane out of his pray; 
All which at once huge ftrokes on him did pound. 

In hope to take him priloncr, where he ftood on ground. 

He with theirmultitude was bought difmayd. 
But with ftout courage turnd vpon them all. 
And with his brondiron round about liim layd ; 
Of wluch he dealt large almes, as did befall : 
Like as a Lion that by chaunce doth fall. 
Into the hunters toyle,doth rage and rore. 
In roy all heart difdaining to be thrall; 
But all in vaine : for what might one doe more ? 

They hauc liim taken captiue, though ii grieue him fore. 
S 2 Where- 



ro8 



THE EOVRTH BOOKE OF CantJlIL 



whereof whennewes to TnawoMii was brought. 
There as helay, his woundhefooneforgot; 
And ftarting vp , ftriighcfor his armour fought : 
In vaine he (ought; for.there hefound it not t 
CambtEo ir away before had got : 
Camhellaes armes thereforehe on him threw, 
Andlightlyiffewdforthto takeliislot. 
There he in troupe found all that warlike creW, 

Leading his fi-iend away, full fory to his vew. 
?4 

Into the thickeft of that knightly pteace 

Hethruft,andfmotedowneallthatwasbetweene, 
Caried with feruent zeale; ne did he ceaffe , 
Till that he came where he had Cambell feenc, 
Like captiue thral two other Knights atweenc. 
There he amoneft them cruellhauocke makes 5 
That they which lead him, foone enforced bccne 
To let him loofe to faue their proper ftakes: 

Who being freedjfrom one a weapon fiercely takes. 

With that he driues at them with dreadfull might. 
Both in remembrance of hjs friends late harme. 
And in reuengement of his owile de(pight; 
So both together giue a new allarme. 
As if but now the battell waxed warme. 
As when two greedy Wolues do breake by force 
Into an heard, farre from the husband farmc. 
They fpoile andrauinc without all remorfe ; 

So did thefe two through all the field, theirfoes enforce. 

Fiercely they follow'd on their bolde emprize. 
Till trumpets Ibund did warne them all to reft} 
Then all with one confent did yield the prize 
"ro Triamond and Cambell as the beft. 
But Triamond to Cambell itreleaft. 
And Cambell it to Triamond transferd ; 
Each labouring t'aduance the others geft. 
And make his praife before his owne prcferd ; 

So that the doom was to another day differd. 

The laft day came, when all thofe knights againe 
Aflembled were, their deeds of arms to (hew. 
Full many deeds that day were (hewed plaine : 
But Satyrane bouc all the other crewe. 
Hi s wondrous worth declar'd in all mens view. 
For, from the firft he to the lalt endured: 
And though fome while Fortune from him withdrew, 
Yet euermorc his honour he recured. 

And with vnweariedpowre his party ftill alTurcd. 
38 

Ne was there Knight that euer thought of armes. 
But that his vtmoft prowelTe there made knowen. 
That by their many wounds , and carelelTe harmes. 
By fhiuered fpeares, and fwords all vnder ftrowen. 
By fcattcrcd fhields was eafieto be (howen. 
There might yefee loofe fteedsatrandonronne, 
Whofe luckleffe riders late were ouerthrowen ; 
And Squiers make hafte to helpe their Lords fordonne: 

But lUll the Knights of Maidenhead die better wonae ; 



39 

Till that there entred on the other fide, 

A ftranger knight, from whence no man could reed. 
In quey lit difguife, full hard to be defcride. 
For, all his armour was like (aluage weed, 
With woody moSe bedight, and all his fteed 
With oaken leaues attrapt, thatfcemed fit 
For faluage wight, and thereto wellagreed 
His wordwhich on his "ggged (hield was writ, 

Salua^ejf: fans fine Jfe, (hewing fecret wit. 
40 

He at his firft in-comming, charg'd his fpeare 
At him, that firft appeared in his fight : 
That was to weet, the ftout Sir Sanglirre, 
Who well was knowen to beavaliantKnight, 
Approuedoftinmany aperlotu fight. 
Him at the firft encounter downc he (mote} 
And ouer-bore beyond his crouperxjuight. 
And after him another Knight, that ho te 

Sir Brianor, fo fore, that none him life behote. 

41 

Then ere his hand he reard, he ouerthrew 
Seuen Knights, one afterother as they catne : 
And when nis fpeare wasbnift,his fword he drew, 
The inlbument of wrath, and with the fame 
Far'd like a hon in his bloudy game, 
Hewing, and (la(hing (hields, and helmets bright, 
And beating downe what euer nigh him came ; 
That euery one gan (hun his drcadfuUfight, 

No lefle then death it felfe in dangerous afiright. 
41 

Much wondred all men , what or whence he came. 
That did amongft the troupes fo tyrannize ; 
And each of other gan enquire his name. 
But when they could not leame it by no wife, ^ 

Moft anfwerable to his wild difguife 
It feemed, him to tearm the faluage knight. 
But certes his right name was otherwife. 
Though knowne to few, that Arthegall he hight, 

The doughtieft knight that liv'd that day,& mo(t of might. 

4J 

Thus was Sis Satyrane with all his band. 
By his fole manhood and atchinement ftout 
Difmayd, that none of them in field durft ftand« 
But beaten were, and chafed all about. 
So he continued all that day throughout, 
Tilleuening, thattheSunne gan downward bend> 
Then rulhed forth out of the thickeft rout 
A ftranger knight, that did his glory (hend ; 

So, nought may be eltcemed happy till the end. 

44 
He at his entrance charg'd his powrefuU (pcare 

At Arthegall, in middeft of his pride; . 

And therewithfmote him on his Vmbricre 

So fore, that tombhng backe, he downe did Aide 

Ouer his horfes taile aboue a (hide ; 

Whence little luft he had to rife againe. 

Which C4»ji<fl feeing, much the lame enuide. 

And ran at him with all his might and maine ; 
But (hortly was likewife feeiic lying on the Plaine. 



Cam, V. 



THE FAERIE Q.VEENE 



j-o^ 



Whcrcatfull inly wroth was TriamoKd, 

And caft t"^uen^e the Ihame doen to his friend : 
But by his f naid, himlclfe eke (oone he fondi 
In no lefleneed of help, then hmi he wccnd. 
All which when Blaiut.tmouriiom end to end 
Beheld, he woxe therewith dilpleafed fore, 
And thought in mind it fhortly to amend : 
His fpeirc hefcutred, and at him it bore ; 

But widi no better fortune , then the reft afore. 
46 

Full many otliers at him likewife ran : 

But all of them hkewifedifmounted were. 
Ne certes wonder; for, no powre of man 
Could bide the force of that enchanted fpesrc, 
The .vhich this famous Britomart did beare ; 
With which llic wondrous deeds of arms atchieued. 
And oucrthrew what euer came her neare, 
That all thole ftranojer knights full foreagrieued. 

And that late weaker band of chalcn^ers reheued. 



Like as in fommers day when raging heat 
Doth burne the earth, and boyled riuers dry, 
That all brute beafts forc't to refraine fro meat , 
Doehuntfornude,whCTe(Tirowdedthevmay he. 
And miffing it, fiinefromthemlelues to flici 
All trauellcrs tormented are with paine : 
A watry cloud doth oucrcaft the skie. 
And poureth forth a fudden (houre of raine. 

That all the wretched world recomforteth againe : 
48 

So did the warlike BWomart reitorc 

Theprize, to knights of Maydenhead that day 

(Which eUe was like to haue been loft)andborc 

The pray fe of proweffe from tliem all away. 

Then (hrilling trompets loudly gan to bray. 

And bade them leauc their labours and long toyle. 

To loyous feaftand other gentle play. 

Where beauties prize lliould win that precious fpoyle : 

Where I with found of trumpe will alfo reft awhile. 





T hath been throogh all ages euer feene. 
That with the prayfc of armes and chcuilry. 
The prize of beauty ftiU hath ioyned been ; 
e) And that for reafons Ipeciall priuity : 
For, eyther doth on other much rely. 
For, he me fecmes moft fit the faire to ferae, 
Thjt can her belt defend from villeny ; 
And flic moft fit his fcruice doth deferue, 
That fiireft iSjand from her faitli will neuerfwenie. 

So fitly now here commeth next in place, 
After the proofe of proweffe ended well, 
The controuerfe of beauties foueraignc grace; 
In which to her that doth the moft excell. 
Shall fall the girdle of faire Florimell .• 
That many wifh to win for glory value. 
And not forvertuous vfe, which fome do tell 
That glorious belt did in it telfe contiine. 

Which Ladyes ought to loue, arid feeke for to obtiine. 



That girdle gaue the vertue of chafte loue. 
And wiuetiood true, to all that did it beare ; 
But whofoeuer contrary doth proue. 
Might not the fame about her middle wear e. 
But it would loofe, or clfe afunder teare . 
Whilome it was (Is Faeries wont report) 
Dame Fenttf girdle, by her fteemed deare, 
What time Ihe vs'd to liue in wiucly fort ; 

But layd afide, when (o (he vs'd her loofer (port. 

4 

Her husband Fttlan whylome for her fake. 
When firft he loued her with heart entire. 
This precious ornament they lay did make. 
And wrought in Lemno with vnqucnched fire : 
And afterwards did for her loues firft hire, 
Giueitto her for euer to remaine, 
Therewith to bind lafciuious deiire. 
And loofe affcftions flreightly toreftraine; 

Which vertue it for euer after did retaine. 
S4 



The 



^lO 



THE FOVRTH BOOKE OF 



Cant.y, 



The fame one d.iy, when file her felfe difpos'd 
To vifite her beloued Paratnoure, 
The god of wjrre, fhe from her middleloos'd. 
And left behind herin her fecrecbowre, 
On ^ridaliiinTnoum, where many an howre 
She with thcpkafant Gracesvioai to play. 
There Florimellin herfirft ages flowre 
Was foftrcd by thofe Graces, (as they fay) 

And brought with her from thence that goodly belt away. 
6 

Thatgoodly belt was Cejita hight by name. 

And as lier life by her efteemed deare. * 

No wonder then, if that to winnc the fame 

So many Ladies fought, as fliall appeare; 

For, peerelefle <he was thought, that did it beare. 

And now by this, their feafl all being ended. 

The iudges which thereto fekdled were, 

Into the Martian field adowne defcended. 

To deeme this doutfull cafe, for which they all contended. 

7 

Butfirft was qucflion made, which of thofc Knights 
That lately turney d, had the wager wonne : 
There was it iudged by thofe worthy wights. 
That Satyrane the firft day belt had donne : 
For, he laft ended, haning firft begonne. 
The lecond was to Triamond behight. 
For that he fav'd the Viftourfrom fordonne : 
For, Cambell Viftour was in all mens fight. 

Till by mifhap he in his foe-mens hand did light. 
8 

The third daycs prize vnto the ftranger Knight, 

Whom all men tcarm'd Knight of the Hebenefpeare, 

To Britomart was giuen by good right ; 

For that with puiflant ftroke fhe downe did bearc 

The 5rtW^eKnight,that Viftourwas vvhileare. 

And all the reft, which had the bift afore. 

And to the laft vnconquer'd didappeare i 

For, laft IS deemed beft. To her therefore 

The fayrcft Lady was adiudg'd for Paramore. 

, 9 

Butthereat greatly grudged ^rthegall, 

And much repyn'd,that both of Viftors meede. 

And eke of honourflie did him foreftall. 

Yet mote he not withftand what was decreed; 

Butinly thought of that defpightfull deed 

Fit time t'awaite auengcd for to bee. 

This being ended thus, and all agreed. 

The next enfew'd the Paragon to fee 
Of beauties praife, and y eeld the fayreft her due fee. 

lO 

Then firft CambeUo brought vnto their view 

His fiire Cambina, couercd with a veale ; 

Which being once withdrawne, moft perfect hew 

And paffing beauty did eftfoones reueale. 

That able was weake hearts away to fteale. 

Ncxtjdid Sir Triamond vnto theirfight 

The face of his deare Canacce vnheale ; 

Whofe beautiesbeame eftfoones did fhine fo bright. 
That dax'd the eyes of all, as with exceeding light. 



And after her did Taridellptodacc 

His falfc Diiejfa, tliat fhe might be fcenes 
Who with her forged beauty did feduce 
The hearts of fome, that faireft her did weene ; 
As diuerfe wits afFefted diners beene. 
Then did Sir Perramont vnto them Ihew 
His ZHaV/<j,thatwasfullfaireand fheene. 
And after thefe an hundred Ladies moe 

Appeard in place, the which each other did out^goe> 

12 

All which who-fo dare thinfce for to enchace. 
Him needethfure a golden pen I weene. 
To tell the feature of each goodly face. 
For, fince the day that they created beene. 
So many heauenly faces were not feenc 
AlTembled in one place : ne he that thought 
For Chian folke to pourtraidl bewties Queene, 
By view of all the faireft to him brought. 

So many faire did fee, as here he might naue fought. 
ij 

At laft, the moft redoubted Eritonneffe, 
Her louely ^moret did open fhewe ; 
Whofe face dilcouered, plainely did expreflc 
The heauenly pourtraift of bright Angels hew. 
Well weened all, which herthat time did view, 
Thatfhe fhouldfurclybearethcbellaway. 
Till Blandamour, who thought he had the trew 
And very Florimell, did her difplay : 

Thefight of whorae oncefcene did all the reft diCnay. 

14 
For, all afore that Teemed faire and bright. 
Now bafe and contemptible did appeare, 
Compar'd to her, that fhone as Vhxbes light, 
Amongft the lefTcr ftarres in eucning deare. 
All that her fawc, with wonder rauifht were. 
And weend no mortall creature fne fhould be. 
But fome celcftiallilupe, thatflcfh did beare: 
Yet all were glad tl4fc f/oc/wjeC to fee ; 
Yet thought that Florimell was not fo faire as fhee. 

If 

As guilefuU Goldfinith that by fecret skill. 
With golden foyle doth finely ouer-fprcd 
Some bafermctall, which commend he will 
Vnto the vulgar for good gold infted. 
He mu ch more goodly gloffe thereon doth flied. 
To hide his falfhood, then if it were trew : 
So hard, this Idolewas tobeared. 
That Florimell her felfe in all mens view 

She feem'd to pafTe : fo forged things do faireft fhew. 
16 

Th en was the golden belt by doome of all 
Graunted to her, as to the faireft Dame. 
Which being brought, about her middlefmall 
They thought to gird, as beft it her became ; 
But by no meanes they could it thereto frame. 
For, cuer as they faftned it, it loos'd 
And fell away, as feeling fecret blame. 
Full oft aboutherwaftefheitenclos'd; 

And it as oft was &om about hit vvafte difdos'd. 



That 



Cant, V, 



THE FAERIE QVEENE. 



Ill 



That all men wondrcd it the vncouth fight. 
And each one tliought ,as to that fancies came. 
But fhe her felfe did think it doen for fjpight, 
And touched was with fecret writh and (hame 
Therewith, as thing deuiz'd her to defame. 
Then many other Lidies likewife tride. 
About their tender loyucs to knit the fame ; 
But it.would not on none of them abide. 

But when thev thoughtitfoft, eftfooues it was vncide. 
18 

Which when that fcomefull Squire of Datntsdii vicWj 
He loudly gan to lau^h and thus to ieft ; 
Alas for pitie dut fo faire a crew, 
As like cannot be fcene from Eaft to Weft, 
Cannot find one this girdle to inucft. 
Fie on the man, that did it firft inuent , 
To (liomc vs all with this, Fngirt ynblefi. 
Let ncucr Lidy to his loue aflcnt. 

That lutli this day io many fo vnmanly fhcnt. 

Thereatall Knights gan laugh, and Lidies lowrc; 
Till that at laft t!ic gentle ^moret 
Likewife aflayd, to proue that girdles powre > 
And hauingit about her middicfet, 
Did find it fit, withouten breach or let. 
Whereat the reft gan greatly to cnuy : 
But FlorimeU exceedingly did fret, 
And fnatcliing from her hand halfe angrily 

The belt againe, about her body gan it tic. 
20 

Yet nathcmorc would it lier body fit ; 
Yet nathelelTc to her,as her dew right, 
It yeelded was by them , that iudged it : 
And (he her felfe adiudged to the Knigiit, 
That bore the Hebcne fpearc, as wonnc in fight. 
But Britoniar: would not thereto jdent, 
Nc her owne ^moret forgoefo hgJk 
, For that ftrange Dame, whofe beauties wonderment 

She leffe eftecm'd, tlien tli'otliers vertuous goiiernment. 
II 

Whom when the reft did fee her to refufe. 

They were ftill glad , in hope tliemfelues to »ct her : 
Yet at her choice they all did greatly mufe. 
But after that, the Judges did arrether 
Vnto the fecond beft, that lov'd hcrbctter; 
That was the Snlunge Knight : but he was gone 
In great di(pleafurc, that he could notget tier. 
Then was llic iudged Triamond his one i 

But Triamond lov'd Canacee, and other none. 

IX 

Tho, vnto Sjfyr.rtn (he was adiudged. 

Who was right glad to gaiile fo goodly meed : 

But BUndamoar thereat full greatly grudged, 

Andhttleprais"d his labours euilUpeed, 

That for to winne the faddlc, loft the fteed. 

Nc lelfe thereat did Taridell complainei 

And thought t'appeale from that which was dectced. 

To fingle combate with Sir Satyrane. 

Thereto him ^ti ftird, new difcord to miuintaine. 



And eke with thefe, full many other Knights 
She through her wicke4 working did incenfc. 
Her to demaund, and challenge as their rights , 
Deferued for their perils recompenfe. 
Amongft the reft.with boaftfull vaine pretenfc 
Stept Braggadocchwionh, and as his thrall 
Her claym'd, by him in battell wonne long Cncc: 
Whereto her felfe he did to witneflc call ; 

Wlio being.askt accordingly confefTed all. 
24 

Thereat exceeding wroth was Satyran ; 
And wroth witli Satyrnaviis SUndamouri 
And wroth with Blandamour was Eriuan ; 
And at them both Sir Taridell did loure. 
So al I together ftird vp ftiifefull ftoure. 
And ready were new battell to darraine. 
Each oneprofeft to be herparamour. 
And vow'd with fpeare and fhield it to maintline ; 

Ne iudges powre, ne reafons rule mote them rcftraine. 

Which troublous ftirrewhen Satjrant amz'i , 
He gan to calt how to appcafe the fame ; 
Andto accord them all, this mcanes deuiz'd: 
Fi'r/t in the midft to fet that faireft Dome, 
To whom each one his chalengc (hould difclame, 
And he himlelfc his right woiild eke releafe : 
Then look to whom fhe voluntary came. 
He fhould without difturbance her poffefTe : 

Sweet is die loue that comes alone with willingnefTc 

They all agreed : and then thatfnowyMayd 
Was in the middcft plac't among them all; 
All on Iier gazing wilht.aud vowd, andprayd. 
And to the Queene of beauty clofe did call. 
That file vnto their portion might befall. 
Then when (lie long had lookt vpon each one. 
As though fliewiflied tohauepleafdthemall. 
At laft to Bra^adocchio felfe alone 

She came of her accord, in fpight of all Ilis fonc. 

-7 

Which when they all beheld, they chaf t andrig'd. 
And woxc nigh mad for very hearts defpight. 
That from reuenge their willes they fcarceairwag'd: 
Some thought from him her to haue reft by might; 
Some proffer made with him for her to fight. 
But he nought card for all that they could fay : 
For, he their words as wind efteemed light. 
Yet not fit place he thought it there to ftay. 

But fecretly from thence that night her bore away. 
28 

Thev which renuynd, fo foone as they pcrceiu'd, 
That (h e was gone, depaned thence with fpced, 
And follow'd them, in mindher to haue reau'd 
From wight vnworthy of fo noble meed. 
In which purfuit how each one did (uccecd. 
Shall elfe be told in order, as it fell. 
But now of Britomart it here doth needc 
The hard aduentures and ftrange haps to'teil; 

Since with the reft (he went not after Fhrimeli. 



For 



ili 



THE FOVRTHBOOKE OF Cant,y, 



19 

For.fooneas (he themfaweto difcord fet. 
Her lift no longer in that place abide i 
But tiking with her louely ^pioret, 
Vpon hcrfirft aduenturc forth did ride. 
To feek her lov'd, making blind Loue her guide. 
Vnlucky Mayd to feeke her enemy I 
Vnlucky Mayd to fecke him Eirrc and wide, 
Whom, when he was vnto her lelfe moft nie. 

She through his late difguizement could him not defoic. 

3° 

So much the more her griefcj the more hertoyle : 
Yet neither toyle nor griefe fhe once didfpare. 
In feeking him , that (hould her paine affoile ; 
Whereto great comfort in her Qd misfare 
Was ^moret, companion of her care : 
Who kkewifefoughtherlouer long mit-went, 
The gen tleSfWdwowr.whofe heart whileare 
ThatilryfefuIIhigwithiealousdifcontent 

Had fild,tlut he to fell reucnge was fully bcntji ■ e.'" " 



M 



r-.-nrfMtW 



Bent to reuenge on blameleffe Sritomart 
The crime, which curfcd ^tc kindled carft. 
The which like tliornes did pricke his iealous heart,' • 
And through his foulelifcepoyfoned arrow pearc't,!; 
That bv no reafon it mightbe reuerft. 
For ough t that CUuce could or doe or (ay. " ''. ' 

For, aye the more that flie thclame rehearft. 
The more it gauld, and giieu'd him night and day,' ' 

That nought but dire reuenge his anger mote defray. ''' 

52 ,- 

So as they trauelied, the drouping night 

Couered with cloudy ftorm and bitter (howlii" '"^11 
That dreadful! feem'd to euery liuing wight, 
Vpon them fell, before her timely howre; '" 
That forced them to feeke fome couert bowre. 
Where they might hide their heads in quiet reft. 
And ftirowd their pcrfonsfromthatftormyftowrc. 
Notfarreaway,not meeteforanygucft 

They (pide a little cotuge ,like fome poorc mans neft. 

Vnder a fteepe hilles fide it placed was , 

There where the mouldred eartli had cav'd thebanke; 

Andfift befidealittlebrooke did pafs 

Of muddy water, that like puddle ftanke; 

By which, fewe crooked fallowes grewe in rankc : 

Whereto approchingnigh, they heard the found 

Of many iron hammers beating ranke. 

And anfwering their weary turnes around, 

Thatfeemedfome blacfc-fmididweltinthatdefertgroiid. 

34 

There entring in, they found the goodman felfe. 
Full bufily vnto his worke ybent ; 
Who was to weet, a wretched wearifh elfe, 
With hollow eyes and raw-bone cheeks forfpent. 
As if he had in prifon long been pent : 
Full blacke and griefly did his face appearc, 
Befmeard with fmoke that nigh his eye-fight blent; 
With rugged beard, and hoar)' fliaggedheare. 

The which he neuer wont to corabcj or comely fheate. 



3? 

Rude was his garment, and to rags all rent, 
Ne better had he, ne for better cared : 
With bliftred hands emongft the cindersbrent. 
And fingers filthy, with long nayles vnpared. 
Right nt to rend the food, on which he fared. 
His name was Care; a black-fmith by his trade. 
That nather day nor night, from working fpared. 
But to fmall purpole iron wedges made ; 

Thofc be rnquiet thoughts, that carefuU minds inuadc. 

In which his worke he had fee feruants preft. 
About the Andvile ftanding euermore, 
With huge greathamraerj,thatdid neuer reft 
From heaping ftroakes, which thereon foufed fore : 
All fixe, ftrong groomes, but one then other more ; 
For, by degrees they all were difagreed ; 
So likewife did the hammers which they bore. 
Like belles in greatneffe orderly fucceed. 

That he wliich was the loft, the firft did farre exceed. 
37 

He like a monftrous Giant (eem'd in fight, 
Farre pafting Bronteui) or Tyfacmon great. 
The which in Liparidoe day and night 
Frame thunder-bolts for loues auengefiUl threat. 
So dreadfully he did the anduile beat. 
That (ecm'd to duft he ftiortly would it driue : 
So huge his hammer and lo fierce his heat. 
That leem'd a rock of Diamond it could riue. 

And rend afunder quite, if he thereto lift ftriue. 

Sir Scudamour there entring, much admired 
The manner of their worke and weary paine ; 
And hauing long beheld, at loft enquired 
The caufe and end thereof : butallinvainc; 
For, they for nought would from their work refraine, 
Ne let his (pecch(3Spmc vnto their eare. 
And eke thebreatWull bellowes blew amainc. 
Like to the Northren wind, that none could hearer 

Thole "Penpuenes did moue ; and Si^^es the bellowes were . 

. - 39 

Which when that Warriour fawe, he faid no more. 
But in his armour laid him downe to reft : 
To reft, he layd him downe vpon the flore , 
(Whilome forventrous knights the bedding beft) 
And thought his weary limbs to haue redreft. 
And that oldc aged Dame, his faitlifull Squire, 
Her feeble ioints layd eke adowne to reft •, j • 
That needed much her weake age to defire. 

After fo long a trauell, which them both did tire. 
40 

Therelay Sir 5(-»(/d»io»r long while expe£ling. 
When gentle flecpe his heauy eyes would clofe ; 
Oft changing fides, and oft new place elefting/ • 
Where better feem'd he mote himfelfc repofe; 
And oft in wrath he thence againe vprofe ; 
And oft in wrath he layd him downe againe. 
But wherefoeuer he did himfelfe difpole. 
He by no mcanes could wifhed eafe obtaine : 

So euery place feem'd painefiill, and each changing vainc. 

And 



Cant, Vl. 



THE FAERIE QVEENE. 



ii3 



An J euermore, when he to fleepe did thinke, 
Thehimtners found his fenles did molcft; 
And euermore, when he began to winke, 
Thebcllcwes noyfe difturbd his quiet rertj 
Ne futFrcd fleepe to fettle in his breft. 
And all the nigh t the dogs did biike and houle 
About the houfc, at fent of ibanger gucft : 
And now the crowin? Cocke, and now the Owlc 

Lowde Ihrikiog liim aiHitted to the very toulc. 
41 

And if by fortune any litle nap, - 

Vpon his heauy eye-hds chaunc't to fall, 
Eftfooncsone of thofc viUeins him did rap 
Vpon his head-pcece with his yron mall j 
That he was foone awaked therewithal!, 
And lightly ftartedvp as one affraydi 
Or as if one him fuddcnfy did call. 
So.oftentimcsheoutof flecpeabrayd, 

And then lay muzing long, on that himill apay d. 

4J 

So long he muzed, and fo lono; he lay, 
Thac at the laft his weary fpritc oppreft 
With flcihly weakeuefle, which no creature may 
Long time rciilt, gaue place to kindly reft. 
That ad Ivis (enfes did fuUfooncarreft : 
Yet in his loundtft fleepe, his dayly fearc 
His ydle braine gan buiily moleif , 
. And made him dreame thofe two difloyall were: 

The things that day moll minds, at night do moft appcare. 



With that, the wicked carle, the mafter Smith, 
A paire of red-hot iron ton?s did take 
Out of the burning cinders, and tliercwith, 
Vnder his fidehini nipt ; that forc't to wake. 
He felthis heanforvcry painc to quake. 
And ilartcd vp aucnwed, for to be 
On him , the which nis quiet flomber brake : 
Yet looking round about him none could fee ; 

Yet did thefmartremaine, though heliimklfcdid flee. 

In fuch difquiet and heart-fretting paine. 

He all that night, tliat too long night did pade. 

And now the day out of the Ocean maine 

Began to peepe aboue this earthly mafle, 

With pearly deaw iprinkling the morning grafle : 

Then vp he rofe like hcauylumpeoHead ; 

That 'n his face, as in a looking glaflc, 

The iignes of anguKh one moti; plainely read. 

And ghcfle the man to be difmayd with iealous dread. 
46 

Vnto his lofty fleede he clonibcanone, 
And forth vpon his former voyage fared, 
Andwithhini eketh't.ig d Squire .ittone; 
Who, vvhatfocuerperill was prep :;tcd, 
Boih eqmll paines, and eqa ill penll (hared : 
The end whereof and dangerous eucnt 
Shall for another canticle be Ip.'.red. 
But here mv weary tcemc nigh ouer-!pent 

Shall breath it fclfe aw hde, aher fo long a went. 





Canto VI. 

';4i( 'Bothscudamourandt^rtfiegall 
dT^^4^^^^^ Boe fight wtth Britom.irt : 
*72f^^^^3 He fees her face ; doth fall in loue., 
K^nd jeonfrom her depart. 




^SS^^^ Hat equall torment to the griefe of mind, 
^»^,Y^ Andpyninganguifhhidin gentle heiit, 
^^OTly^ That iiily feeds ;t iclfc with thoughts vnluade, 
^"v^/tj /\n i nounfluth hi rownccoufumiDg Quart? 

Whatmcdicin^ can any Ltaches art 

Yecld fuch a lore, tiiat doth her gricuance hide. 

And will to none her maladie impart ? 

Such was ihc wound that Scuilamoitr did gride ; 
For which, i>4» Vhabus fdfc cannotaCilae prouide. 



Who.hauingleftthitrcftleflehoufeof Care, 

The next day, as he on his way did ride, 
Fullcf rrelancholyandfidmisf'.re, 
Through mifconccit ; all vnaw.ires cfpidc 
An armcdknightvnderaforreftlide, 
Sitting in fliade bcfidc his grazing ileed ; 
Whoj'iboneasthemapproachmghf defcridc, 
Gan towards them to pncke with eager fpeed, 
Thacfeem'd he was full bent to lome milchieuous deed. 

Which 



X14 THE FOVRTH BOOKE OF 



Cant. VL 



which, Scudamour pcrceiuing.forth iffewcd 
To haue r'cncountred him in equall race ; 
But, fooneas th'other, nigh approchin^, viewei 
The artnes hebore, liisfpeare hegan ahafe. 
And void his courfc : at wliich fo (uddein cafe 
He wondredmuch. Bin th'other thus candy ; 
Ah gentle 5c«(?<j»iOHrjVnto your grace 
I me fubmit, and you of pardon pray. 

That almofthad againft you trefpalted this day. 

4 

Whereto thus Sw</<«»wn)-, Small harmeitwere 

For any knight, vpon a ventrous knight 
Without dilpiea&ncefor to proue his fpcare. 
But reade you Sir, fith ye my name haue bight, 
What is your owne ? that I mote you requite. 
Certes, fay d he , y e mote as no w excufe 
Me from difcoueringyou my name aright : 
For, timeyetferues that Ithe fame refufCi 
But call ye me the Sakage Knight, as others vfe. 

Then this, Sir Saluage Knight, quoth he jareed ; 

Or, doe you here within this forreft wonne ? 

(That feemeth well to anlwere to your weed ) 

Or, haue ye it forfome occafion donne ? 

Thatrather feemes, fith knowen armes ye fhonne. 

This other day, fayd he, a ftranger knight 

Shame and dilhonourhathvnto medonne ; 

On whom I wait to wreak that foulc defpight, 
When-cuer he this way dial] paffe by day or night. 

6 
Shame be his mcedc, quoth he, that meaneth (hame. 

But what is h e, by whom y e (hamed were ? 

A ftranger knight, fayd he, vnknowne by name. 

But knowneby fame, and by anHebene (peare, 

With which, he all that met him, downe did beare. 

He in an open Turney lately held. 

Fro me the honour of that game did reare ; 

Andhauing me, all weary e3rft,downe feldj 
Thefayreft Lady reft, and euerfincewithheld. 

7 

When Scudamour heard mention of that Ipearc, 
He wift right well, that it was Britomart , 
The which from him his faireft Loue did beare. 
Tho , gan he (well in euery inner part. 
For fell defpight, and gnaw his iealous heart. 
That thus he fliarply fayd ; Now by my head. 
Yet is notthis the firft vnknightly part, 
Which that fame knight, whom by his launce I read. 

Hath doentonobleknights , that many makes him dread. 
8 ■ 

For, lately he my Loue hath fro me reft. 
And eke defi! ed with foule villanie 
The facred pledge, which in his faith was left. 
In fhame of knighthood and fidelity ; 
The which ere long full deare he fhall abie. 
And if to that aucnge by you decreed 
This hand may help, or fuccour ought fupply. 
It (hall not faile, when-fo ye fhall it need. 

So both to wreake their wrathes on Britemart agreed. 



Whiles thus they communed, lo farre away 
A knight (oh riding towards them they fpide, 
Attyr'd in forraine armes and ftrange array : 
Whom when they nigh approacht, they pbilic ddcride 
To be thefame, for whom they did abide. 
Sayd then Lir Scudamour, Sir Satuage knight 
Let me this craue, fith firft I was defide. 
That firft Imaythatwronetohim requite : 

And if I hap to faile, you (hallrecure my right. 

10 

Which being yeeld^d, he his threatfull fpeare 

Gan fewter, and againft her fiercely ran. 

Who,foone as ftie him fawe approaching nearc 

With fo fell rage, her felfe (he lightly gan 

To dight, to welcome him, well as fne can : 

Bu t entcnaind him in fo rude a wife. 

That to the ground ftiefmotebothhotfeandman; 

Whence neither greatly hafted to arife. 
But on their common harmes together did deuize> 

II 
But ^rtegatt, beholding his mifchance. 

New matter added to his former fire ; 

And eft auentring his fteele-headed launce, 

Againft her rode, full of difpiteous ire, 

That nought butlpoyle andvcngeancc did require. 

But to himfelfe his felonous intent 

Returning, dilappointed his defire. 

Whiles vnawares his faddlc he forwent. 
And found jiimfelfe on ground in great amazemenb 

12 

Lightly he ftarted vp out of that ftound ; 

And fnatchingforth his direfull deadly blade. 
Did leape to her, as doth an eger hound 
Tliruft to an Hynd within fome couert glade. 
Whom without penll he cannot inuade. 
With fuch fell greedinefle he heraflayled, 
That though ftie mounted were, yet he her nude 
To giue him groun<^(fo much his force preuayled) 

And fhun hi s mighty (%:okes ,gainft which no arms auaileJ. 

'J 

So as they courfed here and there, it chaunc't 

Thatin herwheelinground.behindhercrcft 
So forely he her ftxooke, tlut thence it glaunc't 
Adowne her backe, the which it fairely bleft 
From foulc mifchaunce ; ne did it euer reft. 
Till on her horfes hinder parts it fell i 
Where biting deepe, fo deadly it impreft. 
That quiteitchyn'dhis back behind thefell. 
And to ahghton foote heralgates did compelh 

Like as the lightning brond from riuen skie, 
Throwne out by angry loue in his vengeance. 
With dreadful! force falles on fome fteeple hie } 
Which battring, down it on the Church doth glaunce. 
And teares it all with terrible mifchaunce. 
Yet (he no whit difinay d, her fteed forfook. 
And cafting from her that enchaunted launce, 
Vnto her fword and (hield her foone betooke ; 

And therewithal] at him right furioufly (he ftrooke. 

$9 



Qant.Vl. 



THE FAERIE QVEENE. 



%i% 



So funouily fliee ftrooke in her firft heat, 

Whiles with long fight on foot he breithlcffe wis, 
Th.ic fhc him forced b jckwird to retreat. 
And yicMe vnto her weapon way to pals : 
Whofe raging rigour neither ftecle nor brafs 
Could ftay, but to the tender fiefhit went. 
And pour'd tJic purple bloud forth on the grafs; 
That all his mailc yriv'dj and plates yrent, 

Slicw'd all his body bare vnto the cruel! dent. 
16 

At length, when as he faw her haftie heat 
Abate.and panting breath begin tofaile. 
He through long (ufferance growing now more great, 
Rofe in his ftrcngth, and gan her frein afiailc, 
Heaping hqgeflroakes, as thicke as (howre of hailc. 
And lalhiiig dreadRilly at euery part, 
As if he thought her foule to difcntraile. 
All I cruell hand, and thrice more cruell hart. 

That vvork'iH'uch wreck on her, to whom tliou deareft art. 

17 

What iron courage euer could endure. 

To worke (ucn outrage on fo fairea creature ? 
And in his madntllc thinkewith hands impure 
To (poylefo goodly workman (hip of Nature, 
The Maker (elfe rcfcnibling in her feature ? 
Ceites, feme helLdifurie, or fome fiend 
This niifchiefefram'd, for their firftloues defeature, 
To bathe their hands in bloud of deareft friend, 

There-by to make chcir loues beginning, their hues end. 
18 

Thus long they trac't, and trauerft to and fro. 
Sometimes purfcwing, and Ibmetimes purfewed. 
Still as advanuge they efpidetliereto : 
But toward th'end. Sir ^rthegsU renewed 
His ftrengtli ltd! more, but (lie ftiU more decrewcJ. 
At laft, his lucklefle hand he heau'd on hie, 
Hauing his forces all in one accrewed ; 
And thcre-with ftrooke at her fo hideoufly. 

That fccmed nought but death mote be her deftinie. 

19 

The wicked ftroke vpon her helmet chaunc'c. 
And with theforce, which in it felfe it bore, 
Hervcntailefliai'd away, and thenceforth glaunc't 
Adowne in vaine, ne harm'd her any more. 
W'ththatjher Angels face (vnleene afore) 
Like to the ruddy momc appear 'd in iight, 
Deawcd with filuer drops, through fweacing fore ) 
Butfomwliat redder then bcfecm'd aright. 

Through toylelome heat, and labour of her weary fight. 
10 

Andround about the fame, her yellow haire 

Hauingthrough ftiinng loos'd their wonted band. 

Like to a golden border did appeare. 

Framed in Goldfmidics forge with cunning hand : 

Yet Goldlniiihs cunning could notvnderfiand 

To frame Inch lubtilewire, fo ftiiiiie deare. 

For, it did ghftcr like the golden land, 

The which VaHolKs with his waters lliere, 

Throwes forth vpon the nnageroundabouthim flcre. 



And as his hand he vp agaiue did reare. 

Thinking to worke on her his vtmoft wrack. 
His powrelelTearmcbenumbd with fecretfeare, 
Froni his rcuengefull purpofe /hrunke aback. 
And cruell iword out of his fingers flack 
Fell downc to ground , as if the fteele had fenfe. 
And feltlome ruth, or lenfe his hand did lacke: 
Or both of them did thinke, obedience 

To doe to fo diuine a beauties excellence. 

Z£ 

And he himfelfe, long gazing there-vpoD, 
At laft, fell humbly dovvne vpon his knee. 
And of his wonder madereligion, 
Weeninglome heauenly goddefle he didfee. 
Or ehe vnweeting what it elfe micrht bee ; 
And pardon her befought his errour fraile. 
That had done out-rage in fo high degree : 
V\ hil'ft trembling horrour did his fcnfe allaile, 

And made each member quake,& manly hart to quaile. 

Nath'Icfle, flie full of wrath for that late ftroke. 
All that long while vp-held herwrathfiill hand. 
With tell intent, on him to beene y wroke, 
And looking fterne, ftill over hini did ftand, 
Threaming to ftrikc, vnlefle he would withftand : 
And badehim rife, orlurely he Ihould die. 
But die or liuc, for nought he would vp-ftand. 
But hrr ot pardon prayd more earneftly. 

Or wreake on him her will for fo great iniury. 
24 

Which when as Scudamoar, who now abrayd, 
Beheld, where-as he ftood not farre afidc. 
He was there-with right wondroufly difmayd : 
And drawing nigh, when as he plame delcride 
That peercleire patteme of Dame Natures pride. 
And heauenly image of perfection. 
He bleft himfelfe, as one lore terrifide; 
And turning feare to faint deuotion, 

Didworlhjpheras IbmeceleftiaUvifToii. 

But Clauce, feeing all that chaunced there, 
VVcll weeting how their errour to alfoyle, 
Full glad of lo good end, to them drew nere. 
And her falewd with feemely bel-accoy le, 
loyous to fee hcrfafe after long toyle. 
Thenhcrbelought,asnietoherwas deare. 
To graunt vnto thole vvarriours truce awhile ; 
Which yeelded, they their beuers vp did reare. 

And (hcw'dthemfelues to her,fuch as indeed they were. 
26 

When Britomart with fliarpe avizefull eye 
Beheld thelouely face of ^rtherall,' 
Tempted with fternenefte and ftout maieftic. 
She gan eftloones it to her mind to call. 
To be the lame which in her fathers hall 
Long fince in chat enchaunted glalle (he faw. 
There-with herwrathfiill courage gan appall. 
And haughty fpirits meckely to adaw, 

That her cnhaunced hand (he downe can fofc wich-draw. 

T. Yet 



a6 



THE FOVRTH BOOKE OF 



Cant, F I. 



Yet (hee it forc't to hauc againe vp-held, 
As fiining chokr, which was turn'd to cold : 
But euer when his vifage flie beheld. 
Her hand fell downe, and would no longer hold 
The wrathfuU weapon ?ainft his countnance bold : 
But when in vaine to fight (he olt affay'd, 
Shec arm'd her tongue, and tliought it him to fcold ; 
Nath'ltfle^ her tongue not to her will obayd, (faid. 

But brought forth fpeechcs mUdc,when Ihe wold hauc mif- 

28 
But Scudamore, now woxen inly glad. 

That all his iealous feare he falfe had found, 
And how that Hag liis loue abufed had 
With breaifli of fay th, and loyakie vnfouiid. 
The which long unie his grieucd hart did wound. 
He thus be-fpaK€ ; Certes, Sir ^rthegall, 
1 ioy to fee you loutfo low.e on ground, 
And now become to liue a Ladies thrall, 
That whylome in your minde wont to defpife them all. 

^9 ^ 

Soone as (hee heard the name ot^rthegaS, 

Her hart did leape, and all her hart-Itrings tremble, 
Forfuddaineioy, and fecret feare withall, 
And all her vitall powres with niption nimble, 
Tofiiccourit, themfelucs g.in there aflcmble; 
That by the (wift recourfe of fluduiig blood 
Right plaine appear 'd, though (he it would dilTemblc, 
And fay ned flill her former angry mood , 

Thinking to hide tlie depth by troubling of the flood: 

i° 

VVhen G/^»fe thus gan wilely all vp-knit i 

Ye gentle Knights, whom fortune here hath brought. 
To be Ipeftarors of this vncouth fit. 
Which lecret fite hath in this Lady wrought, 
Againft the courfe of kind : nc meruaile nought, 
Ne thencefbrthfeare thething that hitlicrtoo 
Hath troubled both your minds with idle thought. 
Fearing kail (lieyourLcues away (hould woo; 
Feared in vaine, lith meanes ye fee there wants theretoo. 

• 31 

And you Sir MthegaU, the lalvage knight, 

Hencc-forth may notdildaine, that womans Land 

Hath conquered you anew in lecond light : 

For , whylome ihey haue conqucrd fea and land. 

And hcauen it fcLfe, that nought may them witlilbuid. 

Ne henceforth b e rebellious vnto loue. 

That is the crowneofknighthood, and the band 

Of noble mindes deriued trom aboue: 

W'hich,beeingknitwithvertue,neuer-willremoue. 

And you faire Lady knight, my deareft Dame, 
Relent the rigour ofyourwrathftill will, 
Whofe fire were better turn'd to other flame ; 
And wiping out remembrance of all ill, 
Graunt him your grace; but fo that he fiilfiU 
The pcnaunce,which ye (hall to him empart : 
For, Louers hcauen muft palfc by forov/cs hell. 
There-atfull inly blulhed Britomart ; 

But ./rfrt/jegrftt.clofefmyling, ioy 'dinfeact hart. 



Yet durft hee not make loue lo fuddenly, 

Ne thinkc th'affeftion of her hart to draw 

From one to other fo quite contrary : 

Befides , her modeft countenance he faw 

So goodly graue, and full of Princely aw, 

That it his ranging fancie did reframe. 

And loofer thoughts to lawfull bounds with-draw > 

Whereby the paifion grew more fierce and faine. 
Like to a (lubborne (leedc whom Arong hand would rc- 

34 ((Itaine. 

But Scudamour, whofe hart twixt dobtfitU feare 

And feeblehope hungall this while fulpencc, 

Defirino of his ^moret to hearc 

Some gladfiill newes and (tire intelligence. 

Her thus befpake ; But fir, without offence 

Mote I rcqueft you tydings of my Loue, 

My ^moKt^.fith you her freed fro thence, . , 

Where (he captiued long, great woes did proue; 
That where ye left, I may her feekc, as doth behoue. 

To whom, thus Britomart ; Certes, Sir Knight, 

V Vhat is of her become, or whither reft, 

I cannot vnto you aread aright. 

For, from that rime I from Enchaunters theft 

Her fr-ed, in which yee her all hopelelTeleft, 

I her prefcru'd from periU and from feare. 

And tuermore from villanieher kept : 

Ne cuer was there wight to me more dearc 
Then Ihe, ne vnto whom I more true loue did beaie. 

46 
Till on a day, as through a defertwildc 

We trauelled, both wearv of the way. 

We did alight, and fate in (hadow mild ; 

WherefearelefTe I to fleepe me downe did lay. 

But when as I did out of fleepe abray, 

I found her not, where I her left whylcare. 

But thought (he wandred was, or gone aftray. 

I call'd her loud, I fought her far and neare ; 
But no where could her find, nor tydings of her heart. 

37 

VVhen Scudammr thofe heauy tydings heard. 
His halt was thrildwithpoyntofdeadly feare J 
Nc in his face or blood or hfe appcar'd, 
Butfenfelelle ftood, like toa mazed Stearc, 
That yet of mottall ftroke the ftound doth bearc: 
Till G/<J«tethus; Faire Sir, be noughtdifmaid 
With needlcfTe dread, till certiinrie ye heare : 
For, yet (lie may be (afe, though fomc-what (^raid; 

It's beft to hope the beft, though of die worft a£aid. 

38 

Nath'lefTc, he hardly of her chearefuU fpeach 
Did comfort take, or in his troubled fight 
Shew'd change of better cheare : (o (ore a breach 
That fudden newes had made into his fprighti 
Till Britomart himfairely thus behight; 
Great caufe of forrow, certes Sir ye hauc : 
But comfort take: for, by this heauens light 
I vow, you dead or liuing not to leaue. 

Till I her find, and wreake on him chat her did reaue. 

There- 



Qant.VI. 



THE FAERIE QVEENE. 



^\7 



I 



Therc-with lie rcftc J , and well pleifed was. 
So peace bceing coniirm'd amon^ll them ail. 
They tooke their fteedsj and forward thence did pafs, 
Vnto lomc rclting place which mote befall i 
All beinj; guided by Sir ^nhegall. 
Where goodly lolace was vnto them made, 
And daily fcafting both in bowrc and hall, 
Vntill that they their wounds wcl! healed had. 

And weary hmbcs recur'd^ after late vfagc bad. 
40 

In .all which time, Sir ^if/K^j^Wnude way 
Vnto the loue of noble Britomart : 
And with nicekc fcruiceand much fuit did lay 
Contjnuall (icgevnto her gentle hart ; 
\Vhich,beeingwIiylome l.iunc't with loucly dorr, 
More cath was new impreflion to receiue, 
How-euer fheherpaind with womanifii art 
To hide her wound.that none might It pcrcciue : 

Vaine is the art that feckes it Iclfe for to dccaue. 

41 

So well hee woo'd her^and lo well he wrought her, 
With fairecntrcat\' and Iweetbljndi/hment, 
That at thelcngth.vnto a bay he brought her. 
So as rtice to his Ipeeches was content 
To lend an care, and foftly to relent. 
At lalt, through many vowes which forth he poitt'd. 
And many othes, fliec yielded her content 
To be his Loue, and take him for her Lord, 

Till they with mariagc meet might finilh tlut accord. 
41 

Tho, when they had long time there taken reft. 
Sir ^rthegall (who all this while was bound 
Vpon an hard adventure yet in quefb) 
Fit time for him thence to dcp.irt itfound. 
To follow that, which he did long propound ; 
And vnto htr his congee came to take. 
Butherthere-with full lore difpleas'd he found. 
And loth to leaueherl.itc betrothed Make; 

Her dearefl Loue full lotli fo fliortly to forkke. 

4J 
Yet hee with ftrong perfwafious her aflwaged. 

And wonne her will to fuffcr him depart ; 
For which, Ills faith with her he fail engaged. 
And thoufand vowes from bottom ot !iis hart. 



That all lo ioonc as he by wit or art 
Could thatatclusue, where-to he did a^ire, 1 

He vnto her would fpeedily revert : 
No longer Ipace there-to hee did defire. 
But till the horned Moone three courfcs did expire. 

44 

With which, (lie for the prefcnt was appeafed. 
And yielded leaue, how euer malcontent 
She luly were, and in her mind dilplcaled. 
So, early on the morrow next he went 
Forthon hu waVjto which he\v.isybenf, 
Nc wiglit him to attend, or way to giude. 
As why lome was the cuftonie ancient 
Mongft Knights, when on adventures thejf diJride, 

Sauethat Ihe algates him awhile accompanide. 

4^ 
And by the way, (hee fundry purpofefouu3 

Ofthisorthat, thetimefortodelay, > 

And of the perils where-to he was bound, 
Thef eare whereof leem'd much her to af&ay : 
But all Ihe did was but to wearc out day. 
Full oftcn-ti mes ihe ! eaue of him did take; 
And eftagaine dcviz'd fome-what to fay, 
Wluch file forgot, whereby excufe to make : 
So loth fliee was his company for to forfoke. 

46 
At laft, when all her fpccches fhe had (pent, 
And new occalion fayld her more to find. 
She left him to his fortunes gouemment. 
And back returned with right heauy mind. 
To Sciidamour, who llie h.td left behind: 
With whom flie went to feekc faire ^moret. 
Her fecond care, though in another kind ; 
Forvcrtucsonely lake (which doth beget 
True loue and taithfullfriendfhip) flieby herdidfet. 

47 
Backc to that defert foreft they retired, 
Where fory Britomart had loft her late ; 
There they her lought, and eueiy where inquired, 
W'here they might tydings get of her eftatc ■, 
Yet found they none. But by what haplelle fate, 
Or hard misfortune fhe was thence conuayd. 
And ftolneaw.iy trom her beloued Mate, , 
Were long to tell ; therefore I heere will ftay 
Vnull another tide, that I it finilli may. 



I 



Tx* 



Canto 




ii8 THE FOVRTH BOOKE OF 



Cant.VlL 





Canto VII. 

t^moret rapt by greedy luji 
Belphcebe fanes from dread : 

The Squire her louesfir' beeing blatn'd 
his dayes in doole doth lead. 



1^ 




^ Reat God of Loiie, that with thy cruell darts 
) Dooft conquer greateft conquerors on ground. 
And fett'ft thy kingdomein the captiue harts 
Of Kings and Kca&rs, to thy (eruicc bound, 
What glory , or what guerdon haft thou found 
In feeble Ladies ty ranning fo fore ; 
And adding anguifh to the bitter wound. 
With which their Iiues thou launcedft long afore. 
By heaping ftormes of trouble on them daily more ? 

2. 

So why lomc didft thou to faire Flarimett, 
And (o and fo to noble Britomart ; 
So dooft thou now to her, of whom I tell, 
The louely ^wioret i whofe gentle hart 
Thou mart)Teft with forrow and with fmart. 
In falvage forefts, and in deferts wide, 
With Beares and Tigers taking heauy part, 
Withouten comfort, and withouten guide ; 

That pitty is to heare the perils which (he tride. 

Sofooneas flic, with thatbraue Bntonneffe, 
. Had left that Turneyment for beauties prize. 
They traud'd long ; that now tor wearineflcj 
Both of the way, and war-like excrcile. 
Both through a foreft riding, did deuife 
T'alight, and reft their weary limbes awhile. 
There, heauy fleepe the eye-lids did furprife 
Oi Britomart after long tedious toyle. 

That did her paffed paines in quiet reft afloylc. 

4 

The whiles, faire ^Biorct (of nought afFeard) 

Walkt through the wood, for pleafurc, or for need > 
When fuddenly behind hcrbacke ftieeheard 
One rufhing forth out of the thickeft weed : 
ThatjCre ftie back could turne to taken heede. 
Had vnawares her fnatcht vp from the ground. 
Feebly flie fliriekt; but fo feebly indeed, 
That Britomart heard not the flirilling founds 

Thae where through weary trauellflicTayfleeping found. 



It was to wcet, a wilde and faluagc man ; 
Yet was no man,butonely likein fliape, 
Andekcinftaturehigherbyafpan, 
All over-growne with haire, that could awhapc 
An hardy hart ; and his wide mouth did gape 
With huge great teeth, like to a tusked Bore : 
For, he liu'd all on rauin and on rape 
Of men and beafts ; and fed on fleilily gore. 

The figne whereof yet ftain'd his bloudy lips afore. 
6 

His ncather Up was not bke man nor beaft, 

But like a wide decpe poke, downe hanging lowc. 

In which he wont the reliqucs of his fcall 

And cruell fpoyle, which he had fpar'd, to ftowe : 

And over it, his huge great nofe did gro we. 

Full dreadfully empurpled all with bloud ; 

And downe both fides, two wide long earcs did glowc. 

And raught downe to his wafte, when vp he flood. 

More great then th'cares of Elephants by Indui flood. 

7 

His wafte was with a wreath of Ivie greene 
Engirt about, ne other garment wore : 
For, all his haire was like a garment feene ; 
And in his hand a tall young oake he bore, 
Whofe knotty fnags were fliarpned all afore. 
And beath'd in fire for fteele to be in fted. 
But whence he vyas, or of what wombe yborc. 
Of beafts, or of the earth, I haue not red ; 

But certes was with milke of Wolues aiSiTigers fed. 
8 

This vgly creature, in his armes her fnatcht. 
And through the foreft bore her quite away, 
V Vith bryers and bufhes all to rent and fcratchti 
Ne care he had, ne pitty of the pray, 
Which many a knight had fought fo many a day. 
He ftayed not,butin his armes her bearing. 
Ran till he came to th'end of all his way, 
Vnto his Caue.farre from all peoples hearing, (ring. 

And there hoc threw her in, nought feeling, ne nought fca« 

Fat 



Cant, V 11. 



THE FAERIE QVEENE. 



2,I( 



For^rtie (deareLady) all the waywas dead, 

VVhilft hce in armes her bore ; but when (he felt 
Her fclfc downe fouft, ftie waked out of diead 
Straight into gtiefe, that her dcare hart nigh fivelt, 
And eftgan into tender tcarcs to melt. 
Then, \\ hen (lie lookt about, and nothingfound 
But darknclTe and drad horrour where fhe dwelt. 
She aliBoft fell againc into afwound i 

NiJ wift whether aboue Ihe were, or vndcr ground, 

10 

V Vi:h that, flic heard fome one clofe by her fide 
Sighing and lobbing fore, as if the painc 
Her tender hart in pccces would diuide : 
Which flic long liftmng, foftly aikt againe 
What mifter wight it was thatfo did plainei 
To whom, thus anlwer'd was : Ah I wretched wight, 
That feckes to knowe anothcrs griefe in vaine, 
Vnwccting of thine owne hke hapleffe plight : 

Selfe to forget to mi nd another, is ore-lighti 
II 

Ay me ! faid fhee, where am I, or with whom ? 
Emong the liuing, or cmong the dead ? 
Whitlhall ofmevnhappy maid become ? 
Shall death be th'end, or ought elfc worfc, aread. 
Viihappy maid, then anfwerd flic, whofc dread 
Vntride, is Idle then when thou flialt it try : 
Death is to hiin that wretched life doth lead. 
Both grace and gain: ; but he in hell doth lie. 

That hues a loathed hie, and wifliing cannot die. 

I£ 

This difmall day, hath thee a cay tiue made, 
Andvaffallto thcvilcft wretch ahuej 
Whofc curied vlagc and vngodly ffade 
Thchcauensabhorre, andintodarknefledriue: 
For, on the IpoiJe of women he doth liuc, 
VVhofe bodies chafte, whencuerinhis powre 
Hce may them catch, vnable to gaine-ftriue, 
He with his fliamefuUluftdothhrft deflowrc. 

And afterwards tliemfelues doth cruelly dcuoure. 

ij 

Now twenty daycs (by which the fonncs of men 

Diuide their works) haue paft through heauen fliccncj 
Since 1 was brought into this doolefull den ; 
During which Ipace, thefe fory eyes haue feenc 
Scaucn women by him flaine, and eaten cleenc. 
And now no more for him but I alone, 
And this old woman heere remaining bcene, 
Till tliou cam'ft hitherto augment ourmone ; 

And of vs three, to-ffiorrow he will fure eate one. 

14 

Ah ! drcadfull ty dings which thou dooft declare, 
Qiiotli Ihee, of all thatcuerhathbeenknownc: 
Fufl many great calamities and rare 
This feeble breft endured hath, bntnone 
Equall to this, where eucr I haue gone. 
But what are you, whom hke vnlucky lot 
Hath iinkt with me in the (amc chaine attone f 
To tell, <5uoth Ihe, that which ye fee, needs not } 

A wofuU wretched maid, of God and man forgot. 



But what I was, it itkes mee to reherfe ; 

Daughter vnto a Lord of high degree : 
That 10yd in happy peace, till Fates peruerii 

With guilefull loue did fecretly ^ce. 

To ovcr-tiirowc my ftate and dignity. 

It was my lot to loue a gentle Swaine, 

Yet was he but a Squire of lowc degree ; 

Yet was hee meet, vnlefle mine eye did £une> 
By any Ladies fide for Leman to haue lainc. 

16 
But for his meancnefle and dilparagement. 

My Sire (who mee too dearely well did loue^ 

Vnto my choifc by no meanes would aflent. 

But often did my folly foule reproue. 

Yet nothing could my fixed mind remoue, 

Butwhctherwill'd ornilledfriend or foe, 

I me icfolv'd the vtmoft endto prouei 

And rather then my Loue abandon fo. 
Both Sire, and friends, and all for euer to forgo, 

17 

Thence-forth, I fought by fecret meanes to worke 
Time to my will ; and from his wrathfiill fieht 
To hidcth 'intent, which in my hart didliukc. 
Till I thereto had all things ready dighc 
So on a day, vnwecting vnto wight, 
I with thaiSquire agreed away to Sit, 
And in a priuy place, betwixt vshight. 
Within a Grouc appointed him to mectc; 

To which I boldly came vpon my fceblefeetc 
18 

But ah ! vnhappy howre me thither brought : 
For, in that place where I him thought to find. 
There was I found, contrary to my thought, 
Of this accurfed Carle of hclhfli kind j 
The ftiame of men, and plague of woman-kind: 
Who trulling me, as Eagle dotli his pray. 
Me hither brought with him, as fwiftas wind, 
Where yet vntouched till this prelcnt day, 

I reft his wretched thrall, thefad ^emylia. 

Ah I (ad ^emylia, then faid ^moret, . 
Thy rueful! pUght I pitty as mine owije. 
But read to mee, by what deuilc or wit, 
Haft thou in all this time, from him vnknowne 
Thine honour fau'd, though into thraldome thrownc 5 
Through help, quoth flie, of this old woman here 
I haue lb done, as (he to mee hath (howne : 
For, eucr when he burnt in luftfullfire, 

Shee in my ftead fupplide his beaftiall delire. 
zo 

Thus, of their euils as they did difcourfe. 

And each did other much bcwaile and mone ; 
Loe, where the villaide felf e, their lorrowcs fouifcj 
Came to the Gauc ; and rolling thence the ftone. 
Which wont to ftop the mouth thereof, that none 
Migli t ilTuc forth, camerudely rulhing in ; 
And fp redding ov ef all the flore alone. 
Gin dighthimfelfe vnto his wonted finne : 

Which ended, then his bloudy banket (hould beginne. 
T 3. Wiucft 



xio- 



THE FOVRTH BOOKE OF Cant.VlL 



VVhich,whcn-as fearefull ^moMtpercciued, 
She ftiid not th'vtmoft end thereof to try. 
But like a gaftly Gelt, whofc wits are reaucd. 
Ran forth jn hjAe with hideous out-cry. 
For horrour of his fliamcfull villany. 
But after her full lightly he vp-rofc, 
And her purfewd as faft as fliee did fly : 
Full faft (he flies, and farre afore him goes, 

Nefeeles the themes & thickets prick her tender toc5. 

Nor hedge, nor ditch, nor hill, nor dale fhe ftaye j, 
But ovcr-leapes them all, like Roebuck Ught, 
And through the thickeft makes her nighcft wayes i 
And euer-more when with regardfulllight 
Shtclookingback, efpies that gnefly wight 
Approching nigh, ftiee gins to mend her pafe. 
And makes her fcare a fpurreto haftc her flight : 
More fwift then Myrth' or Dafbne in her race, 

Or any of the Thracian Nymphes in ialuage chafe. 

Long fo fhe fled, and fo he follow'dloiig ; 
Nc liuing ay defer her on earth appearcs, 
Buciftheheauens helpeto redrelle her wrong, 
Moued with pitty of hcrplentious teares. 
It fortuned Belpliabe with her Peeres 
The wooddy Nymphes, and with that louely boy. 
Was hunting then theLibbards and the Beares 
In thefewilde woods, as was her wonted ioy. 

To banifh floth, that o& doth nobleminds annoy. 

i4 

It fo befell (asoftitfalsin chace) 

That each of them from othcrfundred were. 
And thatfamegentleSquirearriu'din place, 
Where this fame curfed cay tiue did appeare, 
Purfuing that faire Lady full of feare ; 
And now he herquite ever-taken had : 
And now he her away with him did beafc 
Vnder his arme, as iecming wondrous glad. 

That by his grcnning laughter mote farrc ofFbe rad. 

Which drery fight the gentle Squire efpying. 
Doth halle to croffe him by the neareft way, 
Led with that wofull Ladicspittious crying. 
And him aflay les with all the mighthe may : 
Yet will not he the louely fpoyle downe lay. 
But with his craegy club in his right hand, 
Defends himfelte, and faues his gotten pray. 
Yet had it been right hard him to withftand, 

But that he was full light, and nimble on the land. 
z6 

There-tothevillainevfed craft in fight; 

For, euer when the Squire his IiueWh fiiooke, 
He held the Lady forth before him right. 
And with her body, as a buckler, broke 
The puiflance of hisintended ftrokc. 
And if it chaunc't (as needes it muft in fight) 
VVhirft he on him was greedy to bewroke. 
That any httle blowe on her did light, 

Thenwouldhelaughaloud.andgathergreajdclight. 

^ jiil . . . 'i 



Which fubtile fleight did him encumber much. 

And made him oft, when he would ftrike, forbeare ; 

For, hardly cotild he come the carle to touch. 

But that he her muft hurt, or hazard ncare : 

Yet he his hand lo carefiilly did beare, 

Thatatthelafthedidhimlclfeattaine, 

And therein left the pike-head of his fpearc. 

A ftreamc of cole-blackebloud thence gu(ht amaine. 
That all her filken garmc nts did with bloud beftaiae. 

With that.he threw her rudely on the flore, 
And laying both his hands vpon his glaue, 
With dreadfull ftrokes let dnuc at him fo fore. 
That forc't him fiie aback, iiimfelfe to due : 
Yethe tliere-with fo felly ftill didraue. 
That fcarcethe Squire his hand could once yp-reare. 
But (for advantage) ground vnto him gauc. 
Tracing and trauerfing, now here, now there; 

For, bootlelTe thing it was to thinke fuch blowes to beare, 

Whil'ft thus inbattell they embufied were, 
Belfhxbe (raunging in that foreft wide) 
The hideous noyfe of their huge ftrokes did heare« 
And drew rhere-to, making her earc her guide. * 
Whom, when that theefe approching nigh elpide. 
With boaw in hand, and arrowts reaSy bent, 
He by his former combat would not bide, 
But fled away with ghaftlydreriment, , 

Wellknowing her to be his deaths lole ioftrumcnt. 

?» 
Wtom, feeing flie, fhee fpeedily purfewed 

With winged feet, as nimble as the wind ; 

And euer in her boaw fhee ready (hewed 

The arrow, to his deadly marke defign'd : 

As when Latonaes daughter, cruell kind. 

In vengement of her mothers great difgrace. 

With fell defpight her cruell arrowes tind 

Gainft wofiill I^oiMvnhappy race. 
That all the gods did mone her miferable cafe. 

So well (he fped her, and fo far (he ventred. 
That ere vnto his hellifh den he raught, 
Euen as he ready was there to haue entred, 
S hee fent an arrow forth with mighty draught, 
That in the very dore him over-caught, 
And in his nape arriuing, through it thrild 
His greedy throat, there-with m two diltraught. 
That all his vitall fpirits there-by fpild, * 

And all hi s hairy breaft with gory bloud was fild. 

Whom, when on ground (he grouehngfaw to roule. 
She rah in hafte his life to haue bereft : 
But ere (he could him reach,the finfuU foule, 
Hauing his carrion corie quite fenfelclTe left. 
Was fled to hell,furcharg'd with fpoile and theft. 
Yet euer him (he there long gazing ftood. 
And oft admir'd his monftrous (hape, and oft 
His mighty limbesjwhil'ftall with filthy blood 

Thcplacethere, over-flowne, feem'd Uke a fuddaine flood. 

Thence, 



Cant. F 11. 



THE FAERIE QVEENE. 



xri 



Thence, forth (he part into his dreadfull den, 

Where nought but d.irkfome drcrinelTe flic found, 
IVe creature Uw, but harkncd now and then 
Some httle whilpcring, and foft groning found. 
With that, flieasktjwhatgholls there vnder ground 
Lay hid in horrour of eternall night ? 
And bade them, it fo be they were not bound, 
To comcand flicw themfdues before the light. 

Now freed troin fearc and danger of that difaall wight. 

34 
Then forth the fad ^emylia lilcwed. 

Yet trembhng cucry ioynt througli former fearc; 

And after ]icr th c Hag, diere with her nicwcd, 

A foule and lothlome creature did appearc ; 

A Lcman fit tor fuch a Louer dc.u-e. 

Thatmoou'dJSf//>//jrie'hcfnoldTetohatc, 

Then for to rue the otliers hcauy chearc i 

Of whom (he gan enquire of her edate. 
V Vho all to her a t large, as lupncd, did relate. 

31 

Thence (he them brought, toward the place where late 
She lett the gentle Squire with ^tntret: 
There fliecium found by thatncw louely Mate, 
Who lay the wliilcs in Iwoune, full fadly fct. 
From her faire eyes wiping the deawy wet. 
Which foftly fhld, and kifllng them atwecne. 
And handling foft the hurts, which ftie did get 
For, of that Carle (he forely briiz'd had beene, 

Als ofhisowncrafli hand one wound was tobefccne. 

Which when (he faw, with (iiddaine gliuncing eye. 
Her noble hart with fight thereof was fild 
With decpe dildaine, and great indignity, 
Tliat in her wrath (he thought them both haue thrild, 
VVitii that felfe arrow, which the Cai Ic had kild : 
Yet held her wrathfull handfi-om vengeance fore. 
But drawing nigh, ere he her well beheld ; 
Is tliis thetaith.dif laid, andfaidnomore. 

But turn'd her face, and fled away for cuermore. 

Hee,fceing her depart, aroie vp light, 

Rightloreagricuedacherfharpereproofc, 
Andfollow'a faft : but when he came iniight, 
He durft not nigh approche,but keptaloofe. 
For dread of her dilpleaturcs vtmoll proofe. 
And cuermore, when he did grace entreat, 
And framed fpceches fit for his behoofc, 
Her mortall arrowes llicc at him did threat. 

And forc't him back with foule dishonour to retreat. 
38 

At laft, when long he follow 'd had in vaine, 
Yet found no eafe of griefe, nor hope of grace, 
Vnto thofc woods he turned back againe. 
Full of fad anguifli, and in heauy cafe : 
And finding there fit fohtary place 
For wofuU wight, chofe out a gloomy glade. 
Where hardly eye motefeebright heauens face 
For molTy trees, which coucred all with (hade 

And fad melancholy: there he his cabm made. 



39 



His wonted war-like weapons all he broke. 
And threw away, with vow to vfe no more, 
Ne thencc-forth euer ftnke in battell (troke, 
Ne euer word to fpeake to woman more ; 
ButinthatwildernelTeCpfmcnforlore, 
And of the wicked world forgotten quight ) 
His hard mishap in dolour to deplore. 
And wafte his wretched dayes in wofiill plights 

So on hitnfelfe to wreake his follies ownc delpight. 
40 

And eke his earment,to be there-to meet, 
He wilfully did cut andlhape anew i 
And his faire locks, that wont with oyntmentfweet 
To be embaulm'd, and Iweatout dainty dcaw, 
Hce let to growe, and griefly to concrew, 
Vncomb'd, vncurl'd, and carclcfly vnlhed ; 
That in (hort time his face they over-grew. 
And ouer all his (houlders diddilTpred, 

That who he why lome was, vneath was to be red. 

41 

There he continued in this carefull plight. 
Wretchedly wearing out his youthly ycares, 
Through wilfull penury confumed quight. 
That like a pined ghoft hefoone appeares. 
For, otherfoode then that wilde foreft beares, 
Ne other drinke there did he neuer taftc 
Then running water, tcinpred with his teares. 
The more his weakened body fo to wafte ; 

That out of all mens knowledge he was wome at laft. 

41 
For, on a day (by fortune as it fell) 

His owue deare Lord Prince Arthur came that way. 

Seeking adventures where he mote hcarc tell ; 

And as ne through the wandring wood did ftray, 

Hauing elpide this cabin far away, 

He to it drew, to wcet who there did wonne : 

Weening therein fome holy Hermit lay. 

That did refort of linful) people /hunne ; 
Or clfe fome wood-man flirowdcd there from fcorching 

4 J (lunae. 

Arriuing there, he found this wretched man. 

Spending his dayes in dolour and delpaire ; 

And through long fathng woxcn pale and wan. 

All over-growne with rude and rugged haire ; 

That albeit his ownc deare Stjuire he were. 

Yet he him knew not, ne aviz'd at all; 

But hke ftrange wight, whom he had feene no where; 

Saluting him, gan into (peech to fail. 
And pitty much his plight,that hu'd Lkc out-caft thrall. 

44 

But to his fpeech he aunfwered no whit. 

But flood {till mute, as if he had beene dutll, 

, Ne (igne of fcnfe did (hew, ne common wit. 
As oncwith griefeand anguifli over-cum, 
And vnto euery thing didanfwere Mum : 
And euer when the Prince vnto him fpake, 
He loutcd lowely, as did him bccum, 
And humble homage did vnto him make, 

Midft forrow (hewing ioy ous femblaucc for his lake. 

T4. At 



ili 



THE FOVRTH BOOKE OF Cant.FlII, 



4J 

At which his vncouth guifc and vugc qiuint, 

The Prince did wonder much, yet could not gheffc 
The caufcof thithis forrcnvfull conftrainf, 
Yet weend by fccrct Jigncs of manlinelFc, 
Which dofcappcirdiii that rude brutilhnefle, 
That he whylome (ome gentle Swaine hadbeene, 
Traind vp in feates ofarmes and knightiinefle ; 
Which he obferu'd,by tluthchim hadfccne 

To wield his naked fword,and try die edges kecne. 
46 

And eke by that he faw on cuery tree. 
How he tlie name of one engrauen had. 
Which, likely was his licfeft Loue to bee,] 
For whom he now fo (orely was beftad > 



Which WIS by him BELVHOEBE rightly rad. 
Yet who was that Btlfhxbc, he nc wift ; 
Yet faw he often how he wexcd glad, 
When hee it hc.u-d , and ho w the ground he kift. 
Wherein it written was, and how himfelfe he blift. 

47 

Tho, when hclonghad tn arked his demeanor, 
Andfaw that all ne faid and did, was vainCj 
Ne ought mote make him change his wonted tenor, 
Ne ought mote eafe or mitigitc his paine, 
He left him there in languor to remainc. 
Till timcfor him fhould remedy prouidc. 
And him reftore to former grace againc. 
Whichjfor it is too long here to abide, 

I will dcferre the end vntill another tide. 





Canto VIII. 

The gentle Squire recouers grace: 
SUttrider herguefts dethjlaine: 

Corflamho chafeth PUcidas^ 
and is by Arthur jhine'. 





Ell (aid the WJIcm.in, nowprov'd true by this, 
Which to this gentle Squire did happen late ; 
«/vctQ That ihc dilplcaiure of the mighty is 
i-li/M Then death itfelft more drad and delperate : 
For, nought thelame may calme,nc mitigate. 
Till time the temped: doe thereof delay 
Wi^h fuiFi;rance foft, which rigour can abate, 
And haue the ftcrne remembrance wip't away 
Of bitter thoughts, which deepc therein infixed lay. 

Like as it fell to this vnhappy boy, 

whole tender hart the faire Belfhabehii ' ' 

With one fterne looke fo daunted, that no ioy 

In all his life, which aftcr\vards he lad. 

He eucr tafted ; but with penaunce fad. 

And penfiueforrow,pin'd and wore away, 

Ne cuer laught, ne once fhew'd countenance glad ; 

But alwaics wept and wailed night and day. 

As blafted bloofm through heat doth langui/h & decay ; 

Till on a day (as in his wonted wife 

His doole he made) there chaunc'ta Turtle-Douc 
To come, where he his dolors did deuife, 
Thatlikewifelatehadlbft herdeaieftLoue i 



Which lofie, her made like paflion alfo prouc. 
Who feeing his fad plight, her render hart 
With deare compjflion deeply did emmoue. 
That (he gan mone his vndcferued fmarr, , 

And with her dolefull accent.bearc witli him a part. 

"^ 
Shee, fitting by him, as on ground he lay. 

Her mournefuU notes fuUpittioufly didframe. 

And thereof made a lamentable lay. 

So feniibly compyl'd, thatin the fame 

Him feemed oft he heard his ownc right name. 

With that^ he forth would poure fo plentious teares. 

And beat his breaft vnworthy of fuch blame, 

And fcnocke his head, and rend his rugged hcarcs. 

That could haue pearc't the harts of Tigers & of Beares. 

ThuSjlong this gentlcbird to him did vfe, 
Withouten dread of penll to repaire 
Vnto his wonne ; and with her moumfiill Mufe 
Him to recomfort in his grcatelt care. 
That much did eafe his mourning and njisfare : 
And puery day, for guerdon of her fong, 
He part of his fmallfeaft to her would (liarc; 
That at the la(t, of all his woe and wrong, 

Companion (hee became, and fo continued long. 

Vpon 



Cant.VUL THE FAERIE QVEENE. 115 



I 



Vpon i d.iy, IS fliec him fate befide, 
By chance he certaine uiimments fortli drew. 
Which ) ct with him as rcliqiies did abide 
Ot'all the bounty , which Belphebe threw 
On hitrij whil'ft goodly grace flie did him (hew : 
Amonglt the reft, a iewell rich lie found. 
That w.is a Ruby of right perfect hew, 
Shap't hke a heart.yet bleeding of the wound. 

And with a little golden chaine about it bound. 

7 

The lame he tooke, and with a riband new 
(In which his Ladies colours were) did bind 
About the Turtles necke, that with theview 
Did greatly folacc his engrieued mind. 
All vnavvarcs the bird, when (lie did find 
Her felfc fo deckt, her nimblcwings difploid. 
And flew away, as lightly as thewind : 
Which I'liddaine accident him much difmaid, 

Andlooking after long, did marke which way (he ftroid. 
8 

But, when as long he looked had in vaine, 
Yctfaw hcrforward ftill to make her fliglit. 
His \veary eye rcturiid to him againe, 
Full of difcomfort and difquiet plight, 
That both his iewell he had loft folight. 
And eke his dcare companion of his care. 
But that fvvect bird deporting, flew forth right 
Through the wide region of the waftfuU aire, 

Vntillflie camewherewontiedhis Bdj>bjcbe{me. 

• 9 

There found (liee her (as then it did betide) 
SittmgiD coueri (hade of arbors (weet. 
After late weary toilc, which (he had tride 
In (aluage chale, to rell: as leem'd her meet. 
There (he alighting, fell before her feet, 
And gan to lier.hermournfullplaintto raakcj 
As was her wont : thinking to let her weet 
The great tormenting griefc, that for her (akc 

Her gentle Squire through her difpleolurc did partake 
10 

Shee, her beholding with attentiue eye. 
At length did marke about her purple bred 
That precious iewell, which Ihe formerly 
Had knowue right well, with colourd ribband dreft : 
Therc-with (he rofe in hafte, and her addrcft 
With ready hand it to haue reft away. 
But the fwift bird obayd not her beheft, 
Butfwaru'd aiiJc, and there againe did (lay ; 

She follow 'd her, and thought againeit to a(ray. 
II 

And eucr when (he nigh approch't,the Douc 
Would flit a little forward, and then ftay 
Till (he drew ncare, and then againe remoue ; 
So tempting her (lill to purfue the pray. 
And ftiii trom her efcaping foft away : 
Till that at length, into tliat forcft wide 
Shce drew her farre, and led with flowe delay. 
In th'cnd, (lie her vnto that place did guide, 

Where-as that wofull man in languor did abide. 



Eftlooneslheflew vnto his fcarele(re hand, 
And there a pittious ditty new deviz'd, 
As if (hewould haue made him vndirlland. 
His forrowes cau(e to be of her delpis'd. 
Whom when (he faw in wretched weedes di(guiz'(]. 
With heary glib deform'd, and meiger face, 
Like ghoft late rifen from his Graue agryz'd. 
She knew him not, but pittied much hi s cafe. 

And vvKhtit were in her to doe him any grace. 

He her beholding, at her feet downe fell. 

And kift the ground on which her fole did trea<]^ 
And wa(ht the fame with water.which did well 
From his moift eyes, and like two (heames proceed ; 
Yet (pake no word, whereby (he might aread 
What mifter wight he was , or whatne ment : 
But as one daunted with her prefence dread, 
Onely few ruefull lookes vnto her fent. 

As medengers of his true meaning and intent. 

»4 

Yet nathemore, his meaning (he ared. 
But wondred much at his fo felcouth cafe i 
And by his perlbns fecret feemlihed 
Well weend.that he had been fome man of plac*» 
Before misfortune did his hew deface : 
That beeing mou'd with ruth (he thus befpake^ 
Ah ! wofull maii,what heauens hard difgrace. 
Or wrath of cruell wight on thee y wrakc. 

Or felfe difliked life, doth thee thus wretched make ? 

If heauen, then none may it TcdrdTe or blame, 
Sith to his powre we all ore fubieft borne : 
If wratlifuU wight, then foulc rebuke and (hame 
Be theirsj thathaue fo cruell thee forlorne ; 
But if through inward griefe, or wilfull fcornc 
Of life it be, then better doe avife. 
For, hee whofe daies in wilfull woe are wornc> 
The grace of his Creator doth defpife. 

That will notvfc his gifts for thankle(re nigardife. 
16 

When fo he heard her fay, eftfoones he brake 
His fuddaine (ilence, which he long had pent, 
And (igliing inly deepe, her thus befpoke ; 
Then haue they all themfelucs againft me bent : 
For heauen (firll author of my langui(hment) 
Envying my too great felicity, 
Did dofely with a cruell one confent, 
To clowd my daies m doolefull mifery. 

And make meloath this life, ftill longing for to die. 

17 

Nc any but your felfc, o deareft dred. 

Hath done this wrong ; to wreoke on worthlelTe wight 
Your high difpleafure, dirough mifdeeming bred : 
That when your pleafure is to deeme aright. 
Ye may redrefle, and me reftore to hght. 
Which fory words, her mighty hart did mate 
With mild regard, to fee his ruefull plight. 
That her in-burning wrath (he gan abate. 

And him recciu'd againe to fonneifauouirs (Ute. 



la 



ZZ4 THE FOVRTH BOOKE OF Cant,VllL 



In which , he lonf^ time afterwards did lead 
An happy life, u ith grace and good accord ; 
Fearelerte of Fortunes change, or Envies dread, 
And eke all mindleirc of his owne deare Lord 
The noble Prince, who ncuer heard one word 
Of ty dings J what did vnto him betide, 
Or what good foitune did to him afford ; 
But through the endlclle world did wander wide, 

Him feeking euermore, yet no where him dcfcridej 

»9 

Till on a day,is through that wood he rode. 

He chaunc't to come where thole two Ladies iatej 

^emylU and ^moret abode. 

Both in full fad and lorrowfuU eftate i 

The one right feeble, through the euill rate 

Of foode, which in her durelTe file had found: 

The other, alinoll dead and defpcrate 

Through her late hurts ,& through that haplefle wound. 

With which the Squire in her defence her lore aftound. 
lo 

Whom when the Prince beheld, he gan to rew 
The euill cale in which tliole Ladies lay i 
But mod was moued at the pittious view 
Of^TMOKt.fo neerevnto decay. 
That her great danger did him much difmay. 
Eftlbones that pretious liquor forth he drew. 
Which he inftoreabouthim kept alway. 
And with few drops thereof did foftly deaw 

Her wounds, that vnto ftrengthrcftor'dherfooneanew. 

21 

Tho, when they both rccoueredwereright well. 
He gan ofthcm inquire, what euill guide 
Them thither brought ; and how their harmcs befell. 
To who m th ey told all that di 1 them bende, 
And how from thraldome vile they were vntide 
Of that lame wicked Carle, by Virgins hond ; 
Whofe bloudy corfe they fhew'd him thercbefide. 
And eke his Cauc , in which they botli were bond : 

At which he woiidrcd much, when all thofe fignes he fond, 

21 

And euer-more,he greatly did defire 

To knowe, what Virgin did them thence vnbind ; 

And oftof them didcarneifly inquire. 

Where was her won , and how he mote her find. 

But, when as nought according to his mind 

He could out-learne, he them ft om ground did reare 

(No leruice lothforae to a gentle kind) 

And on his war-like beaft them both did beare, 

Himlelfe by them on foot, to fuccour them from feare. 

So, when that foreft they had palled well, 
A httle cotage farre away they fpide. 
To which they drew, ere night vpon them fell; 
And entring in, found none therein abide, 
But one old woman fitting there belide, 
Vpon the giound in ragged rudeaitire, 
With filthy locks about herkattered wide, 
Gnawing her uaylesforfelnefleandfor ire. 

And there-out fucking venime to her parts entire. 



-4 

A foule and loathly creature lure in fight. 
And in conditions to be 1 . .uh'd no lefle : 
For, fliee was ftuftwith rancour and defpight 
Vp to the throat; that oft vnth bitterneffe 
Itforlli would brcake, and gufh in great exceffe. 
Pouring out ftreames of poyion and of gall, 
Gainft all that truth or vtrtuedoeprofeffci 
- Whom llie with leafings lewdly didmifcall. 

And wickedly back-bite : Her name men Slaunder call. 

Her tuture is, all goodnefle to abufe, 

And caufcLlfe crimes continuallv to frame ; 
Witli which (lie gtiiltleffe perfons may accufe. 
And lleale away the crowne of their good name : 
Ne tuer Kuightlo bold, ne euerDame 
So clufte and loyall liu'd, but fliee would ftriue 
With forged caule them falfely to defame : 
Ne euer thing lo well was doen ahue. 
But (he with blame would blot, & of due praife depriuc. 

z6 
Her words were not as common words are ment, 
T'expreffe the meaning of the inward mind ; 
But noyfome breath, and poyfnous (pint lent 
From inward parts, with cincred malice lin'd. 
And breathedforth with blaft of bitter wind; 
Which, pjfling through the earcs,would pearce the hart. 
And wound the foule it felfe wirh griefe vnkind : 
For, like the ffings of Afpcs, that kill widifmort. 
Her fpightfull words did pnck, & wound the inner part. 

*7 

Such v/as tlut Hag, vnmeet to hoft fuch guefts. 

Whom greatcif Pnnces Court would welcome faine; 

But need (chat anfwers not to allrequefts) 

Bade tlicin not looke for better entertaine ; 

And cl;e that age dclpifed nicencflcvaine, 

Enur'd to hariinefle and ro homely fare. 

Which them to war-like difcipline did traine. 

And m,iiily limbs endur'd with little care, 

Againft all liard mishaps, and fortuneleffe misfare. 
i8 

Then all that euening (welcommed with cold 
And chearelelTe hunger) they togetherlpent; 
Yet found no fault, but that the Hag did fcold 
And raile at them with grudgefuU difcontent, , 

For lodging there without her owne confent : 
Yet they endured all with patience milde. 
And vnto reft ihemfelucs all onely lent, 
Rcgardleffe of that queane fo bafe and vilde. 

To be vniuftlyblam'd, and bitterly rcuilde. 

-9 

Heerc well I weene,when as chele rimes bered 
With mif-regard,that fome rafh witted wight, 
Whofe looferthought will hghtly be mifled, 
Thefe gentle Ladies will mifdeeme too light. 
For thus conuerfing with this noble Knight; 
Sith now of dayes fuch temperance is rare 
And hard to fin j , that heate of youthful! fpright 
For ouo htwill from his greedy pleafurefpare, 

Morehardfor hungry fteedt'abftaine firomplealantlare. 

But 



Qant.FUL THE FAERIE QVEENE. 



iz5 



\ 



3° 

But antique age, yet in the infoncic 
Of time, diii hue then like an innocent. 
In limple truth and blamelelTe choftitie, 
Nethen ofgu;Ie had nude experiment; 
Bucvoyd otvileand trcacherousintent. 
Held vertue for it 'elfein Ibucraine awe : 
Then loyall lone h.id royall regiment. 
And each vn:o his !ufl did make alawe, 

From all forbidden diiiigs his liking to with-driwe. 

?i 

The Lion there did with the Lambe confort. 
And eke the Douelateby the Faulcons fide ; 
Ne each of other feared fraude or tort, 
But did in fafe iccurity abide, 
Withouten penll of the ftronger pride : 
But when die world woxe old, it woxe warre old 
(VVhereofit hight)andhauing(hortly tride 
Thetraincs of wit, in wickednefle woxe bold. 

And dared of all Cnnes the fecrets to\iifold. 

Then beauty, which was made to reprefent 
The great Creators owne rclemblance bright, 
Vnto abule of lawlelTe luft was lent, 
And made the baite of beftull delight : 
Then fiirc grew foule, & foule grew fairc in fight; 
And that which wont to vanqiiilh God and Man, 
Was made the valTall of the Vicftors might ; 
Then did her glonous flowre wex dead and wan, 

Delpis'd and trodcn downe of alljhat over-ran. 

And now it is fo vtterly decay d. 

That any bud thereof doth fcarce remaine, 
But if few plants (prefcru'd through heauenly ayde) 
In Princes Court doe hap to fprout againe, 
Dew'd with her drops of bounty' foueraine, 
Which from that goodly glonous ilowre proceed. 
Sprung of thc.iuncientftockeof Pnnces ifraine. 
Now th'onely remnant of that royall breed, 

Whofe noble bnd at firft was lure of heauenly feed. 

34 
Tho.fooneasdaydifcoueredheauensface 
To finfull men with darknelTeover-dight, 
This gentle crew, gan from their eye-Uds chice 
The drowzie humour of the dampifh night. 
And did themlclues vnto their iourney dight. 
So forth they yode, and forward foftly paled. 
That them ro view had been an vncouth light; 
How lU the way the Prince on foot-pafe traced. 
The Ladies both on horfe, together faft embraced. 

35 
Sooiie as they thence departed were afore, 
That Ihamefull Hig (the flauuder of her fex) 
Them follow 'd faft.and tliem reuiled fore. 
Him calling tluefe, them whores ; that much did vex 
His noble liarc : there-to (he did annex 
Falle crimes and fads, fuch as th;y neuer meat. 
That thole two Ladies much afliam'd did wex : 
The more did fliepurfue her lewd intent. 
And ray Id and rag'd, till (he had all her poyfon (pent. 



3" 

Atlaft, when they were pafled out of fight. 

Yet /hee di d not her Ipightfull fpeech forbeare, 

Butafterthetn did barke, andftill back-bite. 

Though there were none her hatefidl words to heare ; 

Lik« as a curre doth felly bite and teare 

The rtone, which pafled ftrangcr at hiin threw ; 

So ihi them feeing paft the reach of eare, 

Againft the ftones and trees did raile anew, 

TUl Ihe had duld the liing, which in her tongs end grevf. 
37 

They, palling forth, kept on theirready way, 
With eafie fteps fo foft as foote could ftnde. 
Both for great feeblefle, which did oft allay 
Faire ^moretj that fcarccly ftiee could ride ; 
And eke through heauy armcs, which (ore annoyd 
The Prince on foot, not wonted fo to fare : 
Whole fteady hand was faine his fteed to guide. 
And al 1 the way from trotting hard to fpare. 

So was his toyle the more, the more that was his care. 

38 
At length, they fpide, where towards them with fpeed 

A Squire came gallopping^ as he would flie ; 

Bearing a httle Dw^rfe before liis fteed. 

That all the way full loud for ayde did cry, 

Thatfcem'd his (hrikcs would rend thebrafensfcy i 

Whom ifter did a mighty man purfew, 

RiuingvponaDromedareon hie, 

Of fraturc huge, and horrible ofhew, 
That would haue maz'd a man his dreadfull face to view. 

39 
For, from his fearefull eyes vwo fieric beames 

More (harpc then povnts of needles did proceed, 

Shooting forth farre away two flaming ftreames. 

Full of lad powre, that poyfoncus bale did breed 

To all, that on hin'. lookt without good heed. 

And Iccretly his enemies die; flay : 

Like as the Balihsk, of ferpcnts feed. 

From powrt iuU eyes dole venim doth conuay 

Into the lookers hart, and killeth farre away. 
40 

Hee al! the way did rage atthatfame Squire, 
And after him foil many threatnings threw, 
Witli curfes vainein liis avengeftiU ire : 
But none of them (Co faft away he flew) , 
Him over-tooke, before he came in view. 
Whcre.whenhefaw the Princein armour bright. 
He cald to him aloud, his cafe to rew, 
And reskew him through fuccour of his might. 

From that his crueU foe, that him purlcwd in fight. 

Eftfoones the Prince toofce downe thofe Ladies twaine 
From loft)' iteedj and mountingintheirftead 
Came to that Sqoire.yet trembling euery vaine ; 
Of whom he gan enquire his caufe of dread; 
Who, as he gan the fame to lijm oread, 
Lo , hard behind his backe his foe was prcft. 
With dreadfull weapon aymed athis head: 
Thatvnto death had doen himvnrcdreft. 

Hid not xht noble Prince his ready ftroke repreft. 

Whs; 



zz6 



THE FOVRTH BOOKE OF Cant.VllL 



V Vho.thrufting boldly twixt him and the blowe, 

The burden of the deadly brunt did beare 
Vpon his (hield; which lightly he did throwe 
Over his head, before the harme came ncare. 
Nath'lelle, it fell with lb delpiteous dreare 
And heauy fway, thathard vnco his crowne 
The (hield it droue, and did the coucring reare : 
There-with both Squire and Dwarf c did tumble downe 
Vnto the earth, and lay long while in fenfelefle fwoune. 

4J 

V Vhere-at, the Prince full wrath, his ftrong right hand 

In full avengemcnt heaued vp on hie. 
And flrooke the Pagan with his ftccly brand 
So fore, that to his laddlc-boaw thereby 
He bowed lowe, and lb awhile did lie : 
And fure, had not his maflie iron mace 
Betwixt him and his hurt been happely. 
It would haue cleft him to the girding place : 
Yet as it was, it di4 aftoniih him long fpace. 

44 , 

But, when he to himfelfe return'd againe, 
AH full of rage he gan to curfe and fweare ; 
And vow by Mahoune that he fhould be Uaine. 
With that, his murdrous mace he vp did reare. 
That feemed nought the foufe thereof could bearc. 
And there-with fmote at him with all his might. 
But ere tliat it to him approched neare. 
The royall child, with ready quicke fore-fight. 

Did fliun the proofc thereof, and it auoyded Lght. 

■*^ 

But ere his hand he could recure againe, 

To ward his body fiom the balefull ftound, 
Ke fmote at him with all his might and maine. 
So furioufly , that ere he wift, he found 
His head before him tumbling on theground. 
The whiles, his babbling tongue did yet blaspheme 
And curfe his God, that did him fo confound ; 
The whiles his life ran forth in bloudy ftreamc. 

His foule defcen Jed downe into the Stygian reamc. 
46 

Which when that Squire beheld, he woxc full glad 
To fee his foe breathe out his fpright in vaine : 
But that fame Dwarfe right fory leem'd and fad. 
And howl'd aloude to lee his Lord there flaine. 
And rent his haire, and fcratcht his face for painc 
Then gan the Prince at leafure to inquire 
OfalltheacciJent, there hapneJplaine, 
Andwhathe wa!,whofe eyes did flame with fire ; 

AH which was thus to him declared by that Squire. 
47 

This mighty man, quoth he, whom you haueflaine. 
Of an huge Gianteffe whylome v/as bred ; 
And by his fttcngth, rule to himfelfe did gainc 
Of many Nations into thraldome led. 
And migli ty kingdomes of his force adred ; 
whom yet he conqucr'd not by bloudy fight, 
Ne hofts of men with banners brode diflpred, 
But by the powre ot his infeftious fight. 

With wliicli he killed all that came witHm his might. 



48 
Ne was he euer vanquifhed afore. 

But euer vanquiflit all with whom he fought; 

Nc was there man fo fbongbut he downe bore, 

Ne woman yet fo faire, but he her brought 

Vnto his bay, and captiued her thought. 

For, moft of flrength and bcautie his defire 

Was fpoyle to make, and wafte them vnto nought. 

By carting (ecret flakes of luftfull fire 
From his falle eyes, into their harts and parts entire. 

49 

Therefore Corflamho was he cald aright. 

Though namelelTe there his body now doth lie. 

Yet hath he left one daughter, that is hight 

The faire Vaana ; who f eemes outwardly 

So faire, as euer yet (aw liuing eye : 

And, were her vertuc like her beautie bright. 

She were as faire as any vnder sky. 

But (ah ! ) fhee giuen is to vaine delight. 

And eke too loole of life, and eke of loue too light. 

^° 
So as it fell, there was a gentleSquire 

That lov'd a Lady of high parentage ; 

But for his meane degree might not afpire 

To match fo high: her friends with couiildlfage, 

DjfTwaded her from fuch a difparage. 

But fliee, whofe hart to loue was v\ holly lent. 

Out of his hands could notredceme her cage. 

But finnely following her firft intent, 

Refolu'd with him to wend, gainft all her friends confcnt. 
>i 

So twixt themfelucs they pointed time and place: 
To which, when he according did repairc. 
An hard mishap and difaventrous cafe 
Him chaunc't; in Read of his ^emyliafiire 
This Giants fonne, that lyes there on the laire 
An headlcfle heape, him vnawares there caught; 
And.all <jj(rnai i through mercilclTe defpaire, 
Him wretched thrall vnto his dungeon brought. 

Where he remaines, of all vnfuccour d and vnfought. 

S» 

This Giants daughter came vpon a day 
Vnto the prifon in her ioyous glee. 
To view thethrals which therein bondage lay : 
Amongfl the reft fhe chaunced there to fee 
This lonely fwaine, the Squire of lowe degree; 
To whom fhee did her liking lightly caft. 
And wooed him her Paramour to bee : 
From day to day fhe woo'd and pray'd him.faft, 

And for his loue, him promiftlibertie at laft. 

U 

He, though affidc vnto a former Loue, 

To whom his faith he firmely meant to hold. 
Yet feeing not how thence he mote remoue. 
But by that meanes, which fortune did vnfold. 
Her grauntedloue,butwithafFeftion cold. 
To win her grace his libertie to get. 
Yet fhe him ftill detaines in captiue hold; 
Fearing leaft if (he fhould him freely fet. 

He would her fhortly leaue, and former loue forged 



Yc i 



Cant.FllL THE FAERlE QVEENE. 



1.2.7 



54 

Yet fo much fjuour (hee to lum kath hight 
Aboue the reft, thit he fometimes may Ipicc 
And walke about he rgantens of delight, 
Hauing a Keeper ftill with him in place ; 
Whicli Keeper is this Dwarfc,her dearling bafe, 
To whom the keyes of euery prifon dore 
By her committed be, of fpeciall grace. 
And at hi s will may whom he lift reftore, 

And whom he lift relerucj to be afflifted more. 

Whereof when tydings came vnto mine earc 
(Full inly fory for the feruentzeale, 
Which I tohimastomyfouledidbeare) 
I thither went ; where I did long conceale 
My felfe, till that the Dwarfe did me reuealc, 
And told his Dame, her Squire of lowe degree 
Did fecrctly out of her prilon fteale ; 
For, me he did miftake that Squire to bee : 

For, neuertwofo like did lining creature fee. 

Then was I taken, and before her brought: 

Who , through die likenefl'e of my outward hew, 
Beeing likcvvite beguiled in her thought, 
Gan blame me much for beeingfo vntrew. 
To fecke by flight her fcllowfliip tefchew. 
That lov'd mee deare, as deareft thing ahuc. 
Thence (he commaundcd me to prifon new ; 
WhereofI glad, did notgaine-fay nor ftriue. 

But fufFrcd that fame Dwarfe me to her dungeon driue. 

There did I find mine onely faithfull friend 

In hcauy plight and (ad perplexitie ; 

WhereofI lory , yet my felfe did bend. 

Him to recomfortwith my company. 

But him the more agrecu'd I found thereby : 

For, all his loy, he faid, in that diftrefTe, 

Was mine and his ^f»jy/(ajlibertie. 

^emylia well he lov'd, as I mote gheffe ; 
Yet greater loue to me then hir he did profelTc. 

58 

But I, with better reafon himaviz'd, 

And (hew'd him, how through errour& misthought 
Of our like perfons eath to be difguiz'dj 
Or his exchange, or freedome might be wrought. 
Where-to full loth was he, ne would for ought 
Confent, that I,who flood all feareleffe free. 
Should wilfully be into thraldomebrought, 
Till fortune did perforce itfo decree : 

Yet over-rul'djat laft,hc did to me agree. 

The morrow next, about the wonted howre. 
The Dwarfe cold at tlic doore oiAmytu, 
To come forth -with vnto his Ladies bowre. 
In ftead of whom, forth came I VUcidas, 



And vndifcerncd, forth with him didpafs. 
There , with great ioyance and with gladfome glee, 
Of faire Taana Ireceiucd was. 
And oft imbrac't.as if that I were hee. 

And with kind words accoyd, vowing great loue to mee. 
60 

Which r,that was not bent to former Loue, 
As was my friend, that had her long refus'd. 
Did well accept, as well it did behoue. 
And to the prcfent need it wifely vs'd. 
My former hardneffe, firft, I faire excus'd; 
And after, promift large amends to make. 
With fuch (mooth tearmes, her error I abus'd. 
To my friends good, more then for mine owne fake. 

For whofe fole liberty, I loue and life did ftake. 
61 

Thence-forth, I found more fauour at her hand; 
That to her Dwarfe, which had me in his charge. 
She bade to lighten my too heauy band. 
And graunt more fcope to me to walke at large. 
So on a day , as by theflowriemarge 
Ofafreflii^reamelwith thatElfedidpIay, 
Finding no meanes how I might vs enlarge. 
But if that Dwarfe I could with me conuay, 

I lightly fhatcht him vp, and with me bore away. 
61 

There-at he fhriekt aloud, that with his cry 
The Tyrantfelfecameforth with yelling bray. 
And me purfew'd ; but nathemore would I 
Forgoe the purchafe of my gotten pray. 
But haueperforce him hither brought away. 
Thus as they talked , loe, where nigh at hand 
Thofe Ladies two (yetdoubtfuUthrough difmay) 
In prcfence came, defirous tVnderftand 

Tydings of all, which there had hapned on the land. 

Where,foone as fad ^emylia did efpy 

Her captiue Louersfriend, young "Placidat ; 
All mindlefle of her wonted modeftie. 
She to liim ran,and him with ftraight embras 
Enfolding faid. And liues yet ^mytu ? 
Hee liues , quoth he, and his ^emylia loaes. 
Then leiTe, faid (he, by all the woe I pals. 
With which my weaker patience fortune proues. 

But what mishap thus long him fro my felfe remoues } 

H 

Then gan he all this ftory to renew, 

Ani tell the courfe of his captiuity ; 

That her deare hartfiill deepely made to rew. 

And figh full fore, to heare the mifery, 

In which fo long he mercilefTe did lie. 

Then, after many teares and forrowcs fpent. 

She deare befoughtthe Prince of remedy : 

Who there-to did with ready will confent. 
And well perform'd, as (hall appeare by his event. 



r. 



Cann 



ii8 



THE FIFT BOOKE OF 



Cant J X, 





Canto IX. 

J he Squire of lowe degree ^reUtifit 

PceanA takes to wife : 
Britotfurt fghts -with many Knights, 

Prince CArtharfiints their fir if e. 





, Ard is the doubtj and difficult to deeme, 
When all three kinds of loue together meet. 
And doe dilpartthe lurt with powre extreame, 
I Whether (lull weigh the ballancedowne;to 
The de.ircafteftionvnto kindred fvveet, (wcct 

Or raging fire of loue to woman-kind. 
Or zeale of friends combin'd with vertues meet. 
But of them all, the band of vertuous mind 
Me feemes the gentle hart, fliould moft aflurcd bind. 

2 

For, natural! afTcftionfoone doth cefle, 
And quenched is with CKfiaf^greaterfiame : 
Butfaithfullfriendiliip doth thcmboth fuppreffe. 
And them with majfinng difcipline doih tame. 
Through thouglits afpyring to etcrnall fame. 
For, as the fcuic doth rule the earthly mafs, 
And all the fenjice of the body frame ; 
So loue of loule doth loue of body pafs. 

No lefle then perfeft gold (irrmounts the me.tneft brafs. 

Ail which who lift by tiiall to affay, 

Shall in this ftory findapprouedplaine ; 

Jn which, this Squires true fricndfhip more did fway. 

Then either care of Parents could refraine. 

Or loue offaireft Lady could conftrainc. 

For, though Toeana wcr? as faire as monie. 

Yet did this trufly Squire with proud difdaine. 

For his friends lake her offred fauours fcornc, 

And flie her fclfc her fire, of whom flie was yborne. 

4 

Now after tliat Prince ^rtW graunted had. 
To yeeld ftrong faccourto tliat gentle fwaine. 
Who now long time had lyen in prifon fad. 
He gan aduife how bcft he mote darraine 
That enterprize, for greateltgloriesgaine. 
That headlefle Tyrants trunk he reard firomground, 
Andhiuing ympt the head to it againc, 
Vpon his vfuall beaft it firmely bound. 

And made it fo to ride, as it aliue was found. 



Then didhetafcethatchaccd Squire, and layd 
Before the rider, as hecaptiue were, 
And made his Dwarfe (though with vnwilling ayd) 
To guide the beaft, that did his maifter bearc. 
Till to his Caftle they approchcd neere. 
Whom, when the watch that kept continuall ward 
Saw comming home ; all voyd of doubtfullfeare, 
He running downe, the gate to him vnbard ; 

Whom ftraight the Prince cniuing, in together far'd. 
6 

There he did find in her delicious boure. 
The faire Tceana playing on a Rote, 
Complayning of her crucll Paramoure, 
And iinging all her forrow to the note. 
As fhe had learned readily by rote ; 
That with the fweerneffc of her rare deligh t , 
The Prince halferapt, began on her to dote : 
Till better him bethinking of the right, 

He her vnwares attach't.and captiue held by might. 
7 

Whence beeing forth produc't, when (he perceiucd 
Her owne dearcSire, fhe cald to him for aydc. 
Butwhenofhim no lunfwere fhe recemed, 
But faw him fenfelefTe by the Squire vp-ftaid. 
She weened well, that then fhewasbetraid: 
Then gan flie loudly cry, and weepe, and waile. 
And that fame Squire ot treafon to vpbraid. 
But all in vaine, her plaints might not preuaile, 

Ne none there was to reskew her, ne none to baile. 
S 

Then tooke he that fame Dwarfe, and him compeld 
To open vnto him the prifon dorc, 
Andforth to bring thole thrals which there he held. 
Thence,forth were brought to him abouc a fcorc 
Of Knights and Squires to him vnknowne afore : 
All which he didfrombitterbondagcfree. 
And vnto former liberty reftore. 
Amongft the reft, that Squire of lowe degree 

Came forth full weakc and wan^ not likehunfclfe to bee. 

Whom 



Cant, IX. 



THE FAERIE Q.VEENE. 



li^ 



whom foone ax faire ^Emilia beheld , 
And VUcidiu, they both vnto him ran, 
And him embracing faft betwixt them held, 
Striuing to comfort him all that they can, 
Andkjffin^oft his vifage pale and wan; 
That f-ireP^aniithem beholding both, 
Gan both enuy, and bitterly to ban ; 
Through lealouspaflion weeping inly wroth, 

To fee the lighcperforcej that both her eyes were loth. 

10 

Butwhen awhile they had together been. 
And diuerfly confeircd of their cafe ; 
She.thoughfulloftfliebothof them had feene 
Afunder, yet not euer in one phce, 
Began to doubt, when (lie them fawe embrace, 
which was tiie captiue S<juire (he lov'd fo deare, 
Decdued through great likenelTe of their face. 
For, they fohke in perfon did appeare, 

That file vneath difcernedj whether whether were. 
II 

And eke the Prince, when as he thcmauized. 
Their like refemblance much admired there. 
And maz'd how Nature had fo well difguized 
Her worke, and counterfet her fclfe fo neare. 
As if that by one patteme feene fomewhere. 
She had them made a Paragouc to be; 
Or, whether it through skill, or error were. 
Thus gazing long, atthcm much wondred he. 

So did tlie other knights and Squires, which him did fee. 
II 

Then gan they ranfacke that (ame Caftle ftrong, 
In which he found great ftore of hoorded threalitre; ' 
The which, that tyrant gathcredhad by wrong 
And tortious powre, without rdpeifl or meafure. 
Vpon all which the Briton Prince made fcafurCj 
And afterwards continu'd there awhile, 
To reft him felfe, and folace in foft pleafure 
Thofe weaker Ladies after weary toyle ; 

To whom he did diuide part of his purchaft fpoile. 

'J 

And for more ioy, that captiue Lady faire 

The faire Viana he enlarged free ; 
And by the reft did fet in fumptuous chaire, 
To feaft andfrollicke ; nathemore would Ihc 
Shew gladtome countenance nor plealant glee : 
But gri eued was f or lofle both of her fire. 
And eke of Lordfhip .with both land and fee : 
But moft /he touched was with griefe entire. 
For lofle of her new Loue, the hope of her defirc. 

But her the Prince, through bis well wonted grace. 
To bettertearms of my Idncffe did entreat, 
From that fowle rud enefle, which did her deface ; 
And that fame bitter corfiuc , which did eat 
Htr tenderheart, and made rcfrainc from meat. 
He with good thewes and Ipeeches well applide. 
Did molbfie, and calme her raging heat. 
For, though (he were moft faire, and goodly didc," 

Yetfhe it all did mar, with cruelty and pnde. 



And for to (liut vp all in friendly loUe, 

Sith loue was firft the ground of all her i>riefe. 
That trufty Squire he wifely well did moue 
Not to defpife that Dame, which lov'd him liefe. 
Till he had made of her foinebettcr pricfe, 
But to accept her to his wcdtled wife. 
Thereto he offred for to make him chicfc 
Of all her land and Lordlhip during hfe : 

He yeelded, and her tooke; lo ftimcd all their flrifc. 
16 

From that day forth.in peaceandioyous bhfs. 
They liv'd together long without debate : 
Ne priuate Jarre, ne fpiteof enimis 
Could fhake the fife afTurjnce of their (late. 
And(he,whom N.ituredid fofaire create 
That (he mote match the f.iircft of her dayes. 
Yet with lewd loues and luft intemperate 
Had it def ic't ; thenceforth reformd her waics , 

That all men much admit 'd her change , & (pakehir praife. 

17 
Thus when the Prince had perfeftly compilde 

Thefe paires of fhends m peace and fettled reft; 

Him felfe, whofe minde did traucU as v/ith childc 

Of his oldloue.conceiu'diafecretbreaft, 

Refolued to purfu