The faerie queene Disposed into twelue bookes, fashioning XII. morall vertues.

THE FAERIE QVEENE .

Disposed into twelue bookes , Fashioning XII . Morall vertues .

ANCHORA SPEI

printer's or publisher's device

LONDON Printed for William Ponsonbie . 1596.

TO THE MOST HIGH , MIGHTIE And MAGNIFICENT EMPRESSE RENOWMED FOR PIETIE , VERTVE , AND ALL GRATIOVS GOVERNMENT ELIZABETH BY THE GRACE OF GOD QVEENE OF ENGLAND FRAVNCE AND IRELAND AND OF VIRGINIA , DEFENDOVR OF THE FAITH , &c. HER MOST HVMBLE SERVAVNT EDMVND SPENSER DOTH IN ALL HVMILITIE DEDICATE , PRESENT AND CONSECRATE THESE HIS LABOVRS TO LIVE WITH THE ETERNITIE OF HER FAME .

THE FIRST BOOKE OF THE FAERIE QVEENE . Contayning THE LEGENDE OF THE KNIGHT OF THE RED CROSSE , OR OF HOLINESSE .

LOI the man , whose Muse whilome did maske , As time her taught in lowly Shepheards weeds , Am now enforst a far vnfitter taske , For trumpets sterne to chaunge mine Oaten reeds , And sing of Knights and Ladies gentle deeds ; Whose prayses hauing slept in silence long , Me , all too meane , the sacred Muse areeds To blazon broad emongst her learned throng : Fierce warres and faithfull loues shall moralize my song . Helpe then , ô holy Virgin chiefe of nine , Thy weaker Nouice to performe thy will , Lay forth out of thine euerlasting scryne The antique rolles , which there lye hidden still , Of Faerie knights and fairest Tanaquill , Whom that most noble Briton Prince so long Sought through the world , and suffered so much ill , That I must rue his vndeserued wrong : O helpe thou my weake wit , and sharpen my dull tong . And thou most dreaded impe of highest Ioue , Faire Venus sonne , that with thy cruell dart At that good knight so cunningly didst roue , That glorious fire it kindled in his hart , Lay now thy deadly Heben bow apart , And with thy mother milde come to mine ayde : Come both , and with you bring triumphant Mart , In loues and gentle iollities arrayd , After his murdrous spoiles and bloudy rage allayd . And with them eke , ô Goddesse heauenly bright , Mirrour of grace and Maiestie diuine , Great Lady of the greatest Isle , whose light Like Phoebus lampe throughout the world doth shine , Shed thy faire beames into my feeble eyne , And raise my thoughts too humble and too vile , To thinke of that true glorious type of thine , The argument of mine afflicted stile : The which to heare , vouchsafe , ô dearest dred a-while .

Canto I. The Patron of true Holinesse , Foule Errour doth defeate : Hypocrisie him to entrape , Doth to his home entreate . A Gentle Knight was pricking on the plaine , Y cladd in mightie armes and siluer shielde , Wherein old dints of deepe wounds did remaine , The cruell markes of many ' a bloudy fielde ; Yet armes till that time did he neuer wield : His angry steede did chide his foming bitt , As much disdayning to the curbe to yield : Full iolly knight he seemd , and faire did sitt , As one for knightly giusts and fierce encounters fitt . But on his brest a bloudie Crosse he bore , The deare remembrance of his dying Lord , For whose sweete sake that glorious badge he wore , And dead as liuing euer him ador'd : Vpon his shield the like was also scor'd , For soueraine hope , which in his helpe he had : Right faithfull true he was in deede and word , But of his cheere did seeme too solemne sad , Yet nothing did he dread , but euer was ydrad . Vpon a great aduenture he was bond , That greatest Gloriana to him gaue , That greatest Glorious Queene of Faerie lond , To winne him worship , and her grace to haue , Which of all earthly things he most did craue ; And euer as he rode , his hart did earne To proue his puissance in battell braue Vpon his foe , and his new force to learne ; Vpon his foe , a Dragon horrible and stearne . A louely Ladie rode him faire beside , Vpon a lowly Asse more white then snow , Yet she much whiter , but the same did hide Vnder a vele , that wimpled was full low , And ouer all a blacke stole she did throw , As one that inly mournd : so was she sad , And heauie fat vpon her palfrey slow ; Seemed in heart some hidden care she had , And by her in a line a milke white lambe she lad . So pure an innocent , as that same lambe , She was in life and euery vertuous lore , And by descent from Royall lynage came Of ancient Kings and Queenes , that had of yore Their scepters stretcht from East to Westerne shore , And all the world in their subiection held ; Till that infernall feend with foule vprore Forwasted all their land , and them expeld : Whom to auenge , she had this Knight from far compeld . Behind her farre away a Dwarfe did lag , That lasie seemd in being euer last , Or wearied with bearing of her bag Of needments at his backe . Thus as they past , The day with cloudes was suddeine ouercast , And angry Ioue an hideous storme of raine Did poure into his Lemans lap so fast , That euery wight to shrowd it did constrain , And this faire couple eke to shroud themselues were fain . Enforst to seeke some couert nigh at hand , A shadie groue not far away they spide , That promist ayde the tempest to withstand : Whose loftie trees yclad with sommers pride , Did spred so broad , that heauens light did hide , Not perceable with power of any starre : And all within were pathes and alleies wide , With footing worne , and leading inward farre : Faire harbour that them seemes ; so in they entred arre . And foorth they passe , with pleasure forward led , Ioying to heare the birdes sweete harmony , Which therein shrouded from the tempest dred , Seemd in their song to scorne the cruell sky . Much can they prayse the trees so straight and hy , The sayling Pine , the Cedar proud and tall , The vine-prop Elme , the Poplar neuer dry , The builder Oake , sole king of forrests all , The Aspine good for staues , the Cypresse funerall . The Laurell , meed of mightie Conquerours And Poets sage , the Firre that weepeth still , The Willow worne of forlorne Paramours , The Eugh obedient to the benders will , The Birch for shaftes , the Sallow for the mill , The Mirrhe sweete bleeding in the bitter wound , The warlike Beech , the Ash for nothing ill , The fruitfull Oliue , and the Platane round , The caruer Holme , the Maple seeldom inward sound . Led with delight , they thus beguile the way , Vntill the blustring storme is ouerblowne ; When weening to returne , whence they did stray , The cannot finde that path , which first was showne , But wander too and fro in wayes vnknowne , Furthest from end then , when they neerest weene , That makes them doubt , their wits be not their owne : So many pathes , so many turnings seene , That which of them to take , in diuerse doubt they been . At last resoluing forward still to fare , Till that some end they finde or in or out , That path they take , that beaten seemd most bare , And like to lead the labyrinth about ; Which when by tract they hunted had throughout , At length it brought them to a hollow caue , Amid the thickest woods . The Champion stout Eftsoones dismounted from his courser braue , And to the Dwarfe a while his needlesse spere he gaue . Be well aware , quoth then that Ladie milde , Least suddaine mischiefe ye too rash prouoke : The danger hid , the place vnknowne and wilde , Breedes dreadfull doubts : Oft fire is without smoke , And perill without show : therefore your hardy stroke Sir knight with-hold , till further triall made . Ah Ladie ( said he ) shame were to reuoke The forward footing for an hidden shade : Vertue giues her selfe light , through darkenesse for to wade . Yea but ( quoth she ) the perill of this place I better wot then you , though now too late , To wish you backe returne with foule disgrace , Yet wisedome warnes , whilest foot is in the gate , To stay the steppe , ere forced to retrate . This is the wandring wood , this Errours den , A monster vile , whom God and man does hate : Therefore I read beware . Fly fly ( quoth then The fearefull Dwarfe : ) this is no place for liuing men . But full of fire and greedy hardiment , The youthfull knight could not for ought be staide , But forth vnto the darksome hole he went , And looked in : his glistring armor made A litle glooming light , much like a shade , By which he saw the vgly monster plaine , Halfe like a serpent horribly displaide , But th' other halfe did womans shape retaine , Most lothsom , filthie , foule , and full of vile disdaine . And as she lay vpon the durtie ground , Her huge long taile her den all ouerspred , Yet was in knots and many boughtes vpwound , Pointed with mortall sting . Of her there bred A thousand yong ones , which she dayly fed , Sucking vpon her poisonous dugs , eachone Of sundry shapes , yet all ill fauored : Soone as that vncouth light vpon them shone , Into her mouth they crept , and suddain all were gone . Their dam vpstart , out of her den effraide , And rushed forth , hurling her hideous taile About her cursed head , whose folds displaid Were stretcht now forth at length without entraile . She lookt about , and seeing one in mayle Armed to point , sought backe to turne againe ; For light she hated as the deadly bale , Ay wont in desert darknesse to remaine , Where plaine none might her see , nor she see any plaine . Which when the valiant Elfe perceiu'ed , he lept As Lyon fierce vpon the flying pray , And with his trenchand blade her boldly kept From turning backe , and forced her to stay : Therewith enrag'd she loudly gan to bray , And turning fierce , her speckled taile aduaunst , Threatning her angry sting , him to dismay : Who nought aghast , his mightie hand enhaunst : The stroke down from her head vnto her shoulder glaunst . Much daunted with that dint , her sence was dazd , Yet kindling rage , her selfe she gathered round , And all attonce her beastly body raizd With doubled forces high aboue the ground : Tho wrapping vp her wrethed sterne arownd , Lept fierce vpon his shield , and her huge traine All suddenly about his body wound , That hand or foot to stirre he stroue in vaine : God helpe the man so wrapt in Errours endlesse traine . His Lady sad to see his sore constraint , Cride out , Now now Sir knight , shew what ye bee , Add faith vnto your force , and be not faint : Strangle her , else she sure will strangle thee . That when he heard , in great perplexitie , His gall did grate for griefe and high disdaine , And knitting all his force got one hand free , Wherewith he grypt her gorge with so great paine , That soone to loose her wicked bands did her constraine . Therewith she spewd out of her filthy maw A floud of poyson horrible and blacke , Full of great lumpes of flesh and gobbets raw , Which stunck so vildly , that it forst him slacke His grasping hold , and from her turne him backe : Her vomit full of bookes and papers was , With loathly frogs and toades , which eyes did lacke , And creeping sought way in the weedy gras : Her filthy parbreake all the place defiled has . As when old father Nilus gins to swell With timely pride aboue the Aegyptian vale , His fattie waues do fertile slime outwell , And ouerflow each plaine and lowly dale : But when his later ebbe gins to auale , Huge heapes of mudd he leaues , wherein there breed Ten thousand kindes of creatures , partly male And partly female of his fruitfull seed ; Such vgly monstrous shapes elswhere may no man reed . The same so sore annoyed has the knight , That welnigh choked with the deadly stinke , His forces faile , ne can no longer fight . Whose corage when the feend perceiu'd to shrinke , She poured forth out of her hellish sinke Her fruitfull cursed spawne of serpents small , Deformed monsters , fowle , and blacke as inke , Which swarming all about his legs did crall , And him encombred sore , but could not hurt at all . As gentle Shepheard in sweete euen-tide , When ruddy Phoebus gins to welke in west , High on an hill , his flocke to vewen wide , Markes which do byte their hasty supper best ; A cloud of combrous gnattes do him molest , All striuing to infixe their feeble stings , That from their noyance he no where can rest , But with his clownish hands their tender wings He brusheth oft , and oft doth mar their murmurings . Thus ill bestedd , and fearefull more of shame , Then of the certaine perill he stood in , Halfe furious vnto his foe he came , Resolv'd in minde all suddenly to win , Or soone to lose , before he once would lin ; And strooke at her with more then manly force , That from her body full of filthie sin He rafther hatefull head without remorse ; A streame of cole black bloud forth gushed from her corse . Her scattred brood , soone as their Parent deare They saw so rudely falling to the ground , Groning full deadly , all with troublous feare , Gathred themselues about her body round , Weening their wonted entrance to haue found At her wide mouth : but being there withstood They flocked all about her bleeding wound . And sucked vp their dying mothers blood , Making her death their life , and eke her hurt their good . That detestable sight him much amazde , To see th' vnkindly Impes of heauen accurst , Deuoure their dam ; on whom while so he gazd , Hauing all satisfide their bloudy thurst , Their bellies swolne he saw with fulnesse burst , And bowels gushing forth : well worthy end Of such as drunke her life , the which them nurst ; Now needeth him no lenger labour spend , His foes haue slaine themselues , with whom he should contend . His Ladie seeing all , that chaunst , from farre Approcht in hast to greet his victorie , And said , Faire knight , borne vnder happy starre , Who see your vanquisht foes before you lye : Well worthy be you of that Armorie , Wherein ye haue great glory wonne this day , And proou'd your strength on a strong enimie , Your first aduenture : many such I pray , And henceforth euer wish , that like succeed it may . Then mounted he vpon his Steede againe , And with the Lady backward sought to wend ; That path he kept , which beaten was most plaine , Ne euer would to any by-way bend , But still did follow one vnto the end , The which at last out of the wood them brought . So forward on his way ( with God to frend ) He passeth forth , and new aduenture sought ; Long way he trauelled , before he heard of ought . At length they chaunst to meet vpon the way An aged Sire , in long blacke weedes yclad , His feete all bare , his beard all hoarie gray , And by his belt his booke he hanging had ; Sober he seemde , and very sagely sad , And to the ground his eyes were lowly bent , Simple in shew , and voyde of malice bad , And all the way he prayed , as he went , And often knock his brest , as one that did repent . He faire the knight saluted , louting low , Who faire him quited , as that courteous was : And after asked him , if he did know Of straunge aduentures , which abroad did pas . Ah my deare Sonne ( quoth he ) how should , alas , Silly old man , that liues in hidden cell , Bidding his beades all day for his trespas , Tydings of warre and worldly trouble tell ? With holy father sits not with such things to mell . But if of daunger which hereby doth dwell , And homebred euill euill ye desire to heare , Of a straunge man I can you tidings tell , That wasteth all this countrey farre and neare , Of such ( said he ) I chiefly do inquere , And shall you well reward to shew the place , In which that wicked wight his dayes doth weare : For to all knighthood it is foule disgrace , That such a cursed creature liues so long a space . Far hence ( quoth he ) in wastfull wildernesse His dwelling is , by which no lining wight May euer passe , but thorough great distresse . Now ( sayd the Lady ) draweth toward night , And well I wote , that of your later fight Ye all for wearied be : for what so strong , But wanting rest will also want of might ? The Sunne that measures heauen all day long , At night doth baite his steedes the Ocean waues emong . Then with the Sunne take Sir , your timely rest , And with new day new worke at once begin : Vntroubled night they say giues counsell best . Right well Sir knight ye haue aduised bin , ( Quoth then that aged man ; ) the way to win Is wisely to aduise : now day is spent ; Therefore with me ye may take vp your In For this same night . The knight was well content : So with that godly father to his home they went . A little lowly Hermitage it was , Downe in a dale , hard by a forests side , Far from resort of people , that did pas In trauell to and froe : a little wyde There was an holy Chappell edifyde , Wherein the Hermite dewly wont to say His holy things each morne and euentyde : Thereby a Christall streame did genlty play , Which from a sacred fountaine welled forth alway . Arriued there , the little house they fill , Ne looke for entertainement , where none was : Rest is their feast , and all things at their will ; The noblest mind the best contentment has . With faire discourse the euening so they pas : For that old man of pleasing wordes had store , And well could file his tongue as smooth as glas ; He told of Saintes and Popes , and euemore He strowd an Aue-Mary after and before . The drouping Night thus creepeth on them fast , And the sad humour loading their eye liddes , As messenger of Morpheus on them cast Sweet slombring deaw , the which to sleepe them biddes . Vnto their lodgings then his guestes he riddes : Where when all drownd in deadly sleepe he findes , He to his study goes , and there amiddes His Magick bookes and artes of sundry kindes , He seekes out mighty charmes , to trouble sleepy mindes . Then choosing out few wordes most horrible , ( Let none them read ) thereof did verses frame , With which and other spelles like terrible , He bad awake blacke Plutoes griesly Dame , And cursed heauen , and spake reprochfull shame Of highest God , the Lord of life and light ; A bold bad man , that dar'd to call by name Great Gorgon , Prince of darknesse and dead night , At which Cocytus quakes , and Styx is put to flight . And forth he cald out of deepe darknesse dred Legions of Sprights , the which like little flyes Fluttring about his euer damned hed , A-waite whereto their seruice he applyes , To aide his friends , or fray his enimies : Of those he chose out two , the falsest twoo , And fittest for to forge true-seeming lyes ; The one of them he gaue a message too , The other by him selfe staide other worke to doo . He making speedy way through spersed ayre , And through the world of waters wide and deepe , To Morpheus house doth hastily repaire . Amid the bowels of the earth full steepe , And low , where dawning day doth neuer peepe , His dwelling is ; there Tethys his wet bed Doth euer wash , and Cynthia still doth steepe In siluer deaw his euer-drouping hed , Whiles sad Night ouer him her mantle black doth spred . Whose double gates he findeth locked fast , The one faire fram'd of burnisht Yuory , The other all with siluer ouercast ; And wakefull dogges before them farre do lye , Watching to banish Care their enimy , Who oft is wont to trouble gentle sleepe . By them the Sprite doth passe in quietly , And vnto Morpheus comes , whom drowned deepe In drowsie fit he findes : of nothing he takes keepe . And more , to lulle him in his slumber soft , A trickling streame from high rocke tumbling downe And euer-drizling raine vpon the loft , Mixt with a murmuring winde , much like the sowne Of swarming Bees , did cast him in a swowne : No other noyse , nor peoples troublous cryes , As still are wont t'annoy the walled towne , Might there be heard : but carelesse Quiet lyes , Wrapt in eternall silence farre from enemyes . The messenger approching to him spake , But his wast wordes returnd to him in vaine : So sound he slept , that nought mought him awake . Then rudely he him trust , and pusht with paine , Whereat he gan to stretch : but he againe Shooke him so hard , that forced him to speake . As one then in a dreame , whose dryer braine Is tost with troubled sights and fancies weake , He mumbled soft , but would not all his silence breake . The Sprite then gan more boldly him to wake , And threatned vnto him the dreaded name Of Hecate : whereat he gan to quake , And lifting vp his lumpish head , with blame Halfe angry asked him , for what he came . Hither ( quoth he ) me Archimago sent , He that the stubborne Sprites can wisely tame , He bids thee to him send for his intent A fit false dreame , that can delude the sleepers sent . The God obayde , and calling forth straight way A diuerse dreame out of his prison darke , Deliuered it to him , and downe did lay His heauie head , deuoide of carefull carke , Whose sences all were straight benumbd and starke . He backe returning by the Yuorie dore , Remounted vp as light as chearefull Larke , And on his litle winges the dreame he bore In hast vnto his Lord , where he him left afore . Who all this while with charmes and hidden artes , Had made a Lady of that other Spright , And fram'd of liquid ayre her tender partes So liuely , and so like in all mens sight , That weaker sence it could haue rauisht quight : The maker selfe for all his wondrous witt , Was nigh beguiled with so goodly sight : Her all in white he clad , and ouer it Cast a blacke stole , most like to seeme for Vna fit . Now when that ydle dreame was to him brought , Vnto that Elfin knight he bad him fly , Where he slept soundly void of euill thought , And with false shewes abuse his fantasy , In sort as he him schooled priuily : And that new creature borne without her dew , Full of the makers guile , with vsage fly He taught to imitate that Lady trew , Whose semblance she did carrie vnder feigned hew . Thus well instructed , to their worke they hast , And comming where the knight in slomber lay , The one vpon his hardy head him plast , And made him dreame of loues and lustfull play , That nigh his manly hart did melt away , Bathed in wanton blis and wicked ioy : Then seemed him his Lady by him lay , And to him playnd , how that false winged boy , Her chast hart had subdewd , to learne Dame pleasures toy . And she her selfe of beautie soueraigne Queene , Faire Venus seemde vnto his bed to bring Her , whom he waking euermore did weene , To be the chastest flowre , that ay did spring On earthly braunch , the daughter of a king , Now a loose Leman to vile seruice bound : And eke the Graces seemed all to sing , Hymen ιο̃ Hymen , dauncing all around , Whilst freshest Flora her Yuie girlond crownd . In this great passion of vnwonted lust , Or wonted feare of doing ought amis , He started vp , as seeming to mistrust , Some secret ill , or hidden foe of his : Lo there before his face his Lady is , Vnder blake stole hyding her bayted hooke , And as halfe blushing offred him to kis , With gentle blandishment and louely looke , Most like that virgin true , which for her knight him took . All cleane dismayd to see so vncouth sight , And halfe enraged at her shamelesse guise , He thought haue slaine her in his fierce despight : But hasty heat tempring with sufferance wise , He stayde his hand , and gan himselfe aduise To proue his sense , and tempt her faigned truth . Wringing her hands in wemens pitteous wise , Tho can she weepe , to stirre vp gentle ruth , Both for her noble bloud , and for her tender youth . And said , Ah Sir , my liege Lord and my loue , Shall I accuse the hidden cruell fate , And mightie causes wrought in heauen aboue , Or the blind God , that doth me thus amate , For hoped loue to winne me certaine hate ? Yet thus perforce he bids me do , or die . Die is my dew : yet rew my wretched state You , whom my hard auenging destinie Hath made iudge of my life or death indifferently . Your owne deare sake forst me at first to leaue My Fathers kingdome , There she stopt with teares ; Her swollen hart her speach seemd to bereaue , And then againe begun , My weaker yeares Captiu'd to fortune and frayle worldly feares , Fly to your faith for succour and sure ayde : Let me not dye in languor and long teares . Why Dame ( quoth he ) what hath ye thus dismayd ? What frayes ye , that were wont to comfort me affrayd ? Loue of your selfe , she said , and deare constraint Let s me not sleepe , but wast the wearie night In secret anguish and vnpittied plaint , Whiles you in carelesse sleepe are drowned quight . Her doubtfull words made that redoubted knight Suspect her truth : yet since no' vntruth he knew , Her fawning loue with foule disdainefull spight He would not shend , but said , Deare dame I rew , That for my sake vnknowne such griefe vnto you grew . Assure your selfe , it fell not all to ground ; For all so deare as life is to my hart , I deeme your loue , and hold me to you bound ; Ne let vaine feares procure your needlesse smart , Where cause is none , but to your rest depart . Not all content , yet seemd she to appease Her mournefull plaintes , beguiled of her art , And fed with words , that could not chuse but please , So slyding softly forth , she turnd as to her ease . Long after lay he musing at her mood , Much grieu'd to thinke that gentle Dame so light , For whose defence he was to shed his blood . At last dull wearinesse of former fight Hauing yrockt a sleepe his irkesome spright , That troublous dreame gan freshly tosse his braine , With bowres , and beds , and Ladies deare delight : But when he saw his labour all was vaine , With that misformed spright he backe returnd againe .

Cant. II. The guilefull great Enchaunter parts The Redcrosse Knight from Truth : Into whose stead faire falshood steps , And workes him wofull ruth . BY this the Northerne wagoner had set His seuenfold teme behind the stedfast starre , That was in Ocean waues yet neuer wet , But firme is fixt , and sendeth light from farre To all , that in the wide deepe wandring arre : And chearefull Chaunticlere with his note shrill Had warned once , that Phoebus fiery carre In hast was climbing vp the Easterne hill , Full enuious that night so long his roome did fill . When those accursed messengers of hell , That feigning dreame , and that faire-forged Spright Came to their wicked maister , and gan tell Their bootelesse paines , and ill succeeding night : Who all in rage to see his skilfull might Deluded so , gan threaten hellish paine And sad Proserpines wrath , them to affright . But when he saw his threatning was but vaine , He cast about , and searcht his balefull bookes againe . Eftsoones he tooke that miscreated faire , And that false other Spright , on whom he spred A seeming body of the subtile aire , Like a young Squire , in loues and lusty-hed His wanton dayes that euer loosely led , Without regard of armes and dreaded fight : Those two he tooke , and in a secret bed , Couered with darknesse and misdeeming night , Them both together laid , to ioy in vaine delight . Forthwith he runnes with feigned faithfull hast Vnto his guest , who after troublous sights And dreames , gan now to take more sound repast , Whom suddenly he wakes with fearefull frights , As one aghast with feends or damned sprights , And to him cals , Rise rise vnhappy Swaine , That here wex old in sleepe , whiles wicked wights Haue knit themselues in Venus shamefull chaine ; Come see , where your false Lady doth her honour staine . All in amaze he suddenly vp start With sword in hand , and with the old man went ; Who soone him brought into a secret part , Where that false couple were full closely ment In wanton lust and lewd embracement : Which when he saw , he burnt with gealous fire , The eye of reason was with rage yblent , And would haue slaine them in his furious ire , But hardly was restreined of that aged sire . Returning to his bed in torment great , And bitter anguish of his guiltie sight , He could not rest , but did his stout heart eat , And wast his inward gall with deepe despight , Yrkesome of life , and too long lingring night . At last faire Hesperus in highest skie Had spent his lampe , & brought forth dawning light , Then vp he rose , and clad him hastily ; The Dwarfe him brought his steed so both away do fly . Now when the rosy-fingred Morning faire , Weary of aged Tithones saffron bed , Had spred her purple robe through deawy aire , And the high hils Titan discouered , The royall virgin shooke off drowsy-hed , And rising forth out of her baser bowre , Lookt for her knight , who far away was fled , And for her Dwarfe , that wont to wait each houre ; Then gan she waile & weepe , to see that woefull stowre . And after him she rode with so much speede As her slow beast could make ; but all in vaine : For him so far had borne his light-foot steede , Pricked with wrath and fiery fierce disdaine , That him to follow was but fruitlesse paine ; Yet she her weary limbes would neuer rest But euery hill and dale , each wood and plaine Did search , sore grieued in her gentle brest , He so vngently left her , whom she louest best . But subtill Archimago , when his guests He saw diuided into double parts , And Vna wandring in woods and forrests , Th' end of his drift , he praisd his diuelish arts , That had such might ouer true meaning harts ; Yet rests not so , but other meanes doth make , How he may worke vnto her further smarts : For her he hated as the hissing snake , And in her many troubles did most pleasure take . He then deuisde himselfe how to disguise ; For by his mightie science he could take As many formes and shapes in seeming wise , As euer Proteus to himselfe could make : Sometime a fowle , sometime a fish in lake , Now like a foxe , now like a dragon fell , That of himselfe he oft for feare would quake , And oft would flie away . O who can tell The hidden power of herbes , and might of Magicke spell ? But now seemde best , the person to put on Of that good knight , his late beguiled guest : In mighty armes he was yclad anon : And siluer shield , vpon his coward brest A bloudy crosse , and on his crauen crest A bounch of haires discolourd diuersly : Full iolly knight he seemde , and well addrest , And when he sate vpon his courser free , Saint George himself ye would haue deemed him to be . But he the knight , whose semblaunt he did beare , The true Saint George was wandred far away , Still flying from his thoughts and gealous feare ; Will was his guide , and griefe led him astray . At last him chaunst to meete vpon the way A faithlesse Sarazin all arm'd to point , In whose great shield was writ with letters gay Sans foy : full large of limbe and euery ioint He was , and cared not for God or man a point . He had a faire companion of his way , A goodly Lady clad in scarlot red , Purfled with gold and pearle of rich assay , And like a Persian mitre on her hed She wore , with crownes and owches garnished , The which her lauish louers to her gaue ; Her wanton palfrey all was ouerspred With tinsell trappings , wouen like a waue , Whose bridle rung with golden bels and bosses braue . With faire disport and courting dalliaunce She intertainde her louer all the way : But when she saw the knight his speare aduaunce , She soone left off her mirth and wanton play , And bad her knight addresse him to the fray : His foe was nigh at hand . He prickt with pride And hope to winne his Ladies heart that day , Forth spurred fast : adowne his coursers side The red bloud trickling staind the way , as he did ride . The knight of the Redcrosse when him he spide , Spurring so hote with rage dispiteous , Gan fairely couch his speare , and towards ride : Soone meete they both , both fell and furious , That daunted with their forces hideous , Their steeds do stagger , and amazed stand , And eke themselues too rudely rigorous , Astonied with the stroke of their owne hand , Do backe rebut , and each to other yeeldeth land . As when two rams stird with ambitious pride , Fight for the rule of the rich fleeced flocke , Their horned fronts so fierce on either side Do meete , that with the terrour of the shocke Astonied both , stand sencelesse as ablocke , Forgetfull of the hanging victory : So stood these twaine , vnmoued as a rocke , Both staring fierce , and holding idely , The broken reliques of their former cruelty . The Sarazin sore daunted with the buffe Snatcheth his sword , and fiercely to him flies ; Who well it wards , and quyteth cuff with cuff : Each others equall puissaunce enuies , And through their iron sides with cruelties Does seeke to perce : repining courage yields No foote to foe . The flashing fier flies As from a forge out of their burning shields , And streames of purple bloud new dies the verdant fields . Curse on that Crosse ( quoth then the Sarazin ) That keepes thy body from the bitter fit ; Dead long ygoe I wote thou haddest bin , Had not that charme from thee forwarned it : But yet I warne thee now assured sitt , And hide thy head . Therewith vpon his crest With rigour so outrageous he smitt , That a large share it hewd out of the rest , And glauncing downe his shield , from blame him fairely blest . Who thereat wondrous wroth , the sleeping spark Of natiue vertue gan eftsoones reuiue , And at his haughtie helmet making mark , So hugely stroke , that it the steele did riue , And cleft his head . He tumbling downe aliue . With bloudy mouth his mother earth did kis , Greeting his graue : his grudging ghost did striue With the fraile flesh ; at last it flitted is , Whither the soules do fly of men , that liue amis . The Lady when she saw her champion fall , Like the old ruines of a broken towre , Staid not to waile his woefull funerall , But from him fled away with all her powre ; Who after her as hastily gan scowre , Bidding the Dwarfe with him to bring away The Sarazins shield , signe of the conqueroure . Her soone he ouertooke , and bad to stay , For present cause was none of dread her to dismay . She turning backe with ruefull countenaunce , Cride , Mercy mercy Sir vouchsafe to show On silly Dame , subiect to hard mischaunce , And to your mighty will . Her humblesse low In so ritch weedes and seeming glorious show , Did much emmoue his stout heroïcke heart , And said , Deare dame , your suddein ouerthrow Much rueth me ; but now put feare apart , And tell , both who ye be , and who that tooke your part . Melting in teares , then gan she thus lament ; The wretched woman , whom vnhappy howre Hath now made thrall to your commandement , Before that angry heauens lift to lowre , And fortune false betraide me to your powre , Was , ( O what now auaileth that I was ! ) Borne the sole daughter of an Emperour , He that the wide West vnder his rule has , And high hath set his throne , where Tiberis doth pas . He in the first flowre of my freshest age , Betrothed me vnto the onely haire Of a most mighty king , most rich and sage ; Was neuer Prince so faithfull and so faire , Was neuer Prince so meeke and debonaire ; But ere my hoped day of spousall shone , My dearest Lord fell from high honours staire , Into the hands of his accursed fone , And cruelly was slaine , that shall I euer mone . His blessed body spoild of liuely breath , Was afterward , I know not how , conuaid And fro me hid : of whose most innocent death When tidings came to me vnhappy maid , O how great sorrow my sad soule assaid . Then forth I went his woefull corse to find , And many yeares throughout the world I straid , A virgin widow , whose deepe wounded mind With loue , long time did languish as the striken hind . At last it chaunced this proud Sarazin , To meete me wandring , who perforce me led With him away , but yet could neuer win The Fort , that Ladies hold in soueraigne dread . There lies he now with foule dishonour dead , Who whiles he liu'de , was called proud Sans foy , The eldest of three brethren , all three bred Of one bad sire , whose youngest is Sans ioy , And twixt them both was borne the bloudy bold Sans loy . In this sad plight , friendlesse , vnfortunate , Now miserable I Fidessa dwell , Crauing of you in pitty of my state , To do none ill , if please ye not do well . He in great passion all this while did dwell , More busying his quicke eyes , her face to view , Then his dull eares , to heare what she did tell ; And said , faire Lady hart of flint would rew The vndeserued woes and sorrowes , which ye shew . Henceforth in safe assuraunce may ye rest , Hauing both found a new friend you to aid , And lost an old foe , that did you molest : Better new friend then an old foe is said . With chaunge of cheare the seeming simple maid Let fall her eyen , as shamefast to the earth , And yeelding soft , in that she nought gain-said , So forth they rode , he feining seemely merth , And she coy lookes : so dainty they say maketh derth . Longtime they thus together traueiled , Till weary of their way , they came at last , Where grew two goodly trees , that faire did spred Their armes abroad , with gray mosse ouercast , And their greene leaues trembling with euery blast , Made a calme shadow far in compasse round : The fearefull Shepheard often there aghast Vnder them neuer sat , ne wont there sound His mery oaten pipe , but shund th' vnlucky ground . But this good knight soone as he them can spie , For the coole shade thither hastly got : For golden Phoebus now that mounted hie , From fiery wheeles of his faire chariot Hurled his beame so scorching cruell hot , That liuing creature mote it not abide ; And his new Lady it endured not . There they alight , in hope themselues to hide From the fierce heat , and rest their weary limbs a tide . Faire seemely pleasaunce each to other makes , With goodly purposes there as they sit : And in his falsed fancy he her takes To be the fairest wight , that liued yit ; Which to expresse , he bends his gentle wit , And thinking of those braunches greene to frame A girlond for her dainty forehead fit , He pluckt a bough ; out of whose rift there came Small drops of gory bloud , that trickled downe the same . Therewith a piteous yelling voyce was heard , Crying , O spare with guilty hands to teare My tender sides in this rough rynd embard , But fly , ah fly far hence away , for feare Least to you hap , that happened to me heare , And to this wretched Lady , my deare loue , O too deare loue , loue bought with death too deare . Astond he stood , and vp his haire did houe , And with that suddein horror could no member moue . At last whenas the dreadfull passion Was ouerpast , and manhood well awake , Yet musing at the straunge occasion , And doubting much his sence , he thus bespake ; What voyce of damned Ghost from Limbo lake , Or guilefull spright wandring in empty aire , Both which fraile men do oftentimes mistake , Sends to my doubtfull eares these speaches rare , And ruefull plaints , me bidding guitlesse bloud to spare ? Then groning deepe , Nor damned Ghost , ( quoth he , ) Nor guilefull sprite to thee these wordes doth speake , But once a man Fradubio , now a tree , Wretched man , wretched tree ; whose nature weake , A cruell witch her cursed will to wreake , Hath thus transformd , and plast in open plaines , Where Bore as doth blow full bitter bleake , And scorching Sunne does dry my secret vaines : For though a tree I seeme , yet cold and heat me paines . Say on Fradubio then , or man , or tree , Quoth then the knight , by whose mischieuous arts Art thou misshaped thus , as now I see ? He oft finds med'cine , who his griefe imparts ; But double griefs afflict concealing harts , As raging flames who striueth to suppresse . The author then ( said he ) of all my smarts , Is one Duessa a false sorceresse , That many errant knights hath brought to wretchednesse . In prime of youthly yeares , when corage hot The fire of loue and ioy of cheualree First kindled in my brest , it was my lot To loue this gentle Lady , whom ye see , Now not a Lady , but a seeming tree ; With whom as once I rode accompanyde , Me chaunced of a knight encountred bee , That had a like faire Lady by his syde , Like a faire Lady , but did fowle Duessa hyde . Whose forged beauty he did take in hand , All other Dames to haue exceeded farre ; I in defence of mine did likewise stand , Mine , that did then shine as the Morning starre : So both to battell fierce arraunged arre , In which his harder fortune was to fall Vnder my speare : such is the dye of warre : His Lady left as a prise martiall , Did yield her comely person , to be at my call . So doubly lou'd of Ladies vnlike faire , Th' one seeming such , the other such indeede , One day in doubt I cast for to compare , Whether in beauties glorie did exceede ; A Rosy girlond was the victors meede : Both seemde to win , and both seemde won to bee , So hard the discord was to be agreede . Fraelissa was as faire , as faire mote bee , And euer false Duessa seemde as faire as shee . The wicked witch now seeing all this while The doubtfull ballaunce equally to sway , What not by right , she cast to win by guile , And by her hellish science raisd streight way A foggy mist , that ouercast the day , And a dull blast , that breathing on her face , Dimmed her former beauties shining ray , And with foule vgly forme did her disgrace : Then was she faire alone , when none was faire in place . Then cride she out , fye , fye , deformed wight , Whose borrowed beautie now appeareth plaine To haue before bewitched all mens sight ; O leaue her soone , or let her soone be slaine . Her loathly visage viewing with disdaine , Eftsoones I thought her such , as she me told , And would haue kild her ; but with faigned paine , The false witch did my wrathfull hand with-hold ; So left her , where she now is turnd to treen mould . Then forth I tooke Duessa for my Dame , And in the witch vnweening ioyd long time , Ne euer wist , but that she was the same , Till on a day ( that day is euery Prime , When Witches wont do penance for their crime ) I chaunst to see her in her proper hew , Bathing her selfe in origane and thyme : A filthy foule old woman I did vew , That euer to haue toucht her , I did deadly rew . Her neather partes misshapen , monstruous , Were hidd in water , that I could not see , But they did seeme more foule and hideous , Then womans shape man would beleeue to bee . Then forth from her most beastly companie I gan refraine , in minde to slip away , Soone as appeard safe oportunitie : For danger great , if not assur'd decay I saw before mine eyes , if I were knowne to stray . The diuelish hag by chaunges of my cheare Perceiu'd my thought , and drownd in sleepie night , With wicked herbes and ointments did besmeare My bodie all , through charmes and magicke might , That all my senses were bereaued quight : Then brought she me into this desert waste , And by my wretched louers side me pight , Where now enclosd in wooden wals full faste , Banisht from liuing wights , our wearie dayes we waste . But how long time , said then the Elfin knight , Are you in this misformed house to dwell ? We may not chaunge ( quoth he ) this euil plight , Till we be bathed in a lining well ; That is the terme prescribed by the spell . O how , said he , mote I that well out find , That may restore you to your wonted well ? Time and suffised fates to former kynd Shall vs restore , none else from hence may vs vnbynd . The false Duessa , now Fidessa hight , Heard how in vaine Fradubio did lament , And knew well all was true . But the good knight Full of sad feare and ghastly dreriment , When all this speech the liuing tree had spent , The bleeding bough did thrust into the ground , That from the bloud he might be innocent , And with fresh clay did close the wooden wound : Then turning to his Lady , dead with feare her found . Her seeming dead he found with feigned feare , As all vnweeting of that well she knew , And paynd himselfe with busie care to reare Her out of carelesse swowne . Her eylids blew And dimmed sight with pale and deadly hew At last she vp gan lift : with trembling cheare Her vp he tooke , too simple and too trew , And oft her kist . At length all passed feare , He set her on her steede , and forward forth did beare .

Cant. III. Forsaken Truth long seekes her loue , And makes the Lyon mylde , Marres blind Deuotions mart , and fals In hand of leachour vylde . NOught is there vnder heau'ns wide hollownesse , That moues more deare compassion of mind , Then beautie brought t'vnworthy wretchednesse Through enuies snares or fortunes freakes vnkind : I , whether lately through her brightnesse blind , Or through alleageance and fast fealtie , Which I do owe vnto all woman kind , Feele my heart perst with so great agonie , When such I see , that all for pittie I could die . And now it is empassioned so deepe , For fairest : Vnaes sake , of whom I sing , That my fraile eyes these lines with teares do steepe , To thinke how she through guilefull handeling , Though true as touch , though daughter of a king , Though faire as euer liuing wight was faire , Though nor in word nor deede ill meriting , Is from her knight diuorced in despaire And her due loues deriu'd to that vile witches share . Yet she most faithfull Ladie all this while Forsaken , wofull , solitarie mayd Farre from all peoples prease , as in exile , In wildernesse and wastfull deserts strayd , To seeke her knight ; who subtilly betrayd Through that late vision , which th' Enchaunter wrought , Had her abandond . She of nought affrayd , Through woods and wastnesse wide him daily sought ; Yet wished tydings none of him vnto her brought . One day nigh wearie of the yrkesome way , From her vnhastie beast she did alight , And on the grasse her daintie limbes did lay In secret shadow , farre from all mens sight : From her faire head her fillet she vndight , And laid her stole aside . Her angels face As the great eye of heauen shyned bright , And made a sunshine in the shadie place ; Did neuer mortall eye behold such heauenly grace . It fortuned out of the thickest wood A ramping Lyon rushed suddainly , Hunting full greedie after saluage blood ; Soone as the royall virgin he did spy , With gaping mouth at her ran greedily , To haue attonce deuour'd her tender corse : But to the pray when as he drew more ny , His bloudie rage asswaged with remorse , And with the sight amazd , forgat his furious forse . In stead thereof he kist her wearie feet , And lickt her lilly hands with fawning tong , As he her wronged innocence did weet . O how can beautie maister the most strong , And simple truth subdue auenging wrong ? Whose yeelded pride and proud submission , Still dreading death , when she had marked long , Her hart gan melt in great compassion , And drizling teares did shed for pure affection . The Lyon Lord of euery beast in field Quoth she , his princely puissance doth abate , And mightie proud to humble weake does yield , Forgetfull of the hungry rage , which late Him prickt , in pittie of my sad estate : But he my Lyon , and my noble Lord How does he find in cruell hart to hate Her that him lou'd , and euer most adord , As the God of my life ? why hath he me abhord ? Redounding teares did choke th' end of her plaint , Which softly ecchoed from the neighbour wood ; And sad to see her sorrowfull constraint The kingly beast vpon her gazing stood ; With pittie calmd , downe fell his angry mood . At last in close hart shutting vp her paine , Arose the virgin borne of heauenly brood , And to her snowy Palfrey got againe , To seeke her strayed Champion , if she might attaine . The Lyon would not leaue her desolate , But with her went along , as a strong gard Of her chast person , and a faithfull mate Of her sad troubles and misfortunes hard : Still when she slept , he kept both watch and ward , And when she wakt , he waited diligent , With humble seruice to her will prepard : From her faire eyes he tooke commaundement , And euer by her lookes conceiued her intent . Long she thus traueiled through deserts wyde , By which she thought her wandring knight shold pas , Yet neuer shew of liuing wight espyde ; Till that at length she found the troden gras , In which the tract of peoples footing was , Vnder the steepe foot of a mountaine hore ; The same she followes , till at last she has A damzell spyde slow footing her before , That on her shoulders sad a pot of water bore . To Whom approching she to her gan call , To weet , if dwelling place were nigh at hand ; But the rude wench her answer'd nought at all , She could not heare , nor speake , nor vnderstand ; Till seeing by her side the Lyon stand , With suddaine feare her pitcher downe she threw , And fled away : for neuer in that land Face of faire Ladie she before did vew , And that dread Lyons looke her cast in deadly hew . Full fast she fled , ne euer lookt behynd , As if her life vpon the wager lay , And home she came , whereas her mother blynd Sate in eternall night : nought could she say , But suddaine catching hold , did her dismay With quaking hands , and other signes of feare : Who full of ghastly fright and cold affray , Gan shut the dore . By this arriued there Dame Vna , wearie Dame , and entrance did requere . Which when none yeelded , her vnruly Page With his rude clawes the wicket open rent , And let her in ; where of his cruell rage Nigh dead with feare , and faint astonishment , She found them both in darkesome corner pent ; Where that old woman day and night did pray Vpon her beades deuoutly penitent ; Nine hundred Pater nosters euery day , And thrise nine hundred Aues she was wont to say . And to augment her painefull pennance more , Thrise euery weeke in ashes she did sit , And next her wrinkled skin rough sackcloth wore , And thrise three times did fast from any bit : But now for feare her beads she did forget . Whose needlesse dread for to remoue away , Faire Vna framed words and count'nance fit : Which hardly doen , at length she gan them pray , That in their cotage small , that night she rest her may . The day is spent , and commeth drowsie night , When euery creature shrowded is in sleepe ; Sad Vna downe her laies in wearie plight , And at her feet the Lyon watch doth keepe : In stead of rest , she does lament , and weepe For the late losse of her deare loued knight , And sighes , and grones , and euermore does steepe Her tender brest in bitter teares all night , All night she thinks too long , and often lookes for light . Now when Aldeboran was mounted hie Aboue the shynie Cassiopeias chaire , And all in deadly sleepe did drowned lie , One knocked at the dore , and in would fare ; He knocked fast , and often curst , and sware , That readie entrance was not at his call : For on his backe a heauy load he bare Of nightly stelths and pillage seuerall , Which he had got abroad by purchase criminall . He was to weete a stout and sturdie thiefe , Wont to robbe Churches of their ornaments , And poore mens boxes of their due reliefe , Which giuen was to them for good intents ; The holy Saints of their rich vestiments He did disrobe , when all men carelesse slept , And spoild the Priests of their habiliments , Whiles none the holy things in safety kept ; Then he by cunning sleights in at the window crept . And all that he by right or wrong could find , Vnto this house he brought , and did bestow Vpon the daughter of this woman blind , Abessa daughter of Corceca slow , With whom he whoredome vsd , that few did know , And fed her fat with feast of offerings , And plentie , which in all the land did grow ; Ne spared he to giue her gold and rings : And now he to her brought part of his stolen things . Thus long the dore with rage and threats he bet , Yet of those fearefull women none durst rize , The Lyon frayed them , him in to let : He would no longer stay him to aduize , But open breakes the dore in furious wize , And entring is ; when that disdainfull beast Encountring fierce , him suddaine doth surprize , And seizing cruell clawes on trembling brest , Vnder his Lordly foot him proudly hath supprest . Him booteth not resist , nor succour call , His bleeding hart is in the vengers hand , Who streight him rent in thousand peeces small , And quite dismembred hath : the thirstie land Drunke vp his life ; his corse left on the strand . His fearefull friends weare out the wofull night , Ne dare to weepe , nor seeme to vnderstand The heauie hap , which on them is alight , Affraid , least to themselues the like mishappen might . Now when broad day the world discouered has , Vp Vna rose , vp rose the Lyon eke , And on their former iourney forward pas , In wayes vnknowne , her wandring knight to seeke , With paines farre passing that long wandring Greeke , That for his loue refused deitie ; Such were the labours of this Lady meeke , Still seeking him , that from her still did flie , Then furthest from her hope , when most she weenednie . Soone as she parted thence , the fearefull twaine , That blind old woman and her daughter deare Came forth , and finding Kirkrapine there slaine , For anguish great they gan to rend their heare , And beat their brests , and naked flesh to teare . And when they both had wept and wayld their fill , Then forth they ranne like two amazed deare , Halfe mad through malice , and reuenging will , To follow her , that was the causer of their ill . Whom ouertaking , they gan loudly bray , With hollow howling , and lamenting cry , Shamefully at her rayling all the way , And her accusing of dishonesty , That was the flowre of faith and chastity ; And still amidst her rayling , she did pray , That plagues , and mischiefs , and long misery Might fall on her , and follow all the way , And that in endlesse error she might euer stray . But when she saw her prayers nought preuaile , She backe returned with some labour lost ; And in the way as she did weepe and waile , A knight her met in mighty armes embost , Yet knight was not for all his bragging bost , But subtill Archimag , that Vna , sought By traynes into new troubles to haue tost : Of that old woman tydings he besought , If that of such a Ladie she could tellen ought . Therewith she gan her passion to renew , And cry , and curse , and raile , and rend her heare , Saying , that harlot she too lately knew , That causd her shed so many a bitter teare , And so forth told the story of her feare : Much seemed he to mone her haplesse chaunce , And after for that Ladie did inquire ; Which being taught , he forward gan aduaunce ▪ His faire enchaunted steed , and eke his charmed launce . Ere long he came , where Vna traueild slow , And that wilde Champion wayting her besyde : Whom seeing such , for dread he durst not show Himselfe too nigh at hand , but turned wyde Vnto an hill ; from whence when she him spyde , By his like seeming shield , her knight by name She weend it was , and towards him gan ryde : Approching nigh , she wist it was the same , And with faire fearefull humblesse towards him shee came . And weeping said , Ah my long lacked Lord , Where haue ye bene thus long out of my sight ? Much feared I to haue bene quite abhord , Or ought haue done , that ye displeasen might , That should as death vnto my deare hart light : For since mine eye your ioyous sight did mis , My chearefull day is turnd to chearelesse night , And eke my night of death the shadow is ; But welcome now my light , and shining lampe of blis . He thereto meeting said , My dearest Dame , Farre be it from your thought , and fro my will , To thinke that knighthood I so much should shame , As you to leaue , that haue me loued still , And chose in Faery court of meere goodwill , Where noblest knights were to be found on earth : The earth shall sooner leaue her kindly skill To bring forth fruit , and make eternall derth , Then I leaue you , my liefe , yborne of heauenly berth . And sooth to say , why I left you so long , Was for to seeke aduenture in strange place , Where Archimago said a felon strong To many knights did daily worke disgrace ; But knight he now shall neuer more deface : Good cause of mine excuse ; that mote ye please Well to accept , and euermore embrace My faithfull seruice , that by land and seas Haue vowd you to defend , now then your plaint appease . His louely words her seemd due recompence Of all her passed paines : one louing howre For many yeares of sorrow can dispence : A dram of sweet is worth a pound of sowre : She has forgot , how many a wofull stowre For him she late endur'd ; she speakes no more Of past : true is , that true loue hath no powre To looken backe ; his eyes be fixt before . Before her stands her knight , for whom she toyld so sore . Much like , as when the beaten marinere , That long hath wandred in the Ocean wide , Oft soust in swelling Tethys saltish teare , And long time hauing tand his tawney hide With blustring breath of heauen , that none can bide , And scorching flames of fierce Orions hound , Soone as the port from farre he has espide , His chearefull whistle merrily doth sound , And Nereus crownes with cups ; his mates him pledg around . Such ioy made Vna , when her knight she found ; And eke th' enchaunter ioyous seemd no lesse , Then the glad marchant , that does vew from ground His ship farre come from watrie wildernesse , He hurles out vowes , and Neptune oft doth blesse : So forth they past , and all the way they spent Discoursing of her dreadfull late distresse , In which he askt her , what the Lyon ment : Who told her all that fell in iourney as she went . They had not ridden farre , when they might see One pricking towards them with hastie heat , Full strongly armd , and on a courser free , That through his fiercenesse fomed all with swear , And the sharpe yron did for anger eat , When his hot ryder spurd his chauffed side ; His looke was sterne , and seemed still to threat Cruell reuenge , which he in hart did hyde , And on his shield Sans loy in bloudie lines was dyde . When nigh he drew vnto this gentle payre And saw the Red-crosse , which the knight did beare , He burnt in fire , and gan eftsoones prepare Himselfe to battell with his couched speare . Lo thwas that other , and did faint through fea , To taste th' vntryed dint of deadly steele ; But yet his Lady did so well him cheare , That hope of new goodhap he gan to feele ; So bent his speare , and spurnd his horse with yron heele . But that proud Paynim forward came so fierce , And full of wrath , that with his sharp-head speare Through vainely crossed shield he quite did pierce , And had his staggering steede not shrunke for feare , Through shield and bodie eke he should him beare : Yet so great was the puissance of his push , That from his saddle quite he did him beare : He tombling rudely downe to ground did rush , And from his gored wound a well of bloud did gush . Dismounting lightly from his loftie steed , He to him lept , in mind to reaue his life , And proudly said , Lo there the worthie meed Of him , that slew Sansfoy with bloudie knife ; Henceforth his ghost freed from repining strife , In peace may passen ouer Lethe lake , When morning altars purgd with enemies life , The blacke infernall Furies doen aslake : Life from Sansfoy thou tookst , Sansloy shall from thee take . Therewith in haste his helmet gan vnlace , Till Vna cride , O hold that heauie hand , Deare Sir , what euer that thou be in place : Enough is , that thy foe doth vanquisht stand Now at thy mercy : Mercie not withstand : For he is one the truest knight aliue , Though conquered now he lie on lowly land , And whilest him fortune fauourd , faire did thriue In bloudie field : therefore of life him not depriue . Her piteous words might not abate his rage , But rudely rending vp his helmet , would Haue slaine him straight : but when he sees his age , And hoarie head of Archimago old , His hastie hand he doth amazed hold , And halfe ashamed , wondred at the sight : For the old man well knew he , though vntold , In charmes and magicke to haue wondrous might , Ne euer wont in field , ne in round lists to fight . And said , Why Archimago , lucklesse syre , What doe I see ? what hard mishap is this , That hath thee hither brought to taste mineyre ? Or thine the fault , or mine the error is , In stead of foe to wound my friend amis ? He answered nought , but in a traunce still lay , And on those guilefull dazed eyes of his The cloud of death did sit . Which doen away , He left him lying so , ne would no lenger stay . But to the virgin comes , who all this while Amased stands , her selfe so mockt to see By him , who has the guerdon of his guile , For so misfeigning her true knight to bee : Yet is she now in more perplexitie , Left in the hand of that same Paynim bold , From whom her booteth not at all to flie , Who by her cleanly garment catching hold , Her from her Palfrey pluckt , her visage to behold . But her fierce seruant full of kingly awe And high disdaine , whenas his soueraine Dame So rudely handled by her foe he sawe , With gaping iawes full greedy at him came , And ramping on his shield , did weene the same Haue reft away with his sharpe rending clawes : But he was stout , and lust did now inflame His corage more , that from his griping pawes He hath his shield redeem'd , and foorth his swerd he drawes . O then too weake and feeble was the forse Of saluage beast , his puissance to withstand : For he was strong , and of so mightie corse , As euer wielded speare in warlike hand , And feates of armes did wisely vnderstand . Eftsoones he perced through his chaufed chest With thrilling point of deadly yron brand , And launcht his Lordly hart : with death opprest He roar'd aloud , whiles life forsooke his stubborne brest . Who now is left to keepe the forlorne maid From raging spoile of lawlesse victors will ? Her faithfull gard remou'd , her hope dismaid , Her selfe a yeelded pray to saue or spill . He now Lord of the fied , his pride to fill , With foule reproches , and disdainfull spight Her vildly entertaines , and will or nill , Beares her away vpon his courser light : Her prayers nought preuaile , his rage is more of might . And all the way , with great lamenting paine , And piteous plaints she filleth his dull eares , That stony hart could riuen haue in twaine , And all the way she wets with flowing teares : But he enrag'd with rancor , nothing heares . Her seruile beast yet would not leaue her so , But followes her farre off , ne ought he feares , To be partaker of her wandring woe , More mild in beastly kind , then that her beastly foe .

Cant. IIII To sinfull house of Pride , Duessa guides the faithfull knight , Where brothers death to wreak Sansioy doth chalenge him to fight . YOung knight , what euer that dost armes professe , And through long labours huntest after fame , Beware of fraud , beware of ficklenesse , In choice , and change of thy deare loued Dame , Least thou of her beleeue too lightly blame , And rash misweening doe thy hart remoue : For vnto knight there is no greater shame , Then lightnesse and inconstancie in loue ; That doth this Redcrosse knights ensample plainly proue . Who after that he had faire Vna lorne , Through light misdeeming of her loialtie , And false Duessa in her sted had borne , Called Fidess ' , and so supposd to bee ; Long with her traueild , till at last they see A goodly building , brauely garnished , The house of mightie Prince it seemd to bee : And towards it a broad high way that led , All bare through peoples feet , which thither traueiled . Great troupes of people traueild thitherward Both day and night , of each degree and place , But few returned , hauing scaped hard , With balefull beggerie , or foule disgrace , Which euer after in most wretched case , Like loathsome lazars , by the hedges lay . Thither Duessa bad him bend his pace : For she is wearie of the toilesome way , And also nigh consumed is the lingring day . A stately Pallace built of squared bricke , Which cunningly was without morter laid , Whose wals were high , but nothing strong , nor thick , And golden foile all ouer them displaid , That purest skye with brightnesse they dismaid : High lifted vp were many loftie towres , And goodly galleries farre ouer laid , Full of faire windowes , and delightfull bowres ; And on the top a Diall told the timely howres . It was a goodly heape for to behould , And spake the praises of the workmans wit ; But full great pittie , that so faire a mould Did on so weake foundation euer sit : For on a sandie hill , that still did flit , And fall away , it mounted was full hie , That euery breath of heauen shaked it : And all the hinder parts , that few could spie , Were ruinous and old , but painted cunningly . Arriued there they passed in forth right ; For still to all the gates stood open wide , Yet charge of them was to a Porter hight Cald Maluenù , who entrance none denide : Thence to the hall , which was on euery side With rich array and costly arras dight : Infinite sorts of people did abide There waiting long , to win the wished sight Of her , that was the Lady of that Pallace bright . By them they passe , all gazing on them round , And to the Presence mount ; whose glorious vew Their frayle amazed senses did confound : In liuing Princes court none euer knew Such endlesse richesse , and so sumptuous shew ; Ne Persia selfe , the nourse of pompous pride Like euer saw . And there a noble crew Of Lordes and Ladies stood on euery side , Which with their presence faire , the place much beautifide . High aboue all a cloth of State was spred , And a rich throne , as bright as sunny day , On which there sate most braue embellished With royall robes and gorgeous array , A mayden Queene , that shone as Titans ray , In glistring gold , and peerelesse pretious stone : Yet her bright blazing beautie did assay To dim the brightnesse of her glorious throne , As enuying her selfe , that too exceeding shone . Exceeding shone , like Phoebus fairest childe , That did presume his fathers firie wayne , And flaming mouthes of steedes vnwonted wilde Through highest heauen with weaker hand to rayne ; Proud of such glory and aduancement vaine , While flashing beames do daze his feeble eyen , He leaues the welkin way most beaten plaine , And rapt with whirling wheeles , inflames the skyen , With fire not made to burne , but fairely for to shyne . So proud she shyned in her Princely state , Looking to heauen ; for earth she did disdayne , And sitting high ; for lowly she did hate : Lo vnderneath her scornefull feete , was layne A dreadfull Dragon with an hideous trayne , And in her hand she held a mirrhour bright , Wherein her face she often vewed fayne , And in her selfe-lou'd semblance tooke delight ; For she was wondrous faire , as any liuing wight . Of griesly Pluto she the daughter was , And sad Proserpina the Queene of hell ; Yet did she thinke her pearelesse wroth to pas That parentage , with pride so did she swell , And thundring Ioue , that high in heauen doth dwell , And wield the world , she claymed for her syre , Or if that any else did Ioue excell : For to the highest she did still aspyre , Or if ought higher were then that , did it desyre . And proud Lucifera men did her call , That made her selfe Queene , and crownd to be , Yet rightfull kingdome she had none at all , Ne heritage of natiue soueraintie , But did vsurpe with wrong and tyrannie Vpon the scepter , which she now did hold : Ne ruld her Realmes with lawes , but pollicie , And strong aduizement of six wisards old , That with their counsels bad her kingdome did vphold . Soone as the Elfing knight in presence came , And false Duessa seeming Lady faire , A gentle Husher , Vanitie by name Made rowme , and passage for them did prepaire : So goodly brought them to the lowest staire Of her high throne , where they on humble knee Making obeyssance , did the cause declare , Why they were come , her royall state to see , To proue the wide report of her great Maiestee . With loftie eyes , halfe loth to looke so low , She thanked them in her disdainefull wise , Ne other grace vouchsafed them to show Of Princesse worthy , scarse them bad arise . Her Lordes and Ladies all this while deuise Themselues to setten forth to straungers sight : Some frounce their curled haire in courtly guise , Some prancke their ruffes , and others trimly dight Their gay attire : each others greater pride does spight . Goodly they all that knight do entertaine , Right glad with him to haue increast their crew : But to Duess ' each one himselfe did paine All kindnesse and faire courtesie to shew ; For in that court whylome her well they knew : Yet the stout Faerie mongst the middest crowd Thought all their glorie vaine in knightly vew , And that great Princesse too exceeding prowd , That to strange knight no better countenance allowd . Suddein vpriseth from her stately place The royall Dame , and for her coche doth call : All hurtlen forth , and she with Princely pace , As faire Aurora in her purple pall , Out of the East the dawning day doth call : So forth she comes : her brightnesse brode doth blaze ; The heapes of people thronging in the hall , Do ride each other , vpon her to gaze : Her glorious glitter and light doth all mens eyes amaze . So forth she comes , and to her coche does clyme , Adorned all with gold , and girlonds gay , That seemd as fresh as Flora in her prime , And stroue to match , in royall rich array , Great Iunoes golden chaire , the which they say The Gods stand gazing on , when she does ride To Ioues high house through heauens bras-paued way Drawne of faire Pecocks , that excell in pride , And full of Argus eyes their tailes dispredden wide . But this was drawne of six vnequall beasts , On which her six sage Counsellours did ryde , Taught to obay their bestiall beheasts , With like conditions to their kinds applyde : Of which the first , that all the rest did guyde , Was sluggish Idlenesse the nourse of sin ; Vpon a slouthfull Asse he chose to ryde , Arayd in habit blacke , and amis thin , Like to an holy Monck , the seruice to begin . And in his hand his Portesse still he bare , That much was worne , but therein little red , For of deuotion he had little care , Still drownd in sleepe , and most of his dayes ded ; Scarse could he once vphold his heauie hed , To looken , whether it were night or day : May seeme the wayne was very euill led , When such an one had guiding of the way , That knew not , whether right he went , or else astray . From worldly cares himselfe he did esloyne , And greatly shunned manly exercise , For euery worke he chalenged essoyne , For contemplation sake : yet otherwise , His life he led in lawlesse riotise ; By which he grew to grieuous malady ; For in his lustlesse limbs through euill guise A shaking feuer raignd continually : Such one was Idlenesse , first of this company . And by his side rode loathsome Gluttony , Deformed creature , on a filthie swyne , His belly was vp-blowne with luxury , And eke with fatnesse swollen were his eyne , And like a Crane his necke was long and fyne , With which he swallowd vp excessiue feast , For want whereof poore people oft did pyne ; And all the way , most like a brutish beast , He spued vp his gorge , that all did him deteast . In greene vine leaues he was right fitly clad ; For other clothes he could not weare for heat , And on his head an yuie girland had , From vnder which fast trickled downe the sweat : Still as he rode , he somewhat still did eat , And in his hand did beare a bouzing can , Of which he supt so oft , that on his seat His dronken corse he scarse vpholden can , In shape and life more like a monster , then a man . Vnfit he was for any worldly thing , And eke vnhable once to stirre or go , Not meet to be of counsell to a king , Whose mind in meat and drinke was drowned so , That from his friend he seldome knew his so : Full of diseases was his carcas blew , And a dry dropsie through his flesh did flow : Which by misdiet daily greater grew : Such one was Gluttony , the second of that crew . And next to him rode lustfull Lechery , Vpon a bearded Goat , whose rugged haire , And whally eyes ( the signe of gelosy , ) Was like the person selfe , whom he did beare : Who rough , and blacke , and filthy did appeare , Vnseemely man to please faire Ladies eye ; Yet he of Ladies oft was loued deare , When fairer faces were bid standen by : O who does know the bent of womens fantasy ? In a greene gowne he clothed was full faire , Which vnderneath did hide his filthinesse , And in his hand a burning hart he bare , Full of vaine follies , and new fanglenesse : For he was false , and fraught with sicklenesse , And learned had to loue with secret lookes , And well could daunce , and sing with ruefulnesse , And fortunes tell , and read in louing bookes , And thousand other wayes , to bait his fleshly hookes . Inconstant man , that loued all he saw , And lusted after all , that he did loue , Ne would his looser life be tide to law , But ioyd weake wemens hearts to tempt and proue If from their loyall loues he might them moue ; Which lewdnesse fild him with reprochfull paine Of that fowle euill , which all men reproue , That rots the marrow , and consumes the braine : Such one was Lecherie , the third of all this traine . And greedy Auarice by him did ride , Vpon a Camell loaden all with gold ; Two iron coffers hong on either side , With precious mettall full , as they might hold , And in his lap an heape of coine he told ; For of his wicked pelfe his God he made , And vnto hell him selfe for money sold ; Accursed vsurie was all his trade , And right and wrong ylike in equall ballaunce waide . His life was nigh vnto deaths doore yplast , And thred-bare cote , and cobled shoes he ware , Ne scarse good morsell all his life did tast , But both from backe and belly still did spare , To fill his bags , and richesse to compare ; Yet chylde ne kinsman liuing had he none To leaue them to ; but thorough daily care To get , and nightly feare to lose his owne , He led a wretched life vnto him selfe vnknowne . Most wretched wight , whom nothing might suffise , Whose greedy lust did lacke in greatest store , Whose need had end , but no end couetise , Whose wealth was want , whose plenty made him pore , Who had enough , yet wished euer more ; A vile disease , and eke in foote and hand A grieuous gout tormented him full sore , That well he could not touch , nor go , nor stand : Such one was Auarice , the fourth of this faire band . And next to him malicious Enuie rode , Vpon a rauenous wolfe , and still did chaw Betweene his cankred teeth a venemous tode , That all the poison ran about his chaw ; But inwardly he chawed his owne maw At neighbours wealth , that made him euer sad ; For death it was , when any good he saw , And wept , that cause of weeping none he had , But when he heard of harme , he wexed wondrous glad . All in a kirtle of discolourd say He clothed was , ypainted full of eyes ; And in his bosome secretly there lay An hatefull Snake , the which his taile vptyes In many folds , and mortall sting implyes . Still as he rode , he gnasht his teeth , to see Those heapes of gold with griple Couetyse , And grudged at the great felicitie Of proud Lucifera , and his owne companie . He hated all good workes and vertuous deeds , And him no lesse , that any like did vse , And who with gracious bread the hungry feeds , His almes for want of faith he doth accuse ; So euery good to bad he doth abuse : And eke the verse of famous Poets witt He does backebite , and spightfull poison spues From leprous mouth on all , that euer writt : Such one vile Enuie was , that first in row did sitt . And him beside rides fierce reuenging Wrath , Vpon a Lion , loth for to be led ; And in his hand a burning brond he hath , The which he brandisheth about his hed ; His eyes did hurle forth sparkles fiery red , And stared sterne on all , that him beheld , As ashes pale of hew and seeming ded ; And on his dagger still his hand he held , Trembling through hasty rage , when choler in him sweld . His ruffin raiment all was staind with blood , Which he had spilt , and all to rags yrent , Through vnaduized rashnesse woxen wood ; For of his hands he had no gouernement , Ne car'd for bloud in his auengement : But when the furious fit was ouerpast , His cruell facts he often would repent ; Yet wilfull man he neuer would forecast , How many mischieues should ensue his heedlesse hast . Full many mischiefes follow cruell Wrath ; Abhorred bloudshed , and tumultuous strife , Vnmanly murder , and vnthrifty scath , Bitter despight , with rancours rusty knife , And fretting griefe the enemy of life ; All these , and many euils moe haunt ire , The swelling Splene , and Frenzy raging rife , The shaking Palsey , and Saint Fraunces fire : Such one was Wrath , the last of this vngodly tire . And after all , vpon the wagon beame Rode Sathan , with a smarting whip in hand , With which he forward lasht the laesie teme , So oft as Slowth still in the mire did stand . Huge routs of people did about them band , Showting for ioy , and still before their way A foggy mist had couered all the land ; And vnderneath their feet , all scattered lay Dead sculs & bones of men , whose life had gone astray . So forth they marchen in this goodly sort , To take the solace of the open aire , And in fresh flowring fields themselues to sport ; Emongst the rest rode that false Lady faire , The fowle Duessa , next vnto the chaire Of proud Lucifera , as one of the traine : But that good knight would not so nigh repaire , Him selfe estraunging from their ioyaunce vaine , Whose fellowship seemd far vnfit for warlike swaine . So hauing solaced themselues a space With pleasaunce of the breathing fields yfed , They backe returned to the Princely Place ; Whereas an errant knight in armes ycled , And heathnish shield , wherein with letters red Was writ Sans ioy , they new arriued find : Enflam'd with fury and fiers hardy-hed , He seemd in hart to harbour thoughts vnkind , And nourish bloudy vengeaunce in his bitter mind . Who when the shamed shield of slaine Sans foy He spide with that same Faery champions page , Bewraying him , that did of late destroy His eldest brother , burning all with rage He to him leapt , and that same enuious gage Of victors glory from him snatcht away : But th' Elfin knight , which ought that warlike wage , Disdaind to loose the meed he wonne in fray , And him rencountring fierce , reskewd the noble pray . Therewith they gan to hurtlen greedily , Redoubted battaile ready to darrayne , And clash their shields , and shake their swords on hy , That with their sturre they troubled all the traine ; Till that great Queene vpon eternall paine Of high displeasure , that ensewen might , Commaunded them their fury to refraine , And if that either to that shield had right , In equall lists they should the morrow next it fight . Ah dearest Dame , ( quoth then the Paynim bold , ) Pardon the errour of enraged wight , Whom great griefe made forget the raines to hold Of reasons rule , to see this recreant knight , No knight , but treachour full of false despight And shamefull treason , who through guile hath slayn The prowest knight , that euer field did fight , Euen stout Sans foy ( O who can then refrayn ? ) Whose shield he beares renuerst , the more to heape disdayn . And to augment the glorie of his guile , His dearest loue the faire Fidessa loe Is there possessed of the traytour vile , Who reapes the haruest sowen by his foe , Sowen in bloudy field , and bought with woe : That brothers hand shall dearely well requight So be , ô Queene , you equall fauour showe . Him litle answerd th' angry Elfin knight ; He neuer meant with words , but swords to plead his right . But threw his gauntlet as a sacred pledge , His cause in combat the next day to try : So been they parted both , with harts on edge , To be aueng'd each on his enimy . That night they pas in ioy and iollity , Feasting and courting both in bowre and hall ; For Steward was excessiue Gluttonie , That of his plenty poured forth to all ; Which doen , the Chamberlain Slowth did to rest them call . Now whenas darkesome night had all displayd Her coleblacke curtein ouer brightest skye , The warlike youthes on dayntie couches layd , Did chace away sweet sleepe from sluggish eye , To muse on meanes of hoped victory . But whenas Morpheus had with leaden mace Arrested all that courtly company , Vp-rose Duessa from her resting place , And to the Paynims lodging comes with silent pace . Whom broad awake she finds , in troublous fit , Forecasting , how his foe he might annoy , And him amoues with speaches seeming fit : Ah deare Sans ioy , next dearest to Sans foy , Cause of my new griefe , cause of new ioy , Ioyous , to see his ymage in mine eye , And greeu'd , to thinke how foe did him destroy , That was the flowre of grace and cheualrye ; Lo his Fidessa to thy secret faith I flye . With gentle wordes he can her fairely greet , And bad say on the secret of her hart . Then sighing soft , I learne that litle sweet Oft tempred is ( quoth she ) with muchell smart : For since my brest was launcht with louely dart Of deare Sansfoy , I neuer ioyed howre , But in eternall woes my weaker hart Haue wasted , louing him with all my powre , And for his sake haue felt full many an heauie stowre . At last when perils all I weened past , And hop'd to reape the crop of all my care , Into new woes vnweeting I was cast , By this false faytor , who vnworthy ware His worthy shield , whom he with guilefull snare Entrapped slew , and brought to shamefull graue . Me silly maid away with him he bare , And euer since hath kept in darksome caue , For that I would not yeeld , that to Sans-foy I gaue . But since faire Sunne hath sperst that lowring clowd , And to my loathed life now shewes some light , Vnder your beames I will me safely shrowd , From dreaded storme of his disdainfull spight : To you th' inheritance belongs by right Of brothers prayse , to you eke longs his loue . Let not his loue , let not his restlesse spright Be vnreueng'd , that calles to you aboue From wandring Stygian shores , where it doth endlesse moue . Thereto said he , faire Dame be nought dismaid For sorrowes past ; their griefe is with them gone : Ne yet of present perill be affraid , For needlesse feare did neuer vantage none , And helplesse hap it booteth not to mone . Dead is Sans foy , his vitall paines are past , Though greeued ghost for vengeance deepe do grone : He liues , that shall him pay his dewties last , And guiltie Elsin bloud shall sacrifice in hast . O but I feare the fickle freakes ( quoth shee ) Of fortune false , and oddes of armes in field . Why dame ( quoth he ) what oddes can euer bee , Where both do fight alike , to win or yield ? Yea but ( quoth she ) he beares a charmed shield , And eke enchaunted armes , that none can perce , Ne none can wound the man , that does them wield . Charmd or enchaunted ( answerd he then ferce ) I no whit reck , ne you the like need to reherce . But faire Fidessa , sithens fortunes guile , Or enimies powre hath now captiued you , Returne from whence ye came , and rest a while Till morrow next , that I the Elfe subdew , And with Sans-foyes dead dowry you endew . Ay me , that is a double death ( she said ) With proud foes sight my sorrow to renew : Where euer yet I be , my secret aid Shall follow you . So passing forth she him obaid .

Cant. V. The faithfull knight in equall field subdewes his faithlesse foe . Whom false Duessa saues , and for his cure to hell does goe . THe noble hart , that harbours vertuous thought , And is with child of glorious great intent , Can neuer rest , vntill it forth haue brought Th' eternall brood of glorie excellent : Such restlesse passion did all night torment The flaming corage of that Faery knight , Deuizing , how that doughtie turnament With greatest honour he atchieuen might ; Still did wake , and still did watch for dawning light . At last the golden Orientall gate , Of greatest heauen gan to open faire , And Phoebus fresh , as bridegrome to his mate , Came dauncing forth , shaking his deawie haire : And hurls his glistring beames through gloomy aire Which when the wakeful Elfe perceiu'd , streight way He started vp , and did him selfe prepaire , In sun-bright armes , and battailous array : For with that Pagan proud he combat will that day . And forth he comes into the commune hall , Where earely waite him many a gazing eye , To weet what end to straunger knights may fall . There many Minstrales maken melody , To driue away the dull melancholy , And many Bardes , that to the trembling chord Can tune their timely voyces cunningly , And many Chroniclers , that can record Old loues , and warres for Ladies doen by many a Lord . Soone after comes the cruell Sarazin , In wouen maile all armed warily , And sternly lookes at him , who not a pin Does care for looke of liuing creatures eye . They bring them wines of Greece and Araby , And daintie spices fetcht from furthest Ynd , To kindle heat of corage priuily : And in the wine a solemne oth they bynd T' obserue the sacred lawes of armes , that are assynd . At last forth comes that far renowmed Queene , With royall pomp and Princely maiestie ; She is ybrought vnto a paled greene , And placed vnder stately canapee , The warlike feates of both those knights to see . On th' other side in all mens open vew Duessa placed is , and on a tree Sans-foy his shield is hangd with bloudy hew : Both those the lawrell girlonds to the victor dew . A shrilling trompet sownded from on hye , And vnto battaill bad them selues addresse : Their shining shieldes about their wrestes they tye , And burning blades about their heads do blesse , The instruments of wrath and heauinesse : With greedy force each other doth assayle , And strike so fiercely , that they do impresse Deepe dinted furrowes in the battred mayle ; The yron walles to ward their blowes are weake & fraile . The Sarazin was stout , and wondrous strong , And heaped blowes like yron hammers great : For after bloud and vengeance he did long . The knight was fiers , and full of youthly heat : And doubled strokes , like dreaded thunders threat : For all for prayse and honour he did fight . Both stricken strike , and beaten both do beat , That from their shields forth flyeth firie light , And helmets hewen deepe , shew marks of eithers might ▪ So th' one for wrong , the other striues for right : As when a Gryfon seized of his pray , A Dragon fiers encountreth in his flight , Through widest ayre making his ydle way , That would his rightfull rauine rend away : With hideous horrour both together smight , And souce so sore , that they the heauens affray : The wise Southsayer seeing so sad sight , Th' amazed vulgar tels of warres and mortall fight . So th' one for wrong , the other striues for right , And each to deadly shame would driue his foe : The cruell steele so greedily doth bight In tender flesh , that streames of bloud down flow , With which the armes , that earst so bright did show Into a pure vermillion now are dyde : Great ruth in all the gazers harts did grow , Seeing the gored woundes to gape so wyde , That victory they dare not wish to either side . At last the Paynim chaunst to cast his eye , His suddein eye , flaming with wrathfull fyre , Vpon his brothers shield , which hong thereby : Therewith redoubled was his raging yre , And said , Ah wretched sonne of wofull syre , Doest thou sit wayling by black Stygian lake , Whilest here thy shield is hangd for victors hyre , And sluggish german doest thy forces slake , To after-send his foe , that him may ouertake ? Goe caytiue Elfe , him quickly ouertake , And soone redeeme from his long wandring woe ; Goe guiltie ghost , to him my message make , That I his shield haue quit from dying foe . Therewith vpon his crest he stroke him so , That twise he reeled , readie twise to fall ; End of the doubtfull battell deemed tho The lookers on , and lowd to him gan call The false Duessa , Thine the shield , and I , and all . Soone as the Faerie heard his Ladie speake , Out of his swowning dreame he gan awake , And quickning faith , that earst was woxen weake , The creeping deadly cold away did shake : Tho mou'd with wrath , and shame , and Ladies sake , Of all attonce he cast auengd to bee , And with so'exceeding furie at him strake , That forced him to stoupe vpon his knee ; Had he not stouped so , he should haue clouen bee . And to him said , Goe now proud Miscreant , Thy selfe thy message doe to german deare , Alone he wandring thee too long doth want : Goe say , his foe thy shield with his doth beare . Therewith his heauie hand he high gan reare , Him to haue slaine ; when loe a darkesome clowd Vpon him fell : he no where doth appeare , But vanisht is . The Elfe him cals alowd , But answer none receiues : the darknes him does shrowd . In haste Duessa from her place arose , And to him running said , O prowest knight , That euer Ladie to her loue did chose , Let now abate the terror of your might , And quench the flame of furious despight , And bloudie vengeance ; lo th' infernall powres Couering your foe with cloud of deadly night , Haue borne him hence to Plutoes balefull bowres . The conquest yours , I yours , the shield , and glory yours . Not all so satisfide , with greedie eye He sought all round about , his thirstie blade To bath in bloud of faithlesse enemy ; Who all that while lay hid in secret shade : He standes amazed , how he thence should fade . At last the trumpets , Triumph sound on hie , And running Heralds humble homage made , Greeting him goodly with new victorie , And to him brought the shield , the cause of enmitie . Wherewith he goeth to that soueraine Queene , And falling her before on lowly knee , To her makes present of his seruice seene : Which she accepts , with thankes , and goodly gree , Greatly aduauncing his gay cheualree . So marcheth home , and by her takes the knight , Whom all the people follow with great glee , Shouting , and clapping all their hands on hight , That all the aire it fils , and flyes to heauen bright . Home is he brought , and laid in sumptuous bed : Where many skilfull leaches him abide , To salue his hurts , that yet still freshly bled . In wine and oyle they wash his woundes wide , And softly can embalme on euery side . And all the while , most heauenly melody About the bed sweet musicke did diuide , Him to beguile of griefe and agony : And all the while Duessa wept full bitterly . As when a wearie traueller that strayes By muddy shore of broad seuen-mouthed Nile , Vnweeting of the perillous wandring wayes , Doth meet a cruell craftie Crocodile , Which in false griefe hyding his harmefull guile , Doth weepe full sore , and sheddeth tender teares : The foolish man , that pitties all this while His mournefull plight , is swallowd vp vnwares , Forgetfull of his owne , that mindes anothers cares . So wept Duessa vntill euentide , That shyning lampes in Ioues high house were light : Then forth she rose , ne lenger would abide , But comes vnto the place , where th' Hethen knight In slombring swownd nigh voyd of vitall spright , Lay couer'd with inchaunted cloud all day : Whom when she found , as she him left in plight , To wayle his woefull case she would not stay , But to the easterne coast of heauen makes speedy way . Where griesly Night , with visage deadly sad , That Phoebus chearefull face durst neuer vew , And in a foule blacke pitchie mantle clad , She findes forth comming from her darkesome mew , Where she all day did hide her hated hew . Before the dore her yron charet stood , Alreadie harnessed for iourney new ; And coleblacke steedes yborne of hellish brood , That on their rustie bits did champ , as they were wood . Who when she saw Duessa sunny bright , Adornd with gold and iewels shining cleare , She greatly grew amazed at the sight , And th' vnacquainted light began to feare : For neuer did such brightnesse there appeare , And would haue backe retyred to her caue , Vntill the witches speech she gan to heare , Saying , yet ô thou dreaded Dame , I craue Abide , till I haue told the message , which I haue . She stayd , and foorth Duessa gan proceede , O thou most auncient Grandmother of all , More old then Ioue , whom thou at first didst breede , Or that great house of Gods caelestiall , Which wast begot in Daemogorgons hall , And sawst the secrets of the world vnmade , Why suffredst thou thy Nephewes deare to fall With Elfin sword , most shamefully betrade ? Lo where the stout Sansioy doth sleepe in deadly shade . And him before , I saw with bitter eyes The bold Sansfoy shrinke vnderneath his speare ; And now the pray of fowles in field he lyes , Nor wayld of friends , nor laid on groning beare , That whylome was to me too dearely deare . O what of Gods then boots it to be borne , If old Aveugles sonnes so euill heare ? Or who shall not great Nightes children scorne , When two of three her Nephews are so fowle forlorne ? Vp then , vp dreary Dame , of darknesse Queene , Go gather vp the reliques of thy race , Or else goe them auenge , and let be seene , That dreaded Night in brightest day hath place , And can the children of faire light deface . Her feeling speeches some compassion moued In hart , and chaunge in that great mothers face : Yet pittie in her hart was neuer proued Till then : and euermore she hated , neuer loued . And said , Deare daughter rightly may I rew The fall of famous children borne of mee , And good successes , which their foes ensew : But who can turne the streame of destinee , Or breake the chayne of strong necessitee , Which fast is tyde to Ioues eternall seat ? The sonnes of Day he fauoureth , I see , And by my ruines thinkes to make them great : To make one great by others losse , is bad excheat . Yet shall they not escape so freely all ; For some shall pay the price of others guilt : And he the man that made Sansfoy to fall , Shall with his owne bloud price that he hath spilt . But what art thou , that telst of Nephews kilt ? I that do seeme not I , Duessa am , ( Quoth she ) how euer now in garments gilt , And gorgeous gold arayd I to thee came ; Duessa I , the daughter of Deceipt and Shame . Then bowing downe her aged backe , she kist The wicked witch , saying ; In that faire face The false resemblance of Deceipt , I wist Did closely lurke ; yet so true-seeming grace It carried , that I scarse in darkesome place Could it discerne , though I the mother bee Of falshood , and root of Duessaes race . O welcome child , whom I haue longd to see , And now haue seene vnwares . Lo now I go with thee . Then to her yron wagon she betakes , And with her beares the fowle welfauourd witch : Through mirkesome aire her readie way she makes . Her twyfold Teme , of which two blacke as pitch , And two were browne , yet each to each vnlich , Did softly swim away , ne euer stampe , Vnlesse she chaunst their stubborne mouths to twitch ; Then foming tarre , their bridles they would champe , And trampling the fine element , would fiercely rampe . So well they sped , that they become at length Vnto the place , whereas the Paynim lay , Deuoid of outward sense , and natiue strength , Couerd with charmed cloud from vew of day , And sight of men , since his late luckelesse fray . His cruell wounds with cruddy bloud congealed , They binden vp so wisely , as they may , And handle softly , till they can be healed : So lay him in her charet , close in night concealed . And all the while she stood vpon the ground , The wakefull dogs did neuer cease to bay , As giuing warning of th' vnwonted sound , With which her yron wheeles did them affray , And her darke griesly looke them much dismay ; The messenger of death , the ghastly Owle With drearie shriekes did also her bewray ; And hungry Wolues continually did howle , At her abhorred face , so filtey and so fowle . Thence turning backe in silence soft they stole , And brought the heauie corse with easie pace To yawning gulfe of deepe Auernus hole . By that same hole an entrance darke and bace With smoake and sulphure hiding all the place , Descends to hell : there creature neuer past , That backe returned without heauenly grace ; But dreadfull Furies , which their chaines haue brast , And damned sprights sent forth to make ill men aghast . By that same way the direfull dames doe driue Their mournefull charet , fild with rusty blood , And downe to Plutoes house are come biliue : Which passing through , on euery side them stood The trembling ghosts with sad amazed mood , Chattring their yron teeth , and staring wide With stonie eyes ; and all the hellish brood Of feends infernall flockt on euery side , To gaze on earthly wight , that with the Night durst ride . They pas the bitter waues of Acheron , Where many soules sit wailing woefully , And come to fiery flood of Phlegeton , Whereas the damned ghosts in torments fry , And with sharpe shrilling shriekes doe bootlesse cry , Cursing high Ioue , the which them thither sent . The house of endlesse paine is built thereby , In which ten thousand sorts of punishment The cursed creatures doe eternally torment . Before the threshold dreadfull Cerberus His three deformed heads did lay along , Curled with thousand adders venemous , And lilled forth his bloudie flaming tong : At them he gan to reare his bristles strong , And felly gnarre , vntill dayes enemy Did him appease ; then downe his taile he hong And suffered them to passen quietly : For she in hell and heauen had power equally . There was Ixion turned on a wheele , For daring tempt the Queene of heauen to sin ; And Sisyphus an huge round stone did reele Against an hill , ne might from labour lin ; There thirstie Tantalus hong by the chin ; And Tityus fed a vulture on his maw ; Typhoeus ioynts were stretched on a gin , Theseus condemned to endlesse slouth by law , And fifty sisters water in leake vessels draw . They all beholding worldly wights in place , Leaue off their worke , vnmindfull of their smart , To gaze on them ; who forth by them doe pace , Till they be come vnto the furthest part : Where was a Caue ywrought by wondrous art , Deepe , darke , vneasie , dolefull , comfortlesse , In which sad Aesculapius farre a part Emprisond was in chaines remedilesse , For that Hippolytus rent corse he did redresse . Hippolytus a iolly huntsman was , That wont in charet chace the foming Bore ; He all his Peeres in beautie did surpas , But Ladies loue as losse of time forbore : His wanton stepdame loued him the more , But when she saw her offred sweets refused Her loue she turnd to hate , and him before His father fierce of treason false accused , And with her gealous termes his open eares abused . Who all in rage his Sea-god fyre besought , Some cursed vengeance on his sonne to cast : From surging gulf two monsters straight were brought , With dread whereof his chasing steedes aghast , Both charet swift and huntsman ouercast . His goodly corps on ragged clifts yrent , Was quite dismembred , and his members chast Scattered on euery mountaine , as he went , That of Hippolytus was left no moniment . His cruell stepdame seeing what was donne , Her wicked dayes with wretched knife did end , In death auowing th' innocence of her sonne . Which hearing his rash Syre , began to rend His haire , and hastie tongue , that did offend : Tho gathering vp the relicks of his smart By Dianes meanes , who was Hippolyts frend , Them brought to Aesculape , that by his art Did heale them all againe , and ioyned euery part . Such wondrous science in mans wit to raine When Ioue auizd , that could the dead reuiue , And fates expired could renew againe , Of endlesse life he might him not depriue , But vnto hell did thrust him downe aliue , With flashing thunderbolt ywounded sore : Where long remaining , he did alwaies striue Himselfe with salues to health for to restore , And slake the heauenly fire , that raged euermore . There auncient Night arriuing , did alight From her high wearie waine , and in her armes To Aesculapius brought the wounded knight : Whom hauing softly disarayd of armes , Tho gan to him discouer all his harmes , Beseeching him with prayer , and with praise , If either salues , or oyles , or herbes , or charmes A fordonne wight from dore of death mote raise , He would at her request prolong her nephews daies . Ah Dame ( quoth he ) thou temptest me in vaine , To dare the thing , which daily yet I rew , And the old cause of my continued paine With like attempt to like end to renew . Is not enough , that thrust from heauen dew Here endlesse penance for one fault I pay , But that redoubled crime with vengeance new Thou biddest me to eeke ? Can Night defray The wrath of thundring Ioue , that rules both night and day ? Not so ( quoth she ) but sith that heauens king From hope of heauen hath thee excluded quight , Why fearest thou , that canst not hope for thing , And fearest not , that more thee hurten might , Now in the powre of euerlasting Night ? Goe to then , ô thou farre renowmed sonne Of great Apollo , shew thy famous might In medicine , that else hath to thee wonne Great paines , & greater praise , both neuer to be donne . Her words preuaild : And then the learned leach His cunning hand gan to his wounds to lay , And all things else , the which his art did teach : Which hauing seene , from thence arose away The mother of dread darknesse , and let stay Aueugles sonne there in the leaches cure , And backe returning tooke her wonted way , To runne her timely race , whilst Phoebus pure In westerne waues his wearie wagon did recure . The false Duessa leauing noyous Night , Returnd to stately pallace of dame Pride ; Where when she came , she found the Faery knight Departed thence , albe his woundes wide Not throughly heald , vnreadie were to ride . Good cause he had to hasten thence away ; For on a day his wary Dwarfe had spide , Where in a dongeon deepe huge numbers lay Of caytiue wretched thrals , that wayled night and day . A ruefull sight , as could be seene with eie ; Of whom he learned had in secret wise The hidden cause of their captiuitie , How mortgaging their liues to Couetise , Through wastfull Pride , and wanton Riotise , They were by law of that proud Tyrannesse Prouokt with Wrath , and Enuies false surmise , Condemned to that Dongeon mercilesse , Where they should liue in woe , & die in wretchednesse . There was that great proud king of Babylon , That would compell all nations to adore , And him as onely God to call vpon , Till through celestiall doome throwne out of dore , Into an Oxe he was transform'd of yore : There also was king Craesus , that enhaunst His heart too high through his great riches store ; And proud Antiochus , the which aduaunst His cursed hand gainst God , and on his altars daunst . And them long time before , great Nimrod was , That first the world with sword and fire warrayd ; And after him old Ninus farre did pas In princely pompe , of all the world obayd ; There also was that mightie Monarch layd Low vnder all , yet aboue all in pride , That name of natiue syre did fowle vpbrayd , And would as Ammons sonne be magnifide , Till scornd of God and man a shamefull death he dide . All these together in one heape were throwne , Like carkases of beasts in butchers stall . And in another corner wide were strowne The antique ruines of the Romaines fall : Great Romulus the Grandsyre of them all , Proud Tarquin , and too lordly Lentulus , Stout Scipio , and stubborne Hanniball , Ambitious Sylla , and sterne Marius , High Caesar , great Pompey , and fierce Antonius . Amongst these mighty men were wemen mixt , Proud wemen , vaine , forgetfull of their yoke : The bold Semiramis , whose sides transfixt With sonnes owne blade , her fowle reproches spoke ; Faire Sthenoboea , that her selfe did choke With wilfull cord , for wanting of her will ; High minded Cleopatra , that with stroke Of Aspes sting her selfe did stoutly kill : And thousands moe the like , that did that dongeon fill . Besides the endlesse routs of wretched thralles , Which thither were assembled day by day , From all the world after their wofull falles , Through wicked pride , and wasted wealthes decay . But most of all , which in the Dongeon lay Fell from high Princes courts , or Ladies bowres , Where they in idle pompe , or wanton play , Consumed had their goods , and thriftlesse howres , And lastly throwne themselues into these heauy stowres . Whose case when as the carefull Dwarfe had tould , And made ensample of their mournefull sight Vnto his maister , he no lenger would There dwell in perill of like painefull plight , But early rose , and ere that dawning light Discouered had the world to heauen wyde , He by a priuie Posterne tooke his flight , That of no enuious eyes he mote be spyde : For doubtlesse death ensewd , if any him descryde . Scarse could he footing find in that fowle way , For many corses , like a great Lay-stall Of murdred men which therein strowed lay , Without remorse , or decent funerall : Which all through that great Princesse pride did fall And came to shamefull end . And them beside Forth ryding vnderneath the castell wall , A donghill of dead carkases he spide , The dreadfull spectacle of that sad house of Pride .

Cant. VI. From lawlesse lust by wondrous grace fayre Vna is releast : Whom saluage nation does adore , and learnes her wise beheast . AS when a ship , that flyes faire vnder saile , An hidden rocke escaped hath vnwares , That lay in waite her wrack for to bewaile , The Marriner yet halfe amazed stares At perill past , and yet it doubt ne dares To ioy at his foole-happie ouersight : So doubly is distrest twixt ioy and cares The dreadlesse courage of this Elfin knight , Hauing escapt so sad ensamples in his sight . Yet sad he was that his too hastie speed The faire Duess ' had forst him leaue behind ; And yet more sad , that Vna his deare dreed Her truth had staind with treason so vnkind ; Yet crime in her could neuer creature find , But for his loue , and for her owne selfe sake , She wandred had from one to other Ynd , Him for to seeke , ne euer would forsake , Till her vnwares the fierce Sansloy did ouertake . Who after Archimagoes fowle defeat , Led her away into a forrest wilde , And turning wrathfull fire to lustfull heat , With beastly sin thought her to haue defilde , And made the vassall of his pleasures vilde . Yet first he cast by treatie , and by traynes , Her to perswade , that stubborne fort to yilde : For greater conquest of hard loue he gaynes , That workes it to his will , then he that it constraines . With fawning wordes he courted her a while , And looking louely , and oft sighing sore , Her constant hart did tempt with diuerse guile : But wordes and lookes , and sighes she did abhore , As rocke of Diamond stedfast euermore . Yet for to feed his fyrie lustfull eye , He snatcht the vele , that hong her face before ; Then gan her beautie shine , as brightest skye , And burnt his beastly hart t'efforce her chastitye . So when he saw his flatt'ring arts to fayle , And subtile engines bet from batteree , With greedy force he gan the fort assayle , Whereof he weend possessed soone to bee , And with rich spoile of ransackt chastetee . Ah heauens , that do this hideous act behold , And heauenly virgin thus outraged see , How can ye vengeance iust so long withhold , And hurle not flashing flames vpon that Paynim bold ? The pitteous maiden carefull comfortlesse , Does throw out thrilling shriekes , & shrieking cryes , The last vaine helpe of womens great distresse , And with loud plaints importuneth the skyes , That molten starres do drop like weeping eyes ; And Phoebus flying so most shamefull sight , His blushing face in foggy cloud implyes , And hides for shame . What wit of mortall wight Can now deuise to quit a thrall from such a plight ? Eternall prouidence exceeding thought , Where none appeares can make her selfe a way : A wondrous way it for this Lady wrought , From Lyons clawes to pluck the griped pray . Her shrill outcryes and shriekes so loud did bray , That all the woodes and forestes did resownd ; A troupe of Faunes and Satyres far away Within the wood were dauncing in a rownd , Whiles old Syluanus slept in shady arber sownd . Who when they heard that pitteous strained voice , In hast forsooke their rurall meriment , And ran towards the far rebownded noyce , To weet , what wight so loudly did lament . Vnto the place they come incontinent : Whom when the raging Sarazin espide , A rude , mishapen , monstrous rablement , Whose like he neuer saw , he durst not bide , But got his ready steed , and fast away gan ride . The wyld woodgods arriued in the place , There find the virgin dolefull desolate , With ruffled rayments , and faire blubbred face , As her outrageous foe had left her late , And trembling yet through feare of former hate ; All stand amazed at so vncouth sight , And gin to pittie her vnhappie state , All stand astonied at her beautie bright , In their rude eyes vnworthie of so wofull plight . She more amaz'd , in double dread doth dwell ; And euery tender part for feare does shake : As when a greedie Wolfe through hunger fell A seely Lambe farre from the flocke does take , Of whom he meanes his bloudie feast to make , A Lyon spyes fast running towards him , The innocent pray in hast he does forsake , Which quit from death yet quakes in euery lim With chaunge of feare , to see the Lyon looke so grim . Such fearefull fit assaid her trembling hart , Ne word to speake , ne ioynt to moue she had : The saluage nation feele her secret smart , And read her sorrow in her count'nance sad ; Their frowning forheads with rough hornes yclad , And rusticke horror all a side doe lay , And gently grenning , shew a semblance glad To comfort her , and feare to put away , Their backward bent knees teach her humbly to obay . The doubtfull Damzell dare not yet commit Her single person to their barbarous truth , But still twixt feare and hope amazd does sit , Late learnd what harme to hastie trust ensu'th , They in compassion of her tender youth , And wonder of her beautie soueraine , Are wonne with pitty and vnwonted ruth , And all prostrate vpon the lowly plaine , Do kisse her feete , and fawne on her with count'nance faine . Their harts she ghesseth by their humble guise , And yieldes her to extremitie of time ; So from the ground she fearelesse doth arise , And walketh forth without suspect of crime : They all as glad , as birdes of ioyous Prime , Thence lead her forth , about her dauncing round , Shouting , and singing all a shepheards ryme , And with greene braunches strowing all the ground , Do worship her , as Queene , with oliue girlond cround . And all the way their merry pipes they sound , That all the woods with doubled Eccho ring , And with their horned feet do weare the ground , Leaping like wanton kids in pleasant Spring . So towards old Syluanus they her bring ; Who with the noyse awaked , commeth out , To weet the cause , his weake steps gouerning , And aged limbs on Cypresse stadle stout , And with an yuie twyne his wast is girt about . Far off he wonders , what them makes so glad , Of Bacchus merry fruit they did inuent , Or Cybeles franticke rites haue made them mad ; They drawing nigh , vnto their God present That flowre of faith and beautie excellent . The God himselfe vewing that mirrhour rare , Stood long amazd , and burnt in his intent ; His owne faire Dryope now he thinkes not faire , And Pholoe fowle , when her to this he doth compaire . The woodborne people fall before her flat , And worship her as Goddesse of the wood ; And old Syluanus selfe bethinkes not , what To thinke of wight so faire , but gazing stood , In doubt to deeme her borne of earthly brood ; Sometimes Dame Venus selfe he seemes to see , But Venus neuer had so sober mood ; Sometimes Diana he her takes to bee , But misseth bow , and shaftes , and buskins to her knee . By vew of her he ginneth to reuiue His ancient loue , and dearest Cyparisse , And calles to mind his pourtraiture aliue , How faire he was , and yet not faire to this , And how he slew with glauncing dart amisse A gentle Hynd , the which the louely boy Did loue as life , aboue all worldly blisse ; For griefe whereof the lad n'ould after joy , But pynd away in anguish and selfe-wild annoy . The wooddy Nymphes , faire Hamadryades Her to behold do thither runne apace , And all the troupe of light-foot Naiades , Flocke all about to see her louely face : But when they vewed haue her heauenly grace , They enuie her in their malitious mind , And fly away for feare of fowle disgrace : But all the Satyres scorne their woody kind , And henceforth nothing faire , but her on earth they find . Glad of such lucke , the luckelesse lucky maid , Did her content to please their feeble eyes , And long time with that saluage people staid , To gather breath in many miseries . During which time her gentle wit she plyes , To teach them truth , which worshipt her in vaine , And made her th' Image of Idoiatryes ; But when their bootlesse zeale she did restraine From her own worship , they her Asse would worship fayn . It fortuned a noble warlike knight By iust occasion to that forrest came , To seeke his kindred , and the lignage right , From whence he tooke his well deserued name : He had in armes abroad wonne muchell same , And fild far landes with glorie of his might , Plaine , faithfull , true , and enimy of shame , And euer lou'd to fight for Ladies right , But in vaine glorious frayes he litle did delight . A Satyres sonne yborne in forrest wyld , By straunge aduenture as it did betyde , And there begotten of a Lady myld , Faire Thyamis the daughter of Labryde , That was in sacred bands of wedlocke tyde To Therion , a loose vnruly swayne ; Who had more ioy to raunge the forrest wyde , And chase the saluage beast with busie payne , Then serue his Ladies loue , and wast in pleasures vayne . The forlorne mayd did with loues longing burne , And could not lacke her louers company , But to the wood she goes , to serue her turne , And seeke her spouse , that from her still does fly , And followes other game and venery : A Satyre chaunst her wandring for to find , And kindling coles of lustin brutish eye , The loyall links of wedlocke did vnbind , And made her person thrall vnto his beastly kind . So long in secret cabin there he held Her captiue to his sensuall desire , Till that with timely fruit her belly sweld , And bore a boy vnto that saluage fire : Then home he suffred her for to retire , For ransome leauing him the late borne childe ; Whom till to ryper yeares he gan aspire , He noursled vp in life and manners wilde , Emongst wild beasts and woods , from lawes of men exilde . For all he taught the tender ymp , was but To banish cowardize and bastard feare ; His trembling hand he would him force to put Vpon the Lyon and the rugged Beare , And from the she Beares teats her whelps to teare ; And eke wyld roring Buls he would him make To tame , and ryde their backes not made to beare ; And the Robuckes in flight to ouertake , That euery beast for feare of him did fly and quake . Thereby so fearelesse , and so fell he grew , That his owne sire and maister of his guise Did often tremble at his horrid vew , And oft for dread of hurt would him aduise , The angry beasts not rashly to despise , Nor too much to prouoke ; for he would learne The Lyon stoup to him in lowly wise , ( A lesson hard ) and make the Libbard sterne Leaue roaring , when in rage he for reuenge did earne . And for to make his powre approued more , Wyld beasts in yron yokes he would compell ; The spotted Panther , and the tusked Bore , The Pardale swift , and the Tigre cruell ; The Antelope , and Wolfe both fierce and fell ; And them constraine in equall teme to draw . Such ioy he had , their stubborne harts to quell , And sturdie courage tame with dreadfull aw , That his beheast they feared , as tyrans law . His louing mother came vpon a day Vnto the woods , to see her little sonne ; And chaunst vnwares to meet him in the way , After his sportes , and cruell pastime donne , When after him a Lyonesse did runne , That roaring all with rage , did lowd requere Her children deare , whom he away had wonne : The Lyon whelpes she saw how he did beare , And lull in rugged armes , withouten childish feare . The fearefull Dame all quaked at the sight , And turning backe , gan fast to fly away , Vntill with loue reuokt from vaine affright , She hardly yet perswaded was to stay , And then to him these womanish words gan say ; Ah Satyrane , my dearling , and my ioy , For loue of me leaue off this dreadfull play ; To dally thus with death , is no fit toy , Go find some other play-fellowes , mine own sweet boy . In these and like delights of bloudy game He trayned was , till ryper yeares he raught , And there abode , whilst any beast of name Walkt in that forest , whom he had not taught To feare his force : and then his courage haught Desird of forreine foemen to be knowne , And far abroad for straunge aduentures sought : In which his might was neuer ouerthrowne , But through all Faery lond his famous worth was blown . Yet euermore it was his manner faire , After long labours and aduentures spent , Vnto those natiue woods for to repaire , To see his fire and ofspring auncient . And now he thither came for like intent ; Where he vnwares the fairest Vna found , Straunge Lady , in so straunge habiliment , Teaching the Satyres , which her sat around , Trew sacred lore , which from her sweet lips did redound He wondred at her wisedome heauenly rare , Whose like in womens wit he neuer knew ; And when her curteous deeds he did compare , Gan her admire , and her sad sorrowes rew , Blaming of Fortune , which such troubles threw , And ioyd to make proofe of her crueltie On gentle Dame , so hurtlesse , and so trew : Thenceforth he kept her goodly company , And learnd her discipline of faith and veritie . But she all vowd vnto the Redcrosse knight , His wandring perill closely did lament , Ne in this new acquaintaunce could delight , But her deare heart with anguish did torment , And all her wit in secret counsels spent , How to escape . At last in priuie wise To Satyrane she shewed her intent ; Who glad to gain such fauour , gan deuise , How with that pensiue Maid he best might thence arise . So on a day when Satyres all were gone , To do their seruice to Syluanus old , The gentle virgin left behind alone He led away with courage stout and bold . Too late it was , to Satyres to be told , Or euer hope recouer her againe : In vaine he seekes that hauing cannot hold . So fast he carried her with carefull paine , That they the woods are past , & come now to the plaine . The better part now of the lingring day , They traueild had , when as they farre espide A wearie wight forwandring by the way , And towards him they gan in hast to ride , To weet of newes , that did abroad betide , Or tydings of her knight of the Redcrosse . But he them spying , gan to turne aside , For feare as seemd , or for some feigned losse ; More greedy they of newes , fast towards him do crosse . A silly man , in simple weedes forworne , And soild with dust of the long dried way ; His sandales were with toilesome trauell torne , And face all tand with scorching sunny ray , As he had traueild many a sommers day , Through boyling sands of Arabie and Ynde ; And in his hand a Iacobs staffe , to stay His wearie limbes vpon : and eke behind , His scrip did hang , in which his needments he did bind . The knight approching nigh , of him inquerd Tydings of warre , and of aduentures new ; But warres , nor new aduentures none he herd . Then Vna gan to aske , if ought he knew , Or heard abroad of that her champion trew , That in his armour bare a croslet red . Aye me , Deare dame ( quoth he ) well may I rew To tell the sad sight , which mine eies haue red : These eyes did see that knight both liuing and eke ded . That cruell word her tender hart so thrild , That suddein cold did runne through euery vaine , And stony horrour all her sences fild With dying fit , that downe she fell for paine . The knight her lightly reared vp againe , And comforted with curteous kind reliefe : Then wonne from death , she bad him tellen plaine The further processe of her hidden griefe ; The lesser pangs can beare , who hath endur'd the chiefe . Then gan the Pilgrim thus , I chaunst this day , This fatall day , that shall I euer rew , To see two knights in trauell on my way ( A sory fight ) arraung'd in battell new , Both breathing vengeaunce , both of wrathfull hew : My fearefull flesh did tremble at their strife , To see their blades so greedily imbrew , That drunke with bloud , yet thristed after life : What more ? the Redcrosse knight was slaine with Paynim knife . Ah dearest Lord ( quoth she ) how might that bee , And he the stoutest knight , that euer wonne ? Ah dearest dame ( quoth he ) how might I see The thing , that might not be , and yet was donne ? Where is ( said Satyrane ) that Paynims sonne , That him of life , and vs of ioy hath rest ? Not far away ( quoth he ) he hence doth wonne Foreby a fountaine , where I late him left Washing his bloudy wounds , that through the steele were cleft . Therewith the knight thence marched forth in hast , Whiles Vna with huge heauinesse opprest , Could not for sorrow follow him so fast ; And soone he came , as he the place had ghest , Whereas that Pagan proud him selfe did rest , In secret shadow by a fountaine side : Euen he it was , that earst would haue supprest Faire Vna : whom when Satyrane espide , With fowle reprochfull words he boldly him defide . And said , Arise thou cursed Miscreaunt , That hast with knightlesse guile and trecherous train Faire knighthood fowly shamed , and doest vaunt That good knight of the Redcrosse to haue slain : Arise , and with like treason now maintain Thy guilty wrong , or else thee guilty yield . The Sarazin this hearing , rose amain , And catching vp in hast his three square shield , And shining helmet , soone him buckled to the field . And drawing nigh him said , Ah misborne Elfe , In euill houre thy foes thee hither sent , Anothers wrongs to wreake vpon thy selfe : Yet ill thou blamest me , for hauing blent My name with guile and traiterous intent ; That Redcrosse knight , perdie , I neuer slew , But had he beene , where earst his armes were lent , Th' enchaunter vaine his errour should not rew : But thou his errour shalt , I hope now prouen trew . Therewith they gan , both furious and fell , To thunder blowes , and fiersly to assaile Each other bent his enimy to quell , That with their force they perst both plate and maile , And made wide furrowes in their fleshes fraile , That it would pitty any liuing eie . Large floods of bloud adowne their sides did raile ; But floods of bloud could not them satisfie : Both hungred after death : both chose to win , or die . So long they fight , and fell reuenge pursue , That fainting each , themselues to breathen let , And oft refreshed , battell oft renue : As when two Bores with rancling malice met , Their gory sides fresh bleeding fiercely fret , Till breathlesse both them selues aside retire , Where foming wrath , their cruell tuskes they whet , And trample th' earth , the whiles they may respire ; Then backe to fight againe , new breathed and entire . So fiersly , when these knights had breathed once , They gan to fight returne , increasing more Their puissant force , and cruell rage attonce , With heaped strokes more hugely , then before , That with their drerie wounds and bloudy gore They both deformed , scarsely could be known . By this sad Vna fraught with anguish sore , Led with their noise , which through the aire was thrown : Arriu'd , where they in erth their fruitles bloud had sown . Whom all so soone as that proud Sarazin Espide , he gan reuiue the memory Of his lewd lusts , and late attempted sin , And left the doubtfull battell hastily , To catch her , newly offred to his eie : But Satyrane with strokes him turning , staid , And sternely bad him other businesse plie , Then hunt the steps of pure vnspotted Maid : Wherewith he all enrag'd , these bitter speaches said . O foolish faeries sonne , what furie mad Hath thee incenst , to hast thy dolefull fete ? Were it not better , I that Lady had , Then that thou hadst repented it too late ? Most sencelesse man he , that himselfe doth hate , To loue another . Lo then for thine ayd Here take thy louers token on thy pate . So they two fight ; the whiles the royall Mayd Fled farre away , of that proud Paynim sore afrayd . But that false Pilgrim , which that leasing told , Being in deed old Archimage , did stay In secret shadow , all this to behold , And much reioyced in their bloudy fray : But when he saw the Damsell passe away He left his stond , and her pursewd apace , In hope to bring her to her last decay . But for to tell her lamentable cace , And eke this battels end , will need another place .

Cant. VII . The Redcrosse knight is capture made By Gyaunt proud opprest , Prince Arthur meets with Vna greatly with those newes distrest . WHat man so wise , what earthly wit so ware , As to descry the crafty cunning traine , By which deceipt doth maske in visour faire , And cast her colours dyed deepe in graine , To seeme like Truth , whose shape she well can faine , And fitting gestures to her purpose frame ; The guiltlesse man with guile to entertaine ? Great maistresse of her art was that false Dame , The false Duessa , cloked with Fidessaes name . Who when returning from the drery Night , She fownd not in that perilous house of Pryde , Where she had left , the noble Redcrosse knight , Her hoped pray ; she would no lenger bide , But forth she went , to seeke him far and wide . Ere long she fownd , whereas he wearie sate , To rest him selfe , foreby a fountaine side , Disarmed all of yron-coted Plate , And by his side his steed the grassy forage ate . He seedes vpon the cooling shade , and bayes His sweatie forehead in the breathing wind , Which through the trembling leaues full gently playe Wherein the cherefull birds of sundry kind Do chaunt sweet musick , to delight his mind : The Witch approching gan him fairely greet , And with reproch of carelesnesse vnkind Vpbrayd , for leauing her in place vnmeet , With fowle words tempring faire , soure gall with hony sweet . Vnkindnesse past , they gan of solace treat , And bathe in pleasaunce of the ioyous shade , Which shielded them against the boyling heat , And with greene boughes decking a gloomy glade , About the fountaine like a girlond made ; Whose bubbling waue did euer freshly well , Ne euer would through feruent sommer fade : The sacred Nymph , which therein wont to dwell , Was out of Dianes fauour , as it then befell . The cause was this : one day when Phoebe fayre With all her band was following the chace , This Nymph , quite tyr'd with heat of scorching ayre Sat downe to rest in middest of the race : The goddesse wroth gan fowly he disgrace , And bad the waters , which from her did flow , Be such as she her selfe was then in place . Thenceforth her waters waxed dull and slow , And all that drunke thereof , did faint and feeble grow . Hereof this gentle knight vnweeting was , And lying downe vpon the sandie graile , Drunke of the streame , as cleare as cristall glas , Eftsoones his manly forces gan to faile , And mightie strong was turnd to feeble fraile . His chaunged powres at first them selues not felt , Till crudled cold his corage gan assaile , And chearefull bloud in faintnesse chill did melt , Which like a feuer fit through all his body swelt . Yet goodly court he made still to his Dame , Pourd out in loosnesse on the grassy grownd , Both carelesse of his health , and of his fame : Till at the last he heard a dreadfull sownd , Which through the wood loud bellowing , did rebownd , That all the earth for terrour seemd to shake , And trees did tremble . Th' elfe therewith astownd , Vpstarted lightly from his looser make , And his vnready weapons gan in hand to take . But ere he could his armour on him dight , Or get his shield , his monstrous enimy With sturdie steps came stalking in his sight , An hideous Geant horrible and hye , That with his talnesse seemd to threat the skye , The ground eke groned vnder him for dreed ; His liuing like saw neuer liuing eye , Ne durst behold : his stature did exceed The hight of three the tallest sonnes of mortall seed . The greatest Earth his vncouth mother was , And blustring AEolus his boasted sire , Who with his breath , which through the world dot● pas Her hollow womb did secretly inspire , And fild her hidden caues with stormie yre , That she conceiu'd ; and trebling the dew time , In which the wombes of women do expire , Brought forth this monstrous masse of earthly slime Puft vp with emptie wind , and fild with sinfull crime . So growen great through arrogant delight Of th' high descent , whereof he was yborne , And through presumption of his matchlesse might , All other powres and knighthood he did scorne . Such now he marcheth to this man forlorne , And left to losse : his stalking steps are stayde Vpon a snaggy Oke , which he had torne Out of his mothers bowelles , and it made His mortall mace , wherewith his foemen he dismayde . That when the knight he spide , he gan aduance With huge force and insupportable mayne , And towardes him with dreadfull fury praunce ; Who haplesse , and eke hopelesse , all in vaine Did to him pace , sad battaile to darrayne , Disarmd , disgrast , and inwardly dismayde , And eke so faint in euery ioynt and vaine , Through that fraile fountaine , which him feeble made That scarsely could he weeld his bootlesse single blade . The Geaunt strooke so maynly mercilesse , That could haue ouerthrowne a stony towre , And were not heauenly grace , that him did blesse , He had beene pouldred all , as thin as flowre : But he was wary of that deadly stowre , And lightly lept from vnderneath the blow : Yet so exceeding was the villeins powre , That with the wind it did him ouerthrow , And all his sences stound , that still he lay full low . As when that diuelish yron Engin wrought In deepest Hell , and framd by Furies skill , With windy Nitre and quick Sulphur fraught , And ramd with bullet round , ordaind to kill , Conceiueth fire , the heauens it doth fill With thundring noyse , and all the ayre doth choke , That none can breath , nor see , nor heare at will , Through smouldry cloud of duskish stincking smoke , That th' onely breath him daunts , who hath escapt the stroke . So daunted when the Geaunt saw the knight His heauie hand he heaued vp on hye , And him to dust thought to haue battred quight , Vntill Duessa loud to him gan crye ; O great Orgoglio , greatest vnder skye , O hold thy mortall hand for Ladies sake , Hold for my sake , and do him not to dye , But vanquisht thine eternall bondslaue make , And me thy worthy meed vnto thy Leman take . He hearkned , and did stay from further harmes , To gayne so goodly guerdon , as she spake : So willingly she came into his armes , Who her as willingly to grace did take , And was possessed of his new found make . Then vp he tooke the slombred sencelesse corse , And ere he could out of his swowne awake , Him to his castle brought with hastie forse , And in a Dongeon deepe him threw without remorse . From that day forth Duessa was his deare , And highly honourd in his haughtie eye , He gaue her gold and purple pall to weare , And triple crowne set on her head full hye , And her endowd with royall maiestye : Then for to make her dreaded more of men , And peoples harts with awfull terrour tye , A monstrous beast ybred in filthy fen He chose , which he had kept long time in darksome den Such one it was , as that renowmed Snake Which great Alcides in Stremona slew , Long fostred in the filth of Lerna lake , Whose many heads out budding euer new , Did breed him endlesse labour to subdew : But this same Monster much more vgly was ; For seuen great heads out of his body grew , An yron brest , and backe of scaly bras , And all embrewd in bloud , his eyes did shine as glas . His tayle was stretched out in wondrous length , That to the house of heauenly gods it raught , And with extorted powre , and borrow'd strength , The euer-burning lamps from thence it brought , And prowdly threw to ground , as things of nought And vnderneath his filthy feet did tread The sacred things , and holy heasts foretaught . Vpon this dreadfull Beast with seuenfoldhead He set the false Duessa , for more aw and dread . The wofull Dwarfe , which saw his maisters fall , Whiles he had keeping of his grasing steed , And valiant knight become a caytiue thrall , When all was past , tooke vp his forlorne weed , His mightie armour , missing most at need ; His siluer shield , now idle maisterlesse ; His poynant speare , that many made to bleed , The ruefull moniments of heauinesse , And with them all departes , to tell his great distresse . He had not trauaild long , when on the way He wofull Ladie , wofull Vna met , Fast flying from the Paynims greedy pray , Whilest Satyrane him from pursuit did let : Who when her eyes she on the Dwarfe had set , And saw the signes , that deadly tydings spake , She fell to ground for sorrowfull regret , And liuely breath her sad brest did forsake , Yet might her pitteous hart be seene to pant and quake . The messenger of so vnhappie newes , Would faine haue dyde : dead was his hart within , Yet outwardly some little comfort shewes : At last recouering hart , he does begin To rub her temples , and to chause her chin , And euery tender part does tosse and turne : So hardly he the flitted life does win , Vnto her natiue prison to retourne : Then gins her grieued ghost thus to lament and mourne . Ye dreary instruments of dolefull sight , That doe this deadly spectacle behold , Why do ye lenger feed on loathed light , Or liking find to gaze on earthly mould , Sith cruell fates the carefull threeds vnfould , The which my life and loue together tyde ? Now let the stony dart of senselesse cold Perce to my hart , and pas through euery side , And let eternall night so sad sight fro me hide . O lightsome day , the lampe of highest Ioue , First made by him , mens wandring wayes to guyde , When darkenesse he in deepest dongeon droue , Henceforth thy hated face for euer hyde , And shut vp heauens windowes shyning wyde : For earthly sight can nought but sorrow breed , And late repentance , which shall long abyde . Mine eyes no more on vanitie shall feed , But seeled vp with death , shall haue their deadly meed . Then downe againe she fell vnto the ground ; But he her quickly reared vp againe : Thrise did she sinke adowne in deadly swownd , And thrise he her reviu'd with busie paine : At last when life recouer'd had the raine , And ouer-wrestled his strong enemie , With foltring tong , and trembling euery vaine , Tell on ( quoth she ) the wofull Tragedie , The which these reliques sad present vnto mine eie . Tempestuous fortune hath spent all her spight , And thrilling sorrow throwne his vtmost dart ; Thy sad tongue cannot tell more heauy plight , Then that I feele , and harbour in mine hart : Who hath endur'd the whole , can beare each part . If death it be , it is not the first wound , That launched hath my brest with bleeding smart . Begin , and end the bitter balefull stound ; If lesse , then that I feare more fauour I haue found . Then gan the Dwarfe the whole discourse declare , The subtill traines of Archimago old ; The wanton loues of false Fidessa faire , Bought with the bloud of vanquisht Paynim bold : The wretched payre transform'd to treen mould ; The house of Pride , and perils round about ; The combat , which he with Sansioy did hould ; The lucklesse conflict with the Gyant stout , Wherein captiu'd , of life or death he stood in doubt . She heard with patience all vnto the end , And stroue to maister sorrowfull assay , Which greater grew , the more she did contend , And almost rent her tender hart in tway ; And loue fresh coles vnto her fire did lay : For greater loue , the greater is the losse . Was neuer Ladie loued dearer day , Then she did loue the knight of the Redcrosse ; For whose deare sake so many troubles her did tosse . At last when feruent sorrow slaked was , She vp arose , resoluing him to find A liue or dead : and forward forth doth pas , All as the Dwarfe the way to her assynd : And euermore in constant care full mind She fed her wound with fresh renewed bale ; Long tost with stormes , and bet with bitter wind , High ouer hils , and low adowne the dale , She wandred many a wood , and measurd many a vale . At last she chaunced by good hap to meet A goodly knight , faire marching by the way Together with his Squire , arayed meet : His glitterand armour shined farre away , Like glauncing light of Phoebus brightest ray ; From top to toe no place appeared bare , That deadly dint of steele endanger may : Athwart his brest a bauldrick braue he ware , That shynd , like twinkling stars , with stons most pretious rare . And in the midst thereof one pretious stone Of wondrous worth , and eke of wondrous mights , Shapt like a Ladies head , exceeding shone , Like Hesperus emongst the lesser lights , And stroue for to amaze the weaker sights ; Thereby his mortall blade full comely hong In yuory sheath , ycaru'd with curious slights ; Whose hilts were burnisht gold , and handle strong Of mother pearle , and buckled with a golden tong . His haughtie helmet , horrid all with gold , Both glorious brightnesse , and great terrour bred ; For all the crest a Dragon did enfold With greedie pawes , and ouer all did spred His golden wings : his dreadfull hideous hed Close couched on the beuer , seem'd to throw From flaming mouth bright sparkles fierie red , That suddeine horror to faint harts did show ; And scaly tayle was stretcht adowne his backe full low . Vpon the top of all his loftie crest , A bunch of haires discolourd diuersly , With sprincled pearle , and gold full richly drest , Did shake , and seem'd to daunce for iollity , Like to an Almond tree ymounted hye On top of greene Selinis all alone , With blossomes braue bedecked daintily ; Whose tender locks do tremble euery one At euery little breath , that vnder heauen is blowne . His warlike shield all closely couer'd was , Ne might of mortall eye be euer seene ; Not made of steele , nor of enduring bras , Such earthlymettals soone consumed bene : But all of Diamond perfect pure and cleene It framed was , one massie entire mould , Hewen out of Adamant rocke with engines keene , That point of speare it neuer percen could , Ne dint of direfull sword diuide the substance would . The same to wight he neuer wont disclose , But when as monsters huge he would dismay , Or daunt vnequall armies of his foes , Or when the flying heauens he would affray ; For so exceeding shone his glistring ray , That Phoebus golden face it did attaint , As when a cloud his beames doth ouer-lay ; And siluer Cynthia wexed pale and faint , As when her face is staynd with magicke arts constraint . No magicke arts hereof had any might , Nor bloudie wordes of bold Enchaunters call , But all that was not such , as seemd in sight , Before that shield did fade , and suddeine fall : And when him list the raskall routes appall , Men into stones therewith he could transmew , And stones to dust , and dust to nought at all ; And when him list the prouder lookes subdew , He would them gazing blind , or turne to other hew . Ne let it seeme , that credence this exceedes , For he that made the same , was knowne right well To haue done much more admirable deedes . It Merlin was , which whylome did excell All liuing wightes in might of magicke spell : Both shield , and sword , and armour all he wrought For this young Prince , when first to armes he fell ; But when he dyde , the Faerie Queene it brought To Faerie lond , where yet it may be seene , if sought . A gentle youth , his dearely loued Squire His speare of heben wood behind him bare , Whose harmefull head , thrice heated in the fire , Had riuen many a brest with pikehead square ; A goodly person , and could menage faire , His stubborne steed with curbed canon bit , Who vnder him did trample as the aire , And chauft , that any on his backe should sit ; The yron rowels into frothy some he bit . When as this knight nigh to the Ladie drew , With louely court he gan her entertaine ; But when he heard her answeres loth , he knew Some secret sorrow did her heart distraine : Which to allay , and calme her storming paine , Faire feeling words he wisely gan display , And for her humour fitting purpose faine , To tempt the cause it selfe for to bewray ; Wherewith emmou'd , these bleeding words she gan to say . What worlds delight , or ioy of lining speach Can heart , so plung'd in sea of sorrowes deepe , And heaped with so huge misfortunes , reach ? The carefull cold beginneth for to creepe , And in my heart his yron arrow steepe , Soone as I thinke vpon my bitter bale : Such helplesse harmes yts better hidden keepe , Then rip vp griefe , where it may not auaile , My last left comfort is , my woes to weepe and waile . Ah Ladie deare , quoth then the gentle knight , Well may I weene , your griefe is wondrous great ; For wondrous great griefe groneth in my spright , Whiles thus I heare you of your sorrowes treat . But wofull Ladie let me you intrete , For to vnfold the anguish of your hart : Mishaps are maistred by aduice discrete , And counsell mittigates the greatest smart ; Found neuer helpe , who neuer would his hurts impart . O but ( quoth she ) great griefe will not be tould , And can more easily be thought , then said . Right so ; ( quoth he ) but he , that neuer would , Could neuer : will to might giues greatest aid . But griefe ( quoth she ) does greater grow displaid , If then it find not helpe , and breedes despaire . Despaire breedes not ( quoth he ) where faith is staid . No faith so fast ( quoth she ) but flesh does paire . Flesh may empaire ( quoth he ) but reason can repaire . His goodly reason , and well guided speach So deepe did settle in her gratious thought , That her perswaded to disclose the breach , Which loue and fortune in her heart had wrought , And said ; faire Sir , I hope good hap hath brought You to inquire the secrets of my griefe , Or that your wisedome will direct my thought , Or that your prowesse can me yield reliefe : Then heare the storie sad , which I shall tell you briefe . The forlorne Maiden , whom your eyes haue seene The laughing stocke of fortunes mockeries , Am th' only daughter of a King and Queene , Whose parents deare , whilest equall destinies Did runne about , and their felicities The fauourable heauens did not enuy , Did spread their rule through all the territories , Which Phison and Euphrates floweth by , And Gebons golden waues doe wash continually . At last by subtill sleights she him betraid Vnto his foe , a Gyant huge and tall , Who him disarmed , dissolute , dismaid , Vnwares surprised , and with mightie mall The monster mercilesse him made to fall , Whose fall did neuer foe before behold ; And now in darkesome dungeon , wretched thrall , Remedilesse , for aie he doth him hold ; This is my cause of griefe , more great , then may be told . Ere she had ended all , she gan to faint : But he her comforted and faire bespake , Certes , Madame , ye haue great cause of plaint , That stoutest heart , I weene , could cause to quake . But be of cheare , and comfort to you take : For till I haue acquit your captiue knight , Assure your selfe , I will you not forsake . His chearefull words reuiu'd her chearelesse spright So forth they went , the Dwarfe them guiding euer right

Cant. VIII . Faire virgin to redeeme her deare brings Arthur to the fight : Who slayes that Gyant , wounds the beast , and strips Duessa quight . AY me , how many perils doe enfold The righteous man , to make him daily fall ? Were not , that heauenly grace doth him vphold , And stedfast truth acquite him out of all . Her loue is firme , her care continuall , So oft as he through his owne foolish pride , Or weaknesse is to sinfull bands made thrall : Else should this Redcrosse knight in bands haue dyde , For whose deliuerance she this Prince doth thither guide . They sadly traueild thus , vntill they came Nigh to a castle builded strong and hie : Then cryde the Dwarfe , lo yonder is the same , In which my Lord my liege doth lucklesse lie , Thrall to that Gyants hatefull tyrannie : Therefore , deare Sir , your mightie powres assay . The noble knight alighted by and by From loftie steede , and bad the Ladie stay , To see what end of fight should him befall that day . So with the Squire , th' admirer of his might , He marched forth towards that castle wall ; Whose gates he found fast shut , ne lining wight To ward the same , nor answere commers call . Then tooke that Squire an home of bugle small , Which hong adowne his side in twisted gold , And tassels gay . Wyde wonders ouer all Of that same hornes great vertues weren told , Which had approued bene in vses manifold . Was neuer wight , that heard that shrilling sound , But trembling feare did feele in euery vaine ; Three miles it might be easie heard around , And Ecchoes three answerd it selfe againe : No false enchauntment , nor deceiptfull traine Might once abide the terror of that blast , But presently was voide and wholly vaine : No gate so strong , no locke so firme and fast , But with that percing noise flew open quite , or brast . The same before the Geants gate he blew , That all the castle quaked from the ground , And euery dore of freewill open flew . The Gyant selfe dismaied with that sownd , Where he with his Duessa dalliance fownd , In hast came rushing forth from inner bowre , With staring countenance sterne , as one astownd , And staggering steps , to weet , what suddein stowre , Had wrought that horror strange , and dar'd his dreaded powre And after him the proud Duessa came , High mounted on her many headed beast , And euery head with fyrie tongue did flame , And euery head was crowned on his creast , And bloudie mouthed with late cruell feast . That when the knight beheld , his mightie shild Vpon his manly arme he soone addrest , And at him fiercely flew , with courage fild , And eger greedinesse through euery member thrild . Therewith the Gyant buckled him to fight , Inflam'd with scornefull wrath and high disdaine , And lifting vp his dreadfull club on hight , All arm'd with ragged snubbes and knottie graine , Him thought at first encounter to haue slaine . But wise and warie was that noble Pere , And lightly leaping from so monstrous maine , Did faire auoide the violence him nere ; It booted nought , to thinke , such thunderbolts to beare Ne shame he thought to shunne so hideous might : The idle stroke , enforcing furious way , Missing the marke of his misaymed sight Did fall to ground , and with his heauie sway So deepely dinted in the driuen clay , That three yardes deepe a furrow vp did throw : The sad earth wounded with so sore assay , Did grone full grieuous vnderneath the blow , And trembling with strange feare , did like an earthquake show . As when almightie loue in wrathfull mood , To wreake the guilt of mortall sins is bent , Hurles forth his thundring dart with deadly food , Enrold in flames , and smouldring dreriment , Through riuen cloudes and molten firmament ; The fierce threeforked engin making way , Both loftie towres and highest trees hath rent , And all that might his angrie passage stay , And shooting in the earth , casts vp a mount of clay . His boystrous club , so buried in the ground , He could not rearen vp againe so light , But that the knight him at auantage found , And whiles he stroue his combred clubbe to quight Out of the earth , with blade all burning bright He smote off his left arme , which like a blocke Did fall to ground , depriu'd of natiue might ; Large streames of bloud out of the truncked stocke Forth gushed , like fresh water streame from riuen rocke . Dismaied with so desperate deadly wound , And eke impatient of vnwonted paine , He loudly brayd with beastly yelling sound , That all the fields rebellowed againe ; As great a noyse , as when in Cymbrian plaine An heard of Bulles , whom kindly rage doth sting , Do for the milkie mothers want complaine , And fill the fields with troublous bellowing , The neighbour woods around with hollow murmuring . That when his deare Duessa heard , and saw The euill stownd , that daungerd her estate , Vnto his aide she hastily did draw Her dreadfull beast , who swolne with bloud of late Came ramping forth with proud presumpteous gate And threatned all his heads like flaming brands . But him the Squire made quickly to retrate , Encountring fierce with single sword in hand , And twixt him and his Lord did like a bulwarke stand . The proud Duessa full of wrathfull spight , And fierce disdaine , to be affronted so , Enforst her purple beast with all her might That stop out of the way to ouerthroe , Scorning the let of so vnequall foe : But nathemore would that courageous swayne To her yeeld passage , gainst his Lord to goe , But with outrageous strokes did him restraine , And with his bodie bard the way atwixt them twaine . Then tooke the angrie witch her golden cup , Which still she bore , replete with magick artes ; Death and despeyre did many thereof sup , And secret poyson through their inner parts , Th' eternall bale of heauie wounded harts ; Which after charmes and some enchauntments said She lightly sprinkled on his weaker parts ; Therewith his sturdie courage soone was quayd , And all his senses were with suddeine dread dismayd . So downe he fell before the cruell beast , Who on his necke his bloudie clawes did seize , That life night crusht out of his panting brest : No powre he had to stirre , nor will to rize . That when the carefull knight gan well auise , He lightly left the foe , with whom he fought , And to the beast gan turne his enterprise ; For wondrous anguish in his hart it wrought , To see his loued Squire into such thraldome brought . And high aduauncing his bloud-thirstie blade , Stroke one of those deformed heads so sore , That of his puissance proud ensample made ; His monstrous scalpe downe to his teeth it tore , And that misformed shape mis-shaped more : A sea of bloud gusht from the gaping wound , That her gay garments staynd with filthy gore , And ouerflowed all the field around ; That ouer shoes in bloud he waded on the ground . Thereat he roared for exceeding paine , That to haue heard , great horror would haue bred , And scourging th' emptie ayre with his long traine , Through great impatience of his grieued hed His gorgeous ryder from her loftie sted Would haue cast downe , and trod in durtie myre , Had not the Gyant soone her succoured ; Who all enrag'd with smart and franticke yre , Came hurtling in full fierce , and forst the knight retyre . The force , which wont in two to be disperst , In one alone left hand he now vnites , Which is through rage more strong then both were erst ; With which his hideous club aloft he dites , And at his foe with furious rigour smites , That strongest Oake might seeme to ouerthrow : The stroke vpon his shield so heauie lites , That to the ground it doubleth him full low What mortall wight could euer beare so monstrous blow ? And in his fall his shield , that couered was , Did loose his vele by chaunce , and open flew : The light whereof , that heauens light did pas , Such blazing brightnesse through the aier threw , That eye mote not the same endure to vew . Which when the Gyaunt spyde with staring eye , He downe let fall his arme , and soft withdrew His weapon huge , that heaued was on hye For to haue slaine the man , that on the ground did lye . And eke the fruitfull-headed beast , amaz'd At flashing beames of that sunshiny shield , Became starke blind , and all his senses daz'd , That downe he tumbled on the durtie field , And seem'd himselfe as conquered to yield . Whom when his maistresse proud perceiu'd to fall , Whiles yet his feeble feet for faintnesse reeld , Vnto the Gyant loudly she gan call , O helpe Orgoglio , helpe , or else we perish all . At her so pitteous cry was much amoou'd , Her champion stout , and for to ayde his frend , Againe his wonted angry weapon proou'd : But all in vaine : for he has read his end In that bright shield , and all their forces spend Themselues in vaine : for since that glauncing sight , He hath no powre to hurt , nor to defend ; As where th' Almighties lightning brond does light It dimmes the dazed eyen , and daunts the senses quight . Whom when the Prince , to battell new addrest , And threatning high his dreadfull stroke did see , His sparkling blade about his head he blest , And smote off quite his right leg by the knee , That downe he tombled ; as an aged tree , High growing on the top of rocky clift , Whose hartstrings with keene steele nigh hewen be , The mightie trunck halfe rent , with ragged rift Doth roll adowne the rocks , and fall with fearefull drift . Or as a Castle reared high and round , By subtile engins and malitious slight Is vndermined from the lowest ground , And her foundation forst , and feebled quight , At last downe falles , and with her heaped hight Her hastie ruine does more heauie make , And yields it selfe vnto the victours might ; Such was this Gyaunts fall , that seemd to shake The stedfast globe of earth , as it for feare did quake . The knight then lightly leaping to the pray , With mortall steele him smot againe so sore , That headlesse his vnweldy bodie lay , All wallowd in his owne fowle bloudy gore , Which flowed from his wounds in wondrous store , But soone as breath out of his breast did pas , That huge great body , which the Gyaunt bore , Was vanisht quite , and of that monstrous mas Was nothing left , but like an emptie bladder was . Whose grieuous fall , when false Duessa spide , Her golden cup she cast vnto the ground , And crowned mitre rudely threw aside ; Such percing griefe her stubborne hart did wound , That she could not endure that dolefull stound , But leauing all behind her , fled away : The light-foot Squire her quickly turnd around , And by hard meanes enforcing her to stay , ●…o brought vnto his Lord , as his deserued pray . The royall Virgin , which beheld from farre , In pensiue plight , and sad perplexitie , The whole atchieuement of this doubtfull warre , Came running fast to greet his victorie , With sober gladnesse , and myld modestie , And with sweet ioyous cheare him thus bespake ; Faire braunch of noblesse , flowre of cheualrie , That with your worth the world amazed make , How shall I quite the paines , ye suffer for my sake ? And you fresh bud of vertue springing fast , Whom these sad eyes saw nigh vnto deaths dore , What hath poore Virgin for such perill past , Wherewith you to reward ? Accept therefore My simple selfe , and seruice euermore ; And he that high does sit , and all things see With equall eyes , their merites to restore , Behold what ye this day haue done for mee , And what I cannot quite , requite with vsuree . But sith the heauens , and your faire handeling Haue made you maister of the field this day , Your fortune maister eke with gouerning , And well begun end all so well , I pray , Ne let that wicked woman scape away ; For she it is , that did my Lord bethrall , My dearest Lord , and deepe in dongeon lay , Where he his better dayes hath wasted all . O heare , how piteous he to you for ayd does call . Forthwith he gaue in charge vnto his Squire , That scarlot whore to keepen carefully ; Whiles he himselfe with greedie great desire Into the Castle entred forcibly . Where liuing creature none he did espye ; Then gan he lowdly through the house to call : But no man car'd to answere to his crye . There raignd a solemne silence ouer all , Nor voice was heard , nor wight was seene in bowre or hall . At last with creeping crooked pace forth came And old old man , with beard as white as snow , That on a staffe his feeble steps did frame , And guide his wearie gate both too and fro : For his eye sight him failed long ygo , And on his arme a bounch of keyes he bore , The which vnused rust did ouergrow : Those were the keyes of euery inner dore , But he could not them vse , but kept them still in store . But very vncouth sight was to behold , How he did fashion his vntoward pace , For as he forward moou'd his footing old , So backward still was turnd his wrincled face , Vnlike to men , who euer as they trace , Both feet and face one way are wont to lead . This was the auncient keeper of that place , And foster father of the Gyant dead ; His name Ignaro did his nature right aread . His reuerend haires and holy grauitie The knight much honord , as beseemed well , And gently askt , where all the people bee , Which in that stately building wont to dwell . Who answerd him full soft , he could not tell . Againe he askt , where that same knight was layd , Whom great Orgoglio with his puissaunce fell Had made his caytiue thrall , againe he sayde , ●e could not tell : ne euer other answere made . Then asked he , which way he in might pas : He could not tell , againe he answered . Thereat the curteous knight displeased was , And said , Old sire , it seemes thou hast not red How ill it fits with that same siluer hed In vaine to mocke , or mockt in vaine to bee : But if thou be , as thou art pourtrahed With natures pen , in ages graue degree , Aread in grauer wise , what I demaund of thee . His answere likewise was , he could not tell . Whose sencelesse speach , and doted ignorance When as the noble Prince had marked well , He ghest his nature by his countenance , And calmd his wrath with goodly temperance . Then to him stepping , from his arme did reach Those keyes , and made himselfe free enterance . Each dore he opened without any breach ; There was no barre to stop , nor foe him to empeach . There all within full rich arayd he found , With royall arras and resplendent gold . And did with store of euery thing abound , That greatest Princes presence might behold . But all the floore ( too filthy to be told ) With bloud of guiltlesse babes , and innocents trew , Which there were slaine , as sheepe out of the fold , Defiled was , that dreadfull was to vew , And sacred ashes ouer it was strowed new . And there beside of marble stone was built An Altare , caru'd with cunning imagery , On which true Christians bloud was often spilt , And holy Martyrs often doen to dye , With cruell malice and strong tyranny : Whose blessed sprites from vnderneath the stone To God for vengeance cryde continually , And with great griefe were often heard to grone , That hardest heart would bleede , to heare their piteous mone . Through euery rowme he sought , and euery bowr , But no where could he find that wofull thrall : At last he came vnto an yron doore , That fast was lockt , but key found not at all Emongst that bounch , to open it withall ; But in the same a little grate was pight , Through which he sent his voyce , and lowd did call With all his powre , to weet , if liuing wight Were housed there within , whom he enlargen might . ●herewith an hollow , dreary , murmuring voyce These piteous plaints and dolours did resound ; O who is that , which brings me happy choyce Of death , that here lye dying euery stound , Yet liue perforce in balefull darkenesse bound ? For now three Moones haue changed thrice their hew , And haue beene thrice hid vnderneath the ground , Since I the heauens chearefull face did vew , O welcome thou , that doest of death bring tydings trew . Which when that Champion heard , with percing point Of pitty deare his hart was thrilled sore , And trembling horrour ran through euery ioynt , For ruth of gentle knight so fowle forlore : Which shaking off , he rent that yron dore , With furious force , and indignation fell ; Where entred in , his foot could find no flore , But all a deepe descent , as darke as hell , ●●at breathed euer forth a filthie banefull smell . But neither darkenesse fowle , nor filthy bands , Nor noyous smell his purpose could withhold , ( Entire affection hateth nicer hands ) But that with constant zeale , and courage bold , After long paines and labours manifold , He found the meanes that Prisoner vp to reare ; Whose feeble thighes , vnhable to vphold His pined corse , him scarse to light could beare . A ruefull spectacle of death and ghastly drere . His sad dull eyes deepe sunck in hollow pits , Could not endure th' vnwonted sunne to view ; His bare thin cheekes for want of better bits , And empty sides deceiued of their dew , Could make a stony hart his hap to rew ; His rawbone armes , whose mighty brawned bowres Were wont to riue steele plates , helmets hew , Were cleane consum'd , and all his vitall powres Decayd , and all his flesh shronk vp like withered flowres Whom when his Lady saw , to him she ran With hasty ioy : to see him made her glad , And sad to view his visage pale and wan , Who earst in flowres of freshest youth was clad . Tho when her well of teares she wasted had , She said , Ah dearest Lord , what euill starre On you hath fround , and pourd his influence bad , That of your selfe ye thus berobbed arre , And this misseeming hew your manly looks doth marre But welcome now my Lord , in wele or woe , Whose presence I kaue lackt too long a day ; And fie on Fortune mine auowed foe , Whose wrathfull wreakes them selues do now alay . And for these wrongs shall treble penaunce pay Of treble good : good growes of euils priefe . The chearelesse man , whom sorrow did dismay , Had no delight to treaten of his griefe ; ●is long endured famine needed more reliefe . ●●ire Lady , then said that victorious knight , The things , that grieuous were to do , or beare , Them to renew , I wote , breeds no delight ; Best musicke breeds delight in loathing eare : But th' onely good , that growes of passed feare , Is to be wise , and ware of like agein . This dayes ensample hath this lesson deare Deepe written in my heart with yron pen , ●hat blisse may not abide in state of mortall men . ●enceforth sir knight , take to you wonted strength , And maister these mishaps with patient might ; Loe where your foe lyes stretcht in monstrous length , And loe that wicked woman in your sight , The roote of all your care , and wretched plight , Now in your powre , to let her liue , or dye . To do her dye ( quoth Vna ) were despight , And shame t' auenge so weake an enimy ; ●ut spoile her of her scarlot robe , and let her fly . ●o as she bad , that witch they disaraid , And robd of royall robes , and purple pall , And ornaments that richly were displaid ; Ne spared they to strip her naked all . Then when they had despoild her tire and call , Such as she was , their eyes might her behold , That her mishaped parts did them appall , A loathly , wrinckled hag , ill fauoured , old , ●hose secret filth good manners biddeth not be told . Her craftie head was altogether bald , And as in hate of honorable eld , Was ouergrowne with scurfe and filthy scald ; Her teeth out of her rotten gummes were feld , And her sowre breath abhominably smeld ; Her dried dugs , like bladders lacking wind , Hong downe , and filthy matter from them weld ; Her wrizled skin as rough , as maple rind , So scabby was , that would haue loathd all womankind . Her neather parts , the shame of all her kind , My chaster Muse for shame doth blush to write But at her rompe she growing had behind A foxes taile , with dong all fowly dight ; And eke her feete most monstrous were in sight ; For one of them was like an Eagles claw , With griping talaunts armd to greedy fight , The other like a Beares vneuen paw : More vgly shape yet neuer liuing creature saw . Which when the knights beheld , amazd they were , And wondred at so fowle deformed wight . Such then ( said Vna ) as she seemeth here , Such is the face of falshood , such the sight Of fowle Duessa , when her borrowed light Is laid away , and counterfesaunce knowne . Thus when they had the witch disrobed quight , And all her filthy feature open showne , They let her goe at will , and wander wayes vnknowne . She flying fast from heauens hated face , And from the world that her discouered wide , Fled to the wastfull wildernesse apace , From liuing eyes her open shame to hide , And lurket in rocks and caues long vnespide . But that faire crew of knights , and Vna faire Did in that castle afterwards abide , To rest them selues , and weary powres repaire , Where store they found of all , that dainty was and rare .

Cant. IX . His loues and lignage Arthur tells The knights knit friendly bands : Sir Treuisan flies from Despayre , Whom Redcrosse knight withstands . O Goodly golden chaine , wherewith yfere The vertues linked are in louely wize : And noble minds of yore allyed were , In braue poursuit of cheualrous emprize , That none did others safety despize , Nor aid enuy to him , in need that stands , But friendly each did others prayse deuize , How to aduaunce with fauourable hands , As this good Prince redeemd the Redcrosse knight from bands . Who when their powres empaird through labour long , With dew repast they had recured well , And that weake captiue wight now wexed s trong , Them list no lenger there at leasure dwell , But forward fare , as their aduentures fell , But ere they parted , Vna faire besought That straunger knight his name and nation tell ; Least so great good , as he for her had wrought , Should die vnknown , & buried be in thanklesse thought . Faire virgin ( said the Prince ) ye me require A thing without the compas of my wit : For both the lignage and the certain Sire , From which I sprong , from me are hidden yit . For all so soone as life did me admit Into this world , and shewed heauens light , From mothers pap I taken was vnfit : And streight deliuered to a Faery knight , To be vpbrought in gentle thewes and martiall might . Vnto old Timon he me brought by liue , Old Timon , who in youthly yeares hath beene In warlike feates th' expertest man aliue , And is the wisest now on earth I weene ; His dwelling is low in a valley greene , Vnder the foot of Rauran mossy hore , From whence the riuer Dee as siluer cleene His tombling billowes rolls with gentle rore : There all my dayes he traind me vp in vertuous lore . Thither the great Magicien Merlin came , As was his vse , ofttimes to visit me : For he had charge my discipline to frame , And Tutours nouriture to ouersee . Him oft and oft I askt in priuitie , Of what loines and what lignage I did spring : Whose aunswere bad me still assured bee , That I was sonne and heire vnto a king , As time in her iust terme the truth to light should bring . Well worthy impe , said then the Lady gent , And Pupili fit for such a Tutours hand . But what aduenture , or what high intent Hath brought you hither into Faery land , Aread Prince Arthur , crowne of Martiall band ? Full hard it is ( quoth he ) to read aright The course of heauenly cause , or vnderstand The secret meaning or th' eternall might , That rules mens wayes , and rules the thoughts of liuing wight . For whither he through fatall deepe foresight Me hither sent , for cause to me vnghest , Or that fresh bleeding wound , which day and night Whilome doth rancle in my riuen brest , With forced fury following his behest , Me hither brought by wayes yet neuer found , You to haue helpt I hold my selfe yet blest . Ah curteous knight ( quoth she ) what secret wound Could euer find , to grieue the gentlest hart on ground ? Deare Dame ( quoth he ) you sleeping sparkes awake , Which troubled once , into huge flames will grow , Ne euer will their feruent fury slake , Till liuing moysture into smoke do flow , And wasted life do lye in ashes low . Yet sithens silence lesseneth not my fire , But told it flames , and hidden it does glow , I will reuele , what ye so much desire : Ah Loue , lay downe thy bow , the whiles I may respire . It was in freshest flowre of youthly yeares , When courage first does creepe in manly chest , Then first the coale of kindly heat appeares To kindle loue in euery liuing brest ; But me had warnd old Timons wise behest , Those creeping flames by reason to subdew , Before their rage grew to so great vnrest , As miserable louers vse to rew , Which still wex old in woe , whiles woe still wexeth new . That idle name of loue , and louers life , As losse of time , and vertues enimy I euer scornd , and ioyd to stirre vp strife , In middest of their mournfull Tragedy , Ay wont to laugh , when them I heard to cry , And blow the fire , which them to ashes brent : Their God himselfe , grieu'd at my libertie , Shot many a dart at me with fiers intent , But I them warded all with wary gouernment . But all in vaine : no fort can be so strong , Ne fleshly brest can armed be so sound , But will at last be wonne with battrie long , Orvnwares at disauantage found ; Nothing is sure , that growes on earthly ground : And who most trustes in arme of fleshly might , And boasts , in beauties chaine not to be bound , Doth soonest fall in disauentrous fight , And yeeldes his caytiue neck to victours most despight . Ensample make of him your haplesse ioy , And of my selfe now mated , as ye see ; Whose prouder vaunt that proud auenging boy Did soone pluck downe , and curbd my libertie . For on a day prickt forth with iollitie Of looser life , and heat of hardiment , Raunging the forest wide on courserfree , The fields , the floods , the heauens with one consent Did seeme to laugh at me , and fauour mine intent . For-wearied with my sports , I did alight From loftie steed , and downe to sleepe me layd ; The verdant gras my couch did goodly dight , And pillow was my helmet faire displayd : Whiles euery sence the humour sweet embayd , And slombring soft my hart did steale away , Me seemed , by my side a royall Mayd Her daintie limbes full softly down did lay : So faire a creature yet saw neuer sunny day . Most goodly glee and louely blandishment She to me made , and bad me loue her deare , For dearely sure her loue was to me bent , As when iust time expired should appeare . But whether dreames delude , or true it were , Was neuer hart so rauisht with delight , Ne liuing man like words did euer heare , As she to me deliuered all that night ; And at her parting said , She Queene of Faeries hight . When I awoke , and found her place deuoyd , And nought but pressed gras , where she had lyen , I sorrowed all so much , as earst I ioyd , And washed all her place with watry eyen . From that day forth I lou'd that face diuine ; From that day forth I cast in carefull mind , To seeke her out with labour , and long tyne , And neuer vow to rest , till her I find , Nine monethes I seeke in vaine yet ni'll that vow vnbind . Thus as he spake , his visage wexed pale , And chaunge of hew great passion did bewray ; Yet still he stroue to cloke his inward bale , And hide the smoke , that did his fire display , Till gentle Vna thus to him gan say ; O happy Queene of Faeries , that hast found Mongst many , one that with his prowesse may Defend thine honour , and thy foes confound : True Loues are often sown , but seldom grow on ground . Thine , O then , said the gentle Redcrosse knight , Next to that Ladies loue , shal be the place , O fairest virgin , full of heauenly light , Whose wondrous faith , exceeding earthly race , Was firmest fixt in mine extremest case . And you , my Lord , the Patrone of my life , Of that great Queene may well gaine worthy grace : For onely worthy you through prowes priefe Yf liuing man mote worthy be , to be her liefe . So diuersly discoursing of their loues , The golden Sunne his glistring head gan shew , And sad remembraunce now the Prince amoues , With fresh desire his voyage to pursew : Als Vna earnd her traueill to renew . Then those two knights , fast friendship for to bynd , And loue establish each to other trew , Gaue goodly gifts , the signes of gratefull mynd , And eke the pledges firme , right hands together ioynd . Prince Arthur gaue a boxe of Diamond sure , Embowd with gold and gorgeous ornament , Wherein were closd few drops of liquor pure , Of wondrous worth , and vertue excellent , That any wound could heale incontinent : Which to requite , the Redcrosse knight him gaue A booke , wherein his Saueours testament Was writ with golden letters rich and braue ; A worke of wondrous grace , and able soules to saue . Thus beene they parted , Arthur on his way To seeke his loue , and th' other for to fight With Vnaes foe , that all her realme did pray . But she now weighing the decayed plight , And shrunken synewes of her chosen knight , Would not a while her forward course pursew , Ne bring him forth in face of dreadfull fight , Till he recouered had his former hew : For him to be yet weake and wearie well she knew . So as they traueild , lo they gan espy An armed knight towards them gallop fast , That seemed from some feared foe to fly , Or other griesly thing , that him agast . Still as he fled , his eye was backward cast , As if his feare still followed him behind ; Als flew his steed , as he his bands had brast , And with his winged heeles did tread the wind , As he had beene a fole of Pegasus his kind . Nigh as he drew , they might perceiue his head To be vnarmd , and curld vncombed heares Vpstaring stiffe , dismayd with vncouth dread ; Nor drop of bloud in all his face appeares Nor life in limbe : and to increase his feares , In fowle reproch of knighthoods faire degree , About his neck an hempen rope he weares , That with his glistring armes does ill agree ; But he of rope or armes has now no memoree . The Redcrosse knight toward him crossed fast , To weet , what mister wight was so dismayd : There him he finds all sencelesse and aghast , That of him selfe he seemd to be afrayd ; Whom hardly he from flying forward stayd , Till he these wordes to him deliuer might ; Sir knight , aread who hath ye thus arayd , And eke from whom make ye this hasty flight : For neuer knight I saw in such misseeming plight . He answerd nought at all , but adding new Feare to his first amazment , staring wide With stony eyes , and hartlesse hollow hew , Astonisht stood , as one that had aspide Infernall furies , with their chaines vntide . Him yet againe , and yet againe bespake The gentle knight ; who nought to him replide , But trembling euery ioynt did inly quake , And foltring tongue at last these words seemd forth to shake For Gods deare loue , Sir knight , do me not stay ; For loe he comes , he comes fast after mee . Eft looking backe would faine haue runne away ; But he him forst to stay , and tellen free The secret cause of his perplexitie : Yet nathemore by his bold hartie speach , Could his bloud-frosen hart emboldned bee , But through his boldnesse rather feare did reach , Yet forst , at last he made through silence suddein breach . And am I now in safetie sure ( quoth he ) From him , that would haue forced me to dye ? And is the point of death now turnd fro mee , That I may tell this haplesse history ? Feare nought : ( quoth he ) no daunger now is nye ? Then shall I you recount a ruefull cace , ( Said he ) the which with this vnlucky eye I late beheld , and had not greater grace Me reft from it , had bene partaker of the place . I lately chaunst ( Would I had neuer chaunst ) With a faire knight to keepen companee , Sir Terwin hight , that well himselfe aduaunst In all affaires , and was both bold and free , But not so happie as mote happie bee : He lou'd , as was his lot , a Ladie gent , That him againe lou'd in the least degree : For she was proud , and of too high intent , And ioyd to see her louer languish and lament . From whom returning sad and comfortlesse , As on the way together we did fare , We met that villen ( God from him me blesse ) That cursed wight , from whom I scapt whyleare , A man of hell , that cals himselfe Despaire : Who first vs greets , and after faire areedes Of tydings strange , and of aduentures rare : So creeping close , as Snake in hidden weedes , Inquireth of our states , and of our knightly deedes . Which when he knew , and felt our feeble harts Embost with bale , and bitter byting griefe , Which loue had launched with his deadly darts , With wounding words and termes of foule repriefe , He pluckt from vs all hope of due reliefe , That earst vs held in loue of lingring life ; Then hopelesse hartlesse , gan the cunning thiefe Perswade vs die , to stint all further strife : To me he lent this rope , to him a rustie knife . With which sad instrument of hastie death , That wofull louer , loathing lenger light , A wide way made to let forth liuing breath . But I more fearefull , or more luckie wight , Dismayd with that deformed dismall sight , Fled fast away , halfe dead with dying feare : Ne yet assur'd of life by you , Sir knight , Whose like infirmitie like chaunce may beare : But God you neuer let his charmed speeches heare . How may a man ( said he ) with idle speach Be wonne , to spoyle the Castle of his health ? I wote ( quoth he ) whom triall late did teach , That like would not for all this worldes wealth : His subtill tongue , like dropping honny , mealt'h Into the hart , and searcheth euery vaine , That ere one be aware , by secret stealth His powre is rest , and weaknesse doth remaine . O neuer Sir desire to try his guilefull traine . Certes ( said he ) hence shall I neuer rest , Till I that treachours art haue heard and tride ; And you Sir knight , whose name mote I request , Of grace do me vnto his cabin guide . I that hight : Treuisan ( quoth he ) will ride Against my liking backe , to doe you grace : But nor for gold nor glee will I abide By you , when ye arriue in that same place ; For leuer had I die , then see his deadly face . Ere long they come , where that same wicked wight His dwelling has , low in an hollow caue , Farre vnderneath a craggie clift ypight , Darke , dolefull , drearie , like a greedie graue , That still for carrion carcases doth craue : On top whereof aye dwelt the ghastly Owle , Shrieking his balefull note , which euer draue Farre from that haunt all other chearefull fowle ; And all about it wandring ghostes did waile and howle . And all about old stockes and stubs of trees , Whereon nor fruit , nor leafe was euer seene , Did hang vpon the ragged rocky knees ; On which had many wretches hanged beene , Whose carcases were scattered on the greene , And throwne about the clifts . Arriued there , That bare-head knight for dread and dolefull teene , Would faine haue fled , ne durst approchen neare , But th' other forst him stay , and comforted in feare . That darkesome caue they enter , where they find That cursed man , low sitting on the ground , Musing full sadly in his sulle in mind ; His griesie lockes , long growen , and vnbound , Disordred hong about his shoulders round , And hid his face ; through which his hollow eyne Look deadly dull , and stared as astound ; His raw-bone cheekes through penurie and pine , Where shronke into his iawes , as he did neuer dine . His garment nought but many ragged clouts , With thornes together pind and patched was , The which his naked sides he wrapt abouts ; And him beside there lay vpon the gras A drearie corse , whose life away did pas , All wallowd in his owne yet luke-warme blood , That from his wound yet welled fresh alas ; In which a rustie knife fast fixed stood , And made an open passage for the gushing flood . Which piteous spectacle , approuing trew The wofull tale that Treuisan had told , When as the gentle Redcrosse knight did vew , With firie zeale he burnt in courage bold , Him to auenge , before his bloud were cold , And to the villein said , Thou damned wight , The author of this fact , we here behold , What iustice can but iudge against thee right , With thine owne bloud to price his bloud , here shed in sight . What franticke fit ( quoth he ) hath thus distraught Thee , foolish man , so rash a doome to giue ? What iustice euer other iudgement taught , But he should die , who merites not to liue ? None else to death this man despayring driue , But his owne guiltie mind deseruing death . Is then vniust to each his due to giue ? Or let him die , that loatheth liniug breath ? Or let him die at ease , that liueth here vneath ? Who trauels by the wearie wandring way , To come vnto his wished home in haste , And meetes a flood , that doth his passage stay , Is not great grace to helpe him ouer past , Or free his feet , that in the myre sticke fast ? Most enuious man , that grieues at neighbours good And fond , that ioyest in the woe thou hast , Why wilt not let him passe , that long hath stood Vpon the banke , yet wilt thy selfe not passe the flood ? He there does now enioy eternall rest And happie ease , which thou doest want and craue , And further from it daily wanderest : What if some litle paine the passage haue , That makes fraile flesh to feare the bitter waue ? Is not short paine well borne , that brings long ease , And layes the soule to sleepe in quiet graue ? Sleepe after toyle , port after stormie seas , Ease after warre , death after life does greatly please . The knight much wondred at his suddeine wit , And said , The terme of life is limited , Ne may a man prolong , nor shorten it ; The souldier may not moue from watchfull sted , Nor leaue his stand , vntill his Captaine bed . Who life did limit by almightie doome , ( Quoth he ) knowes best the termes established ; And he , that points the Centonell his roome , Doth license him depart at sound of morning droome . Is not his deed , what euer thing is donne , In heauen and earth ? did not he all create To die againe ? all ends that was begonne . Their times in his eternall booke of fate Are written sure , and haue their certaine date . Who then can striue with strong necessitie , That holds the world in his still chaunging state , Or shunne the death ordaynd by destinie ? When houre of death is come , let none aske whence , nor why . The lenger life , I wote the greater sin , The greater sin , the greater punishment : All those great battels , which thou boasts to win , Through strife , and bloud-shed , and auengement , Now praysd , hereafter deare thou shalt repent : For life must life , and bloud must bloud repay . Is not enough thy euill life forespent ? For he , that once hath missed the right way , The further he doth goe , the further he doth stray . Then do no further goe , no further stray , But here lie downe , and to thy rest betake , Th' ill to preuent , that life ensewen may . For what hath life , that may it loued make , And giues not rather cause it to forsake ? Feare , sicknesse , age , losse , labour , sorrow , strife , Paine , hunger , cold , that makes the hart to quake ; And euer fickle fortune rageth rife , All which , and thousands mo do make a loathsome life . Thou wretched man , of death hast greatest need , If in true ballance thou wilt weigh thy state : For neuer knight , that dared warlike deede , More lucklesse disauentures did amate : Witnesse the dongeon deepe , wherein of late Thy life shut vp , for death so oft did call ; And though good lucke prolonged hath thy date , Yet death then , would the like mishaps forestall , Into the which hereafter thou maiest happen fall . Why then doest thou , ô man of sin , desire To draw thy dayes forth to their last degree ? Is not the measure of thy sinfull hire High heaped vp with huge iniquitie , Against the day of wrath , to burden thee ? Is not enough , that to this Ladie milde Thou falsed hast thy faith with periurie , And sold thy selfe to serue Duessa vilde , With whom in all abuse thou hast thy selfe defilde ? Is not he iust , that all this doth behold From highest heauen , and beares an equall eye ? Shall he thy sins vp in his knowledge fold , And guiltie be of thine impietie ? Is not his law , Let euery sinner die : Die shall all flesh ? what then must needs be donne , Is it not better to doe willinglie , Then linger , till the glasse be all out ronne ? Death is the end of woes : die soone , O faeries sonne . The knight was much enmoued with his speach , That as a swords point through his hart did perse , And in his conscience made a secret breach , Well knowing true all , that he did reherse , And to his fresh remembrance did reuerse The vgly vew of his deformed crimes , That all his manly powres it did disperse , As he were charmed with inchaunted rimes , That oftentimes he quakt , and fainted oftentimes . In which amazement , when the Miscreant Perceiued him to wauer weake and fraile , Whiles trembling horror did his conscience dant , And hellish anguish did his soule assaile , To driue him to despaire , and quite to quaile , He shew'd him painted in a table plaine , The damned ghosts , that doe in torments waile , And thousand feends that doe them endlesse paine With fire and brimstone , which for euer shall remaine . The sight whereof so throughly him dismaid , That nought but death before his eyes he saw , And euer burning wrath before him laid , By righteous sentence of th' Almighties law : Then gan the villein him to ouercraw , And brought vnto him swords , ropes , poison , fire , And all that might him to perdition draw ; And bad him choose , what death he would desire : For death was due to him , that had prouokt Gods ire . But when as none of them he saw him take , He to him raught a dagger sharpe and keene , And gaue it him in hand : his hand did quake , And tremble like a leafe of Aspin greene , And troubled bloud through his pale face was seene To come , and goe with tydings from the hart , As it a running messenger had beene . At last resolu'd to worke his finall smart , He listed vp his hand , that backe againe did start . Which when as Vna saw , through euery vaine The crudled cold ran to her well of life , As in a swowne : but soone reliu'd againe , Out of his hand she snatcht the cursed knife , And threw it to the ground , enraged rife , And to him said , Fie , fie , faint harted knight , What meanest thou by this reprochfull strife ? Is this the battell , which thou vauntst to fight With that fire-mouthed Dragon , horrible and bright ? Come , come away , fraile , seely , fleshly wight , Ne let vaine words bewitch thy manly hart , Ne diuelish thoughts dismay thy constant spright . In heauenly mercies hast thou not a part ? Why shouldst thou then despeire , that chosen art ? Where iustice growes , there grows eke greater grace ▪ The which doth quench the brond of hellish smart , And that accurst hand-writing doth deface , Arise , Sir knight arise , and leaue this cursed place . So vp he rose , and thence amounted streight . Which when the carle beheld , and saw his guest Would safe depart , for all his subtill sleight , He chose an halter from among the rest , And with it hung himselfe , vnbid vnblest . But death he could not worke himselfe thereby ; For thousand times he so himselfe had drest , Yet nathelesse it could not doe him die , Till he should die his last , that is eternally .

Cant. X. Her faithfull knight faire Vna brings to house of Holinesse , Where he is taught repentance , and the way to heauenly blesse . WHat man is he , that boasts of fleshly might , And vaine assurance of mortality , Which all so soone , as it doth come to fight , Against spirituall foes , yeelds by and by , Or from the field most cowardly doth fly ? Ne let the man ascribe it to his skill , That thorough grace hath gained victory . If any strength we haue , it is to ill , But all the good is Gods , both power and eke will . By that , which lately hapned , Vna saw , That this her knight was feeble , and too faint ; And all his sinews woxen weake and raw , Through long enprisonment , and hard constraint , Which he endured in his late restraint , That yet he was vnfit for bloudie fight : Therefore to cherish him with diets daint , She cast to bring him , where he chearen might , Till he recouered had his late decayed plight . There was an auntient house not farre away , Renowmd throughout the world for sacred lore , And pure vnspotted life : so well they say It gouernd was , and guided euermore , Through wisedome of a matrone graue and hore ; Whose onely ioy was to relieue the needes Of wretched soules , and helpe the helpelesse pore : All night she spent in bidding of her bedes , And all the day in doing good and godly deedes . Dame Caelia men did her call , as thought From heauen to come , or thither to arise , The mother of three daughters , well vpbrought In goodly thewes , and godly exercise : The eldest two most sober , chast , and wise , Fidelia and Speranza virgins were , Though spousd , yet wanting wedlocks solemnize ; But faire Charissa to a louely fere Was lincked , and by him had many pledges dere . Arriued there , the dore they find fast lockt ; For it was warely watched night and day , For feare of many foes : but when they knockt , The Porter opened vnto them streight way : He was an aged syre , all hory gray , With lookes full lowly cast , and gate full slow , Wont on a staffe his feeble steps to stay , Hight Humilta . They passe in stouping low ; For streight & narrow was the way , which he did show . Each goodly thing is hardest to begin , But entred in a spacious court they see , Both plaine , and pleasant to be walked in , Where them does meete a francklin faire and free , And entertaines with comely courteous glee , His name was Zele , that him right well became , For in his speeches and behauiour hee Did labour liuely to expresse the same , And gladly did them guide , till to the Hall they came . There fairely them receiues a gentle Squire , Of milde demeanure , and rare courtesie , Right cleanly clad in comely sad attire ; In word and deede that shew'd great modestie , And knew his good to all of each degree , Hight Reuerence . He them with speeches meet Does faire entreat ; no courting nicetie , But simple true , and eke vnfained sweet , As might become a Squire so great persons to greet . And afterwards them to his Dame he leades , That aged Dame , the Ladie of the place : Who all this while was busie at her beades : Which doen , she vp arose with seemely grace , And toward them full matronely did pace . Where when that fairest Vna she beheld , Whom well she knew to spring from heauenly race , Her hart with ioy vnwonted inly sweld , As feeling wondrous comfort in her weaker eld . And her embracing said , ô happic earth , Whereon thy innocent feet doe euer tread , Most vertuous virgin borne of heauenly berth , That to redeeme thy woefull parents head , From tyrans rage , and euer-dying dread , Hast wandred through the world now long a day ; Yet ceasest not thy wearie soles to lead , What grace hath thee now hither , brought this way ? Or doen thy feeble feet vnweeting hither stray ? Strange thing it is an errant knight to see Here in this place , or any other wight , That hither turnes his steps . So few there bee , That chose the narrow path , or seeke the right : All keepe the broad high way , and take delight With many rather for to go astray , And be partakers of their euill plight , Then with a few to walke the rightest way ; O foolish men , why haste ye to your owne decay ? Thy selfe to see , and tyred limbs to rest , O matrone sage ( quoth she ) I hither came , And this good knight his way with me addrest , Led with thy prayses and broad-blazed fame , That vp to heauen is blowne . The auncient Dame , Him goodly greeted in her modest guise , And entertaynd them both , as best became , With all the court'sies , that she could deuise , Ne wanted ought , to shew her bounteous or wise . Thus as they gan of sundry things deuise , Loe two most goodly virgins came in place , Ylinked arme in arme in louely wise , With countenance demure , and modest grace , They numbred euen steps and equall pace : Of which the eldest , that Fidelia hight , Like sunny beames threw from her Christall face , That could haue dazd the rash beholders sight , And round about her head did shine like heauens light She was araied all in lilly white , And in her right hand bore a cup of gold , With wine and water fild vp to the hight , In which a Serpent did himselfe enfold , That horrour made to all , that did behold ; But she no whit did chaunge her constant mood : And in her other hand she fast did hold A booke , that was both signd and seald with blood , Wherein darke things were writ , hard to be vnderstood . Her younger sister , that Speranza hight , Was clad in blew , that her beseemed well ; Not all so chearefull seemed she of sight , As was her sister ; whether dread did dwell , Or anguish in her hart , is hard to tell : Vpon her arme a siluer anchor lay , Whereon she leaned euer , as befell : And euer vp to heauen , as she did pray , Her stedfast eyes were bent , ne swarued other way . They seeing Vna , towards her gan wend , Who them encounters with like courtesie ; Many kind speeches they betwene them spend , And greatly ioy each other well to see : Then to the knight with shamefast modestie They turne themselues , at Vnaes meeke request , And him salute with well beseeming glee ; Who faire them quites , as him beseemed best , And goodly gan discourse of many a noble gest . Then Vna thus ; But she your sister deare , The deare Charissa where is she become ? Or wants she health , or busie is elsewhere ? Ah no , said they , but forth she may not come : For she of late is lightned of her wombe , And hath encreast the world with one sonne more , That her to see should be but troublesome . Indeede ( quoth she ) that should be trouble sore , But thankt be God , and her encrease so euermore . Then said the aged Coelia , Deare dame , And you good Sir , I wote that of your toyle , And labours long , through which ye hither came , Ye both forwearied be : therefore a whyle I read you rest , and to your bowres recoyle . Then called she a Groome , that forth him led Into a goodly lodge , and gan despoile Of puissant armes , and laid in easie bed ; His name was meeke Obedience rightfully ared . Now when their wearie limbes with kindly rest , And bodies were refresht with due repast , Faire Vna gan Fidelia faire request , To haue her knight into her schoolehouse plaste , That of her heauenly learning he might taste , And heare the wisedome of her words diuine . She graunted , and that knight so much agraste , That she him taught celestiall discipline , And opened his dull eyes , that light mote in them shine And that her sacred Booke , with bloudy writ , That none could read , except she did them teach , She vnto him disclosed euery whit , And heauenly documents thereout did preach , That weaker wit of man could neuer reach , Of God , of grace , of iustice , of free will , That wonder was to heare her goodly speach : For she was able , with her words to kill , And raise againe to life the hart , that she did thrill . And when she list poure out her larger spright , She would commaund the hastie Sunne to stay , Or backward turne his course from heauens hight ; Sometimes great hostes of men she could dismay , And eke huge mountaines from their natiue seat She would commaund , themselues to beare away , And throw in raging sea with roaring threat . Almightie God her gaue such powre , and puissance great . The faithfull knight now grew in litle space , By hearing her , and by her sisters lore , To such perfection of all heauenly grace , That wretched world he gan for to abhore , And mortall life gan loath , as thing forlore , Greeu'd with remembrance of his wicked wayes , And prickt with anguish of his sinnes so sore , That he desirde , to end his wretched dayes : So much the dart of sinfull guilt the soule dismayes . But wise Speranza gaue him comfort sweet , And taught him how to take assured hold Vpon her siluer anchor , as was meet ; Else had his sinnes so great , and manifold Made him forget all that Fidelia told . In this distressed doubtfull agonie , When him his dearest Vna did behold , Disdeining life , desiring leaue to die , She found her selfe assayld with great perplexitie . And came to Coelia to declare her smart , Who well acquainted with that commune plight , Which sinfull horror workes in wounded hart , Her wisely comforted all that she might , With goodly counsell and aduisement right ; And streightway sent with carefull diligence , To fetch a Leach , the which had great insight In that disease of grieued conscience , And well could cure the same ; His name was Patience . Who comming to that soule-diseased knight , Could hardly him intreat , to tell his griefe : Which knowne , and all that noyd his heauie spright , Well searcht , eftsoones he gan apply reliefe . Of salues and med'cines , which had passing priefe , And thereto added words of wondrous might : By which to ease he him recured briefe , And much asswag'd the passion of his plight , That he his paine endur'd , as seeming now more light But yet the cause and root of all his ill , Inward corruption , and infected sin , Not purg'd nor heald , behind remained still , And festring sore did rankle yet within , Close creeping twixt the marrow and the skin . Which to extirpe , he laid him priuily Downe in a darkesome lowly place farre in , Whereas he meant his corrosiues to apply , And with streight diet tame his stubborne malady . In ashes and sackcloth he did array His daintie corse , proud humors to abate , And dieted with fasting euery day , The swelling of his wounds to mitigate , And made him pray both earely and eke late : And euer as superfluous flesh did rot Amendment readie still at hand did wayt , To pluck it out with pincers firie whot , That soone in him was left no one corrupted iot . And bitter Penance with an yron whip , Was wont him once to disple euery day : And sharpe Remorse his hart did pricke and nip , That drops of bloud thence like a well did play ; And sad Repentance vsed to embay , His bodie in salt water smarting sore , The filthy blots of sinne to wash away . So in short space they did to health restore The man that would not liue , but earst lay at deathes dore which his torment often was so great , That like a Lyon he would cry and rore , And rend his flesh , and his owne synewes eat . His owne deare Vna hearing euermore His ruefull shriekes and gronings , often tore Her guiltlesse garments , and her golden heare , For pitty of his paine and anguish sore ; Yet all with patience wisely she did beare ; or well she wist , his crime could else be neuer cleare , Whom thus recouer'd by wise Patience , And trew Repentance they to Vna brought : Who ioyous of his cured conscience , Him dearely kist , and fairely eke besought Himselfe to chearish , and consuming thought To put away out of his carefull brest . By this Charissa , late in child-bed brought , Was woxen strong , and left her fruitfull nest ; To her faire Vna brought this vnacquainted guest . He was a woman in her freshest age , Of wondrous beauty , and of bountie rare , With goodly grace and comely personage , That was on earth not easie to compare ; Full of great loue , but Cupids wanton snare As hell she hated , chast in worke and will ; Her necke and breasts were euer open bare , That ay thereof her babes might sucke their fill ; The rest was all in yellow robes arayed still . A multitude of babes about her hong , Playing their sports , that ioyd her to behold , Whom still she fed , whiles they were weake & young , But thrust them forth still , as they wexed old : And on her head she wore a tyre of gold , Adornd with gemmes and owches wondrous faire . Whose passing price vneath was to be told ; And by her side there sate a gentle paire Of turtle doues , she sitting in an yuorie chaire . The knight and Vna entring , faire her greet , And bid her ioy of that her happie brood ; Who them requites with court'sies seeming meet , And entertaines with friendly chearefull mood . Then Vna her besought , to be so good , As in her vertuous rules to schoole her knight , Now after all his torment well withstood , In that sad house of Penaunce , where his spright Had past the paines of hell , and long enduring night . She was right ioyous of her iust request , And taking by the hand that Faeries sonne , Gan him instruct in euery good behest , Of loue , and righteousnesse , and well to donne , And wrath , and hatred warely to shonne , That drew on men Gods hatred , and his wrath , And many soules in dolours had fordonne : In which when him she well instructed hath , From thence to heauen she teacheth him the ready path Wherein his weaker wandring steps to guide , An auncient matrone she to her does call , Whose sober lookes her wisedome well descride : Her name was Mercie , well knowne ouer all , To be both gratious , and eke liberall : To whom the carefull charge of him she gaue , To lead aright , that he should neuer fall In all his wayes through this wide worldes waue , That Mercy in the end his righteous soule might saue . The godly Matrone by the hand him beares Forth from her presence , by a narrow way , Scattred with bushy thornes , and ragged breares , Which still before him she remou'd away , That nothing might his ready passage stay : And euer when his feet encombred were , Organ to shrinke , or from the right to stray , She held him fast , and firmely did vpbeare , As carefull Nourse her child from falling oft does reare . Eftsoones vnto an holy Hospitall , That was fore by the way , she did him bring , In which seuen Bead-men that had vowed all Their life to seruice of high heauens king Did spend their dayes in doing godly thing : There gates to all were open euermore , That by the wearie way were traueiling , And one sate wayting euer them before , To call in-commers by , that needy were and pore . The first of them that eldest was , and best , Of all the house had charge and gouernement , As Guardian and Steward of the rest : His office was to giue entertainement And lodging , vnto all that came , and went : Not vnto such , as could him feast againe , And double quite , for that he on them spent , But such , as want of harbour did constraine : Those for Gods sake his dewty was to entertaine . The second was as Almner of the place , His office was , the hungry for to feed , And thristy giue to drinke , a worke of grace : He feard not once him selfe to be in need , Ne car'd to hoord for those , whom he did breede : The grace of God he layd vp still in store , Which as a stocke he left vnto his seede ; He had enough , what need him care for more ? And had he lesse , yet some he would giue to the pore . The third had of their wardrobe custodie , In which were not rich tyres , nor garments gay , The plumes of pride , and wings of vanitie , But clothes meet to keepe keene could away , And naked nature seemely to aray ; With which bare wretched wights he dayly clad , The images of God in earthly clay ; And if that no spare cloths to giue he had , His owne coate he would cut , and it distribute glad . The fourth appointed by his office was , Poore prisoners to relieue with gratious ayd , And captiues to redeeme with price of bras , From Turkes and Sarazins , which them had stayd ; And though they faultie were , yet well he wayd , That God to vs forgiueth euery howre Much more then that , why they in bands were layd , And he that harrowd hell with heauie stowre , The faultie soules from thence brought to his heauenly bowre The fift had charge sicke persons to attend , And comfort those , in point of death which lay ; For them most needeth comfort in the end , When sin , and hell , and death do most dismay The feeble soule departing hence away . All is but lost , that liuing we bestow , If not well ended at our dying day . O man haue mind of that last bitter throw ; For as the tree does fall , so lyes it euer low . The sixt had charge of them now being dead , In seemely sort their corses to engraue , And deck with dainty flowres their bridall bed , That to their heauenly spouse both sweet and braue They might appeare , when he their soules shall saue . The wondrous workemanship of Gods owne mould , Whose face he made , all beasts to feare , and gaue All in his hand , euen dead we honour should . Ah dearest God me graunt , I dead be not defould . The seuenth now after death and buriall done , Had charge the tender Orphans of the dead And widowes ayd , least they should be vndone : In face of iudgement he their right would plead , Ne ought the powre of mighty men did dread In their defence , nor would for gold or fee Be wonne their rightfull causes downe to tread : And when they stood in most necessitee , He did supply their want , and gaue them euer free . There when the Elfin knight arriued was , The first and chiefest of the seuen , whose care Was guests to welcome , towardes him did pas : Where seeing Mercie , that his steps vp bare , And alwayes led , to her with reuerence rare He humbly louted in meeke lowlinesse , And seemely welcome for her did prepare : For of their order she was Patronesse , Albe Charissa were their chiefest founderesse . There she awhile him stayes , him selfe to rest , That to the rest more able he might bee : During which time , in euery good behest And godly worke of Almes and charitee She him instructed with great industree ; Shortly therein so perfect he became , That from the first vnto the last degree , His mortall life he learned had to frame In holy righteousnesse , without rebuke or blame . Thence forward by that painfull way they pas , Forth to an hill , that was both steepe and hy ; On top whereof a sacred chappell was , And eke a litle Hermitage thereby , Wherein an aged holy man did lye , That day and night said his deuotion , Ne other worldly busines did apply ; His name was heauenly Contemplation ; Of God and goodnesse was his meditation . Great grace that old man to him giuen had ; For God he often saw from heauens hight , All were his earthly eyen both blunt and bad , And through great age had lost their kindly sight , Yet wondrous quick and persant was his spright , As Eagles eye , that can behold the Sunne : That hill they scale with all their powre and might , That his frayle thighes nigh wearie and fordonne Gan faile , but by her helpe the top at last he wonne . There they do finde that godly aged Sire , With snowy lockes adowne his shoulders shed , As hoarie frost with spangles doth attire The mossy braunches of an Oke halfe ded . Each bone might through his body well be red , And euery sinew seene through his long fast : For nought he car'd his carcas long vnfed ; His mind was full of spirituall repast , And pyn'd his flesh , to keepe his body low and chast . Who when these two approching he aspide , At their first presence grew agrieued sore , That forst him lay his heauenly thoughts aside ; And had he not that Dame respected more , Whom highly he did reuerence and adore , He would not once haue moued for the knight . They him saluted standing far afore ; Who well them greeting , humbly did requight , And asked , to what end they clomb that tedious height . What end ( quoth he ) should cause vs take such paine , But that same end , which euery liuing wight Should make his marke , high heauen to attaine ? Is not from hence the way , that leadeth right To that most glorious house , that glistreth bright With burning starres , and euerliuing fire , Whereof the keyes are to thy hand behight By wise Fidelia ? she doth thee require , To shew it to this knight , according his desire . Thrise happy man , said then the father graue , Whose staggering steps thy steady hand doth lead , And shewes the way , his sinfull soule to saue . Who better can the way to heauen aread , Then thou thy selfe , that was both borne and bred In heauenly throne , where thousand Angels shine ? Thou doest the prayers of the righteous sead Present before the maiestie diuine , And his auenging wrath to clemencie incline . Yet since thou bidst , thy pleasure shal be donne . Then come thou man of earth , and see the way , That neuer yet was seene of Faeries sonne , That neuer leads the traueiler astray , But after labours long , and sad delay , Bring them to ioyous rest and endlesse blis . But first thou must a season fast and pray , Till from her bands the spright assoiled is , And haue her strength recur'd from fraile infirmitis . That done , he leads him to the highest Mount ; Such one , as that same mighty man of God , That bloud-red billowes like a walled front On either side disparted with his rod , Till that his army dry-foot through them yod , Dwelt fortie dayes vpon ; where writ in stone With bloudy letters by the hand of God , The bitter doome of death and balefull mone He did receiue , whiles flashing fire about him shone . Or like that sacred hill , whose head full hie , Adornd with fruitfull Oliues all arownd , Is , as it were for endlesse memory Of that deare Lord , who oft thereon was fownd , For euer with a flowring girlond crownd : Or like that pleasaunt Mount , that is for ay Through famous Poets verse each where renownd , On which the thrise three learned Ladies play Their heauenly notes , and make full many a louely lay . From thence , far off he vnto him did shew A litle path , that was both steepe and long , Which to a goodly Citie led his vew ; Whose wals and towres were builded high and strong Of perle and precious stone , that earthly tong Cannot describe , nor wit of man can tell ; Too high a ditty for my simple song ; The Citie of the great king hight it well , Wherein eternall peace and happinesse doth dwell . As he thereon stood gazing , he might see The blessed Angels to and fro descend From highest heauen , in gladsome companee , And with great ioy into that Citie wend , As commonly as friend does with his frend . Whereathe wondred much , and gan enquere , What stately building durst so high extend Her loftie towres vnto the starry sphere , And what vnknowen nation there empeopled were . Faire knight ( quoth he ) Hierusalem that is , The new Hierusalem , that God has built For those to dwell in , that are chosen his , His chosen people purg'd from sinfull guilt , With piteous bloud , which cruelly was spilt On cursed tree , of that vnspotted lam , That for the sinnes of all the world was kilt : Now are they Saints all in that Citie sam , More deare vnto their God , then younglings to their dam. Till now , said then the knight , I weened well , That great Cleopolis , where I haue beene , In which that fairest Faerie Queene doth dwell The fairest Citie was , that might be seene ; And that bright towre all built of christall cleene , Panthea , seemd the brightest thing , that was : But now by proofe all otherwise I weene ; For this great Citie that does far surpas , And this bright Angels towre quite dims that towre of glas . Most trew , then said the holy aged man ; Yet is Cleopolis for earthly fame , The fairest peece , that eye beholden can : And well beseemes all knights of noble name , That couet in th' immortall booke of fame To be eternized , that same to haunt , And doen their seruice to that soueraigne Dame , That glorie does to them for guerdon graunt : For she is heauenly borne , and heauen may iustly vaunt . And thou faire ymp , sprong out from English race , How euer now accompted Elsins sonne , Well worthy doest thy seruice for her grace , To aide a virgin desolate foredonne . But when thou famous victorie hast wonne , And high emongst all knights hast hong thy shield , Thenceforth the suit of earthly conquest shonne , And wash thy hands from guilt of bloudy field : For bloud can nought but sin , & wars but sorrowes yield Then seeke this path , that I to thee presage , Which after all to heauen shall thee send ; Then peaceably to thy painefull pilgrimage To yonder same Hierusalem do bend , Where is for thee ordaind a blessed end : For thou emongst those Saints , whom thou doest see , Shalt be a Saint , and thine owne nations frend And Patrone : thou Saint George shalt called bee , Saint George of mery England , the signe of victoree . Vnworthy wretch ( quoth he ) ofso great grace , How dare I thinke such glory to attaine ? These that haue it attaind , were in like cace ( Quoth he ) as wretched , and liu'd in like paine . But deeds of armes must I at last be faine , And Ladies loue to leaue so dearely bought ? What need of armes , where peace doth ay remaine , ( Said he ) and battailes none are to be fought ? As for loose loues are vaine , and vanish into nought . O let me not ( quoth he ) then turne againe Backe to the world , whose ioyes so fruitlesse are ; But let me here for aye in peace remaine , Or streight way on that last long voyage fare , That nothing may my present hope empare . That may not be ( said he ) ne maist thou yit Forgo that royall maides bequeathed care , Who did her cause into thy hand commit , Till from her cursed foe thou haue her freely quit . Then shall I soone , ( quoth he ) so God me grace , Abet that virgins cause disconsolate , And shortly backe returne vnto this place , To walke this way in Pilgrims poore estate . But now aread , old father , why of late Didst thou behight me borne of English blood , Whom all a Faeries sonne doen then nominate ? That word shall I ( said he ) auouchen good , Sith to thee is vnknowne the cradle of thy brood . For well I wote , thou springst from ancient race Of Saxon kings , that haue with mightie hand And many bloudie battailes fought in place High reard their royall throne in Britane land , And vanquisht them , vnable to withstand : From thence a Faerie thee vnweeting rest , There as thou slepst in tender swadling band , And her base Elfin brood there for thee left . Such men do Chaungelings call , so chaungd by Faeries theft . Thence she thee brought into this Faerie lond , And in an heaped furrow did thee hyde , Where thee a Ploughman all vnweeting fond , As he his toylesome teme that way did guyde , And brought thee vp in ploughmans state to byde , Whereof Georgos he thee gaue to name ; Till prickt with courage , and thy forces pryde , To Faery court thou cam'st to seeke for fame , And proue thy puissaunt armes , as seemes thee best became O holy Sire ( quoth he ) how shall I quight The many fauours I with thee haue found , That hast my name and nation red aright , And taught the way that does to heauen bound ? This said , adowne he looked to the ground , To haue returnd , but dazed were his eyne , Through passing brightnesse , which did quite confoun His feeble sence , and too exceeding shyne . So darke are earthly things compard to things diuine . At last whenas himselfe he gan to find , To Vna back he cast him to retire ; Who him awaited still with pensiue mind . Great thankes and goodly meed to that good syre , He thence departing gaue for his paines hyre . So came to Vna , who him ioyd to see , And after litle rest , gan him desire , Of her aduenture mindfull for to bee . So leaue they take of Coelia , and her daughters three .

Cant. XI . The knight with that old Dragon fights two dayes incessantly : The third him ouerthrowes , and gayns most glorious victory . HIgh time now gan it wex for Vna faire , To thinke of those her captiue Parents deare , And their forwasted kingdome to repaire : Whereto whenas they now approched neare , With hartie words her knight she gan to cheare , And in her modest manner thus bespake ; Deare knight , as deare , as euer knight was deare , That all these sorrowes suffer for my sake , High heauen behold the tedious toyle , ye for me take , Now are we come vnto my natiue soyle , And to the place , where all our perils dwell ; Here haunts that feend , and does his dayly spoyle , Therefore henceforth be at your keeping well , And euer ready for your foeman fell . The sparke of noble courage now awake , And striue your excellent selfe to excell ; That shall ye euermore renowmed make , Aboue all knights on earth , that batteill vndertake . And pointing forth , lo yonder is ( said she ) The brasen towre in which my parents deare For dread of that huge feend emprisond be Whom I from far , see on the walles appeare Whose sight my feeble soule doth greatly cheare : And on the top of all I do espye The watchman wayting tydings glad to heare , That ô my parents might I happily Vnto you bring , to ease you of your misery . With that they heard a roaring hideous sound , That all the ayre with terrour filled wide , And seemd vneath to shake the stedfast ground . Eftsoones that dreadfull Dragon they espide , Where stretch he lay vpon the sunny side , Of a great hill , himselfe like a great hill . But all so soone , as he from far descride Those glistring armes , that heauen with light did fill , He rousd himselfe full blith , and hastned them vntill . Then bad the knight this Lady yede aloofe , And to an hill her selfe with draw aside , From whence she might behold that battailles proof And eke be safe from daunger far descryde : She him obayd , and turnd a little wyde . Now O thou sacred Muse , most learned Dame , Faire ympe of Phoebus , and his aged bride , The Nourse of time , and euerlasting fame , That warlike hands ennoblest with immortall name ; O gently come into my feeble brest , Come gently , but not with that mighty rage , Wherewith the martiall troupes thou doest infest , And harts of great Heroes doest enrage , That nought their kindled courage may aswage , Soone as thy dreadfull trompe begins to sownd ; The God of warre with his fiers equipage Thou doest awake , sleepe neuer he so sownd , And feared nations doest with horrour sterne astownd . Faire Goddesse lay that furious fit aside , Till I of warres and bloudy Mars do sing , And Briton fields with Sarazin bloud bedyde , Twixt that great faery Queene and Paynim king , That with their horrour heauen and earth did ring , A worke of labour long , and endlesse prayse : But now a while let downe that haughtie string , And to my tunes thy second tenor rayse , That I this man of God his godly armes may blaze . By this the dreadfull Beast drew nigh to hand , Halfe flying , and halfe footing in his hast , That with his largenesse measured much land , And made wide shadow vnder his huge wast ; As mountaine doth the valley ouercast . Approching nigh , he reared high afore His body monstrous , horrible , and wast , Which to increase his wondrous greatnesse more , Was swolne with wrath , & poyson , & with bloudy gore . And ouer , all with brasen scales was armd , Like plated coate of steele , so couched neare , That nought mote perce , ne might his corse be harmd With dint of sword , nor push of pointed speare ; Which as an Eagle , seeing pray appeare , His aery plumes doth rouze , full rudely dight , So shaked he , that horrour was to heare , For as the clashing of an Armour bright , Such noyse his rouzed scales did send vnto the knight . His flaggy wings when forth he did display , Were like two sayles , in which the hollow wynd Is gathered full , and worketh speedy way : And eke the pennes , that did his pineons bynd Were like mayne-yards , with flying canuas lynd , With which whenas him list the ayre to beat , And there by force vnwonted passage find , The cloudes before him fled for terrour great , And all the heauens stood still amazed with his threat . His huge long tayle wound vp in hundred foldes , Does ouerspred his long bras-scaly backe , Whose wreathed boughts when euer he vnfoldes , And thicke entangled knots adown does slacke . Bespotted all with shields of red and blacke , It sweepeth all the land behind him farre , And of three furlongs does but litle lacke ; And at the point two stings in-fixed arre , Both deadly sharpe , that sharpest steele exceeden farre . But stings and sharpest steele did far exceed The sharpnesse of his cruell rending clawes ; Dead was it sure , as sure as death in deed , What euer thing does touch his rauenous pawes , Or what within his reach he euer drawes . But his most hideous head my toung to tell , Does tremble : for his deepe deuouring iawes Wide gaped , like the griesly mouth of hell , Through which into his darke abisse all rauin fell . And that more wondrous was , in either iaw Three ranckes of yron teeth enraunged were , In which yet trickling bloud and gobbets raw Of late deuoured bodies did appeare , That sight thereof bred cold congealed feare : Which to increase , and all atonce to kill , A cloud of smoothering smoke and sulphur seare Out of his stinking gorge forth steemed still , That all the ayre about with smoke and stench did fill . His blazing eyes , like two bright shining shields , Did burne with wrath , and sparkled liuing fyre ; As two broad Beacons , set in open fields , Send forth their flames farre off to euery shyre , And warning giue , that enemies conspyre , With fire and sword the region to inuade ; So flam'd his eyne with rage and rancorous yre : But farre within , as in a hollow glade , Those glaring lampes were set , that made a dreadfull shade . So dreadfully he towards him did pas , Forelifting vp aloft his speckled brest , And often bounding on the brused gras , As for great ioyance of his newcome guest . Eftsoones he gan aduance his haughtie crest , As chauffed Bore his bristles doth vpreare , And shoke his scales to battell readie drest ; That made the Redcrosse knight nigh quake for feare , As bidding bold defiance to his foeman neare . The knight gan fairely couch his steadie speare , And fiercely ran at him with rigorous might : The pointed steele arriuing rudely theare , His harder hide would neither perce , nor bight , But glauncing by forth passed forward right ; Yet sore amoued with so puissant push , The wrathfull beast about him turned light , And him so rudely passing by , did brush With his long tayle , that horse and man to ground did rush . Both horse and man vp lightly rose againe , And fresh encounter towards him addrest : But th' idle stroke yet backe recoyld in vaine , And found no place his deadly point to rest . Exceeding ; rage enflam'd the furious beast , To be auenged of so great despight ; For neuer felt his imperceable brest So wondrous force , from hand of liuing wight ; Yet had he prou'd the powre of many a puissant knight . Then with his wauing wings displayed wyde , Himselfe vp high he lifted from the ground , And with strong flight did forcibly diuide The yielding aire , which nigh too feeble found Her flitting partes , and element vnfound , To beare so great a weight : he cutting way With his broad sayles , about him soared round : At last low stouping with vnweldie sway , Snatcht vp both horse & man , to beare them quite away . Long he them bore aboue the subiect plaine , So farre as Ewghen bow a shaft may send , Till struggling strong did him at last constraine , To let them downe before his flightes end : As hagard hauke presuming to contend With hardie fowle , aboue his hable might , His wearie pounces all in vaine doth spend , To trusse the pray too heauie for his flight ; Which comming downe to ground , does free it selfe by fight . He so disseized of his gryping grosse , The knight his thrillant speare againe assayd In his bras-plated body to embosse , And three mens strength vnto the stroke he layd ; Wherewith the stiffe beame quaked , as affrayd , And glauncing from his scaly necke , did glyde Close vnder his left wing , then broad displayd . The percing steele there wrought a woundfull wyde , That with the vncouth smart the Monster lowdly cryde . He cryde , as raging seas are wont to rore , When wintry storme his wrathfull wreck does threat , The rolling billowes beat the ragged shore , As they the earth would shoulder from her seat , And greedie gulfe does gape , as he would eat His neighbour element in his reuenge : Then gin the blustring brethren boldly threat , To moue the world from off his stedfast henge , And boystrous battell make , each other to auenge . The steely head stucke fast still in his flesh , Till with his cruell clawes he snatcht the wood , And quite a sunder broke . Forth flowed fresh A gushing riuer of blacke goarie blood , That drowned all the land , whereon he stood ; The streame thereof would driue a water-mill . Trebly augmented was his furious mood With bitter sense of his deepe rooted ill , That flames of fire he threw forth from his large nosethrill . His hideous tayle then hurled he about , And therewith all enwrapt the nimble thyes Of his froth-fomy steed , whose courage stout Striuing to loose the knot , that fast him tyes , Himselfe in streighter bandes too rash implyes , That to the ground he is perforce constraynd To throw his rider : who can quickly ryse From off the earth , with durty bloud distaynd , For that reprochfull fall right fowly he disdaynd . And fiercely tooke his trench and blade in hand , With which he stroke so furious and so fell , That nothing seemd the puissance could withstand : Vpon his crest the hardned yron fell , But his more hardned crest was armd so well , That deeper dint therein it would not make ; Yet so extremely did the buffe him quell , That from thenceforth he shund the like to take , But when he saw them come , he did them still forsake . The knight was wrath to see his stroke beguyld , And smote againe with more outrageous might ; But backe againe the sparckling steele recoyld , And left not any marke , where it did light ; As if in Adamant rocke it had bene pight . The beast impatient of his smarting wound , And of so fierce and forcible despight , Thought with his wings to stye aboue the ground ; But his late wounded wing vnseruiceable found . Then full of griefe and anguish vehement , He lowdly brayd , that like was neuer heard , And from his wide deuouring ouen sent A flake of fire , that flashing in his beard , Him all amazd , and almost made affeard : The scorching flame sore swinged all his face , And through his armour all his bodie seard , That he could not endure so cruell cace , But thought his armes to leaue , and helmet to vnlace . Not that great Champion of the antique world , Whom famous Poetes verse so much doth daunt , And hath for twelue huge labours high extold , So many furies and sharpe fits did haunt , When him the poysoned garment did enchaunt With Centaures bloud , and bloudie verses charm'd , As did this knight twelue thousand dolours daunt , Whom fyrie steele now burnt , that earst him arm'd , That erst him goodly arm'd , now most of all him harm'd . Faint , wearie , sore , emboyled , grieued , brent With heat , toyle , wounds , armes , smart , & inward fire That neuer man such mischiefes did torment ; Death better were , death did he oft desire , But death will neuer come , when needes require . Whom so dismayd when that his foe beheld , He cast to suffer him no more respire , But gan his sturdie sterne about to weld , And him so strongly stroke , that to the ground him feld . It fortuned ( as faire it then befell ) Behind his backe vnweeting , where he stood , Of auncient time there was a springing well , From which fast trickled forth a siluer flood , Full of great vertues , and for med'cine good . Whylome , before that cursed Dragon got That happie land , and all with innocent blood Defyld those sacred waues , it rightly hot The well of life , ne yet his vertues had forgot . For vnto life the dead it could restore , And guilt of sinfull crimes cleane wash away , Those that with sicknesse were infected sore , It could recure , and aged long decay Renew , as it were borne that very day . Both Silo this , and Iordan did excell , And th' English Bath , and eke the german Spau , Ne can Cephise , nor Hebrus match this well : Into the same the knight backe ouerthrowen , fell . Now gan the golden Phoebus for to steepe His fierie face in billowes of the west , And his faint steedes watred in Ocean deepe , Whiles from their iournall labours they did rest , When that infernall Monster , hauing kest His wearie foe into that liuing well , Can high aduance his broad discoloured brest , Aboue his wonted pitch , with countenance fell , And clapt his yron wings , as victor he did dwell . Which when his penfiue Ladie saw from farre , Great woe and sorrow did her soule assay , As weening that the sad end of the warre , And gan to highest God entirely pray , That feared chance from her to turne away ; With folded hands and knees full lowly bent All night she watcht , ne once adowne would lay Her daintie limbs in her sad dreriment , But praying still did wake , and waking did lament . The morrow next gan early to appeare , That Titan rose to runne his daily race ; But early ere the morrow next gan reare Out of the sea faire Titans deawy face , Vp rose the gentle virgin from her place , And looked all about , if she might spy Her loued knight to moue his manly pace : For she had great doubt of his safety , Since late she saw him fall before his enemy . At last she saw , where he vpstarted braue Out of the well , wherein he drenched lay ; As Eagle fresh out of the Ocean waue , Where he hath left his plumes all hoary gray , And deckt himselfe with feathers youthly gay , Like Eyas hauke vp mounts vnto the skies , His newly budded pineons to assay , And marueiles at himselfe , still as he flies : So new this new-borne knight to battell new did rise . Whom when the damned feend so fresh did spy . No wonder if he wondred at the sight , And doubted , whether his late enemy It were , or other new supplied knight . He now to proue his late renewed might , High brandishing his bright deaw-burning blade , Vpon his crested scalpe so sore did smite , That to the scull a yawning wound it made : The deadly dint his dulled senses all dismaid . I wote not , whether the reuenging steele Were hardned with that holy water dew , Wherein he fell , or sharper edge did feele , Or his baptized hands now greater grew ; Or other secret vertue did ensew ; Else neuer could the force of fleshly arme , Ne molten mettall in his bloud embrew : For till that stownd could neuer wight him harme , By subtilty , nor slight , nor might , nor mighty charme . The cruell wound enraged him so sore , That loud he yelded for exceeding paine ; As hundred ramping Lyons seem'd to rore , Whom rauenous hunger did thereto constraine : Then gan he tosse aloft his stretched traine , And therewith scourge the buxome aire so sore , That to his force to yeelden it was faine ; Ne ought his sturdie strokes might stand afore , That high trees ouerthrew , and rocks in peeces tore . The same aduauncing high aboue his head , With sharpe intended sting so rude him smot , That to the earth him droue , as stricken dead , Ne liuing wight would haue him life behot : The mortall sting his angry needle shot Quite through his shield , and in his shoulder seasd , Where fast it stucke , ne would there out be got : The griefe thereof him wondrous sore diseasd , Ne might his ranckling paine with patience be appeasd . But yet more mindfull of his honour deare , Then of the grieuous smart , which him did wring , From loathed soile he can him lightly reare , And stroue to loose the farre infixed string : Which when in vaine he tryde with struggeling , Inflam'd with wrath , his raging blade he heft , And strooke so strongly , that the knotty sting Of his huge taile he quite a sunder cleft , Fiue ioynts thereof he hewd , and but the stump him left . Hart cannot thinke , what outrage , and what cryes , With foule enfouldred smoake and flashing fire , The hell-bred beast threw forth vnto the skyes , That all was couered with darknesse dire : Then fraught with rancour , and engorged ire , He cast at once him to auenge for all , And gathering vp himselfe out of the mire , With his vneuen wings did fiercely fall , Vpon his sunne-bright shield , and gript it fast withall . Much was the man encombred with his hold , In feare to lose his weapon in his paw , Ne wist yet , how his talants to vnfold ; For harder was from Cerberus greedie iaw To plucke a bone , then from his cruell claw To reaue by strength , the griped gage away : Thrise he assayd it from his foot to draw , And thrise in vaine to draw it did assay , It booted nought to thinke , to robbe him of his pray . Tho when he saw no power might preuaile , His trustie sword he cald to his last aid , Wherewith he fiercely did his foe assaile , And double blowes about him stoutly laid , That glauncing fire out of the yron plaid ; As sparckles from the Anduile vse to fly , When heauie hammers on the wedge are swaid ; Therewith at last he forst him to vnty One of his grasping feete , him to defend thereby . The other foot , fast fixed on his shield Whenas no strength , nor stroks mote him constraine To loose , ne yet the warlike pledge to yield , He smot thereat with all his might and maine , That nought so wondrous puissance might sustaine ; Vpon the ioynt the lucky steele did light , And made such way , that hewd it quite in twaine ; The paw yet missed not his minisht might , But hong still on the shield , as it at first was pight . For griefe thereof , and diuelish despight , From his infernall fournace forth he threw Huge flames , that dimmed all the heauens light , Enrold in duskish smoke and brimstone blew ; As burning Aetna from his boyling stew Doth belch out flames , and rockes in peeces broke , And ragged ribs of mountaines molten new , Enwrapt in coleblacke clouds and filthy smoke , That all the land with stench , and heauen with horror choke . The heate whereof , and harmefull pestilence So sore him noyd , that forst him to retire A little backward for his best defence , To saue his bodie from the scorching fire , Which he from hellish entrailes did expire . It chaunst ( eternall God that chaunce did guide ) As he recoyled backward , in the mire His nigh forwearied feeble feet did slide , And downe he fell , with dread of shame sore terrifide . There grew a goodly tree him faire beside , Loaden with fruit and apples rosie red , As they in pure vermilion had beene dide , Whereof great vertues ouer all were red : For happie life to all , which thereon fed , And life eke euerlasting did befall : Great God it planted in that blessed sted With his almightie hand , and did it call The tree of life , the crime of our first fathers fall . In all the world like was not to be found , Saue in that soile , where all good things did grow , And freely sprong out of the fruitfull ground , As incorrupted Nature did them sow , Till that dread Dragon all did ouerthrow . Another like faire tree eke grew thereby , Whereof who so did eat , eftsoones did know Both good and ill : O mornefull memory : That tree through one mans fault hath doen vs all to dy . From that first tree forth flowd , as from a well , A trickling streame of Balme , most soueraine And daintie deare , which on the ground still fell , And ouerflowed all the fertill plaine , As it had deawed bene with timely raine : Life and long health that gratious ointment gaue , And deadly woundes could heale and reare againe The senselesse corse appointed for the graue . Into that same he fell : which did from death him saue . For nigh thereto the euer damned beast Durst not approch , for he was deadly made , And all that life preserued , did detest : Yet he it oft aduentur'd to inuade . By this the drouping day-light gan to fade , And yeeld his roome to sad succeeding night , Who with her sable mantle gan to shade The face of earth , and wayes of liuing wight , And high her burning torch set vp in heauen bright . When gentle Vna , saw the second fall Of her deare knight , who wearie of long fight , And faint through losse of blond , mou'd not at all , But lay as in a dreame of deepe delight , Besmeard with pretious Balme , whose vertuous might Did heale his wounds , and scorching heat alay , Againe she stricken was with sore affright , And for his safetie gan deuoutly pray ; And watch the noyous night , and wait for ioyous day . The ioyous day gan early to appeare , And faire Aurora from her deawy bed Of aged Tithone gan her selfe to reare , With rosie cheekes , for shame as blushing red ; Her golden lockes for haste were loosely shed About her eares , when Vna her did marke Clymbe to her charet , all with flowers spred ; From heauen high to chase the chearelesse darke , With merry note her loud salutes the mounting larke . Then freshly vp arose the doughtie knight , All healed of his hurts and woundes wide , And did himselfe to battell readie dight ; Whose early foe awaiting him beside To haue deuourd , so soone as day he spyde , When now he saw himselfe so freshly reare , As if late fight had nought him damnifyde , He woxe dismayd , and gan his fate to feare ; Nathlesse with wonted rage he him aduaunced neare . And in his first encounter , gaping wide , He thought attonce him to haue swallowd quight , And rusht vpon him with outragious pride ; Who him r'encountring fierce , as hauke in flight , Perforce rebutted backe . The weapon bright Taking aduantage of his open iaw , Ran through his mouth with so importune might , That deepe emperst his darksome hollow maw , And back retyrd , his life bloud forth with all did draw . So downe he fell , and forth his life did breath , That vanisht into smoke and cloudes swift ; So downe he fell , that th' earth him vnderneath Did grone , as feeble so great load to lift ; So downe he fell , as an huge rockie clift , Whose false foundation waues haue washt away , With dreadfull poyse is from the mayneland rift , And rolling downe , great Neptune doth dismay ; So downe he fell , and like an heaped mountaine lay . The knight himselfe euen trembled at his fall , So huge and horrible a masse it seem'd ; And his deare Ladie , that beheld it all , Durst not approch for dread , which she misdeem'd , But yet at last , when as the direfull feend She saw not stirre , off-shaking vaine affright , She nigher drew , and saw that ioyous end : Then God she praysd , and thankt her faithfull knight , That had atchieu'd so great a conquest by his might .

Cant. XII . Faire Vna to the Redcrosse knight betrouthed is with ioy : Though false Duessa it to barre her false sleights doe imploy . BEhold I see the hauen nigh at hand , To which I meane my wearie course to bend ; Vere the maine shete , and beare vp with the land , The which afore is fairely to be kend , And seemeth safe from stormes , that may offend ; There this faire virgin wearie of her way Must landed be , now at her iourneyes end : There eke my feeble barke a while may stay , Till merry wind and weather call her thence away . Scarsely had Phoebus in the glooming East Yet harnessed his firie-footed teeme , Ne reard aboue the earth his flaming creast , When the last deadly smoke aloft did steeme , That signe of last outbreathed life did seeme , Vnto the watchman on the castle wall ; Who thereby dead that balefull Beast did deeme , And to his Lord and Ladie lowd gan call , To tell , how he had seene the Dragons fatall fall , Vprose with hastie ioy , and feeble speed That aged Sire , the Lord of all that land , And looked forth , to weet , if true indeede Those tydings were , as he did vnderstand , Which whenas true by tryall he out found , He bad to open wyde his brazen gate , Which long time had bene shut , and out of hond Proclaymed ioy and peace through all his state ; For dead now was their foe , which them forrayed late . Then gan triumphant Trompets sound on hie , That sent to heauen the ecchoed report Of their new ioy , and happie victorie Gainst him , that had them long opprest with tort , And fast imprisoned in sieged fort . Then all the people , as in solemne feast , To him assembled with one full consort , Reioycing at the fall of that great beast , From whose eternall bondage now they were releast . Forth came that auncient Lord and aged Queene , Arayd in antique robes downe to the ground , And sad habiliments right well beseene ; A noble crew about them waited round Of sage and sober Peres , all grauely gownd ; Whom farre before did march a goodly band Of tall young men , all hable armes to sownd , But now they laurell braunches bore in hand ; Glad signe of victorie and peace in all their land . Vnto that doughtie Conquerour they came , And him before themselues prostrating low , Their Lord and Patrone loud did him proclame , And at his feet their laurell boughes did throw . Soone after them all dauncing on a row The comely virgins came , with girlands dight , As fresh as flowres in medow greene do grow , When morning deaw vpon their leaues doth light : And in their hands sweet Timbrels all vpheld on hight . And them before , the fry of children young Their wanton sports and childish mirth did play , And to the Maydens sounding tymbrels sung In well attuned notes , a ioyous lay , And made delightfull musicke all the way , Vntill they came , where that faire virgin stood ; As faire Diana in fresh sommers day , Beholds her Nymphes , enraung'd in shadie wood , Some wrestle , some do run , some bathe in christall flood . So she beheld those maydens meriment With , chearefull vew ; who when to her they came , Themselues to ground with gratious humblesse bent , And her ador'd by honorable name , Lifting to heauen her euerlasting fame : Then on her head they set a girland greene , And crowned her twixt earnest and twixt game ; Who in her selfe-resemblance well beseene , Did seeme such , as she was , a goodly maiden Queene . And after , all the raskall many ran , Heaped together in rude rablement , To see the face of that victorious man : Whom all admired , as from heauen sent , And gazd vpon with gaping wonderment . But when they came , where that dead Dragon lay , Stretcht on the ground in monstrons large extent , The sight with idle feare did them dismay , Ne durst approch him nigh , to touch , or once assay . Some feard , and fled ; some feard and well it faynd ; One that would wiser seeme , then all the rest , Warnd him not touch , for yet perhaps remaynd Some lingring life within his hollow brest , Or in his wombe might lurke some hidden nest Of many Dragonets , his fruitfull seed ; Another said , that in his eyes did rest Yet sparckling fire , and bad thereof take heed ; Another said , he saw him moue his eyes indeed . One mother , when as her foolehardie chyld Did come too neare , and with his talants play , Halfe dead through feare , her litle babe reuyld , And to her gossips gan in counsell say ; How can I tell , but that his talents may Yet scratch my sonne , or rend his tender hand ? So diuersly themselues in vaine they fray ; Whiles some more bold , to measure him nigh stand , To proue how many acres he did spread of land . Thus flocked all the folke him round about , The whiles that hoarie king , with all his traine , Being arriued , where that champion stout After his foes defeasance did remaine , Him goodly greetes , and faire does entertaine , With princely gifts of yuorie and gold , And thousand thankes him yeelds for all his paine . Then when his daughter deare he does behold , Her dearely doth imbrace , and kisseth manifold . And after to his Pallace he them brings , With shaumes , & trompets , & with Clarions sweet ; And all the way the ioyous people sings , And with their garments strowes the paued street : Whence mounting vp , they find purueyance meet Of all , that royall Princes court became , And all the floore was vnderneath their feet Bespred with costly scarlot of great name , On which they lowly sit , and fitting purpose frame . What needs me tell their feast and goodly guize , In which was nothing riotous nor vaine ? What needs of daintie dishes to deuize , Of comely seruices , or courtly trayne ? My narrow leaues cannot in them containe The large discourse of royall Princes state . Yet was their manner then but bare and plaine : For th' antique world excesse and pride did hate ; Such proud luxurious pompe is swollen vp but late . Then when with meates and drinkes of euery kinde Their feruent appetites they quenched had , That auncient Lord gan fit occasion finde , Of straunge aduentures , and of perils sad , Which in his trauell him befallen had , For to demaund of his renowmed guest : Who then with vtt'rance graue , and count'nance sad , From point to point , as is before exprest , Discourst his voyage long , according his request . Great pleasures mixt with pittifull regard , That godly King and Queene did passionate , Whiles they his pittifull aduentures heard , That oft they did lament his lucklesse state , And often blame the too importune fate , That heapd on him so many wrathfull wreakes : For neuer gentle knight , as he of late , So tossed was in fortunes cruell freakes ; And all the while salt teares bedeawd the hearers cheaks . Then said the royall Pere in sober wise ; Deare Sonne , great beene the euils , which ye bore From first to last in your late enterprise , That I note , whether prayse , or pitty more : For neuer liuing man , I weene , so sore In sea of deadly daungers was distrest ; But since now safe ye seised haue the shore , And well arriued are , ( high God be blest ) Let vs deuize of ease and euerlasting rest . Ah dearest Lord , said then that doughty knight , Of ease or rest I may not yet deuize ; For by the faith , which I to armes haue plight , I bounden am streight after this emprize , As that your daughter can ye well aduize , Backe to returne to that great Faerie Queene , And her to serue six yeares in warlike wize , Gainst that proud Pynim king , that workes her teene : Therefore I ought craue pardon , till I there haue beene . Vnhappie falles that hard necessitie , ( Quoth he ) the troubler of my happie peace , And vowed foe of my felicitie ; Ne I against the same can iustly preace : But since that band ye cannot now release , Nor doen vndo ; ( for vowes may not be vaine ) Soone as the terme of those six yeares shall cease , Ye then shall hither backe returne againe , The marriage to accomplish vowd betwixt you twain . Which for my part I couet to performe , In sort as through the world I did proclame , That who so kild that monster most deforme , And him in hardy battaile ouercame , Should haue mine onely daughter to his Dame , And of my kingdome heire apparaunt bee : Therefore since now to thee perteines the same , By dew desert of noble cheualree , Both daughter and eke kingdome . lo I yield to thee . Then forth he called that his daughter faire , The fairest Vn ' his onely daughter deare , His onely daughter , and his onely heyre ; Who forth proceeding with sad sober cheare , As bright as doth the morning starre appeare Out of the East , with flaming lockes bedight , To tell the dawning day is dawning neare , And to the world does bring long wished light ; So faire and fresh that Lady shewd her selfe in sight . So faire and fresh , as freshest flowre in May ; For she had layd her mournefull stole aside , And widow-like sad wimple throwne away , Wherewith her heaunnly beautie she did hide , Whiles on her wearie iourney she did ride ; And on her now a garment she did weare , All lilly white , withoutten spot , or pride , That seemd like silke and siluer wouen neare , But neither silke nor siluer therein did appeare . The blazing brightnesse of her beauties beame , And glorious light of her sunshyny face To tell , were as to striue against the streame . My ragged rimes are all too rude and bace , Her heauenly lineaments for to enchace . Ne wonder ; for her owne deare loued knight , All were she dayly with himselfe in place , Did wonder much at her celestiall sight : Oft had he seene her faire , but neuer so faire dight . So fairely dight , when she in presence came , She to her Sire made humble reuerence , And bowed low , that her right well became , And added grace vnto her excellence : Who with great wisedome , and graue eloquence Thus gan to say . But eare he thus had said , With flying speede , and seeming great pretence , Came running in , much like a man dismaid , A Messenger with letters , which his message said . All in the open hall amazed stood , At suddeinnesse of that vnwarie sight , And wondred at his breathlesse hastie mood . But he for nought would stay his passage right , Till fast before the king he did alight ; Where falling flat , great humblesse he did make , And kist the ground , whereon his foot was pight ; Then to his hands that writ he did betake , Which he disclosing , red thus , as the paper spake . To thee , most mighty king of Eden faire , Her greeting sends in these sad lines addrest , The wofull daughter , and forsaken heire Of that great Emperour of all the West ; And bids thee be aduized for the best , Ere thou thy daughter linck in holy band Of wedlocke to that new vnknowen guest : For he already plighted his right hand Vnto another loue , and to another land . To me sad mayd , or rather widow sad , He was affiaunced long time before , And sacred pledges he both gaue , and had , False erraunt knight , infamous , and forswore : Witnesse the burning Altars , which he swore , And guiltie heauens of his bold periury , Which though he hath polluted oft and yore , Yet I to them for iudgement iust do fly , And them coniure t' auenge this shamefull iniury . Therefore since mine he is , or free or bond , Or false or trew , or liuing or else dead , Withhold , O soueraine Prince , your hasty hond From knitting league with him , I you aread ; Ne weene my right with strength adowne to tread , Through weakenesse of my widowhed , or woe : For truth is strong , his rightfull cause to plead , And shall find friends , if need requireth soe , So bids thee well to fare , Thy neither friend , nor foe , Fidessa . When he these bitter byting words had red , The tydings straunge did him abashed make , That still he sate long time astonished As in great muse , ne word to creature spake . At last his solemne silence thus he brake , With doubtfull eyes fast fixed on his guest ; Redoubted knight , that for mine onely sake Thy life and honour late aduenturest , Let nought be hid from me , that ought to be exprest . What meane these bloudy vowes , and idle threats , Throwne out from womanish impatient mind ? What heauens ? what altars ? what enraged heates Here heaped vp with termes of loue vnkind , My conscience cleare with guilty bands would bind ? High God be witnesse , that I guiltlesse ame . But if your selfe , Sir knight , ye faultie find , Or wrapped be in loues of former Dame , With crime do not it couer , but disclose the same . To whom the Redcrosse knight this answere sent , My Lord , my King , be nought hereat dismayd , Till well ye wote by graue intendiment , What woman , and wherefore doth me vpbrayd With breach of loue , and loyalty betrayd . It was in my mishaps , as hitherward I lately traueild , that vnwares I strayd Out of my way , through perils straunge and hard ; That day should faile me , ere I had them all declard . There did I find , or rather I was found Of this false woman , that Fidessa hight , Fidessa hight the falsest Dame on ground , Most false Duessa , royall richly dight . That easie was to inuegle weaker sight : Who by her wicked arts , and wylie skill , Too false and strong for earthly skill or might , Vmwares me wrought'vnto her wicked will , And to my foe betrayd , when least I feared ill . Then stepped forth the goodly royall Mayd , And on the ground her selfe prostrating low , With sober countenaunce thus to him sayd ; O pardon me , my soueraigne Lord , to show The secret treasons , which of late I know To haue bene wroght by that false sorceresse , She onely she it is , that earst did throw This gentle knight into so great distresse , That death him did awaite in dayly wretchednesse . And now it seemes , that she suborned hath This craftie messenger with letters vaine , To worke new woe and improuided scath , By breaking of the band betwixt vs twaine ; Wherein she vsed hath the practicke paine Of this false footman , clokt with simplenesse , Whom if ye please for to discouer plaine , Ye shall him Archimago find , I ghesse , The falsest man aliue ; wo tries shall find no lesse . The king was greatly moued at her speach , And all with suddein indignation fraight , Bad on that Messenger rude hands to reach . Eftsoones the Card , which on his state did wait , Attacht that faitor false , and bound him strait : Who seeming sorely chauffed at his band , As chained Beare , whom cruell dogs do bait , With idle force did faine them to withstand , And often semblaunce made to scape out of their hand . But they him layd full low in dungeon deepe , And bound him hand and foote with yron chains , And with continuall watch did warely keepe ; Who then would thinke , that by his subtile trains He could escape fowle death or deadly paines ? Thus when that Princes wrath was pacifide He gan renew the late forbidden banes , And to the knight his daughter deare he tyde , With sacred rites and vowes for euer to abyde . His owne two hands the holy knots did knit , That none but death for euer can deuide ; His owne two hands , for such a turne most fit , The housling fire did kindle and prouide , And holy water thereon sprinckled wide ; At which the bushy Teade a groome did light , And sacred lampe in secret chamber hide , Where it should not be quenched day nor night , For feare of euill fates , but burnen euer bright . Then gan they sprinckle all the posts with wine , And made great feast to solemnize that day ; They all perfumde with frankencense diuine , And precious odours fetcht from far away , That all the house did sweat with great aray : And all the while sweete Musicke did apply Her curious skill , the warbling notes to play , To driue away the dull Melancholy ; The whiles one sung a song of loue and iollity . During the which there was an heauenly noise Heard sound through all the Pallace pleasantly , Like as it had bene many an Angels voice , Singing before th' eternall maiesty , In their trinall triplicities on hye ; Yet wist no creature , whence that heauenly sweet Proceeded , yet eachone felt secretly Himselfe thereby reft of his sences meet , And rauished with rare impression in his sprite . Great ioy was made that day of young and old , And solemne feast proclaimd throughout the land , That their exceeding merth may not be told : Suffice it heare by signes to vnderstand The vsuall ioyes at knitting of loues band . Thrise happy man the knight himselfe did hold , Possessed of his Ladies hart and hand , And euer , when his eye did her behold , Her heart did seeme to melt in pleasures manifold . Her ioyous presence and sweet company In full content he there did long enioy , Ne wicked enuie , ne vile gealosy His deare delights were able to annoy : Yet swimming in that sea of blisfull ioy , He nought forgot , how he whilome had sworne , In case he could that monstrous beast destroy , Vnto his Farie Queene backe to returne : The which he shortly did , and Vna left to mourne . Now strike your sailes ye iolly Mariners , For we be come vnto a quiet rode , Where we must land some of our passengers , And light this wearie vessell of her lode . Here she a while may make her safe abode , Till she repaired haue her tackles spent , And wants supplide . And then againe abroad On the long voyage whereto she is bent : Well may she speede and fairely finish her intent .

FINIS LIB. I.

THE SECOND BOOKE OF THE FAERIE QVEENE . Contayning , THE LEGEND OF SIR GVYON , OR Of Temperaunce .

RIght well I wote most mighty Soueraine , That all this famous antique history , Of some th' aboundance of an idle braine Will iudged be , and painted forgery , Rather then matter of iust memory , Sith none , that breatheth liuing aire , does know , Where is that happy land of Faery , Which I so much do vàunt , yet no where show , But vouch antiquities , which no body can know . But let that man with better sence aduize , That of the world least part to vs is red : And dayly how through hardy enterprize , Many great Regions are discouered , Which to late age were neuer mentioned . Who euer heard of th' Indian Peru ? Or who in venturous vessell measured The Amazons huge riuer now found trew ? Or fruitfullest Virginia who did euer vew ? Yet all these were , when no man did them know ; Yet haue from wisest ages hidden beene : And later times things more vnknowne shall show . Why then should witlesse man so much misweene That nothing is , but that which he hath seene ? What if within the Moones faire shining spheare ? What if in euery other starre vnseene Of other worldes he happily should heare ? He wonder would much more : yet such to some appeare . Of Faerie lond yet if he more inquire , By certaine signes here set in sundry place He may it find ; ne let him then admire , But yield his sence to be too blunt and bace , That note without an hound fine footing trace . And thou , O fairest Princesse vnder sky , In this faire mirrhour maist behold thy face , And thine owne realmes in lond of Faery , And in this antique Image thy great auncestry . The which O pardon me thus to enfold In couert vele , and wrap in shadowes light , That feeble eyes your glory may behold , Which else could not endure those beames bright , But would be dazled with exceeding light . O pardon , and vonchsafe with patient eare The braue aduentures of this Faery knight The good Sir Guyon gratiously to heare , In whom great rule of Temp'raunce goodly doth appeare .

Cant. I. Guyon by Archimage abusd , The Redcrosse knight awaytes , Findes Mordant and Amauia slaine With pleasures poisoned baytes . THat cunning Architect of cancred guile , Whom Princes late displeasure left in bands , For falsed letters and suborned wile , Soone as the Redcrosse knight he vnderstands , To beene departed out of Eden lands , To serue againe his soueraine Elfin Queene , His artes he moues , and out of caytiues hands Himselfe he frees by secret meanes vnseene ; His shackles emptie left , him selfe escaped cleene . And forth he fares full of malicious mind , To worken mischiefe and auenging woe , Where euer he that godly knight may find , His onely hart sore , and his onely foe , Sith Vna now he algates must forgoe , Whom his victorious hands did earst restore To natiues crowne and kingdome late ygoe : Where she enioyes sure peace for euermore , As weather-beaten ship arriu'd on happie shore . Him therefore now the obiect of his spight And deadly food he makes : him to offend By forged treason , or by open fight He seekes , of all his drift the aymed end : Thereto his subtile engins he does bend His practick wit , and his faire filed tong , With thousand other sleights : for well he kend , His credit now in doubtfull ballaunce hong ; For hardly could be hurt , who was already stong . Still as he went , he craftie stales did lay . With cunning traines him to entrap vnwares , And priuie spials plast in all his way , To weete what course he takes , and how he fares ; To ketch him at a vantage in his snares . By triall of his former harmes and cares , But now so wise and warie was the knight That he descride , and shonned still his slight : The fish that once was caught , new bait will hardly bite . Nath'lesse th' Enchaunter would not spare his paine , In hope to win occasion to his will ; Which when he long awaited had in vaine , He chaungd his minde from one to other ill : For to all good he enimy was still . Vpon the way him fortuned to meet , Faire marching vnderneath a shady hill , A goodly knight , all armd in harnesse meete , That from his head no place appeared to his feete . His carriage was full comely and vpright , His countenaunce demure and temperate , But yet so sterne and terrible in sight , That cheard his friends , and did his foes amate : He was an Elsin borne of noble state , And mickle worship in his natiue land ; Well could he tourney and in lists debate , And knighthood tooke of good Sir Huons hand , When with king Oberon he came to Faerie land . Him als accompanyd vpon the way A comely Palmer , clad in blacke attire , Of ripest yeares , and haires all hoarie gray , That with a staffe his feeble steps did stire , Least his long way his aged limbes should tire : And if by lookes one may the mind aread , He seemd to be a sage and sober sire , And euer with slow pace the knight did lead , Who taught his trampling steed with equall steps to tread . Such whenas Archimago them did view , He weened well to worke some vncouth wile , Estsoones vntwisting his deceiptfull clew , He gan to weaue a web of wicked guile , And with a faire countenance and flattring stile , To them approching , thus the knight bespake : Faire sonne of Mars , that seeke with warlike spoile . And great atchieu'ments great your selfe to make , Vouchsafe to stay your steed for humble misers sake . He stayd his steed for humble misers sake , And bad tell on the tenor of his plaint ; Who feigning then in euery limbe to quake , Through inward feare , and seeming pale and faint With piteous mone his percing speach gan paint ; Deare Lady how shall I declare thy cace , Whom late I left in langourous constraint ? Would God thy selfe now present were in place , To tell this ruefull tale ; thy sight could win thee grace . Or rather would , O would it so had chaunst , That you , most noble Sir , had present beene , When that lewd ribauld with vile lust aduaunst Layd first his filthy hands on virgin cleene , To spoile her daintie corse so faire and sheene , As on the earth , great mother of vs all , With liuing eye more faire was neuer seene , Of chastitie and honour virginall : Witnesse ye heauens , whom she in vaine to helpe did call . How may it be , ( said then the knight halfe wroth , ) That knight should knighthood euer so haue shent ? None but that saw ( quoth he ) would weene for troth , How shamefully that Maid he did torment . Her looser golden lockes he rudely rent , And drew her on the ground , and his sharpe sword , Against her snowy brest be fiercely bent , And threatned death with many a bloudie word ; Toung hates to tell the rest , that eye to see abhord . Therewith amoued from his sober mood , And liues he yet ( said he ) that wrought this act , And doen the heauens afford him vitall food ? He liues , ( quoth he ) and boasteth of the fact , Ne yet hath any knight his courage crackt . Where may that treachour then ( said he ) be found , Or by what meanes may I his footing tract ? That shall I shew ( said he ) as sure , as hound The stricken Deare doth chalenge by the bleeding wound . He staid not lenger talke , but with fierce ire And zealous hast away is quickly gone To seeke that knight , where him that craftie Squire Supposd to be . They do arriue anone , Where sate a gentle Lady all alone , With garments rent , and haire discheueled , Wringing her hands , and making piteous mone ; Her swollen eyes were much disfigured , And her faire face with teares was fowly blubbered . The knight approching nigh , thus to her said , Faire Ladie , through foule sorrow ill bedight , Great pittie is to see you thus dismaid , And marre the blossome of your beautie bright : For thy appease your griefe and heauie plight , And tell the cause of your conceiued paine . For if he liue , that hath you doen despight ; He shall you doe due recompence againe , Or else his wrong with greater puissance maintaine . Which when she heard , as in despightfull wise , She wilfully her sorrow did augment , And offred hope of comfort did despise : Her golden lockes most cruelly she rent , And scratcht her face with ghastly dreriment , Ne would she speake , ne see , ne yet be seene , But hid her visage , and her head downe bent , Either for grieuous shame , or for great teene , As if her hart with sorrow had transfixed beene . Till her that Squire bespake , Madame my liefe , For Gods deare loue be not so wilfull bent , But doe vouchsafe now to receiue reliefe , The which good fortune doth to you present . For what bootes it to weepe and to wayment , When ill is chaunst , but doth the ill increase , And the weake mind with double woe torment ? When she her Squire heard speake , she gan appease Her voluntarie paine , and feele some secret ease . Eftsoone she said , Ah gentle trustie Squire , What comfort can I wofull wretch conceaue , Or why should euer I henceforth desire , To see faire heauens face , and life not leaue , Sith that false Traytour did my honour reaue ? False traytour certes ( said the Faerie knight ) I read the man , that euer would deceaue A gentle Ladie , or her wrong through might : Death were too little paine for such a foule despight . But now , faire Ladie , comfort to you make , And read , who hath ye wrought this shamefull plight . That short reuenge the man may ouertake , Where so he be , and soone vpon him light . Certes ( said she ) I wote not how he hight , But vnder him a gray steede did he wield , Whose sides with dapled circles weren dight ; Vpright he rode , and in his siluer shield He bore a bloudie Crosse , that quartred all the field . Now by my head ( said Guyon ) much I muse , How that same knight should do so foule amis , Or euer gentle Damzell so abuse : For may I boldly say , he surely is A right good knight , and true of word ywis : I present was , and can it witnesse well , When armes he swore , and streight did enterpris Th' aduenture of the Errant damozell , In which he hath great glorie wonne , as I heare tell . Nathlesse he shortly shall againe be tryde , And fairely quite him of th' imputed blame , Else be ye sure he dearely shall abyde , Or make you good amendment for the same : All wrongs haue mends , but no amends of shame . Now therefore Ladie , rise out of your paine , And see the saluing of your blotted name . Full loth she seemd thereto , but yet did faine ; For she was inly glad her purpose so to gaine . Her purpose was not such , as she did faine , Ne yet her person such , as it was seene , But vnder simple shew and semblant plaine Lurckt false Duessa secretly vnseene , As a chast Virgin , that had wronged beene : So had false Archimago her disguisd , To cloke her guile with sorrow and sad teene ; And eke himselfe had craftily deuisd To be her Squire , and do her seruice well aguisd . Her late forlorne and naked he had found , Where she did wander in waste wildernesse , Lurking in rockes and caues farre vnder ground , And with greene mode cou'ring her nakednesse , To hide her shame and loathly filthinesse ; Sith her Prince Arthur of proud ornaments And borrow'd beautie spoyld . Her nathelesse Th' enchaunter finding fit for his intents , Did thus reuest , and deckt with due habiliments . For all he did , was to deceiue good knights , And draw them from pursuit of praise and fame , To slug in slouth and sensuall delights , And end their daies with irrenowmed shame . And now exceeding griefe him ouercame , To see the Redcrosse thus aduaunced hye ; Therefore this craftie engine he did frame , Against his praise to stirre vp enmitye Ofsuch , as vertues like mote vnto him allye . So now he Guyon guides an vncouth way Through woods & mountaines , till they came at last Into a pleasant dale , that lowly lay Betwixt two hils , whose high heads ouerplast , The valley did with coole shade ouercast ; Through midst thereof a little riuer rold , By which there sate a knight with helme vnlast , Himselfe refreshing with the liquid cold , After his trauell long , and labours manifold . Loe yonder he , cryde Archimage alowd , That wrought the shamefull fast , which I did shew ; And now he doth himselfe in secret shrowd , To flie the vengeance for his outrage dew ; But vaine : for ye shall dearely do him rew , So God ye speed , and send you good successe ; Which we farre off will here abide to vew . So they him left , inflam'd with wrathfulnesse , That streight against that knight his speare he did addresse . Who seeing him from farre so fierce to pricke , His warlike armes about him gan embrace , And in the rest his readie speare did sticke ; Tho when as still he saw him towards pace , He gan rencounter him in equall race . They bene ymet , both readie to affrap , When suddenly that warrriour gan abace His threatned speare , as if some new mishap Had him betidde , or hidden daunger did entrap . And cryde , Mercie Sir knight , and mercie Lord , For mine offence and heedlesse hardiment , That had almost committed crime abhord , And with reprochfull shame mine honour shent , Whiles cursed steele against that badge I bent , The sacred badge of my Redeemers death , Which on your shield is set for ornament : But his fierce foe his steede could stay vneath , Who prickt with courage kene , did cruell battell breath . But when he heard him speake , streight way he knew His error , and himselfe inclyning sayd ; Ah deare Sir Guyon , well becommeth you , But me behoueth rather to vpbrayd , Whose hastie hand so farre from reason strayd , That almost it did haynous violence On that faire image of that heauenly Mayd , That decks and armes your shield with faire defence : Your court'sie takes on you anothers due offence . So bene they both attone , and doen vpreare Their beuers bright , each other for to greete ; Goodly comportance each to other beare , And entertaine themselues with court'sies meet . Then said the Redcrosse knight , Now mote I weet , Sir Guyon , why with so fierce saliaunce , And fell intent ye did at earst me meet ; For sith I know your goodly gouernaunce , Great cause , I weene , you guided , or some vncouth chaunce . Certes ( said he ) well mote I shame to tell The fond encheason , that me hither led . A false infamous faitour late befell Me for to meet , that seemed ill bested , And playnd of grieuous outrage , which he red A knight had wrought against a Ladie gent ; Which to auenge , he to this place me led , Where you he made the marke of his intent , And now is fled ; foule shame him follow , where he went . So can he turne his earnest vnto game , Through goodly handing and wise temperance . By this his aged guide in presence came ; Who soone as on that knight his eye did glance , Eft soones of him had perfect cognizance , Sith him in Faerie court he late auizd ; And said , faire sonne , God giue you happie chance , And that deare Crosse vpon your shield deuizd , Wherewith aboue all knights ye goodly seeme aguizd . Ioy may you haue , and euerlasting fame , Of late most hard atchieu'ment by you donne , For which enrolled is your glorious name In heauenly Registers aboue the Sunne , Where you a Saint with Saints your seat haue wonne : But wretched we , where ye haue left your marke , Must now anew begin , like race to runne ; God guide thee , Guyon , well to end thy warke , And to the wished hauen bring thy weary barke . Palmer , ( him answered the Redcrosse knight ) His be the praise , that this atchieu'ment wrought , Who made my hand the organ of his might ; More then goodwill to me attribute nought : For all I did , I did but as I ought . But you , faire Sir , whose pageant next ensewes , Well mote yee thee , as well can wish your thought , That home ye may report these happie newes ; For well ye worthie bene for worth and gentle thewes . So courteous conge both did giue and take , With right hands plighted , pledges of good will . Then Guyon forward gan his voyage make , With his blacke Palmer , that him guided still . Still he him guided ouer dale and hill , And with his steedie staffe did point his way : His race with reason , and with words his will , From foule intemperance he oft did stay , And suffred not in wrath his hastie steps to stray . In this faire wize they traueild long yfere , Through many hard assayes , which did betide ; Of which he honour still away did beare , And spred his glorie through all countries wide . At last as chaunst them by a forest side To passe , for succour from the scorching ray , They heard a ruefull voice , that dearnly cride With percing shriekes , and many a dolefull lay ; Which to attend , a while their forward steps they stay . But if that carelesse heauens ( quoth she ) despise The doome of iust reuenge , and take delight To see sad pageants of mens miseries , As bound by them to liue in liues despight , Yet can they not warne death from wretched wight . Come then , come soone , come sweetest death to mee , And take away this long lent loathed light : Sharpe be thy wounds , but sweet the medicines bee , That long captiued soules from wearie thraldome free . But thou , sweet Babe , whom frowning froward fate Hath made sad witnesse of thy fathers fall , Sith heauen thee deignes to hold in liuing state , Long maist thou liue , and better thriue withall , Then to thy lucklesse parents did befall : Liue thou , and to thy mother dead attest , That cleare she dide from blemish criminall ; Thy litle hands embrewd in bleeding brest Loe I for pledges leaue . So giue me leaue to rest . With that a deadly shrieke she forth did throw , That through the wood reecchoed againe , And after gaue a grone so deepe and low , That seemd her tender heart was rent in twaine , Or thrild with point of thorough piercing paine ; As gentle Hynd , whose sides with cruell steele Through launched , forth her bleeding life does raine , Whiles the sad pang approching she does feele , Brayes out her latest breath , and vp her eyes doth seele . Which when that warriour heard , dismounting straict From his tall steed , he rusht into the thicke , And soone arriued , where that sad pourtraict Of death and labour lay , halfe dead , halfe quicke , In whose white alabaster brest did sticke A cruell knife , that made a griesly wound , From which forth gusht a streme of gorebloud thick , That all her goodly garments staind around , And into a deepe sanguine dide the grassie ground . Pittifull spectacle of deadly smart , Beside a bubbling fountaine low she lay , Which she increased with her bleeding hart , And the cleane waues with purple gold did ray ; Als in her lap a louely babe did play His cruell sport , in stead of sorrow dew ; For in her streaming blood he did embay His litle hands , and tender ioynts embrew ; Pitifull spectacle , as euer eye did view . Besides them both , vpon the soiled gras The dead corse of an armed knight was spred , Whose armour all with bloud besprinckled was ; His ruddie lips did smile , and rosy red Did paint his chearefull cheekes , yet being ded , Seemd to haue beene a goodly personage , Now in his freshest flowre of lustie hed , Fit to inflame faire Lady with loues rage , But that fiers fate did crop the blossome of his age . Whom when the good Sir Guyon did behold , His hart gan wexe as starke , as marble stone , And his fresh bloud did frieze with fearefull cold , That all his senses seemd bereft attone , At last his mightie ghost gan deepe to grone , As Lyon grudging in his great disdaine , Mournes inwardly , and makes to himselfe mone ; Till ruth and fraile affection did constraine , His stout courage to stoupe , and shew his inward paine . Out of her gored wound the cruell steele He lightly snatcht , and did the floudgate stop With his faire garment : then gan softly feele Her feeble pulse , to proue if any drop Of liuing bloud yet in her veynes did hop ; Which when he felt to moue , he hoped faire To call backe life to her forsaken shop ; So well he did her deadly wounds repaire , That at the last she gan to breath out liuing aire . Which he perceiuing greatly gan reioice , And goodly counsell , that for wounded hart Is meetest med'cine , tempred with sweet voice ; Ay me , deare Lady , which the image art Of ruefull pitie , and impatient smart , What direfull chance , armd with reuenging fate , Or cursed hand hath plaid this cruell part , Thus fowle to hasten your vntimely date ; Speake , O deare Lady speake : help neuer comes too late . Therewith her dim eie-lids she vp gan reare , On which the drery death did sit , as sad As lump of lead , and made darke clouds appeare ; But when as him all in bright armour clad Before her standing she espied had , As one out of a deadly dreame affright , She weakely started , yet she nothing drad : Streight downe againe her selfe in great despight , She groueling threw to ground , as hating life and light . The gentle knight her soone with carefull paine Vplifted light , and softly did vphold : Thrise he her reard , and thrise she sunke againe , Till he his armes about her sides gan fold , And to her said ; Yet if the stony cold Haue not all seized on your frozen hart , Let one word fall that may your griefe vnfold , And tell the secret of your mortall smart ; He oft finds present helpe , who does his griefe impart . Then casting vp a deadly looke , full low , Shee sight from bottome of her wounded brest , And after , many bitter throbs did throw With lips full pale and foltring tongue opprest , These words she breathed forth from riuen chest ; Leaue , ah leaue off , what euer wight thou bee , To let a wearie wretch from her dew rest , And trouble dying soules tranquilitee . Take not away now got , which none would giue to me . Ah farre be it ( said he ) Deare dame fro mee , To hinder soule from her desired rest , Or hold sad life in long captiuitee : For all I seeke , is but to haue redrest The bitter pangs , that doth your heart infest . Tell then , ô Lady tell , what fatall priefe Hath with so huge misfortune you opprest ? That I may cast to compasse your reliefe , Or die with you in sorrow , and partake your griefe . With feeble hands then stretched forth on hye , As heauen accusing guiltie of her death , And with dry drops congealed in her eye , In these sad words she spent her vtmost breath : Heare then , ô man , the sorrowes that vneath My tongue can tell , so farre all sense they pas : Loe this dead corpse , that lies here vnderneath , The gentlest knight , that euer on greene gras Gay steed with spurs did pricke , the good Sir Mortdant was . Was , ( ay the while , that he is not so now ) My Lord my loue ; my deare Lord , my deare loue , So long as heauens iust with equall brow , Vouchsafed to behold vs from aboue , One day when him high courage did emmoue , As wont ye knights to seeke aduentures wilde , He pricked forth , his puissant force to proue , Me then he left enwombed of this child , This lucklesse child , whom thus ye see with bloud defild . Him fortuned ( hard fortune ye may ghesse ) To come , where vile Acrasia does wonne , Acrasia a false enchaunteresse , That many errant knights hath foule fordonne : Within a wandring Island , that doth ronne And stray in perilous gulfe , her dwelling is , Faire Sir , if euer there ye trauell , shonne The cursed land where many wend amis , And know it by the name ; it hight the Bowre of blis . Her blisse is all in pleasure and delight , Wherewith she makes her louers drunken mad , And then with words & weedes of wondrous might , On them she workes her will to vses bad : My lifest Lord she thus beguiled had ; For he was flesh : ( all flesh doth frailtie breed . ) Whom when I heard to beene so ill bestad , Weake wretch I wrapt my selfe in Palmers weed , And cast to seeke him forth through daunger and great dreed . Now had faire Cynthia by euen tournes Full measured three quarters of her yeare , And thrise three times had fild her crooked hornes , When as my wombe her burdein would forbeare , And bad me call Lucina to me neare . Lucina came : a manchild forth I brought : The woods , the Nymphes , my bowres , my midwiues weare , Hard helpe at need . So deare thee babe I bought , Yet nought too deare I deemd , while so my dear I sought . Him so I sought , and so at last I found , Where him that witch had thralled to her will , In chaines of lust and lewd desires ybound , And so transformed from his former skill , That me he knew not , neither his owne ill ; Till through wise handling and faire gouernance , I him recured to a better will , Purged from drugs of foule intemperance : Then meanes I gan deuise for his deliuerance . Which when the vile Enchaunteresse perceiu'd , How that my Lord from her I would repriue , With cup thus charmd , him parting she deceiu'd ; Sad verse , giue death to him that death does giue , And losse of loue , to her that loues to liue , So soone as Bacchus with the Nymphe does lincke , So parted we and on our iourney driue , Till comming to this well , he stoupt to drincke : The charme fulfild , dead suddenly he downe did sincke . Which when I wretch , Not one word more she sayd But breaking off , the end for want of breath , And slyding soft , as downe to sleepe her layd , And ended all her woe in quiet death . That seeing good Sir Guyon , could vneath From teares abstaine , for griefe his hart did grate , And from so heauie sight his head did wreath , Accusing fortune , and too cruell fate , Which plunged had faire Ladie in so wretched state . Then turning to his Palmer said , Old syre Behold the image of mortalitie , And feeble nature cloth'd with fleshly tyre , When raging passion with fierce tyrannie Robs reason of her due regalitie , And makes it seruant to her basest part : The strong it weakens with infirmitie , And with bold furie armes the weakest hart ; The strong through pleasure soonest falles , the weake through smart . But temperance ( said he ) with golden squire Betwixt them both can measure out a meane , Neither to melt in pleasures whot desire , Nor fry in hartlesse griefe and dolefull teene . Thrise happie man , who fares them both atweene : But sith this wretched woman ouercome Of anguish , rather then of crime hath beene , Reserue her cause to her eternall doome , And in the meane vouchsafe her honorable toombe . Palmer ( quoth he ) death is an euill doome To good and bad , the common Inne of rest ; But after death the tryall is to come , When best shall be to them , that liued best : But both alike , when death hath both supprest , Religious reuerence doth buriall teene , Which who so wants , wants so much of his rest : For all so great shame after death I weene , As selfe to dyen bad , vnburied bad to beene . So both agree their bodies to engraue ; The great earthes wombe they open to the sky , And with sad Cypresse seemely it embraue , Then couering with a clod their closed eye , They lay therein those corses tenderly , And bid them sleepe in euerlasting peace . But ere they did their vtmost obsequy , Sir Guyon more affection to increace , Bynempt a sacred vow , which none should aye releace . The dead knights sword out of his sheath he drew , With which he cut a locke of all their heare , Which medling with their bloud and earth , he threw Into the graue , and gan deuoutly sweare ; Such and such euill Godon Guyon reare , And worse and worse young Orphane be thy paine , If I or thou dew vengeance doe forbeare , Till guiltie bloud her guerdon doe obtaine : So shedding many teares , they closd the earth againe .

Cant. II. Babes bloudie hands may not be clensd , the face of golden Meane . Her sisters two Extremities : striue her to banish cleane . THus when Sir Guyon with his faithfull guide Had with due rites and dolorous lament The end of their sad Tragedie vptyde , The litle babe vp in his armes he hent ; Who with sweet pleasance and bold blandishment Gan smyle on them , that rather ought to weepe , As carelesse of his woe , or innocent Of that was doen , that ruth emperced deepe In that knights heart , and wordes with bitter teares did steepe . Ah lucklesse babe , borne vnder cruell starre , And in dead parents balefull ashes bred , Full litle weenest thou , what sorrowes are Left thee for portion of thy liuelihed , Poore Orphane in the wide world scattered , As budding braunch rent from the natiue tree , And throwen forth , till it be withered : Such is the state of men : thus enter wee Into this life with woe , and end with miseree . Then soft himselfe inclyning on his knee Downe to that well , did in the water weene ( So loue does loath disdainfull nicitee ) His guiltie hands from bloudie gore to cleene . He washt them oft and oft , yet nought they beene For all his washing cleaner . Still he stroue , Yet still the litle hands were bloudie seene ; The which him into great amaz'ment droue , And into diuerse doubt his wauering wonder cloue . He wist not whether blot of foule offence Might not be purgd with water nor with bath ; Or that high God , in lieu of innocence , Imprinted had that token of his wrath , To shew how sore bloudguiltinesse he hat'th ; Or that the charme and venim , which they druncke , Their bloud with secret filth infected hath , Being diffused through the senselesse truncke , That through the great contagion direfull deadly stunck . Whom thus at gaze , the Palmer gan to bord With goodly reason , and thus faire bespake ; Ye bene right hard amated , gratious Lord , And of your ignorance great maruell make , Whiles cause not well conceiued ye mistake . But know , that secret vertues are infusd In euery fountaine , and in euery lake , Which who hath skill them rightly to haue chusd , To proofe of passing wonders hath full often vsd . Of those some were so from their sourse indewd By great Dame Nature , from whose fruitfull pap Their welheads spring , and are with moisture deawd ; Which feedes each liuing plant with liquid sap , And filles with flowres faire Floraes painted lap : But other some by gift of later grace , Or by good prayers , or by other hap , Had vertue pourd into their waters bace , And thenceforth were renowmd , & sought from place to place . Such is this well , wrought by occasion straunge , Which to her Nymph befell . Vpon a day , As she the woods with bow and shafts did raunge , The hartlesse Hind and Robucke to dismay , Dan Faunus chaunst to meet her by the way , And kindling fire at her faire burning eye , Inflamed was to follow beauties chace , And chaced her , that fast from him did fly ; As Hind from her , so she fled from her enimy . At last when fayling breath began to faint , And saw no meanes to scape , of shame affrayd , She set her downe to weepe for sore constraint , And to Diana calling lowd for ayde , Her deare besought , to let her dye a mayd . The goddesse heard , and suddeine where she sate , Welling out streames of teares , and quite dismayd With stony feare of that rude rustick mate , Transformd her to a stone from stedfast virgins state . Lo now she is that stone , from those two heads , As from two weeping eyes , fresh streames do flow , Yet cold through feare , and old conceiued dreads ; And yet the stone her semblance se●mes to show , Shapt like a maid , that such ye may her know ; And yet her vertues in her water byde : For it is chast and pure , as purest snow , Ne lets her waues with any filth he dyde , But euer like her selfe vnstained hath beene tryde . From thence it comes , that this babes bloudy hand May not be clensd with water of this well : Ne certes Sir striue you it to withstand , But let them still be bloudy , as befell , That they his mothers innocence may tell , As she bequeathd in her last testament ; That as a sacred Symbole it may dwell In her sonnes flesh , to minde reuengement , And be for all chast Dames an endlesse moniment . He hearkned to his reason , and the childe Vptaking , to the Palmer gaue to beare ; But his sad fathers armes with blond defilde , An heauie load himselfe did lightly reare , And turning to that place , in which whyleare He left his loftie steed with golden sell , And goodly gorgeous barbes , him found not theare . By other accident that earst befell , He is conuaide , but how or where , here fits not tell . Which when Sir Guyon saw , all were he wroth , Yet algates mote he soft himselfe appease , And fairely fare on foot , how euer loth ; His double burden did him sore disease . So long they traueiled with litle ease , Till that at last they to a Castle came , Built on a rocke adioyning to the seas , It was an auncient worke of antique fame , And wondrous strong by nature , and by skilfull frame . Therein three sisters dwelt of sundry sort , The children of one sire by mothers three ; Who dying whylome did diuide this fort To them by equall shares in equall fee : But strifull minde , and diuerse qualitee Drew them in parts , and each made others foe : Still did they striue , and dayly disagree ; The eldest did against the youngest goe , And both against the middest meant to worken woe . Where when the knight arriu'd , he was right well Receiu'd , as knight of so much worth became , Of second sister , who did far excell The other two ; Medina was her name , A sober sad , and comely curteous Dame ; Who rich arayd , and yet in modest guize , In goodly garments , that her well became , Faire marching forth in honorable wize , Him at the threshold met , and well did enterprize . She led him vp into a goodly bowre , And comely courted with meet modestie , Ne in her speach , ne in her hauiour , Was lightnesse seene , or looser vanitie , But gratious womanhood , and grauitie , Aboue the reason of her youthly yeares : Her golden lockes she roundly did vptye In breaded tramels , that no looser heares Did out of order stray about her daintie eares . Whilest she her selfe thus busily did frame , Seemely to entertaine her new-come guest , Newes hereof to her other sisters came , Who all this while were at their wanton rest , Accourting each her friend with lauish fest: They were two knights of perelesse puissance , And famous far abroad for warlike gest , Which to these Ladies loue did countenaunce , And to his mistresse each himselfe stroue to aduaunce . He that made loue vnto the eldest Dame , Was hight Sir Huddibras , an hardy man ; Yet not so good of deedes , as great of name , Which he by many rash aduentures wan , Since errant armes to sew he first began ; More huge in strength , then wise in workes he was , And reason with foole-hardize ouer ran ; Sterne melancholy did his courage pas , And was for terrour more , all armd in shyning bras . But he that lou'd the youngest , was Sans-loy , He that faire Vna late fowle outraged , The most vnruly , and the boldest boy , That euer warlike weapons menaged , And to all lawlesse lust encouraged , Through strong opinion of his matchlesse might : Ne ought he car'd , whom he endamaged By tortious wrong , or whom bereau'd of right . He now this Ladies champion chose for loue to fight . These two gay knights , vowd to so diuerse loues , Each other does enuie with deadly hate , And dayly warre against his foeman moues , In hope to win more fauour with his mate , And th' others pleasing seruice to abate , To magnifie his owne . But when they heard , How in that place straunge knight arriued late , Both knights and Ladies forth right angry far'd , And fiercely vnto battell sterne themselues prepar'd . But ere they could proceede vnto the place , Where he abode , themselues at discord fell , And cruell combat ioynd in middle space : With horrible assault , and furie fell , They heapt huge strokes , the scorned life to quell , That all on vprore from her settled seat , The house was raysd , and all that in did dwell ; Seemd that lowde thunder with amazement great Did rend the ratling skyes with flames of fouldring heat . The noyse thereof calth forth that straunger knight , To weet , what dreadfull thing was there in hand ; Where when as two braue knights in bloudy fight With deadly rancour he enraunged fond , His sunbroad shield about his wrest he bond , And shyning blade vnsheathd , with which he ran Vnto that stead , their strife to vnderstond ; And at his first arriuall , them began With goodly meanes to pacifie , well as he can . But they him spying , both with greedy forse Attonce vpon him ran , and him beset With strokes of mortall steele without remorse , And on his shield like yron sledges bet : As when a Beare and Tygre being met In cruell fight on lybicke Ocean wide , Espye a traueiler with feet surbet , Whom they in equall pray hope to deuide , They stint their strife , and him assaile on euery side . But he , not like a wearie traueilere , Their sharpe assault right bloudy did rebut , And suffred not their blowes to byte him nere , But with redoubled buffes them backe did put : Whose grieued mindes , which choler did englut , Against themselues turning their wrathfull spight , Gan with new rage their shields to hew and cut ; But still when Guyon came to part their fight , With heauie load on him they freshly gan to smight . As a tallship tossed in troublous seas , Whom raging windes threatning to make the pray Of the rough rockes , do diuersly disease , Meetes two contrary billowes by the way , That her on either side do sore assay , And boast to swallow her in greedy graue ; She scorning both their spights , does make wide way , And with her brest breaking the fomy waue , Does ride on both their backs , & faire her selfe doth saue . So boldly he him beares , and rusheth forth Betweene them both , by conduct of his blade Wondrous great prowesse and heroick worth He shewd that day , and rare ensample made , When two so mighty warriours he dismade : Attonce he wards and strikes , he takes and payes , Now forst to yield , now forcing to inuade , Before , behind , and round about him layes : So double was his paines , so double be his prayse . Straunge sort of fight , three valiaunt knights to see 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 does raine In stoutest minds , and maketh monstrous warre ; He maketh warre , he maketh peace againe , And yet his peace is but continuall iarre : O miserable men , that to him subiect arre . Whilst thus they mingled were in furious armes , The faire Medina with her tresses torne , And naked brest , in pitty of their harmes , Emongst them ran , and falling them beforne , Besought them by the womb , which them had borne , And by the loues , which were to them most deare , And by the knighthood , which they sure had sworne , Their deadly cruell discord to forbeare , And to her iust conditions of faire peace to heare . But her two other sisters standing by , Her lowd gainsaid , and both their champion bad Pursew the end of their strong enmity , As euer of their loues they would be glad . Yet she with pitthy words and counsell sad , Still stroue their stubborne rages to reuoke , That at the last suppressing fury mad , They gan abstaine from dint of direfull stroke , And hearken to the sober speaches , which she spoke . Ah puissaunt Lords , what cursed euill Spright , Or fell Erinnys in your noble harts , Her hellish brond hath kindled with despight , And stird you vp to worke your wilfull smarts ? Is this the ioy of armes ? be these the parts Of glorious knighthood , after bloud to thrust , And not regard dew right and iust desarts ? Vaine is the vaunt , and victory vniust , That more to mighty hands , than rightfull cause doth trust . And were their rightfull cause of difference , Yet were not better , faire it to accord , Then with bloud guiltnesse to heape offence , And mortall vengeaunce ioyne to crime abhord ? O fly from wrath , fly , O my liefest Lord : Sad be the sights , and bitter fruits of warre , And thousand furies wait on wrathfull sword ; Ne ought the prayse of prowesse more doth marre , Then fowle reuenging rage , and base contentious iarre . But louely concord , and most sacred peace Doth nourish vertue , and fast friendship breeds ; Weake she makes strong , & strong thing does increace , Till it the pitch of highest prayse exceeds : Braue be her warres , and honorable deeds , By which she triumphes ouer ire and pride , And winnes an Oliue girlond for her meeds : Be therefore , O my deare Lords , pacifide , And this misseeming discord meekely lay aside . Her gracious wordes their rancour did appall , And suncke so deepe into their boyling brests , That downe they let their cruell weapons fall , And lowly did abase their loftie crests To her faire presence , and discrete behests . Then she began a treatie to procure , And stablish termes betwixt both their requests , That as a law for euer should endure ; Which to obserue in word of knights they did assure . Which to confirme , and fast to bind their league , After their wearie sweat and bloudy toile , She them besought , during their quiet treague , Into her lodging to repaire a while , To rest themselues , and grace to reconcile . They soone consent : so forth with her they fare , Where they are well receiu'd , and made to spoile Themselues of soiled armes , and to prepare Their minds to pleasure , & their mouthes to dainty fare . And those two froward sisters , their faire loues Came with them eke , all were they wondrous loth , And fained cheare , as for the time behoues , But could not colour yet so well the troth , But that their natures bad appeard in both : For both did at their second sister grutch , And inly grieue , as doth an hidden moth The inner garment fret , not th' vtter touch ; One thought their cheare too litle , th' other thought too mutch . Elissa ( so the eldest hight ) did deeme Such entertainment base , ne ought would eat , Ne ought would speake , but euermore did seeme As discontent for want of merth or meat ; No solace could her Paramour intreat Her once to show , ne court , nor dalliance , But with bent lowring browes , as she would threat , She scould , and frownd with froward countenaunce , Vnworthy of faire Ladies comely gouernaunce . But young Perissa was of other mind , Full of disport , still laughing , loosely light , And quite contrary to her sisters kind ; No measure in her mood , no rule of right , But poured out in pleasure and delight ; In wine and meats she flowd aboue the bancke , And in excesse exceeded her owne might ; In sumptuous tire she ioyd her selfe to prancke , But of her loue too lauish ( litle haue she thancke . ) First by her side did sit the bold Sans-loy , Fit mate for such a mincing mineon , Who in her loosenesse tooke exceeding ioy ; Might not be found a franker franion , Of her lewd parts to make companion ; But Huddibras , more like a Malecontent , Did see and grieue at his bold fashion ; Hardly could he endure his hardiment , Yet still he sat , and inly did him selfe torment . Betwixt them both the faire Medina sate With sober grace , and goodly carriage : With equall measure she did moderate The strong extremities of their outrage ; That forward paire she euer would asswage , When they would striue dew reason to exceed ; But that same froward twaine would accourage , And of her plenty adde vnto their need : So kept she them in order , and her selfe in heed . Thus fairely she attempered her feast , And pleasd them all with meete satietie , At last when lust of meat and drinke was ceast , She Guyon deare besought of curtesie . To tell from whence he came through ieopardie , And whither now on new aduenture bound . Who with bold grace , and comely grauitie , Drawing to him the eyes of all around , From lofty siege began these words aloud to sound . This thy demaund , ô Lady , doth reuiue Fresh memory in me of that great Queene , Great and most glorious virgin Queene aliue , That with her soueraigne powre , and scepter shene All Faery lond does peaceable sustene . In widest Ocean she her throne does reare , That ouer all the earth it may be seene ; As morning Sunne her beames dispredden cleare , And in her face faire peace , and mercy doth appeare . In her the richesse of all heauenly grace , In chiefe degree are heaped vp on hye : And all that else this worlds enclosure bace , Hath great or glorious in mortall eye . Adornes the person of her Maiestie ; That men beholding so great excellence , And rare perfection in mortalitie , Do her adore with sacred reuerence , As th' Idole of her makers great magnificence . To her I homage and my seruice owe , In number of the noblest knights on ground , Mongst whom on me she deigned to bestowe Order of Maydenhead , the most renownd , That may this day in all the world be found , An yearely solemne feast she wontes to make The day that first doth lead the yeare around ; To which all knights of worth and courage bold Resort , to heare of straunge aduentures to be told . There this old Palmer shewed himselfe that day , And to that mighty Princesse did complaine Of grieuous mischiefes , which a wicked Fay Had wrought , and many whelmd in deadly paine , Whereof he crau'd redresse . My Soueraine , Whose glory is in gracious deeds , and ioyes Throughout the world her mercy to maintaine , Eftsoones deuisd redresse for such annoyes ; Me all vnfit for so great purpose she employes . Now hath faire Phoebe with her siluer face Thrise seene the shadowes of the neather world , Sith last I left that honorable place , In which her royall presence is introld ; Ne euer shall I rest in house nor hold , Till I that false Acrasia haue wonne ; Of whose fowle deedes , too hideous to be told I witnesse am , and this their wretched sonne , Whose wofull parents she hath wickedly fordonne . Tell on , faire Sir , said she , that dolefull tale , From which sad ruth does seeme you to restraine , That we may pitty such vnhappy bale , And learne from pleasures poyson to abstaine : Ill by ensample good doth often gayne . Then forward he his purpose gan pursew , And told the storie of the mortall payne , Which Mordant and Amauia did rew ; As with lamenting eyes him selfe did lately vew . Night was far spent , and now in Ocean deepe Orion , flying fast from hissing snake , His flaming head did hasten for to steepe , When of his pitteous tale he end did make ; Whilest with delight of that he wisely spake , Those guestes beguiled , did beguile their eyes Of kindly sleepe , that did them ouertake . At last when they had markt the chaunged skyes , They wist their houre was spent ; them each to rest him hyes .

Cant. III. Vaine Braggadocchio getting Guyons horse is made the scorne Of knighthood trew , and is of fayre Belphoebe fowle forlorne . SOone as the morrow faire with purple beames Disperst the shadowes of the mistie night , And Titan playing on the eastern streames , Gan cleare the deawy ayre with springing light , Sir Guyon mindfull of his vow yplight , Vprose from drowsie couch , and him addrest Vnto the iourney which he had behight : His puissaunt armes about his noble brest , And many-folded shield he bound about his wrest . Then taking Congé of that virgin pure , The bloudy-handed babe vnto her truth Did earnestly commit , and her coniure , In vertuous lore to traine his tender youth , And all that gentle noriture ensu'th : And that so soone as ryper yeares he raught , He might for memorie of that dayes ruth , Be called Ruddymane , and thereby taught , T' auenge his Parents death on them , that had it wrought . So forth he far'd , as now befell , on foot , Sith his good steed is lately from him gone ; Patience perforce ; helpelesse what may it boot To fret for anger , or for griefe to mone ? His Palmer now shall foot no more alone : So fortune wrought , as vnder greene woods syde He lately heard that dying Lady grone , He left his steed without , and speare besyde , And rushed in on foot to ayd her , ere she dyde . The whiles a losell wandring by the way , One that to bountie neuer cast his mind , Ne thought of honour euer did assay His baser brest , but in his kestrell kind A pleasing vaine of glory vaine did find , To which his flowing toung , and troublous spright Gaue him great ayd , and made him more inclind : He that braue steed there finding ready dight , Purloynd both steed and speare , and ran away full light . Now gan his hart all swell in iollitie , And of him selfe great hope and helpe conceiu'd , That puffed vp with smoke of vanitie , And with selfe-loued personage deceiu'd , He gan to hope , of men to be receiu'd For such , as he him thought , or faine would bee : But for in court gay portaunce he perceiu'd , And gallant shew to be in greatest gree , Eftsoones to court he cast t'auaunce his first degree . And by the way he chaunced to espy One sitting idle on a sunny bancke , To whom auaunting in great brauery , As Peacocke , that his painted plumes doth prancke , He smote his courser in the trembling flancke , And to him threatned his hart-thrilling speare : The seely man seeing him ryde so rancke , And ayme at him , fell flat to ground for feare , And crying Mercy lowd , his pitious hands gan reare . Thereat the Scarcrow wexed wondrous prowd , Through fortune of his first aduenture faire , And with big thundring voyce reuyld him lowd ; Vile Caytiue , vassall of dread and despaire , Vnworthie of the commune breathed aire , Why liuest thou , dead dog , a lenger day , And doest not vnto death thy selfe prepaire . Dye , or thy selfe my captiue yield for ay ; Great fauour I thee graunt , for aunswere thus to stay . Hold , ô deare Lord , hold your dead-doing hand , Then loud he cryde , I am your humble thrall . Ah wretch ( quoth he ) thy destinies withstand My wrathfull will , and do for mercy call . I giue thee life : therefore prostrated fall , And kisse my stirrup ; that thy homage bee . The Miser threw him selfe , as an Offall , Streight at his foot in base humilitee , And cleeped him his liege , to hold of him in fee. So happy peace they made and faire accord : Eftsoones this liege-man gan to wexe more bold , And when he felt the folly of his Lord , In his owne kind he gan him selfe vnfold : For he was wylie witted , and growne old In cunning sleights and practick knauery . For that day forth he cast for to vphold His idle humour with fine flattery , And blow the bellowes to his swelling vanity . Trompart fit man for Braggadochio , To serue at court in view of vaunting eye ; Vaine-glorious man , when fluttring wind does blow In his light wings , is lifted vp to skye : The scorne of knighthood and trew cheualrye , To thinke without desert of gentle deed , And noble worth to be aduaunced hye : Such prayse is shame ; but honour vertues meed Doth beare the fairest flowre in honorable seed . So forth they pas , a well consorted paire , Till that at length with Archimage they meet : Who seeing one that shone in armour faire , On goodly courser thundring with his feet , Eftsoones supposed him a person meet , Of his reuenge to make the instrument : For since the Redcrosse knight he earst did weet , To beene with Guyon knit in one consent , The ill , which earst to him , he now to Guyon ment . And comming close to Trompart gan inquere Of him , what mighty warriour that mote bee , That rode in golden sell with single spere , But wanted sword to wreake his enmitee . He is a great aduenturer , ( said he ) That hath his sword through hard assay forgone , And now hath vowd , till he auenged bee , Of that despight , neuer to wearen none ; That speare is him enough to doen a thousand grone . Th' enchaunter greatly ioyed in the vaunt , And weened well ere long his will to win , And both his foen with equall foyle to daunt . Tho to him louting lowly , did begin To plaine of wrongs , which had committed bin By Guyon , and by that false Redcrosse knight , Which two through treason and deceiptfull gin , Had slaine Sir Mordant , and his Lady bright : That mote him honour win , to wreake so foule despight . Therewith all suddeinly he seemd enraged , And threatned death with dreadfull countenaunce , As if their liues had in his hand beene gaged ; And with stiffe force shaking his mortall launce , To let him weet his doughtie valiaunce , Thus said ; Old man , great sure shal be thy meed , If where those knights for feare of dew vengeaunce Do lurke , thou certainly to me areed , That I may wreake on them their hainous hatefull deed . Certes , my Lord , ( said he ) that shall I soone , And giue you eke good helpe to their decay , But mote I wisely you aduise to doon ; Giue no ods to your foes , but do puruay Your selfe of sword before that bloudy day : For they be two the prowest knights on ground , And oft approu'd in many hard assay , And eke of surest steele , that may be found , Do arme your selfe against that day , them to confound . Dotard ( said he ) let be thy deepe aduise ; Seemes that through many yeares thy wits thee faile , And that weake eld hath left thee nothing wise , Else neuer should thy iudgement be so fraile , To measure manhood by the sword or maile . Is not enough foure quarters of a man , Withouten sword or shield , an host to quaile ? Thou little wotest , what this right hand can : Speake they , which haue beheld the battailes , which it wan . The man was much abashed at his boast ; Yet well he wist , that who so would contend With either of those knights on euen coast , Should need of all his armes , him to defend ; Yet feared least his boldnesse should offend , When Braggadocchio said , Once I did sweare , When with one sword seuen knights I brought to end , Thence forth in battell neuer sword to beare , But it were that , which noblest knight on earth doth weare . Perdie Sir knight , said then th' enchaunter bliue , That shall I shortly purchase to your hond : For now the best and noblest knight aliue Prince Arthur is , that wonnes in Faerie lond ; He hath a sword , that flames like burning brond . The same by my aduise I vndertake Shall by to morrow by thy side be fond . At which bold word that boaster gan to quake , And wondred in his mind , what mote that monster make . He stayd not for more bidding , but away Was suddein vanished out of his sight : The Northerne wind his wings did broad display At his commaund , and reared him vp light From off the earth to take his aerie flight . They look about , but no where could espie Tract of his foot : then dead through great affright They both nigh were , and each bad other flie : Both fled attonce , ne euer backe returned eie . Till that they come vnto a forrest greene , In which they shrowd themselues from causelesse feare ; Yet feare them followes still , where so they beene , Each trembling leafe , and whistling wind they heare , As ghastly bug their haire on end does reare : Yet both doe striue their fearfulnesse to faine . At last they heard a horne , that shrilled cleare Throughout the wood , that ecchoed againe , And made the forrest ring , as it would riue in twaine . Eft through the thicke they heard one rudely rush ; With noyse whereof he from his loftie steed Downe fell to ground , and crept into a bush , To hide his coward head from dying dreed . But Trompart stoutly stayd to taken heed , Of what might hap . Eftsoone there stepped forth A goodly Ladie clad in hunters weed , That seemd to be a woman of great worth , And by her stately portance , borne of heauenly birth . Her face so faire as flesh it seemed not , But heauenly pourtraict of bright Angels hew , Cleare as the skie , withouten blame or blot , Through goodly mixture of complexions dew ; And in her cheekes the vermeill red did shew Like roses in a bed of lillies shed , The which ambrosiall odours from them threw , And gazers sense with double pleasure fed , Hable to heale the sicke , and to reuiue the ded . In her faire eyes two liuing lamps did flame , Kindled aboue at th' heauenly makers light , And darted fyrie beames out of the same , So passing persant , and so wondrous bright , That quite bereau'd the rash beholders sight : In them the blinded god his lustfull fire To kindle oft assayd , but had no might ; For with dredd Maiestie , and awfull ire , She broke his wanton darts , and quenched base desire . Her iuorie forhead , full of bountie braue , Like a broad table did it selfe dispred , For Loue his loftie triumphes to engraue , And write the battels of his great godhed : All good and honour might therein be red : For there their dwelling was . And when she spake , Sweet words , like dropping honny she did shed , And twixt the perles and rubins softly brake A siluer sound , that heauenly musicke seemd to make . Vpon her eyelids many Graces sate , Vnder the shadow of her euen browes , Working belgards , and amorous retrate , And euery one her with a grace endowes : And euery one with meekenesse to her bowes . So glorious mirrhour of celestiall grace , And soueraine moniment of mortall vowes , How shall fraile pen descriue her heauenly face , For feare through want of skill her beautie to disgrace ? So faire , and thousand thousand times more faire She seemd , when she presented was to sight , And was yclad , for heat of scorching aire , All in a silken Camus lylly whight , Purfled vpon with many a folded plight , Which all aboue besprinckled was throughout , With golden aygulets , that glistred bright , Like twinckling starres , and all the skirt about Was hemd with golden fringe Below her ham her weed did somewhat traine , And her streight legs most brauely were embayld In gilden buskins of costly Cordwaine , All bard with golden bendes , which were entayld With curious antickes , and full faire aumayld : Before they fastned were vnder her knee In a rich Iewell , and therein entrayld The ends of all their knots , that none might see , How they within their fouldings close enwrapped bee . Like two faire marble pillours they were seene , Which doe the temple of the Gods support , Whom all the people decke with girlands greene , And honour in their festiuall resort ; Those same with stately grace , and princely port She taught to tread , when she her selfe would grace , But with the wooddie Nymphes when she did play , Or when the flying Libbard she did chace , She could them nimbly moue , and after fly apace . And in her hand a sharpe bore-speare she held , And at her backe a bow and quiuer gay , Stuft with steele-headed darts , wherewith she queld The saluage beastes in her victorious play , Knit with a golden bauldricke , which forelay Athwart her snowy brest , and did diuide Her daintie paps ; which like young fruit in May Now little gan to swell , and being tide , Through her thin weed their places only signifide . Her yellow lockes crisped , like golden wyre , About her shoulders weren loosely shed , And when the winde emongst them did inspyre , They waued like a penon wide dispred , And low behinde her backe were scattered : And whether art it were , or heedlesse hap , As through the flouring forrest rash she fled , In her rude haires sweet flowres themselues did lap , And flourishing fresh leaues and blossomes did enwrap . Such as Diana by the sandie shore Of swift Eurotas , or on Cynthus greene , Where all the Nymphes haue her vnwares forlore , Wandreth alone with bow and arrowes keene , To seeke her game : Or as that famous Queene Of Amazons , whom Pyrrhus did destroy , The day that first of Priame she was seene , Did shew her selfe in great triumphant ioy , To succour the weake state of sad afflicted Troy . Such when as hartlesse Trompart her did vew , He was dismayed in his coward mind , And doubted , whether he himselfe should shew , Or fly away , or bide alone behind : Both feare and hope he in her face did find , When she at last him spying thus bespake ; Hayle Groome ; didst not thou see a bleeding Hind , Whose right haunch earst my stedfast arrow strake ? If thou didst , tell me , that I may her ouertake . Wherewith reviu'd , this answere forth he threw ; O Goddesse , ( for such I thee take to bee ) For neither doth thy face terrestriall shew , Nor voyce sound mortall ; I auow to thee , Such wounded beast , as that , I did not see , Sith earst into this forrest wild I came . But mote thy goodlyhed forgiue it mee , To weet , which of the Gods I shall thee name , That vnto thee due worship I may rightly frame . To whom she thus ; but ere her words ensewed , Vnto the bush her eye did suddein glaunce , In which vaine Braggadocchio was mewed , And saw it stirre : she left her percing launce , And towards gan a deadly shaft aduaunce , In mind to marke the beast . At which sad stowre , Trompart forth stept , to stay the mortall chaunce , Out crying , ô what euer heauenly powre , Or earthly wight thou be , withhold this deadly howre . O stay thy hand for yonder is no game For thy fierce arrowes , them to exercize , But loe my Lord , my liege , whose warlike name , Is farre renowmd through many bold emprize ; And now in shade he shrowded yonder lies . She staid : with that he crauld out of his nest , Forth creeping on his caitiue hands and thies , And standing stoutly vp , his loftie crest Did fiercely shake , and rowze , as comming late from rest . As fearefull fowle , that long in secret caue For dread of soaring hauke her selfe hath hid , Not caring how , her silly life to saue , She her gay painted plumes disorderid , Seeing at last her selfe from daunger rid , Peepes foorth , and soone renewes her natiue pride ; She gins her feathers foule disfigured Proudly to prune , and set on euery side , So shakes off shame , ne thinks how erst she did her hide . So when her goodly visage he beheld , He gan himselfe to vaunt : but when he vewed Those deadly tooles , which in her hand she held , Soone into other fits he was transmewed , Till she to him her gratious speach renewed ; All haile , Sir knight , and well may thee befall , As all the like , which honour haue pursewed Through deedes of armes and prowesse martiall ; All vertue merits praise , but such the most of all . To whom he thus ; ô fairest vnder skie , True be thy words , and worthy of thy praise , That warlike feats doest highest glorifie . Therein haue I spent all my youthly daies , And many battailes fought , and many fraies Throughout the world , wher so they might be found , Endeuouring my dreadded name to raise Aboue the Moone , that fame may it resound In her eternall trompe , with laurell girland cround . But what art thou , ô Ladie , which doest raunge In this wilde forrest , where no pleasure is , And doest not it for ioyous court exchaunge , Emongst thine equall peres , where happie blis And all delight does raigne , much more then this ? There thou maist loue , and dearely loued bee , And swim in pleasure , which thou here doest mis ; There maist thou best be seene , and best maist see : The wood is fit for beasts , the court is fit for thee . Who so in pompe of proud estate ( quoth she ) Does swim , and bathes himselfe in courtly blis , Does waste his dayes in darke obscuritee , And in obliuion euer buried is : Where ease abounds , yt's each to doe amis ; But who his limbs with labours , and his mind Behaues with cares , cannot so easie mis. Abroad in armes , at home in studious kind Who seekes with painfull toile , shall honor soonest find . In woods , in waues , in warres she wonts to dwell , And will be found with perill and with paine ; Ne can the man , that moulds in idle cell , Vnto her happie mansion attaine : Before her gate high God did Sweat ordaine , And wakefull watches euer to abide : But easie is the way , and passage plaine To pleasures pallace ; it may soone be spide , And day and night her dores to all stand open wide . In Princes court , The rest she would haue said , But that the foolish man , fild with delight Of her sweet words , that all his sence dismaid , And with her wondrous beautie rauisht quight , Gan burne in filthy lust , and leaping light , Thought in his bastard armes her to embrace . With that she swaruing backe , her Iauelin bright Against him bent , and fiercely did menace : So turned her about , and fled away apace . Which when the Peasant saw , amazd he stood , And greiued at her flight ; yet durst he not Pursew her steps , through wild vnknowen wood ; Besides he feard her wrath , and threatned shot Whiles in the bush he lay , not yet forgot : Ne car'd he greatly for her presence vaine , But turning said to Trompart , What foule blot Is this to knight , that Ladie should againe Depart to woods vntoucht , & leaue so proud disdaine ? Perdie ( said Trompart ) let her passe at will , Least by her presence daunger mote befall . For who can tell ( and sure I feare it ill ) But that she is some powre celestiall ? For whiles she spake , her great words did a pall My feeble courage , and my hart oppresse , That yet I quake and tremble ouer all . And I ( said Braggadocchio ) thought no lesse , When first I heard her horne sound with such ghastlinesse . For from my mothers wombe this grace I haue Me giuen by eternall destinie , That earthly thing may not my courage braue Dismay with feare , or cause on foot to flie , But either hellish feends , or powres on hie : Which was the cause , when earst that home I heard , Weening it had beene thunder in the skie , I hid my selfe from it , as one affeard ; But when I other knew , my selfe I boldly reard . But now for feare of worse , that may betide , Let vs soone hence depart . They soone agree ; So to his steed he got , and gan to ride , As one vnfit therefore , that all might see He had not trayned bene in cheualree . Which well that valiant courser did discerne ; For he despysd to tread in dew degree , But chaufd and fom'd , with courage fierce and sterne , And to be easd of that base burden still did erne .

Cant. IIII. Guyon does Furor bind in chaines , and stops Occasion : Deliuers Phedon , and therefore by strife is rayld vpon . IN braue pursuit of honorable deed , There is I know not what great difference Betweene the vulgar and the noble seed , Which vnto things of valorous pretence Seemes to be borne by natiue influence ; As feates of armes , and loue to entertaine , But chiefly skill to ride , seemes a science Proper to gentle bloud ; some others faine To menage steeds , as did this vaunter ; but in vaine . But he the rightfull owner of that steed , Who well could menage and subdew his pride , The whiles on foot was forced for to yeed , With that blacke Palmer , his most trusty guide ; Who suffred not his wandring feet to slide . But when strong passion , or weake fleshlinesse Would from the right way seeke to draw him wide , He would through temperance and stedfastnesse , Teach him the weake to strengthen , & the strong suppresse . It fortuned forth faring on his way , He saw from farre , or seemed for to see Some troublous vprore or contentious fray , Whereto he drew in haste it to agree . A mad man , or that feigned mad to bee , Drew by the haire along vpon the ground , A handsome stripling with great crueltee , Whom sore he bett , and gor'd with many a wound , That cheekes with teares , and sides with bloud did all abound . And him behind , a wicked Hag did stalke , In ragged robes , and filthy disaray , Her other leg was lame , that she no'te walke . But on a staffe her feeble steps did stay ; Her lockes , that loathly were and hoarie gray , Grew all afore , and loosely hong vnrold , But all behind was bald , and worne away , That none thereof could euer taken hold , And eke her face ill fauourd , full of wrinckles old . And euer as she went , her tongue did walke In foule reproch , and termes of vile despight , Prouoking him by her outrageous talke , To heape more vengeance on that wretched wight ; Sometimes she raught him stones , wherwith to smite , Sometimes her staffe , though it her one leg were , Withouten which she could not go vpright ; Ne any euill meanes she did forbeare , That might him moue to wrath , and indignation reare . The noble Guyon mou'd with great remorse , Approching , first the Hag did thrust away , And after adding more impetuous forse , His mightie hands did on the madman lay , And pluckt him backe ; who all on fire streight way , Against him turning all his fell intent , With beastly brutish rage gan him assay , And smot , and bit , and kickt , and scratcht , and rent , And did he wist not what in his auengement . And sure he was a man of mickle might , Had he had gouernance , it well to guide : But when the franticke fit inflamd his spright , His force was vaine , and strooke more often wide , Then at the aymed marke , which he had eide : And oft himselfe he chaunst to hurt vnwares , Whilst reason blent through passion , nought descride , But as a blindfold Bull at randon fares , And where he hits , nought knowes , & whom he hurts , nought cares . His rude assault and rugged handeling Straunge seemed to the knight , that aye with foe In faire defence and goodly menaging Of armes was wont to fight , yet nathemoe Was he abashed now not fighting so , But more enfierced through his currish play , Him sternely grypt , and haling to and fro , To ouerthrow him strongly did assay , But ouerthrew himselfe vnwares , and lower lay . And being downe the villein sore did beat , And bruze with clownish fistes his manly face : And eke the Hag with many a bitter threat , Still cald vpon to kill him in the place . With whose reproch and odious menace The knight emboyling in his haughtie hart , Knit all his forces , and gan soone vnbrace His grasping hold : so lightly did vpstart , And drew his deadly weapon , to maintaine his part . Which when the Palmer saw , he loudly cryde , Not so , ô Guyon , neuer thinke that so That Monster can be maistred or destroyd : He is no , ah , he is not such a foe , As steele can wound , or strength can ouerthroe . That same is Furor , cursed cruell wight , That vnto knighthood workes much shame and woe ; And that same Hag , his aged mother , hight Occasion , the root of all wrath and despight . With her , who so will raging Furor tame , Must first begin , and well her amenage : First her restraine from her reprochfull blame , And euill meanes , with which she doth enrage Her franticke sonne , and kindles his courage , Then when she is withdrawen , or strong withstood , It 's each his idle furie to asswage , And calme the tempest of his passion wood ; The bankes are ouerflowen , when stopped is the flood . Therewith Sir Guyon left his first emprise , And turning to that woman , fast her hent By the hoare lockes , that hong before her eyes , And to the ground her threw : yet n'ould she stent Her bitter rayling and foule reuilement , But still prouokt her sonne to wreake her wrong ; But nathelesse he did her still torment , And catching hold of her vngratious tong , Thereon an yron lock , did fasten firme and strong . Then when as vse of speach was from her reft , With her two crooked handes she signes did make , And beckned him , the last helpe she had left : But he that last left helpe away did take , And both her hands fast bound vnto a stake , That she note stirre . Then gan her sonne to flie Full fast away , and did her quite forsake ; But Guyon after him in haste did hie , And soone him ouertooke in sad perplexitie . In his strong armes he stiffely him embraste , Who him gainstriuing , nought at all preuaild : For all his power was vtterly defaste , And furious fits at earst quite weren quaild : Oft he re'nforst , and oft his forces fayld , Yet yield he would not , nor his rancour slacke . Then him to ground he cast , and rudely hayld , And both his hands fast bound behind his backe , And both his feet in fetters to an yron racke . With hundred yron chaines he did him bind , And hundred knots that did him sore constraine : Yet his great yron teeth he still did grind , And grimly gnash , threatning reuenge in vaine : His burning eyen , whom bloudie strakes did staine , Stared full wide , and threw forth sparkes of fire , And more for ranck despight , then for great paine , Shakt his long lockes , colourd like copper-wire , And bit his tawny beard to shew his raging ire . Thus when as Guyon Furor had captiu'd , Turning about he saw that wretched Squire , Whom that mad man of life nigh late depriu'd , Lying on ground , all soild with bloud and mire : Whom when as he perceiued to respire , He gan to comfort , and his wounds to dresse . Being at last recured , he gan inquire , What hard mishap him brought to such distresse , And made that caitiues thral , the thral of wretchednesse . With hart then throbbing , and with watry eyes , Faire Sir ( quoth he ) what man can shun the hap , That hidden lyes vnwares him to surpryse Misfortune waites aduantage to entrap The man most warie in her whelming lap . So me weake wretch , of many weakest one , Vnweeting , and vnware of such mishap , She brought to mischiefe through occasion , Where this same wicked villein did me light vpon . It was a faithlesse Squire , that was the sourse Of all my sorrow , and of these sad teares , With whom from tender dug of commune nourse , Attonce I was vpbrought , and eft when yeares More rype vs reason lent to chose our Peares , Our selues in league of vowed loue we knit : In which we long time without gealous feares , Or faultie thoughts continewd , as was fit ; And for my part I vow , dissembled not a whit . Is was my fortune commune to that age , To loue a Ladie faire of great degree , The which was borne of noble parentage , And set in highest seat of dignitee , Yet seemd no lesse to loue , then loued to bee : Long I her seru'd , and found her faithfull still , Ne euer thing could cause vs disagree : Loue that two harts makes one ; makes eke one will : Each stroue to please , and others pleasure to fulfill . My friend , hight Philemon , I did partake , Of all my loue and all my priuitie ; Who greatly ioyous seemed for my sake , And gratious to that Ladie , as to mee , Ne euer wight , that mote so welcome bee , As he to her , withouten blot or blame , Ne euer thing , that she could thinke or see , But vnto him she would impart the same : O wretched man , that would abuse so gentle Dame . At last such grace I found , and meanes I wrought , That I that Ladie to my spouse had wonne ; Accord of friends , consent of parents sought , Affiance made , my happinesse begonne , There wanted nought but few rites to be donne , Which mariage make ; that day too farre did seeme : Most ioyous man , on whom the shining Sunne , Did shew his face , my selfe I did esteeme , And that my falser friend did no lesse ioyous deeme . But ere that wished day his beame disclosd , He either enuying my toward good , Or of himselfe to treason ill disposd One day vnto me came in friendly mood , And told for secret how he vnderstood That Ladie whom I had to me assynd , Had both distaind her honorable blood , And eke the faith , which she to me did bynd ; And therfore wisht me stay , till I more truth should fynd . The gnawing anguish and sharpe gelosy , Which his sad speech infixed in my brest , Ranckled so sore , and festred inwardly , That my engreeued mind could find no rest , Till that the truth thereof I did outwrest , And him besought by that same sacred band Betwixt vs both , to counsell me the best . He then with solemne oath and plighted hand Assur'd , ere long the truth to let me vnderstand . Ere long with like againe he boorded mee , Saying , he now had boulted all the floure , And that it was a groome of base degree , Which of my loue was partner Paramoure : Who vsed in a darkesome inner bowre Her oft to meet : which better to approue , He promised to bring me at that howre , When I should see , that would me nearer moue , And driue me to withdraw my blind abused loue . This gracelesse man for furtherance of his guile , Did court the handmayd of my Lady deare , Who glad t'embosome his affection vile , Did all she might , more pleasing to appeare . One day to worke her to his will more neare , He woo'd her thus : Pryene ( so she hight ) What great despight doth fortune to thee beare , Thus lowly to abase thy beautie bright , That it should not deface all others lesser light ? But if she had her least helpe to thee lent , T' adorne thy forme according thy desart , Their blazing pride thou wouldest soone haue blent , And staynd their prayses with thy least good part ; Ne should faire Claribell with all her art , Though she thy Lady be , approch thee neare : For proofe thereof , this euening , as thou art , Aray thy selfe in her most gorgeous geare , That I may more delight in thy embracement deare . The Maiden proud through prayse , and mad through loue Him hearkned to , and soone her selfe arayd , The whiles to me the treachour did remoue His craftie engin , and as he had sayd , Me leading , in a secret corner layd , The sad spectatour of my Tragedie ; Where left , he went , and his owne false part playd , Disguised like that groome of base degree , Whom he had feignd th' abuser of my loue to bee . Eftsoones he came vnto th' appointed place , And with him brought Priene , rich arayd , In Claribellaes clothes . Her proper face I not descerned in that darkesome shade , But weend it was my loue , with whom he playd . Ah God , what horrour and tormenting griefe My hart , my hands , mine eyes , and all assayd ? Me liefer were ten thousand deathes priefe , Then wound of gealous worme , and shame of such repriefe . I home returning , fraught with fowle despight , And chawing vengeance all the way I went , Soone as my loathed loue appeard in sight , With wrathfull hand I slew her innocent ; That after soone I dearely did lament : For when the cause of that outrageous deede Demaunded , I made plaine and euident , Her faultie Handmayd , which that bale did breede , Confest , how Philemon her wrought to chaunge her weede . Which when I heard , with horrible affright And hellish fury all enragd , I sought Vpon my selfe that vengeable despight To punish : yet it better first I thought , To wreake my wrath on him , that first it wrought . To Philemon , false faytour Philemon I cast to pay , that I so dearely bought ; Of deadly drugs I gaue him drinke anon , And washt away his guilt with guiltie potion . Thus heaping crime on crime , and griefe on griefe , To losse of loue adioyning losse of frend , I meant to purge both with a third mischiefe , And in my woes beginner it to end : That was Pryene ; she did first offend , She last should smart : with which cruell intent , When I at her my murdrous blade did bend , She fled away with ghastly dreriment , And I pursewing my fell purpose , after went . Feare gaue her wings , and rage enforst my flight ; Through woods and plaines so long I did her chace , Till this mad man , whom your victorious might Hath now fast bound , me met in middle space , As I her , so he me pursewd apace , And shortly ouertooke : I breathing yre , Sore chauffed at my stay in such a cace , And with my heat kindled his cruell fyre ; Which kindled once , his mother did more rage inspyre . Betwixt them both , they haue me doen to dye , Through wounds , & strokes , & stubborne handeling , That death were better , then such agony , As griefe and furie vnto me did bring ; Of which in me yet stickes the mortall sting , That during life will neuer be appeasd . When he thus ended had his sorrowing , Said Guyon , Squire , sore haue ye beene diseasd ; But all your hurts may soone through temperance be easd . Then gan the Palmer thus , most wretched man , That to affections does the bridle lend ; In their beginning they are weake and wan , But soone through suff'rance grow to fearefull end ; Whiles they are weake betimes with them contend : For when they once to perfect strength do grow , Strong warres they make , and cruell battry bend Gainst fort of Reason , it to ouerthrow : Wrath , gelosie , griefe , loue this Squire haue layd thus low . Wrath , gealosie , griefe , loue do thus expell : Wrath is a fire , and gealosie a weede , Griefe is a flood , and loue a monster fell ; The fire of sparkes , the weede of little seede , The flood of drops , the Monster filth did breede : But sparks , seed , drops , and filth do thus delay ; The sparks soone quench , the springing seed outweed The drops dry vp , and filth wipe cleane away : So shall wrath , gealosie , griefe , loue dye and decay . Vnlucky Squire ( said Guyon ) sith thou hast Falne vnto mischiefe through intemperaunce , Henceforth take heede of that thou now hast past , And guide thy wayes with warie gouernaunce , Least worse betide thee by some later chaunce . But read how art thou nam'd and of what kin . Phedon I hight ( quoth he ) and do aduaunce Mine auncestry from famous Coradin , Who first to rayse our house to honour did begin . Thus as he spake , lo far away they spyde A varlet running towards hastily , Whose flying feet so fast their way applyde , That round about a cloud of dust did fly , Which mingled all with sweate , did dim his eye . He soone approched , panting , breathlesse , whot , And all so soyld , that none could him descry ; His countenaunce was bold , and bashed not For Guyons lookes , but scornefull eyglaunce at him shot . Behind his backe he bore a brasen shield , On which was drawen faire , in colours fit , A flaming fire in midst of bloudy field , And round about the wreath this word was writ , Burnt I do burne . Right well beseemed it , To be the shield of some redoubted knight ; And in his hand two darts exceeding flit , And deadly sharpe he held , whose heads were dight In poyson and in bloud , of malice and despight . When he in presence came , to Guyon first He boldly spake , Sir knight , if knight thou bee , Abandon this fore stalled place at erst , For feare of further harme , I counsell thee , Or bide the chaunce at thine owne ieoperdie . The knight at his great boldnesse wondered , And though he scornd his idle vanitie , Yet mildly him to purpose answered ; For not to grow of nought he it coniectured . Varlet , this place most dew to me I deeme , Yielded by him , that held it forcibly . But whence should come that harme , which thou doest seeme To threat to him , that minds his chaunce t'abye ? Perdy ( said he ) here comes , and is hard by A knight of wondrous powre , and great assay , That neuer yet encountred enemy , But did him deadly daunt , or fowle dismay ; Ne thou for better hope , if thou his presence stay . How hight he then ( said Guyon ) and from whence ? Pyrrhochles is his name , renowmed farre For his bold feats and hardy confidence , Full oft approu'd in many a cruell warre , The brother of Cymochles , both which arre The sonnes of old Acrates and Despight , Acrates sonne of Phlegeton and Iarre ; But Phlegeton is sonne of Herebus and Night ; But Herebus sonne of Aeternitie is hight . So from immortall race he does proceede , That mortall hands may not withstand his might , Drad for his derring do , and bloudy deed ; For all in bloud and spoile is his delight . His am I Atin , his in wrong and right , That matter make for him to worke vpon , And stirre him vp to strife and cruell fight . Fly therefore , fly this fearefull stead anon , Least thy foolhardize worke thy sad confusion . His be that care , whom most it doth concerne , ( Said he ) but whither with such hasty flight Art thou now bound ? for well mote I discerne Great cause , that carries thee so swift and light . My Lord ( quoth he ) me sent , and streight behight To seeke Occasion ; where so she bee : For he is all disposd to bloudy fight , And breathes out wrath and hainous crueltie ; Hard is his hap , that first fals in his ieopardie . Madman ( said then the Palmer ) that does seeke Occasion to wrath , and cause of strife ; She comes vnsought , and shonned followes eke . Happy , who can abstaine , when Rancour rife Kindles Reuenge , and threats his rusty knife ; Woe neuer wants , where euery cause is caught , And rash Occasion makes vnquiet life . Then loe , where bound she fits , whom thou hast sought , ( Said Guyon , ) let that message to thy Lord be brought . That when the varlet heard and saw , streight way He wexed wondrous wroth , and said , Vile knight , That knights & knighthood doest with shame vpbray , And shewst th' enfample of thy childish migbt , With silly weake old woman thus to fight . Great glory and gay spoile sure hast thou got , And stoutly prou'd thy puissaunce here in sight ; That shall Pyrrhochles well requite , I wot , And with thy bloud abolish so reprochfull blot . With that one of his thrillant darts he threw , Headed with ire and vengeable despight ; The quiuering steele his aymed end well knew , And to his brest it selfe intended right : But he was warie , and ere it empight In the meant marke , aduaunst his shield atweene , On which it seizing , no way enter might , But backe rebounding , left the forckhead keene ; Eftsoones he fled away , and might no where be seene .

Cant. V. Pyrrhochles does with Guyon fight , And Furors chayne vnbinds Of whom sore hurt , for his reuenge Attin Gymochles finds . WHo euer doth to temperaunce apply His stedfast life , and all his actions frame , Trust me , shall find no greater enimy , Then stubborne perturbation , to the same ; To which right well the wise do giue that name , For it the goodly peace of stayed mindes Does ouerthrow , and troublous warre proclame : His owne woes authour , who so bound it findes , As did Pyrrhochles , and it wilfully vnbindes . After that varlets flight , it was not long , Ere on the plaine fast pricking Guyon spide One in bright armes embatteiled full strong , That as the Sunny beames do glaunce and glide Vpon the trembling waue , so shined bright , And round about him threw forth sparkling fire , That seemd him to enflame on euery side : His steed was bloudy red , and fomedire , When with the maistring spur he did him roughly stire . Approching nigh , he neuer stayd to greete , Ne chaffar words , prowd courage to prouoke , But prickt so flers , that vnderneath his feete The smouldring dust did round about him smoke , Both horse and man nigh able for to choke ; And fairly couching his steele-headed speare , Him first saluted with a sturdy stroke ; It booted nought Sir Guyon comming neare To thinke , such hideous puissaunce on foot to beare . But lightly shunned it , and passing by , With his bright blade did smite at him so fell , That the sharpe steele arriuing forcibly On his braod shield , bit not , but glauncing fell On his horse necke before the quilted sell And from the head the body sundred quight . So him dismounted low , he did compell On foot with him to matchen equall fight ; The truncked beast fast bleeding , did him fowly dight . Sore bruzed with the fall , he slow vprose , And all enraged , thus him loudly shent ; Disleall knight , whose coward courage chose To wreake it selfe on beast all innocent , And shund the marke , at which it should be ment , Thereby thine armes seeme strong , but manhood fraile ; So hast thou oft with guile thine honour blent ; But litle may such guile thee now auaile , If wonted force and fortune do not much me faile . With that he drew his flaming sword , and strooke At him so fiercely , that the vpper marge Of his seuenfolded shield away it tooke , And glauncing on his helmet , made a large And open gash therein : were not his targe , That broke the violence of his intent , The weary soule from thence it would discharge ; Nathelesse so sore a buff to him it lent , That made him reele , and to his brest his beuer bent . Exceeding wroth was Guyon at that blow , And much ashamd , that stroke of liuing arme Should him dismay , and make him stoup so low , Though otherwise it did him litle harme : Tho hurling high his yron braced arme , He smote so manly on his shoulder plate , That all his left side it did quite disarme ; Yet there the steele stayd not , but inly bate Deepe in his flesh , and opened wide a red floodgate . Deadly dismayd , with horrour of that dint Pyrrhochles was , and grieued eke entyre ; Yet nathemore did it his fury stint , But added flame vnto his former fire , That welnigh molt his hart in raging yre , Ne thenceforth his approued skill , to ward , Or strike , or hurle , round in warelike gyre , Remembred he , ne car'd for his saufgard , But rudely rag'd , and like a cruell Tygre far'd , He hewd , and lasht , and foynd , and thundred blowes , And euery way did seeke into his life , Ne plate , ne male could ward so mighty throwes , But yielded passage to his cruell knife . But Guyon , in the heat of all his strife , Was warie wise , and closely did awayt Auauntage , whilest his foe did rage most rife ; Sometimes a thwart , sometimes he strooke him strayt , And falsed oft his blowes , t'illude him with such bayt . Like as a Lyon , whose imperiall powre A prowd rebellious Vnicorne defies , T' auoide the rash assault and wrathfull stowre Of his fiers foe , him to a tree applies , And when him running in full course he spies , He slips aside ; the whiles that furious beast His precious horne , sought of his enimies Strikes in the stocke , ne thence can be relast , But to the mighty victour yields a bounteous feast . With such faire slight him Guyon often faild , Till at the last all breathlesse , wearie , faint Him spying , with fresh onset he assaild , And kindling new his courage seeming queint , Strooke him so hugely , that through great constraint He made him stoup perforce vnto his knee , And do vnwilling worship to the Saint , That on his shield depainted he did see ; Such homage till that instant neuer learned hee . Whom Guyon seeing stoup , pursewed fast The present offer of faire victory , And soone his dreadfull blade about he cast , Wherewith he smote his haughty crest so hye , That streight on ground made him full low to lye ; Then on his brest his victour foote he thrust , With that he cryde , Mercy , do me not dye , Ne deeme thy force by fortunes doome vniust , That hath ( maugre her spight ) thus low me laid in dust . Eftsoones his cruell hand Sir Guyon stayd , Tempring the passion with aduizement slow , And maistring might on enimy dismayd : For th' equall dye of warre he well did know ; Then to him said , Liue and allegaunce owe , To him that giues thee life and libertie , And henceforth by this dayes ensample trow , That hasty wroth , and heedlesse hazardrie Do breede repentaunce late , and lasting infamie . So vp he let him rise , who with grim looke And count'naunce sterne vpstanding , gan to grind His grated teeth for great disdeigne , and shooke His sandy lockes , long hanging downe behind , Knotted in bloud and dust , for griefe of mind , That he in ods of armes was conquered ; Yet in himselfe some comfort he did find , That him so noble knight had maistered , Whose bounty more then might , yet both he wondered . Which Guyon marking said , Be nought agrieu'd , Sir knight , that thus ye now subdewed arre : Was neuer man , who most conquestes atchieu'd But sometimes had the worse , and lost by warre , Yet shortly gaynd , that losse exceeded farre : Losse is no shame , nor to be lesse then foe , But to be lesser , then himselfe , doth marre Both loosers lot , and victours prayse alsoe . Vaine others ouerthrowes , who selfe doth ouerthrowe . Fly , O Pyrrhochles , fly the dreadfull warre , That in thy selfe thy lesser parts do moue , Outrageous anger , and woe-working iarre , Direfull impatience , and hart murdring loue ; Those , those thy foes , those warriours far remoue , Which thee to endlesse bale captiued lead . But sith in might thou didst my mercy proue , Of curtesie to me the cause a read , That thee against me drew with so impetuous dread . Dreadlesse ( said he ) that shall I soone declare : It was complaind , that thou hadst done great tort Vnto an aged woman , poore and bare , And thralled her in chaines with strong effort , Voide of all succour and needfull comfort : That ill beseemes thee , such as I thee see , To worke such shame . Therefore I thee exhort , To chaunge thy will , and set Occasion free , And to her captiue sonne yield his first libertee . Thereat Sir Guyon smilde , And is that all ( Said he ) that thee so sore displeased hath ? Great mercy sure , for to enlarge a thrall , Whose freedome shall thee turne to greatest scath . Nath'lesse now quench thy whot emboyling wrath : Loe there they be ; to thee I yield them free . Thereat he wondrous glad , out of the path Did lightly leape , where he them bound did see , And gan to breake the bands of their captiuitee . Soone as Occasion felt her selfe vntyde , Before her sonne could well assoyled bee , She to her vse returnd , and streight defyde Both Guyon and Pyrrhochles : th' one ( said hee ) Bycause he wonne ; the other because hee Was wonne : So matter did she make of nought , To stirre vp strife , and do them disagree : But soone as Furor was enlargd , she sought To kindle his quencht fire , and thousand causes wrought . It was not long , ere she inflam'd him so , That he would algates with Pyrrhochles fight , And his redeemer chalengd for his foe , Because he had not well mainteind his right , But yielded had to that same straunger knight : Now gan Pyrrhochles wex as wood , as hee , And him affronted with impatient might : So both together fiers engrasped bee , Whiles Guyon standing by , their vncouth strife does see . Him all that while Occasion did prouoke Against Pyrrhochles , and new matter framed Vpon the old , him stirring to be wroke Of his late wrongs , in which she oft him blamed For suffering such abuse , as knighthood shamed , And him dishabled quite . But he was wise Ne would with vaine occasions be inflamed ; Yet others she more vrgent did deuise : Yet nothing could him to impatience entise . Their fell contention still increased more , And more thereby increased Furors might , That he his foe has hurt , and wounded sore , And him in bloud and durt deformed quight . His mother eke , more to augment his spight , Now brought to him a flaming fire brond , Which she in Stygian lake , ay burning bright Had kindled : that she gaue into his hond , That armd with fire , more hardly he mote him withstond . Tho gan that villein wex so fiers and strong , That nothing might sustaine his furious forse ; He cast him downe to ground , and all along Drew him through durt and myre without remorse , And fowly battered his comely corse , That Guyon much disdeignd so loathly sight . At last he was compeld to cry perforse , Helpe , ô Sir Guyon , helpe most noble knight , To rid a wretched man from hands of hellish wight . The knight was greatly moued at his plaint , And gan him dight to succour his distresse , Till that the Palmer , by his graue restraint , Him stayd from yielding pitifull redresse ; And said , Deare sonne , thy causelesse ruth represse , Ne let thy stout hart melt in pitty vayne : He that his sorrow sought through wilfulnesse , And his foe fettred would release agayne . Deserues to tast his follies fruit , repented payne . Guyon obayd ; So him away he drew From needlesse trouble of renewing fight Already fought , his voyage to pursew . But rash Pyrrhochles varlet , Atin hight , When late he saw his Lord in heauy plight , Vnder Sir Guyons puissaunt stroke to fall , Him deeming dead , as then he seemd in sight , Fled fast away , to tell his funerall Vnto his brother , whom Cymochles men did call . He was a man of rare redoubted might , Famous throughout the world for warlike prayse , And glorious spoiles , purchast in perilous fight : Full many doughtie knights he in his dayes Had doen to death , subdewde in equall frayes , Whose carkases , for terrour of his name , Of fowles and beastes he made the piteous prayes , And hong their conquered armes for more defame On gallow trees , in honour of his dearest Dame . His dearest Dame is that Enchaunteresse , The vile Acrasia , that with vaine delightes , And idle pleasures in his Bowre of Blisse , Does charme her louers , and the feeble sprightes Can call out of the bodies of fraile wightes : Whom then she does transforme to monstrous hewes , And horribly misshapes with vgly sightes , Captiu'd eternally in yron mewes , And darksom dens , where Titan his face neuer shewes . There Atin found Cymochles soiourning , To serue his Lemans loue : for he by kind , Was giuen all to lust and loose liuing , When euer his fiers hands he free mote find : And now he has pourd out his idle mind In daintie delices , and lauish ioyes , Hauing his warlike weapons cast behind , And flowes in pleasures , and vaine pleasing toyes , Mingled emongst loose Ladies and lasciuious boyes . And ouer him , art striuing to compaire With nature , did an Arber greene dispred , Framed of wanton Yuie , flouring faire , Through which the fragrant Eglantine did spred His pricking armes , entrayld with roses red , Which daintie odours round about them threw , And all within with flowres was garnished , That when myld Zephyrus emongst them blew , Did breath out bounteous smels , & painted colors shew . And fast beside , there trickled softly downe A gentle streame , whose murmuring waue did play Emongst the pumy stones , and made a sowne , To lull him soft a sleepe , that by it lay ; The wearie Traueiler , wandring that way , Therein did often quench his thristy heat , And then by it his wearie limbes display , Whiles creeping slomber made him to forget His former paine , and wypt away his toylsom sweat . And on the other side a pleasaunt groue Was shot vp high , full of the stately tree , That dedicated is t' Olympicke Ioue , And to his sonne Alcides , whenas hee Gaynd in Nemea goodly victoree ; Therein the mery birds of euery sort Chaunted alowd their chearefull harmonie : And made emongst them selues a sweet consort , That quickned the dull spright with musicall comfort . There he him found all carelesly displayd , In secret shadow from the sunny ray , On a sweet bed of lillies softly layd , Amidst a flocke of Damzels fresh and gay , That round about him dissolute did play Their wanton follies , and light meriment ; Euery of which did loosely disaray Her vpper parts of meet habiliments , And shewd them naked , deckt with many ornaments . And euery of them stroue , with most delights , Him to aggrate , and greatest pleasures shew ; Some framd faire lookes , glancing like euening lights Others sweet words , dropping like honny dew ; Some bathed kisses , and did soft embrew The sugred licour through his melting lips : One boastes her beautie , and does yeeld to vew Her daintie limbes aboue her tender hips ; Another her out boastes , and all for tryall strips . He , like an Adder , lurking in the weeds , His wandring thought in deepe desire does steepe , And his fraile eye with spoyle of beautie feedes ; Sometimes he falsely faines himselfe to sleepe , Whiles through their lids his wanton eies do peepe , To steale a snatch of amorous conceipt , Whereby close fire into his heart does creepe : So , he them deceiues , deceiu'd in his deceipt , Made drunke with drugs of deare voluptuous receipt . Atin arriuing there , when him he spide , Thus in still waues of deepe delight to wade , Fiercely approching , to him lowdly cride , Cymochles ; oh no , but Cymochles shade , In which that manly person late did fade , What is become of great Acrates sonne ? Or where hath he hong vp his mortall blade , That hath so many haughtie conquests wonne ? Is all his force forlorne , and all his glory donne ? Then pricking him with his sharpe-pointed dart , He said ; vp , vp , thou womanish weake knight , That here in Ladies lap entombed art , Vnmindfull of thy praise and prowest might , And weetlesse eke of lately wrought despight , Whiles sad Pyrrhochles lies on senselesse ground , And groneth out his vtmost grudging spright , Through many a stroke , & many a streaming wound , Calling thy helpe in vaine , that here in ioyes art dround . Suddeinly out of his delightfull dreame The man awoke , and would haue questiond more ; But he would not endure that wofull theame For to dilate at large , but vrged sore With percing words , and pittifull implore , Him hastie to arise . As one affright With hellish feends , or Furies mad vprore , He then vprose , inflam'd with fell despight , And called for his armes ; for he would algates fight . They bene ybrought ; he quickly does him dight , And lightly mounted , passeth on his way , Ne Ladies loues , ne sweete entreaties might Appease his heat , or hastie passage stay ; For he has vowd , to beene aueng'd that day , ( That day it selfe him seemed all too long : ) On him , that did Pyrrhochles deare dismay : So proudly pricketh on his courser strong , And Atin aie him pricks with spurs of shame & wrong .

Cant. VI. Guyon is of immodest Merth , led into loose desire , Fights with Cymochles , whiles his brother burnes infurious fire . A Harder lesson , to learne Continence In ioyous pleasure , then in grieuous paine : For sweetnesse doth allure the weaker sence So strongly , that vneathes it can refraine From that , which feeble nature couets faine ; But griefe and wrath , that be her enemies , And foes of life , she better can restraine ; Yet vertue vauntes in both their victories , And Guyon in them all shewes goodly maisteries . Whom bold Cymochles trauelling to find , With cruell purpose bent to wreake on him The wrath , which Atin kindled in his mind , Came to a riuer , by whose vtmost brim Wayting to passe , he saw whereas did swim A long the shore , as swift as glaunce of eye , A litle Gondelay , bedecked trim With boughes and arbours wouen cunningly , That like a litle forrest seemed outwardly . And therein sate a Ladie fresh and faire , Making sweet solace to her selfe alone ; Sometimes she sung , as loud as larke in aire , Sometimes she laught , that nigh her breth was gone , Yet was there not with her else any one , That might to her moue cause of meriment : Matter of merth enough , though there were none She could deuise , and thousand waies inuent , To feede her foolish humour , and vaine iolliment . Which when farre off Cymochles heard , and saw , He loudly cald to such , as were a bord , The little barke vnto the shore to draw , And him to ferrie ouer that deepe ford : The merry marriner vnto his word Soone hearkned , and her painted bote streightway Turnd to the shore , where that same warlike Lord She in receiu'd ; but Atin by no way She would admit , albe the knight her much did pray . Eftsoones her shallow ship away did slide , More swift , then swallow sheres the liquid skie , Withouten oare or Pilot it to guide , Or winged canuas with the wind to flie , Only she turn'd a pin , and by and by It cut away vpon the yielding waue , Ne cared she her course for to apply : For it was taught the way , which she would haue , And both from rocks and flats it selfe could wisely saue . And all the way , the wanton Damzell found New merth , her passenger to entertaine : For she in pleasant purpose did abound , And greatly ioyed merry tales to faine , Of which a store-house did with her remaine , Yet seemed , nothing well they her became ; For all her words she drownd with laughter vaine , And wanted grace in vtt'ring of the same , That turned all her pleasance to a scoffing game . And other whiles vaine toyes she would deuize , As her fantasticke wit did most delight , Sometimes her head she fondly would aguize With gaudie girlonds , or fresh flowrets dight About her necke , or rings of rushes plight ; Sometimes to doe him laugh , she would assay To laugh at shaking of the leaues light , Or to behold the water worke , and play About her litle frigot , therein making way . Her light behauiour , and loose dalliaunce Gaue wondrous great contentment to the knight , That of his way he had no souenaunce , Nor care of vow'd reuenge , and cruell fight , But to weake wench did yeeld his martiall might . So easie was to quench his flamed mind With one sweet drop of sensuall delight , So easie is , t' appease the stormie wind Of malice in the calme of pleasant womankind . Diuerse discourses in their way they spent , Mongst which Cymochles of her questioned , Both what she was , and what that vsage ment , Which in her cot she daily practised . Vaine man ( said she ) that wouldest be reckoned A straunger in thy home , and ignoraunt Of Phaedria ( for so my name is red ) Of Phaedria , thine owne fellow seruaunt ; For thou to serue Acrasia thy selfe doest vaunt . In this wide Inland sea , that hight by name The Idle lake , my wandring ship I row , That knowes her port , and thither sailes by ayme , Ne care , ne feare I , how the wind do blow , Or whether swift I wend , or whether slow : Both slow and swift a like do serue my tourne , Ne swelling Neptune , ne loud thundring Ioue Can chaunge my cheare , or make me euer mourne ; My litle boat can safely passe this perilous bourne . Whiles thus she talked , and whiles thus she toyd , They were farre past the passage , which he spake , And come vnto an Island , waste and voyd , That floted in the midst of that great lake , There her small Gondelay her port did make , And that gay paire issuing on the shore Disburdued her . Their way they forward take Into the land , that lay them faire before , Whose pleasaunce she him shew'd , and plentifull great store . It was a chosen plot of fertile land , Emongst wide waues set , like a litle nest , As if it had by Natures cunning hand , Bene choisely picked out from all the rest , And laid forth for ensample of the best : No daintie flowre or herbe , that growes on ground , No arboret with painted blossomes drest , And smelling sweet , but there it might be found To bud out faire , and her sweet smels throw all around . No tree , whose braunches did not brauely spring ; No braunch , whereon a fine bird did not sit : No bird , but did her shrill notes sweetly sing ; No song but did containe a louely dit : Trees , braunches , birds , and songs were framed fit , For to allure fraile mind to carelesse ease . Carelesse the man soone woxe , and his weake wit Was ouercome of thing , that did him please ; So pleased , did his wrathfull purpose faire appease . Thus when she had his eyes and senses fed With false delights , and fild with pleasures vaine , Into a shadie dale she soft him led , And laid him downe vpon a grassie plaine ; And her sweet selfe without dread , or disdaine , She set beside , laying his head disarm'd In her loose lap , it softly to sustaine , Where soone he slumbred , fearing not be harm'd , The whiles with a loud lay she thus him sweetly charm'd . Behold , ô man , that toilesome paines doest take The flowres , the fields , and all that pleasant growes , How they themselues doe thine ensample make , Whiles nothing enuious nature them forth throwes Out of her fruitfull lap ; how , no man knowes , They spring , they bud , they blossome fresh and faire , And deck the world with their rich pompous showes ; Yet no man for them taketh paines or care , Yet no man to them can his carefull paines compare . The lilly , Ladie of the flowring field , The Flowre-deluce , her louely Paramoure , Bid thee to them thy fruitlesse labours yield , And soone leaue off this toylesome wearie stoure ; Loe loe how braue she decks her bounteous boure , With silken curtens and gold couerlets , Therein to shrowd her sumptuous Belamoure , Yet neither spinnes nor cardes , ne cares nor frets , But to her mother Nature all her care she lets . Why then dost thou , ô man , that of them all Art Lord , and eke of nature Soueraine , Wilfully make thy selfe a wretched thrall , And wast thy ioyous houres in needlesse paine , Seeking for daunger and aduentures vaine ? What bootes it all to haue , and nothing vse ? Who shall him rew , that swimming in the maine , Will die for thirst , and water doth refuse ? Refuse such fruitlesse toile , and present pleasures chuse . By this she had him lulled fast a sleepe , That of no worldly thing he care did take ; Then she with liquors strong his eyes did steepe , That nothing should him hastily awake : So she him left , and did her selfe betake Vnto her boat againe , with which she cleft The slouthfull waue of that great griesly lake ; Soone she that Island farre behind her left , And now is come to that same place , where first she weft . By this time was the worthy Guyon brought Vnto the other side of that wide strond , Where she was rowing , and for passage sought : Him needed not long call , she soone to hond Her ferry brought , where him she byding fond , With his sad guide ; himselfe she tooke a boord , But the Blacke Palmer suffred still to stond , Ne would for price , or prayers once affoord , To ferry that old man ouer the perlous foord . Guyon was loath to leaue his guide behind , Yet being entred , might not backe retyre ; For the flit barke , obaying to her mind , Forth launched quickly , as she did desire , Ne gaue him leaue to bid that aged fire Adieu , but nimbly ran her wonted course Through the dull billowes thicke as troubled mire , Whom neither wind out of their seat could forse , Nor timely tides did driue out of their sluggish sourse . And by the way , as was her wonted guize , Her merry fit she freshly gan to reare , And did of ioy and iollitie deuize , Her selfe to cherish , and her guest to cheare : The knight was courteous , and did not forbeare Her honest merth and pleasaunce to partake ; But when he saw her toy , and gibe , and geare , And passe the bonds of modest merimake , Her dalliance he despisd , and follies did forsake . Yet she still followed her former stile , And said , and did all that mote him delight , Till they arriued in that pleasant I le , Where sleeping late she left her other knight . But when as Guyon that land had sight , He wist himselfe amisse , and angry said ; Ah Dame , perdie ye haue not doen me right , Thus to mislead me , whiles I you obaid : Me litle needed from my right way to haue straid . Faire Sir ( quoth she ) be not displeasd at all ; Who fares on sea , may not commaund his way , Ne wind and weather at his pleasure call : The sea is wide , and easie for to stray ; The wind vnstable , and doth neuer stay . But here a while ye may in safety rest , Till season serue new passage to assay ; Better safe port , then be in seas distrest . Therewith she laught , and did her earnest end in iest . But he halfe discontent , mote nathelesse Himselfe appease , and issewd forth on shore : The ioyes whereof , and happie fruitfulnesse , Such as he saw she gan him lay before , And all though pleasant , yet she made much more : The fields did laugh , the flowres did freshly spring , The trees did bud , and earely blossomes bore , And all the quire of birds did sweetly sing , And told that gardins pleasures in their caroling . And she more sweet , then any bird on bough , Would oftentimes emongst them beare a part , And striue to passe ( as she could well enough ) Their natiue musicke by her skilfull art : So did she all , that might his constant hart Withdraw from thought of warlike enterprize , And drowne in dissolute delights apart , Where noyse of armes , or vew of martiall guize Might not reuiue desire of knightly exercize . But he was wife , and warie of her will , And euer held his hand vpon his hart : Yet would not seeme so rude , and thewed ill , As to despise so courteous seeming part , That gentle Ladie did to him impart , But fairely tempring fond desire subdewd , And euer her desired to depart . She list not heare , but her disports poursewd , And euer bad him stay , till time the tide renewd . And now by this , Cymochles howre was spent , That he awoke out of his idle dreme , And shaking off his drowzie dreriment , Gan him auize , how ill did him beseeme , In slouthfull sleepe his molten hart to steme , And quench the brond of his conceiued ire . Tho vp he started , stird with shame extreme , Ne staied for his Damzell to inquire , But marched to the strond , their passage to require . And in the way he with Sir Guyon met , Accompanyde with Phaedria the faire , Eftsoones he gan to rage , and inly fret , Crying , Let be that Ladie debonaire , Thou recreant knight , and soone thy selfe prepaire To battell , if thou meane her loue to gaine : Loe , loe alreadie , how the fowles in aire Doe flocke , awaiting shortly to obtaine Thy carcasse for their pray , the guerdon of thy paine . And therewithall he fiercely at him flew , And with importance outrage him assayld ; Who soone prepard to field , his sword forth drew , And him with equall value counteruayld : Their mightie strokes their haberieons dismayld , And naked made each others manly spalles ; The mortall steele despiteously entayld Deepe in their flesh , quite through the yron walles , That a large purple streme a down their giambeux falles . Cymochles , that had neuer met before , So puissant foe , with enuious despight His proud presumed force increased more , Disdeigning to be held so long in fight ; Sir Guyon grudging not so much his might , As those vnknightly raylings , which he spoke , With wrathfull fire his courage kindled bright , Thereof deuising shortly to be wroke , And doubling all his powres , redoubled euery stroke . Both of them high attonce their hands enhaunst , And both attonce their huge , blowes downe did sway ; Cymochles sword on Guyons shield yglaunst , And thereof nigh one quarter sheard away ; But Guyons angry blade so fierce did play On th' others helmet , which as Titan shone , That quite it cloue his plumed crest in tway , And bared all his head vnto the bone ; Wherewith astonisht , still he stood , as senselesse stone . Still as he stood , faire Phaedria , that beheld That deadly daunger , soone atweene them ran ; And at their feet her selfe most humbly feld , Crying with pitteous voice , and count'nance wan ; Ah well away , most noble Lords , how can Your cruell eyes endure so pitteous sight , To shed your liues on ground ? wo worth the man , That first did teach the oursed steele to bight In his owne flesh , and make way to the liuing spright . If euer loue of Ladie did empierce Your yron brestes , or pittie could find place , Withhold your bloudie hands from battell fierce , And sith for me ye fight , to me this grace Both yeeld , to stay your deadly strife a space . They stayd a while : and forth she gan proceed : Most wretched woman , and of wicked race , That am the author of this hainous deed , And cause of death betweene two doughtie knights doe breed . But if for me ye fight , or me will serue , Not this rude kind of battell , nor these armes Are meet , the which doe men in bale to sterue , And dolefull sorrow heape with deadly harmes : Such cruell game my scarmoges disarmes : Another warre , and other weapons I Doe loue , where loue does giue his sweet alarmes , Without bloudshed , and where the enemy Does yeeld vnto his foe a pleasant victory . Debatefull strife , and cruell enmitie The famous name of knighthood fowly shent ; But louely peace , and gentle amitie , And in Amours the passing houres to spend , The mightie martiall hands doe most commend ; Of loue they euer greater glory bore , Then of their armes : Mars is Cupidoes frend , And is for Venus loues renowmed more , Then all his wars and spoiles , the which he did of yore . Therewith she sweetly smyld . They though full bent , To proue extremities of bloudie fight , Yet at her speach their rages gan relent , And calme the sea of their tempestuous spight , Such powre haue pleasing words : such is the might Of courteous clemencie in gentle hart . Now after all was ceast , the Faery knight Besought that Damzell suffer him depart , And yield him readie passage to that other part . She no lesse glad , then he desirous was Of his departure thence ; for of her ioy And vaine delight she saw he light did pas , A foe of folly and immodest toy , Still solemne sad , or still disdainfull coy , Delighting all in armes and cruell warre , That her sweet peace and pleasures did annoy , Troubled with terrour and vnquiet iarre , That she well pleased was thence to amoue him farre . Tho him she brought abord , and her swift bote Forthwith directed to that further strand ; The which on the dull waues did lightly flote And soone arriued on the shallow sand , Where gladsome Guyon salied forth to land , And to that Damzell thankes gaue for reward . Vpon that shore he spied Atin stand , Thereby his maister left , when late he far'd In Phadrias flit barke ouer that perlous shard . Well could he him remember , sith of late He with Pyrrhochles sharp debatement made ; Streight gan he him reuile , and bitter rate , As shepheards curre , that in darke euenings shade Hath tracted forth some saluage beastes trade ; Vile Miscreant ( said he ) whither doest thou flie The shame and death , which will thee soone inuade ? What coward hand shall doe thee next to die , That art thus foully fled from famous enemie ? With that he stiffely shooke his steelehead dart : But sober Guyon , hearing him so raile , Though somewhat moued in his mightie hart , Yet with strong reason maistred passion fraile , And passed fairely forth . He turning taile , Backe to the strond retyrd , and there still stayd , Awaiting passage , which him late did faile ; The whiles Cymochles with that wanton mayd The hastie heat of his auowd reuenge delayd . Whylest there the varlet stood , he saw from farre An armed knight , that towards him fast ran , He ran on foot , as if in lucklesse warre His forlorne steed from him the victourwan ; He seemed breathlesse , hartlesse , faint , and wan , And all his armour sprinckled was with bloud , And soyld with durtie gore , that no man can Discerne the hew thereof . He neuer stood , But bent his hastie course towards the idle flood . The varlet saw , when to the flood he came , How without stop or stay he fiercely lept , And deepe him selfe beduked in the same , That in the lake his loftie crest was steept , Ne of his safetie seemed care he kept , But with his raging armes he rudely flasht , The waues about , and all his armour swept , That all the bloud and filth away was washt , Yet still he bet the water , and the billowes dasht . Atin drew nigh , to weet what it mote bee ; For much he wondred at that vncouth sight ; Whom should he , but his owne deare Lord , there see , His owne deare Lord Pyrrhochles , in sad plight , Readie to drowne himselfe for fell despight . Harrow now out , and well away , he cryde , What dismall day hath lent this cursed light , To see my Lord so deadly damnifyde Pyrrhochles , ô Pyrrhochles , what is thee betyde ? I burne , I burne , I burne , then loud he cryde , O how I burne with implacable fire , Yet nought can quench mine inly flaming syde , Nor sea of licour cold , nor lake of mire , Nothing but death can doe me to respire . Ah be it ( said he ) from Pyrrhochles farre After pursewing death once to require , Or think , that ought those puissant hands may marre : Death is for wretches borne vnder vnhappie starre . Perdie , then is it fit for me ( said he ) That am , I weene , most wretched man aliue , But in flames , yet no flames can I see , And dying daily , daily yet reuiue : O Atin , helpe to me last death to giue . The varlet at his plaint was grieued so sore , That his deepe wounded hart in two did riue , And his owne health remembring now no more , Did follow that ensample , which he blam'd afore . Into the lake he lept , his Lord to ayd , ( So Loue the dread of daunger doth despise ) And of him catching hold him strongly stayd From drowning . But more happie he , then wise Of that seas nature did him not auise . The waues thereof so slow and sluggish were , Engrost with mud , which did them foule agrise , That euery weightie thing they did vpbeare , Ne ought mote euer sinke downe to the bottome there . Whiles thus they strugled in that idle waue , And stroue in vaine , the one himselfe to drowne , The other both from drowning for to saue , Lo , to that shore one in an auncient gowne , Whose hoarie locks great grauitie did crowne , Holding in hand a goodly arming sword , By fortune came , led with the troublous sowne : Where drenched deepe he found in that dull ford The carefull seruant , striuing with his raging Lord . Him Atin spying , knew right well of yore , And loudly cald , Helpe helpe , ô Archimage ; To saue my Lord , in wretched plight forlore ; Helpe with thy hand , or with thy counsell sage : Weake hands , but counsell is most strong in age . Him when the old man saw , he wondred sore , To see Pyrrhochles there so rudely rage : Yet sithens helpe , he saw , he needed more Then pittie , he in hast approched to the shore . And cald , Pyrrhochles , what is this , I see ? What hellish furie hath at earst thee hent ? Furious euer I thee knew to bee , Yet neuer in this straunge astonishment . These flames , these flames ( he cryde ) do metorment . What flames ( quoth he ) when I thee present see , In daunger rather to be drent , then brent ? Harrow , the flames , which me consume ( said hee ) Ne can be quencht , within my secret bowels bee . That cursed man , that cruell feend of hell , Furor , oh Furor hath me thus bedight : His deadly wounds within my liuers swell , And his whot fire burnes in mine entrails bright , Kindled through his infernall brond of spight , Sith late with him I batteil vaine would boste ; That now I weene Ioues dreaded thunder light Does scorch not halfe so sore , nor damned ghoste In flaming Phlegeton does not so felly roste . Which when as Archimago heard , his griefe He knew right well , and him attonce disarmd : Then searcht his secret wounds , and made a priefe Of euery place , that was with brusing harmd , Or with the hidden fire too inly warmd . Which done , he balmes and herbes thereto applyde , And euemore with mighty spels them charmd , That in short space he has them qualifyde , And him restor'd to health , that would haue algates dyde .

Cant. VII . Guyon findes Mamon in a delue , Sunning his threasure hore : Is by him tempted , & led downe , To see his secret store . AS Pilot well expert in perilous waue , That to a stedfast starre his course hath bent , When foggy mistes , or cloudy tempests haue The faithfull light of that faire lampe yblent , And couer'd heauen with hideous dreriment , Vpon his card and compas firmes his eye , The maisters of his long experiment , And to them does the steddy helme apply , Bidding his winged vessell fairely forward fly . So Guyon hauing lost his trusty guide , Late left beyond that Ydle lake , proceedes Yet on his way , of none accompanide ; And euermore himselfe with comfort feedes , Of his owne vertues , and prayse-worthy deedes . So long he yode , yet no aduenture found , Which fame of her shrill trompet worthy reedes : For still he traueild through wide wastfull ground , That nought but desert wildernesse shew'd all around . At last he came vnto a gloomy glade , Couer'd with boughes & shrubs from heauens light , Whereas he sitting found in secret shade An vncouth , saluage , and vnciulle wight , Of griesly hew , and fowle ill fauour'd sight ; His face with smoke was tand , and eyes were bleard , His head and beard with sout were ill bedight , His cole-blacke hands did seeme to haue beene seard In smithes fire-spitting forge , and nayles like clawes appeard . His yron coate all ouergrowne with rust , Was vnderneath enueloped with gold , Whose glistring glosse darkned with filthy dust , Well it appeared , to haue beene of old A worke of rich entayle , and curious mould , Wouen with antickes and wild Imagery : And in his lap a masse of coyne he told , And turned vpsidowne , to feede his eye A couetous desire with his huge threasury . And round about him lay on euery side Great heapes of gold , that neuer could be spent : Of which some were rude owre , not purifide Of Mulcibers deuouring element ; Some others were new driuen , and distent Into great Ingoes , and to wedges square ; Some in round plates withouten moniment ; But most were stampt , and in their metall bare The antique shapes of kings and kesars straunge & rare . Soone as he Guyon saw , in great affright And hast he rose , for to remoue aside Those pretious hils from straungers enuious sight , And downe them poured through an hole full wide , Into the hollow earth , them there to hide . But Guyon lightly to him leaping , stayd His hand , that trembled , as one terrifyde ; And though him selfe were at the sight dismayd , Yet him perforce restraynd , and to him doubtfull sayd . What art thou man , ( if man at all thou art ) That here in desert hast thine habitaunce , And these rich heapes of wealth doest hide apart From the worldes eye , and from her right vsaunce ? Thereat with staring eyes fixed askaunce , In great disdaine , he answerd ; Hardy Elfe , That darest vew my direfull , countenaunce , I read thee rash , and heedlesse of thy selfe , To trouble my still seate , and heapes of pretious pelfe . God of the world and worldlings I me call , Great Mammon , greatest god below the skye , That of my plenty poure out vnto all , And vnto none my graces do enuye : Riches , renowme , and principality , Honour , estate , and all this worldes good , For which men swinck and sweat incessantly , Fro me do flow into an ample flood , And in the hollow earth haue their eternall brood . Wherefore if me thou deigne to serue and sew , At thy commaund lo all these mountaines bee ; Or if to thy great mind , or greedy vew All these may not suffise , there shall to thee Ten times so much be numbred francke and free . Mammon ( said he ) thy godheades vaunt is vaine , And idle offers of thy golden fee ; To them , that couet such eye-glutting gaine , Proffer thy giftes , and fitter seruaunts entertaine . Me ill besits , that in der-doing armes , And honours suit my vowed dayes do spend , Vnto thy bounteous baytes , and pleasing charmes , With which weake men thou witchest , to attend : Regard of worldly mucke doth fowly blend , And low abase the high heroicke spright , That ioyes for crownes and kingdomes to contend ; Faire shields , gay steedes , bright armes be my delight : Those be the riches fit for an aduent'rous knight . Vaine glorious Elfe ( said he ) doest not thou weet , That money can thy wantes at will supply ? Sheilds , steeds , and armes , & all things for thee meet It can puruay in twinckling of an eye ; And crownes and kingdomes to thee multiply . Do not I kings create , throw the crowne Sometimes to him , that low in dust doth ly ? And him that raignd , into his rowme thrust downe , And whom I lust , do heape with glory and renowne ? All otherwise ( said he ) I riches read , And deeme them roote of all disquietnesse ; First got with guile , and then preseru'd with dread , And after spent with pride and lauishnesse , Leauing behind them griefe and heauinesse . Infinite mischiefes of them do arize , Strife ; and debate , bloudshed , and bitternesse , Outrageous wrong , and hellish couetize , That noble heart as great dishonour doth despize . Ne thine be kingdomes , ne the scepters thine ; But realmes and rulers thou doest both confound , And loyall truth to treason doest incline ; Witnesse the guiltlesse bloud pourd oft on ground , The crowned often slaine , the slayer cround , The sacred Diademe in peeces rent , And purple robe gored with many a wound ; Castles surprizd , great cities sackt and brent : So mak'st thou kings , & gaynest wrongfull gouernement . Long were to tell the troublous stormes , that tosse The priuate state , and make the life vnsweet : Who swelling sayles in Caspian sea doth crosse , And in frayle wood on Adrian gulfe doth fleet , Doth not , I weene , so many euils meet . Then Mammon wexing wroth , And why then , said , Are mortall men so fond and vndiscreet , So euill thing to seeke vnto their ayd , And hauing not complaine , and hauing it vpbraid ? Indeede ( quoth he ) through fowle intemperaunce , Frayle men are oft captiu'd to couetise : But would they thinke , with how small allowaunce Vntroubled Nature doth her selfe suffise , Such superfluities they would despise , Which with sad cares empeach our natiue ioyes : At the well head the purest streames arise : But mucky filth his braunching armes annoyes , And with vncomely weedes the gentle waue accloyes . The antique world , in his first flowring youth , Found no defect in his Creatours grace , But with gladthankes , and vnreproued truth , Tne gifts of soueraigne bountie did embrace : Like Angels life was then mens happy cace ; But later ages pride , like corn-fed steed , Abusd her plenty , and fat swolne encreace To all licentious lust , and gan exceed The measure of her meane , and naturall first need . Then gan a cursed hand the quiet wombe Of his great Gandmother with steele to wound , And the hid treasures in her sacred tombe , With Sacriledge to dig . Therein he found Fountaines of gold and siluer to abound , Of which the matter of his huge desire And pompous pride eftsoones he did compound ; Then auarice gan through his veines inspire His greedy flames , and kindled life-deuouring fire . Sonne ( said he then ) let be thy bitter scorne , And leaue the rudenesse of antique age To them , that liu'd therein in state forlorne ; Thou that doest liue in later times , must wage Thy workes for wealth , and life for gold engage . If then thee list my offred grace to vse , Take what thou please of all this surplusage ; If thee list not , leaue haue thou to refuse : But thing refused , do not afterward accuse . Me list not ( said the Elfin knight ) receaue Thing offred , till I know it well be got , Ne wote I , but thou didst these goods bereaue From rightfull owner by vnrighteous lot , Or that bloud guiltnesse or guile them blot . Perdy ( quoth he ) yet neuer eye did vew , Ne toung did tell , ne hand these handled not , But safe I haue them kept in secret mew , From heauens sight , and powre of all which them pursew . What secret place ( quoth he ) can safely hold So huge a masse , and hide from heauens eye ? Or where hast thou thy wonne , that so much gold Thou canst preserue from wrong and robbery ? Come thou ( quoth he ) and see . So by and by Through that thicke couert he him led , and found A darkesome way , which no man could descry , That deepe descended through the hollow ground , And was with dread and horrour compassed around . At length they came into a larger space , That stretcht it selfe into an ample plaine , Through which a beaten broad high way did trace , That streight did lead to Plutoes griefly raine : By that wayes side , there fate infernall Payne , And fast beside him sat tumultuous Strife : The one in hand an yron whip did straine , The other brandished a bloudy knife , And both did gnash their teeth , & both did threaten life . On thother side in one consort there sate , Cruell Reuenge , and rancorous Despight , Disloyall Treason , and hart-burning Hate , But gnawing Gealosie out of their sight Sitting alone , his bitter lips did bight , And trembling Feare still to and fro did fly , And found no place , where safe he shroud him might , Lamenting Sorrow did in darknesse lye . And Shame his vgly face did hide from liuing eye . And ouer them sad horrour with grim hew , Did alwayes sore , beating his yron wings ; And after him Owles and Night-rauens flew , The hatefull messengers of heauy things , Of death and dolour telling sad tidings ; Whiles sad Celeno , sitting on a clift , A song of bale and bitter sorrow sings , That hart of flint a sunder could haue rift : Which hauing ended , after him she flyeth swift . All these before the gates of Pluto lay , By whom they passing , spake vnto them nought . But th' Elfin knight with wonder all the way Did feed his eyes , and fild his inner thought . At last him to a litle dore he brought , That to the gate of Hell , which gaped wide , Was next adioyning , ne them parted ought : Betwixt them both was but a litle stride , That did the house of Richesse from hell-mouth diuide . Before the dore sat selfe-consuming Care , Day and night keeping wary watch and ward , For feare least Force or Fraud should vnaware Breake in , and spoile the treasure there in gard : Ne would he suffer Sleepe once thither-ward Approch , albe his drowsie den were next ; For next to death is Sleepe to be compard : Therefore his house is vnto his annext ; Here Sleep , there Richesse , & Hel-gate them both betwext . So soone as Mammon there arriu'd , the dore To him did open , and affoorded way ; Him followed eke Sir Guyon euermore , Ne darkenesse him , ne daunger might dismay . Soone as he entred was , the dore streight way Did shut , and from behind it forth there lept An vgly feend , more fowle then dismall day , The which with monstrous stalke behind him stept , And euer as he went , dew watch vpon him kept . Well hoped he , ere long that hardy guest , If euer couetous hand , or lustfull eye , Or lips he layd on thing , that likt him best , Or euer sleepe his eye-strings did vntye , Should be his pray . And therefore still on hye He ouer him did hold his cruell clawes , Threatning with greedy gripe to do him dye And rend in peeces with his rauenous pawes , If euer he transgrest the fatall Stygian lawes . That houses forme within was rude and strong , Like an huge caue , hewne out of rocky clift , From whose rough vaut the ragged breaches hong , Embost with massy gold of glorious gift , And with rich metall loaded euery rift , That heauy ruine they did seeme to threat ; And ouer them Arachne high did lift Her cunning web , and spred her subtile net , Enwrapped in fowle smoke and clouds more blacke then Iet . Both roofe , and floore , and wals were all of gold , But ouergrowne with dust and old decay , And hid in darkenesse , that none could behold The hew thereof : for vew of chearefull day Did neuer in that house it selfe display , But a faint shadow of vncertain light ; Such as a lamp , whose life does fade away : Or as the Moone cloathed with clowdy night , Does shew to him , that walkes in feare and sad affright . In all that rowme was nothing to be seene , But huge great yron chests and coffers strong , All bard with double bends , that none could weene Them to efforce by violence or wrong ; On euery side they placed were along . But all the ground with sculs was scattered , And dead mens bones , which round about were flong , Whose liues , it seemed , whilome there were shed , And their vile carcases now left vnburied . They forward passe , ne Guyon yet spoke word , Till that they came vnto an yron dore , Which to them opened of his owne accord , And shewd of richesse such exceeding store , As eye of man did neuer see before ; Ne euer could within one place be found , Though all the wealth , which is , or was of yore , Could gathered be through all the world around , And that aboue were added to that vnder ground . The charge thereof vnto a couetous Spright Commaunded was , who thereby did attend , And warily awaited day and night , From other couetous feends it to defend , Who it to rob and ransacke did intend . Then Mammon turning to that warriour , said ; Loe here the worldes blis , loe here the end , To which all men do ayme , rich to be made : Such grace now to be happy , is before thee laid . Certes ( said he ) I n'ill thine offred grace , Ne to be made so happy do intend : Another blis before mine eyes I place , Another happinesse , another end . To them , that list , these base regardes I lend : But I in armes , and in atchieuements braue , Do rather choose my flitting houres to spend , And to be Lord of those , that riches haue , Then them to haue my selfe , and be their seruile sclaue . Thereat the feend his gnashing teeth did grate , And grieu'd , so long to lacke his greedy pray ; For well he weened , that so glorious bayte Would tempt his guest , to take thereof assay : Had he so doen , he had him snatcht away , More light then Culuer in the Faulcons fist . Eternall God thee saue from such decay . But whenas Mammon saw his purpose mist , Him to entrap vnwares another way he wist . Thence forward he him led , and shortly brought Vnto another rowme , whose dore forthright , To him did open , as it had beene taught : Therein an hundred raunges weren pight , And hundred fornaces all burning bright ; By euery fornace many feends did bide , Deformed creatures , horrible in sight , And euery feend his busie paines applide , To melt the golden metall , ready to be tride . One with great bellowes gathered filling aire , And with forst wind the fewell did inflame ; Another did the dying bronds repaire With yron toungs , and sprinckled oft the same With liquid waues , fiers Vulcans rage to tame , Who maistring them , renewd his former heat ; Some scumd the drosse , that from the metall came ; Some stird the molten owre with ladles great ; And euery one did swincke , and euery one did sweat . But when as earthly wight they present saw , Glistring in armes and battailous aray , From their whot worke they did themselues withdraw To wonder at the sight : for till that day , They neuer creature saw , that came that way . Their staring eyes sparckling with feruent fire , And vgly shapes did nigh the man dismay , That were it not for shame , he would retire , Till that him thus bespake their soueraigne Lord & sire . Behold , thou Faeries sonne , with mortall eye , That liuing eye before did neuer see : The thing , that thou didst craue so earnestly , To weet , whence all the wealth late shewd by mee , Proceeded , lo now is reueald to thee . Here is the fountaine of the worldes good : Now therefore , if thou wilt enriched bee , Auise thee well , and chaunge thy wilfull mood , Least thou perhaps hereafter wish , and be withstood . Suffise it then , thou Money God ( quoth hee ) That all thine idle offers I refuse . All that I need I haue ; what needeth mee To couet more , then I haue cause to vse ? With such vaine shewes thy worldlings vile abuse : But giue me leaue to follow mine emprise . Mammon was much displeasd , yet no'te he chuse , But beare the rigour of his bold mespise , And thence him forward led , him further to entise . He brought him through a darksome narrow strait , To a broad gate , all built of beaten gold : The gate was open , but therein did wait A sturdy villein , striding stiffe and bold , As the highest God defie he would ; In his right hand an yron club he held , But he himselfe was all of golden mould , Yet had both life and sence , and well could weld That cursed weapon , when his cruell foes he queld . Disdayne he called was , and did disdaine To be so cald , and who so did him call : Sterne was to looke , and full of stomacke vaine , His portaunce terrible , and stature tall , Far passing th' hight of men terrestriall ; Like an huge Gyant of the Titans race , That made him scorne all creatures great and small , And with his pride all others powre deface : More fit amongst blacke fiendes , then men to haue his place . Soone as those glitterand armes he did espye , That with their brightnesse made that darknesse light , His harmefull club he gan to hurtle hye , And threaten batteill to the Faery knight ; Who likewise gan himselfe to batteill dight , Till Mammon did his hasty hand withhold , And counseld him abstaine from perilous fight : For nothing might abash the villein bold , Ne mortall steele emperce his miscreated mould . So hauing him with reason pacifide , And the fiers Carle commaunding to forbeare , He brought him in . The rowme was large and wide , As it some Gyeld or solemne Temple weare : Many great golden pillours did vpbeare The massy roofe , and riches huge sustayne , And euery pillour decked was full deare With crownes and Diademes , & titles vaine , Which mortall Princes wore , whiles they on earth did rayne . A route of people there assembled were , Of euery sort and nation vnder skye , Which with great vprore preaced to draw nere To th' vpper part , where was aduaunced hye A stately siege of soueraigne maiestye ; And thereon sat a woman gorgeous gay , And richly clad in robes of royaltye , That neuer earthly Prince in such a ray His glory did enhaunce , and pompous pride display . Her face right wondrous faire did seeme to bee , That her broad beauties beam great brightnes threw Through the dim shade , that all men might it see : Yet was not that same her owne natiue hew , But wrought by art and counterfetted shew , Thereby more louers vnto her to call ; Nath'lesse most heauenly faire in deed and vew She by creation was , till she did fall ; Thenceforth she sought for helps , to cloke her crime withall . There , as in glistring glory she did sit , She held a great gold chaine ylincked well , Whose vpper end to highest heauen was knit , And lower part did reach to lowest Hell ; And all that preace did round about her swell , To catchen hold of that long chaine , thereby To clime aloft , and others to excell : That was Ambition , rash desire to sty , And euery lincke thereof a step of dignity . Some thought to raise themselues to high degree , By riches and vnrighteous reward , Some by close shouldrihg , some by flatteree ; Others through friends , others for base regard ; And all by wrong wayes for themselues prepard . Those that were vp themselues , kept others low , Those that were low themselues , held others hard , Ne suffred them to rise or greater grow , But euery one did striue his fellow downe to throw . Which when as Guyon saw , he gan inquire , What meant that preace about that Ladies throne , And what she was that did so high aspire . Him Mammon answered ; That goodly one , Whom all that folke with such contention , Do flocke about , my deare my , daughter is ; Honour and dignitie from her alone , Deriued are , and all this worldes blis For which ye men do striue : few get , but many mis. And faire Philotime she rightly hight , The fairest wight that wonneth vnder skye , But that this darksome neather world her light Doth dim with horrour and deformitie , Worthy of heauen and hye felicitie , From whence the gods haue her for enuy thrust : But sith thou hast found fauour in mine eye , Thy spouse I will her make , if that thou lust , That she may thee aduance for workes and merites iust . Gramercy Mammon ( said the gentle knight ) For so great grace and offred high estate ; But I , that am fraile flesh and earthly wight , Vnworthy match for such immortall mate My selfe well wote , and mine vnequall fate ; And were I not , yet is my trouth yplight , And loue auowd to other Lady late , That to remoue the same I haue no might : To chaunge loue causelesse is reproch to warlike knight . Mammon emmoued was with inward wrath ; Yet forcing it to faine , him forth thence led Through griesly shadowes by a beaten path , Into a gardin goodly garnished With hearbs and fruits , whose kinds mote not be red : Not such , as earth out of her fruitfull woomb Throwes forth to men , sweet and well sauoured , But direfull deadly blacke both leafe and bloom , Fit to adorne the dead , and decke the drery toombe . There mournfull Cypresse grew in greatest store , And trees of bitter Gall , and Heben sad , Dead sleeping Poppy , and blacke Hellebore , Cold Coloquintida , and Tetra mad , Mortall Samnitis , and Cicuta bad , Which with th' vniust Atheniens made to dy Wise Socrates , who thereof quaffing glad Pourd out his life , and last Philosophy To the faire Critias his dearest Belamy . The Gordin of Proserpina this hight ; And in the midst thereof a siluer seat , With a thicke Arber goodly ouer dight , In which she often vsd from open heat Her selfe to shroud , and pleasures to entreat . Next thereunto did grow a goodly tree , With braunches broad dispred and body great , Clothed with leaues , that none the wood mote see And loaden all with fruit as thicke as it might bee . Their fruit were golden apples glistring bright , That goodly was their glory to behold , On earth like neuer grew , ne liuing wight Like euer saw , but they from hence were sold ; For those , which Hercules with conquest bold Got from great Atlas daughters , hence began , And planted there , did bring forth fruit of gold : And those with which th' Eubaean young man wan Swift Atalanta , when through craft he her out ran . Here also sprong that goodly golden fruit , With which Acontius got his louer trew , Whom he had long time sought with fruitlesse suit : Here eke that famous golden Apple grew , The which emongst the gods false Ate threw ; For which th' Idaean Ladies disagreed , Till partiall Paris dempt it Venus dew , And had of her , faire Helen for his meed , That many noble Greekes and Troians made to bleed . The warlike Elfe , much wondred at this tree , So faire and great , that shadowed all the ground , And his broad braunches , laden with rich fee , Did stretch themselues without the vtmost bound Of this great gardin , compast with a mound , Which ouer-hanging , they themselues did steepe , In a blacke flood which flow'd about it round ; That is the riuer of Cocytus deepe , In which full many soules do endlesse waile and weepe . Which to behold , he clomb vp to the banke , And looking downe , saw many damned wights , In those sad waues , which direfull deadly stanke , Plonged continually of cruell Sprights , That with their pitteous cryes , and yelling shrights , They made the further shore resounden wide : Emongst the rest of those same ruefull sights , One cursed creature , he by chaunce espide , That drenched lay full deepe , vnder the Garden side . Deepe was he drenched to the vpmost chin , Yet gaped still , as coueting to drinke Of the cold liquor , which he waded in , And stretching forth his hand , did often thinke To reach the fruit , which grew vpon the brincke : But both the fruit from hand , and floud from mouth Did flie abacke , and made him vainely swinke : The whiles he steru'd with hunger and with drouth He daily dyde , yet neuer throughly dyen couth . The knight him seeing labour so in vaine , Askt who he was , and what he ment thereby : Who groning deepe , thus answerd him againe ; Most cursed of all creatures vnder skye , Lo Tantalus , I here tormented lye : Of whom high Ioue wont whylome feasted bee , Lo here I now for want of food doe dye : But if that thou be such , as I thee see , Of grace I pray thee , giue to eat and drinke to mee . Nay , nay , thou greedie Tantalus ( quoth he ) Abide the fortune of thy present fate , And vnto all that liue in high degree , Ensample be of mind intemperate , To teach them how to vse their present state . Then gan the cursed wretch aloud to cry , Accusing highest Ioue and gods ingrate , And eke blaspheming heauen bitterly , As authour of vniustice , there to let him dye . He lookt a little further , and espyde Another wretch , whose carkasse deepe was drent Within the riuer , which the same did hyde : But both his hands most filthy feculent , Aboue the water were on high extent , And faynd to wash themselues incessantly ; Yet nothing cleaner were for such intent , But rather fowler seemed to the eye ; So lost his labour vaine and idle industry . The knight him calling , asked who he was , Who lifting vp his head , him answerd thus : I Pilate am the falsest Iudge , alas , And most vniust , that by vnrighteous And wicked doome , to Iewes despiteous Deliuered vp the Lord of life to die , And did acquite a murdrer felonous ; The whiles my hands I washt in puritie , The whiles my soule was soyld with foule iniquitie . Infinite moe , tormented in like paine He there beheld , too long here to be told : Ne Mammon would there let him long remaine , For terrour of the tortures manifold , In which the damned soules he did behold , But roughly him bespake . Thou fearefull foole , Why takest not of that same fruit of gold , Ne sittest downe on that same siluer stoole , To rest thy wearie person , in the shadow coole . All which he did , to doe him deadly fall In frayle intemperance through sinfull bayt ; To which if he inclined had at all , That dreadfull feend , which did behind him wayt , Would him haue rent in thousand peeces strayt : But he was warie wise in all his way , And well perceiued his deceiptfull sleight , Ne suffred lust his safetie to betray ; So goodly did beguile the Guyler of the pray . And now he has so long remained there , That vitall powres gan wexe both weake and wan , For want of food , and sleepe , which two vpbeare , Like mightie pillours , this fraile life of man , That none without the same enduren can . For now three dayes of men were full outwrought , Since he this hardie enterprize began : For thy great Mammon fairely he besought , Into the world to guide him backe , as he him brought . The God , though loth , yet was constraind t' obay , For lenger time , then that , no liuing wight Below the earth , might suffred be to stay : So backe againe , him brought to liuing light . But all so soone as his enfeebled spright Gan sucke this vitall aire into his brest , As ouercome with too exceeding might , The life did flit away out of her nest , And all his senses were with deadly fit opprest .

Cant. VIII . Sir Guyon laid in swowne is by Acrates sonnes despoyld , Whom Arthur soone hath reskewed And Paynim brethren foyld . ANd is there care in heauen ? and is there loue In heauenly spirits to these creatures bace , That may compassion of their euils moue ? There is : else much more wretched were the cace Of men , then beasts . But ô th' exceeding grace Of highest God , that loues his creatures so , And all his workes with mercy doth embrace , That blessed Angels , he sends to and fro , To serue to wicked man , to serue his wicked foe . How oft do they , their siluer bowers leaue , To come to succour vs , that succour want ? How oft do they with golden pineons , cleaue The flitting skyes , like flying Pursuiuant , Against foule feends to aide vs millitant ? They for vs fight , they watch and dewly ward , And their bright Squadrons round about vs plant , And all for loue , and nothing for reward : O why should heauenly God to men haue such regard ? During the while , that Guyon did abide In Mamons house , the Palmer , whom whyleare That wanton Mayd of passage had denide , By further search had passage found elsewhere , And being on his way , approched neare , Where Guyon lay in traunce , when suddenly He heard a voice , that called loud and cleare , Come hither , come hither , ô come hastily ; That all the fields resounded with the ruefull cry . The Palmer lent his eare vnto the noyce , To weet , who called so importunely : Againe he heard a more efforced voyce , That bad him come in haste . He by and by His feeble feet directed to the cry ; Which to that shadie delue him brought at last , Where Mammon earst did sunne his threasury : There the good Guyon he found slumbring fast In senselesse dreame ; which sight at first him sore aghast . Beside his head there sate a faire young man , Of wondrous beautie , and of freshest yeares , Whose tender bud to blossome new began , And flourish faire aboue his equall peares ; His snowy front curled with golden heares , Like Phoebus face adornd with sunny rayes , Diuinely shone , and two sharpe winged sheares , Decked with diuerse plumes , like painted Iayes , Were fixed at his backe , to cut his ayerie wayes . Like as Cupido on Idaean hill , When hauing laid his cruell bow away , And mortall arrowes , wherewith he doth fill The world with murdrous spoiles and bloudie pray , With his faire mother he him dights to play , And with his goodly sisters , Graces three ; The Goddesse pleased with his wanton play , Suffers her selfe through sleepe beguild to bee , The whiles the other Ladies mind their merry glee . Whom when the Palmer saw , abasht he was Through feare and wonder , that he nought could say , Till him the child bespoke , Long lackt , alas , Hath bene thy faithfull aide in hard assay , Whiles deadly fit thy pupill doth dismay ; Behold this heauie sight , thou reuerend Sire , But dread of death and dolour doe away ; For life ere long shall to her home retire , And he that breathlesse seemes , shal corage bold respire . The charge , which God doth vnto me arret , Of his deare safetie , I to thee commend ; Yet will I not forgoe , ne yet forget The care thereof my selfe vnto the end , But euermore him succour , and defend Against his foe and mine : watch thou I pray ; For euill is at hand him to offend . So hauing said , eftsoones he gan display His painted nimble wings , and vanisht quite away . The Palmer seeing his left empty place , And his slow eyes beguiled of their sight , Woxe fore affraid , and standing still a space , Gaz'd after him , as fowle escapt by flight ; At last him turning to his charge behight , With trembling hand his troubled pulse gan try ; Where finding life not yet dislodged quight , He much reioyst , and courd it tenderly , As chicken newly hatcht , from dreaded destiny . At last he spide , where towards him did pace Two Paynim knights , all armd as bright as skie , And them beside an aged Sire did trace , And farre before a light-foot Page did flie , That breathed strife and troublous enmitie ; Those were the two sonnes of Acrates old , Who meeting earst with Archimago slie , Foreby that idle strond , of him were told , That he , which earst them combatted , was Guyon bold . Which to auenge on him they dearely vowd , Where euer that on ground they mote him fynd ; False Archimage prouokt their courage prowd , And stryfull Atin in their stubborne mynd Coles of contention and whot vengeance tynd . Now bene they come , whereas the Palmer sate , Keeping that slombred corse to him assynd ; Well knew they both his person , sith of late With him in bloudie armes they rashly did debate . Whom when Pyrrhochles saw , inflam'd with rage , That sire he soule bespake , Thou dotard vile , That with thy brutenesse shendst thy comely age , Abandone soone , I read , the caitiue spoile Of that same outcast carkasse , that erewhile Made it selfe famous through false trechery , And crownd his coward crest with knightly stile ; Loe where he now inglorious doth lye , To proue he liued ill , that did thus foully dye . To whom the Palmer fearelesse answered ; Certes , Sir knight , ye bene too much to blame , Thus for to blot the honour of the dead , And with foule cowardize his carkasse shame , Whose liuing hands immortalizd his name . Vile is the vengeance on the ashes cold , And enuie base , to barke at sleeping fame : Was neuer wight , that treason of him told ; Your selfe his prowesse prou'd & found him fiers & bold . Then said Cymochles ; Palmer , thou doest dote , Ne canst of prowesse , ne of knighthood deeme , Saue as thou seest or hearst . But well I wote , That of his puissance tryall made extreeme ; Yet gold all is not , that doth golden seeme , Ne all good knights , that shake well speare and shield : The worth of all men by their end esteeme , And then due praise , or due reproch them yield ; Bad therefore I him deeme , that thus lies dead on field . Good or bad ( gan his brother fierce reply ) What doe I recke , sith that he dyde entire ? Or what doth his bad death now satisfy The greedy hunger of reuenging ire , Sith wrathfull hand wrought not her owne desire ? Yet since no way is left to wreake my spight , I will him reaue of armes , the victors hire , And of that shield , more worthy of good knight ; For why should a dead dog be deckt in armour bright ? Faire Sir , said then the Palmer suppliaunt , For knighthoods loue , do not so foule a deed , Ne blame your honour with so shamefull vaunt Of vile reuenge . To spoile the dead of weed Is sacrilege , and doth all sinnes exceed ; But leaue these relicks of his liuing might , To decke his herce , and trap his tomb-blacke steed . What herce or steede ( said he ) should he haue dight , But be entombed in the rauen or the kight ? With that , rude hand vpon his shield he laid , And th' other brother gan his helme vnlace , Both fiercely bent to haue him disaraid ; Till that they spide , where towards them did pace An armed knight , of bold and bounteous grace , Whose squire bore after him an heben launce , And couerd shield , Well kend him so farre space Th' enchaunter by his armes and amenaunce , When vnder him he saw his Lybian steed to praunce . And to those brethren said , Rise rise by liue , And vnto battell doe your selues addresse ; For yonder comes the prowest knight aliue , Prince Arthur , flowre of grace and nobilesse , That hath to Paynim knights wrought great distresse , And thousand Sar'zins foully donne to dye . That word so deepe did in their harts impresse , That both eftsoones vpstarted furiously , And gan themselues prepare to battell greedily . But fierce Pyrrhochles , lacking his owne sword , The want thereof now greatly gan to plaine , And Archimage besought , him that afford , Which he had brought for Braggadocchio vaine . So would I ( said th' enchaunter ) glad and faine Beteeme to you this sword , you to defend , Or ought that else your honour might maintaine , But that this weapons powre I well haue kend , To be contrarie to the worke , which ye intend . For that same knights owne sword this is of yore , Which Merlin made by his almightie art For that his noursling , when he knighthood swore , Therewith to doen his foes eternall smart . The metall first he mixt with Medaewart , That no enchauntment from his dint might saue ; Then it in flames of Aetna wrought apart , And seuen times dipped in the bitter waue Of hellish Styx , which hidden vertue to it gaue . The vertue is , that neither steele , nor stone The stroke thereof from entrance may defend ; Ne euer may be vsed by his fone , Ne forst his rightfull owner to offend , Ne euer will it breake , ne euer bend . Wherefore Morddure it rightfully is hight . In vaine therefore , Pyrrhochles , should I lend The same to thee , against his lord to fight , For sure it would deceiue thy labour , and thy might . Foolish old man , said then the Pagan wroth , That weenest words or charmes may force withstond : Soone shalt thou see , and then beleeue for troth , That I can carue with this inchaunted brond His Lords owne flesh . Therewith out of his hond That vertuous steele he rudely snatcht away , And Guyons shield about his wrest he bond ; So readie dight , fierce battaile to assay , And match his brother proud in battailous array . By this that straunger knight in presence came , And goodly salued them ; who nought againe Him answered , as courtesie became , But with sterne lookes , and stomachous disdaine , Gaue signes of grudge and discontentment vaine : Then turning to the Palmer , he gan spy Where at his feete , with sorrowfull demaine And deadly hew , an armed corse did lye , In whose dead face he red great magnanimity . Said he then to the Palmer , Reuerend syre , What great misfortune hath betidd this knight ? Or did his life her fatall date expyre , Or did he fall by treason , or by fight ? How euer , sure I rew his pitteous plight . Not one , nor other , ( said the Palmer graue ) Hath him befalne , but cloudes of deadly night A while his heauie eylids couer'd haue , And all his senses drowned in deepe senselesse waue . Which , those same foes , that stand hereby , Making aduantage , to reuenge their spight , Would him disarme , and treaten shamefully , Vnworthy vsage of redoubted knight . But you , faire Sir , whose honorable sight Doth promise hope of helpe , and timely grace , Mote I beseech to succour his sad plight , And by your powre protect his feeble cace . First praise of knighthood is , foule outrage to deface . Palmer , ( said he ) no knight so rude , I weene , As to doen outrage to a sleeping ghost : Ne was there euer noble courage seene , That in aduauntage would his puissance bost : Honour is least , where oddes appeareth most . May be , that better reason will asswage , The rash reuengers heat . Words well dispost Haue secret powre , t' appease inflamed rage : If not , leaue vnto me thy knights last patonage . Tho turning to those brethren , thus bespoke , Ye warlike payre , whose valorous great might It seemes , iust wrongs to vengeance doe prouoke , To wreake your wrath on this dead seeming knight , Mote ought allay the storme of your despight , And settle patience in so furious heat ? Not to debate the chalenge of your right , But for this carkasse pardon I entreat , Whom fortune hath alreadie laid in lowest seat . To whom Cymochles said ; For what art thou , That mak'st thy selfe his dayes-man , to prolong The vengeance prest ? Or who shall let me now , On this vile bodie from to wreake my wrong , And make his carkasse as the outcast dong ? Why should not that dead carrion satisfie The guilt , which if he liued had thus long , His life for due reuenge should deare abie ? The trespasse still doth liue , albe the person die . Indeed ( then said the Prince ) the euill donne Dyes not , when breath the bodie first doth leaue , But from the grandsyre to the Nephewes sonne , And all his seed the curse doth often cleaue , Till vengeance vtterly the guilt bereaue : So streightly God doth iudge . But gentle knight , That doth against the dead his hand vpreare , His honour staines with rancour and despight , And great disparagment makes to his former might . Pyrrhochles gan reply the second time , And to him said , Now felon sure I read , How that thou art partaker of his crime : Therefore by Termagaunt thou shalt be dead . With that his hand , more sad then lomp of lead , Vplifting high , he weened with Morddure , His owne good sword Morddure , to cleaue his head . The faithfull steele such treason no'uld endure , But swaruing from the marke , his Lords life did assure . Yet was the force so furious and so fell , That horse and man it made to reele aside ; Nath'lesse the Prince would not forsake his sell : For well of yore he learned had to ride , But full of anger fiercely to him cride ; False traitour miscreant , thou broken hast The law of armes , to strike foe vndefide . But thou thy treasons fruit , I hope , shalt taste Right sowre , & feele the law , the which thou hast defast . With that his balefull speare , he fiercely bent Against the Pagans brest , and therewith thought His cursed life out of her lodge haue rent : But ere the point arriued , where it ought , That seuen-fold shield , which he from Guyon brought He cast betwene to ward the bitter stound : Through all those foldes the steelehead passage wrought And through his shoulder pierst ; wherwith to ground He groueling fell , all gored in his gushing wound . Which when his brother saw , fraught with great griefe And wrath , he to him leaped furiously , And fowly said , By Mahoune , cursed thiefe , That direfull stroke thou dearely shalt aby . Then hurling vp his harmefull blade on hye , Smote him so hugely on his haughtie crest , That from his saddle forced him to fly : Else mote it needes downe to his manly brest Haue cleft his head in twaine , and life thence dispossest . Now was the Prince in daungerous distresse , Wanting his sword , when he on foot should fight : His single speare could doe him small redresse , Against two foes of so exceeding might , The least of which was match for any knight . And now the other , whom he earst did daunt , Had reard himselfe againe to cruell fight , Three times more furious , and more puissaunt , Vnmindfull of his wound , of his fate ignoraunt . So both attonce him charge on either side , With hideous strokes , and importable powre , That forced him his ground to trauerse wide , And wisely watch to ward that deadly stowre : For in his shield , as thicke as stormie showre , Their strokes did raine , yet did he neuer quaile , Ne backward shrinke , but as a stedfast towre , Whom foe with double battry doth assaile , Them on her bulwarke beares , and bids them nought auaile . So stoutly he withstood their strong assay , Till that at last , when he aduantage spyde , His poinant speare he thrust with puissant sway At proud Cymochles , whiles his shield was wyde , That through his thigh the mortall steele did gryde : He swaruing with the force , within his flesh Did breake the launce , and let the head abyde : Out of the wound the red bloud flowed fresh , That vnderneath his feet soone made a purple plesh . Horribly then he gan to rage , and rayle , Cursing his Gods , and himselfe damning deepe : Als when his brother saw the red bloud rayle Adowne so fast , and all his armour steepe , For very felnesse lowd he gan to weepe , And said , Caytiue , curffe on thy cruell hond , That twise hath sped ; yet shall it not thee keepe From the third brunt of this my fatall brond : Loe where the dreadfull Death behind thy backe doth stond . With that he strooke , and th' other strooke withall , That nothing seem'd mote beare so monstrous might : The one vpon his couered shield did fall , And glauncing downe would not his owner byte : But th' other did vpon his troncheon smyte , Which hewing quite a sunder , further way It made , and on his hacqueton did lyte , The which diuiding with importune sway , It seizd in his right side , and there the dint did stay . Wyde was the wound , and a large lukewarme flood , Red as the Rose , thence gushed grieuously ; That when the Paynim spyde the streaming blood , Gaue him great hart , and hope of victory . On th' other side , in huge perplexity , The Prince now stood , hauing his weapon broke ; Nought could he hurt , but still at ward did ly : Yet with his troncheon he so rudely stroke Cymochles twise , that twise him forst his foot reuoke . Whom when the Palmer saw in such distresse , Sir Guyons sword he lightly to him raught , And said ; faire Son , great God thy right hand blesse , To vse that sword so wisely as it ought . Glad was the knight , & with fresh courage fraught , When as againe he armed felt his hond ; Then like a Lion , which hath long time saught His robbed whelpes , and at the last them fond Emongst the shepheard swaynes , then wexeth wood & yond . So fierce he laid about him , and dealt blowes On either side , that neither mayle could hold , Ne shield defend the thunder of his throwes : Now to Pyrrhochles many strokes he told ; Eft to Cymochles twise so many fold : Then backe againe turning his busie hond , Them both attonce compeld with courage bold , To yield wide way to his hart-thrilling brond ; And though they both stood stiffe , yet could not both withstond . As saluage Bull , whom two fierce mastiues bayt , When rancour doth with rage him once engore , Forgets with warie ward them to awayt , But with his dreadfull hornes them driues afore , Or flings aloft , or treads downe in the flore , Breathing out wrath , and bellowing disdaine , That all the forrest quakes to heare him rore : So rag'd Prince Arthur twixt his foemen twaine , That neither could his mightie puissance sustaine . But euer at Pyrrhochles when he smit , Who Guyons shield cast euer him before , Whereon the Faery Queenes pourtract was writ , His hand relented , and the stroke forbore , And his deare hart the picture gan adore , Which ost the Paynim sau'd from deadly stowre . But him henceforth the same can saue no more ; For now arriued is his fatall howre , That no'te auoyded be by earthly skill or powre . For when Cymochles saw the fowle reproch , Which them appeached , prickt with gulty shame , And inward griefe , he fiercely gan approch , Resolu'd to put away that loathly blame , Or dye with honour and desert of fame ; And on the hauberk stroke the Prince so sore , That quite disparted all the linked frame , And pierced to the skin , but bit no more , Yet made him twise to reele , that neuer moou'd afore . Whereat renfierst with wrath and sharpe regret , He stroke so hugely with his borrowd blade , That it empierst the Pagans burganet , And cleauing the hard steele , did deepe inuade Into his head , and cruell passage made Quite through his braine . He tombling downe on ground , Breathd out has ghost , which to th' infernall shade Fast flying , there eternall torment found , For all the sinnes , wherewith his lewd life did abound , Which when his german saw , the stony feare , Ran to his hart , and all his sence dismayd , Ne thenceforth life ne courage did appeare , But as a man , whom hellish feends haue frayd , Long trembling still he stood : at last thus sayd ; Traytour what hast thou doen ? how euer may Thy cursed hand so cruelly haue swayd Against that knight : Horrow and well away , After so wicked deed why liu'st thou lenger day ? With that all desperate as loathing light , And with reuenge desiring soone to dye , Assembling all his force and vtmost might , With his owne sword he fierce at him did flye , And strooke , and foynd , and lasht outrageously , Withouten reason or regard . Well knew The Prince , with patience and sufferaunce sly So hasty heat soone cooled to subdew : Tho when this breathlesse woxe , that batteil gan renew . As when a windy tempest bloweth hye , That nothing may withstand his stormy stowre , The cloudes , as things affrayd , before him flye ; But all so soone as his outrageous powre Is layd , they fiercely then begin to shoure , And as in scorne of his spent stormy spight , Now all attonce their malice forth do poure ; So did Sir Guyon beare himselfe in fight , And suffred rash Pyrrhochles wast his idle might . At last when as the Sarazin perceiu'd , How that straunge sword refusd , to serue his need , But when he stroke most strong , the dint deceiu'd , He flong it from him , and deuoyd of dreed , Vpon him lightly leaping without heed , Twixt his two mighty armes engrasped fast , Thinking to ouerthrow and downe him tred : But him in strength and skill the Prince surpast , And through his nimble sleight did vnder him down cast . Nought booted it the Paynim then to striue ; For as a Bittur in the Eagles claw , That may not hope by flight to scape aliue , Still waites for death with dread and trembling aw ; So he now subiect to the victours law , Did not once moue , nor vpward cast his eye , Forvile disdaine and rancour , which did gnaw His hart in twaine with sad melancholy , As one that loathed life , and yet despisd to dye . But full of Princely bounty and great mind , The Conquerour nought cared him to slay , But , casting wrongs and all reuenge behind , More glory thought to giue life , then decay , And said , Paynim , this is thy dismall day ; Yet if thou wilt renounce thy miscreaunce , And my trew liegeman yield thy selfe for ay , Life will I graunt thee for thy valiaunce , And all thy wrongs will wipe out of my souenaunce . Foole ( said the Pagan ) I thy gift defye , But vse thy fortune , as it doth befall , And say , that I not ouercome do dye , But in despight of life , for death do call . Wroth was the Prince , and sory yet withall , That he so wilfully refused grace ; Yet sith his fate so cruelly did fall , His shining Helmet he gan soone vnlace , And left his headlesse body bleeding all the place . By this Sir Guyon from his traunce awakt , Life hauing maistered her sencelesse foe ; And looking vp , when as his shield he lakt , And sword saw not , he wexed wondrous woe : But when the Palmer , whom he long ygoe Hast lost , he by him spide , right glad he grew , And said , Deare sir , whom wandring to and fro I long haue lackt , I ioy thy face to vew ; Firme is thy faith , whom daunger neuer fro me drew . But rend what wicked hand hath robbed mee Of my good sword and shield ? The Palmer glad , With so fresh hew vprising him to see , Him answered ; faire sonne , be no whit sad For want of weapons , they shall soone be had . So gan he to discourse the whole debate , Which that straunge knight for him sustained had , And those two Sarazins confounded late , Whose carcases on ground were horribly prostrate . Which when he heard , and saw the tokens trew , His hart with great affection was embayd , And to the Prince with bowing reuerence dew , As to the Patrone of his life , thus sayd ; My Lord , my liege , by whose most gratious ayd I liue this day , and see my foes subdewd , What may suffise , to be for meede repayd Of so great graces , as ye haue me shewd , But to be euer bound To whom the Insant thus , Faire Sir , what need Good turnes be counted , as a seruile bond , To bind their doers , to receiue their meede ? Are not all knights by oath bound , to withstond Oppressours powre by armes and puissant hond ? Suffise , that I haue done my dew in place . So goodly purpose they together fond , Of kindnesse and of curteous aggrace ; The whiles false Archimage and Atin fled apace .

Cant. IX . The house of Temperance , in which doth sober Almadwell , Besiegd of many foes , whom straunger knightes to fight compell . O Fall Gods workes , which do this world adorne , There is no one more faire and excellent , Then is mans body both for powre and forme , Whiles it is kept in sober gouernment ; But none then it , more fowle and indecent , Distempred through misrule and passions bace : It growes a Monster , and incontinent Doth loose his dignitie and natiue grace . Behold , who list , both one and other in this place . After the Paynim brethren conquer'd were , The Briton Prince recou'ring his stolne sword , And Guyon his lost shield , they both yfere Forth passed on their way in faire accord , Till him the Prince with gentle court did bord ; Sir knight , mote I of you this curt'sie read , To weet why on your shield so goodly scord Beare ye the picture of that Ladies head ? Full liuely is the semblaunt , though the substance dead . Faire Sir ( said he ) if in that picture dead Such life ye read , and vertue in vaine shew , What mote ye weene , if the trew liuely-head Of that most glorious visage ye did vew ? But if the beautie of her mind ye knew , That is her bountie , and imperiall powre , Thousand times fairer then her mortall hew , O how great wonder would your thoughts deuoure , And infinite desire into your spirite poure ! She is the mighty Queene of Faerie , Whose faire retrait I in my shield do beare ; She is the flowre of grace and chastitie , Throughout the world renowmed far and neare , My liefe , my liege , my Soueraigne , my deare , Whose glory shineth as the morning starre , And with her light the earth enlumines cleare ; Far reach her mercies , and her prayses farre , As well in state of peace , as puissaunce in warre . Thrise happy man , ( said then the Briton knight ) Whom gracious lot , and thy great valiaunce Haue made thee souldier of that Princesse bright , Which with her bounty and glad countenance Doth blesse her seruaunts , and them high aduaunce . How may straunge knight hope euer to aspire , By faithfull seruice , and meet amenance , Vnto such blisse ? sufficient were that hire For losse of thousand liues , to dye at her desire . Said Guyon , Noble Lord , what meed so great , Or grace of earthly Prince so soueraine , But by your wondrous worth and warlike feat Ye well may hope , and easely attaine ? But were your will , her sold to entertaine , And numbred be mongst knights of Maydenhed , Great guerdon , well I wote , should you remaine , And in her fauour high be reckoned , As Arthegall , and Sophy now beene honored . Certes ( then said the Prince ) I God auow , That sith I armes and knighthood first did plight , My whole desire hath beene , and yet is now , To serue that Queene with all my powre and might . Now hath the Sunne with his lamp-burning light , Walkt round about the world , and I no lesse , Sith of that Goddesse I haue sought the sight , Yet no where can her find : such happinesse Heauen doth to me enuy , and fortune fauourlesse . Fortune , the foe of famous cheuisaunce Seldome ( said Guyon ) yields to vertue aide , But in her way throwes mischiefe and mischaunce , Whereby her course is stopt , and passage staid . But you faire Sir , be not herewith dismaid , But constant keepe the way , in which ye stand ; Which were it not , that I am else delaid With hard aduenture , which I haue in hand , I labour would to guide you through all Faery land . Gramercy Sir ( said he ) but mote I wote , What straunge aduenture do ye now pursew ? Perhaps my succour , or aduizement meete Mote stead you much your purpose to subdew . Then gan Sir Guyon all the story shew Of false Acrasia , and her wicked wiles , Which to auenge , the Palmer him forth drew From Faery court . So talked they , the whiles They wasted had much way , and measurd many miles . And now faire Phoebus gan decline in hast His weary wagon to the Westerne vale , Whenas they spide a goodly castle , plast Foreby a riuer in a pleasaunt dale , Which choosing for that euenings hospitale , They thither marcht : but when they came in sight , And from their sweaty Coursers did auale , They found the gates fast barred long ere night , And euery loup fast lockt , as fearing foes despight . Which when they saw , they weened fowle reproch Was to them doen , their entrance to forstall , Till that the Squire gan nigher to approch ; And wind his horne vnder the castle wall , That with the noise it shooke , as it would fall : Eftsoones forth looked from the highest spire The watch , and lowd vnto the knights did call , To weete , what they so rudely did require . Who gently answered , They entrance did desire . Fly fly , good knights , ( said he ) fly fast away If that your liues ye loue , as meete ye should ; Fly fast , and saue your selues from neare decay , Here may ye not haue entraunce , though we would : We would and would againe , if that we could ; But thousand enemies about vs raue , And with long siege vs in this castle hould : Seuen yeares this wize they vs besieged haue , And many good knights slaine , that haue vs sought to saue . Thus as he spoke , loe with outragious cry A thousand villeins round about them swarmd Out of the rockes and caues adioyning nye , Vile caytiue wretches , ragged , rude , deformd , All threatning death , all in straunge manner armd , Some with vnweldy clubs , some with long speares , Some rusty kniues , some staues in fire warmd . Sterne was their looke , like wild amazed steares , Staring with hollow eyes , and stiffe vpstanding heares . Fiersly at first those knights they did assaile , And droue them to recoile : but when againe They gaue fresh charge , their forces gan to faile , Vnhable their encounter to sustaine ; For with such puissaunce and impetuous maine Those Champions broke on them , that forst them fly , Like scattered Speepe , whenas the Shepheards swaine A Lyon and a Tigre doth espye , With greedy pace forth rushing from the forest nye . A while they fled , but soone returnd againe With greater fury , then before was found ; And euermore their cruell Captaine Sought with his raskall routs t' enclose them round , And ouerrun to tread them to the ground . But soone the knights with their bright-burning blades Broke their rude troupes , and orders did confound , Hewing and slashing at their idle shades ; For though they bodies seeme , yet substance from them fades . As when a swarme of Gnats at euentide Out of the fennes of Allan do arise , Their murmuring small trompets sounden wide , Whiles in the aire their clustring army flies , That as a cloud doth seeme to dim the skies ; Ne man nor beast may rest , or take repast , For their sharpe wounds , and noyous iniuries , Till the fierce Northerne wind blustring blast Doth blow them quite away , and in the Ocean cast . Thus when they had that troublous rout disperst , Vnto the castle gate they come againe , And entraunce crau'd , which was denied erst . Now when report of that their perilous paine , And combrous comflict , which they did sustaine , Came to the Ladies eare , which there did dwell , She forth issewed with a goodly traine Of Squires and Ladies equipaged well , And entertained them right fairely , as befell . Alma she called was , a virgin bright ; That had not yet felt Cupides wanton rage , Yet was she woo'd of many a gentle knight , And many a Lord of noble parentage , That sought with her to lincke in marriage : For she was faire , as faire mote euer bee , And in the flowre now of her freshest age ; Yet full of grace and goodly modestee , That euen heauen reioyced her sweete face to see . In robe of lilly white she was arayd , That from her shoulder to her heele downe raught , The traine whereof loose far behind her strayd , Braunched with gold & pearle , most richly wrought , And borne of two faire Damsels , which were taught That seruice well . Her yellow golden heare Was trimly wouen , and in tresses wrought , Ne other tyre she on her head did weare , But crowned with a garland of sweete Rosiere . Goodly she entertaind those noble knights , And brought them vp into her castle hall ; Where gentle court and gracious delight She to them made , with mildnesse virginall , Shewing her selfe both wise and liberall : There when they rested had a season dew , They her be sought of fauour speciall , Of that faire Castle to affoord them vew ; She graunted , & them leading forth , the same did shew . First she them led vp to the Castle wall , That was so high , as foe might not it clime , And all so faire , and sensible withall , Not built of bricke , ne yet of stone and lime , But of thing like to that AEgyptian slime , Whereof king Nine whilome built Babell towre ; But ô great pitty , that no lenger time So goodly workemanship should not endure : Soone it must turne to earth ; no earthly thing is sure . The frame thereof seemd partly circulare , And part triangulare , ô worke diuine ; Those two the first and last proportions are , The one imperfect , mortall , foeminine ; Th' other immortall , perfect , masculine , And twixt them both a quadrate was the base , Proportioned equally by seuen and nine ; Nine was the circle set in heauens place , All which compacted made a goodly Dyapase . Therein two gates were placed seemly well : The one before , by which all in did pas , Did th' other far in workmanship excell ; For not of wood , nor of enduring bras , But of more worthy substance fram'd it was ; Doubly disparted , it did locke and close , That when it locked , none might thorough pas , And when it opened , no man might it close , Still open to their friends , and closed to their foes . Of hewen stone the porch was fairely wrought , Stone more of valew , and more smooth and fine , Then let or Marble far from Ireland brought ; Ouer the which was cast a wandring vine , Enchaced with a wanton yuie twine . And ouer it a faire Portcullis hong , Which to the gate directly did incline , With comely compasse , and compacture strong , Neither vnseemely short , nor yet exceeding long . Within the Barbican a Porter sate , Day and night duely keeping watch and ward , Nor wight , nor word mote passe out of the gate , But in good order , and with dew regard ; Vtterers of secrets he from thence debard , Bablers of folly , and blazers of crime . His larumbell might lowd and wide be hard , When cause requird , but neuer out of time ; Early and late it rong , at euening and at prime . And round about the porch on euery side Twise sixteen warders sat , all armed bright In glistring steele , and strongly fortifide : Tall yeomen seemed they , and of great might , And were enraunged ready , still for sight . By them as Alma passed with her guestes , They did obeysaunce , as beseemed right , And then againe returned to their restes : The Porter eke to her did lout with humble gestes . Thence she them brought into a stately Hall , Wherein were many tables faire dispred , And ready dight with drapets festiuall , Against the viaundes should be ministred . At th' upper end there sate , yclad in red Downe to the ground , a comely personage , That in his hand a white rod menaged , He Steward was hight Diet ; rype of age , And in demeanure sober , and in counsell sage . And through the Hall there walked to and fro A iolly yeoman , Marshall of the same , Whose name was Appetite ; he did bestow Both guestes and meate , when euer in they came , And knew them how to order without blame , As him the Steward bad . They both attone Did dewty to their Lady , as became ; Who passing by , forth led her guestes anone Into the kitchin rowme , ne spard for nicenesse none . It was a vaut ybuilt for great dispence , With many raunges reard along the wall ; And one great chimney , whose long tonnell thence , The smoke forth threw . And in the midst of all There placed was a caudron wide and tall , Vpon a mighty furnace , burning whot , More whot , then Aetn , or flaming Mongiball : For day and night it brent , ne ceased not , So long as any thing it in the caudron got . But to delay the heat , least by mischaunce It might breake out , and set the whole on fire , There added was by goodly ordinaunce , An huge great paire of bellowes , which did styre Continually , and cooling breath inspyre . About the Caudron many Cookes accoyld , With hookes and ladles , as need did require ; The whiles the viandes in the vessell boyld They did about their businesse sweat , and sorely toyld . The maister Cooke was cald Concoction , A carefull man , and full of comely guise : The kitchin Clerke , that hight Digestion , Did order all th' Achates in seemely wise , And set them forth , as well he could deuise . The rest had seuerall offices assind , Some to remoue the scum , as it did rise ; Others to beare the same away did mind ; And others it to vse according to his kind . But all the liquour , which was fowle and wast , Not good nor seruiceable else for ought , They in another great round vessell plast , Till by a conduit pipe it thence were brought : And all the rest , that noyous was , and nought , By secret wayes , that none might it espy , Was close conuaid , and to the back-gate brought , That cleped was Port Esquiline , whereby It was auoided quite , and throwne out priuily . Which goodly order , and great workmans skill When as those knights beheld , with rare delight , And gazing wonder they their minds did fill ; For neuer had they seene so straunge a sight . Thence backe againe faire Alma led them right , And soone into a goodly Parlour brought , That was with royall arras richly dight , In which was nothing pourtrahed , nor wrought , Not wrought , nor pourtrahed , but easie to be thought . And in the midst thereof vpon the floure , A louely beuy of faire Ladies sate , Courted of many a iolly Paramoure , The which them did in modest wise amate , And each one sought his Lady to aggrate ; And eke emongst them litle Cupid playd His wanton sports , being returned late From his fierce warres , and hauing from him layd His cruell bow , wherewith he thousands hath dismayd . Diuerse delights they found them selues to please ; Some song in sweet consort , some laught for ioy , Some plaid with strawes , some idly sat at ease ; But other some could not abide to toy , All pleasaunce was to them griefe and annoy : This fround , that faund , the third for shame did blush , Another seemed enuious , or coy , Another in her teeth did gnaw a rush : But at these straungers presence euery one did hush . Soone as the gracious Alma came in place , They all attonce out of their seates arose , And to her homage made , with humble grace : Whom when the knights beheld , they gan dispose Themselues to court , and each a Damsell chose : The Prince by chaunce did on a Lady light , That was right faire and fresh as morning rose , But somwhat sad , and solemne eke in sight , As if some pensiue thought constraind her gentle spright . In a long purple pall , whose skirt with gold , Was fretted all about , she was arayd ; And in her hand a Poplar braunch did hold : To whom the Prince in curteous manner said ; Gentle Madame , why beene ye thus dismaid , And your faire beautie do with sadnesse spill ? Liues any , that you hath thus ill apaid ? Or doen your loue , or doen you lacke your will ? What euer be the cause , it sure beseemes you ill . Faire Sir , ( said she halfe in disdainefull wise , ) How is it , that this word in me ye blame , And in your selfe do not the same aduise ? Him ill beseemes , anothers fault to name , That may vnwares be blotted with the same : Pensiue I yeeld I am , and sad in mind , Through great desire of glory and of fame ; Ne ought I weene are ye therein behind , That haue twelue moneths sought one , yet no where can her find . The Prince was inly moued at her speach , Well weeting trew , what she had rashly told ; Yet with faire samblaunt sought to hide the breach , Which chaunge of colour did perforce vnfold , Now seeming flaming whot , now stony cold . Tho turning soft aside , he did inquire , What wight she was , that Poplar braunch did hold : It answered was , her name was Prays-desire . That by well doing sought to honour to aspire . The whiles , the Faerie knight did entertaine Another Damsell of that gentle crew , That was right faire , and modest of demaine , But that too oft she chaung'd her natiue hew : Straunge was her tyre , and all her garment blew , Close round about her tuckt with many a plight : Vpon her fist the bird , which shonneth vew , And keepes in couerts close from liuing wight , Did sit , as yet ashamd , how rude Pan did her dight . So long as Guyon with her commoned , Vnto the ground she cast her modest eye , And euer and anone with rosie red The bashfull bloud her snowy cheekes did dye , That her became , as polisht yuory , Which cunning Craftesman hand hath ouerlayd With faire vermilion or pure lastery . Great wonder had the knight , to see the mayd So straungely passioned , and to her gently sayd , Faire Damzell , seemeth , by your troubled cheare , That either me too bold ye weene , this wise You to molest , or other ill to feare That in the secret of your hart close lyes , From whence it doth , as cloud from sea arise . If it be I , of pardon I you pray ; But if ought else that I mote not deuise , I will , if please you it discure , assay , To ease you of that ill , so wisely as I may . She answerd nought , but more abasht for shame , Held downe her head , the whiles her louely face The flashing bloud with blushing did inflame , And the strong passion mard her modest grace , That Guyon meruayld at her vncouth cace : Till Alma him bespake , why wonder yee Faire Sir at that , which ye so much embrace ? She is the fountaine of your modestee ; You shamefast are , but Shamefastnesse it selfe is shee . Thereat the Elfe did blush in priuitee , And turnd his face away ; but she the same Dissembled faire , and faynd to ouersee . Thus they awhile with court and goodly game , Themselues did solace each one with his Dame , Till that great Ladie thence away them sought , To vew her castles other wondrous frame . Vp to a stately Turret she them brought , Ascending by ten steps of Alablaster wrought . That Turrets frame most admirable was , Like highest heauen compassed around , And lifted high aboue this earthly masse , Which it suruew'd , as hils doen lower ground ; But not on Ground mote like to this be found , Not that , which antique Cadmus whylome built In Thebes , which Alexander did confound ; Nor that proud towre of Troy , though richly guilt , From which young Hectors bloud by cruell Greekes was spilt . The roofe hereof was arched ouer head , And deckt with flowers and herbars daintily ; Two goodly Beacons , set in watches stead , Therein gaue light , and flam'd continually : For they of liuing fire most subtilly Were made , and set in siluer sockets bright , Couer'd with lids deuiz'd of substance sly , That readily they shut and open might . O who can tell the prayses of that makers might ! Ne can I tell , ne can I stay to tell This parts great workmanship , & wondrous powre , That all this other worlds worke doth excell , And likest is vnto that heauenly towre , That God hath built for his owne blessed bowre . Therein were diuerse roomes , and diuerse stages , But three the chiefest , and of greatest powre , In which there dwelt three honorable sages , The wisest men , I weene , that liued in their ages . Not he , whom Greece , the Nourse of all good arts , By Phoebus doome , the wisest thought aliue , Might be compar'd to these by many parts : Nor that sage Pylian syre , which did suruiue Three ages , such as mortall men contriue , By whose aduise old Priams cittie fell , With these in praise of pollicies mote striue . These three in these three roomes did sundry dwell , And counselled faire Alma , how to gouerne well . The first of them could things to come foresee : The next could of things present best aduize ; The third things past could keepe in memoree , So that no time , nor reason could arize , But that the same could one of these comprize . For thy the first did in the forepart sit , That nought mote hinder his quicke preiudize : He had a sharpe foresight , and working wit , That neuer idle was , ne once could rest a whit . His chamber was dispainted all within , With sundry colours , in the which were writ Infinite shapes of things dispersed thin ; Some such as in the world were neuer yit , Ne can deuized be of mortall wit ; Some daily seene , and knowen by their names , Such as in idle fantasies doe flit : Infernall Hags , Centaurs , feendes , Hippodames , Apes , Lions , Aegles , Owles , fooles , louers , children , Dames . And all the chamber filled was with flyes , Which buzzed all about , and made such sound , That they encombred all mens eares and eyes , Like many swarmes of Bees assembled round , After their hiues with honny do abound : All those were idle thoughts and fantasies , Deuices , dreames , opinions vnsound , Shewes , visions , sooth-sayes , and prophesies ; And all that fained is , as leasings , tales , and lies . Emongst them all sate he , which wonned there , That hight Phantastes by his nature trew ; A man of yeares yet fresh , as mote appere , Of swarth complexion , and of crabbed hew , That him full of melancholy did shew ; Bent hollow beetle browes , sharpe staring eyes , That mad or foolish seemd : one by his vew More deeme him borne with ill disposed skyes , When oblique Saturne sate in the house of agonyes . Whom Alma hauing shewed to her guestes , Thence brought them to the second roome , whose wals Were painted faire with memorable gestes , Of famous Wisards , and with picturals Of Magistrates , of courts , of tribunals , Of commen wealthes , of states , of pollicy , Of lawes , of iudgements , and of decretals ; All artes , all science , all Philosophy , And all that in the world was aye thought wittily . Of those that roome was full , and them among There sate a man of ripe and perfect age , Who did them meditate all his life long , That through continuall practise and vsage , He now was growne right wise , and wondrous sage . Great pleasure had those stranger knights , to see His goodly reason , and graue personage , That his disciples both desir'd to bee ; But Alma thence them led to th' hindmost roome of three . That chamber seemed ruinous and old , And therefore was remoued farre behind . Yet were the wals , that did the same vphold , Right firme & strong , though somewhat they declind ; And therein sate an old oldman , halfe blind , And all decrepit in his feeble corse , Yet liuely vigour rested in his mind , And recompenst him with a better scorse : Weake body well is chang'd for minds redoubled forse . This man of infinite remembrance was , And things foregone through many ages held , Which he recorded still , as they did pas , Ne suffred them to perish through long eld , As all things else , the which this world doth weld , But laid them vp in his immortall scrine , Where they for euer incorrupted dweld : The warres he well remembred of king Nine , Of old Assaracus , and Inachus diuine . The yeares of Nestor nothing were to his , Ne yet Mathusalem , though longest liu'd ; For he remembred both their infancies : Ne wonder then , if that he were depriu'd Of natiue strength now , that he them suruiu'd . His chamber all was hangd about with rolles , And old records from auncient times deriu'd , Some made in books , some in long parchment scrolles , That were all worme-eaten , and full of canker holes . Amidst them all he in a chaire was set , Tossing and turning them withouten end ; But for he was vnhable them to set , A litle boy did on him still attend , To reach , when euer he for ought did send ; And oft when things were lost , or laid amis , That boy them sought , and vnto him did lend . Therefore he Anamnestes cleped is , And that old man Eumnestes , by their propertis . The knights there entring , did him reuerence dew And wondred at his endlesse exercise , Then as they gan his Librarie to vew , And antique Registers for to auise , There chaunced to the Princes hand to rize , An auncient booke , hight Briton moniments , That of this lands first conquest did deuize , And old diuision into Regiments , Till it reduced was to one mans gouernments . Sir Guyon chaunst eke on another booke , That hight Antiquitie of Faerie lond . In which when as he greedily did looke ; Th' off-spring of Elues and Faries there he fond , As it deliuered was from hond to hond : Whereat they burning both with feruent fire , Their countries auncestry to vnderstond , Crau'd leaue of Alma , and that aged sire , To read those bookes ; who gladly graunted their desire .

Cant. X. A chronicle of Briton kings , from Brute to Vthers rayne . And rolles of Elfin Emperours , till time of Gloriane . WHo now shall giue vnto me words and sound , Equall vnto this haughtie enterprise ? Or who shal lend me wings , with which from ground My lowly verse may loftily arise , And lift it selfe vnto the highest skies ? More ample spirit , then hitherto was , wount , Here needes me , whiles the famous auncestries Of my most dreaded Soueraigne I recount , By which all earthly Princes she doth farre surmount . Ne vnder Sunne , that shines so wide and faire , Whence all that liues , does borrow life and light , Liues ought , that to her linage may compaire , Which though from earth it be deriued right , Yet doth it selfe stretch forth to heauens hight , And all the world with wonder ouerspred ; A labour huge , exceeding farre my might : How shall fraile pen , with feare disparaged , Conceiue such soueraine glory , and great bountihed ? Argument worthy of Moenian quill , Or rather worthy of great Phoebus rote , Whereon the ruines of great , Ossa hill , And triumphes of Phelegraean Ioue he wrote , That all the Gods admird his loftie note . But if some relish of that heauenly lay His learned daughters would to me report , To decke my song withall , I would assay , Thy name , ô soueraine Queene , to blazon farre away . Thy name ô soueraine Queene , thy realme and race , From this renowmed Prince deriued arre , Whom mightily vpheld that royall mace , Which now thou bearst , to thee descended farre From mightie kings and conquerours in warre , Thy fathers and great Grandfathers of old , Whose noble deedes aboue the Northerne starre Immortall fame for euer hath enrold ; As in that old mans booke they were in order told . The land , which warlike Britons now possesse , And therein haue their mightie empire raysd , In antique times was saluage wildernesse , Vnpeopled , vnmanurd , vnprou'd , vnpraysd , Ne was it Island then , ne was it paysd Amid the Ocean waues , ne was it sought Of marchants farre , for profits therein praysd , But was all desolate , and of some thought By sea to haue bene from the Celtioke mayn-land brought . Ne did it then deserue a name to haue , Till that the venturous Mariner that way Learning his ship from those white rocks to saue , Which all along the Southerne sea-coast lay , Threatning vnheedie wrecke and rash decay , For safeties sake that same his sea-marke made , And namd it Albion . But later day Finding in it fit ports for fishers trade , Gan more the same frequent , and further to inuade . But farre in land a saluage nation dwelt , Of hideous Giants , and halfe beastly men , That neuer tasted grace , nor goodnesse felt , But like wild beasts lurking in loathsome den , And flying fast as Roebucke through the fen , All naked without shame , or care of cold , By hunting and by spoiling liued then ; Of stature huge , and eke of courage bold , That sonnes of men amazd their sternnesse to behold . But whence they sprong , or how they were begot , Vneath is to assure ; vneath to wene That monstrous error , which doth some assot , That Dioclesians fiftie daughters shene Into this land by chaunce haue driuen bene , Where companing with feends and filthy Sprights , Through vaine illusion of their lust vnclene , They brought forth Giants and such dreadfull wights , As farre exceeded men in their immeasurd mights . They held this land , and with their filthinesse Polluted this same gentle soyle long time : That their owne mother loathd their beastlinesse , And gan abhorre her broods vnkindly crime , All were they borne of her owne natiue slime ; Vntill that Brutus anciently deriu'd From royall stocke of old Assaraos line , Driuen by fatall error , here arriu'd , And them of their vniust possession depriu'd . But ere he had established his throne , And spred his empire to the vtmost shore , He fought great battels with his saluage fone ; In which he them defeated euermore , And many Giants left on groning flore ; That well can witnesse yet vnto this day The westerne Hogh , besprincled with the gore Of mightie Goemot , whom in stout fray Corineus conquered , and cruelly did slay . And eke that ample Pit , yet farre renownd , For the large leape , which Debon did compell Coulin to make , being eight lugs of grownd ; Into the which returning backe , he fell , But those three monstrous stones doe most excell Which that huge sonne of hideous Albion , Whose father Hercules in Fraunce did quell , Great Godmer threw , in fierce contention , At bold Canutus ; but of him was slaine anon . In meed of these great conquests by them got , Corineus had that Prouince vtmost west , To him assigned for his worthy lot , Which of his name and memorable gest He called Cornewaile , yet so called best : And Debons shayre was , that is Deuonshyre : But Canute had his portion from the rest , The which he cald Canutium , for his hyre ; Now Cantium , which Kent we commenly inquire . Thus Brute this Realme vnto his rule subdewd , And raigned long in great felicitie , Lou'd of his friends , and of his foes eschewd , He left three sonnes , his famous progeny , Borne of faire Inogene of Italy ; Mongst whom he parted his imperiall state , And Locrine left chiefe Lord of Britany . At last ripe age bad him surrender late His life , and long good fortune vnto finall fate . Locrine was left the soueraine Lord of all ; But Albanact had all the Northrene part , Which of himselfe Albania , he did call ; And Camber did possesse the Westerne quart , Which Seuerne now from Logris 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 still employd . Vntill a nation straung , with visage swart , And courage fierce , that all men did affray , Which through the world then swarmd in euery part , And ouerflow'd all countries farre away , Like Noyes great flood , with their importune sway , This land inuaded with like violence , And did themselues through all the North display : Vntill that Locrine for his Realmes defence , Did head against them make , and strong munifience . He them encountred , a confused rout , Foreby the Riuer , that whylome was hight The auncient Abus , where with courage stout He them defeated in victorious fight , And chaste so fiercely after fearefull flight , That forst their Chieftaine , for his safeties sake , ( Their Chieftaine Humber named was aright ) Vnto the mightie streame him to betake , Where he an end of battell , and of life did make . The king returned proud of victorie , And insolent wox through vnwonted ease , That shortly he forgot the ieopardie , Which in his land he lately did appease , And fell to vaine voluptuous disease : He lou'd faire Ladie Estrild , lewdly lou'd , Whose wanton pleasures him too much did please , That quite his hart from Guendolene remou'd , From Guendolene his wife , though alwaies faithfull prou'd . The noble daughter of Corineus Would not endure to be so vile disdaind , But gathering force , and courage valorous , Encountred him in battell well ordaind , In which him vanquisht she to fly constraind : But she so fast pursewd , that him she tooke , And threw in bands , where he till death remaind ; Als his faire Leman , flying through a brooke , She ouerhent , nought moued with her piteous looke . But both her selfe , and eke her daughter deare , Begotten by her kingly Paramoure , The faire Sabrina almost dead with feare , She there attached , farre from all succoure ; The one she slew in that impatient stoure , But the sad virgin innocent of all , Adowne the rolling riuer she did poure , Which of her name now Seuerne men do call : Such was the end , that to disloyall loue did fall . Then for her sonne , which she to Locrin bore , Madan was young , vnmeet the rule of sway , In her owne hand the crowne she kept in store , Till ryper yeares he raught , and stronger stay : During which time her powre she did display Through all this realme , the glorie of her sex , And first taught men a woman to obay : But when her sonne to mans estate did wex , She it surrendred , ne her selfe would lenger vex . Tho Madan raignd , vnworthie of his race : For with all shame that sacred throne he fild : Next Memprise , as vnworthy of that place , In which being consorted with Manild , For thirst of single kingdome him he kild . But Ebranck salued both their infamies With noble deedes , and warreyd on Brunchild In Henault , where yet of his victories Braue moniments remaine , which yet that land enuies . An happie man in his first dayes he was , And happie father of faire progeny : For all so many weekes as the yeare has , So many children he did multiply ; Of which were twentie sonnes , which did apply , Their minds to praise , and cheualrous desire : Those germans did subdew all Germany , Of whom it hight ; but in the end their Sire With foule repulse from Fraunce was forced to retire . Which blot his sonne succeeding in his seat , The second Brute , the second both in name , And eke in semblance of his puissance great , Right well recur'd , and did away that blame With recompence of euerlasting fame . He with his victour sword first opened , The bowels of wide Fraunce , a forlorne Dame , And taught her first how to be conquered ; Since which , with sundrie spoiles she hath beene ransacked . Let Scaldis tell , and let tell Hania , And let the marsh of Estham bruges tell , What colour were their waters that same day , And all the moore twixt Eluersham and Dell , With bloud of Henalois , which therein fell . How oft that day did sad Brunchildis see The greene shield dyde in dolorous vermell ? That not Scuith guiridh it mote seeme to bee . But rather y Scuith gogh , signe of sad crueltee . His sonne king Leill by fathers labour long , Enioyd an heritage of lasting peace , And built Cairleill , and built Cairleon strong . Next Huddibras his realme did not encrease , But taught the land from wearie warres to cease . Whose footsteps Bladud following , in arts Exceld at Athens all the learned preace , From whence he brought them to these saluage parts , And with sweet science mollifide their stubborne harts . Ensample of his wondrous faculty , Behold the boyling Bathes at Cairbadon , Which seeth with secret fire eternally , And in their entrails , full of quicke Brimston , Nourish the flames , which they are warm'd vpon , That to her people wealth they forth do well , And health to euery forreine nation : Yet he at last contending to excell The reach of men , through flight into fond mischief fell . Next him king Leyr in happie peace long raind , But had no issue male him to succeed , But three faire daughters , which were well vptraind , In all that seemed sit for kingly seed : Mongst whom his realme he equally decreed To haue diuided . Tho when feeble age Nigh to his vtmost date he saw proceed , He cald his daughters ; and with speeches sage Inquyrd , which of them most did loue her parentage . The eldest Gonorill gan to protest , That she much more then her owne life him lou'd : And Regan greater loue to him profest , Then all the world , when euer it were proou'd ; But Cordeill said she lou'd him , as behoou'd : Whose simple answere , wanting colours faire To paint it forth , him to displeasance moou'd , That in his crowne he counted her no haire , But twixt the other twaine his kingdome whole did shaire . So wedded th' one to Maglan king of Scots , And th' other to the king of Cambria , And twixt them shayrd his realme by equall lots : But without dowre the wise Cordelia , Was sent to Aganip of Celtica . Their aged Syre , thus cased of his crowne , A priuate life led in Albania , With Gonorill , long had in great renowne , That nought him grieu'd to bene from rule deposed downe . But true it is , that when the oyle is spent , The light goes out , and weeke is throwne away ; So when he had resignd his regiment , His daughter gan despise his drouping day , And wearie waxe of his continuall stay . Tho to his daughter Rigan he repayrd , Who him at first well vsed euery way ; But when of his departure she despayrd , Her bountie she abated , and his cheare empayrd . The wretched man gan then auise too late , That loue is not , where most it is profest , Too truely tryde in his extreamest state ; At last resolu'd likewise to proue the rest , He to Cordelia him selfe addrest , Who with entire affection him receau'd , As for her Syre and king her seemed best ; And after all an army strong she leau'd , To war on those , which him had of his realme bereau'd . So to his crowne she him restor'd againe , In which he dyde , made ripe for death by eld , And after wild , it should to her remaine : Who peaceably the same long time did weld : And all mens harts in dew obedience held : Till that her sisters children , woxen strong Through proud ambition , against her rebeld , And ouercommen kept in prison long , Till wearie of that wretched life , her selfe she hong . Then gan the bloudie brethren both to raine : But fierce Cundah gan shortly to enuie His brother Morgan , prickt with proud disdaine , To haue a pere in part of soueraintie , And kindling coles of cruell enmitie , Raisd warre , and him in battell ouerthrew : Whence as he to those woodie hils did flie , Which hight of him Glamorgan , there him slew : Then did he raigne alone , when he none equall knew . His sonne Riuallo his dead roome did supply , In whose sad time bloud did from heauen raine : Next great Gurgustus , then faire Caecily In constant peace their kingdomes did containe , After whom Lago , and Kinmarke did raine , And Gorbogud , till farre in yeares he grew : Till his ambitious sonnes vnto them twaine , Arraught the rule , and from their father drew , Stout Ferrex and sterne Porrex him in prison threw . But ô , the greedy thirst of royall crowne , That knowes no kinred , nor regardes no right , Stird Porrex vp to put his brother downe ; Who vnto him assembling forreine might , Made warre on him , and fell him selfe in fight : Whose death t' auenge , his mother mercilesse , Most mercilesse of women , Wyden hight , Her other sonne fast sleeping did oppresse , And with most cruell hand him murdred pittilesse . Here ended Brutus sacred progenie , Which had seuen hundred yeares this scepter borne , With high renowme , and great felicitie ? The noble braunch from th' antique stocke was torne Through discord , and the royall throne forlorne : Thenceforth this Realme was into factions rent , Whilest each of Brutus boasted to be borne , That in the end was left no moniment Of Brutus , nor of Britons glory auncient . Then vp arose a man of matchlesse might , And wondrous wit to menage high affaires , Who stird vp pitty of the stressed plight Of this sad Realme , cut into sundry shaires By such , as claymd themselues Brutes rightfull haires , Gathered the Princes of the people loose , To taken counsell of their common cares ; Who with his wisedom won , him streight did choose , Their king , and swore him fealty to win or loose . Then made he head against his enimies , And Ymner slew , or Logris miscreate ; Then Ruddoc and proud Stater , both allyes , This of Albanie newly nominate , And that of Cambry king confirmed late , He ouerthrew through his owne valiaunce ; Whose countreis he redus'd to quiet state , And shortly brought to ciuill gouernaunce , Now one , which earst were many , made through variaunce . Then made he sacred lawes , which some men say Were vnto him reueald in vision , By which he freed the Traueilers high way , The Churches part , and Ploughmans portion , Restraining stealth , and strong extortion ; The gracious Numa of great Britanie : For till his dayes , the chiefe dominion By strength was wielded without pollicie ; Therefore he first wore crowne of gold for dignitie . Donwallo dyde ( for what may liue for ay ? ) And left two sonnes , of pearelesse prowesse both ; That sacked Rome too dearely did assay , The recompence of their periured oth , And ransackt Greece well tryde , when they were wroth ; Besides subiected Fraunce , and Germany , Which yet their prayses speake , all be they loth , And inly tremble at the memory Of Brennus and Bellinus , kings of Britany . Next them did Gurgunt , great Bellinus sonne In rule succeede , and eke in fathers prayse ; He Easterland subdewd , and Danmarke wonne , And of them both did foy and tribute raise , The which was dew in his dead fathers dayes : He also gaue to fugitiues of Spayne , Whom he at sea found wandring from their wayes , A seate in Ireland safely to remayne , Which they should hold of him , as subiect to Britayne . After him raigned Guitheline his hayre , The iustest man and trewest in his dayes , Who had to wife Dame Mertia the fayre , A woman worthy of immortall prayse , Which for this Realme found many goodly layes , And wholesome Statutes to her husbahd brought ; Her many deemd to haue beene of the Fayes , As was Aegerie that Numa tought ; Those yet of her be Mertiam lawes both nam'd & thought . Her sonnes Sifillus after her did rayne , And then Kimarus , and then Danius ; Next whom Morindus did the crowne sustaine , Who , had he not with wrath outrageous , And cruell rancour dim'd his valorous And mightie deeds , should matched haue the best : As well in that same field victorious Against the forreine Morands he exprest ; Yet liues his memorie , though carcas sleepe in rest . Fiue sonne he left begotten of one wife , All which successiuely by turnes did raine ; First Gorboman a man of vertuous life ; Next Archigald , who for his proud disdaine , Deposed was from Princedome soueraine , And pitteous Elidure put in his sted ; Who shortly it to him restord againe , Till by his death he it recouered ; But Peridure and Vigent him disthronized . In wretched prison long he did remaine , Till they outraigned had their vtmost date , And then therein reseized was againe , And ruled long with honorable state , Till he surrendred Realme and life to fate . Then all the sonnes of these fiue brethren raynd By dew successe , and all their Nephewes late , Euen thrise eleuen descents the crowne retaynd , Till aged Hely by dew heritage it gaynd . He had two sonnes , whose eldest called Lud Left of his life most famous memory , And endlesse moniments of his great good : The ruin'd wals he did reaedifye Of Troynouant , gainst force of enimy , And built that gate , which of his name is hight , By which he lyes entombed solemnly . He left two sonnes , too young to rule aright , Androgeus and Tenantius , pictures of his might . Whilst they were young , Cassibalane their Eme Was by the people chosen in their sted , Who on him tooke the royall Diademe , And goodly well long time it gouerned , Till the prowd Romanes him disquieted , And warlike Caesar , tempted with the name Of this sweet Island , neuer conquered , And enuying the Britons blazed fame , ( O hideous hunger of dominion ) hither came . Yet twise they were repulsed backe againe , And twise renforst , backe to their ships to fly , The whiles with bloud they all the shore did staine . And the gray Ocean into purple dy : Ne had they footing found at last perdie , Had not Androgeus , false to natiue soyle , And enuious or Vncles soueraintie , Betrayd his contrey vnto forreine spoyle : Nought else , but treason , from the first this land did foyle . So by him Caesar got the victory , Through great bloushed , and many a sad assay , In which him selfe was charged heauily Of hardy Nennius , whom he yet did slay , But lost his sword , yet to be seene this day . Thenceforth this land was tributarie made T' ambitious Rome , and did their rule obay , Till Arthur all that reckoning did defray ; Yet oft the Briton kings against them strongly swayd . Next him Tenantius raignd , then Kimbeline , What time th' eternall Lord in fleshly slime Enwombed was , from wretched Adams line To purge away the guilt of sinfull crime : O ioyous memorie of happytime , That heauenly grace so plenteously displayd ; ( O too high ditty for my simple rime . ) Soone after this the Romanes him wrrayd ; For that their tribute he refusd to let be payd . Good Claudius , that next was Emperour , An army brought , and with him battell fought , In which the king was by a Treachetour Disguised slaine , ere any thereof thought : Yet ceased not the bloudy fight for ought ; For Aruirage his brothers place supplide , Both in armes , and crowne , and by that draught Did driue the Romanes to the weaker side , That they to peace agreed . So all was pacifide . Was neuer king more highly magnifide , Nor dred of Romanes , then was Aruirage , For which the Emperour to him allide His daughter Genuiss ' in marriage : Yet shortly he renounst the vassalage Of Rome againe , who hither hastly sent Vespasian , that with great spoile and rage Forwasted all , till Genuissa gent Perswaded him to ceasse , and her Lord to relent . He dyde ; and him succeeded Marius , Who ioyd his dayes in great tranquillity , Then Coyll , and after him good Lucius , That first receiued Christianitie , The sacred pledge of Christes Euangely : Yet true it is , that long before that day Hither came Ioseph of Arimathy , Who brought with him the holy grayle , ( they say ) And preacht the truth , but since it greatly did decay . This good king shortly without issew dide , Whereof great trouble in the kingdome grew , That did her selfe in sundry parts diuide , And with her powre her owne selfe ouerthrew , Whilest Romanes dayly did the weake subdew : Which seeing stout Bunduca , vp arose , And taking armes , the Britons to her drew ; With whom she marched streight against her foes , And them vnwares besides the Seuerne did enclose . There she with them a cruell battell tride , Not with so good successe , as she deseru'd ; By reason that the Captaines on her side , Corrupted by Paulinus , from her sweru'd : Yet such , as were through former flight perseru'd , Gathering againe , her Host she did renew , And with fresh courage on the victour seru'd : But being all defeated , saue a few , Rather then fly , or be captiu'd her selfe she slew . O famous moniment of womens prayse , Matchable either to Semiramis , Whom antique history so high doth raise , Or to Hysiphil ' or to Thomiris : Her Host two hundred thousand numbred is ; Who whiles good fortune fauoured her might , Triumphed oft against her enimis ; And yet though ouercome in haplesse fight , She triumphed on death , in enemies despight . Her reliques Fulgent hauing gathered , Fought with Scuerus , and him ouerthrew ; Yet in the chace was slaine of them , that fled : So made them victours , whom he did subdew . Then gan Carausius tirannize anew , And gainst the Romanes bent their proper powre , But him Allectus treacherously slew , And tooke on him the robe of Emperoure : Nath'lesse the same enioyed but short happy howre : For Asclepiodate him ouercame , And left inglorious on the vanquisht playne , Without or robe , or rag , to hide his shame . Then afterwards he in his stead did rayne ; But shortly was by Coyll in battell slaine : Who after long debate , since Lucies time , Was of the Britons first crownd Soueraine : Then gan this Realme renewe her passed prime : He of his name Coylchester built of stone and lime . Which when the Romanes heard , they hither sent Constantius , a man of mickle might , With whom king Coyll made an agreement , And to him gaue for wife his daughter bright , Faire Helena , the fairest liuing wight ; Who in all godly thewes , and goodly prayse Did far excell , but was most famous hight For skill in Musicke of all in her dayes , Aswell in curious instruments , as cunning layes . Of whom he did great Constantine beget , Who afterward was Emperour of Rome ; To which whiles absent he his mind did set , Octauius here lept into his roome , And it vsurped by vnrighteous doome : But he his title iustifide by might , Slaying Traherne , and hauing ouercome The Romane legion in dreadfull fight : So settled he his kingdome , and confirmd his right . But wanting issew male , his daughter deare , He gaue in wedlocke to Maximian , And him with her made of his kingdome heyre , Who soone by meanes thereof the Empire wan , Till murdred by the friends of Gratian ; Then gan the Hunnes and Picts inuade this land , During the raigne of Maximinian ; Who dying left none heire them to withstand , But that they ouerran all parts with easie hand . The weary Britons , whose war-hable youth Was by Maximian lately led away , With wretched miseries , and woefull ruth , Were to those Pagans made an open pray , And dayly spectacle of sad decay : Whom Romane warres , which now foure hundred yeares , And more had wasted , could no whit dismay ; Till by consent of Commons and of Peares , They crownd the second Constantine with ioyous teares , Who hauing oft in battell vanquished Those spoilefull Picts , and swarming Easterlings , Long time in peace his Realme established , Yet oft annoyd with sundry bordragings Of neighbour Scots , and forrein Scatterlings , With which the world did in those dayes abound : Which to outbarre , with painefull pyonings From sea to sea he heapt a mightie mound , Which from Alcluid to Panwelt did that border bound . Three sonnes he dying left , all vnder age ; By meanes whereof , their vncle Vortigere Vsurpt the crowne , during their pupillage ; Which th' Infants tutors gathering to feare , Them closely into Armorick did beare : For dread of whom , and for those Picts annoyes , He sent to Germanie , straunge aid to reare , From whence eftsoones arriued here three hoyes Of Saxons , whom he for his safetie imployes . Two brethren were their Captains , which hight Hengist and Horsus , well approu'd in warre , And both of them men of renowmed might ; Who making vantage of their ciuill iarre , And of those forreiners , which came from farre , Grew great , and got large portions of land , That in the Realme ere long they stronger arre , Then they which sought at first their helping hand , And Vortiger enforst the kingdome to aband . But by the helpe of Vortimere his sonne , He is againe vnto his rule restord , And Hengist seeming sad , for that was donne , Receiued is to grace and new accord , Through his faire daughters face , & flattring word ; Soone after which , three hundred Lordes he slew Of British bloud , all sitting at his bord ; Whose dolefull moniments who list to rew , Th' eternall markes of treason may at Stonheng vew . By this the sonnes of Constantine , which fled , Ambrise and Vther did ripe yeares attaine , And here arriuing , strongly challenged The crowne , which Vortiger did long detaine : Who flying from his guilt , by them was slaine . And Hengist eke soone brought to shamefull death . Thenceforth Aurelius peaceably did rayne , Till that through poyson stopped was his breath ; So now entombed lyes at Stoneheng by the heath . After him Vther , which Pendragon hight , Succeding There abruptly it did end , Without full point , or other Cesure right , As if the rest some wicked hand did rend , Or th' Authour selfe could not at least attend To finish it : that so vntimely breach The Prince him selfe halfe seemeth to offend , Yet secret pleasure did offence empeach , And wonder of antiquitie long stopt his speach . At last quite rauisht with delight , to heare The royall Ofspring of his natiue land , Cryde out , Deare countrey , ô how dearely deare Ought thy remembraunce , and perpetuall band Be to thy foster Childe , that from thy hand Did commun breath and nouriture receaue ? How brutish is it not to vnderstand , How much to her we owe , that all vs gaue , That gaue vnto vs all , what euer good we haue . But Guyon all this while his booke did read , Ne yet has ended : for it was a great And ample volume , that doth far excead My leasure , so long leaues here to repeat : It told , how first Prometheus did create A man , of many partes from beasts deriued And then stole fire from heauen , to animate His worke , for which he was by loue depriued Of life him selfe , and hart-strings of an Aegle riued . That man so made , he called Elfe , to weet Quick , the first author of all Elfin kind : Who wandring through the world with wearie feet , Did in the gardins of Adonis find A goodly creature , whom he deemd in mind To beno earthly wight , but either Spright , Or Angell , th' authour of all woman kind ; Therefore a Fay he her according hight , Of whom all Faeryes spring , and fetch their lignage right . Of these a mightie people shortly grew , And puissaunt kings , which all the world warrayd , And to them selues all Nations did subdew : The first and eldest , which that scepter swayd , Was Elfin ; him all India obayd , And all that now America men call : Next him was noble Elfinan , who layd Cleopolis foundation first of all : But Elfiline enclosd it with a golden wall . His sonne was Elfinell , who ouercame The wicked Gobbelines in bloudy field : But Elfant was of most renowmed fame , Who all of Christall did Panthea build : Then Elfar , who two brethren gyants kild , The one of which had two heads , th' other three : Then Elfinor , who was in Magick skild ; He built by art vpon the glassy See A bridge of bras , whose sound heauens thunder seem'd to bee He left three sonnes , the which in order raynd , And all their Ofspring , in their dew descents , Euen seuen hundred Princes , which maintaynd With mightie deedes their sundry gouernments ; That were too long their infinite contents Here to record , ne much materiall : Yet should they be most famous moniments , And bratie ensample , both of martiall , And ciuill rule to kings and states imperiall . After all these Elficleos did rayne , The wise Elficleos in great Maiestie , Who mightily that scepter did sustayne , And with rich spoiles and famous victorie , Did high aduaunce the crowne of Faery : He left two sonnes , of which faire Elferon The eldest brother did vntimely dy ; Whose emptie place the mightie Oberon Doubly supplide , in spousall , and dominion . Great was his power and glorie ouer all , Which him before , that sacred seate did fill , That yet remaines his wide memoriall : He dying left the fairest Tanaquill , Him to succeede therein , by his last will : Fairer and nobler liueth none this howre , Ne like in grace , ne like in learned skill ; Therefore they Glorian call that glorious flowre , Long mayst thou Glorian liue , in glory and great powre . Beguild thus with delight of nouelties , And naturall desire of countreys state , So long they red in those antiquities , That how the time was fled , they quite forgate , Till geutle Alma seeing it so late , Perforce their studies broke , and them besought To thinke , how supper did them long awaite . So halfe vnwilling from their bookes them brought , And fairely feasted , as so nobles knights she ought .

Cant. XI . The enimies of Temperaunce besiege her dwelling place : Prince Arthur them repelles , and fowle Maleger doth deface . WHat warre so cruell , or what siege so sore , As that , which strong affections do apply Against the fort of reason euermore To bring the soule into captiuitie : Their force is fiercer through infirmitie Of the fraile flesh , relenting to their rage , And exercise most bitter tyranny Vpon the parts , brought into their bondage : No wretchednesse is like to sinfull vellenage . But in a body , which doth freely yeeld His partes to reasons rule obedient , And letteth her that ought the scepter weeld , All happy peace and goodly gouernment Is setled there in sure establishment ; There Alma like a virgin Queene most bright , Doth florish in all beautie excellent : And to her guestes doth bounteous banket dight , Attempted goodly well for health and delight . Early before the Morne with cremosin ray , The windowes of bright heauen opened had , Through which into the world the dawning day Might looke , that maketh euery creature glad , Vprose Sir Guyon , in bright armour clad , And to his purposd iourney him prepar'd : With him the Palmer eke in habit sad , Him selfe addrest to that aduenture hard : So to the riuers side they both together far'd . Where them awaited ready at the ford The Ferriman , as Alma had behight , With his well rigged boate : They go abord , And eftsoones gan launch his barke forthright . Ere long they rowed were quite out of sight , And fast the land behind them fled away . But let them pas , whiles wind and weather right Do serue their turnes : here I a while must stay , To see a cruell fight doen by the Prince this day . For all so soone , as Guyon thence was gon Vpon his voyage with his trustie guide , That wicked band of villeins fresh begon That castle to assaile on euery side , And lay strong siege about it far and wide . So huge and infinite their numbers were , That all the land they vnder them did hide ; So fowle and vgly , that exceeding feare Their visages imprest , when they approched neare . Them in twelue troupes their Captain did dispart And round about in sittest steades did place , Where each might best offend his proper part , And his contrary obiect most deface , As euery one seem'd meetest in that cace . Seuen of the same against the Castle gate , In strong entrenchments he did closely place , Which with incessaunt force and endlesse hate , They battred day and night , and entraunce did awate . The other fiue , fiue sundry wayes he set , Against the fiue great Bulwarkes of that pile . And vnto each a Bulwarke did arret , T' assayle with open force or hidden guile , In hope thereof to win victorious spoile . They all that charge did seruently apply , With greedie malice and importune toyle , And planted there their huge artillery , With which they dayly made most dreadfull battery . The first troupe was a monstrous rablement Of fowle misshapen wights , of which some were Headed like Owles , with beckes vncomely bent , Others like Dogs , others like Gryphons dreare , And some had wings , and some had clawes to teare , And euery one of them had Lynces eyes , And euery one did bow and arrowes beare : All those were lawlesse lustes , corrupt enuies , And couetous aspectes , all cruell enimies . Those same against the bulwarke of the Sight Did lay strong siege , and battailous assault , Ne once did yield it respit day nor night , But soone as Titan gan his head exault . And soone againe as he his light with hault , Their wicked engins they against it bent : That is each thing , by which the eyes may fault , But two then all more huge and violent , Beautie , and money , they that Bulwarke sorely rent . The second Bulwarke was the Hearing sence , Gainst which the second troupe dessignment makes ; Deformed creatures , in straunge difference , Some hauing heads like Harts , some like to Snakes , Some like wild Bores late rouzd out of the brakes ; Slaunderous reproches , and fowle infamies , Leasings , backbytings , and vaine-glorious crakes , Bad counsels , prayses , and false flatteries . All those a gainst that fort did bend their batteries . Likewise that same third Fort , that is the Smell Of that third troupe was cruelly assayd : Whose hideous shapes were like to feends of hell , Some like to hounds , some like to Apes , dismayd , Some like to Puttockes , all in plumes arayd : All shap't according their conditions , For by those vgly formes weren pourtrayd , Foolish delights and fond abusions , Which do that sence besiege with light illusions . And that fourth band , which cruell battry bent , Against the fourth Bulwarke , that is the Tast , Was as the rest , a grysie rablement , Some mouth'd like greedy Oystriges , some fast Like loathly Toades , some fashioned in the wast Like swine ; for so deformd is luxury , Surfeat , misdiet , and vnthriftie wast , Vaine feasts , and idle superfluity : All those this sences Fort assayle incessantly . But the fift troupe most horrible of hew , And fierce or force , was dreadfull to report : For some like Snailes , some did like spyders shew , And some like vgly Vrchins thicke and short : Cruelly they assayled that fift Fort , Armed with darts of sensuall delight , With stings of carnall lust , and strong effort Of feeling pleasures , with which day and night Against that same fift bulwarke they continued fight . Thus these twelue troupes with dreadfull puissance Against that Castle restlesse siege did lay , And euermore their hideous Ordinance Vpon the Bulwarkes cruelly did play , That now it gan to threaten neare decay : And euermore their wicked Capitaine Prouoked them the breaches to assay , Somtimes with threats , somtimes with hope of gaine , Which by the ransack of that peece they should attaine . On th' other side , th' assieged Castles ward Their stedfast stonds did mightily maintaine , And many bold repulse , and many hard Atchieuement wrought with perill and with paine , That goodly frame from ruine to sustaine : And those two brethren Giants did defend The walles so stoutly with their sturdie maine , That neuer entrance any durst pretend , But they to direfull death their groning ghosts did send . The noble virgin , Ladie of the place , Was much dismayed with that dreadfull sight : For neuer was she in so euill cace , Till that the Prince seeing her wofull plight , Gan her recomfort from so sad affright , Offring his seruice , and his dearest life For her defence , against that Carle to fight , Which was their chiefe and th' author of that strife : She him remercied as the Patrone of her life . Eftsoones himselfe in glitterand armes he dight , And his well proued weapons to him hent ; So taking courteous conge he behight , Those gates to be vnbar'd , and forth he went . Faire mote he thee , the prowest and most gent , That euer brandished bright steele on hye : Whom soone as that vnruly rablement , With his gay Squire issuing did espy , They reard a most outrageous dreadfull yelling cry . And therewith all attonce at him let fly Their fluttring arrowes , thicke as flakes of snow , And round about him flocke impetuously , Like a great water flood , that tombling low From the high mountaines , threats to ouerflow With suddein fury all the fertile plaine , And the sad husbandmans long hope doth throw A downe the streame , and all his vowes make vaine , Nor bounds nor banks his headlong ruine may sustaine . Vpon his shield their heaped hayle he bore , And with his sword disperst the raskall flockes , Which fled a sunder , and him fell before , As withered leaues drop from their dried stockes , When the wroth Western wind does reaue their locks ; And vnder neath him his courageous steed , The fierce Spumador trode them downe like docks , The fierce Spumador borne of heauenly seed : Such as Laomedon of Phoebus race did breed Which suddeine horrour and confused cry , When as their Captaine heard , in haste he yode , The cause to weet , and fault to remedy ; Vpon a Tygre swift and fierce he rode , That as the winde ran vnderneath his lode , Whiles his long legs nigh raught vnto the ground ; Full large he was of limbe , and shoulders brode , But of such subtile substance and vnsound , That like a ghost he seem'd , whose graue-clothes were vnbound . And in his hand a bended bow was seene , And many arrowes vnder his right side , All deadly daungerous , all cruell keene , Headed with flint , and feathers bloudie dide , Such as the Indians in their quiuers hide ; Those could he well direct and streight as line , And bid them strike the marke , which he had eyde , Ne was their salue , ne was their medicine , That mote recure their wounds : so inly they did tine . As pale and wan as ashes was his looke , His bodie leane and meagre as a rake , And skin all withered like a dryed rooke , Thereto as cold and drery as a Snake , That seem'd to tremble euermore , and quake : All in a canuas thin he was bedight , And girded with a belt of twisted brake , Vpon his head he wore an Helmet light , Made of a dead mans skull , that seem'd a ghastly sight . Maleger was his name , and after him , There follow'd fast at hand two wicked Hags , With hoarie lockes all loose , and visage grim ; Their feet vnshod , their bodies wrapt in rags , And both as swift on foot , as chased Stags ; And yet the one her other legge had lame , Which with a staffe , all full of litle snags She did disport , and Impotence her name : But th' other was Impatience , arm'd with raging flame . Soone as the Carle from farre the Prince espyde , Glistring in armes and warlike ornament , His Beast he felly prickt on either syde , And his mischieuous bow full readie bent , With which at him a cruell shaft he sent : But he was warie , and it warded well Vpon his shield , that it no further went , But to the ground the idle quarrell fell : Then he another and another did expell . Which to preuent , the Prince his mortall speare Soone to him raught , and fierce at him did ride , To be auenged of that shot whyleare : But he was not so hardie to abide That bitter stownd , but turning quicke aside His light-foot beast , fled fast away for feare : Whom to pursue , the Infant after hide , So fast as his good Courser could him beare , But labour lost it was , to weene approch him neare . For as the winged wind his Tigre fled , That vew of eye could scarse him ouertake , Ne scarse his feet on ground were seene to tred ; Through hils and dales he speedie way did make , Ne hedge ne ditch his readie passage brake , And in his flight the villein turn'd his face , ( As wonts the Tartar by the Caspian lake , When as the Russian him in fight does chace ) Vnto his Tygres taile , and shot at him apace . Apace he shot , and yet he fled apace , Still as the greedy knight nigh to him drew , And oftentimes he would relent his pace , That him his foe more fiercely should pursew : Who when his vncouth manner he did vew , He gan auize to follow him no more , But keepe his standing , and his shaftes eschew , Vntill he quite had spent his perlous store , And then assayle him fresh , ere he could shift for more . But that lame Hag , still as abroad he strew His wicked arrowes , gathered them againe , And to him brought , fresh battell to renew : Which he espying , cast her to restraine From yielding succour to that cursed Swaine , And her attaching , thought her hands to tye ; But soone as him dismounted on the plaine , That other Hag did farre away espy Binding her sister , she to him ran hastily . And catching hold of him , as downe he lent , Him backward ouerthrew , and downe him stayd With their rude hands and griefly graplement , Till that the ville in comming to their aye , Vpon him fell , and lode vpon him layd ; Full litle wanted , but he had him slaine , And of the battell balefull end had made , Had not his gentle Squire beheld his paine , And commen to his reskew , ere his bitter bane . So greatest and most glorious thing on ground May often need the helpe of weaker hand ; So feeble is mans state , and life vnsound , That in assurance it may neuer stand , Till it dissolued be from earthly band . Proofe be thou Prince , the prowest man aliue , And noblest borne of all in Briton land ; Yet thee fierce Fortune did so nearely driue , That had not grace thee blest , thou shouldest not reuiue . The Squire arriuing , fiercely in his armes Snatcht first the one , and then the other Iade , His chiefest lets and authors of his harmes , And them perforce withheld with threatned blade , Least that his Lord they should behind inuade ; The whiles the Prince prickt with reprochfull shame , As one awakt out of long slombring shade , Reuiuing thought of glorie and of fame , Vnited all his powres to purge himselfe from blame . Like as a fire , the which in hollow caue Hath long bene vnderkept , and downe supprest , With murmurous disdaine doth inly raue , And grudge , in so streight prison to be prest , At last breakes forth with furious vnrest , And striues to mount vnto his natiue seat ; All that did earst it hinder and molest , It now deuoures with flames and scorching heat , And carries into smoake with rage and horror great . So mightily the Briton Prince him rouzd Out of his hold , and broke his caitiue bands , And as a Beare whom angry curres haue touzd , Hauing off-shakt them , and escapt their hands , Becomes more fell , and all that him withstands Treads downe and ouerthrowes . Now had the Carle Alighted from his Tigre , and his hands Discharged of his bow and deadly quar'le , To seize vpon his foe flat lying on the marle . Which now him turnd to disauantage deare ; For neither can he fly , nor other harme , But trust vnto his strength and manhood meare , Sith now he is farre from his monstrous swarme , And of his weapons did himselfe disarme . The knight yet wrothfull for his late disgrace , Fiercely aduaunst his valorous right arme , And him so sore smote with his yron mace , That groueling to the ground he fell , and fild his place . Well weened he , that field was then his owne , And all his labour brought to happie end , When suddein vp the villein ouerthrowne , Out of his swowne arose , fresh to contend , And gan himselfe to second battell bend , As hurt he had not bene . Thereby there lay An huge great stone , which stood vpon one end , And had not bene remoued many a day ; Some land-marke seem'd to be , or signe of sundry way . The same he snatcht , and with exceeding sway Threw at his foe , who was right well aware To shunne the engin of his meant decay ; It booted not to thinke that throw to beare , But ground he gaue , and lightly leapt areare : Eft fierce returning , as a Faulcon faire That once hath failed of her souse full neare , Remounts againe into the open aire , And vnto better fortune doth her selfe prepaire . So braue returning , with his brandisht blade , He to the Carle himselfe againe addrest , And strooke at him so sternely , that he made An open passage through his riuen brest , That halfe the steele behind his back did rest ; Which drawing backe , he looked euermore When the hart bloud should gush out of his chest , Or his dead corse should fall vpon the flore ; But his dead corse vpon the flore fell nathemore . Ne drop of bloud appeared shed to bee , All were the wounde so wide and wonderous , That through his carkasse one might plainely see : Halfe in a maze with horror hideous , And halfe in rage , to be deluded thus , Againe through both the sides he strooke him quight , That made his spright to grone full piteous : Yet nathemore forth fled his groning spright , But freshly as at first , prepard himselfe to fight . Thereat he smitten was with great affright , And trembling terror did his hart apall , Ne wist he , what to thinke of that same sight , Ne what to say , ne what to doe at all ; He doubted , least it were some magicall Illusion , that did beguile his sense , Or wandring ghost , that wanted funerall , Or aerie spirit vnder false pretence , Or hellish feend raysd vp through diuelish science . His wonder farre exceeded reasons reach , That he began to doubt his dazeled sight , And oft of error did himselfe appeach : Flesh without bloud , a person without spright , Wounds without hurt , a bodie without might , That could doe harme , yet could not harmed bee , That could not die , yet seem'd a mortall wight , That was most strong in most infirmitee ; Like did he neuer heare , like did he neuer see . A while he stood in this astonishment , Yet would he not for all his great dismay Giue ouer to effect his first intent , And th' vtmost meanes of victorie assay , Or th' vtmost issew of his owne decay . His owne good sword Mordure , that neuer fayld At need , till now , he lightly threw away , And his bright shield , that nought him now auayld , And with his naked hands him forcibly assayld . Twixt his two mightie armes him vp he snatcht , And crusht his carkasse so against his brest , That the disdainfull soule he thence dispatcht , And th' idle breath all vtterly exprest : Tho when he felt him dead , adowne he kest The lumpish corse vnto the senselesse grownd ; Adowne he kest it with so puissant wrest , That backe againe it did aloft rebownd , And gaue against his mother earth a gronefull sownd . As when Ioues harnesse-bearing Bird from hie Stoupes at a flying heron with proud disdaine , The stone-dead quarrey fals so forciblie , That it rebounds against the lowly plaine , A second fall redoubling backe againe . Then thought the Prince all perill sure was past , And that he victor onely did remaine ; No sooner thought , then that the Carle as fast Gan heap huge strokes on him , as ere he downe was cast . Nigh his wits end then woxe th' amazed knight , And thought his labour lost and trauell vaine , Against this lifelesse shadow so to fight : Yet life he saw , and felt his mightie maine , That whiles he marueild still , did still him paine : For thy he gan some other wayes aduize , How to take life from that dead-liuing swaine , Whom still he marked freshly to arize From th' earth , & from her wombe new spirits to reprize . He then remembred well , that had bene sayd , How th' Earth his mother was , and first him bore ; She eke so often , as his life decayd , Did life with vsury to him restore , And raysd him vp much stronger then before , So soone as he vnto her wombe did fall ; Therefore to ground he would him cast no more , Ne him commit to graue terrestriall , But beare him farre from hope of succour vsuall . Tho vp he caught him twixt his puissant hands , And hauing scruzd out of his carrion corse The lothfull life , now loosd from sinfull bands , Vpon his shoulders carried him perforse Aboue three furlongs , taking his full course , Vntill he came vnto a standing lake ; Him thereinto he threw without remorse , Ne stird , till hope of life did him forsake ; So end of that Carles dayes , and his owne paines did make ▪ Which when those wicked Hags from farre did spy , 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 quencht her burning fier brands , Hedlong her selfe did cast into that lake ; But Impotence with her owne wilfull hands , One of Malegers cursed darts did take , So riu'd her trembling hart , and wicked end did make . Thus now alone he conquerour remaines ; Tho comming to his Squire , that kept his steed , Thought to haue mounted , but his feeble vaines Him faild thereto , and serued not his need , Through losse of bloud , which from his wounds did bleed , That he began to faint , and life decay : But his good Squire him helping vp with speed , With stedfast hand vpon his horse did stay , And led him to the Castle by the beaten way . Where many Groomes and Squiers readie were , To take him from his steed full tenderly , And eke the fairest Alma met him there With balme and wine and costly spicery , To comfort him in his infirmity ; Eftsoones she causd him vp to be conuayd , And of his armes despoyled easily , In sumptuous bed she made him to be layd , And all the while his wounds were dressing , by him stayd .

Cant. XII . Guyon by Palmers gouernance , passing through perils great , Doth ouerthrow the Bowre of blisse , and Acrasie defeat . NOw gins this goodly frame of Temperance Fairely to rise , and her adorned hed To pricke of highest praise forth to aduance , Formerly grounded , and fast setteled On firme foundation of true bountihed ; And this braue knight , that for this vertue fights , Now comes to point of that same perilous sted , Where Pleasure dwelles in sensuall delights , Mongst thousand dangers , & ten thousand magick mights . Two dayes now in that sea he sayled has , Ne euer land beheld , ne liuing wight , Ne ought saue perill , still as he did pas : Tho when appeared the third Morrow bright , Vpon the waues to spred her trembling light , An hideous roaring farre away they heard , That all their senses filled with affright , And streight they saw the raging surges reard Vp to the skyes , that them of drowning made affeard . Said then the Boteman , Palmer stere aright , And keepe an euen course ; for yonder way We needes must passe ( God do vs well acquight , ) That is the Gulfe of Greedinesse , they say , That deepe engorgeth all this worldes pray : Which hauing swallowd vp excessiuely , He soone in vomit vp againe doth lay , And belcheth forth his superfluity , That all the seas for feare do seeme away to fly . On th' other side an hideous Rocke is pight , Of mightie Magnes stone , whose craggie clift Depending from on high , dreadfull to sight , Ouer the waues his rugged armes doth lift , And threatneth downe to throw his ragged rift On who so commeth nigh ; yet nigh it drawes All passengers , that none from it can shift : For whiles they fly that Gulfes deuouring iawes , They on this rock are rent , and sunck in helplesse wawes . Forward they passe , and strongly he them rowes , Vntill they nigh vnto that Gulfe arriue , Where streame more violent and greedy growes : Then he with all his puissance doth striue To strike his oares , and mightily doth driue The hollow vessell through the threatfull waue , Which gaping wide , to swallow them aliue , In th' huge abysse of his engulfing graue , Doth rore at them in vaine , and with great terror raue . They passing by , that griesly mouth did see , Sucking the seas into his entralles deepe , That seem'd more horrible then hell to bee , Or that darke dreadfull hole of Tartare steepe , Through which the damned ghosts doen often creepe Backe to the world , bad liuers to torment : But nought that falles into this direfull deepe , Ne that approcheth nigh the wide descent , May backe returne , but is condemned to be drent . On th' other side , they saw that perilous Rocke , Threatning it selfe on them to ruinate , On whose sharpe clifts the ribs of vessels broke , And shiuered ships , which had bene wrecked late , Yet stuck , with carkasses exanimate Of such , as hauing all their subtance spent In wanton ioyes , and lustes intemperate , Did afterwards make shipwracke violent , Both of their life , and fame for euer fowly blent . For thy , this hight The Rocke of vile Reproch , A daungerous and detestable place , To which nor fish nor fowle did once approch , But yelling Meawes , with Seagulles hoarse and bace , And Cormoyrants , with birds of rauenous race , Which still sate waiting on that wastfull clift , For spoyle of wretches , whose vnhappie cace , After lost credite and consumed thrift , At last them driuen hath to this despairefull drift . The Palmer seeing them in safetie past , Thus said ; behold th' ensamples in our sights , Of lustfull luxurie and thriftlesse wast : What now is left of miserable wights , Which spent their looser daies in lewd delights , But shame and sad reproch , here to be red , By these rent reliques , speaking their ill plights ? Let all that liue , hereby be counselled , To shunne Rocke of Reproch , and it as death to dred . So forth they rowed , and that Ferryman With his stiffe oares did brush the sea so strong , That the hoare waters from his frigot ran , And the light bubbles daunced all along , Whiles the salt brine out of the billowes sprong . At last farre off they many Islands spy , On euery side floting the floods emong : Then said the knight , Loe I the land descry , Therefore old Syre thy course do thereunto apply . That may not be , said then the Ferryman Least we vnweeting hap to be fordonne : For those same Islands , seeming now and than , Are not firme lande , nor any certein wonne , But straggling plots , which to and fro do ronne In the wide waters : therefore are they hight The wandring Islands . Therefore doe them shonne ; For they haue oft drawne many a wandring wight Into most deadly daunger and distressed plight . Yet well they seeme to him , that farre doth vew , Both faire and fruitfull , and the ground dispred With grassie greene of delectable hew , And the tall trees with leaues apparelled , Are deckt with blossomes dyde in white and red , That mote the passengers thereto allure ; But whosoeuer once hath fastened His foot thereon , may neuer it recure , But wandreth euer more vncertein and vnsure . As th' Isle of Delos whylome men report Amid th' Aegaean sea long time did stray , Ne made for shipping any certaine port , Till that Latona traueiling that way , Flying from Iunoes wrath and hard assay , Of her faire twins was there deliuered , Which afterwards did rule the night and day ; Thenceforth it firmely was established , And for Apolloes honor highly herried . They to him hearken , as beseemeth meete , And passe on forward : so their way does ly , That one of those same Islands , which doe fleet In the wide sea , they needes must passen by , Which seemd so sweet and pleasant to the eye , That it would tempt a man to touchen there : Vpon the banck they sitting did espy A daintie damzell , dressing of her heare , By whom a litle skippet floting did appeare . She them espying , loud to them can call , Bidding them nigher draw vnto the shore ; For she had cause to bufie them withall ; And therewith loudly laught : But nathemore Would they once turne , but kept on as afore : Which when she saw , she left her lockes vndight , And running to her boat withouten ore , From the departing land it launched light , And after them did driue with all her power and might . Whom ouertaking , she in merry sort Them gan to bord , and purpose diuersly , Now faining dalliance and wanton sport , Now throwing forth lewd words immodestly ; Till that the Palmer gan full bitterly Her to rebuke , for being loose and light : Which not abiding , but more scornefully Scoffing at him , that did her iustly wite , She turnd her bote about , and from them rowed quite . That was the wanton Phoedria , which late Did ferry him ouer the Idle lake : Whom nought regarding , they kept on their gate , And all her vaine allurements did forsake , When them the wary Boateman thus bespake ; Here now behoueth vs well to auyse , And of our safetie good heede to take ; For here before a perlous passage lyes , Where many Mermayds haunt , making false melodies . But by the way , there is a great Quicksand , And a whirlepoole of hidden ieopardy , Therefore , Sir Palmer , keepe an euen hand ; Scarse had he said , when hard at hand they spy That quicksand nigh with water couered ; But by the checked waue they did descry It plaine , and by the sea discoloured : It called was the quicksand of Vnthriftyhed . They passing by , a goodly Ship did see , Laden from far with precious merchandize , And brauely furnished , as ship might bee , Which through great disauenture , or mesprize , Her selfe had runne into that hazardize ; Whose mariners and merchants with much toyle , Labour'd in vaine , to haue recur'd their prize , And the rich wares to saue from pitteous spoyle , But neither toyle nor trauell might her backe recoyle . On th' other side they see that perilous Poole , That called was the Whirlepoole of decay , In which full many had with haplesse doole Beene suncke , of whom no memorie did stay : Whose circled waters rapt with whirling sway , Like to a restlesse wheele , still running round , Did couet , as they passed by that way , To draw the boate within the vtmost bound Of his wide Labyrinth , and then to haue them dround . But th' heedfull Boateman strongly forth did stretch His brawnie armes , and all his body straine , That th' vtmost sandy breach they shortly fetch , Whiles the dred daunger does behind remaine . Suddeine they see from midst of all the Maine , The surging waters like a mountaine rise , And the great sea puft vp with proud disdaine , To swell aboue the measure of his guise , As threatning to deuoure all , that his powre despise . The waues come rolling , and the billowes rore Outragiously , as they enraged were , Or wrathfull Neptune did them driue before His whirling charet , for exceeding feare : For not one puffe of wind there did appeare , That all the three thereat woxe much afrayd , Vnweeting , what such horrour straunge did reare . Eftsoones they saw an hideous hoast arrayd , Of huge Sea monsters , such as liuing sence dismayd . Most vgly shapes , and horrible aspects , Such as Dame Nature selfe mote feare to see , Or shame , that euer should so fowle defects From her most cunning hand escaped bee ; All dreadfull pourtraicts of deformitee : Spring-headed Hydraes , and sea-shouldring Whales , Great whirlpools , which all fishes make to flee , Bright Scolopendraes , arm'd with siluer scales , Mighty Monoceros , with immeasured tayles . The dreadfull Fish , that hath deseru'd the name Of Death , and like him lookes in dreadfull hew , The griefly Wasserman , that makes his game The flying ships with swiftnesse to pursew , The horrible Sea-satyre , that doth shew His fearefull face in time of greatest storme , Huge Ziffius , whom Mariners eschew No lesse , then rockes , ( as trauellers informe , ) And greedy Rosmarines with visages deforme . All these , and thousand thousands many more , And more deformed Monsters thousand fold , With dreadfull noise , and hollow rombling rore , Came rushing in the fomy waues enrold , Which seem'd to fly for feare , them to behold : Ne wonder , if these did the knight appall ; For all that here on earth we dreadfull hold , Be but as bugs to fearen babes withall , Compared to the creatures in the seas entrall . Feare nought , ( then said the Palmer well auiz'd ; ) For these same Monsters are not these in deed , But are into these fearefull shapes disguiz'd By that same wicked witch , to worke vs dreed , And draw from on this iourney to proceede . Tho lifting vp his vertuous staffe on hye , He smote the sea , which calmed was with speed , And all that dreadfull Armie fast gan flye Into great Tethys bosome , where they hidden lye . Quit from that daunger , forth their course they kept , And as they went , they heard a ruefull cry Of one , that wayld and pittifull wept , That through the sea the resounding plaints did fly : At last they in an Island did espy A seemely Maiden , sitting by the shore , That with great sorrow and sad agony , Seemed some great misfortune to deplore , And lowd to them for succour called euermore . Which Guyon hearing , streight his Palmer bad , To stere the boate towards that dolefull Mayd , That he might know , and ease her sorrow sad : Who him auizing better , to him sayd ; Faire Sir , be not displeasd , if disobayd : For ill it were to hearken to her cry ; For she is inly nothing ill apayd , But onely womanish fine forgery , Your stubborne hart t' affect with fraile infirmity . To which when she your courage hath inclind Through foolish pitty , then her guilefull bayt She will embosome deeper in your mind , And for your ruine at the last awayt . The knight was ruled , and the Boateman strayt Held on his course with stayed stedfastnesse , Ne euer shruncke , ne euer sought to bayt His tyred armes for toylesome wearinesse , But with his oares did sweepe the watry wildernesse . And now they nigh approched to the sted , Where as those Mermayds dwelt : it was a still And calmy bay , on th' one side sheltered With the brode shadow of an hoarie hill , On th' other side an high rocke toured still , That twixt them both a peasaunt port they made , And did like an halfe Theatre fulfill : There those fiue sisters had continuall trade , And vsd to bath themselues in that deceiptfull shade . They were faire Ladies , till they fondly striu'd With th' Heliconian maides for maistery ; Of whom they ouer-comen , were depriu'd Of their proud beautie , and th' one moyity Transform'd to fish , for their bold surquedry , But th' vpper halfe their hew retained still , And their sweet skill in wonted melody ; Which euer after they abusd to ill , T' allure weake trauellers , whom gotten they did kill . So now to Guyon , as he passed by , Their pleasaunt tunes they sweetly thus applide ; O thou faire sonne of gentle Faery , Thou art in mighty armes most magnifide Aboue all knights , that euer battell tride , O turne thy rudder hither-ward a while : Here may thy storme-bet vessell safely ride ; This is the Port of rest from troublous toyle , The worlds sweet In , from paine & wearisome turmoyle . With that the rolling sea resounding soft , In his big base them sitly answered , And on the rocke the waues breaking aloft , A solemne Meane vnto them measured , The whiles sweet Zephirus lowd whisteled His treble , a straunge kinde of harmony ; Which Guyons senses softly tickeled , That he the boateman bad row easily , And let him heare some part of their rare melody . But him the Palmer from that vanity , With temperate aduice discounselled , That they it past , and shortly gan descry The land , to which their course they leueled ; When suddeinly a grosse fog ouer spred With his dull vapour all that desert has , And heauens chearefull face enueloped , That all things one , and one as nothing was , And this great Vniuerse seemd one confused mas . Thereat they greatly were dismayd , ne wist How to direct their way in darkenesse wide , But feard to wander in that wastfull mist , For tombling into mischiefe vnespide . Worse is the daunger hidden , then descride . Suddeinly an innumerable flight Of harmefull fowles about them fluttering , cride , And with their wicked wings them oft did smight , And sore annoyed , groping in that griesly night . Euen all the nation of vnfortunate And fatall birds about them flocked were , Such as by nature men abhorre and hate , The ill-faste Owle , deaths dreadfull messengere , The hoars Night-rauen , trump of dolefull drere , The lether-winged Bat , dayes enimy , The ruefull Strich , still waiting on the bere , The Whistler shrill , that who so heares , doth dy , The hellisn Harpies , prophets of sad destiny . All those , and all that else does horrour breed , About them flew , and fild their sayles with feare : Yet stayd they not , but forward did proceed , Whiles th' one did row , and th' other stifly steare ; Till that at last the weather gan to cleare , And the faire land it selfe did plainly show . Said then the Palmer , Lo where does appeare The sacred soile , where all our perils grow ; Therefore , Sirknight , your ready armes about you throw . He hearkned , and his armes about him tooke , The whiles the nimble boate so well her sped , That with her crooked keele the land she strooke , Then forth the noble Guyon sallied , And his sage Palmer , that him gouerned ; But th' other by his boate behind did stay . They marched fairly forth , of nought ydred , Both firmely armd for euery hard assay , With constancy and care , gainst daunger and dismay . Ere long they heard an hideous bellowing Of many beasts , that roard outrageously , As if that hungers point , or Venus sting Had them enraged with fell surquedry ; Yet nought they feard , but past on hardily , Vntill they came in vew of those wild beasts : Who all attonce , gaping full greedily , And rearing fiercely their vpstarting crests , Ran towards , to deuoure those vnexpected guests . But soone as they approcht with deadly threat , The Palmer ouer them his staffe vpheld , His mighty staffe , that could all charmes defeat : Eftsoones their stubborne courages were queld , And high aduaunced crests downe meekely feld , In stead of fraying , they them selues did feare , And trembled , as them passing they beheld : Such wondrous powre did in that staffe appeare , All monsters to subdew to him , that did it beare . Of that same wood it fram'd was cunningly , Of which Caduceus whilome was made , Caduceus the rod of Mercury , With which he wonts the Stygian realmes inuade , Through ghastly horrour , and eternall shade ; Th' infernall feends with it he can asswage , And Orcus tame , whom nothing can perswade , And rule the Furyes , when they most do rage : Such vertue in his staffe had eke this Palmer sage . Thence passing forth , they shortly do arriue , Whereas the Bowre of Blisse was situate ; A place pick out by choice of best aliue , That natures worke by art can imitate : In which what euer in this worldly state Is sweet , and pleasing vnto liuing sense , Or that may dayntiest fantasie aggrate , Was poured forth with plentifull dispence , And made there to abound with lauish affluence . Goodly it was enclosed round about , Aswell their entred guestes to keepe within , As those vnruly beasts to hold without ; Yet was the fence thereof but weake and thin ; Nought feard their force , that fortilage to win , But wisedomes powre , and temperaunces might , By which the mightiest things efforced bin : And eke the gate was wrought of substaunce light , Rather for pleasure , then for battery or fight . Yt framed was of precious yuory , That seemd a worke of admirable wit ; And therein all the famous history Of Iason and Medaea was ywrit ; Her mighty charmes , her furious louing fit , His goodly conquest of the golden fleece , His falsed faith , and loue too lightly flit , The wondred Argo , which in venturous peece First through the Euxine seas bore all the flowr of Greece . Ye might haue seene the frothy billowes fry Vnder the ship , as thorough them she went , That seemd the waues were into yuory , Or yuory into the waues were sent ; And other where the snowy substaunce sprent With vermell , like the boyes bloud therein shed , A piteous spectacle did represent , And otherwhiles with gold besprinkeled ; Yt seemd th' enchaunted flame , which did Creiisa wed . All this , and more might in that goodly gate Be red ; that euer open stood to all , Which thither came : but in the Porch there sate A comely personage of stature tall , And semblaunce pleasing , more then naturall , That trauellers to him seemd to entize ; His looser garment to the ground did fall , And flew about his heeles in wanton wize , Not fit for speedy pace , or manly exercize . They in that place him Genius did call : Not that celestiall powre , to whom the care Of life , and generation of all That liues , pertaines in charge particulare , Who wondrous things concerning our welfare , And straunge phantomes doth let vs oft forsee , And oft of secret ill bids vs beware : That is our Selfe , whom though we do not see , Yet each doth in him selfe it well perceiue to bee . Therefore a God him sage Antiquity Did wisely make , and good Agdistes call : But this same was to that quite contrary , The foe of life , that good enuyes to all , That secretly doth vs procure to fall , Through guilefull semblaunts , which he makes vs see . He of this Gardin had the gouernall , And Pleasures porter was deuizd to bee , Holding a staffe in hand for more formalitee . With diuerse flowres he daintily was deckt , And strowed round about , and by his side A mighty Mazer bowle of wine was set As if it had to him bene sacrifide ; Wherewith all new-come guests he gratifide : So did he eke Sir Guyon passing by : But he his idle curtesie defide , And ouerthrew his bowle disdainfully ; And broke his staffe , with which he charmed semblants sly . Thus being entred , they behold around A large and spacious plaine , on euery side Strowed with , pleasauns , whose faire grassy ground Mantled with grenee , and goodly beautifide With all the ornaments of Floraes pride , Wherewith her mother Art , as halfe in scome Of niggard Nature , like a pompous bride Did decke her , and too lauishly adorne , When forth from virgin bowre she comes in th' early morne . Thereto the Heauens alwayes Iouiall , Lookt on them louely , still in stedfast state , Ne suffred storme nor frost on them to fall , Their tender buds or leaues to violate , Nor scorching heat , nor cold intemperate Tafflict the crearures , which therein did dwell , But the milde aire with season moderate Gently attempred , and disposd so well , That still it breathed forth sweet spirit & holesome smell . More sweet and holesome , then the pleasaunt hill Of Rhodope , on which the Nimphe , that bore A gyaunt babe , her selfe for griefe did kill ; Or the Thessalian Tempe , where of yore Faire Daphne Phoebus hart with loue did gore ; Or Ida , where the Gods lou'd to repaire , When euer they their heauenly bowres forlore ; Or sweet Parnasse , the ha unt of Muses faire ; Of Eden , if ought with Eden mote compaire . Much wondred Guyon at the faire aspect Of that sweet place , yet suffred no delight To sincke into his sence , nor mind affect , But passed forth , and lookt still forward right , Bridling his will , and maistering his might : Till that he came vnto another gate , No gate , but like one , being goodly dight With boughes and braunches , which did broad dilate Their clasping armes , in wanton wreathings intricate . So fashioned a Porch with rare deuice , Archt ouer head with an embracing vine , Whose bounches hanging downe , seemed to entice All passers by , to tast their lushious wine , And did themselues into their hands incline , As freely offering to be gathered : Some deepe empurpled as the Hyacint , Some as the Rubine , laughing sweetly red , Some like faire Emeraudes , not yet well ripened . And them amongst , some were of burnisht gold , So made by art , to beautifie the rest , Which did themselues emongst the leaues enfold , As lurking from the vew of couetous guest , That the weake bowes , with so rich load opprest , Did bow adowne , as ouer-burdened . Vnder that Porch a comely dame did rest , Clad in faire weedes , but fowle disordered , And garments loose , that seemd vnmeet for womanhed In her left hand a Cup of gold she held , And with her right the riper fruit did reach , Whose sappy liquor , that with fulnesse sweld , Into her cup she scruzd , with daintie breach Of her fine fingers , without fowle empeach , That so faire wine-presse made the wine more sweet : Thereof she vsd to giue to drinke to each , Whom passing by she happened to meet : It was her guise , all Straungers goodly so to greet , So she to Gayon offred it to tast ; Who taking it out of her tender hond , The cup to ground did violently cast , That all in pecces it was broken fond , And with the liquor stained all the lond : Whereat Excesse exceedingly was wroth , Yet no'te the same amend , ne yet withstond , But suffered him to passe , all were she loth ; Who not regarding her displeasure forward goth . There the mod daintie Paradise on ground , It selfe doth offer to his sober eye , In which all pleasures plenteously abound , And none does others happinesse enuye : The painted flowres , the trees vpshooting hye , The dales for shade , the hilles for breathing space , The trembling groues , the Christall running by ; And that , which all faire workes doth most aggrace , The art , which all that wrought , appeared in no place . One would haue thought , ( so cunningly , the rude , And scorned parts were mingled with the fine , ) That nature had for wantonesse ensude Art , and that Art at nature did repine ; So striuing each th' other to vndermine , Each did the others worke more beautifie ; So diff'ring both in willes , agreed in fine : So all agreed through sweete diuersitie , This Gardin to adorne with all varietie . And in the midst of all , a fountaine stood , Of richest substaunce , that on earth might bee , So pure and shiny , that the siluer flood Through euery channell running one might see ; Most goodly it with curious imageree Was ouer-wrought , and shapes of naked boyes , Of which some seemd with liuely iollitee , To fly about , playing their wanton toyes , Whilest others did themselues embay in liquid ioyes , And ouer all , of purest gold was spred , A trayle of yuie in his natiue hew : For the rich mettall was so coloured , That wight , who did not well auis'd it vew , Would surely deeme it to be yuie trew : Low his lasciuious armes adown did creepe , That themselues dipping in the siluer dew , Their fleecy flowres they tenderly did steepe , Which drops of Christall seemd for wantones to weepe . Infinit streames continually did well Out of this fountaine , sweet and faire to see The which into an ample lauer fell , And shortly grew to so great quantitie , That like a little lake it seemd to bee ; Whose depth exceeded not three cubits hight , That through the waues one might the bortom see , All pau'd beneath with Iaspar shining bright , That seemd the fountaine in that sea did sayle vpright . And all the margent round about was set , With shady Laurell trees , thence to defend The sunny beames , which on the billowes bet , And those which therein bathed , mote offend . As Guyon hapned by the same to wend , Two naked Damzelles he therein espyde , Which therein bathing , seemed to contend , And wrestle wantonly , ne car'd to hyde , Their dainty parts from vew of any , which them eyde . Sometimes the one would lift the other quight Aboue the waters , and then downe againe Her plong , as ouer maistered by might , Where both awhile would couered remaine , And each the other from to rise restraine ; The whiles their snowy limbes , as through a vele , So through the Christall waues appeared plaine : Then suddeinly both would themselues vnhele , And th' amarous sweet spoiles to greedy eyes reuele . As that faire Starre , the messenger of morne , His deawy face out of the sea doth reare : Or as the Cyprian goddesse , newly borne Of th' Oceans fruitfull froth , did first appeare : Such seemed they , and so their yellow heare Christalline humour dropped downe apace . Whom such when Guyon saw , he drew him neare , And somewhat gan relent his earnest pace , His stubborne brest gan secret pleasaunce to embrace . The wanton Maidens him espying , stood Gazing a while at his vnwonted guise ; Then th' one her selfe low ducked in the flood , Abasht , that her a straunger did a vise : But th' other rather higher did arise , And her two lilly paps aloft displayd , And all , that might his melting hart entise To her delights , she vnto him bewrayd : The rest hid vnderneath , him more desirous made . With that , the other likewise vp arose , And her faire lockes , which formerly were bownd Vp in one knot , she low adowne did lose : Which flowing long and thick , her cloth'd arownd , And th' yuorie in golden mantle gownd : So that faire spectacle from him was rest , Yet that , which rest it , no lesse faire was fownd : So hid in lockes and waues from lookers theft , Nought but her louely face she for his looking left . Withall she laughed , and she blusht withall , That blushing to her laughter gaue more grace , And laughter to her blushing , as did fall : Now when they spide the knight to slacke his pace , Them to behold , and in his sparkling face The secret signes of kindled lust appeare , Their wanton meriments they did encreace , And to him beckned , to approch more neare , And shewd him many sights , that courage cold could reare . On which when gazing him the Palmer saw , He much rebukt those wandring eyes of his , And counseld well , him forward thence did draw . Now are they come nigh to the Bowre of blis Of her fond fauorites so nam'd amis : When thus the Palmer ; Now Sir , well auise ; For here the end of all our trauell is : Here wonnes Acrasia , whom we must surprise , Else she will slip away , and all our drift despise . Eftsoones they heard a most melodious sound , Of all that mote delight a daintie eare , Such as attonce might not on liuing ground , Saue in this Paradise , be heard elswhere : Right hard it was , for wight , which did it heare , To read , what manner musicke that mote bee : For all that pleasing is to liuing eare , Was there consorted in one harmonee , Birdes , voyces , instruments , windes , waters , all agree . The ioyous birdes shrouded in chearefull shade , Their notes vnto the voyce attempred sweet ; Th' Angelicall soft trembling voyces made To th' instruments diuine respondence meet : The siluer sounding instruments did meet With the base murmure of the waters fall : The waters fall with difference discreet , Now soft , now loud , vnto the wind did call : The gentle warbling wind low answered to all . There , whence that Musick seemed heard to bee , Was the faire Witch her selfe now solacing , With a new Louer , whom through sorceree And witchcraft , she from farre did thither bring : There she had him now layd a slombering , In secret shade , after long wanton ioyes : Whilst round about them pleasauntly did sing Many faire Ladies , and lasciuious boyes , That euer mixt their song with light licentious toyes . And all that while , right ouer him she hong , With her false eyes fast fixed in his sight , As seeking medicine , whence she was stong , Or greedily depasturing delight : And oft inclining downe with kisses light , For feare of waking him , his lips bedewd , And through his humid eyes did sucke his spright , Quite molten into lust and pleasure lewd ; Wherewith she sighed soft , as if his case she rewd . The whiles some one did chaunt this louely lay ; Ah see , who so faire thing doest faine to see , In springing flowre the image of thy day ; Ah see the Virgin Rose , how sweetly shee Doth first peepe forth with bashfull modestee , That fairer seemes , the lesse ye see her may ; Lo see soone after , how more bold and free Her bared bosome she doth broad display ; Loe see soone after , how she fades , and falles away . So passeth , in the passing of a day , Of mortall life the leafe , the bud , the flowre , Ne more doth flourish after first decay , That earst was sought to decke both bed and bowre , Of many a Ladie , and many a Paramowre : Gather therefore the Rose , whilest yet is prime , For soone comes age , that will her pride deflowre : Gather the Rose of loue , whilest yet is time , Whilest louing thou mayst loued be with equall crime . He ceast , and then gan all the quire of birdes Their diuerse notes t'attune vnto his lay , As in approuance of his pleasing words . The constant paire heard all , that he did say , Yet swarued not , but kept their forward way , Through many couert groues , and thickets close , In which they creeping did at last display That wanton Ladie , with her louer lose , Whose sleepie head she in her lap did soft dispose . Vpon a bed of Roses she was layd , As faint through heat , or dight to pleasant sin , And was arayd , or rather disarayd , All in a vele of silke and siluer thin , That hid no whit her alablaster skin , But rather shewd more white , if more might bee : More subtile web Arachne can not spin , Nor the fine nets , which oft we wouen see Of scorched deaw , do not in th' aire more lightly flee . Her snowy brest was bare to readie spoyle Of hungry eies , which n'ote therewith be fild , And yet through languour of her late sweet toyle , Few drops , more cleare then Nectar , forth distild , That like pure Orient perles adowne it trild , And her faire eyes sweet smyling in delight , Moystened their fierie beames , with which she thrild Fraile harts , yet quenched not ; like starry light Which sparckling on the silent waues , does seeme more bright . The young man sleeping by her , seemd to bee Some goodly swayne of honorable place , That certes it great pittie was to see Him his nobilitie so foule deface ; A sweet regard , and amiable grace , Mixed with manly sternnesse did appeare Yet sleeping , in his well proportiond face , And on his tender lips the downy heare Did now but freshly spring , and silken blossomes beare . His warlike armes , the idle instruments Of sleeping praise , were hong vpon a tree , And his braue shield , full of old moniments , Was fowly ra'st , that none the signes might see ; Ne for them , ne for honour cared hee , Ne ought , that did to his aduauncement tend , But in lewd loues , and wastfull luxuree , His dayes , his goods , his bodie he did spend : O horrible enchantment , that him so did blend . The noble Elfe , and carefull Palmer drew So nigh them , minding nought , but lustfull game , That suddein forth they on them rusht , and threw A subtile net , which onely for the same The skilfull Palmer formally did frame . So held them vnder fast , the whiles the rest Fled all away for feare of fowler shame . The faire Enchauntresse , so vnwares opprest , Tryde all her arts , & all her sleights , thence out to wrest . And eke her louer stroue : but all in vaine ; For that same net so cunningly was wound , That neither guile , nor force might it distraine . They tooke them both , & both them strongly bound In captiue bandes , which there they readie found : But her in chaines of adamant he tyde ; For nothing else might keepe her safe and sound ; But Verdant ( so he hight ) he soone vntyde , And counsell sage in steed thereof to him applyde . But all those pleasant bowres and Pallace braue , Guyon broke downe , with rigour pittilesse ; Ne ought their goodly workmanship might saue Them from the tempest of his wrathfulnesse , But that their blisse he turn'd to balefulnesse : Their groues he feld , their gardins did deface , Their arbers spoyld , their Cabinets suppresse , Their banket houses burne , their buildings race , And of the fairest late , now made the fowlest place . Then led they her away , and eke that knight They with them led , both sorrowfull and sad : The way they came , the same retourn'd they right , Till they arriued , where they lately had Charm'd those wild-beasts , that rag'd with furie mad . Which now awaking , fierce at them gan fly , As in their mistresse reskew , whom they lad ; But them the Palmer soone did pacify . Then Guyon askt , what meant those beastes , which there didly . Said he , these seeming beasts are men indeed , Whom this Enchauntresse hath transformed thus , Whylome her louers , which her lusts did feed , Now turned into figures hideous , According to their mindes like monstruous . Sad end ( quoth he ) of life intemperate , And mournefull meed of ioyes delicious : But Palmer , if it mote thee so aggrate , Let them returned be vnto their former state . Streight way he with his vertuous staffe them strooke , And streight of beasts they comely men became ; Yet being men they did vnmanly looke , And stared ghastly , some for inward shame , And some for wrath , to see their captiue Dame : But one aboue the rest in speciall , That had an hog beene late , hight Grille by name , Repined greatly , and did him miscall , That had from hoggish forme him brought to naturall . Said Guyon , See the mind of beastly man , That hath so soone forgot the excellence Of his creation , when he life began , That now he chooseth , with vile difference , To be a beast , and lacke intelligence . To whom the Palmer thus , The donghill kind Delights in filth and foule incontinence : Let Grill be Grill , and haue his hoggish mind , But let vs hence depart , whilest wether serues and wind .

THE THIRD BOOKE OF THE FAERIE QVEENE . Contayning , THE LEGEND OF BRITOMARTIS . OR Of Chastitie .

IT falles me here to write of Chastity , That fairest vertue , farre aboue the rest ; For which what needs me fetch from Faery Forreine ensamples , it to haue exprest ? Sith it is shrined in my Soueraines brest , And form'd so liuely in each perfect part , That to all Ladies , which haue it profest , Need but behold the pourtraict of her hart , If pourtrayd it might be by any liuing art . But liuing art may not least part expresse , Nor life-resembling pencill it can paint , All were it Zeuxis or Praxiteles : His daedale hand would faile , and greatly faint , And her perfections with his error taint : Ne Poets wit , that passeth Painter farre In picturing the parts of beautie daint , So hard a workmanship aduenture darre , For fear through want of words her excellence to marre . How then shall I , Apprentice of the skill , That whylome in diuinest wits did raine , Presume so high to stretch mine humble quill ? Yet now my lucklesse lot doth me constraine Hereto perforce . But ô dred Soueraine Thus farre forth pardon , sith that choicest wit Cannot your glorious pourtraict figure plaine That I in colourd showes may shadow it , And antique praises vnto present persons fit . But if in liuing colours , and right hew , Your selfe you couet to see pictured , Who can it doe more liuely , or more trew , Then that sweet verse , with Nectar sprinckeled , In which a gracious seruant pictured His Cynthia , his heauens fairest light ? That with his melting sweetnesse rauished , And with the wonder of her beames bright , My senses lulled are in slomber of delight . But let that same delitious Poet lend A little leaue vnto a rusticke Muse To sing his mistresse prayse , and let him mend , If ought amis her liking may abuse : Ne let his fairest Cynthia refuse , In mirrours more then one her selfe to see , But either Gloriana let her chuse , Or in Belphoebe fashioned to bee : In th' one her rule , in th' other her rare chastitee .

Cant. I. Guyon encountreth Britomart , faire Florimell is chaced : Duessaes traines and Materastaes champions are defaced . THe famous Briton Prince and Faerie knight , After long wayes and perilous paines endured , Hauing their wearie limbes to perfect plight Restord , and sory wounds right well recured , Of the faire Alma greatly were procured , To make there lenger soiourne and abode ; But when thereto they might not be allured , From seeking praise , and deeds of armes abrode , They courteous conge tooke , and forth together yode . But the captiu'd Acrasia he sent , Because of trauell long , a nigher way , With a strong gard , all reskew to preuent , And her to Faerie court safe to conuay , That her for witnesse of his hard assay , Vnto his Faerie Queene he might present : But he himselfe betooke another way , To make more triall of his hardiment , And seeke aduentures , as he with Prince Arthur went . Long so they trauelled through wastefull wayes , Where daungers dwelt , and perils most did wonne , To hunt for glorie and renowmed praise ; Full many Countries they did ouerronne , From the vprising to the setting Sunne , And many hard aduentures did atchieue ; Of all the which they honour euer wonne , Seeking the weake oppressed to relieue , And to recouer right for such , as wrong did grieue . At last as through an open plaine they yode , They spide a knight , that towards pricked faire , And him beside an aged Squire there rode , That seem'd to couch vnder his shield three-square , As if that age bad him that burden spare , And yield it those , that stouter could it wield : He them espying , gan himselfe prepare , And on his arme addresse his goodly shield That bore a Lion passant in a golden field . Which seeing good Sir Guyon , deare besought The Prince of grace , to let him runne that turne . He graunted : then the Faery quickly raught His poinant speare , and sharpely gan to spurne His fomy steed , whose fierie feete did burne The verdant grasse , as he thereon did tread ; Ne did the other backe his foot returne , But fiercely forward came withouten dread , And bent his dreadfull speare against the others head . They bene ymet , and both their points arriued , But Guyon droue so furious and fell , That seem'd both shield & plate it would haue riued ; Nathelesse it bore his foe not from his sell , But made him stagger , as he were not well : But Guyon selfe , ere well he was aware , Nigh a speares length behind his crouper fell , Yet in his fall so well him selfe he bare , That mischieuous mischance his life & limbes did spare . Great shame and sorrow of that fall he tooke ; For neuer yet , sith warlike armes he bore , And shiuering speare in bloudie field first shooke , He found himselfe dishonored so sore . Ah gentlest knight , that euer armour bore , Let not thee grieue dismounted to haue beene , And brought to ground , that neuer wast before ; For not thy fault , but secret powre vnseene , That speare enchaunted was , which layd thee on the greene . But weenedst thou what wight thee ouerthrew , Much greater griefe and shamefuller regret For thy hard fortune then thou wouldst renew , That of a single damzell thou wert met On equall plaine , and there so hard beset ; Euen the famous Britomart it was , Whom straunge aduenture did from Britaine fet , To seeke her louer ( loue farre sought alas , ) Whose image she had feene in Venus looking glas . Full of disdainefull wrath , he fierce vprose , For to reuenge that foule reprochfull shame , And snatching his bright sword began to close With her on foot , and stoutly forward came ; Die rather would he , then endure that same . Which when his Palmer saw , he gan to feare His toward perill and vntoward blame , Which by that new rencounter he should reare : For death sate on the point of that enchaunted speare . And hasting towards him gan faire perswade , Not to prouoke misfortune , nor to weene His speares default to mend with cruell blade ; For by his mightie Science he had seene The secret vertue of that weapon keene , That mortall puissance mote not withstond : Nothing on earth mote alwaies happie beene . Great hazard were it , and aduenture fond , To loose long gotten honour with one euill hond . By such good meanes he him discounselled , From prosecuting his reuenging rage ; And eke the Prince like treaty handeled , His wrathfull will with reason to asswage , And laid the blame , not to his carriage , But to his starting steed , that swaru'd asyde , And to the ill purueyance of his page , That had his furnitures not firmely tyde : So is his angry courage fairely pacifyde . Thus reconcilement was betweene them knit , Through goodly temperance , and affection chaste , And either vowd with all their power and wit , To let not others honour be defaste , Of friend or foe , who euer it embaste , Ne armes to beare against the others syde : In which accord the Prince was also plaste , And with that golden chaine of concord tyde . So goodly all agreed , they forth yfere did ryde . O goodly vsage of those antique times , In which the sword was seruant vnto right ; When not for malice and contentious crimes , But all for praise , and proofe of manly might , The martiall brood accustomed to fight : Then honour was the meed of victorie , And yet the vanquished had no despight : Let later age that noble vse enuie , Vile rancour to auoid , and cruell surquedrie . Long they thus trauelled in friendly wise , Through countries waste , and eke well edifyde , Seeking aduentures hard , to exercise Their puissance , whylome full dernely tryde : At length they came into a forrest wyde , Whose hideous horror and sad trembling sound Full griesly seem'd : Therein they long did ryde , Yet tract of liuing creatures none they found , Saue Beares , Lions , & Buls , which romed them around . All suddenly out of the thickest brush , Vpon a milke-white Palfrey all alone , A goodly Ladie did foreby them rush , Whose face did seeme as cleare as Christall stone , And eke through feare as white as whales bone : Her garments all were wrought of beaten gold , And all her steed with tinsell trappings shone , Which fled so fast , that nothing mote him hold , And scarse them leasure gaue , her passing to behold . Still as she fled , her eye she backward threw , As fearing euill , that pursewd her fast ; And her faire yellow locks behind her flew , Loosely disperst with puffe of euery blast : All as a blazing starre doth farre outcast His hearie beames , and flaming lockes dispred , At sight whereof the people stand aghast : But the sage wisard telles , as he has red , That it importunes death and dolefull drerihed . So as they gazed after her a while , Lo where a griesly Foster forth did rush , Breathing out beastly lust her to defile : His tyreling iade he fiercely forth did push , Through thicke and thin , both ouer banke and bush In hope her to attaine by hooke or crooke , That from his gorie sides the bloud did gush : Large were his limbes , and terrible his looke , And in his clownish hand a sharp bore speare he shooke . Which outrage when those gentle knights did see , Full of great enuie and fell gealosy , They stayd not to auise , who first should bee , But all spurd after fast , as they mote fly , To reskew her from shamefull villany . The Prince and Guyon equally byliue Her selfe pursewd , in hope to win thereby Most goodly meede , the fairest Dame aliue : But after the foule foster Timias did striue . The whiles faire Britomart , whose constant mind , Would not so lightly follow beauties chace , Ne reckt of Ladies Loue , did stay behind , And them awayted there a certaine space , To weet if they would turne backe to that place : But when she saw them gone , she forward went , As lay her iourney , through that perlous Pace , With stedfast courage and stout hardiment ; Ne euill thing she fear'd , ne euill thing she ment . At last as nigh out of the wood she came , A stately Castle farre away she spyde , To which her steps directly she did frame . That Castle was most goodly edifyde , And plaste for pleasure nigh that forrest syde : But faire before the gate a spatious plaine , Mantled with greene , it selfe did spredden wyde , On which she saw sixe knights , that did darraine Fierce battell against one , with cruell might and maine . Mainly they all attonce vpon him laid , And sore beset on euery side around , That nigh he breathlesse grew , yet nought dismaid , Ne euer to them yielded foot of ground All had he lost much bloud through many a wound , But stoutly dealt his blowes , and euery way To which he turned in his wrathfull stound , Made them recoile , and fly from dred decay , That none of all the sixe before , him durst assay . Like dastard Curres , that hauing at a bay The saluage beast embost in wearie chace , Dare not aduenture on the stubborne pray , Ne byte before , but rome from place to place , To get a snatch , when turned is his face . In such distresse and doubtfull ieopardy , When Britomart him saw , she ran a pace Vnto his reskew , and with earnest cry , Bad those same sixe forbeare that single enimy . But to her cry they list not lenden eare , Ne ought the more their mightie strokes surceasse , But gathering him round about more neare , Their direfull rancour rather did encreasse ; Till that she rushing through the thickest preasse , Perforce disparted their compacted gyre , And soone compeld to hearken vnto peace : Tho gan she myldly of them to inquyre The cause of their dissention and outrageous yre . Whereto that single knight did answere frame ; These sixe would me enforce by oddes of might , To chaunge my liefe , and loue another Dame , That death me liefer were , then such despight , So vnto wrong to yield my wrested right : For I loue one , the truest one on ground , Ne list me chaunge ; she th' Errant Damzell hight , For whose deare sake full many a bitter stownd , I haue endur'd , and tasted many a bloudy wound . Certes ( said she ) then bene ye sixe to blame , To weene your wrong by force to iustifie : For knight to leaue his Ladie were great shame , That faithfull is , and better were to die . All losse is lesse , and lesse the infamie , Then losse of loue to him , that loues but one ; Ne may loue be compeld by maisterie ; For soone as maisterie comes , sweet loue anone Taketh his nimble wings , and soone away is gone . Then spake one of those sixe , There dwelleth here Within this castle wall a Ladie faire , Whose soueraine beautie hath no liuing pere , Thereto so bounteous and so debonaire , That neuer any mote with her compaire . She hath ordaind this law , which we approue , That euery knight , which doth this way repaire , In case he haue no Ladie , nor no loue , Shall doe vnto her seruice neuer to remoue . But if he haue a Ladie or a Loue , Then must he her forgoe with foule defame , Or else with vs by dint of sword approue , That she is fairer , then our fairest Dame , As did this knight , before ye hither came . Perdie ( said Britomart ) the choise is hard : But what reward had he , that ouercame ? He should aduaunced be to high regard , ( Said they ) and haue our Ladies loue for his reward . Therefore a read Sir , if thou haue a loue . Loue haue I sure , ( quoth she ) but Lady none ; Yet will I not fro mine owne loue remoue , Ne to your Lady will I seruice done , But wreake your wrongs wrought to this knight alone , And proue his cause . With that her mortall speare She mightily auentred towards one , And downe him smot , ere well aware he weare , Then to the next she rode , & downe the next did beare . Ne did she stay , till three on ground she layd , That none of them himselfe could reare againe ; The fourth was by that other knight dismayd , All were he wearie of his former paine , That now there do but two of six remaine ; Which two did yield , before she did them smight . Ah ( said she then ) now may ye all see plaine , That truth is strong , and trew loue most of might , That for his trusty seruaunts doth so strongly fight . Too well we see , ( said they ) and proue too well Our faulty weaknesse , and your matchlesse might : For thy faire Sir , yours be the Damozell , Which by her owne law to your lot doth light , And we your liege men faith vnto you plight . So vnderneath her feet their swords they shard , And after her besought , well as they might , To enter in , and reape the dew reward : She graunted , and then in they all together far'd . Long were it to describe the goodly frame , And stately port of Castle Ioyeous , ( For so that Castle hight by commune 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 spacious , Eftsoones them brought vnto their Ladies sight . That of them cleeped was the Lady of delight . But for to tell the sumptuous aray Of that great chamber , should be labour lost : For liuing wit , I weene , cannot display The royall riches and exceeding cost , Of euery pillour and of euery post ; Which all of purest bullion framed were , And with great pearles and pretious stones embost , That the bright glister of their beames cleare Did sparckle forth great light , and glorious did appeare . These straunger knights through passing , forth were led Into an inner rowme , whose royaltee And rich purueyance might vneath be red ; Mote Princes place be seeme so deckt to bee . Which stately manner when as they did see , The image of superfluous riotize , Exceeding much the state of meane degree , They greatly wondred , whence so sumptuous guize Might be maintaynd , and each gan diuersely deuize . The wals were round about apparelled With costly clothes of Arras and of Toure , In which with cunning hand was pourtrahed The loue of Venus and her Paramoure The faire Adonis , turned to a flowre , A worke of rare deuice , and wondrous wit . First did it shew the bitter balefull stowre , Which her assayd with many a feruent fit , When first her tender hart was with his beautie smit . Then with what sleights and sweet allurements she Entyst the Boy , as well that art she knew , And wooed him her Paramoure to be ; Now making girlonds of each flowre that grew , To crowne his golden lockes with honour dew ; Now leading him into a secret shade From his Beauperes , and from bright heauens vew , Where him to sleepe she gently would perswade , Or bathe him in a fountaine by some couert glade . And whilst he slept , she ouer him would spred Her mantle , colour'd like the starry skyes , And her soft arme lay vnderneath his hed , And with ambrosiall kisses bathe his eyes ; And whilest he bath'd with her two crafty spyes , She secretly would search each daintie lim , And throw into the well sweet Rosemaryes , And fragrant violets , and Pances trim , And euer with sweet Nectar she did sprinkle him . So did she steale his heedelesse hart away , And ioyd his loue in secret vnespyde . But for she saw him bent to cruell play , To hunt the saluage beast in forrest wyde , Dreadfull of daunger , that mote him betyde , She oft and oft aduiz'd him to refraine From chase of greater beasts , whose brutish pryde Mote breede him scath vnwares : but all in vaine ; For who can shun the chaunce , that dest'ny doth ordaine ? Lo , where beyond he lyeth languishing , Deadly engored of a great wild Bore , And by his side the Goddesse groueling Makes for him endlesse mone , and euermore With her soft garment wipes away the gore , Which staines his snowy skin with hatefull hew : But when she saw no helpe might him restore , Him to a dainty flowre she did transmew , Which in that cloth was wrought , as if it liuely grew . So was that chamber clad in goodly wize , And round about it many beds were dight , As whilome was the antique worldes guize , Some for vntimely ease , some for delight , As pleased them to vse , that vse it might : And all was full of Damzels , and of Squires , Dauncing and reueling both day and night , And swimming deepe in sensuall desires , And Cupid still emongst them kindled lustfull fires . And all the while sweet Musicke did diuide Her looser notes with Lydian harmony ; And all the while sweet birdes thereto applide Their daintie layes and dulcet melody , Ay caroling of loue and iollity , That wonder was to heare their trim consort . Which when those knights beheld , with scornefull eye , They sdeigned such lasciuious disport , And loath'd the loose demeanure of that wanton sort . Thence they were brought to that great Ladies vew , Whom they found sitting on a sumptuous bed , That glistred all with gold and glorious shew , As the proud Persian Queenes accustomed : She seemd a woman of great bountihed , And of rare beautie , sauing that askaunce Her wanton eyes , ill signes of womanhed , Did roll too highly , and too often glaunce , Without regard of grace , or comely amenaunce . Long worke it were , and needlesse to deuize Their goodly entertainement and great glee : She caused them be led in curteous wize Into a bowre , disarmed for to bee , And cheared well with wine and spiceree : The Redcrosse Knight was soone disarmed there , But the braue Mayd would not disarmed bee , But onely vented vp her vmbriere , And so did let her goodly visage to appere . As when faire Cynthia , in darke some night , Is in a noyous cloud enueloped , Where she may find the substaunce thin and light , Breakes forth her siluer beames , and her bright hed Discouers to the world discomfited ; Of the poore traueller , that went astray , With thousand blessings she is heried ; Such was the beautie and the shining ray , With which faire Britomart gaue light vnto the day . And eke those six , which lately with her fought , Now were disarmd , and did them selues present Vnto her vew , and company vnsoght ; For they all seemed curteous and gent , And all sixe brethren , borne of one parent , Which had them traynd in all ciuilitee , And goodly taught to tilt and turnament ; Now were they liegemen to this Lady free , And her knights seruice ought , to hold of her in fee. The first of them by name Gardante hight , Aiolly person , and of comely vew ; The second was Parlante , a bold knight , And next to him Iocante did ensew ; Basciante did him selfe most curteous shew ; But fierce Bacchante seemd too fell and keene ; And yet in amies Noctante greater grew : All were faire knights , and goodly well beseene , But to faire Britomart they all but shadowes beene . For she was full of amiable grace , And manly terrour mixed therewithall , That as the one stird vp affections bace , So th' other did mens rash desires apall , And hold them backe , that would in errour fall ; As he , that hath espide a vermeill Rose , To which sharpe thornes and breres the way forstall , Dare not for dread his hardy hand expose , But wishing it far off , his idle wish doth lose . Whom when the Lady saw so faire a wight . All ignoraunt of her contrary sex , ( For she her weend a fresh and lusty knight ) She greatly gan enamoured to wex , And with vaine thoughts her falsed fancy vex : Her fickle hart conceiued hasty fire , Like sparkes of fire , which fall in sclender flex , That shortly brent into extreme desire , And ransackt all her veines with passion entire . Eftsoones she grew to great impatience And into termes of open outrage brust , That plaine discouered her incontinence , Ne reckt she , who her meaning did mistrust ; For she was giuen all to fleshly lust , And poured forth in sensuall delight , That all regard of shame she had discust , And meet respect : of honour put to flight : So shamelesse beauty soone becomes a loathy sight , Faire Ladies , that to loue captiued arre , And chaste desires do nourish in your mind , Let not her fault your sweet affections marre , Ne blot the bounty of all womankind ; Mongst thousands good one wanton Dame to find : Emongst the Roses grow some wicked weeds ; For this was not to loue , but lust inclind ; For loue does alwayes bring forth bounteous deeds , And in each gentle hart desire of honour breeds . Nought so of loue this looser Dame did skill , But as a coale to kindle fleshly flame , Giuing the bridle to her wanton will , And treading vnder foote her honest name : Such loue is hate , and such desire is shame . Still did she roue at her with crafty glaunce Of her false eyes , that at her hart did ayme , And told her meaning in her countenaunce ; But Britomart dissembled it with ignoraunce . Supper was shortly dight and downe they sat , Where they were serued with all sumptuous fare , Whiles fruitfull Ceres , and Lyaeus sat Pourd out their plenty , without spight or spare : Nought wanted there , that dainty was and rare ; And aye the cups their bancks did ouerflow , And aye betweene the cups , she did prepare Way to her loue , and secret darts did throw ; But Britomart would not such guilfull message know . So when they slaked had the feruent heat Of appetite with meates of euery sort , The Lady did faire Britomart entreat , Her to disarme , and with delightfull sport To loose her warlike limbs and strong effort , But when she mote not thereunto be wonne , ( For she her sexe vnder that straunge purport Did vse to hide , and plaine apparaunce shonne : ) In plainer wise to tell her grieuaunce she begonne . And all attonce discouered her desire With sighes , and sobs , and plaints , & piteous griefe , The outward sparkes of her in burning fire ; Which spent in vaine , at last she told her briefe , That but if she did lend her short reliefe , And do her comfort , she mote algates dye . But the chaste damzell , that had neuer priefe Of such malengine and fine forgerie , Did easily beleeue her strong extremitie . Full easie was for her to haue beliefe , Who by self-feeling of her feeble sexe , And by long triall of the inward griefe , Wherewith imperious loue her hart did vexe , Could iudge what paines do louing harts perplexe . Who meanes no guile , beguiled soonest shall , And to faire semblaunce doth light faith annexe ; The bird , that knowes not the false fowlers call , Into his hidden net full easily doth fall . For thy she would not in discourteise wise , Scorne the faire offer of good will profest ; For great rebuke it is , loue to despise , Or rudely sdeigne a gentle harts request ; But with faire countenaunce , as beseemed best , Her entertaynd ; nath'lesse she inly deemd Her loue too light , to wooe a wandring guest : Which she misconstruing , thereby esteemd That from like inward fire that outward smoke had steemd , Therewith a while she her flit fancy fed , Till she mote winne fit time for her desire , But yet her wound still inward freshly bled , And through her bones the false instilled fire Did spred it selfe , and venime close inspire . Tho were the tables taken all away , And euery knight , and euery gentle Squire Can choose his dame with Basciomani gay , With whom he meant to make his sport & courtly play . Some fell to daunce , some fell to hazardry , Some to make loue , some to make meriment , As diuerse wits to diuers things apply ; And all the while faire Malecasta bent Her crafty engins to her close intent . By this th' eternall lampes , wherewith high loue Doth light the lower world , were halfe yspent , And the moist daughters of huge Atlas stroue Into the Ocean deepe to driue their weary droue . High time it seemed then for euery wight Them to betake vnto their kindly rest ; Eftsoones long waxen torches weren light , Vnto their bowres to guiden euery guest : Tho when the Britonesse saw all the rest Auoided quite , she gan her selfe despoile , And safe commit to her soft fetherednest , Where through long watch , & late dayes weary toile , She soundly slept , & carefull thoughts did quite assoile . Now when as all the world in silence deepe Yshrowded was , and euery mortall wight Was drowned in the depth of deadly sleepe , Faire Malecasta , whose engrieued spright Could find no rest in such perplexed plight , Lightly arose out of her wearie bed , And vnder the blacke vele of guilty Night , Her with a scarlot mantle couered , That was with gold and Ermines faire enueloped . Then panting soft , and trembling euery ioynt , Her fearfull feete towards the bowre she moued ; Where she for secret purpose did appoynt To lodge the warlike mayd vnwisely loued , And to her bed approching , first she prooued , Whether she slept or wakt , with her soft hand She softly felt , if any member mooued , And lent her weary eare to vnderstand , If any puffe of breath , or signe of sence she fond . Which whenas none she fond , with easie snift , For feare least her vnwares she should abrayd , Th' embroderd quilt she lightly vp did lift , And by her side her selfe she softly layd , Of euery finest fingers touch affrayd ; Ne any noise she made , ne word she spake , But inly sigh'd . At last the royall Mayd Out of her quiet slomber did awake , And chaungd her weary side , the better ease to take . Where feeling one close couched by her side , She lightly lept out of her filed bed , And to her weapon ran , in minde to gride The loathed leachour . But the Dame halfe ded Through suddein feare and ghastly drerihed , Did shrieke alowd , that through the house it rong , And the whole family therewith adred , Rashly out of their rouzed couches sprong , And to the troubled chamber all in armes did throng . And those six Knights that Ladies Champions , And eke the Redcrosse knight ran to the stownd , Halfe armd and halfe vnarmd , with them attons : Where when confusedly they came , they fownd Their Lady lying on the sencelesse grownd ; On th' other side , they saw the warlike Mayd All in her snow-white smocke , with locks vnbownd , Threatning the point of her auenging blade , That with so troublous terrour they were all dismayde . About their Lady first they flockt arownd , Whom hauing laid in comfortable couch , Shortly they reard out of her frosen swownd ; And afterwards they gan with fowle reproch To stirre vp strife , and troublous contecke broch : But by ensample of the last dayes losse , None of them rashly durst to her approch , Ne in so glorious spoile themselues embosse ; Her succourd eke the Champion of the bloudy Crosse . But one of those sixe knights , Gardante hight , Drew out a deadly bow and arrow keene , Which forth he sent with felonous despight , And fell intent against the virgin sheene : The mortall steele stayd not , till it was seene To gore her side , yet was the wound not deepe , But lightly rased her soft silken skin , That drops of purple bloud thereout did weepe , Which did her lilly smock with staines of vermeil steepe . Wherewith enrag'd she fiercely at them flew , And with her flaming sword about her layd , That none of them foule mischiefe could eschew , But with her dreadfull strokes were all dismayd : Here , there , and euery where about her swayd Her wrathfull steele , that none mote it a bide ; And eke the Redcrosse knight gaue her good aid , Ay ioyning foot to foot , and side to side , That in short space their foes they haue quite terrifide . Tho whenas all were put to shamefull flight , The noble Britomartis her arayd , And her bright armes about her body dight : For nothing would she lenger there be stayd , Where so loose life , and so vngentle trade Was vsd of Knights and Ladies seeming gent : So earely ere the grosse Earthes gryesy shade , Was all disperst out of the firmament , They tooke their steeds , & forth vpon their iourney went .

Cant. II. The Redcrosse knight to Britomart describeth Artegall : The wondrous myrrhour , by which she in loue wth him did fall . HEre haue I cause , in men iust blame to find , That in their proper prayse too partiall bee , And not indifferent to woman kind , To whom no share in armes and cheualrie They do impart , ne maken memorie Of their braue gestes and prowese martiall ; Scarse do they spare to one or two or three , Rowme in their writs ; yet the same writing small Does all their deeds deface , and dims their glories all , But by record of anqique times I find , That women wont in warres to beare most sway , And to all great exploits them selue inclind : Of which they still the girlond bore away , Till enuious Men fearing their rules decay . Gan coyne streight lawes to curb their liberty ; Yet sith they warlike armes haue layd away : They haue exceld in artes and pollicy That now we foolish men that prayse gin eker'enuy . Of warlike puissaunce in ages spent , Be thou faire Britomart , whose prayse I write But of all wisedome be thou precedent , Endite I would as dewtie doth excite ; But ah my rimes too rude and rugged arre , When in so high an obiect they do lite , And striuing , fit to make , I feare do marre : Thy selfe thy prayses tell , and make them knowen farre . She trauelling with Guyon by the way , Of sundry things faire purpose gan to find , T'abridg their iourney long , and lingring day ; Mongst which it fell into that Faeries mind , To aske this Briton Mayd , what vncouth wind , Made her dissemble her disguised kind : Faire Lady she him seemd , like Lady drest , But fairest knight aliue , when armed washer brest . Thereat she sighing softly , had no powre To speake a while , ne ready answere make , But with hart-thrilling throbs and bitter stowre , As if she had a feuer fit , did quake , And euery daintie limbe with horrour shake ; And euer and anone the rosy red , Flasht through her face , as it had beene a flake Oflightning , through bright heauen fulmined ; At last the passion past she thus him answered . Faire Sir , I let you weete , that from the howre I taken was from nourses tender pap , I haue beene trained , vp in warlike stowre , To tossen speare and shield , and to affrap The warlike ryder to his most mishap ; Sithence I loathed haue my life to lead , As Ladies wont , in pleasures wanton lap , To finger the fine needle and nyce thread ; Me leuer were with point of foemans speare be dead . All my delights deedes of armes is set , To hunt out perils and aduentures hard , By sea , by land , where so they may be met , Onely for honour and for high regard , Without respect of richesse or reward . For such intent into these parts I came , Withouten compasse , or withouten card , Far fro my natiue soyle , that is by name The greater Britaine , here to seeke for prayse and fame . Fame blazed hath , that here in Faery lond Do many famous Knightes and Ladies wonne , And many straunge aduentures to be fond , Of which great worth and worship may be wonne ; Which I to proue , this voyage haue begonne . But mote I weet of you , right curteous knight , Tydings of one , that hath vnto me donne Late foule dishonour and reprochfull spight , The which I seeke to wreake , and Arthegall he hight . The word gone out , she backe againe would call , As her repenting so to haue missayd , But that he it vp-taking ere the fall , Her shortly answered ; Faire martiall Mayd Certes ye misa uised beene , t'vpbrayd A gentle knight with so vnknightly blame : For weet ye well of all , that euer playd At tilt or tourney , or like warlike game , The noble Arthegall hath euer borne the name . For thy great wonder were it , if such shame Should euer enter in his bounteous thought , Or euer do , that mote deseruen blame : The noble courage neuer weeneth ought , That may vnworthy of it selfe be thought . Therefore , faire Damzell , be ye well aware , Least that too farre ye haue your sorrow sought : You and your countrey both I wish welfare , And honour both ; for each of other worthy are . The royall Mayd woxe inly wondrous glad , To heare her Loue so highly magnifide , And ioyd that euer she affixed had , Her hart on knight so goodly glorifide , How euer finely she it faind to hide : The louing mother , that nine monethes did beare , In the deare closet of her paine full side , Her tender babe , it seeing safe appeare , Doth not so much reioyce , as she reioyced theare . But to occasion him to further talke , To feed her humour with his pleasing stile , Her list in strifull termes with him to balke , And thus replide , How euer , Sir , ye file Your curteous tongue , his prayses to compile , It ill beseemes a knight of gentle sort , Such as ye haue him boasted , to beguile A simple mayd , and worke so haynous tort , In shame of knighthood , as I largely can report . Let be therefore my vengeaunce to disswade , And read , where I that faytour false may find . Ah , but if reason faire might you perswade , To slake your wrath , and mollifie your mind , ( Said he ) perhaps ye should it better find : For hardy thing it is , to weene by might , That man to hard conditions to bind , Or euer hope to match in equall fight , Whose prowesse paragon saw neuer liuing wight . Ne soothlich is it easie for to read , Where now on earth , or how he may be found ; For he ne wonneth in one certaine stead , But restlesse walketh all the world around , Ay doing things , that to his same redound , Defending Ladies cause , and Orphans right , Where so he heares , that any doth confound Them comfortlesse , through tyranny or might ; So is his soueraine honour raisde to heavens hight . His feeling words her feeble sence much pleased , And softly sunck into her molten hart ; Hart that is inly hurt , is greatly eased With hope of thing , that may allegge his smart ; For pleasing words are like to Magick art , That doth the charmed Snake in slomber lay : Such secret ease felt gentle Britomart , Yet list the same efforce with faind gainesay ; So dischord oft in Musick makes the sweeter lay . And said , Sir knight , these idle termes forbeare , And sith it is vneath to find his haunt , Tell me some markes , by which he may appeare , If chaunce I him encounter parauant ; For perdie one shall other slay , or daunt : What shape , what shield , what armes , what steed , what sted , And what so else his person most may vaunt ? All which the Redcrosse knight to point ared , And him in euery part before her fashioned . Yet him in euery part before she knew , How euer list her now her knowledge faine , Sith him whilome in Britaine she did vew , To her reuealed in a mirrhour plaine , Whereof did grow her first engraffed paine ; Whose root and stalke so bitter yet did tast , That but the fruit more sweetnesse did containe , Her wretched dayes in dolour she mote wast , And yield the pray of loue to lothsome death at last . By strange occasion she did him behold , And much more strangely gan to loue his sight , As it in bookes hath written bene of old . In Deheubarth that now South-wales is hight , What time king Ryence raign'd , and dealed right , The great Magitian Merlin had deuiz'd , By his deepe science , and hell-dreaded might , A looking glasse , right wondrously aguiz'd , Whose vertues through the wyde world soone were solemniz'd . It vertue had , to shew in perfect sight , What euer thing was in the world contaynd , Betwixt the lowest earth and heauens hight , So that it to the looker appertaynd ; What euer foe had wrought , or frend had faynd , Therein discouered was , ne ought mote pas , Ne ought in secret from the same remaynd ; For thy it round and hollow shaped was , Like to the world it selfe , and seem'd a world of glas . Who wonders not , that reades so wonderous worke ? But who does wonder , that has red the Towre , Wherein th' Aegyptian Phaeo long did lurke From all mens vew , that none might her discoure , Yet she might all men vew out of her bowre ? Great Ptolomaee it for his lemans sake Ybuilded all of glasse , by Magicke powre , And also it impregnable did make ; Yet when his loue was false , he with a peaze it brake . Such was the glassie globe that Merlin made , And gaue vnto king Ryence for his gard , That neuer foes his kingdome might inuade , But he it knew at home before he hard Tydings thereof , and so them still debar'd . It was a famous Present for a Prince , And worthy worke of infinite reward , That treasons could bewray , and foes conuince ; Happie this Realme , had it remained euer since . One day it fortuned , faire Britomart Into her fathers closet to repayre ; For nothing he from her reseru'd apart , Being his onely daughter and his hayre : Where when she had espyed that mirrhour fayre , Her selfe a while therein she vewd in vaine ; Tho her auizing of the vertues rare , Which thereof spoken were , she gan againe Her to be thinke of , that mote to her selfe pertaine . But as it falleth , in the gentlest harts Imperious Loue hath highest set his throne , And tyrannizeth in the bitter smarts Of them , that to him buxome are and prone : So thought this Mayd ( as maydens vse to done ) Whom fortune for her husband would allot , Not that she lusted after any one ; For she was pure from blame of sinfull blot , Yet wist her life at last must lincke in that same knot . Eftsoones there was presented to her eye A comely knight , all arm'd in complet wize , Through whose bright ventayle lifted vp on hye His manly face , that did his foes agrize , And friends to termes of gentle truce entize , Lookt foorth , as Phoebus face out of the east , Betwixt two shadie mountaines doth arize ; Portly his person was , and much increast Through his Heroicke grace , and honorable gest . His crest was couered with a couchant Hound , And all his armour seem'd of antique mould , But woundrous massie and assured sound , And round about yfretted all with gold , In which there written was with cyphers old , Achilles armes , which Arthegall did win . And on his shield enueloped seuenfold He bore a crowned litle Ermilin , That deckt the azure field with her faire pouldred skin . The Damzell well did vew his personage , And like well , ne further fastned not , But went her way ; ne her vnguilty age Did weene , vnwares , that her vnlucky lot Lay hidden in the bottome of the pot ; Of hurt vnwift most daunger doth redound : But the false Archer , which that arrow shot So slyly , that she did not feele the wound , Did smyle full smoothly at her weetlesse wofull stound . Thenceforth the feather in her loftie crest , Ruffed of loue , gan lowly to auaile , And her proud portance , and her princely gest , With which she earst tryumphed , now did quaile : Sad , solemne , sowre , and full of fancies fraile She woxe ; yet wist she neither how , nor why , She wist not , silly Mayd , what she did aile , Yet wist , she was not well at ease perdy , Yet thought it was not loue , but some melancholy . So soone as Night had with her pallid hew Defast the beautie of the shining sky , And reft from men the worlds desired vew , She with her Nourse adowne to sleepe did lye ; But sleepe full farre away from her did fly : In stead there of sad sighes , and sorrowes deepe Kept watch and ward about her warily , That nought she did but wayle , and often steepe Her daintie couch with teares , which closely she did weepe . And if that any drop of slombring rest Did chaunce to still into her wearie spright , When feeble nature felt her selfe opprest , Streight way with dreames , and with fantasticke sight Of dreadfull things the same was put to flight , That oft out of her bed she did astart , As one with vew of ghastly feends affright : Tho gan she to renew her former smart , And thinke of that faire visage , written in her hart . One night , when she was tost with such vnrest , Her aged Nurse , whose name was Glauce hight , Feeling her leape out of her loathed nest , Betwixt her feeble armes her quickly keight , And downe againe in her warme bed her dight ; Ah my deare daughter , ah my dearest dread , What vncouth fit ( said she ) what euill plight Hath thee opprest , and with sad drearyhead Chaunged thy liuely cheare , and liuing made thee dead ? For not of nought these suddeine ghastly feares All night afflict thy naturall repose , And all the day , when as thine equall peares Their fit disports with faire delight doe chose , Thou in dull corners doest thy selfe inclose , Ne tastest Princes pleasures , ne doest spred Abroad thy fresh youthes fairest flowre , but lose Both leafe and fruit , both too vntimely shed , As one in wilfull bale for euer buried . The time , that mortall men their weary cares Do lay away , and all wilde beastes do rest , And euery riuer eke his course forbeares Then doth this wicked euill thee infest , And riue with thousand throbs thy thrilled brest ; Like an huge Aetn ' of deepe engulfed griefe , Sorrow is heaped in thy hollow chest , Whence forth it breakes in sighes and anguish rife , As smoke and sulphure mingled with confused strife . Aye me , how much I feare , least loue it bee ; But if that loue it be , as sure I read By knowen signes and passions , which I see , Be it worthy of thy race and royall sead , Then I auow by this most sacred head Of my deare foster child , to ease thy griefe , And win thy will : Therefore away doe dread ; For death nor daunger from thy dew reliefe Shall me debarre , tell me therefore my liefest liefe . So hauing said , her twixt her armes twaine She straightly straynd , and colled tenderly , And euery trembling ioynt , and euery vaine She softly felt , and rubbed busily , To doe the frosen cold away to fly ; And her faire deawy eies with kisses deare She oft did bath , and oft againe did dry ; And euer her importund , not to feare To let the secret of her hart to her appeare . The Damzell pauzd , and then thus fearefully ; Ah Nurse , what needeth thee to eke my paine ? Is not enough , that I alone doe dye , But it must doubled be with death of twaine ? For nought for me but death there doth remaine . O daughter deare ( said she ) despaire no whit ; For neuer sore , but might a salue obtaine : That blinded God , which hath ye blindly smit , Another arrow hath your louers hart to hit . But mine is not ( quoth she ) like others wound ; For which no reason can find remedy . Was neuer such , but mote the like be found , ( Said she ) and though no reason may apply Salue to your sore , yet loue can higher stye , Then reasons reach , and oft hath wonders donne . But neither God of loue , nor God of sky Can doe ( said she ) that , which cannot be donne . Things oft impossible ( quoth she ) seeme , ere begonne . These idle words ( said she ) doe nought asswage My stubborne smart , but more annoyance breed , For no no vsuall fire , no vsuall rage It is , ô Nurse , which on my life doth feed , And suckes the bloud , which from my hart doth bleed . But since thy faithfull zeale lets me not hyde My crime , ( if crime it be ) I will it reed . Nor Prince , nor pere it is , whose loue hath gryde My feeble brest of late , and launched this wound wyde . Nor man it is , nor other liuing wight ; For then some hope I might vnto me draw , But th' only shade and semblant of a knight , Whose shape or person yet I neuer saw , Hath me subiected to loues cruell law : The same one day , as me misfortune led , I in my fathers wondrous mirrhour saw , And pleased with that seeming goodly-hed , Vnwares the hidden hooke with baite I swallowed . Sithens it hath infixed faster hold Within my bleeding bowels , and so sore Now ranckleth in this same fraile fleshly mould , That all mine entrailes flow with poysnous gore , And th' vlcer groweth daily more and more ; Ne can my running sore find remedie , Other then my hard fortune to deplore , And languish as the leafe falne from the tree , Till death make one end of my dayes and miserie . Daughter ( said she ) what need ye be dismayd , Or why make ye such Monster of your mind ? Of much more vncouth thing I was affrayd ; Of filthy lust , contrarie vnto kind : But this affection nothing straunge I find ; For who with reason can you aye reproue , To loue the semblant pleasing most your mind , And yield your heart , whence ye cannot remoue ? No guilt in you , but in the tyranny of loue . Not so th' Arabian Myrrhe did set her mind ; Not so did Biblis spend her pining hart , But lou'd their natiue flesh against all kind , And to their purpose vsed wicked art : Yet playd Pasiphaë a more mostrous part , That lou'd a Bull , and learnd a beast to bee ; Such shamefull lusts who loaths not , which depart From course of nature and of modestie ? Sweet loue such lewdnes bands from his faire companie . But thine my Deare ( welfare thy heart my deare ) Though strange beginning had , yet fixed is On one , that worthy may perhaps appeare ; And certes seemes bestowed not amis : Ioy thereof haue thou and eternall blis . With that vpleaning on her elbow weake , Her alablasted brest she soft did kis , Which all that while she felt to pant and quake , As it an Earth-quake were ; at last she thus bespake . Beldame , your words doe worke me litle ease ; For though my loue be not so lewdly bent , As those ye blame , yet may it nought appease My raging smart , ne ought my flame relent , But rather doth my helpelesse griefe augment . For they , how euer shamefull and vnkind , Yet did possesse their horrible intent : Short end of sorrowes they thereby did find ; So was their fortune good , though wicked were their mind . But wicked fortune mine , though mind be good , Can haue no end , nor hope of my desire , But feed on shadowes , whiles I die for food , And like a shadow wexe , whiles with entire Affection , I doe languish and expire . I fonder , then Cephisus foolish child , Who hauing vewed in a fountaine shere His face , was with the loue thereof beguild ; I fonder loue a shade , the bodie farre exild . Nought like ( quoth she ) for that same wretched boy Was of himselfe the idle Paramoure ; Both loue and louer , without hope of ioy , For which he faded to a watry flowre . But better fortune thine , and better howre , Which lou'st the shadow of a warlike knight ; No shadow , but a bodie hath in powre : That bodie , wheresoeuer that it light , May learned be by cyphers , or by Magicke might . But if thou may with reason yet represse The growing euill , ere it strength haue got , And thee abandond wholly doe possesse , Against it strongly striue , and yield thee not , Till thou in open field adowne be smot . But if the passion mayster thy fraile might , So that needs loue or death must be thy lot , Then I auow to thee , by wrong or right To compasse thy desire , and find that loued knight . Her chearefull words much cheard the feeble spright Of the sicke virgin , that her downe she layd In her warme bed to sleepe , if that she might ; And the old-woman carefully displayd The clothes about her round with busie ayd ; So that at last a little creeping sleepe Surprisd her sense : She therewith well apayd , The drunken lampe downe in the oyle did steepe , And set her by to watch , and set her by to weepe . Earely the morrow next , before that day His ioyous face did to the world reueale , They both vprose and tooke their readie way Vnto the Church , their prayers to appeale , With great deuotion , and with litle zeale : For the faire Damzell from the holy herse Her loue-sicke hart to other thoughts did steale ; And that old Dame said many an idle verse , Out of her daughters hart fond fancies to reuerse . Returned home , the royall Infant fell Into her former fit ; for why , no powre Nor guidance of her selfe in her did dwell . But th' aged Nurse her calling to her bowre , Had gathered Rew , and Sauine , and the flowre Of Camphara , and Calamint , and Dill , All which she in a earthen Pot did poure , And to the brim with Colt wood did it fill , And many drops of milke and bloud through it did spill . Then taking thrise three haires from off her head , Them trebly breaded in a threefold lace , And round about the pots mouth , bound the thread , And after hauing whispered a space Certaine sad words , with hollow voice and bace , She to the virgin said , thrise said she it ; Come daughter come , come ; spit vpon my face , Spit thrise vpon me , thrise vpon me spit ; Th' vneuen number for this businesse is most fit . That sayd , her round about she from her turnd , She turned her contrarie to the Sunne , Thrise she her turnd contrary , and returnd , All contrary , for she the right did shunne , And euer what she did , was streight vndonne . So thought she to vndoe her daughters loue : But loue , that is in gentle brest begonne , No idle charmes so lightly may remoue , That well can witnesse , who by triall it does proue . Ne ought it mote the noble Mayd auayle , Ne slake the furie of her cruell flame , But that she still did waste , and still did wayle , That through long laugour , and hart-burning brame She shortly like a pyned ghost became , Which long hath waited by the Stygian strond . That when old Glauce saw , for feare least blame Of her miscarriage should in her be fond , She wist not how t' amend , nor how it to withstond .

Cant. III. Merlin bewrayes to Britomart , the state of Artegall . And shewes the famous Progeny which from them springen shall . MOst sacred fire , that burnest mightily In liuing brests , ykindled first aboue , Emongst th' eternall spheres and lamping sky , And thence pourd into men , which men call Loue ; Not that same , which doth base affections moue In brutish minds , and filthy lust inflame , But that sweet fit , that doth true beautie loue , And choseth vertue for his dearest Dame , Whence spring all noble deeds and neuer dying fame : Well did Antiquitie a God thee deeme , That ouer mortall minds hast so great might , To order them , as best to thee doth seeme , And all their actions to direct aright ; The fatall purpose of diuine foresight , Thou doest effect in destined descents , Through deepe impression of thy secret might , And stirredst vp th' Heroes high intents , Which the late world admyres for wondrous moniments . But thy dread darts in none doe triumph more , Ne brauer proofe in any , of thy powre Shew'dst thou , then in this royall Maid of yore , Making her seeke an vnknowne Paramoure , From the worlds end , through many a bitter stowre : From whose two loynes thou afterwards did rayse Most famous fruits of matrimoniall bowre , Which through the earth haue spred their liuing prayse , That fame in trompe of gold eternally displayes . Begin then , ô my dearest sacred Dame , Daughter of Phoebus and of Memorie , That doest ennoble with immortall name The warlike Worthies , from antiquitie , In thy great volume of Eternitie : Begin , ô Clio , and recount from hence My glorious Soueraines goodly auncestie , Till that by dew degrees and long pretence , Thou haue it lastly brought vnto her Excellence . Full many wayes within her troubled mind , Old Glauce , cast , to cure this Ladies griefe : Full many waies she sought , but none could find , Nor herbes , nor charmes , nor counsell , that is chiefe And choisest med'cine for sicke harts reliefe : For thy great care she tooke , and greater feare , Least that it should her turne to foule repriefe , And sore reproch , when so her father deare Should of his dearest daughters hard misfortune heare . At last she her auisd , that he , which made That mirrhour , wherein the sicke Damosell So straungely vewed her straunge louers shade , To weet , the learned Merlin , well could tell , Vnder what coast of heauen the man did dwell , And by what meanes his loue might best be wrought : For though beyond the Africk Ismaell , Or th' Indian Peru he were , she thought Him forth through infinite endeuour to haue sought . Forthwith themselues disguising both in straunge And base attyre , that none might them bewray , To Maridunum , that is now by chaunge Of name Cayr-Merdin cald , they tooke their way : There the wise Merlin whylome wont ( they say ) To make his wonne , low vnderneath the ground , In a deepe delue , farre from the vew of day , That of no liuing wight he mote be found , When so he counseld with his sprights encompast round . And if thou euer happen that same way To trauell , goe to see that dreadfull place : It is an hideous hollow caue ( they say ) Vnder a rocke that lyes a litle space From the swift Barry , tombling downe apace , Emongst the woodie hilles of Dyneuowre : But dare thou not , I charge , in any cace , To enter into that same balefull Bowre , For fear the cruell Feends should thee vnwares deuowre . But standing high aloft , low lay thine eare , And there such ghastly noise of yron chaines , And brasen Caudrons thou shalt rombling heare , Which thousand sprights with long enduring paines Doe tosse , that it will stonne thy feeble braines , And oftentimes great grones , and grieuous stounds , When too huge toile and labour them constraines : And oftentimes loud strokes , and ringing sounds From vnder that deepe Rocke most horribly rebounds . The cause some say is this : A litle while Before that Merlin dyde , he did intend , A brasen wall in compas to compile About Cairmardin , and did it commend Vnto these Sprights , to bring to perfect end . During which worke the Ladie of the Lake , Whom long he lou'd , for him in hast did send , Who thereby forst his workemen to forsake , Them bound till his returne , their labour not to slake . In the meane time through that false Ladies traine , He was surprisd , and buried vnder beare , Ne euer to his worke returnd againe : Nath'lesse those feends may not their worke forbeare , So greatly his commaundement they feare , But there doe toyle and trauell day and night , Vntill that brasen wall they vp doe reare : For Merlin had in Magicke more insight , Then euer him before or after liuing wight . For he by words could call out of the sky Both Sunne and Moone , and make them him obay : The land to sea , and sea to maineland dry , And darkesome night he eke could turne to day : Huge hostes of men he could alone dismay , And hostes of men of meanest things could frame , When so him list his enimies to fray : That to this day for terror of his fame , The feends do quake , when any him to them does name . And sooth , men say that he was not the sonne Of mortall Syre , or other liuing wight , But wondrously begotten , and begonne By false illusion of a guilefull Spright , On a faire Ladie Nonne , that whilome hight Matilda , daughter to Pubidius , Who was the Lord of Mathrauall by right , And coosen vnto king Ambrosius : Whence he indued was with skill so maruellous . They here ariuing , staid a while without , Ne durst aduenture rashly in to wend , But of their first intent gan make new dout For dread of daunger , which it might portend : Vntill the hardie Mayd ( with loue to frend ) First entering , the dreadfull Mage there found Deepe busied bout worke of wondrous end , And writing strange characters in the ground , With which the stubborn feends he to his seruice bound . He nought was moued at their entrance bold : For of their comming well he wist afore , Yet list them bid their businesse to vnfold , As if ought in this world in secret store Were from him hidden , or vnknowne of yore . Then Glauce thus , let not it thee offend , That we thus rashly through thy darkesome dore , Vnwares haue prest : for either fatall end , Or other mightie cause vs two did hither send . He bad tell on ; And then she thus began . Now haue three Moones with borrow'd brothers light , Thrice shined faire , and thrice seem'd dim and wan , Sith a sore euill , which this virgin bright Tormenteth , and doth plonge in dolefull plight , First rooting tooke ; but what thing it mote bee , Or whence it sprong , I cannot read aright : But this I read , that but if remedee , Thou her afford , full shortly I her dead shall see . Therewith th' Enchaunter softly gan to smyle At her smooth speeches , weeting inly well , That she to him dissembled womanish guyle , And to her said , Beldame , by that ye tell , More need of leach-craft hath your Damozell , Then of my skill : who helpe may haue elsewhere , In vaine seekes wonders out of Magicke spell . Th' old woman wox half blanck , those words to heare ; And yet was loth to let her purpose plaine appeare . And to him said , If any leaches skill , Or other learned meanes could haue redrest This my deare daughters deepe engraffed ill , Certes I should be loth thee to molest : But this sad euill , which doth her infest , Doth course of naturall cause farre exceed , And housed is within her hollow brest , That either seemes some cursed witches deed , Or euill spright , that in her doth such torment breed . The wisard could no lenger beare her bord , But brusting forth in laughter , to her sayd ; Glauce , what needs this colourable word , To cloke the cause , that hath it selfe bewrayd ? Ne ye faire Britomartis , thus arayd , More hidden are , then Sunne in cloudy vele ; Whom thy good fortune , hauing fate obayd , Hath hither brought , for succour to appele : The which the powres to thee are pleased to reuele . The doubtfull Mayd , seeing her selfe descryde , Was all abasht , and her pure yuory Into a cleare Carnation suddeine dyde ; As faire Aurora rising hastily , Doth by her blushing tell , that she did lye All night in old Tithonus frosen bed , Whereof she seemes ashamed inwardly . But her old Nourse was nought dishartened , But vauntage made of that , which Merlin had ared . And sayd , Sith then thou knowest all our griefe , ( For what doest not thou know ? ) of grace I pray , Pitty our plaint , and yield vs meet reliefe . With that the Prophet still a while did stay , And then his spirite thus gan forth display ; Most noble Virgin , that by fatall lore Hast learn'd to loue , let no whit thee dismay The hard begin , that meets thee in the dore . And with sharpe fits thy tender hart oppresseth sore . For so must all things excellent begin , And eke enrooted deepe must be that Tree , Whose big embodied braunches shall not lin , Till they to heauens hight forth stretched bee . For from thy wombe a famous Progenie Shall spring , out of the auncient Troian blood , Which shall reuiue the sleeping memorie Of those same antique Peres , the heauens brood , Which Greece and Asian riuers stained with their blood . Renowmed kings , and sacred Emperours , Thy fruitfull Ofspring , shall from thee descend ; Braue Captaines , and most mighty warriours , That shall their conquests through all lands extend , And their decayed kingdomes shall amend : The feeble Britons , broken with long warre , They shall vpreare , and mightily defend Against their forrein foe , that comes from farre , Till vniuersall peace compound all ciuill iarre . It was not , Britomart , thy wandring eye , Glauncing vnwares in charmed looking glas , But the streight course of heauenly destiny , Led with eternall prouidence , that has Guided thy glaunce , to bring his will to pas : Ne is thy fate , ne is thy fortune ill , To loue the prowest knight , that euer was . Therefore submit thy wayes vnto his will , And do by all dew meanes thy destiny fulfill . But read ( said Glauce ) thou Magitian What meanes shall she out seeke , or what wayes take ? How shall she know , how shall she find the man ? Or what needs her to toyle , sith fates can make Way for themselues , their purpose to partake ? Then Merlin thus ; Indeed the fates are firme , And may not shrinck , though all the world do shake : Yet ought mens good endeuours them confirme , And guide the heauenly causes to their constant terme . The man whom heauens haue ordaynd to bee The spouse of Britomart , is Arthegall : He wonneth in the land of Fayeree , Yet is no Fary borne , ne sib at all To Elfes , but sprong of seed terrestriall , And whilome by false Faries stolne away , Whiles yet in infant cradle he did crall ; Ne other to himselfe is knowne this day , But that he by an Elfe was gotten of a Fay. But sooth he is the sonne of Gorlois , And brother vnto Cador Cornish king , And for his warlike feates renowmed is , From where the day out of the sea doth spring , Vntill the closure of the Euening . From thence , him firmely bound with faithfull band , To this his natiue soyle thou backe shalt bring , Strongly to aide his countrey , to withstand The powre of forrein Paynims , which inuade thy land . Great aid thereto his mighty puissaunce , And dreaded name shall giue in that sad day : Where also proofe of thy prow valiaunce Thou then shalt make , t' increase thy louers pray . Long time ye both in armes shall beare great sway , Till thy wombes burden thee from them do call , And his last fate him from thee take away , Too rathe cut off by practise criminall Of secret foes , that him shall make in mischiefe fall . Where thee yet shall he leaue for memory Of his late puissaunce , his Image dead , That liuing him in all actiuity To thee shall represent . He from the head Of his coosin Constantius without dread Shall take the crowne , that was his fathers right , And therewith crowne himselfe in th' others stead : Then shall he issew forth with dreadfull mighty , Against his Saxon foes in bloudy field to fight . Like as a Lyon , that in drowsie caue Hath long time slept , himselfe so shall he shake , And comming forth , shall spred his banner braue Ouer the troubled South , that it shall make The warlike Mertians for feare to quake : Thrise shall he fight with them , and twise shall win , But the third time shall faire accordaunce make : And if he then with victorie can lin , He shall his dayes with peace bring to his earthly In. His sonne , hight Vortipore , shall him succeede In kingdome , but not in felicity ; Yet shall he long time warre with happy speed , And with great honour many battels try : But at the last to th' importunity Of froward fortune shall be forst to yield . But his sonne Malgo shall full mightily Auenge his fathers losse , with speare and shield , And his proud foes discomfit in victorious field . Behold the man , and tell me Britomart , If ay more goodly creature thou didst see ; How like a Gyaunt in each manly part Beares he himselfe with portly maiestee , That one of th' old Heroes seemes to bee : He the six Islands , comprouinciall In auncient times vnto great Britainee , Shall to the same reduce , and to him call Their sundry kings to do their homage seuerall . All which his sonne Careticus awhile Shall well defend , and Saxons powre suppresse , Vntill a straunger king from vnknowne soyle Arriuing , him with multitude oppresse ; Great Gormond , hauing with huge mightinesse Ireland subdewd , and therein fixt his throne , Like a swift Otter , fell through emptinesse , Shall ouerswim the sea with many one Of his Norueyses , to assist the Britons fone . He in his furie all shall ouerrunne , And holy Church with faithlesse hands deface , That thy sad people vtterly fordonne , Shall to the vtmost mountaines fly apace : Was neuer so great wast in any place , Nor so fowle autrage doen by liuing men : For all thy Cities they shall sacke and race , And the greene grasse , that groweth , they shall bren , That euen the wild beast shall dy in starued den . Whiles thus the Britons do in languour pine , Proud Etheldred shall from the North arise , Seruing th' ambitious will of Augustine , And passing Dee with hardy enterprise , Shall backe repulse the valiaunt Brockwell twise , And Bangor with massacred Martyrs fill ; But the third time shall rew his foolhardise : For Cadwan pittying his peoples ill , Shall stoutly him defeat , and thousand Saxons kill . But after him , Cadwallin mightily On his sonne Edwin all those wrongs shall wreake ; Ne shall auaile the wicked sorcery Of false Pellite , his purposes to breake , But him shall slay , and on a gallowes bleake Shall giue th' enchaunter his vnhappy hire Then shall the Britons , late dismayd and weake , From their long vassalage gin to respire , And on their Paynim foes auenge their ranckled ire . Ne shall he yet his wrath so mitigate , Till both the sonnes of Edwin he haue slaine , Offricke and Osricke , twinnes vnfortunate , Both slaine in battell vpon Layburne plaine , Together with the king of Louthiane , Hight Adin , and the king of Orkeny , Both ioynt partakers of the fatall paine : But Penda , fearefull of like desteny , Shall yield him selfe his liegeman , and sweare fealty . Him shall he make his fatall Instrument , T' afflict the other Saxons vnsubdewd ; He marching forth with fury insolent Against the good king Oswald , who indewd With heauenly powre , and by Angels reskewd , All holding crosses in their hands on hye , Shall him defeate withouten bloud imbrewd : Of which , that field for endlesse memory , Shall Heuenfield be cald to all posterity . Whereat Cadwallin wroth , shall forth issew , And an huge hoste into Northumber lead , With which he godly Oswald shall subdew , And crowne with martyrdome his sacred head . Whose brother Oswin , daunted with like dread , With price of siluer shall his kingdome buy , And Penda , seeking him adowne to tread , Shall tread adowne , and do him fowly dye , But shall with gifts his Lord Cadwallin pacify . Then shall Cadwallin dye , and then the raine Of Britons eke with him attonce shall dye ; Ne shall the good Cadwallader with paine , Or powre , behable it to remedy , When the full time prefixt by destiny , Shal be expird of Britons regiment . For heauen it selfe shall their successe enuy , And them with plagues and murrins pestilent Consume , till all their warlike puissaunce be spent . Yet after all these sorrowes , and huge hills Of dying people , during eight yeares space , Cadwallader not yielding to his ills , From Armoricke , where long in wretched cace He liu'd , returning to his natiue place , Shal be by vision staid from his intent : For th' heauens haue decreed , to displace The Britons , for their sinnes dew punishment , And to the Saxons ouer-giue their gouernment . Then woe , and woe , and euerlasting woe , Be to the Briton babe , that shal be borne , To liue in thraldome of his fathers foe ; Late King , now captiue , late Lord , now forlorne , The worlds reproch , the cruell victours scorne , Banisht from Princely bowre to wastfull wood : O who shall helpe me to lament , and mourne The royall seed , the antique Troian blood , Whose Empire lenger here , then euer any stood . The Damzell was full deepe empassioned , Both for his griefe , and for her peoples sake , Whose future woes so plaine he fashioned , And sighing sore , at length him thus bespake ; Ah but will heauens fury neuer slake , Nor vengeaunce huge relent it selfe at last ? Will not long misery late mercy make , But shall their name for euer be defast , And quite from th' earth their memory be rast ? Nay but the terme ( said he ) is limited , That in this thraldome Britons shall abide , And the iust reuolution measured , That they as Straungers shal be notifide . For twise foure hundreth shal be supplide , Ere they to former rule restor'd shal bee . And their importune fates all satisfide : Yet during this their most obscuritee , Their beames shall oft breake forth , that men them faire may see . For Rhodoricke , whose surname shal be Great , Shall of him selfe a braue ensample shew , That Saxon kings his friendship shall intreat ; And Howell Dha shall goodly well indew The saluage minds with skill of iust and trew ; Then Griffyth Conan also shall vp reare His dreaded head , and the old sparkes renew Of natiue courage , that his foes shall feare , Least backe againe the kingdome he from them should beare . Ne shall the Saxons selues all peaceably Enioy the crowne , which they from Britons wonne First ill , and after ruled wickedly : For ere two hundred yeares be full ouerronne , There shall a Rauen far from rising Sunne , With his wide wings vpon them fiercely fly , And bid his faithlesse chickens ouerronne The fruitfull plaines , and with fell cruelty , In their auenge , tread downe the victours surquedry . Yet shall a third both these , and thine subdew ; There shall a Lyon from the sea-bord wood Of Neustria come roring , with a crew Of hungry whelpes , his battailous bold brood , Whose clawes were newly dipt in cruddy blood , That from the Daniske Tyrants head shall rend Th' vsurped crowne , as if that he were wood , And the spoile of the countrey conquered Emongst his young ones shall diuide with bountyhed . Tho when the terme is full accomplishid , There shall a sparke of fire , which hath long-while Bene in his ashes raked vp , and hid , Be freshly kindled in the fruitfull I le Of Mona , where it lurked in exile ; Which shall breake forth into bright burning flame , And reach into the house , that beares the stile Of royall maiesty and soueraigne name ; So shall the Briton bloud their crowne againe reclame . Thenceforth eternall vnion shall be made Betweene the nations different afore , And sacred Peace shall louingly perswade The warlike minds , to learne her goodly lore , And ciuile armes to exercise no more : Then shall a royall virgin raine , which shall Stretch her white rod ouer the Belgicke shore , And the great Castle smite so sore with all , That it shall make him shake , and shortly learne to fall . But yet the end is not . There Merlin stayd , As ouercomen of the spirites powre , Or other ghastly spectacle dismayd , That secretly he saw , yet note discoure : Which suddein fit , and halfe extatick stoure When the two fearefull women saw , they grew Greatly confused in behauioure ; At last the fury past , to former hew She turnd againe , and chearefull looks did shew . Then , when them selues they well instructed had Of all , that needed them to be inquird , They both conceiuing hope of comfort glad , With lighter hearts vnto their home retird ; Where they in secret counsell close conspird , How to effect so hard an enterprize , And to possesse the purpose they desird : Now this , now that twixt them they did deuise , And diuerse plots did frame , to maske in strange deuise . At last the Nourse in her foolhardy wit Conceiu'd a bold deuise , and thus bespake ; Daughter , I deeme that counsell aye most fit , That of the time doth dew aduauntage take ; Ye see that good king Vther now doth make Strong warre vpon the Paynim brethren , hight Octa and Oza , whom he lately brake Beside Cayr Verolame , in victorious fight , That now all Britanie doth burne in armes bright . That therefore nought our passage may empeach , Let vs in feigned armes our selues disguize , And our weake hands ( whom need new strength shall teach The dreadfull speare and shield to exercize : Ne certes daughter that same warlike wize I weene , would you misseeme ; for ye bene tall , And large of limbe , t' atchieue an hard emprize , Ne ought ye want , but skill , which practize small Will bring , and shortly make you a mayd Martiall . And sooth , it ought your courage much inflame , To heare so often , in that royall hous , From whence to none inferiour ye came : Bards tell of many women valorous Which haue full many feats aduenturous Performd , in paragone of proudest men : The bold Bunduca , whose victorious Exploits made Rome to quake , stout Guendolen , Renowmed Martia , and redoubted Emmilen . And that , which more then all the rest may sway , Late dayes ensample , which these eyes beheld , In the last field before Meneuia Which Vther with those forrein Pagans held , I saw a Saxon Virgin , the which feld Great Vlfin thrise vpon the bloudy plaine , And had not Carados her hand withheld From rash reuenge , she had him surely slaine , Yet Carados himselfe from her escapt with paine . Ah read , ( quoth Britomart ) how is she hight ? Faire Angela ( quoth she ) men do her call , No whit lesse faire , then terrible in fight : She hath the leading of a Martiall And mighty people , dreaded more then all The other Saxons , which do for her sake And loue , themselues of her name Angles call . Therefore faire Infant her ensample make Vnto thy selfe , and equall courage to thee take . Her harty words so deepe into the mynd Of the young Damzell sunke , that great desire Of warlike armes in her forthwith they tynd , And generous stout courage did inspire , That she resolu'd , vnmeeting to her Sire , Aduent'rous knighthood on her selfe to don , And counseld with her Nourse , her Maides attire To turne into a massy habergeon , And bad her all things put in readinesse anon . Th' old woman nought , that needed , did omit ; But all things did conuiently puruay : It fortuned ( so time their turne did fit ) A band of Britons ryding on forray Few dryes before , had gotten a great pray Of Saxon goods , emongst the which was seene A goodly Armour , and full rich aray , Which long'd to Angela , the Saxon Queene , All fretted round with gold , and goodly well beseene . The same , with all the other ornaments , King Ryence caused to be hanged hy In his chiefe Church , for endlesse moniments Of his successe and gladfull victory : Of which her selfe auising readily , In th' euening late old Glauce thither led Faire Britomart , and that same Armory Downe taking , her therein appareled , Well as she might , and with braue bauldrick garnished . Beside those armes there stood a mighty speare , Which Bladud made by Magick art of yore , And vsd the same in battell aye to beare ; Sith which it had bin here preseru'd in store , For his great vertues proued long afore : For neuer wight so fast in sell could sit , But him perforce vnto the ground it bore : Both speare she tooke , and shield , which hong by it : Both speare & shield of great powre , for her purpose fit Thus when she had the virgin all arayd , Another harnesse , which did hang thereby , About her selfe she dight , that the young Mayd She might in equall armes accompany , And as her Squire attend her carefully : Tho to their ready Steeds they clombe full light , And through back wayes , that none might them espy , Couered with secret cloud of silent night , Themselues they forth conuayd , & passed forward right . Ne rested they , till that to Faery lond They came , as Merlin them directed late : Where meeting with this Redcrosse knight , she fond Of diuerse things discourses to dilate , But most of Arthegall , and his estate . At last their wayes so fell , that they mote part Then each to other well affectionate , Friendship professed with vnfained hart , The Redcrosse knight diuerst , but forth rode Britomart .

Cant. IIII. Bold Marinell of Britomart , Is throwne on the Rich strond : Faire Florimell of Arthur is Long followed , but not fond . WHere is the Antique glory now become , That whilome wont in women to appeare ? Where be the braue atchieuements doen by some ? Where be the battels , where the shield and speare , And all the conquests , which them high did reare , That matter made for famous Poets verse , And boastfull men so oft abasht to heare ? Bene they all dead , and laid in dolefull herse ? Or doen they onely sleepe , and shall againe reuerse ? If they be dead , then woe is me therefore : But if they sleepe , ô let them soone awake : For all too long I burne with enuy sore , To heare the warlike feates , which Homere spake Of bold Panthesilee , which made a lake Of Greekish bloud so oft in Troian plaine ; But when I read , how stout Debora strake Proud Sisera , and how Camill ' hath slaine The huge Orsilochus , I swell with great disdaine . Yet these , and all that else had puissaunce , Cannot with noble Britomart compare , Aswell for glory of great valiaunce , As for pure chastitie and vertue rare , That all her goodly deeds do well declare . Well worthy stock , from which the branches sprong , That in late yeares so faire a blossome bare , As thee , ô Queene , the matter of my song , Whose lignage from this Lady I deriue along . Who when through speaches with the Redcrosse knight , She learned had th' estate of Arthegall , And in each point her selfe informd aright , A friendly league of loue perpetuall She with him bound , and Congé tooke withall . Then he forth on his iourney did proceede , To seeke aduentures , which mote him befall , And win him worship through his warlike deed , Which alwayes of his paines he made the chiefest meed . But Britomart kept on her former course , Ne euer dofte her armes , but all the way Grew pensiue through that amorous discourse , By which the Redcrosse knight did earst display Her louers shape , and cheualrous aray ; A thousand thoughts she fashioned in her mind , And in her feigning fancie did pourtray Him such , as fittest she for loue could find , Wise , warlike , personable , curteous , and kind . With such selfe-pleasing thoughts her wound she fed , And thought so to beguile her grieuous smart ; But so her smart was much more grieuous bred , And the deepe wound more deepe engord her hart , That nought but death her dolour mote depart . So forth she rode without repose or rest , Searching all lands and each remotest part , Following the guidaunce of her blinded guest , Till that to the sea-coast at length she her addres There she a lighted from her light-foot beast , And sitting downe vpon the rocky shore , Bad her old Squire vnlace her lofty creast ; Tho hauing vewd a while the surges hore , That gainst the craggy clifts did loudly rore , And in their raging surquedry disdaynd , That the fast earth affronted them so sore , And their deuoring couetize restraynd , Thereat she sighed deepe , and after thus complaynd . Huge sea of sorrow , and tempestuous griefe , Wherein my feeble barke is tossed long , Far from the hoped hauen of reliefe , Who do thy cruell billowes beat so strong , And thy moyst mountaines each on others throng , Threatning to swallow vp my fearefull life ? O do thy cruell wrath and spightfull wrong At length allay , and stint thy stormy strife , Which in these troubled bowels raignes , & rageth rife . For else my feeble vessell crazd , and crackt Through thy strong buffets and outrageous blowes , Cannot endure , but needs it must be wrackt On the rough rocks , or on the sandy shallowes , The whiles that loue it steres , and fortune rowes ; Loue my lewd Pilot hath a restlesse mind And fortune Boteswaine no assuraunce knowes , But saile withouten starres , gainst tide and wind : How can they other do , sith both are bold and blind ? Thou God of winds , that raignest in the seas , That raignest also in the Continent , At last blow vp some gentle gale of ease , The which may bring my ship , ere it be rent , Vnto the gladsome port of her intent : Then when I shall my selfe in safety see , A table for eternall moniment Of thy great grace , and my great ieopardee , Great Neptune , I auow to hallow vnto thee . Then sighing softly sore , and inly deepe , She shut vp all her plaint in priuy griefe ; For her great courage would not let her weepe , Till that old Glauce gan with sharpe repriefe , Her to restraine , and giue her good reliefe , Through hope of those , which Merlin had her told Should of her name and nation be chiefe , And fetch their being from the sacred mould Of her immortall wombe , to be in heauen enrold . Thus as she her recomforted , she spyde , Where farre away one all in armour bright , With hastie gallop towards her did ryde ; Her dolour soone she ceast , and on her dight Her Helmet , to her Courser mounting light : Her former sorrow into suddein wrath , Both coosen passions of distroubled spright , Conuerting , forth she beates the dustie path ; Loue and despight attonce her courage kindled hath . As when a foggy mist hath ouercast The face of heauen , and the cleare aire engrost , The world in darkenesse dwels , till that at last The watry Southwinde from the seabord cost Vpblowing , doth disperse the vapour lo'st , And poures it selfe forth in a stormy showre ; So the faire Britomart hauing disclo'st Her clowdy care into a wrathfull stowre , The mist of griefe dissolu'd , into vengeance powre , Eftsoones her goodly shield addressing faire , That mortall speare she in her hand did take , And vnto battell did her selfe prepaire . The knight approching , sternely her bespake ; Sir knight , that doest thy voyage rashly make By this forbidden way in my despight , Ne doest by others death ensample take , I read thee soone retyre , whiles thou hast might , Least afterwards it be too late to take thy flight . Ythrild with deepe disdaine of his proud threat , She shortly thus ; Fly they , that need to fly ; Words fearen babes . I meane not thee entreat To passe ; but maugre thee will passe or dy . Ne lenger stayd for th' other to reply , But with sharpe speares the rest made dearly knowne . Srongly the straunge knight ran , and sturdily Strooke her full on the brest , that made her downe Decline her head , & touch her crouper with her crowne . But she againe him in the shield did smite With so fierce furie and great puissaunce , That through his threesquare scuchin percing quite , And through his mayled hauberque , by mischaunce The wicked steele through his left side did glaunce ; Him so transfixed she before her bore Beyond his croupe , the length of all her launce , Till sadly soucing on the sandie shore , He tombled on an heape , and wallowd in his gore . Like as the sacred Oxe , that carelesse stands , With gilden hornes , and flowry girlonds crownd , Proud of his dying honor and deare bands , Whiles th' altars fume with frankincense arownd , All suddenly with mortall stroke astownd , Doth groueling fall , and with his streaming gore Distaines the pillours , and the holy grownd , And the faire flowres , that decked him afore ; So fell proud Marinell vpon the pretious shore . The martiall Mayd stayd not him to lament , But forward rode , and kept her readie way Along the strond , which as she ouer-went , She saw bestrowed all with rich aray Of pearles and pretious stones of great assay , And all the grauell mixt with golden owre ; Whereat she wondred much , but would not stay For gold , or perles , or pretious stones an howre , But them despised all ; for all was in her powre . Whiles thus he lay in deadly stonishment , Tydings hereof came to his mothers eare ; His mother was the blacke-browd Cymoent , The daughter of great Nereus , which did beare This warlike sonne vnto an earthly peare , The famous Dumarin ; who on a day Finding the Nymph a sleepe in secret wheare , As he by chaunce did wander that same way , Was taken with her loue , and by her closely lay . There he this knight of her begot , whom borne She of his father Marinell did name , And in a rocky caue as wight forlorne , Long time she fostred vp , till he became A mightie man at armes , and mickle fame Did get through great aduentures by him donne : For neuer man he suffred by that same Rich strond to trauell , whereas he did wonne , But that he must do battell with the Sea-nymphes sonne . An hundred knights of honorable name He had subdew'd , and them his vassals made , That through all Farie lond his noble fame Now blazed was , and feare did all inuade , That none durst passen through that perilous glade . And to aduance his name and glorie more , Her Sea-god syre she dearely did perswade , T'endow her sonne with threasure and rich store , Boue all the sonnes , that were of earthly wombes ybore . The God did graunt his daughters deare demaund , To doen his Nephew in all riches flow ; Eftsoones his heaped waues he did commaund , Out of their hollow bosome forth to throw All the huge threasure , which the sea below Had in his greedie gulfe deuoured deepe , And him enriched through the ouerthrow And wreckes of many wretches , which did weepe , And often waile their wealth , which he from them did keepe . Shortly vpon that shore there heaped was , Exceeding riches and all pretious things , The spoyle of all the world , that it did pas The wealth of th' East , and pompe of Persian kings ; Gold , amber , yuorie , perles , owches , rings , And all that else was pretious and deare , The sea vnto him voluntary brings , That shortly he a great Lord did appeare , As was in all the lond of Faery , or elsewheare . Thereto he was a doughtie dreaded knight , Tryde often to the scath of many deare , That none in equall armes him matchen might , The which his mother seeing , gan to feare Least his too haughtie hardines might reare Some hard mishap , in hazard of his life : For thy she oft him counseld to forbeare The bloudie battell , and to stirre vp strife , But after all his warre , to rest his wearie knife . And for his more assurance , she inquir'd One day of Proteus by his mightie spell , ( For Proteus was with prophecie inspir'd ) Her deare sonnes destinie to her to tell , And the sad end of her sweet Marinell . Who through foresight of his eternall skill , Bad her from womankind to keepe him well : For of a woman he should haue much ill , A virgin strange and stout him should dismay , or kill . For thy she gaue him warning euery day , The loue of women not to entertaine ; A lesson too too hard for liuing clay , From loue in course of nature to refraine : Yet he his mothers lore did well retaine , And euer from faire Ladies loue did fly ; Yet many Ladies faire did oft complaine , That they for loue of him would algates dy : Dy , who so list for him , he was loues enimy . But ah , who can deceiue his destiny , Or weene by warning to auoyd his fate ? That when he sleepes in most security , And safest seemes , him soonest doth amate , And findeth dew effect or soone or late . So feeble is the powre of fleshly arme . His mother bad him womens loue to hate , For she of womans force did feare no harme ; So weening to haue arm'd him , she did quite disarme . This was that woman , this that deadly wound , That Proteus prophecide should him dismay , The which his mother vainely did expound , To be hart-wounding loue , which should assay To bring her sonne vnto his last decay . So tickle be the termes of mortall state , And full of subtile sophismes , which do play With double senses , and with false debate , Tapproue the vnknowen purpose of eternall fate . Too true the famous Marinell it fownd , Who through late triall , on that wealthy Strond Inglorious now lies in senselesse swownd , Through heauy stroke of Britomartis hond . Which when his mother deare did vnderstond , And heauy tydings heard , whereas she playd Amongst her watry sisters by a pond , Gathering sweet daffadillyes , to haue made Gay girlonds , from the Sun their forheads faire to shade . Eftsoones both flowres and girlonds farre away She flong , and her faire deawy lockes yrent , To sorrow huge she turnd her former play , And gameson merth to grieuous dreriment : She threw her selfe downe on the Continent , Ne word did speake , but lay as in a swowne , Whiles all her sisters did for her lament , With yelling outcries , and with shrieking sowne ; And euery one did teare her girlond from her crowne . Soone as she vp out of her deadly fit Arose , she bad her charet to be brought , And all her sisters , that with her did sit , Bad eke attonce their charets to be sought ; Tho full of bitter griefe and pensiue thought , She to her wagon clombe ; clombe all the rest , And forth together went , with sorrow fraught . The waues obedient to their beheast , Them yielded readie passage , and their rage surceast . Great Neptune stood amazed at their sight , Whiles on his broad round backe they softly slid And eke himselfe mournd at their mournfull plight , Yet wist not what their wailing ment , yet did For great compassion of their sorrow , bid His mightie waters to them buxome bee : Eftsoones the roaring billowes still abid , And all the griefly Monsters of the See Stood gaping at their gate , and wondred them to see . A teme of Dolphins raunged in aray , Drew the smooth charet of sad Cymoent ; They were all taught by Triton , to obay To the long traines , at her commaundement : As swift as swallowes , on the waues they went , That their broad flaggie finnes no fome did reare , Ne bubbling roundell they behind them sent ; The rest of other fishes drawen weare , Which with their finny oars the swelling sea did sheare . Soone as they bene arriu'd vpon the brim Of the Rich strond , their charets they forlore , And let their temed fishes softly swim Along the margent of the fomy shore , Least they their finnes should bruze , and surbate sore Their tender feet vpon the stony ground : And comming to the place , where all in gore And cruddy bloud enwallowed they found The lucklesse Marinell , lying in deadly swound ; His mother swowned thrise , and the third time Could scarce recouered be out of her paine ; Had she not bene deuoyd of mortall slime , She should not then haue bene reliu'd againe , But soone as life recouered had the raine , She made so piteous mone and deare wayment , That the hard rocks could scarse from teares refraine , And all her sister Nymphes with one consent Supplide her sobbing breaches with sad complement . Deare image of my selfe ( she said ) that is , The wretched sonne of wretched mother borne , Is this thine high aduauncement , ô is this Th' immortall name , with which thee yet vnborne Thy Gransire Nereus promist to adorne ? Now lyest thou of life and honor reft ; Now lyest thou a lumpe of earth forlorne , Ne of thy late life memory is left , Ne can thy irreuocable destiny be weft ? Fond Proteus , father of false prophecis , And they more fond , that credit to thee giue , Not this the worke of womans hand ywis , That so deepe wound through these deare members driue . I feared loue : but they that loue do liue , But they that die , doe neither loue nor hate . Nath'lesse to thee thy folly I forgiue , And to my selfe , and to accursed fate The guilt I doe ascribe : deare wisedome bought too late . O what auailes it of immortall seed To beene ybred and neuer borne to die ? Farre better I it deeme to die with speed , Then waste in woe and wailefull miserie . Who dyes the vtmost dolour doth abye , But who that liues , is left to waile his losse : So life is losse , and death felicitie . Sad life worse then glad death : and greater crosse To see friends graue , them dead the graue selfe to engrosse . But if the heauens did his dayes enuie , And my short blisse maligne , yet mote they well Thus much afford me , ere that he did die That the dim eyes of my deare Marinell I mote haue closed , and him bed farewell , Sith other offices for mother meet They would not graunt . Yet maulgre them farewell , my sweetest sweet ; Farewell my sweetest sonne , sith we no more shall meet . Thus when they all had sorrowed their fill , They softly gan to search his griesly wound : And that they might him handle more at will , They him disarm'd , and spredding on the ground Their watchet mantles frindgd with siluer round , They softly wipt away the gelly blood From th' orifice ; which hauing well vpbound , They pourd in soueraine balme , and Nectar good , Good both for earthly med'cine , and for heauenly food . Tho when the lilly handed Liagore , ( This Liagore whylome had learned skill In leaches craft , by great Appolloes lore , Sith her whylome vpon high Pindus hill , He loued , and at last her wombe did fill With heauenly seed , whereof wise Paeon sprong ) Did feele his pulse , she knew their staied still Some litle life his feeble sprites emong ; Which to his mother told , despeire she from her flong . Tho vp him taking in their tender hands , They easily vnto her charet beare : Her teme at her commaundement quiet stands , Whiles they the corse into her wagon reare , And strow with flowres the lamentable beare : Then all the rest into their coches clim , And through the brackish waues their passage sheare ; Vpon great Neptunes necke they softly swim , And to her watry chamber swiftly carry him . Deepe in the bottome of the sea , her bowre Is built of hollow billowes heaped hye , Like to thicke cloudes , that threat a stormy showre , And vauted all within , like to the sky , In which the Gods do dwell eternally : There they him laid in easie couch well dight ; And sent in haste for Tryphon , to apply Salues to his wounds , and medicines of might : For Tryphon of sea gods the soueraine leach is hight . The whiles the Nymphes sit all about him round , Lamenting his mishap and heauy plight ; And oft his mother vewing his wide wound , Cursed the hand , that did so deadly smight Her dearest sonne , her dearest harts delight . But none of all those curses ouertooke The warlike Maid , th' ensample of that might , But fairely well she thriu'd , and well did brooke Her noble deeds , ne her right course for ought forsooke . Yet did false Archimage her still pursew , To bring to passe his mischieuous intent , Now that he had her singled from the crew Of courteous knights , the Prince , and Faery gent , Whom late in chace of beautie excellent She left , pursewing that same foster strong ; Of whose foule outrage they impatient , And full of fiery zeale , him followed long , To reskew her from shame , and to reuenge her wrong . Through thick and thin , through mountaines & through plains , Those two great champions did attonce pursew The fearefull damzell , with incessant paines : Who from them fled , as light-foot hare from vew Of hunter swift , and sent of houndes trew . At last they came vnto a double way , Where , doubtfull which to take , her to reskew , Themselues they did dispart , each to assay , Whether more happie were , to win so goodly pray . But Timias , the Princes gentle Squire , That Ladies loue vnto his Lord forlent , And with proud enuy , and indignant ire , After that wicked foster fiercely went . So beene they three three sundry wayes ybent . But fairest fortune to the Prince befell , Whose chaunce it was , that soone he did repent , To take that way , in which that Damozell Was fled afore , affraid of him , as feend of hell . At last of her farre off he gained vew : Then gan he freshly pricke his fomy steed , And euer as he nigher to her drew , So euermore he did increase his speed , And of each turning still kept warie heed : Aloud to her he oftentimes did call , To doe away vaine doubt , and needlesse dreed : Full myld to her he spake , and oft let fall Many meeke wordes , to stay and comfort her withall . But nothing might relent her hastie flight ; So deepe the deadly feare of that foule swaine Was earst impressed in her gentle spright : Like as a fearefull Doue , which through the raine , Of the wide aire her way does cut amaine , Hauing farre off espyde a Tassell gent , Which after her his nimble wings doth straine , Doubleth her haste for feare to be for-hent , And with her pineons cleaues the liquid firmament . With no lesse haste , and eke with no lesse dreed , That fearefull Ladie fled from him , that ment To her no euill thought , nor euill deed ; Yet former feare of being fowly shent , Carried her forward with her first intent : And though oft looking backward , well she vewd , Her selfe freed from that foster insolent , And that it was a knight , which now her sewd , Yet she no lesse the knight feard , then that villein rude . His vncouth shield and straunge armes her dismayd , Whose like in Faery lond were seldome seene , That fast she from him fled , no lesse affrayd , Then of wilde beastes if she had chased beene : Yet he her followd still with courage keene , So long that now the golden Hesperus Was mounted high in top of heauen sheene , And warnd his other brethren ioyeous , To light their blessed lamps in Ioues eternall hous . All suddenly dim woxe the dampish ayre , And griesly shadowes couered heauen bright , That now with thousand starres was decked fayre ; Which when the Prince beheld , a lothfull sight , And that perforce , for want of lenger light , He mote surcease his suit , and lose the hope Of his long labour , he gan fowly wyte His wicked fortune , that had turnd aslope , And cursed night , that reft from him so goodly scope . Tho when her wayes he could no more descry , But to and fro at disauenture strayd ; Like as a ship , whose Lodestarre suddenly Couered with cloudes , her Pilot hath dismayd ; His wearisome pursuit perforce he stayd , And from his loftie steed dismounting low , Did let him forage . Downe himselfe he layd Vpon the grassie ground , to sleepe a throw ; The cold earth was his couch , the hard steele his pillow . But gentle Sleepe enuyde him any rest ; In stead thereof sad sorrow , and disdaine Of his hard hap did vexe his noble brest , And thousand fancies bet his idle braine With their light wings , the sights of semblants vaine : Oft did he wish , that Lady faire mote bee His Faery Queene , for whom he did complaine : Or that his Faery Queene were such , as shee : And euer hastie Night he blamed bitterlie . Night thou foule Mother of annoyance sad , Sister of heauie death , and nourse of woe , Which wast begot in heauen , but for thy bad And brutish shape thrust downe to hell below , Where by the grim floud of Cocytus slow Thy dwelling is , in Herebus blacke hous , ( Blacke Herebus thy husband is the foe Of all the Gods ) where thou vngratious , Halfe of thy dayes doest lead in horrour hideous . What had th' eternall Maker need of thee , The world in his continuall course to keepe , That doest all things deface , ne lettest see The beautie of his worke ? Indeed in sleepe The slouthfull bodie , that doth loue to steepe His lustlesse limbes , and drowne his baser mind , Doth praise thee oft , and oft from Stygian deepe Calles thee , his goddesse in his error blind , And great Dame Natures handmaide , chearing euery kind . But well I wote , that to an heauy hart Thou art the root and nurse of bitter cares , Breeder of new , renewer of old smarts : In stead of rest thou lendest rayling teares , In stead of sleepe thou sendest troublous feares , And dreadfull visions , in the which aliue The drearie image of sad death appeares : So from the wearie spirit thou doest driue Desired rest , and men of happinesse depriue . Vnder thy mantle blacke there hidden lye , Light-shonning theft , and traiterous intent , Abhorred bloudshed , and vile felony , Shamefull deceipt , and daunger imminent ; Foule horror , and eke hellish dreriment : All these I wote in thy protection bee , And light doe shonne , for feare of being shent : For lightylike is loth'd of them and thee , And all that lewdnesse loue , doe hate the light to see . For day discouers all dishonest wayes , And sheweth each thing , as it is indeed : The prayses of high God he faire displayes , And his large bountie rightly doth areed . Dayes dearest children be the blessed seed , Which darknesse shall subdew , and heauen win : Truth is his daughter ; he her first did breed , Most sacred virgin , without spot of sin . Our life is day , but death with darknesse doth begin . O when will day then turne to me againe , And bring with him his long expected light ? O Titan , haste to reare thy ioyous waine : Speed thee to spred abroad thy beames bright ? And chase away this too long lingring night , Chase her away , from whence she came , to hell . She , she it is , that hath me done despight : There let her with the damned spirits dwell , And yeeld her roome to day , that can it gouerne well . Thus did the Prince that wearie night outweare , In restlesse anguish and vnquiet paine : And earely , ere the morrow did vpreare His deawy head out of the Ocean maine , He vp arose , as halfe in great disdaine , And clombe vnto his steed . So forth he went , With heauie looke and lumpish pace , that plaine In him bewraid great grudge and maltalent : His steed eke seem'd t' apply his steps to his intent .

Cant. V. Prince Arthur heares of Florimell : three fosters Timias wound , Belphebe finds him almost dead , and reareth out of sownd . WOnder it is to see , in diuerse minds , How diuersly loue doth his pageants play , And shewes his powre in variable kinds : The bafer wit , whose idle thoughts alway Are wont to cleaue vnto the lowly clay , It stirreth vp to sensuall desire , And in lewd slouth to wast his carelesse day : But in braue sprite it kindles goodly fire , That to all high desert and honour doth aspire . Ne suffereth it vncomely idlenesse , In his free thought to build her sluggish nest : Ne suffereth it thought of vngentlenesse , Euer to creepe into his noble brest , But to the highest and the worthiest Lifteth it vp , that else would lowly fall : It lets not fall , it lets it not to rest : It lets not scarse this Prince to breath at all , But to his first poursuit him forward still doth call . Who long time wandred through the forrest wyde , To finde some issue thence , till that at last He met a Dwarfe , that seemed terrifyde With some late perill , which he hardly past , Or other accident , which him aghast ; Of whom he asked , whence he lately came , And whither now he trauelled so fast : For sore he swat , and running through that same Thicke forest , was be scratcht , & both his feet nigh lame . Panting for breath , and almost out of hart , The Dwarfe him answerd , Sir , ill mote I stay To tell the same . I lately did depart From Faery court , where I haue many a day Serued a gentle Lady of great sway , And high accompt through out all Elfin land , Who lately left the same , and tooke this way : Her now I seeke , and if ye vnderstand Which way she fared hath , good Sir tell out of hand . What mister wight ( said he ) and how arayd ? Royally clad ( quoth he ) in cloth of gold , As meetest may beseeme a noble mayd ; Her faire lockes in rich circlet be enrold , And fairer wight did neuer Sunne behold , And on a Palfrey rides more white then snow , Yet she her selfe is whiter manifold : The surest signe , whereby ye may her know , Is , that she is the fairest wight aliue , I trow . Now certes swaine ( said he ) such one I weene , Fast flying through this forest from her fo , A foule ill fauoured foster , I haue seene ; Her selfe , well as I might , I reskewd tho , But could not stay ; so fast she did foregoe , Carried away with wings of speedy feare . Ah dearest God ( quoth he ) that is great woe , And wondrous ruth to all , that shall it heare . But can ye read Sir , how I may her find , or where . Perdy me leuer were to weeten that , ( Said he ) then ransome of the richest knight , Or all the good that euer yet I gat : But froward fortune , and too forward Night Such happinesse did , maulgre , to me spight , And fro me rest both life and light attone . But Dwarfe aread , what is that Lady bright , That through this forest wandreth thus alone ; For of her errour straunge I haue great ruth and mone . That Lady is ( quoth he ) where so she bee , The bountiest virgin , and most debonaire , That euer liuing eye I weene did see ; Liues none this day , that may with her compare In stedfast chastitie and vertue rare , The goodly ornaments of beautie bright ; And is ycleped Florimell the faire , Faire Florimell belou'd of a many a knight , Yet she loues none but one , that Marinell is hight . A Sea-nymphes sonne , that Marinell is hight , Of my deare Dame is loued dearely well ; In other none , but him , she sets delight , All her delight is set on Marinell ; But he sets nought at all by Florimell : For Ladies loue his mother long ygoe Did him , they say , forwarne through sacred spell . But fame now flies , that of a forreine foe He is yslaine , which is the ground of all our woe . Fiue dayes there be , since he ( they say ) was slaine , And foure , since Florimell the Court for-went , And vowed neuer to returne againe , Till him aliue or dead she did inuent . Therefore , faire Sir , for loue of knighthood gent , And honour of trew Ladies , if ye may By your good counsell , or bold hardiment , Or succour her , or me direct the way ; Do one , or other good , I you most humbly pray . So may you gaine to you full great renowme , Of all good Ladies through the world so wide , And haply in her hart find highest rowme , Of whom ye seeke to be most magnifide : At least eternall meede shall you abide . To whom the Prince ; Dwarfe , comfort to thee take , For till thou tidings learne , what her betide , I here auow thee neuer to forsake . Ill weares he armes , that nill them vse for Ladies sake . So with the Dwarfe he backe return'd againe , To seeke his Lady , where he mote her find ; But by the way he greatly gan complaine The want of his good Squire late left behind , For whom he wondrous pensiue grew in mind , For douht of daunger , which mote him betide ; For him he loued aboue all mankind , Hauing him trew and faithfall euer tride , And bold , as euer Squire that waited by knights side . Who all this while full hardly was assayd Of deadly daunger , which to him betid ; For whiles his Lord pursewd that noble Mayd , After that foster fowle he fiercely rid , To bene auenged of the shame , he did To that faire Damzell : Him he chaced long Through the thicke woods , wherein he would haue hid His shamefull head from his auengement strong . And oft him threatned death for his outrageous wrong . Nathlesse the villen sped himselfe so well , Whether through swiftnesse of his speedy beast ; Or knowledge of those woods , where he did dwell , That shortly he from daunger was releast , And out of sight escaped at the least ; Yet not escaped from the dew reward Of his bad deeds , which dayly he increast , Ne ceased not , till him oppressed hard The heauy plague , that for such leachours is prepard . For soone as he was vanisht out of sight , His coward courage gan emboldned bee , And cast t auenge him of that fowle despight , Which he had borne of his bold enimee . Tho to his brethren came : for they were three Vngratious children of one gracelesse sire , And vnto them complained , how that he Had vsed bene of that foolehardy Squire ; So them with bitter words he stird to bloudy ire . Forthwith themselues with their sad instruments Of spoyle and murder they gan arme byliue , And with him forth into the forest went , To wreake the wrath , which he did earst reuiue In their sterne brests , on him which late did driue Their brother to reproch and shamefull flight : For they had vow'd , that neuer he aliue Out of that forest should escape their might ; Vile rancour their rude harts had fild with such despight . Within that wood there was a couert glade , Foreby a narrow foord , to them well knowne , Through which it was vneath for wight to wade ; And now by fortune it was ouerflowne : By that same way they knew that Squire vnknowne Mote algates passe ; for thy themselues they set There in await , with thicke woods ouer growne , And all the while their malice they did whet With cruell threats , his passage through the ford to let . It fortuned , as they deuized had , The gentle Squire came ryding that same way , Vnweeting of their wile and treason bad , And through the ford to passen did assay ; But that fierce foster , which late fled away , Stoutly forth stepping on the further shore , Him boldly bad his passage there to stay , Till he had made amends , and full restore For all the damage , which he had him doen afore . With that at him a quiu'ring dart he threw , With so fell force and villeinous despighte , That through his haberieon the forkehead flew , And through the linked mayles empierced quite , But had no powre in his soft flesh to bite : That stroke the hardy Squire did sore displease , But more that him he could not come to smite ; For by no meanes the high banke he could sease , But labour'd long in that deepe ford with vaine disease . And still the foster with his long bore-speare Him kept from landing at his wished will ; Anone one sent out of the thicket neare Acruell shaft , headed with deadly ill , And fethered with an vnlucky quill ; The wicked steele stayd not , till it did light In his left thigh , and deepely did it thrill : Exceeding griefe that wound in him empight , But more that with his foes he could not come to fight . At last through wrath and vengeaunce making way , He on the bancke arriu'd with mickle paine , Where the third brother him did sore assay , And droue at him with all his might and maine A forrest bill , which both his hands did straine ; But warily he did auoide the blow , And with his speare requited him againe , That both his sides were thrilled with the throw , And a large streame of bloud out of the wound did flow . He tombling downe , with gnashing teeth did bite The bitter earth , and bad to let him in Into the balefull house of endlesse night , Where wicked ghosts do waile their former sin . Tho gan the battell freshly to begin ; For nathemore for that spectacle bad , Did th' other two their cruell vengeaunce blin , But both attonce on both sides him bestad , And load vpon him layd , his life for to haue had . Tho when that villain he auiz'd , which late Affrighted had the fairest Florimell , Full of fiers fury , and indignant hate , To him he turned , and with rigour fell Smote him so rudely on the Pannikell , That to the chin he cleft his head in twaine : Downe on the ground his carkas groueling fell ; His sinfull soule with desperate disdaine , Out of her fleshly ferme fled to the place of paine . That seeing now the onely last of three , Who with that wicked shaft him wounded had , Trembling with horrour , as that did foresee The fearefull end of his auengement sad , Through which he follow should his brethren bad , His bootelesse bow in feeble hand vpcaught , And therewith shot an arrow at the lad ; Which faintly fluttring , scarce his helmet raught , And glauncing fell to ground , but him annoyed naught . With that he would haue fled into the wood ; But Timias him lightly ouerhent , Right as he entring was into the flood , And strooke at him with force so violent , That headlesse him into the foord he sent : The carkas with the streame was carried downe , But th' head fell backeward on the Continent . So mischieffel vpon the meaners crowne ; They three be dead with shame , the Squire liues with renowne . He liues , but takes small ioy of his renowne ; For of that cruell wound he bled so sore , That from his steed he fell in deadly swowne ; Yet still the bloud forth gusht in so great store , That he lay wallowd all in his owne gore . Now God thee keepe , thou gentlest Squire aliue , Else shall thy louing Lord thee see no more , But both of comfort him thou shalt depriue , And eke thy selfe of honour , which thou didst atchiue . Prouidence heauenly passeth liuing thought , And doth for wretched mens reliefe make way ; For loe great grace or fortune thither brought Comfort to him , that comfortlesse now lay . In those same woods , ye well remember may , How that a noble hunteresse did wonne , She , that base Braggadochio did affray , And made him fast out of the forrest runne ; Belphoebe was her name , as faire as Phoebus sunne . She on a day , as she pursewd the chace Of some wild beast , which with her arrowes keene She wounded had , the same along did trace By tract of bloud , which she had freshly seene , To haue be sprinckled all the grassy greene ; By the great persue , which she there perceau'd , Well hoped she the beast engor'd had beene , And made more hast , the life to haue bereau'd : But ah , her expectation greatly was deceau'd . Shortly she came , whereas that woefull Squire With bloud deformed , lay in deadly swownd : In whose faire eyes , like lamps of quenched fire , The Christall humour stood congealed rownd ; His locks , like faded leaues fallen to grownd , Knotted with bloud , in bounches rudely ran , And his sweete lips , on which before that stownd The bud of youth to blossome faire began , Spoild of their rosie red , were woxen pale and wan . Saw neuer liuing eye more heauy sight , That could haue made a rocke of stone to rew , Or riue in twaine : which when that Lady bright Besides all hope with melting eyes did vew , All suddeinly abasht she chaunged hew , And with sterne horrour backward gan to start : But when she better him beheld , she grew Full of soft passion and vnwonted smart : The point of pitty perced through her tender hart . Meekely she bowed downe , to weete if life Yet in his frosen members did remaine , And feeling by his pulses beating rife , That the weake soule her seat did yet retaine , She cast to comfort him with busie paine : His double folded necke she reard vpright , And rubd his temples , and each trembling vaine ; His mayled haberieon she did vndight , And from his head his heauy burganet did light , Into the woods thenceforth in hast she went , To seeke for hearbes , that mote him remedy ; For she of hearbes had great intendiment , Taught of the Nymphe , which from her infancy Her nourced had in trew Nobility : There , whether it diuine Tobacco were , Or Fanachaea , or Polygony , She found , and brought it to her patient deare Who al this while lay bleeding out his hart-bloud neare . The soueraigne weede betwixt two marbles plaine She pownded small , and did in peeces bruze , And then atweene her lilly handes twaine , Into his wound the iuyce thereof did scruze , And round about , as she could well it vze , The flesh therewith she suppled and did steepe , T' abate all spasme , and soke the swelling bruze , And after hauing searcht the intuse deepe , She with her scarfe did bind the wound from cold to keepe . By this he had sweet life recur'd againe , And groning inly deepe , at last his eyes , His watry eyes , drizling like deawy raine , He vp gan lift toward the azure skies , From whence descend all hopelesse remedies : Therewith he sigh'd , and turning him aside , The goodly Mayd full of diuinities , And gifts of heauenly grace he by him spide , Her bow and gilden quiuer lying him beside . Mercy deare Lord ( said he ) what grace is this , That thou hast shewed to me sinfull wight , To send thine Angell from her bowre of blis , To comfort me in my distressed plight ? Angell , or Goddesse do I call thee right ? What seruice may I do vnto thee meete , That hast from darkenesse me returnd to light , And with thy heauenly salues and med'cines sweete , Hast drest my sinfull wounds ? I kisse thy blessed feete . Thereat she blushing said , Ah gentle Squire , Nor Goddesse I , nor Angell , but the Mayd , And daughter of a woody Nymphe , desire No seruice , but thy safety and ayd ; Which if thou gaine , I shal be well apayd . We mortall wights , whose liues and fortunes bee To commun accidents still open layd , Are bound with commun bond of frailtee , To succour wretched wights , whom we captiued see . By this her Damzels , which the former chace Had vndertaken after her arriu'd , As did Belphoebe , in the bloudy place , And thereby deemd the beast had bene depriu'd Of life , whom late their Ladies arrow ryu'd : For thy the bloudy tract they follow fast , And euery one to runne the swiftest stryu'd ; But two of them the rest far ouerpast , And where their Lady was , arriued at the last . Where when they saw that goodly boy , with blood Defowled , and their Lady dresse his wownd , They wondred much , and shortly vnderstood , How him in deadly case their Lady fownd , And reskewed out of the heauy stownd . Eftsoones his warlike courser , which was strayd Farre in the woods , whiles that he lay in swownd , She made those Damzels search , which being stayd , They did him set thereon , and forthwith them conuayd . Into that forest farre they thence him led , Where was their dwelling , in a pleasant glade , With mountaines round about enuironed , And mighty woods , which did the valley shade , And like a stately Theatre it made , Spreading it selfe into a spatious plaine . And in the midst a little riuer plaide Emongst the pumy stones , which seemd to plaine With gentle murmure , that his course they did restraine . Beside the same a dainty place there lay , Planted with mirtle trees and laurels greene , In which the birds song many a louely lay Of gods high prayse , and of their loues sweet teene , As it an earthly Paradize had beene : In whose enclosed shadow there was pight A faire Pauilion , scarcely to be seene , The which was all within most richly dight , That greatest Princes liuing it mote well delight . Thither they brought that wounded Squire , and layd In easie couch his feeble limbes to rest ; He rested him a while , and then the Mayd His ready wound with better salues new drest ; Dayly she dressed him , and did the best His grieuous hurt to garish , that she might , That shortly she his dolour hath redrest , And his foule sore reduced to faire plight : It she reduced , but himselfe destroyed quight . O foolish Physick , and vnfruitfull paine , That heales vp one and makes another wound : She his hurt thigh to him recur'd againe , But hurt his hart , the which before was sound , Through an vnwary dart , which did rebound From her faire eyes and gracious countenaunce . What bootes it him from death to be vnbound , To be captiued in endlesse duraunce Of sorrow and despaire without aleggeaunce ? Still as his wound did gather , and grow hole , So still his hart woxe sore , and health decayd : Madnesse to saue a part , and lose the whole . Still whenas he beheld the heauenly Mayd , Whiles dayly plaisters to his wound she layd , So still his Malady the more increast , The whiles her matchlesse beautie him dismayd . Ah God , what other could he do at least , But loue so faire a Lady , that his life releast ? Long while he stroue in his courageous brest , With reason dew the passion to subdew , And loue for to dislodge out of his nest : Still when her excellencies he did vew , Her soueraigne bounty , and celestiall hew , The same to loue he strongly was constraind : But when his meane estate he did renew , He from such hardy boldnesse was restraind , And of his lucklesse lot and cruell loue thus plaind . Vnthankfull wretch ( said he ) is this the meed , With which her soueraigne mercy thou doest quight ? Thy life she saued by her gracious deed , But thou doest weene with villeinous despight , To blot her honour , and her heauenly light . Dye rather , dye , then so disloyally Deeme of her high desert , or seeme so light : Faire death it is to shonne more shame , to dy : Dye rather , dy , then euer loue disloyally . But if to loue disloyalty it bee , Shall I then hate her , that from deathes dore Me brought ? ah farre be such reproch fro mee . What can I lesse do , then her loue therefore , Sith I her dew reward cannot restore : Dye rather , dye , and dying do her serue , Dying her serue , and liuing her adore ; Thy life she gaue , thy life she doth deserue : Dye rather , dye , then euer from her seruice swerue . But foolish boy , what bootes thy seruice bace To her , to whom the heauens do serue and sew ? Thou a meane Squire , of meeke and lowly place , She heauenly borne , and of celestiall hew . How then ? of all loue taketh equall vew : And doth not highest God vouchsafe to take The loue and seruice of the basest crew ? If she will not , dye meekly for her sake ; Dye rather , dye , then euer so faire loue forsake . Thus warreid he long time against his will , Till that through weaknesse he was forst at last , To yield himselfe vnto the mighty ill : Which as a victour proud , gan ransack fast His inward parts , and all his entrayles wast , That neither bloud in face , nor life in hart It left , but both did quite drye vp , and blast ; As percing leuin , which the inner part Of euery thing consumes , and calcineth by art . Which seeing faire Belphoebe , gan to feare , Least that his wound were inly well not healed , Or that the wicked steele empoysned were : Litle she weend , that loue he close concealed ; Yet still he wasted , as the snow congealed , When the bright sunne his beams thereon doth beat ; Yet neuer he his hart to her reuealed , But rather chose to dye for sorrow great , Then with dishonorable termes her to entreat . She gracious Lady , yet no paines did spare , To do him ease , or do him remedy : Many Restoratiues of vertues rare , And costly Cordialles she did apply , To mitigate his stubborne mallady : But that sweet Cordiall , which can restore A loue-sick hart , she did to him enuy ; To him , and to all th' vnworthy world forlore She did enuy that soueraigne salue , in secret store . That dainty Rose , the daughter of her Morne , More deare then life she tendered , whose flowre The girlond of her honour did adorne : Ne suffred she the Middayes scorching powre , Ne the sharp Northerne wind thereon to showre , But lapped vp her silken leaues most chaire , When so the froward skye began to lowre : But soone as calmed was the Christall aire , She did it faire dispred , and let to florish faire . Eternall God in his almighty powre , To make ensample of his heauenly grace , In Paradize whilome did plant this flowre , Whence he it fetcht out of her natiue place , And did in stocke of earthly flesh enrace , That mortall men her glory should admire In gentle Ladies brest , and bounteous race Of woman kind it fairest flowre doth spire , And beareth fruit of honour and all chast desire . Faire ympes of beautie , whose bright shining beames Adorne the world with like to heauenly light , And to your willes both royalties and Realmes Subdew , through conquest of your wondrous might , With this faire flowre your goodly girlonds dight , Of chastity and vertue virginall , That shall embellish more your beautie bright , And crowne your heades with heauenly coronall , Such as the Angels weare before Gods tribunall . To your faire selues a faire ensample frame , Of this faire virgin , this Belphoebe faire , To whom in perfect loue , and spotlesse fame Of chastitie , none liuing may compaire : Ne poysnous Enuy iustly can empaire The prayse of her fresh flowring Maidenhead ; For thy she standeth on the highest staire Of th' honorable stage of womanhead , That Ladies all may follow her ensample dead . In so great prayse of stedfast chastity , Nathlesse she was so curteous and kind , Tempred with grace , and goodly modesty , That seemed those two vertues stroue to find The higher place in her Heroick mind : So striuing each did other more augment , And both encreast the prayse of woman kind , And both encreast her beautie excellent ; So all did make in her a perfect complement .

Cant. VI. The birth of faire Belphoebe and Of Amoret is told . The Gardins of Adonis fraught With pleasures manifold . WEll may I weene , faire Ladies , all this while Ye wonder , how this noble Damozell So great perfections did in her compile , Sith that in saluage forests she did dwell , So farre from court and royall Citadell , The great schoolmistresse of all curtesy : Seemeth that such wild woods should far expell All ciuill vsage and gentility , And gentle sprite deforme with rude rusticity . But to this faire Belphoebe in her berth The heauens so fauourable were and free , Looking with myld aspect vpon the earth , In th' Horoscope of her natiuitee , That all the gifts of grace and chastitee On her they poured forth of plenteous horne ; Ioue laught on Venus from his soueraigne see , And Phoebus with faire beames did her adorne , And all the Graces rockt her cradle being borne . Her berth was of the wombe of Morning dew , And her conception of the ioyous Prime , And all her whole creation did her shew Pure and vnspotted from all loathly crime , That is ingenerate in fleshly slime . So was this virgin borne , so was she bred , So was she trayned vp from time to time , In all chast vertue , and true bounti-hed Till to her dew perfection she was ripened . Her mother was the faire Chrysogonee , The daughter of Amphisa , who by race A Faerie was , yborne of high degree , She bore Belphaebe , she bore in like cace Faire Amoretta in the second place : These two were twinnes , & twixt them two did share The heritage of all celestiall grace . That all the rest it seem'd they robbed bare Of bountie , and of beautie , and all vertues rare . It were a goodly storie , to declare , By what straunge accident faire Chrysogone Conceiu'd these infants , and how them she bare , In this wild forrest wandring all alone , After she had nine moneths fulfild and gone : For not as other wemens commune brood , They were enwombed in the sacred throne Of her chaste bodie , nor with commune food , As other wemens babes , they sucked vitall blood . But wondrously they were begot , and bred Through influence of th' heauens fruitfull ray , As it in antique bookes is mentioned . It was vpon a Som●ers shynie day , When Titan faire his beames did display , In a fresh fountaine , farre from all mens vew , She bath'd her brest , the boyling heat t' allay ; She bath'd with roses red , and violets blew , And all the sweetest flowres , that in the forrest grew . Till faint through irkesome wearinesse , adowne Vpon the grassie ground her selfe she layd To sleepe , the whiles a gentle slombring swowne Vpon her fell all naked bare displayd ; The sunne-beames bright vpon her body playd , Being through former bathing mollifide , And pierst into her wombe , where they embayd With so sweet sence and secret power vnspide , That in her pregnant flesh they shortly fructifide . Miraculous may seeme to him , that reades So straunge ensample of conception ; But reason teacheth that the fruitfull seades Of all things liuing , through impression Of the sunbeames in moyst complexion , Doe life conceiue and quickned are by kynd : So after Nilus invndation , Infinite shapes of creature men do fynd , Informed in the mud , on which the Sunne hath shynd . Great father he of generation Is rightly cald , th' author of life and light ; And his faire sister for creation Ministreth matter fit , which tempred right With heate and humour , breedes the liuing wight . So sprong these twinnes in wombe of Chrysogone , Yet wist she nought thereof , but sore affright , Wondred to see her belly so vpblone , Which still increast , till she her terme had full outgone . Whereof conceiuing shame and foule disgrace , Albe her guiltlesse conscience her cleard , She fled into the wildernesse a space , Till that vnweeldy burden she had reard , And shund dishonor , which as death she feard : Where wearie of long trauell , downe to rest Her selfe she set , and comfortably cheard ; There a sad cloud of sleepe her ouerkest , And seized euery sense with sorrow sore opprest . It fortuned , faire Venus hauing lost Her little sonne , the winged god of loue , Who for some light displeasure , which him crost , Was from her fled , as flit as ayerie Doue , And left her blisfull bowre of ioy aboue , ( So from her often he had fled away , When she for ought him sharpely did reproue , And wandred in the world in strange aray , Disguiz'd in thousand shapes , that none might him bewray . Him for to seeke , she left her heauenly hous , The house of goodly formes and faire aspects , Whence all the world deriues the glorious Features of beauties , and all shapes select , With which high God his workmanship hath deckt ; And searched euery way , through which his wings Had borne him , or his tract she mote detect : She promist kisses sweet , and sweeter things Vnto the man , that of him tydings to her brings . First she him sought in Court , where most he vsed Whylome to haunt , but there she found him not ; But many there she found , which sore accused His falsehood , and with foule infamous blot His cruell deedes and wicked wyles did spot : Ladies and Lords she euery where mote heare Complayning , how with his empoysned shot Their wofull harts he wounded had whyleare , And so had left them languishing twixt hope and feare . She then the Citties sought from gate to gate , And euery one did aske , did he him see ; And euery one her answerd , that too late He had him seene , and felt the crueltie Of his sharpe darts and whot artillerie ; And euery one threw forth reproches rife Of his mischieuous deedes , and said , That hee Was the disturber of all ciuill life , The enimy of peace , and author of all strife . Then in the countrey she abroad him sought , And in the rurall cottages inquired , Where also many plaints to her were brought , How he their heedlesse harts with loue had fyred , And his false venim through their veines inspyred ; And eke the gentle shepheard swaynes , which sat Keeping their fleecie flockes , as they were hyred , She sweetly heard complaine , both how and what Her sonne had to them doen ; yet she did smile thereat . But when in none of all these she him got , She gan auize , where else he mote him hyde : At last she her bethought , that she had not Yet sought the saluage woods and forrests wyde , In which full many louely Nymphes abyde , Mongst whom might be , that he did closely lye , Or that the loue of some of them him tyde : For thy she thither cast her course t' apply , To search the secret haunts of Dianes company . Shortly vnto the wastefull woods she came , Whereas she found the Goddesse with her crew , After late chace of their embrewed game , Sitting beside a fountaine in a rew , Some of them washing with the liquid dew From off their dainty limbes the dustie sweat , And soyle which did deforme their liuely hew ; Others lay shaded from the scorching heat ; The rest vpon her person gaue attendance great . She hauing hong vpon a bough on high Her bow and painted quiuer , had vnlaste Her siluer buskins from her nimble thigh , And her lancke loynes vngirt , and brests vnbraste , After her heat the breathing cold to taste ; Her golden lockes , that late in tresses bright Embreaded were for hindring of her haste , Now loose about her shoulders hong vndight , And were with sweet Ambrosia all be sprinckled light . Soone as she Venus saw behind her backe , She was asham'd to be so loose surprized And woxe halfe wroth against her damzels flacke , That had nother thereof before auized , But suffred her so carelesly disguized Be ouertaken . Soone her garments loose Vpgath'ring , in her bosome she comprized , Well as she might , and to the Goddesse rose , Whiles all her Nymphes did like a girlond her enclose . Goodly she gan faire Cytherea greet , And shortly asked her , what cause her brought Into that wildernesse for her vnmeet , From her sweete bowres , and beds with pleasures fraught : That suddein change she strange aduenture thought . To whom halfe weeping , she thus answered , That she her dearest sonne Cupido sought , Who in his frowardnesse from her was fled ; That she repented sore , to haue him angered . Thereat Diana gan to smile , in scorne Of her vaine plaint , and to her scoffing sayd ; Great pittie sure , that ye be so forlorne Of your gay sonne , that giues ye so good ayd To your disports : ill mote ye bene apayd . But she was more engrieued , and replide ; Faire sister , ill beseemes it to vpbrayd A dolefull heart with so disdainfull pride ; The like that mine , may be your paine another tide . As you in woods and wanton wildernesse Your glory set , to chace the saluage beasts , So my delight is all in ioyfulnesse , In beds , in bowres , in banckets , and in feasts : And ill becomes you with your loftie creasts , To scorne the ioy , that Ioue is glad to seeke ; We both are bound to follow heauens beheasts , And tend our charges with obeisance meeke : Spare , gentle sister , with reproch my paine to eeke . And tell me , if that ye my sonne haue heard , To lurke emongst your Nymphes in secret wize ; Or keepe their cabins : much I am affeard , Least he like one of them him selfe disguize , And turne his arrowes to their exercize : So may he long himselfe full easie hide : For he is faire and fresh in face and guize , As any Nymph ( let not it be enuyde . ) So saying euery Nymph full narrowly she eyde . But Phoebe therewith sore was angered , And sharply said ; Goe Dame , goe seeke your boy , Where you him lately left , in Mars his bed ; He comes not here , we scorne his foolish ioy , Ne lend we leisure to his idle toy : But if I catch him in this company , By Stygian lake I vow , whose sad annoy The Gods doe dread , he dearely shall abye : I le clip his wanton wings , that he no more shall fly . Whom when as Venus saw so sore displeased , She inly sory was , and gan relent , What she had said : so her she soone appeased , With sugred words and gentle blandishment , From which a fountaine from her sweet lips went , And welled goodly forth , that in short space She was well pleasd , and forth her damzels sent , Through all the woods , to search from place to place , If any tract of him or tydings they mote trace . To search the God of loue , her Nymphes she sent Throughout the wandring forrest euery where : And after them her selfe eke with her went To seeke the fugitiue , both farre and nere , So long they sought , till they arriued were In that same shadie couert , whereas lay Faire Crysogone in slombry traunce whilere : Who in her sleepe ( a wondrous thing to say ) Vnwares had borne two babes , as faire as springing day . Vnwares she them conceiu'd , vnwares she bore : She bore withouten paine , that she conceiued Withouten pleasure : ne her need implore Lucinaes aide : which when they both perceiued , They were through wonder nigh of sense bereaued , And gazing each on other , nought bespake : At last they both agreed , her seeming grieued Out of her heauy swowne not to awake , But from her louing side the tender babes to take . Vp they them tooke , each one a babe vptooke , And with them carried , to be fostered ; Dame Phoebe to a Nymph her babe betooke , To be vpbrought in perfect Maydenhed , And of her selfe her name Belphoebe red : But Venus hers hence farre away conuayd , To be vpbrought in goodly womanhed , And in her litle loues stead , which was strayd , Her Amoretta cald , to comfort her dismayd . She brought her to her ioyous Paradize , Where most she wonnes , when she on earth does dwel . So faire a place , as Nature can deuize : Whether in Paphos , or Cytheron hill , Or it in Gnidus be , I wote not well ; But well I wote by tryall , that this same All other pleasant places doth excell , And called is by her lost louers name , The Gardin of Adonis , farre renowmd by fame . In that same Gardin all the goodly flowres , Wherewith dame Nature doth her beautifie , And decks the girlonds of her paramoures , Are fetcht : there is the first seminarie Of all things , that are borne to liue and die , According to their kindes . Long worke it were , Here to account the endlesse pregenie Of all the weedes , that bud and blossome there ; But so much as doth need , must needs be counted here . It sited was in fruitfull soyle of old , And girt in with two walles on either side ; The one of yron , the other of bright gold , That none might thorough breake , nor ouer-stride : And double gates it had , which opened wide , By which both in and out men moten pas ; Th' one faire and fresh , the other old and dride : Old Genius the 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 desire ; A thousand thousand naked babes attend About him day and night , which doe require , That he with fleshly weedes would them attire : Such as him list , such as eternall fate Ordained hath , he clothes with sinfull mire , And sendeth forth to liue in mortall state , Till they againe returne backe by the hinder gate . After that they againe returned beene , They in that Gardin planted be againe ; And grow a fresh , as they had neuer seene Fleshly corruption , nor mortall paine . Some thousand yeares so doen they there remaire ; And then of him are clad with other hew , Or sent into the chaungefull world againe , Till thither they returne , where first they grew : So like a wheele around they runne from old to new . Ne needs there Gardiner to set , or sow , To plant of prune : for of their owne accord All things , as they created were , doe grow , And yet remember well the mightie word , Which first was spoken by th' Almightie lord , That bad them to increase and multiply : Ne doe they need with water of the ford , Or of the clouds to moysten their roots dry ; For in themselues eternall moisture they imply . Infinite shapes of creatures there are bred , And vncouth formes , which none yet euer knew , And euery sort is in a sundry bed Set by itselfe , and ranckt in comely rew : Some fit for reasonable soules t'indew , Some made for beasts , some made for birds to weare , And all the fruitfull spawne of fishes hew In endlesse rancks along enraunged were , That seem'd the Ocean could not containe them there . Daily they grow , and daily forth are sent Into the world , it to replenish more ; Yet is the stocke not lessened , nor spent , But still remaines in euerlasting store , As it at first created was of yore . For in the wide wombe of the world there lyes , In hatefull darkenesse and in deepe horrore , An huge eternall Chaos , which supplyes The substances of natures fruitfull progenyes . All things from thence doe their first being fetch , And borrow matter , whereof they are made , Which when as forme and feature it does ketch , Becomes a bodie , and doth then inuade The state of life , out of the griefly shade . That substance is eterne , and bideth so , Ne when the life decayes , and forme does fade , Doth it consume , and into nothing go , But chaunged is , and often altred to and fro . The subtance is not chaunged , nor altered , But th' only forme and outward fashion ; For euery substance is conditioned To change her hew , and sundry formes to don , Meet for her temper and complexion : For formes are variable and decay , By course of kind , and by occasion ; And that faire flowre of beautie fades away , As doth the lilly fresh before the sunny ray . Great enimy to it , and to all the rest , That in the Gardin of Adonis springs , Is wicked Time , who with his scyth addrest , Does mow the flowring herbes and goodly things , And all their glory to the ground downe flings , Where they doe wither , and are fowly mard : He flyes about , and with his flaggy wings Beates downe both leaues and buds without regard , Ne euer pittie may relent his malice hard . Yet pittie often did the gods relent , To see so faire things mard , and spoyled quight : And their great mother Venus did lament The losse of her deare brood , her deare delight ; Her hart was pierst with pittie at the sight , When walking through the Gardin , them she spyde , Yet no'te she find redresse for such despight . For all that liues , is subiect to that law : All things decay in time , and to their end do draw . But were it not , that Time their troubler is , All that in this delightfull Gardin growes , Should happie be , and haue immortall blis : For here all plentie , and all pleasure flowes , And sweet loue gentle fits emongst them throwes , Without fell rancor , or fond gealosie ; Franckly each paramour his leman knowes , Each bird his mate , ne any does enuie Their goodly meriment , and gay felicitie . There is continuall spring , and haruest there Continuall , both meeting at one time : For both the boughes doe laughing blossomes beare , And with fresh colours decke the wanton Prime , And eke attonce the heauy trees they clime , Which seeme to labour vnder their fruits lode : The whiles the ioyous birdes make their pastime Emongst the shadie leaues , their sweet abode , And their true loues without suspition tell abrode . Right in the middest of that Paradise , There stood a stately Mount , on whose round top A gloomy groue of mirtle trees did rise , Whose shadie boughes sharpe steele did neuer lop , Nor wicked beasts their tender buds did crop , But like a girlond compassed the hight , And from their fruitfull sides sweet gum did drop , That all the ground with precious deaw bedight , Threw forth most dainty odours , & most sweet delight . And in the thickest couert of that shade , There was a pleasant arbour , not by art , But of the trees owne inclination made , Which knitting their rancke braunches part to part , With wanton yuie twyne entrayld athwart , And Eglantine , and Caprifole emong , Fashiond aboue within their inmost part , That nether Phoebus beams could through them throng , Nor Aeolus sharp blast could worke them any wrong . And all about grew euery sort of flowre , To which sad louers were transformd of yore ; Fresh Hyacinthus , Phoebus paramoure , Foolish Narcisse , that likes the watry shore , Sad Amaranthus , made a slowre but late , Sad Amaranthus , in whose purple gore Me seemes I see Amintas wretched fate , To whom sweet Poets verse hath giuen endlesse date . There wont faire Venus often to enjoy Her deare Adonis ioyous company , And reape sweet pleasure of the wanton boy ; There yet , some say , in secret he does ly , Lapped in flowres and pretious spycery , By her hid from the world , and from the skill Of Stygian Gods , which doe her loue enuy ; But she her selfe , when euer that she will , Possesseth him , and of his sweetnesse takes her fill . And sooth it seemes they say : for he may not For euer die , and euer buried bee In balefull night , where all things are forgot ; All be he subiect to mortalitie , Yet is eterne in mutabilitie , And by succession made perpetuall , Transformed oft , and chaunged diuerslie : For him the Father of all formes they call ; Therefore needs mote he liue , that liuing giues to all . There now he liueth in eternall blis , Ioying his goddesse , and of her enioyd : Ne feareth he henceforth that foe of his , Which with his cruell tuske him deadly cloyd : For that wilde Bore , the which him once annoyd , She firmely hath emprisoned for ay , That her sweet loue his malice mote auoyd , In a strong rocky Caue , which is they say , Hewen vnderneath that Mount , that none him losen may . There now he liues in euerlasting ioy , With many of the Gods in company , Which thither haunt , and with the winged boy Sporting himselfe in safe felicity : Who when he hath with spoiles and cruelty Ransackt the world , and in the wofull harts Of many wretches set his triumphes hye , Thither resorts , and laying his sad darts Aside , with faire Adonis playes his wanton parts . And his true loue faire Psyche with him playes , Faire Psyche to him lately reconcyld , After long troubles and vnmeet vpbrayes , With which his mother Venus her reuyld , And eke himselfe her cruelly exyld : But now in stedfast loue and happy state She with him liues , and hath him borne a chyld , Pleasure , that doth both gods and men aggrate , Pleasure , the daughter of Cupid and Psyche late . Hither great Venus brought this infant faire , The younger daughter of Chrysogonee , And vnto Psyche with great trust and care Committed her , yfostered to bee , And trained vp in true feminitee . Who no lesse carefully her tendered , Then her owne daughter Pleasure , to whom shee Made her companion , and her lessoned In all the lore of loue , and goodly womanhead . In which when she to perfect ripenesse grew , Of grace and beautie noble Paragone , She brought her forth into the worldes vew , To be th' ensample of true loue alone , And Lodestarre of all chaste affectione , To all faire Ladies , that doe liue on ground . To Faery court she came , where many one Admyrd her goodly haueour , and found His feeble hart wide launched with loues cruell wound . But she to none of them her loue did cast , Saue to the noble knight Sir Scudamore , To whom her louing hart she linked fast In fathfull loue , t' abide for euermore , And for his dearest sake endured sore , Sore trouble of an hainous enimy ; Who her would forced haue to haue forlore Her former loue , and stedfast loialty , As ye may elsewhere read that ruefull history . But well I weene , ye first desire to learne , What end vnto that fearefull Damozell , Which fled so fast from that same foster stearne , Whom with his brethren Timias slew , befell : That was to weet , the goodly Florimell ; Who wandring for to seeke her louer deare , Her louer deare , her dearest Marinell , Into misfortune fell , as ye did heare , And from Prince Arthur fled with wings of idle feare .

Cant. VII . The witches sonne loues Florimell : she flyes , he faines to die . Satyrane saues the Squire of Dames from Gyants tyrannie . LIke as an Hynd forth singled from the heard , That hath escaped from a rauenous beast , Yet flyes away of her owne feet affeard , And euery leafe , that shaketh with the least Murmure of winde , her terror hath encreast ; So fled faire Florimell from her vaine feare , Long after she from perill was releast : Each shade she saw , and each noyse she did heare , Did seeme to be the same , which she escapt whyleare . All that same euening she in flying spent , And all that night her course continewed : Ne did she let dull sleepe once to relent , Nor wearinesse to slacke her hast , but fled Euer alike , as if her former dred Were hard behind , her readie to arrest : And her white Palfrey hauing conquered The maistring raines out of her weary wrest , Perforce her carried , where euer he thought best . So long as breath , and hable puissance Did natiue courage vnto him supply , His pace he freshly forward did aduaunce , And carried her beyond all ieopardy , But nought that wanteth rest , can long aby . He hauing through incessant trauell spent His force , at last perforce a downe did ly , Ne foot could further moue : The Lady gent Thereat was suddein strooke with great astonishment . And forst t' alight , on foot mote algates fare , A traueller vnwonted to such way : Need teacheth her this lesson hard and rare , That fortune all in equall launce doth sway , And mortall miseries doth make her play . So long she trauelled , till at length she came To an hilles side , which did to her bewray A little valley , subiect to the same , All couerd with thick woods , that quite it ouercame . Through the tops of the high trees she did descry A litle smoke , whose vapour thin and light , Reeking aloft , vprolled to the sky : Which , chearefull signe did send vnto her sight , That in the same did wonne some liuing wight . Estsoones her steps she thereunto applyde , And came at last in weary wretched plight Vnto the place , to which her hope did guyde , To find some refuge there , and rest her weary syde . There in a gloomy hollow glen she found A little cottage , built of stickes and reedes In homely wize , and wald with sods around , In which a witch did dwell , in loathly weedes , And wilfull want , all carelesse of her needes ; So choosing solitarie to abide , Far from all neighbours , that her deuilish deedes And hellish arts from people she might hide , And hurt far off vnknowne , whom euer she enuide . The Damzell there arriuing entred in ; Where sitting on the flore the Hag she found , Busie ( as seem'd ) about some wicked gin : Who soone as she beheld that sudde in stound , Lightly vpstarted from the dustie ground , And with fell looke and hollow deadly gaze Stared on her awhile , as one astound , Ne had one word to speake , for great amaze . But shewd by outward signes , that dread her sence did daze . At last turning her feare to foolish wrath , She askt , what deuill had her thither brought , And who she was , and what vnwonted path Had guided her , vnwelcomed , vnsought ? To which the Damzell full of doubtfull thought , Her mildly answer'd ; Beldame be not wroth With silly Virgin by aduenture brought Vnto your dwelling , ignorant and loth , That craue but rowme to rest , while tempest ouerblo'th . With that adowne out of her Christall eyne Few trickling teares she softly forth let fall , That like two Orient pearles , did purely shyne Vpon her snowy cheeke ; and therewithall She sighed soft , that none so bestiall , Nor saluage hart , but ruth of her sad plight Would make to melt , or pitteously appall ; And that vile Hag , all were her whole delight In mischiefe , was much moued at so pitteous sight . And gan recomfort her in her rude wyse , With womanish compassion of her plaint , Wiping the teares from her suffused eyes , And bidding her sit downe , to rest her faint And wearie limbs a while . She nothing quaint Nor s'deignfull of so homely fashion , Sith brought she was now to so hard constraint , Sate downe vpon the dusty ground anon , As glad of that small rest , as Bird of tempest gon . Tho gan she gather vp her garments rent , And her loose lockes to dight in order dew , With golden wreath and gorgeous ornament ; Whom such whenas the wicked Hag did vew , She was astonisht at her heauenly hew , And doubted her to deeme an earthly wight , But or some Goddesse , or of Dianes crew , And thought her to adore with humble spright ; T' adore thing so diuine as beauty , were but right . This wicked woman had a wicked sonne , The comfort of her age and weary dayes , A laesie loord , for nothing good to donne , But stretched forth in idlenesse alwayes , Ne euer cast his mind to couet prayse , Or ply him selfe to any honest trade , But all the day before the sunny rayes He vs'd to slug , or sleepe in slothfull shade : Such laesinesse both lewd and poore attonce him made . He comming home at vndertime , there found The fairest creature , that he euer saw , Sitting beside his mother on the ground ; The sight whereof did greatly him adaw , And his base thought with terrour and with aw So inly smot , that as one , which had gazed On the bright Sunne vnwares , doth soone withdraw His feeble eyne , with too much brightnesse dazed ; So stared he on her , and stood long while amazed . Softly at last he gan his mother aske , What mister wight that was , and whence deriued , That in so straunge disguizement there did maske , And by what accident she there arriued : But she , as one nigh of her wits depriued , With nought but ghastly lookes him answered , Like to a ghost , that lately is reuiued From Stygian shores , where late it wandered ; So both at her , and each at other wondered . But the faire Virgin was so meeke and mild , That she to them vouchsafed to embace Her goodly port , and to their senses vild , Her gentle speach applide , that in short space She grew familiare in that desert place . During which time , the Chorle through her so kind And curteise vse conceiu'd affection bace , And cast to loue her in his brutish mind , No loue , but brutish lust , that was so beastly tind . Closely the wicked flame his bowels brent , And shortly grew into outrageous fire ; Yet had he not the hart , nor hardiment , As vnto her to vtter his desire ; His caytiue thought durst not so high aspire , But with soft sighes , and louely semblaunces , He ween'd that his affection entire She should aread ; many resemblaunces To her he made , and many kind remembraunces . Oft from the forrest wildings he did bring , Whose sides empurpled were with smiling red , And oft young birds , which he had taught to sing His mistresse prayses , sweetly caroled , Girlonds of flowres sometimes for her faire hed He fine would dight ; sometimes the squirell wild He brought to her in bands , as conquered To be her thrall , his fellow seruant vild ; All which , she of him tooke with countenance meeke and mild . But past awhile , when she fit season saw To leaue that desert mansion , she cast In secret wize her selfe thence to withdraw , For feare of mischiefe , which she did forecast Might be the witch or that her sonne compast : Her wearie Palfrey closely , as she might , Now well recouered after long repast , In his proud furnitures she freshly dight , His late miswandred wayes now to remeasure right . And earely ere the dawning day appeard , She forth issewed , and on her iourney went ; She went in perill , of each noyse affeard , And of each shade , that did it selfe present , For still she feared to be ouerhent , Of that vile hag , or her vnciuile sonne : Who when too late awaking , well they kent , That their faire guest was gone , they both begonne To make exceeding mone , as they had bene vndonne . But that lewd louer did the most lament For her depart , that euer man did heare ; He knockt his brest with desperate intent , And scratcht his face , and with his teeth did teare His rugged flesh , and rent his ragged heare : That his sad mother seeing his sore plight , Was greatly woe begon , and gan to feare , Least his fraile senses were emperisht quight , And loue to frenzy turnd , sith loue is franticke hight . All wayes she sought , him to restore to plight , With herbs , with charms , with counsell , & with teares , But tears , nor charms , nor herbs , nor counsell might Asswage the fury , which his entrails teares : So strong is passion , that no reason heares . Tho when all other helpes she saw to faile , She turnd her selfe backe to her wicked leares And by her deuilish arts thought to preuaile , To bring her backe againe , or worke her finall bale . Eftsoones out of her hidden caue she cald An hideous beast , of horrible aspect , That could the stoutest courage haue appald ; Monstrous mishapt , and all his backe was spect With thousand spots of colours queint elect , Thereto so swift , that it all beasts did pas : Like neuer yet did liuing eye detect ; But likest it to an Hyena was , That feeds on womens flesh , as others feede on gras . It forth she cald , and gaue it streight in charge , Through thicke and thin her to pursew apace , Ne once to stay to rest , or breath at large , Till her he had attaind , and brought in place , Or quite deuourd her beauties scornefull grace . The Monster swift as word , that from her went , Went forth in hast , and did her footing trace So sure and swiftly , through his perfect sent , And passing speede , that shortly he her ouerhent . Whom when the fearefull Damzell nigh espide , No need to bid her fast away to flie ; That vgly shape so sore her terrifide , That it she shund no lesse , then dread to die , And her flit Palfrey did so well apply His nimble feet to her conceiued feare , That whilest his breath did strength to him supply , From perill free he her away did beare : But when his force gan faile , his pace gan wex areare . Which whenas she perceiu'd , she was dismayd At that same last extremitie full sore , And of her safetie greatly grew afrayd ; And now she gan approch to the sea shore , As it befell , that she could flie no more , But yield her selfe to spoile of greedinesse . Lightly she leaped , as a wight forlore , From her dull horse , in desperate distresse , And to her feet betooke her doubtfull sickernesse . Not halfe so fast the wicked Myrrha fled From dread of her reuenging fathers hond : Nor halfe so fast to saue her maidenhed , Fled fearefull Daphne on th' AEgaean strond , As Florimell fled from that Monster yond , To reach the sea , ere she of him were raught : For in the sea to drowne her selfe she fond , Rather then of the tyrant to be caught : Thereto feare gaue her wings , and neede her courage taught . It fortuned ( high God did so ordaine ) As she arriued on the roring shore , In minde to leape into the mighty maine , A little boate lay houing her before , In which there slept a fisher old and pore , The whiles his nets were drying on the sand : Into the same she leapt , and with the ore Did thrust the shallop from the floting strand : So safetie found at sea , which she found not at land . The Monster ready on the pray to sease , Was of his forward hope deceiued quight ; Ne durst assay to wade the perlous seas , But greedily long gaping at the sight , At last in vaine was forst to turne his flight , And tell the idle tidings to his Dame : Yet to auenge his deuilish despight , He set vpon her Palfrey tired lame , And slew him cruelly , ere any reskew came . And after hauing him embowelled , To fill his bellish gorge , it chaunst a knight To passe that way , as forth he trauelled ; It was a goodly Swaine , and of great might , As euer man that bloudy field did fight ; But in vaine sheows , that wont yong knights bewitch , And courtly seruices tooke no delight , But rather ioyd to be , then seemen fich : For both to be and seeme to him was labour lich . It was to weete the good Sir Satyrane , That raungd abroad to seeke aduentures wilde , As was his wont in forrest , and in plaine ; He was all armd in rugged steele vnfilde , As in the smoky forge it was compilde , And in his Scutchin bore a Satyres hed : He comming present , where the Monster vilde Vpon that milke-white Palfreyes carkas fed , Vnto his reskew ran , and greedily him sped . There well perceiu'd he , that it was the horse , Whereon faire Florimell was wont to ride , That of that feend was rent without remorse : Much feared he , least ought did ill betide To that faire Mayd , the flowre of womens pride ; For her he dearely loued , and in all His famous conquests highly magnifide : Besides her golden girdle , which did fall From her in flight , he found , that did him sore apall . Full of sad feare , and doubtfull agony , Fiercely he flew vpon that wicked feend , And with huge strokes , and cruell battery Him forst to leaue his pray , for to attend Him selfe from deadly daunger to defend : Full many wounds in his corrupted flesh He did engraue , and muchell bloud did spend , Yet might not do him dye , but aye more fresh And fierce he still appeard , the more he did him thresh , He wist not , how him to despoile of life , Ne how to win the wished victory , Sith him he saw still stronger grow through strife , And him selfe weaker through infirmity ; Greatly he grew enrag'd , and furiously Hurling his sword away , he lightly lept Vpon the beast , that with great cruelty Rored , and raged to be vnder-kept : Yet he perforce him held , and strokes vpon him hept . As he that striues to stop a suddein flood , And in strong banckes his violence enclose , Forceth it swell aboue his wonted mood , And largely ouerflow the fruitfull plaine , That all the countrey seemes to be a Maine , And the rich furrowes flote , all quite fordonne : The wofull husbandman doth lowd complaine , To see his whole yeares labour lost so soone , For which to God he made so many an idle boone , So him he held , and did through might amate : So long he held him , and him bet so long , That at the last his fiercenesse gan abate , And meekely stoup vnto the victour strong : Who to auenge the implacable wrong , Which he supposed donne to Florimell , Sought by all meanes his dolour to prolong , Sith dint of steele his carcas could not quell : His maker with her charmes had framed him so well . The golden ribband , which that virgin wore About her sclender wast , he tooke in hand , And with it bound the beast , that lowd did rore For great despight of that vnwonted band , Yet dared not his victour to withstand , But trembled like a lambe , fled from the pray , And all the way him followd on the strand , As he had long bene learned to obay ; Yet neuer learned he such seruice , till that day . Thus as he led the Beast along the way , He spide far off a mighty Giauntesle , Fast flying on a Courser dapled gray , From a bold knight , that with great hardinesse Her hard pursewd , and sought for to suppresse ; She bore before her lap a dolefull Squire , Lying athwart her horse in great distresse , Fast bounden hand and foote with cords of wire , Whom she did meane to make the thrall of her desire . Which whenas Satyrane beheld , in hast He left his captiue Beast at liberty , And crost the nearest way , by which he cast Her to encounter , ere she passed by : But she the way shund nathemore for thy , But forward gallopt fast ; which when he spyde , His mighty speare he couched warily , And at her ran : she hauing him descryde , Her selfe to fight addrest , and threw her lode aside . Like as a Goshauke , that in foote doth beare A trembling Culuer , hauing spide on hight An Egle , that with plumy wings doth sheare The subtile ayre , stouping with all his might , The quarrey throwes to ground with fell despight , And to the battell doth her selfe prepare : So ran the Geauntesse vnto the fight ; Her firie eyes with furious sparkes did stare , And with blasphemous bannes high God in peeces tare . She caught in hand an huge great yron mace , Wherewith she many had of life depriued ; But ere the stroke could seize his aymed place , His speare amids her sun-broad shield arriued ; Yet nathemore the steele a sunder riued , All were the beame in bignesse like a mast , Ne her out of the stedfast sadle driued , But glauncing on the tempred mettall , brast In thousand shiuers , and so forth beside her past . Her Steed did stagger with that puissaunt strooke ; But she no more was moued with that might , Then it had lighted on an aged Oke ; Or on the marble Pillour , that is pight Vpon the top of Mount Olympus hight , For the braue youthly Champions to assay , With burning charet wheeles it nigh to smite : But who that smites it , mars his ioyous play , And is the spectacle of ruinous decay . Yet there with sore enrag'd , with sterne regard Her dreadfull weapon she to him addrest , Which on his helmet martelled so hard , That made him low incline his lofty crest , And bowd his battred visour to his brest : Wherewith he was so stund , that he n'ote ryde , But reeled to and fro from East to West : Which when his cruell enimy espyde , She lightly vnto him adioyned side to syde ; And on his collar laying puissant hand , Out of his wauering seat him pluckt perforse , Perforse him pluckt , vnable to withstand , Or helpe himselfe , and laying thwart her horse , In loathly wise like to a carion corse , She bore him fast away . Which when the knight , That her pursewed , saw with great remorse , He neare was touched in his noble spright , And gan encrease his speed , as she encreast her flight . Whom when as nigh approaching she espyde , She threw away her burden angrily ; For she list not the battell to abide , But made her selfe more light , away to fly : Yet her the hardy knight pursewd so nye , That almost in the backe he oft her strake : But still when him at hand she did espy , She turnd , and semblaunce of faire fight did make ; But when he stayd , to flight againe she did her take . By this good Sir Satyrane gan wake Out of his dreame , that did him long entraunce , And seeing none in place , he gan to make Exceeding mone , and curst that cruell chaunce , Which reft from him so faire a cheuisaunce : At length he spide , whereas that wofull Squire , Whom he had reskewed from captiuaunce Of his strong foe , lay tombled in the myre , Vnable to arise , or foot or hand to styre . To whom approching , well he mote perceiue In that foule plight a comely personage , And louely face , made fit for to deceiue Fraile Ladies hart with loues consuming rage , Now in the blossome of his freshest age : He reard him vp , and loosd his yron bands , And after gan inquire his parentage , And how he fell into that Gyaunts hands , And who that was , which chaced her along the lands . Then trembling yet through feare , the Squire bespake , That Geauntesse Argante is behight , A daughter of the Titans which did make Warre against heauen , and heaped hils on hight , To scale the skyes , and put Ioue from his right : Her sire Typhaeus was , who mad through merth , And drunke with bloud of men , slaine by his might , Through incest , her of his owne mother Earth Whilome begot , being but halfe twin of that berth . For at that berth another Babe she bore , To weet the mighty Ollyphant , that wrought Great wreake to many errant knights of yore , And many hath to foule confusion brought . These twinnes , men say , ( a thing far passing thought ) Whiles in their mothers wombe enclosd they were , Ere they into the lightsome world were brought , In fleshly lust were mingled both yfere , And in that monstrous wise did to the world appere . So liu'd they euer after in like sin , Gainst natures law , and good behauioure : But greatest shame was to that maiden twin , Who not content so fowly to deuoure Her natiue flesh , and straine her brothers bowre , Did wallow in all other fleshly myre , And suffred beasts her body to deflowre : So whot she burned in that lustfull fyre , Yet all that might not slake her sensuall desyre . But ouer all the countrey she did raunge , To seeke young men , to quench her flaming thurst , And feed her fancy with delightfull chaunge : Whom so she fittest finds to serue her lust , Through her maine strength , in which she most doth trust , She with her brings into a secret I le , Where in eternall bondage dye he must , Or be the vassall of her pleasures vile , And in all shamefull sort him selfe with her defile . Me seely wretch she so at vauntage caught , After she long in waite for me did lye , And meant vnto her prison to haue brought , Her lothsome pleasure there to satisfye ; That thousand deathes me leuer were to dye , Then breake the vow , that to faire Columbell I plighted haue , and yet keepe stedfastly : As for my name , it mistreth not to tell ; Call me the Squyre of Dames that me beseemeth well . But that bold knight , whom ye pursuing saw That Geauntesse , is not such , as she seemed , But a faire virgin , that in martiall law , And deedes of armes aboue all Dames is deemed , And aboue many knights is eke esteemed , For her great worth ; She Palladine is hight : She you from death , you me from dread redeemed . Ne any may that Monster match in fight , But she , or such as she , that is so chaste a wight . Her well beseemes that Quest ( quoth Satyrane ) But read , thou Squyre of Dames , what vow is this , Which thou vpon thy selfe hast lately ta'ne ? That shall I you recount ( quoth he ) ywis , So be ye pleasd to pardon all amis . That gentle Lady , whom I loue and serue , After long suit and weary seruicis , Did aske me , how I could her loue deserue , And how she might be sure , that I would neuer swerue . I glad by any meanes her grace to gaine , Bad her commaund my life to saue , or spill . Eftsoones she bad me , with incessaunt paine To wander through the world abroad at will , And euery where , where with my power or skill I might do seruice vnto gentle Dames , That I the same should faithfully fulfill , And at the twelue monethes end should bring their names And pledges ; as the spoiles of my victorious games . So well I to faire Ladies seruice did , And found such fauour in their louing hartes , That ere the yeare his course had compassid , Three hundred pledges for my good desartes , And thirse three hundred thanks for my good partes I with me brought , and did to her present : Which when she saw , more bent to eke my smartes , Then to reward my trusty true intent , She gan for me deuise a grieuous punishment . To weet , that I my trauell should resume , And with like labour walke the world around , Ne euer to her presence should presume , Till I so many other Dames had found , The which , for all the suit I could propound , Would me refuse their pledges to afford , But did abide for euer chast and sound . Ah gentle Squire ( quoth he ) tell at one word , How many foundst thou such to put in thy record ? In deed Sir knight ( said he ) one word may tell All , that I euer found so wisely stayd ; For onely three they were disposd so well , And yet three yeares I now abroad haue strayd , To find them out . Mote I ( then laughing sayd The knight ) inquire of thee , what were those three , The which thy proffred curtesie denayd ? Or ill they seemed sure auizd to bee , Or brutishly brought vp , that neu'r did fashions see . The first which then refused me ( said hee ) Certes was but a common Courtisane , Yet flat refusd to haue a do with mee , Because I could not giue her many a Iane. ( Thereat full hartely laughed Satyrane ) The second was an holy Nunne to chose , Which would not let me be her Chappellane , Because she knew , she said , I would disclose Her counsell , if she should her trust in me repose . The third a Damzell was of low degree , Whom I in countrey cottage found by chaunce ; Full little weened I , that chastitee Had lodging in so meane a maintenaunce , Yet was she faire , and in her countenance Dwelt simple truth in seemely fashion . Long thus I woo'd her with dew obseruance , In hope vnto my pleasure to haue won ; But was as farre at last , as when I first begon . Safe her , I neuer any woman found , That chastity did for it selfe embrace , But were for other causes firme and sound ; Either for want of handsome time and place , Or else for feare of shame and fowle disgrace . Thus am I hopelesse euer to attaine My Ladies loue , in such a desperate case , But all my dayes am like to wast in vaine , Seeking to match the chaste with th' vnchaste Ladies traine . Perdy , ( said Satyrane ) thou Squire of Dames , Great labour fondly hast thou hent in hand , To get small thankes , and therewith many blames , That may emongst Alcides labours stand . Thence backe returning to the former land , Where late he left the Beast , he ouercame , He found him not ; for he had broke his band , And was return'd againe vnto his Dame , To tell what tydings of faire Florimell became .

Cant. VIII . The Witch creates a snowy Lady , like to Florimell , Who wrongd by Carle by Proteus sau'd , is sought by Paridell . SO oft as I this history record , My hart doth melt with meere compassion , To thinke , how causelesse of her owne accord This gentle Damzell , whom I write vpon , Should plonged be in such affliction , Without all hope of comfort or reliefe , That sure I weene , the hardest hart of stone , Would hardly find to aggrauate her griefe ; For misery craues rather mercie , then repriefe . But that accursed Hag , her hostesse late , Had so enranckled her malitious hart , That she desyrd th' abridgement of her fate , Or long enlargement of her painefull smart . Now when the Beast , which by her wicked art Late forth she sent , she backe returning spyde , Tyde with her broken girdle , it a part Of her rich spoyles , whom he had earst destroyd , She weend , and wondrous gladnesse to her hart applyde . And with it running hast'ly to her sonne , Thought with that sight him much to haue reliued ; Who thereby deeming sure the thing as donne , His former griefe with furie fresh reuiued , Much more then earst , and would haue algates riued The hart out of his brest : for sith her ded He surely dempt , himselfe he thought depriued Quite of all hope , where with he long had fed His foolish maladie , and long time had misled . With thought whereof , exceeding mad he grew , And in his rage his mother would haue slaine , Had she not fled into a secret mew , Where she was wont her Sprights to entertaine The maisters of her art : there was she faine To call them all in order to her ayde , And them coniure vpon eternall paine , To counsell her so carefully dismayd , How she might heale her sonne , whose senses were decayd . By their aduise , and her owne wicked wit , She there deuiz'd a wondrous worke to frame , Whose like on earth was neuer framed yit , That euen Nature selfe enuide the same , And grudg'd to see the counterfet should shame The thing it selfe . In hand she boldly tooke To make another like the former Dame , Another Florimell , in shape and looke So liuely and so like , that many it mistooke . The substance , whereof she the bodie made , Was purest snow in massie mould congeald , Which she had gathered in a shadie glade Of the Riphoean hils , to her reueald By errant Sprights , but from all men conceald : The same she tempred with fine Mercury , And virgin wex , that neuer yet was seald , And mingled them with perfect vermily , That like a liuely sanguine it seem'd to the eye . In stead of eyes two burning lampes she set In siluer sockets , shyning like the skyes , And a quicke mouing Spirit did arret To stirre and roll them , like a womans eyes ; In stead of yellow lockes she did deuise , With golden wyre to weaue her curled head ; Yet golden wyre was not so yellow thrise As Florimells faire haire : and in the stead Of life , she put a Spright to rule the carkasse dead . A wicked Sprightyfraught with fawning guile , And faire resemblance aboue all the rest , Which with the Prince of Darknesse fell lomewhile , From heauens blisse and euerlasting rest ; Him needed not instruct , which way were best Himselfe to fashion likest Florimell , Ne how to speake , ne how to vse his gest , For he in counterfeisance did excell , And all the wyles of wemens wits knew passing well . Him shaped thus , she deckt in garments gay , Which Florimell had left behind her late , That who so then her saw , would surely say , It was her selfe , whom it did imitate , Or fairer then her selfe , if ought algate Might fairer be . And then she forth her brought Vnto her sonne , that lay in feeble state ; Who seeing her gan streight vpstart , and thought She was the Lady selfe , who he so long had sought . Tho fast her clipping twixt his armes twaine , Extremely ioyed in so happie sight , And soone forgot his former sickly paine ; But she , the more to seeme such as she hight , Coyly rebutted his embracement light ; Yet still with gentle countenant retained , Enough to hold a foole in vaine delight : Him long she so with shadowes entertained , As her Creatresse had in charge to her ordained . Till on a day , as he disposed was To walke the woods with that his Idole faire , Her to disport , and idle time to pas , In th' open freshnesse of the gentle aire , A knight that way there chaunced to repaire ; Yet knight was not , but a boastfull swaine , That deedes of armes had euer in despaire , Proud Braggadocchio , that in vaunting vaine His glory did repose , and credit did maintaine . He seeing with that Chorle so faire a wight , Decked with many a costly ornament , Much merueiled thereat , as well he might , And thought that match a fowled disparagement : His bloudie speare eftsoones he boldly bent Against the silly clowne , who dead through feare , Fell streight to ground in great astonishment ; Villein ( said he ) this Ladie is my deare , Dy , if thou it gainesay : I will away her beare . The fearefull Chorle durst not gainesay , nor dooe , But trembling stood , and yielded him the pray ; Who finding litle leasure her to wooe , On Tromparts steed her mounted without stay , And without reskew led her quite away . Proud man himselfe then Braggadocchio deemed , And next to none , after that happie day , Being possessed of that spoyle , which seemed The fairest wight on ground , and most of men esteemed . But when he saw himselfe free from poursute , He gan make gentle purpose to his Dame , With termes of loue and lewdnesse dissolute ; For he could well his glozing speaches frame To such vaine vses , that him best became : But she thereto would lend but light regard , As seeming sory , that she euer came Into his powre , that vsed her so hard , To reaue her honor , which she more then life prefard . Thus as they two of kindnesse treated long , There them by chaunce encountred on the way An armed knight , vpon a courser strong , Whose trampling feet vpon the hollow lay Seemed to thunder , and did nigh affray That Capons courage : yet he looked grim , And fain'd to cheare his Ladie in dismay ; Who seem'd for feare to quake in euery lim , And her to saue from outrage , meekely prayed him . Fiercely that stranger forward came , and nigh Approching , with bold words and bitter threat , Bad that same boaster , as he mote , on high To leaue to him that Lady for excheat , Or bide him battell without further treat . That challenge did too peremptory seeme , And fild his senses with abashment great ; Yet seeing nigh him ieopardy extreme , He it dissembled well , and light seem'd to esteeme . Saying , Thou foolish knight , that weenst with words To steale away , that I with blowes haue wonne , And brought throgh points of many perilous swords : But if thee list to see thy Courser ronne , Or proue thy selfe , this sad encounter shonne , And seeke else without hazard of thy hed . At those proud words that other knight begonne To wexe exceeding wroth , and him ared To turne his steede about , or sure he should be ded . Sith then ( said Braggadocchio ) needes thou wilt , Thy dayes abridge , through proofe of puissance , Turne we our steedes , that both in equall tilt May meet againe , and each take happie chance . This said , they both a furlongs mountenance Retyrd their steeds , to ronne in euen race : But Braggadocchio with his bloudie lance Once hauing turnd , no more returnd his face , But left his loue to losse , and fled himselfe apace . The knight him seeing fly , had no regard Him to poursew , but to the Ladie rode , And hauing her from Trompart lightly reard , Vpon his Courser set the louely lode , And with her fled away without abode . Well weened he , that fairest Florimell It was , with whom in company he yode , And so her selfe did alwaies to him tell ; So made him thinke him selfe in heauen , that was in hell . But Florimell her selfe was farre away , Driuen to great distresse by Fortune straunge , And taught the carefull Mariner to play , Sith late mischaunce had her compeld to chaunge The land for sea , at randon there to raunge : Yet there that cruell Queene auengeresse , Not satisfide so farre her to estraunge From courtly blisse and wonted happinesse , Did heape on her new waues of weary wretchednesse . For being fled into the fishers bote , For refuge from the Monsters crueltie , Long so she on the mightie maine did flote , And with the tide droue forward careleslie ; For th' aire was milde , and cleared was the skie , And all his windes Dan Aeolus did keepe , From stirring vp their stormy enmitie , As pittying to see her waile and weepe ; But all the while the fisher did securely sleepe . At last when droncke with drowsinesse , he woke , And saw his drouer driue along the streame , He was dismayd , and thrise his breast he stroke , For maruell of that accident extreame ; But when he saw , that blazing beauties beame , Which with rare light his bote did beautifie , He marueild more , and thought he yet did dreame Not well awakt , or that some extasie Assotted had his sense , or dazed was his eie . But when her well auizing , he perceiued To be no vision , nor fantasticke sight , Great comfort of her presence he conceiued , And felt in his old courage new delight To gin awake , and stirre his frozen spright : Tho rudely askt her , how she thither came . Ah ( said she ) father , I note read aright , What hard misfortune brought me to the same ; Yet am I glad that here I now in safety am . But thou good man , sith farre in sea we bee , And the great waters gin apace to swell , That now no more we can the maine-land see , Haue care , I pray , to guide the cock-bote well , Least worse on sea then vs on land befell . Thereat th' old man did nought but fondly grin , And said , his boat the way could wisely tell : But his deceiptfull eyes did neuer lin , To looke on her faire face , and marke her snowy skin . The sight whereof in his congealed flesh , Infixt such secret sting of greedy lust , That the drie withered stocke it gan refresh , And kindled heat , that soone in flame forth brust : The driest wood is soonest burnt to dust . Rudely to her he lept , and his rough hand Where ill became him , rashly would haue thrust , But she with angry scorne him did withstond , And shamefully reproued for his rudenesse fond . But he , that neuer good nor maners knew , Her sharpe rebuke full litle did esteeme ; Hard is to teach an old horse amble trew . The inward smoke , that did before but steeme , Broke into open fire and rage extreme , And now he strength gan adde vnto his will , Forcing to doe , that did him fowle misseeme : Beastly he threw her downe , ne car'd to spill Her garments gay with scales of fish , that all did fill . The silly virgin stroue him to withstand , All that she might , and him in vaine reuild : She struggled strongly both with foot and hand , To saue her honor from that villaine vild , And cride to heauen , from humane helpe exild . O ye braue knights , that boast this Ladies loue , Where be ye now , when she is nigh defild Of filthy wretch ? well may shee you reproue Of falshood or of slouth , when most it may behoue . But if that thou , Sir Satyran , didst weete , Or thou , Sir Peridure , her sorie state , How soone would yee assemble many a fleete , To fetch from sea , that ye at land lost late ; Towres , Cities , Kingdomes ye would ruinate , In your auengement and dispiteous rage , Ne ought your burning fury mote abate ; But if Sir Calidore could it presage , No liuing creature could his cruelty asswage . But sith that none of all her knights is nye , See how the heauens of voluntary grace , And soueraine fauour towards chastity , Doe succour send to her distressed cace : So much high God doth innocence embrace . It fortuned , whilest thus she stifly stroue , And the wide sea importuned long space With shrilling shriekes , Proteus abrode did roue , Along the fomy waues driuing his finny droue . Proteus is Shepheard of the seas of yore , And hath the charge of Neptunes mightie heard ; An aged sire with head all frowy hore , And sprinckled frost vpon his deawy beard : Who when those pittifull outcries he heard , Through all the seas so ruefully resound , His charet swift in haste he thither steard , Which with a teeme of scaly Phocas bound Was drawne vpon the waues , that fomed him around . And comming to that Fishers wandring bote , That went at will , withouten carde or sayle , He therein saw that yrkesome sight , which smote Deepe indignation and compassion frayle Into his hart attonce : streight did he hayle The greedy villein from his hoped pray , Of which he now did very litle fayle , And with his staffe , that driues his Heard astray , Him bet so sore , that life and sense did much dismay . The whiles the pitteous Ladie vp did ryse , Ruffled and fowly raid with filthy soyle , And blubbred face with teares of her faire eyes : Her heart nigh broken was with weary toyle , To saue her selfe from that outrageous spoyle , But when she looked vp , to weet , what wight Had her from so infamous fact assoyld , For shame , but more for feare of his grim sight , Downe in her lap she hid her face , and loudly shright . Her selfe not saued yet from daunger dred She thought , but chaung'd from one to other feare ; Like as a fearefull Partridge , that is fled From the sharpe Hauke , which her attached neare , And fals to ground , to seeke for succour theare , Whereas the hungry Spaniels she does spy , With greedy iawes her readie for to teare ; In such distresse and sad perplexity Was Florimell , when Proteus she did see thereby . But he endeuoured with speeches milde Her to recomfort , and accourage bold , Bidding her feare no more her foeman vilde , Nor doubt himselfe ; and who he was , her told . Yet all that could not from affright her hold , Ne to recomfort her at all preuayld ; For her faint heart was with the frozen cold Benumbd so inly , that her wits nigh fayld , And all her senses with abashment quite were quayld . Her vp betwixt his rugged hands he reard , And with his frory lips full softly kist , Whiles the cold ysickles from his rough beard , Dropped adowne vpon her yuorie brest : Yet he himselfe so busily addrest , That her out of astonishment he wrought , And out of that same fishers filthy nest Remouing her , into his charet brought , And there with many gentle termes her faire besought . But that old leachour , which with bold assault That beautie durst presume to violate , He cast to punish for his hainous fault ; Then tooke he him yet trembling sith of late , And tyde behind his charet , to aggrate The virgin , whom he had abusde so sore : So drag'd him through the waues in scornefull state , And after cast him vp , vpon the shore ; But Florimell with him vnto his bowre he bore . His bowre is in the bottome of the maine , Vnder a mightie rocke , gainst which do raue The roaring billowes in their proud disdaine , That with the angry working of the waue , Therein is eaten out an hollow caue , That seemes rough Masons hand with engines keene Had long while laboured it to engraue : There was his wonne , ne liuing wight was seene , Saue one old Nymph , hight Panope to keepe it cleane . Thither he brought the sory Florimell , And entertained her the best he might And Panope her entertaind eke well , As an immortall mote a mortall wight , To winne her liking vnto his delight : With flattering words he sweetly wooed her , And offered faire gifts t' allure her sight , But she both offers and the offerer Despysde , and all the fawning of the flatterer . Daily he tempted her with this or that , And neuer suffred her to be at rest : But euermore she him refused flat , And all his fained kindnesse did detest . So firmely she had sealed vp her brest . Sometimes he boasted , that a God he hight : But she a mortall creature loued best : Then he would make himselfe a mortall wight ; But then she said she lou'd none , but a Faerie knight . Then like a Faerie knight himselfe he drest ; For euery shape on him he could endew : Then like a king he was to her exprest , And offred kingdomes vnto her in vew , To be his Leman and his Ladie trew : But when all this he nothing saw preuaile , With harder meanes he cast her to subdew , And with sharpe threates her often did assaile , So thinking for to make her stubborne courage quaile . To dreadfull shapes he did himselfe transforme , Now like a Gyant , now like to a feend , Then like a Centaure , then like to a storme , Raging within the waues : thereby he weend Her will to win vnto his wished end . But when with feare , nor fauour , nor with all He else could doe , he saw himselfe esteemd , Downe in a Dongeon deepe he let her fall , And threatned there to make her his eternall thrall . Eternall thraldome was to her more liefe , Then losse of chastitie , or chaunge of loue : Die had she rather in tormenting griefe , Then any should of falsenesse her reproue , Or loosenesse , that she lightly did remoue . Most vertuous virgin , glory be thy meed , And crowne of heauenly praise with Saints aboue , Where most sweet hymmes of this thy famous deed Are still emongst them song , that far my rymes exceed . Fit song of Angels caroled to bee ; But yet what so my feeble Muse can frame , Shall be t' aduance thy goodly chastitee , And to enroll thy memorable name , In th' heart of euery honourable Dame , That they thy vertuous deedes may imitate , And be partakers of thy endlesse fame . It yrkes me , leaue thee in this wofull state , To tell of Satyrane , where I him left of late . Who hauing ended with that Squire of Dames A long discourse of his aduentures vaine , The which himselfe , then Ladies more defames , And finding not th' Hyena to be slaine , With that same Squire , returned backe againe To his first way . And as they forward went , They spyde a knight faire pricking on the plaine , As if he were on some aduenture bent , And in his port appeared manly hardiment . Sir Satyrane him towards did addresse , To weet , what wight he was , and what his quest: And comming nigh , eftsoones he gan to gesse Both by the burning hart , which on his brest He bare , and by the colours in his crest , That Paridell it was . Tho to him yode , And him saluting , as beseemed best , Gan first inquire of tydings farre abrode ; And afterwardes , on what aduenture now he rode . Who thereto answering , said ; The tydings bad , Which now in Faerie court all men do tell , Which turned hath great mirth , to mourning sad , Is the late ruine of proud Marinell , And suddein parture of faire Florimell , To find him forth : and after her are gone All the braue knights , that doen in armes excell , To sauegard her , ywandred all alone ; Emongst the rest my lot ( vnworthy ) is to be one . Ah gentle knight ( said then Sir Satyrane ) Thy labour all is lost , I greatly dread , That hast a thanklesse seruice on thee ta'ne , And offrest sacrifice vnto the dead : For dead , I surely doubt , thou maist aread Henceforth for euer Florimell to be , That all the noble knights of Maydenhead , Which her ador'd , may sore repent with me , And all faire Ladies may for euer sory be . Which words when Paridell had heard , his hew Gan greatly chaunge , and seem'd dismayd to bee ; Then said , Faire Sir , how may I weene it trew , That ye doe tell in such vncertaintee ? Or speake ye of report , or did ye see Iust cause of dread , that makes ye doubt so sore ? For perdie else how mote it euer bee , That euer hand should dare for to engore Her noble bloud ? the heauens such crueltie abhore . These eyes did see , that they will euer rew T' haue seene , ( quoth he ) when as a monstrous beast The Palfrey , whereon she did trauell , slew , And of his bowels made his bloudie feast : Which speaking token sheweth at the least Her certaine losse , if not her sure decay : Besides , that more suspition encreast , I found her golden girdle cast astray , Distaynd with durt and bloud , as relique of the pray . Aye me , ( said Paridell ) the signes be sad , And but God turne the same to good soothsay , That Ladies safetie is sore to be drad : Yet will I not forsake my forward way , Till triall doe more certaine truth bewray . Faire Sir ( quoth he ) well may it you succeed , Ne long shall Satyrane behind you stay , But to the rest , which in this Quest proceed My labour adde , and be partaker of their speed . Ye noble knights ( said then the Squire of Dames ) Well may ye speed in so praiseworthy paine : But sith the Sunne now ginnes to slake his beames , In deawy vapours of the westerne maine , And lose the teme out of his weary waine , More not mislike you also to abate Your zealous hast , till morrow next againe Both light of heauen , and strength of men relate : Which if ye please , to yonder castle turne your gate . That counsell pleased well ; so all yfere Forth marched to a Castle them before , ●here soone arriuing , they restrained were Of readie entrance , which ought euermore To errant knights be commun : wondrous sore Thereat displeasd they were , till that young Squire Gan them informe the cause , why that same dore Was shut to all , which lodging did desire : The which to let you weet , will further time require .

Cant. IX . Malbecco will no straunge knights host , For pecuish gealosie : Paridell giusts with Britomart : Both shew their auncestrie . REdoubted knights , and honorable Dames , To whom I leuell all my labours end , Right sore I feare , least with vnworthy blames This odious argument my rimes should shend , Or ought your goodly patience offend , Whiles of a wanton Lady I do write , Which with her loose incontinence doth blend The shyning glory of your soueraigne light , And knighthood fowle defaced by a faithlesse knight . But neuer let th' ensample of the bad Offend the good : for good by paragone Of euill , may more notably be rad , As white seemes fairer , macht with blacke attone ; Ne all are shamed by the fault of one : For lo in heauen , whereas all goodnesse is , Emongst the Angels , a whole legione Of wicked Sprights did fall from happy blis ; What wonder then , if one of women all did mis ? Then listen Lordings , if ye list to weet The cause , why Satyrane and Paridell Mote not be entertaynd , as seemed meet , Into that Castle ( as that Squire does tell . ) Therein a cancred crabbed Carle does dwell , That has no skill of Court nor courtesie , Ne cares , what men say of him ill or well ; For all his dayes he drownes in priuitie , Yet has full large to liue , and spend at libertie . But all his mind is set on mucky pelfe , To hoord vp heapes of euill gotten masse , For which he others wrongs , and wreckes himselfe ; Yet is he lincked to a louely lasse , Whose beauty doth her bounty far surpasse , The which to him both far vnequall yeares , And also far vnlike conditions has ; For she does ioy to play emongst her peares , And to be free from hard restraint and gealous feares . But he is old , and withered like hay , Vnfit faire Ladies seruice to supply ; The priuie guilt whereof makes him alway Suspect her truth , and keepe continuall spy Vpon her with his other blincked eye ; Ne suffreth he resort of liuing wight Approch to her , ne keepe her company , But in close bowre her mewes from all mens sight , Depriu'd of kindly ioy and naturall delight . Malbecco he , and Hellenore she hight , Vnfitly yokt together in one teeme , That is the cause , why neuer any knight It suffred here to enter , but he seeme Such , as no doubt of him he neede misdeeme . Thereat Sir Satyrane gan smile , and say ; Extremely mad the man I surely deeme , That weenes with watch and hard restraint to stay A womans will , which is disposd to go astray . In vaine he feares that , which he cannot shonne : For who wotes not , that womans subtiltyes Can guilen Argus , when she list misdonne ? It is not yron bandes , nor hundred eyes , Nor brasen walls , nor many wakefull spyes , That can withhold her wilfull wandring feet ; But fast good will with gentle curtesyes , And timely seruice to her pleasures meet May her perhaps containe , that else would algates fleet . Then is he not more mad ( said Paridell ) That hath himselfe vnto such seruice sold , In dolefull thraldome all his dayes to dwell ? For sure a foole I do him firmely hold , That loues his fetters , though they were of gold . But why do we deuise of others ill , Whiles thus we suffer this same dotard old , To keepe vs out , in scorne of his owne will , And rather do not ransack all , and him selfe kill ? Nay let vs first ( said Satyrane entreat The man by gentle meanes , to let vs in , And afterwardes affray with cruell threat , Ere that we to efforce it do begin : Then if all fayle , we will by force it win , And eke reward the wretch for his mesprise , As may be worthy of his haynous sin . That counsell pleasd : then Paridell did rise , And to the Castle gate approcht in quiet wise . Whereat soft knocking , entrance he desyrd . The good man selfe , which then the Porter playd , Him answered , that all were now retyrd Vnto their rest , and all the keyes conuayd Vnto their maister , who in bed was layd , That none him durst awake out of his dreme ; And therefore them of patience gently prayd . Then Paridell began to chaunge his theme , And threatned him with force & punishment extreme . But all in vaine ; for nought mote him relent , And now so long before the wicket fast They wayted , that the night was forward spent , And the faire welkin fowly ouercast , Gan blowen vp a bitter stormy blast , With shoure and hayle so horrible and dred , That this faire many were compeld at last , To fly for succour to a little shed , The which beside the gate for swine was ordered . It fortuned , soone after they were gone , Another knight , whom tempest thither brought , Came to that Castle , and with earnest mone , Like as the rest , late entrance deare besought ; But like so as the rest he prayd for nought , For flatly he of entrance was refusd , Sorely thereat he was displeasd , and thought How to auenge himselfe so sore abusd , And euermore the Carle of curtesie accusd . But to auoyde th' intollerable stowre , He was compeld to seeke some refuge neare , And to that shed , to shrowd him from the showre , He came , which full of guests he found why leare , So as he was not let to enter there : Whereat he gan to wex exceeding wroth , And swore , that he would lodge with them yfere , Or them dislodge , all were they liefe orloth ; And defide them each , and so defide them both . Both were full loth to leaue that needfull tent , And both full loth in darkenesse to debate ; Yet both full liefe him lodging to haue lent , And both full liefe his boasting to abate ; But chiefly Paridell his hart did grate , To heare him threaten so despightfully , As if he did a dogge to kenell rate , That durst not barke ; and rather had he dy , Then when he was deside , in coward cornerly . Tho hastily remounting to his steed , He forth issew'd ; like as a boistrous wind , Which in th' earthes hollow caues hath long bin hid , And shut vp fast within her prisons blind , Makes the huge element against her kind To moue , and tremble as it were agast , Vntill that it an issew forth may find ; Then forth it breakes , and with his furious blast Confounds both land & seas , and skyes doth ouercast . Their steel-hed speares they strongly coucht , and met Together with impetuous rage and forse , That with the terrour of their fierce affret , They rudely droue to ground both man and horse , That each awhile lay like a sencelesse corse . But Paridell sore brused with the blow , Could not arise , the counterchaunge to scorse , Till that young Squire him reared from below ; Then drew he his bright sword , & gan about him throw . But Satyrane forth stepping , did them stay And with faire treatie pacifide their ire , Then when they were accorded from the fray , Against that Castles Lord they gan conspire , To heape on him dew vengeaunce for his hire . They bene agreed , and to the gates they goe To burne the same with vnquenchable fire , And that vncurteous Carle their commune foe To do fowle death to dye , or wrap in grieuous woe . Malbecco seeing them resolu'd in deed To flame the gates , and hearing them to call For fire in earnest , ran with fearefull speed , And to them calling from the castle wall , Besought them humbly , him to beare with all , As ignoraunt of seruants bad abuse , And slacke attendaunce vnto straungers call . The knights were willing all things to excuse , Though nought beleu'd , & entraunce late did not refuse . They bene ybrought into a comely bowre , And seru'd of all things that mote needfull bee ; Yet secretly their hoste did on them lowre , And welcomde more for feare , then charitee ; But they dissembled , what they did not see , And welcomed themselues . Each gan vndight Their garments wet , and weary armour free , To dry them selues by Vulcanes flaming light , And eke their lately bruzed parts to bring in plight . And eke that straunger knight emongst the rest ; Was for like need enforst to disaray : Tho whenas vailed was her loftie crest , Her golden locks , that were in tramels gay Vpbounden , did them selues adowne display , And raught vnto her heeles ; like sunny beames , That in a cloud their light did long time stay , Their vapour vaded , shew their golden gleames , And through the persant aire shoote forth their azure streames . She also dofte her heauy haberieon , Which the faire feature of her limbs did hyde , And her well plighted frock , which she did won To tucke about her short , when she did ryde , She low let fall , that flowd from her lanck syde Downe to her foot , with carelesse modestee . Then of them all she plainly was espyde , To be a woman wight , vnwist to bee , The fairest woman wight , that euer eye did see . Like as Minerua , being late returnd From slaughter of the Giaunts conquered ; Where proud Encelade , whose wide nosethrils burnd With breathed flames , like to a furnace red , Transfixed with the speare , downe tombled ded From top of Hemus , by him heaped hye ; Hath loosd her helmet from her lofty hed , And her Gorgonian , shield gins to vntye From her left arme , to rest in glorious victorye . Which whenas they beheld , they smitten were With great amazement of so wondrous sight , And each on other , and they all on her Stood gazing , as if suddein great affright Had them surprised . At last auizing right , Her goodly personage and glorious hew , Which they so much mistooke , they tooke delight In their first errour , and yet still anew With wonder of her beauty fed their hungry vew . Yet note their hungry vew be satisfide , But seeing still the more desir'd to see , And euer firmely fixed did abide In contemplation of diuinitie : But they meruaild at her cheualree , And noble prowesse , which they had approued , That much they faynd to know , who she mote bee ; Yet none of all them her thereof amoued , Yet euery one her likte , and euery one her loued . And Paridell though partly discontent With his late fall , and fowle indignity , Yet was soone wonne his malice to relent , Through gracious regard of her faire eye , And knightly worth , which he too late did try , Yet tried did adore . Supper was dight ; Then they Malbecco prayd of curtesy , That of his Lady they might haue the sight , And company at meat , to do them more delight . But he to shift their curious request , Gan causen , why she could not come in place ; Her crased health , her late recourse to rest , And humid euening ill for sicke folkes cace : But none of those excuses could take place ; Ne would they eate , till she in presence came . She came in presence with right comely grace , And fairely them saluted , as became , And shewd her selfe in all a gentle curteous Dame . They sate to meat , and Satyrane his chaunce Was her before , and Paridell besyde ; But he him selfe sate looking still askaunce , Gainst Britomart , and euer closely eyde Sir Satyrane , that glaunces might not glyde : But his blind eye , that syded Paridell , All his demeasnure from his sight did hyde : On her faire face so did he feede his fill , And sent close messages of loue to her at will . And euer and anone , when none was ware , With speaking lookes , that close embassage bore , He rou'd at her , and told his secret care : For all that art he learned had ofyore . Ne was she ignoraunt of that lewd lore , But in his eye his meaning wisely red , And with the like him answerd euermore : She sent at him one firie dart , whose hed Empoisned was with priuy lust , and gealous dred . He from that deadly throw made no defence , But to the wound his weake hart opened wyde ; The wicked engine through false influence , Past through his eyes , and secretly did glyde Into his hart , which it did sorely gryde . But nothing new to him was that same paine , Ne paine at all ; for he so oft had tryde The powre thereof , and lou'd so oft in vaine , That thing of course he counted , loue to entertaine . Thenceforth to her he sought to intimate His inward griefe , by meanes to him well knowne , Now Bacchus fruit out of the siluer plate He on the table dasht , as ouerthrowne , Or of the fruitfull liquor ouerflowne , And by the dauncing bubbles did diuine , Or therein write to let his loue be showne ; Which well she red out of the learned line , A sacrament prophane in mistery of wine . And when so of his hand the pledge she raught , The guilty cup she fained to mistake , And in her lap did shed her idle draught , Shewing desire her inward flame to slake : By such close signes they secret way did make Vnto their wils , and one eyes watch escape ; Two eyes him needeth , for to watch and wake , Who louers will deceiue . Thus was the ape , By their faire handling , put into Malbeccoes cape . Now when of meats and drinks they had their fill , Purpose was moued by that gentle Dame , Vnto those knights aduenturous , to tell Of deeds of armes , which vnto them became , And euery one his kindred , and his name . Then Paridell , in whom a kindly pryde Of gracious speach , and skill his words to frame Abounded , being glad of so fit tyde Him to commend to her , thus spake , of all well eyde . Troy , that art now nought , but an idle name , And in thine ashes buried low dost lie , Though whilome far much greater then thy fame , Before that angry Gods , and cruell skye Vpon thee heapt a direfull destinie , What boots it boast thy glorious descent , And fetch from heauen thy great Genealogie , Sith all thy worthy prayses being blent , Their of-spring hath embaste , and later glory shent . Most famous Worthy of the world , by whome That warre was kindled , which did Troy inflame , And stately towres of Ilion whilome Brought vnto balefull ruine , was by name Sir Paris far renowmd through noble fame , Who through great prowesse and bold hardinesse , From Lacedaemon fetcht the fairest Dame , That euer Greece did boast , or knight possesse , Whom Venus to him gaue for meed of worthinesse . Faire Helene , flowre of beautie excellent , And girlond of the mighty Conquerours , That madest many Ladies deare lament The heauie losse of their braue Paramours , Which they far off beheld from Troian toures , And saw the fieldes of faire Scamander strowne With carcases of noble warrioures , Whose fruitlesse liues were vnder furrow sowne , And Xanthus sandy bankes with bloud all ouerflowne . From him my linage I deriue aright , Who long before the ten yeares siege of Troy , Whiles yet on Ida he a shepheard hight , On faire Oenone got a louely boy , Whom for remembraunce of her passed ioy , She of his Father Parius did name ; Who , after Greekes did Priams realme destroy , Gathred the Troian reliques sau'd from flame , And with them sayling thence , to th' Isle of Paros came . That was by him cald Paros , which before Hight Nausa , there he many yeares did raine , And built Nausicle by the Pontick shore , The which he dying left next in remaine To Paridas his sonne . From whom I Paridell by kin descend ; But for faire Ladies loue , and glories gaine , My natiue soile haue left , my dayes to spend In seewing deeds of armes , my liues and labours end . When as the noble Britomart heard tell Of Troian warres , and Priams Citie sackt , The ruefull story of Sir Paridell , She was empassiond at that piteous act , With zelous enuy of Greekes cruell fact , Against that nation , from whose race of old She heard , that she was lineally extract : For noble Britons sprong from Troians bold , And Troynouant was built of old Troyes ashes cold . Then sighing soft awhile , at last she thus : O lamentable fall of famous towne , Which raignd so many yeares victorious , And of all Asie bore the soueraigne crowne , In one sad night consumd , and throwen downe : What stony hart , that heares thy haplesse fate , Is not empierst with deepe compassiowne , And makes ensample of mans wretched state , That floures so fresh at morne , and fades at euening late ? Behold , Sir , how your pitifull complaint Hath found another partner of your payne : For nothing may impresse so deare constraint , As countries cause , and commune foes disdayne . But if it should not grieue you , backe agayne To turne your course , I would to heare desyre , What to Aeneas fell ; sith that men sayne He was not in the Cities wofull fyre Consum'd , but did him selfe to safetie retyre . Anchyses sonne begot of Venus faire , ( Said he , ) out of the flames for safegard fled , And with a remnant did to sea repaire , Where he through fatall errour long was led Full many yeares , and weetlesse wandered From shore to shore , emongst the Lybicke sands , Ere rest he found . Much there he suffered , And many perils past in forreine lands , To saue his people sad from victours vengefull hands . At last in Latium he did arriue , Where he with cruell warre was entertaind Of th' inland folke , which sought him backe to driue , Till he with old Latinus was constraind , To contract wedlock : ( so the fates ordaind . ) Wedlock contract in bloud , and eke in blood Accomplished , that many deare complaind : The riuall slaine , the victour through the flood Escaped hardly , hardly praisd his wedlock good . Yet after all , he victour did suruiue , And with Latinus did the kingdome part . But after , when both nations gan to striue , Into their names the title to conuart , His sonne Iülus did from thence depart , With all the warlike youth of Troians bloud , And in long Alba plast his throne apart , Where faire it florished , and long time stoud , Till Romulus renewing it , to Rome remoud . There there ( said Britomart ) a fresh appeard The glory of the later world to spring , And Troy againe out of her dust was reard , To sit in second seat of soueraigne king , Of all the world vnder her gouerning . But a third kingdome yet is to arise , Out of the Troians scattered of-spring , That in all glory and great enterprise , Both first and second Troy shall dare to equalise . It Troynouant is hight , that with the waues Of wealthy Thamis washed is along , Vpon whose stubborne neck , whereat he raues With roring rage , and sore him selfe does throng , That all men feare to tempt his billowes strong , She fastned hath her foot , which standes so hy , That it a wonder of the world is song In forreine landes , and all which passen by , Beholding it from far , do thinke it threates the skye . The Troian Brute did first that Citie found , And Hygate gate made the meare thereof by West , And Ouert gate by North : that is the bound Toward the land ; two riuers bound the rest . So huge a scope at first him seemed best , To be the compasse of his kingdomes seat : So huge a mind could not in lesser rest , Ne in small meares containe his glory great , That Albion had conquered first by warlike feat . Ah fairest Lady knight , ( said Paridell ) Pardon I pray my heedlesse ouersight , Who had forgot , that whilome I heard tell From aged Mnemon ; for my wits bene light . Indeed he said ( if I remember right , ) That of the antique Troian stocke , there grew Another plant , that raught to wondrous hight , And far abroad his mighty branches threw , Into the vtmost Angle of the world he knew . For that same Brute , whom much he did aduaunce In all his speach , was Syluius his sonne , Whom hauing slaine , through luckles arrowes glaunce He fled for feare of that he had misdonne , Or else for shame , so fowle reproch to shonne , And with him led to the sea an youthly trayne , Where wearie wandring they long time did wonne , And many fortunes prou'd in th' Ocean mayne , And great aduentures found , that now were long to sayne . At last by fatall course they driuen were Into an Island spatious and brode , The furthest North , that did to them appeare : Which after rest they seeking far abrode , Found it the fittest soyle for their abode , Fruitfull of all things fit for liuing foode , But wholy wast , and void of peoples trode , Saue an huge nation of the Geaunts broode , That fed on liuing flesh , & druncke mens vitall blood . Whom he through wearie wars and labours long , Subdewd with losse of many Britons bold : In which the great Goemagot of strong Corineus , and Coulin of Debon old Were ouerthrowne , and layd on th' earth full cold , Which quaked vnder their so hideous masse , A famous history to be enrold In euerlasting moniments of brasse , That all the antique Worthies merits far did passe . His worke great Troynouant , his worke is eke Faire Lincolne , both renowmed far away , That who from East to West will endlong seeke , Cannot two fairer Cities find this day , Except Cleopolis : so heard I say Old Mnemon . Therefore Sir , I greet you well Your countrey kin , and you entirely pray Of pardon for the strife , which late befell Betwixt vs both vnknowne . So ended Paridell . But all the while , that he these speaches spent , Vpon his lips hong faire Dame Hellenore , With vigilant regard , and dew attent , Fashioning worlds of fancies euermore In her fraile wit , that now her quite forlore : The whiles vnwares away her wondring eye , And greedy eares her weake hart from her bore : Which he perceiuing , euer priuily In speaking , many false belgardes at her let fly . So long these knights discoursed diuersly , Of straunge affaires , and noble hardiment , Which they had past with mickle ieopardy , That now the humid night was farforth spent , And heauenly lampes were halfendeale ybrent : Which th' old man seeing well , who too long thought Euery discourse and euery argument , Which by the houres he measured , besought Them go to rest . So all vnto their bowres were brought .

Cant. X. Paridell rapeth Hellenore : Malbecco her purs●wes : Findes emongst Satyres , whence with him To turne she doth refuse . THe morow next , so soone as Phoebus Lamp Bewrayed had the world with early light , And fresh Aurora had the shady damp Out of the goodly heauen amoued quight , Faire Britomart and that same Faerie knight Vprose , forth on their iourney for to wend : But Paridell complaynd , that his late fight With Britomart , so sore did him offend , That ryde he could not , till his hurts he did amend . So forth they far'd , but he behind them stayd , Maulgre his host , who grudged grieuously , To house a guest , that would be needes obayd , And of his owne him left not liberty . Might wanting measure moueth surquedry . Two things he feared , but the third was death ; That fierce youngmans vnruly maistery ; His money , which he lou'd as liuing breath ; And his faire wife , whom honest long he kept vneath . But patience perforce he must abie , What fortune and his fate on him will lay , Fond is the feare , that findes no remedie ; Yet warily he watcheth euery way , By which he feareth euill happen may : So th' euill thinkes by watching to preuent ; Ne doth he suffer her , nor night , nor day , Out of his sight her selfe once to absent . So doth he punish her and eke himselfe torment . But Paridell kept better watch , then hee , A fit occasion for his turne to find : False loue , why do men say , thou canst not see , And in their foolish fancie feigne thee blind , That with thy charmes the sharpest sight doest bind , And to thy will abuse ? Thou walkest free , And seest euery secret of the mind ; Thou seest all , yet none at all sees thee ; All that is by the working of thy Deitee . So perfect in that art was Paridell , That he Melbeccoes halfen eye did wyle , His halfen eye he wiled wondrous well , And Hellenors both eyes did eke beguyle , Both eyes and hart attonce , during the whyle That he there soiourned his wounds to heale ; That Cupid selfe it seeing , close did smyle , To weet how he her loue away did steale , And bad , that none their ioyous treason should reueale . The learned louer lost no time nor tyde , That least auantage mote to him afford , Yet bore so faire a saile , that none espyde His secret drift , till he her layd abord . When so in open place , and commune bord , He fortun'd her to meet , with commune speach He courted her , yet bayted euery word , That his vngentle hoste n'ote him appeach Of vile vngentlenesse , or hospitages breach . But when apart ( if euer her apart ) He found , then his false engins fast he plyde , And all the sleights vnbosomd in his hart ; He sigh'd , he sobd , he swownd , he perdy dyde , And cast himselfe on ground her fast besyde : Tho when againe he him bethought to liue , He wept , and wayld , and false laments belyde , Saying , but if she Mercie would him giue That he mote algates dye , yet did his death forgiue . And otherwhiles with amorous delights , And pleasing toyes he would her entertaine , Now singing sweetly , to surprise her sprights , Now making layes of loue and louers paine , Bransles , Ballads , virelayes , and verses vaine ; Oft purposes , oft riddles he deuysd , And thousands like , which flowed in his braine , With which he fed her fancie , and entysd To take to his new loue , and leaue her old despysd . And euery where he might , and euery while He did her seruice dewtifull , and sewed At hand with humble pride , and pleasing guile , So closely yet , that none but she it vewed , Who well perceiued all , and all indewed . Thus finely did he his false nets dispred , With which he many weake harts had subdewed Of yore , and many had ylike misled : What wonder then , if she were likewise carried ? No fort so sensible , no wals so strong , But that continuall battery will riue , Or daily siege through dispuruayance long , And lacke of reskewes will to parley driue ; And Peace , that vnto parley eare will giue , Will shortly yeeld it selfe , and will be made The vassall of the victors will by liue : That stratageme had oftentimes assayd This crafty Paramoure , and now it plaine displayd . For through his traines he her intrapped hath , That she her loue and hart hath wholy sold To him , without regard of gaine , or scath , Or care of credite , or of husband old , Whom she hath vow'd to dub a faire Cucquold . Nought wants but time and place , which shortly shee Deuized hath , and to her louer told . It pleased well . So well they both agree ; So readie rype to ill , ill wemens counsels bee . Darke was the Euening , fit for louers stealth , When chaunst Melbecco busie be elsewhere , She to his closet went , where all his wealth Lay hid : thereof she countlesse summes did reare , The which she meant away with her to beare ; The rest she fyr'd for sport , or for despight ; As Hellene , when she saw aloft appeare The Troiane flames , and reach to heauens hight Did clap her hands , and ioyed at that dolefull sight . This second Hellene , faire Dame Hellenore , The whiles her husband ranne with sory haste , To quench the flames which she had tyn'd before , Laught at his foolish labour spent in waste ; And ranne into her louers armes right fast ; Where streight embraced , she to him did cry , And call aloud for helpe , ere helpe were past ; For loe that Guest would beare her forcibly , And meant to rauish her , that rather had to dy . The wretched man hearing her call for ayd , And readie seeing him with her to fly , In his disquiet mind was much dismayd : But when againe he backward cast his eye , And saw the wicked fire so furiously Consume his hart , and scorch his Idoles face , He was therewith distressed diuersly , Ne wist he how to turne , nor to what place ; Was neuer wretched man in such a wofull cace . Ay when to him she cryde , to her he turnd , And left the fire ; loue money ouercame : But when he marked , how his money burnd , He left his wife ; money did loue disclame : Both was he loth to loose his loued Dame , And loth to leaue his liefest pelfe behind , Yet sith he n'ote saue both , he sau'd that same , Which was the dearest to his donghill mind , The God of his desire , the ioy of misers blind . Thus whilest all things in troublous vprore were , And all men busie to suppresse the flame , The louing couple need no reskew feare , But leasure had , and libertie to frame Their purpost flight , free from all mens reclame ; And Night , the patronesse of loue-stealth faire , Gaue them safe conduct , till to end they came : So bene they gone yfeare , a wanton paire Of louers loosely knit , where list them to repaire . Soone as the cruell flames yslaked were , Malbecco seeing , how his losse did lye , Out of the flames , which he had quencht whylere Into huge waues of griefe and gealosye Full deepe emplonged was , and drowned nye , Twixt inward doole and felonous despight ; He rau'd , he wept , he stampt , he lowd did cry , And all the passions , that in man may light , Did him attonce oppresse , and vex his caytiue spright . Long thus he chawd the cud of inward griefe , And did consume his gall with anguish sore , Still when he mused on his late mischiefe , Then still the smart thereof increased more , And seem'd more grieuous , then it was before : At last when sorrow he saw booted nought , Ne griefe might not his loue to him restore , He gan deuise , how her he reskew mought , Ten thousand wayes he cast in his confused thought . At last resoluing , like a pilgrim pore , To search her forth , where so she might be fond , And bearing with him treasure in close store , The rest he leaues in ground : So takes in hond To seeke her endlong , both by sea and lond . Long he her sought , he sought her farre and nere , And euery where that he mote vnderstond , Of knights and ladies any meetings were , And of eachone he met , he tydings did inquere . But all in vaine , his woman was too wise , Euer to come into his clouch againe , And he too simple euer to surprise The iolly Paridell , for all his paine . One day , as he forpassed by the plaine With weary pace , he farre away espide A couple , seeming well to be his twaine , Which houed close vnder a forrest side , As if they lay in waite , or else themselues did hide . Well weened he , that those the same mote bee , And as he better did their shape auize , Him seemed more their manner did agree ; For th' one was armed all in warlike wize , Whom , to be Paridell he did deuize ; And th' other all yclad in garments light , Discolour'd like to womanish disguise , He did resemble to his Ladie bright ; And euer his faint hart much earned at the sight . And euer faine he towards them would goe , But yet durst not for dread approchen nie , But stood aloofe , vnweeting what to doe ; Till that prickt forth with loues extremitie , That is the father of foule gealosy , He closely nearer crept , the truth to weet : But , as he nigher drew , he easily Might scerne , that it was not his sweetest sweet , Ne yet her Belamour , the partner of his sheet . But it was scornefull Braggadocchio , That with his seruant Trompart houerd there , Sith late he fled from his too earnest foe : Whom such when as Malbecco spyed clere , He turned backe , and would haue fled arere ; Till Trompart ronning hastily , him did stay , And bad before his soueraine Lord appere : That was him loth , yet durst he not gainesay , And comming him before , low louted on the lay . The Boaster at him sternely bent his browe , As if he could haue kild him with his looke , That to the ground him meekely made to bowe , And awfull terror deepe into him strooke , That euery member of his bodie quooke . Said he , thou man of nought , what doest thou here , Vnfitly furnisht with thy bag and booke , Where I expected one with shield and spere , To proue some deedes of armes vpon an equall pere . The wretched man at his imperious speach , Was all abasht , and low prostrating , said ; Good Sir , let not my rudedesse be no breach Vnto your patience , ne be ill ypaid ; For I vnwares this way by fortune straid , A silly Pilgrim driuen to distresse , That seeke a Lady , There he suddein staid , And did the rest with grieuous sighes suppresse , While teares stood in his eies , few drops of bitternesse . What Ladie , man ? ( said Trompart ) take good hart , And tell thy griefe , if any hidden lye ; Was neuer better time to shew thy smart , Then now , that noble succour is thee by , That is the whole worlds commune remedy . That chearefull word his weake hart much did cheare , And with vaine hope his spirits faint supply , That bold he said ; ô most redoubted Pere , Vouchsafe with mild regard a wretches cace to heare . Then sighing sore , It is not long ( said hee ) Sith I enioyd the gentlest Dame aliue ; Of whom a knight , no knight at all perdee , But shame of all , that doe for honor striue , By treacherous deceipt did me depriue ; Through open outrage he her bore away , And with fowle force vnto his will did driue , Which all good knights , that armes do beare this day , Are bound for to reuenge , and punish if they may . And you most noble Lord , that can and dare Redresse the wrong of miserable wight , Cannot employ your most victorious speare In better quarrell , then defence of right , And for a Ladie gainst a faithlesse knight ; So shall your glory be aduaunced much , And all faire Ladies magnifie your might , And eke my selfe , albe I simple such , Your worthy paine shall well reward with guerdon rich . With that out of his bouget forth he drew Great store of treasure , therewith him to tempt ; But he on it lookt scornefully askew , As much disdeigning to be so misdempt , Or a war-monger to be basely nempt ; And said ; thy offers base I greatly loth , And eke thy words vncourteous and vnkempt ; I tread in dust thee and thy money both , That , were it not for shame , So turned from him wroth . But Trompart , that his maisters humor knew , In lofty lookes to hide an humble mind , Was inly tickled with that golden vew , And in his eare him grounded close behind : Yet stoupt he not , but lay still in the wind , Waiting aduauntage on the pray to sease ; Till Trompart lowly to the ground inclind , Besought him his great courage to appease , And pardon simple man , that rash did him displease . Bigge looking like a doughtie Doucepere , At last he thus ; Thou clod of vilest clay , I pardon yield , and with thy rudenesse beare ; But weete henceforth , that all that golden pray , And all that else the vaine world vaunten may , I loath as doung , ne deeme my dew reward : Fame is my meed , and glory vertues pray . But minds of mortall men are muchell mard , And mou'd amisse with massie mucks vnmeet regard . And more , I graunt to thy great miserie Gratious respect , thy wife shall backe be sent , And that vile knight , who euer that he bee , Which hath thy Lady rest , and knighthood shent , By Sanglamort my sword , whose deadly dent The bloud hath of so many thousands shed , I sweare , ere long shall dearely it repent ; Ne he twixt heauen and earth shall hide his hed , But soone he shall be found , and shortly doen be ded . The foolish man thereat woxe wondrous blith , As if the word so spoken , were halfe donne , And humbly thanked him a thousand sith , That had from death to life him newly wonne . Tho forth the Boaster marching , braue begonne His stolen steed to thunder furiously , As if he heauen and hell would ouerronne , And all the world confound with cruelty , That much Malbecco ioyed in his iollity . Thus long they three together traueiled , Through many a wood , and many an vncouth way , To seeke his wife , that was farre wandered : But those two sought nought , but the present pray , To weete the treasure , which he did bewray , On which their eies and harts were wholly set , With purpose , how they might it best betray ; For sith the houre , that first he did them let The same behold , therewith their keene desires were whet . It fortuned as they together far'd , They spide , where Paridell came pricking fast Vpon the plaine , the which himselfe prepar'd To giust with that braue straunger knight a cast , As on aduenture by the way he past : Alone he rode without his Paragone ; For hauing filcht her bels , her vp he cast To the wide world , and let her fly alone , He nould be clogd . So had he serued many one . The gentle Lady , loose at randon left , The greene-wood long did walke , and wander wide At wilde aduenture , like a forlorne west , Till on a day the Satyres her espide Straying alone withouten groome or guide ; Her vp they tooke , and with them home her led , With them as housewife euer to abide , To milke their gotes , and make them cheese and bred , And euery one as commune good her handeled . That shortly she Malbecco has forgot , And eke Sir Paridell , all were he deare ; Who from her went to seeke another lot , And now by fortune was arriued here , Where those two guilers with Malbecco were : Soone as the oldman saw Sir Paridell , He fainted , and was almost dead with feare , Ne word he had to speake , his griefe to tell , But to him louted low , and greeted goodly well . And after asked him for Hellenore , I take no keepe of her ( said Paridell ) She wonneth in the forrest there before . So forth he rode , as his aduenture fell ; The whiles the Boaster from his loftie sell Faynd to alight , something amisse to mend ; But the fresh Swayne would not his leasure dwell , But went his way ; whom when he passed kend , He vp remounted light , and after faindto wend. Perdy nay ( said Malbecco ) shall ye not : But let him passe as lightly , as he came : For litle good of him is to be got , And mickle perill to be put to shame . But let vs go to seeke my dearest Dame , Whom he hath left in yonder forrest wyld : For of her safety in great doubt I am , Least saluage beastes her person haue despoyld : Then all the world is lost , and we in vaine haue toyld . The all agree , and forward them addrest : Ah but ( said craftie Trompart ) weete ye well , That yonder in that wastefull wildernesse Huge monsters haunt , and many dangers dwell ; Dragons , and Minotaures , and feendes of hell , And many wilde woodmen , which robbe and rend All trauellers ; therefore aduise ye well , Before ye enterprise that way to wend : One may his iourney bring too soone to euill end . Malbecco stopt in great astonishment , And with pale eyes fast fixed on the rest , Their counsell crau'd , in daunger imminent . Said Trompart , you that are the most opprest With burden of great treasure , I thinke best Here for to stay in safetie behind ; My Lord and I will search the wide forrest . That counsell pleased not Malbeccoes mind ; For he was much affraid , himselfe alone to find . Then is it best ( said he ) that ye doe leaue Your treasure here in some securitie , Either fast closed in some hollow greaue , Or buried in the ground from ieopardie , Till we returne againe in safetie : As for vs two , least doubt of vs ye haue , Hence farre away we will blindfolded lie , Ne priuie be vnto your treasures graue . It pleased : so he did , Then they march forward braue . Now when amid the thickest woods they were , They heard a noyse of many bagpipes shrill , And shrieking Hububs them approching nere , Which all the forrest did with horror fill : That dreadfull sound the boasters hart did thrill , With such amazement , that in haste he fled , Ne euer looked backe for good or ill , And after him eke fearefull Trompart sped ; The old man could not fly , but fell to ground halfe ded . Yet afterwards close creeping , as he might , He in a bush did hide his fearefull hed , The iolly Satyres full of fresh delight , Came dauncing forth , and with them nimbly led Faire Helenore , with girlonds all bespred , Whom their May-lady they had newly made : She proud of that new honour , which they red , And of their louely fellowship full glade , Daunst liuely , and her face did with a Lawrell shade . The silly man that in the thicket lay Saw all this goodly sport , and grieued sore , Yet durst he not against it doe or say , But did his hart with bitter thoughts engore , To see th' vnkindnesse of his Hellenore . All day they daunced with great lustihed , And with their horned feet the greene grasse wore , The whiles their Gotes vpon the brouzes fed . Till drouping Phoebus gan to hide his golden hed . Tho vp they gan their merry pypes to trusse , And all their goodly heards did gather round , But euery Satyre first did giue a busse To Hellenore : so busses did abound . Now gan the humid vapour shed the ground With perly deaw , and th' Earthes gloomy shade Did dim the brightnesse of the welkin round , That euery bird and beast awarned made , To shrowd themselues , whiles sleepe their senses did inuade . Which when Melbecco saw , out of his bush Vpon his hand and feete he crept full light , And like a Gote emongst the Gotes did rush , That through the helpe of his faire hornes on hight , And misty dampe of misconceiuing night , And eke through likenesse of his gotish beard , He did the better counterfeite aright : So home he marcht emongst the horned heard , That none of all the Satyres him espyde or heard . At night , when all they went to sleepe , he vewd , Whereas his louely wife emongst them lay , Embraced of a Satyre rough and rude , Who all the night did minde his ioyous play : Nine times he heard him come aloft ere day , That all his hart with gealosie did swell ; But yet that nights ensample did bewray , That not for nought his wife them loued so well , When one so oft a night did ring his matins bell . So closely as he could , he to them crept , When wearie of their sport to sleepe they fell , And to his wife , that now full soundly slept , He whispered in her eare , and did her tell , That it was he , which by her side did dwell , And therefore prayd her wake , to heare him plaine . As one out of a dreame not waked well , She turned her , and returned backe againe : Yet her for to awake he did the more constraine . At last with irkesome trouble she abrayd ; And then perceiuing , that it was indeed Her old Malbecco , which did her vpbrayd , With loosenesse of her loue , and loathly deed , She was astonisht with exceeding dreed , And would haue wakt the Satyre by her syde ; But he her prayd , for mercy , or for meed , To saue his life , ne let him be descryde , But hearken to his lore , and all his counsell hyde . Tho gan he her perswade , to leaue that lewd And loathsome life , of God and man abhord , And home returne , where all should be renewd With perfect peace , and bandes of fresh accord , And she receiu'd againe to bed and bord , As if no trespasse euer had bene donne : But she it all refused at one word , And by no meanes would to his will be wonne , But chose emongst the iolly Satyres still to wonne . He wooed her , till day springs he espyde ; But all in vaine : and then turnd to the heard , Who butted him with hornes on euery syde , And trode downe in the durt , where his hore beard Was fowly dight , and he of death afeard . Early before the heauens fairest light Out of the ruddy East was fully reard , The heardes out of their foldes were loosed quight , And he emongst the rest crept forth in sory plight . So soone as he the Prison dore did pas , He ran as fast , as both his feete could beare , And neuer looked , who behind him was , Ne scarsely who before : like as a Beare That creeping close , amongst the hiues to reare An hony combe , the wakefull dogs espy , And him assayling , sore his carkasse teare , That hardly he with life away does fly , Ne stayes , till safe himselfe he see from ieopardy . Ne stayd he , till he came vnto the place , Where late his treasure he entombed had , Where when he found it not ( for Trompart bace Had it purloyned for his maister bad : ) With extreme fury he became quite mad , And ran away , ran with himselfe away : That who so straungely had him seene bestad , With vpstart haire , and staring eyes dismay , From Limbo lake him late escaped sure would say . High ouer hilles and ouer dales he fled , As if the wind him on his winges had borne , Ne banck nor bush could stay him , when he sped His nimble feet , as treading still on thorne : Griefe , and despight , and gealosie , and scorne Did all the way him follow hard behind , And he himselfe himselfe loath'd so forlorne , So shamefully forlorne of womankind ; That as a Snake , still lurked in his wounded mind . Still fled he forward , looking backward still , Ne stayd his flight , nor fearefull agony , Till that he came vnto a rockie hill , Ouer the sea , suspended dreadfully , That liuing creature it would terrify , To looke adowne , or vpward to the hight : From thence he threw himselfe dispiteously , All desperate of his fore-damned spright , That seem'd no helpe for him was left in liuing sight . But through long anguish , and selfe-murdring thought He was so wasted and forpined quight , That all his substance was consum'd to nought , And nothing left , but like an aery Spright , That on the rockes he fell so flit and light , That he thereby receiu'd no hurt at all , But chaunced on a craggy cliff to light ; Whence he with crooked clawes so long did crall , That at the last he found a caue with entrance small . Into the same he creepes , and thenceforth there Resolu'd to build his balefull mansion , In drery darkenesse , and continuall feare Of that rockes fall , which euer and anon Threates with huge ruine him to fall vpon , That he dare neuer sleepe , but that one eye Still ope he keepes for that occasion ; Ne euer rests he in tranquillity , The roring billowes beat his bowre so boystrously . Ne euer is he wont on ought to feed , But toades and frogs , his pasture poysonous , Which in his cold complexion do breed A filthy bloud , or humour rancorous , Matter of doubt and dread suspitious , That doth with curelesse care consume the hart , Corrupts the stomacke with gall vitious , Croscuts the liuer with internall smart , And doth transfixe the soule with deathes eternall dart . Yet can he neuer dye , but dying liues , And doth himselfe with sorrow new sustaine , That death and life attonce vnto him giues . And painefull pleasure turnes to pleasing paine . There dwels he euer , miserable swaine , Hatefull both to him selfe , and euery wight ; Where he through priuy griefe , and horrour vaine , Is woxen so deform'd , that he has quight Forgot he was a man , and Gealosie is hight .

Cant. XI . Britomart chaceth Ollyphant , findes Scudamour distrest : Assayes the house of Busyrane , where Loues spoyles are exprest . O Hatefull hellish Snake , what furie furst Brought thee from balefull house of Proserpine , Where in her bosome she thee long had nurst , And fostred vp with bitter milke of tine , Fowle Gealosie , that turnest loue diuine To ioylesse dread , and mak'st the louing hart With hatefull thoughts to languish and to pine , And feed it selfe with selfe-consuming smart ? Of all the passions in the mind thou vilest art . O let him far be banished away , And in his stead let Loue for euer dwell , Sweet Loue , that doth his golding wings embay In blessed Nectar , and pure Pleasures well , Vntroubled of vile feare , or bitter fell . And ye faire Ladies , that your kingdomes make In th' harts of men , them gouerne wisely well , And of faire Britomart ensample take , That was as trew in loue , as Turtle to her make . Who with Sir Satyrane , as earst ye red , Forth ryding from Malbeccoes hostlesse hous , Far off aspyde a young man , the which fled From an huge Geaunt , that with hideous And hatefull outrage long him chaced thus ; It was that Ollyphant , the brother deare Of that Argante vile and vitious , From whom the Squire of Dames was rest why lere ; This all as bad as she , and worse , if worse ought were . For as the sister did in feminine And filthy lust exceede all woman kind , So he surpassed his sex masculine , In beastly vse that I did euer find ; Whom when as Britomart beheld behind The fearefull boy so greedily pursew , She was emmoued in her noble mind , T' employ her puissaunce to his reskew , And pricked fiercely forward , where she him did vew . Ne was Sir Satyrane her far behinde , But with like fiercenesse did ensew the chace : Whom when the Gyaunt saw , he sooone resinde His former suit , and from them fled apace ; They after both , and boldly bad him bace , And each did striue the other to out-goe , But he them both outran a wondrous space , For he was long , and swift as any Roe , And now made better speed , t' escape his feared foe . It was not Satyrane , whom he did feare , But Britomart the flowre of chastity ; For he the powre of chast hands might not beare , But alwayes did their dread encounter fly : And now so fast his feet he did apply , That he has gotten to a forrest neare , Where he is shrowded in security . The wood they enter , and search euery where , They searched diuersely , so both diuided were . Faire Britomart so long him followed , That she at last came to a fountaine sheare , By which there lay a knight all wallowed Vpon the grassy ground , and by him neare His haberieon , his helmet , and his speare ; A little off , his shield was rudely throwne , On which the winged boy in colours cleare Depeincted was , full easie to be knowne , And he thereby , where euer it in field was showne . His face vpon the ground did groueling ly , As if he had bene slombring in the shade , That the braue Mayd would not for courtesy , Out of his quiet slomber him abrade , Nor seeme too suddeinly him to inuade : Still as she stood , she heard with grieuous throb Him grone , as if his hart were peeces made , And with most painefull pangs to sigh and sob , That pitty did the Virgins hart of patience rob . At last forth breaking into bitter plaintes He said ; ô soueraigne Lord that sit'st on hye , And raignst in blis emongst thy blessed Saintes , How suffrest thou such shamefull cruelty , So long vnwreaked of thine enimy ? Or hast , thou Lord , of good mens cause no heed ? Or doth thy iustice sleepe , and silent ly ? What booteth then the good and righteous deed , If goodnesse find no grace , nor righteousnesse no meed ? If good find grace , and righteousnesse reward , Why then is Amoret in caytiue band , Sith that more bounteous creature neuer far'd On foot , vpon the face of liuing land ? Or if that heauely iustice may withstand The wrongfull outrage of vnrighteous men , Why then is Busirane with wicked hand Suffred , these seuen monethes day in secret den My Lady and my loue so cruelly to pen ? My Lady and my loue is cruelly pend In dolefull darkenesse from the vew of day , Whilest deadly torments do her chast brest rend , And the sharpe steele doth riue her hart in tway , All for she Scudamore will not denay . Yet thou vile man , vile Scudamore art sound , Ne canst her ayde , ne canst her foe dismay ; Vnworthy wretch to tread vpon the ground , For whom so faire a Lady feeles so sore a wound . There an huge heape of singulfes did oppresse His strugling soule , and swelling throbs empeach His foltring toung with pangs of drerinesse , Choking the remnant of his plaintife speach , As if his dayes were come to their last reach . Which when she heard , and saw the ghastly fit , Threatning into his life to make a breach , Both with great ruth and terrour she was smit , Fearing least from her cage the wearie soule would flit . Tho stooping downe she him amoued light ; Who therewith somewhat starting , vp gan looke , And seeing him behind a straunger knight , Whereas no liuing creature he mistooke , With great indignaunce he that sight forsooke , And downe againe himselfe disdainefully Abiecting th' earth with his faire forhead strooke : Which the bold Virgin seeing , gan apply Fit medcine to his griefe , and spake thus courtesly . Ah gentle knight , whose deepe cenceiued griefe Well seemes t' exceede the powre of patience , Yet if that heauenly grace some good reliefe You send , submit you to high prouidence , And euer in your noble hart prepense , That all the sorrow in the world is lesse , Then vertues might , and values confidence , For who nill bide the burden of distresse , Must not here thinke to liue : for life is wretchednesse . Therefore , faire Sir , do comfort to you take , And freely read , what wicked felon so Hath outrag'd you , and thrald your gentle make . Perhaps this hand may helpe to ease your woe , And wreake your sorrow on your cruell foe , And least it faire endeuour will apply . Those feeling wordes so neare the quicke did goe , That vp his head he reared easily , And leaning on his elbow , these few wordes let fly . What boots it plaine , that cannot be redrest , And sow vaine sorrow in a fruilesse care , Sith powre of hand , nor skill of learned brest , Ne worldly price cannot redeeme my deare , Out of her thraldome and continuall feare ? For he the tyraunt , which her hath in ward By strong enchauntments and blacke Magicke leare , Hath in a dungeon deepe her close embard , And many dreadfull feends hath pointed to her gard . There he tormenteth her most terribly , And day and night afflicts with mortall paine , Because to yield him loue she doth deny , Once to me yold , not to be yold againe : But yet by torture he would her constraine Loue to conceiue in her disdainfull breast , Till so she do , she must in doole remaine , Ne may by liuing meanes be thence relest : What boots it then to plaine , that cannot be redrest ? With this sad hersall of his heauy stresse , The warlike Damzell was empassiond sore , And said ; Sir knight , your cause is nothing lesse , Then is your sorrow , certes if not more ; For nothing so much pitty doth implore , As gentle Ladies helplesse misery . But yet , if please ye listen to my lore , I will with proofe of last extremity , Deliuer her fro thence , or with her for you dy . Ah gentlest knight aliue , ( said Scudamore ) What huge heroicke magnanimity Dwels in thy bounteous brest ? what couldst thou more , If she were thine , and thou as now am I ? O spare thy happy dayes , and them apply To better boot , but let me dye , that ought ; More is more losse : one is enough to dy . Life is not lost , ( said she ) for which is bought Endlesse renowm , that more then death is to be sought . Thus she at length perswaded him to rise , And with her wend , to see what new successe Mote him befall vpon new enterprise ; His armes , which he had vowed to disprofesse , She gathered vp and did about him dresse , And his for wandred steed vnto him got : So forth they both yfere make their progresse , And march not past the mountenaunce of a shot , Till they arriu'd , whereas their purpose they did plot . There they dismounting , drew their weapons bold And stoutly came vnto the Castle gate ; Whereas no gate they found , them to withhold , Nor ward to wait at morne and euening late , But in the Porch , that did them sore amate , A flaming fire , ymixt with smouldry smoke , And stinking Sulphure , that with griesly hate And dreadfull horrour did all entraunce choke , Enforced them their forward footing to reuoke . Greatly thereat was Britomart dismayd , Ne in that stownd wist , how her selfe to beare ; For daunger vaine it were , to haue assayd That cruell element , which all things feare , Ne none can suffer to approchen neare : And turning backe to Scudamour , thus sayd ; What monstrous enmity prouoke we heare , Foolhardy as th' Earthes children , the which made Battell against the Gods ? so we a God inuade . Daunger without discretion to attempt , Inglorious and beastlike is : therefore Sir knight , A read what course of you is safest dempt , And how we with our foe may come to fight . This ( quoth he ) the dolorous despight , Which earst to you I playnd : for neither may This fire be quencht by any wit or might , Ne yet by any meanes remou'd away , So mighty be th' enchauntments , which the same do stay . What is there else , but cease these fruitlesse paines , And leaue me to my former languishing ; Faire Amoret must dwell in wicked chaines , And Scudamore here dye with sorrowing . Perdy not so ; ( said she ) for shamefull thing It were t' abandon noble cheuisaunce , For shew of perill , without venturing : Rather let try extremities of chaunce , Then enterprised prayse for dread to disauaunce . Therewith resolu'd to prone her vtmost might , Her ample shield she threw before her face , And her swords point directing forward right , Assayld the flame , the which eftsoones gaue place , And did it selfe diuide with equall space , That throngh she passed ; as a thunder bolt Perceth the yielding ayre , and doth displace The soring clouds into sad showres ymolt ; So to her yold the flames , and did their force reuolt . Whom whenas Scudamour saw past the fire , Safe and Vntoucht , he likewise gan assay , With greedy will , and enuious desire , And bad the stubborne flames to yield him way : But cruell Mulciber would not obay His threatfull pride , but did the more augment His mighty rage , and imperious sway Him forst ( maulgre ) his fiercenesse relent , And backe retire , all scorcht and pitifully brent . With huge impatience he inly swelt , More for great sorrow that he could not pas , Then for the burning torment , which he felt , That with fell woodnesse he effierced was , And wilfully him throwing on the gras , Did beat and bounse his head and brest full sore ; The whiles the Championesse now entred has The vtmost rowme , and past the formest dore , The vtmost rowme , abounding with all precious store , For round about , the wals yclothed were With goodly arras of great maiesty , Wouen with gold and silke so close and nere , That the rich metall lurked priuily , As faining to be hid from enuious eye ; Yet here , and there , and euery where vnwares It shewd it sfelfe , and shone vnwillingly ; Like a discolourd Snake , whose hidden snares Through the greene gras his long bright burnisht backe declares . And in those Tapets weren fashioned Many faire pourtraicts , and many a faire feate , And all of loue , and all of lusty-hed , As seemed by their semblaunt did entreat ; And eke all Cupids warres they did repeate , And cruell battels , which he whilome fought Gainst all the Gods , to make his empire great ; Besides the huge massacres , which he wrought On mighty kings and kesars , into thraldome brought . Therein was writ , how often thundring Ioue Had felt the point of his hart-percing dart , And leauing heauens kingdome , here did roue In straunge disguize , to slake his scalding smart ; Now like a Ram , faire Helle to peruart , Now like a Bull , Europa to withdraw : Ah , how the fearefull Ladies tender hart Did liuely seeme to tremble , when she saw The huge seas vnder her t' obay her seruaunts law . Soone after that into a golden showre Him selfe he chaung'd faire Danaë to vew , And through the roofe of her strong brasen towre Did raine into her lap an hony dew , The whiles her foolish garde , that little knew Of such deceipt , kept th' yron dore fast bard , And watcht , that none should enter nor issew ; Vaine was the watch , and bootlesse all the ward , Whenas the God to golden hew him selfe transfard . Then was he turnd into a snowy Swan , To win faire Leda to his louely trade : O wondrous skill , and sweet wit of the man , That her in daffadillies sleeping made , From scorching heat her daintie limbes to shade : Whiles the proud Bird ruffing his fethers wyde , And brushing his faire brest , did her inuade ; She slept , yet twixt her eyelids closely spyde , How towards her he rusht , and smiled at his pryde . Then shewd it , how the Thebane Semelee Deceiu'd of gealous Iuno , did require To see him in his soueraigne maiestee , Armd with his thunderbolts and lightning fire , Whence dearely she with death bought her desire ▪ But faire Alcmena better match did make , Ioying his loue in likenesse more entire ; Three nights in one , they say , that for her sake He then did put , her pleasures lenger to partake . Twise was he seene in soaring Eagles shape , And with wide wings to beat the buxome ayre , Once , when he with Asterie did scape , Againe , when as the Troiane boy so faire He snatcht from Ida hill , and with him bare : Wondrous delight it was , there to behould , How the rude Shepheards after him did stare , Trembling through feare , least down he fallen should And often to him calling , to take surer hould . In Satyres shape Antiopa he snatcht : And like a fire , when he Aegin ' assayd : A shepheard , when Mnemosyne he catcht : And like a Serpent to the Thracian mayd . Whiles thus on earth great Ioue these pageaunts playd , The winged boy did thrust into his throne , And scoffing , thus vnto his mother sayd , Lo now the heauens obey to me alone , And take me for their Ioue , whiles Ioue to earth is gone . And thou , faire Phoebus , in thy colours bright Wast there enwouen , and the sad distresse , In which that boy thee plonged , for despight , That thou bewray'dst his mothers wantonnesse , When she with Mars was meynt in ioyfulnesse : For thy he thrild thee with a leaden dart , To loue faire Daphne , which thee loued lesse : Lesse she thee lou'd , then was thy iust desart , Yet was thy loue her death , & her death was thy smart . So louedst thou the lusty Hyacinct , So louedst thou the faire Coroxis deare : Yet both are of thy haplesse hand extinct , Yet both in flowres do liue , and loue thee beare , The one a Paunce , the other a sweet breare : For griefe whereof , ye mote haue liuely seene The God himselfe rending his golden heare , And breaking quite his gyrlond euer greene , With other signes of sorrow and impatient teene . Both , for those two , and for his owne deare sonne , The sonne of Climene he did repent , Who bold to guide the charet of the Sunne , Himselfe in thousand peeces fondly rent , And all the world with flashing fier brent , So like , that all the walles did seeme to flame . Yet cruell Cupid , not herewith content , Forst him eftsoones to follow other game , And loue a Shepheards daughter for his dearest Dame . He loued Isse for his dearest Dame , And for her sake her cattell fed a while , And for her sake a cowheard vile became , The seruant of Admetus cowheard vile , Whiles that from heauen he suffered exile . Long were to tell each other louely fit , Now like a Lyon , hunting after spoile , Now like a Hag , now like a faulcon flit : All which in that faire arras was most liuely writ . Next vnto him was Neptune pictured , In his diuine resemblance wondrous lyke : His face was rugged , and his hoarie hed Dropped with brackish deaw ; his three-forkt Pyke He stearnly shooke , and therewith fierce did stryke The raging billowes , that on euery syde They trembling stood , and made a long broad dyke , That his swift charet might haue passage wyde , Which foure great Hippodames did draw in temewise tyde . His sea-horses did seeme to snort amayne , And from their nosethrilles blow the brynie streame , That made the sparckling waues to smoke agayne , And flame with gold , but the white fomy creame , Did shine with siluer , and shoot forth his beame . The God himselfe did pensiue seeme and sad , And hong adowne his head , as he did dreame : For priuy loue his brest empierced had , Ne ought but deare Bisaltis ay could make him glad . He loued eke Iphimedia deare , And Aeolus faire daughter Arne hight . For whom he turnd him selfe into a Steare , And fed on fodder , to beguile her sight . Also to win Deucalions daughter bright , Her turnd him selfe into a Dolphin fayre ; And like a winged horse he tooke his flight , To snaly-locke Medusa to repayre , On whom he got faire Pegasus , that flitteth in the ayre . Next Saturne was , ( but who would euer weene , That sullein Saturne euer weend to loue ? Yet loue is sullein , and Saturnlike seene , As he did for Erigone it proue . ) That to a Centaure did him selfe transmoue . So proou'd it eke that gracious God of wine , When for to compasse Philliras hard loue , He turnd himselfe into a fruitfull vine , And into her faire bosome made his grapes decline . Long were to tell the amorous assayes , And gentle pangues , with which he maked meeke The mighty Mars , to learne his wanton playes : How oft for Venus , and how often eek For many other Nymphes he sore did shreek , With womanish teares , and with vnwarlike smarts , Priuily moystening his horrid cheek . There was he painted full of burning darts , And many wide woundes launched through his inner parts , Ne did he spare ( so cruell was the Elfe ) His owne deare mother , ( ah why should he so ? Ne did he spare sometime to pricke himselfe , That he might tast the sweet consuming woe , Which he had wrought to many others moe . But to declare the mournfull Trage dyes , And spoiles , wherewith he all the ground did strow , More each to number , with how many eyes High heauen beholds sad louers nightly theeueryes . Kings Queenes , Lords Ladies , Knights & Damzels gent Were heap'd together with the vulgar sort , And mingled with the raskall rablement , Without respect of person or of port , To shew Dan Cupids powre and great effort : And round about a border was entrayld , Of broken bowes and arrowes shiuered short , And a long bloudy riuer through them rayld , So liuely and so like , that liuing sence it fayld . And at the vpper end of that faire rowme , There was an Altar built of pretious stone , Of passing valew , and of great renowme , On which there stood an Image all alone , Of massy gold , which with his owne light shone ; And wings it had with sundry colours dight , More sundry colours , then the proud Pauone Beares in his boasted fan , or Iris bright , When her discolourd bow she spreds through heauen bright , Blindfold he was , and in his cruell fist A mortall bow and arrowes keene did hold , With which he shot at randon , when him list , Some headed with sad lead , some with pure gold ; ( Ah man beware , how thou those darts behold ) A wounded Dragon vnder him did ly , Whose hideous tayle his left foot did ensold , And with a shaft was shot through either eye , That no man forth might draw , ne no man remedye . And vnderneath his feet was written thus , Vnto the Victor of the Gods this bee : And all the people in that ample hous Did to that image bow their humble knee , And oft committed fowle Idola tree . That wondrous sight faire Britomart amazed , Ne seeing could her wonder satisfie , But euermore and more vpon it gazed , The whiles the passing brightnes her fraile sences dazed . Tho as she backward cast her busie eye , To search each secret of that goodly sted Ouer the dore thus written she did spye Be hold : she oft and oft it ouer-red , Yet could not find what sence it figured : But what so were therein or writ or ment , She was no whit thereby discouraged From prosecuting of her first intent , But forward with bold steps into the next roome went . Much fairer , then the former , was that roome , And richlier by many partes arayd : For not with arras made in painefull loome , But with pure gold it all was ouerlayd , Wrought with wilde Antickes , which their follies playd , In the rich metall , as they liuing were : A thousand monstrous formes therein were made , Such as false loue doth oft vpon him weare ? For loue in thousand monstrous formes doth oft appeare . And all about , the glistring walles were hong With warlike spoiles , and with victorious prayes , Of mighty Conquerours and Captaines strong , Which were whilome captiued in their dayes To cruell loue , and wrought their owne decayes : Their swerds & speres were broke , & hauberques rent ; And their proud girlonds of tryumphant bayes Troden in dust with fury insolent , To shew the victors might and mercilesse intent . The warlike Mayde beholding earnestly The goodly ordinance of this rich place , Did greatly wonder ne could satisfie Her greedy eyes with gazing a long space , But more she meruaild that no footings trace , Nor wight appear'd , but wastefull emptinesse , And solemne silence ouer all that place : Straunge thing it seem'd , that none was to possesse So rich purueyance , ne them keepe with carefulnesse . And as she lookt about , she did behold , How ouer that same dore was likewise writ , Be bold , be bold , and euery where Be bold , That much she muz'd , yet could not construe it By any ridling skill , or commune wit . At last she spyde at that roomes vpper end , Another yron dore , on which was writ , Be not too bold ; whereto though she did bend Her earnest mind , yet wist not what it might intend . Thus she there waited vntill euentyde , Yet liuing creature none she saw appeare : And now sad shadowes gan the world to hyde , From mortall vew , and wrap in darkenesse dreare ; Yet nould she d'off her weary armes , for feare Of secret daunger , ne let sleepe oppresse Her heauy eyes with natures burdein deare , But drew her selfe aside in sickernesse , And her welpointed weapons did about her dresse .

Cant. XII . The maske of Cupid , and th' enchaunted Chamber are displayd , Whence Britomart redeemes faire Amoret , through charmes decayd . THo when as chearelesse Night ycouered had Faire heauen with an vniuersall cloud , That euery wight dismayd with darknesse sad , In silence and in sleepe themselues did shroud , She heard a shrilling Trompet sound aloud , Signe of nigh battell , or got victory ; Nought therewith daunted was her courage proud , But rather stird to cruell enmity , Expecting euer , when some foe she might descry . With that , an hideous storme of winde arose , With dreadfull thunder and lightning atwixt , And an earth-quake , as if it streight would lose The worlds foundations from his centre fixt ; A direfull stench of smoke and sulphure mixt Ensewd , whose noyance fild the fearefull sted , From the fourth houre of night vntill the sixt ; Yet the bold Britonesse was nought ydred , Though much emmou'd , but stedfast still perseuered . All suddenly a stormy whirlwind blew Throughout the house , that clapped euery dore , With which that yron wicket open flew , As it with mightie leuers had bene tore : And forth issewd , as on the ready flore Of some Theatre , a graue personage , That in his hand a branch of laurell bore , With comely haueour and count'nance sage , Yclad in costly garments , fit for tragicke Stage . Proceeding to the midst , he still did stand , As if in mind he somewhat had to say , And to the vulgar beckning with his hand , In signe of silence , as to heare a play , By liuely actions he gan bewray Some argument of matter passioned ; Which doen , he backe retyred soft away , And passing by , his name discouered , Ease , on his robe in golden letters cyphered . The noble Mayd , still standing all this vewd , And merueild at his strange intendiment ; With that a ioyous fellowship issewd Of Minstrals , making goodly meriment , With wanton Bardes , and Rymers impudent , All which together sungfull chearefully A lay of loues delight , with sweet consent : After whom marcht a iolly company , In manner of a maske , enranged orderly . The whiles a most delitious harmony , In full straunge notes was sweetly heard to sound , That the rare sweetnesse of the melody The feeble senses wholly did confound , And the fraile soule in deepe delight nigh dround : And when it ceast , shrill trompets loud did bray , That their report did farre away rebound , And when they ceast , it gan againe to play , The whiles the maskers marched forth in trim aray . The first was Fancy , like a louely boy , Of rare aspect , and beautie without peare ; Matchable either to that ympe of Troy , Whom Ioue did loue , and chose his cup to beare , Or that same daintie lad , which was so deare To great Alcides , that when as he dyde , He wailed womanlike with many a teare , And euery wood , and euery valley wyde He fild with Hylas name ; the Nymphes eke Hylas cryde . His garment neither was of silke nor say , But painted plumes , in goodly order dight , Like as the sunburnt Indians do aray Their tawney bodies , in their proudest plight : As those same plumes , so seemd he vaine and light , That by his gate might easily appeare ; For still he far'd as dauncing in delight , And in his hand a windy fan did beare , That in the idle aire he mou'd still here and there . And him beside marcht amorous Desyre , Who seemd of riper yeares , then th' other Swaine , Yet was that others swayne this elders syre , And gaue him being , commune to them twaine : His garment was disguised very vaine , And his embrodered Bonet sat awry ; Twixt both his hands few sparkes he close did straine , Which still he blew , and kindled busily , That soone they life conceiud , & forth in flames did fly . Next after him went Doubt , who was yclad In a discolour'd cote , of straunge disguyse , That at his backe a brode Capuccio had , And sleeues dependant Albanese-wyse : He lookt askew with his mistrustfull eyes , And nicely trode , as thornes lay in his way , Or that the flore to shrinke he did auyse , And on a broken reed he still did stay His feeble steps , which shrunke , when hard theron he lay . With him went Daunger , cloth ' in ragged weed , Made of Beares skin , that him more dreadfull made , Yet his owne face was dreadfull , ne did need Straunge horrour , to deforme his griesly shade ; A net in th' one hand , and a rustie blade In th' other was , this Mischiefe , that Mishap ; With th' one his foes he threatned to inuade , With th' other he his friends ment to enwrap : For whom he could not kill , he practizd to entrap . Next him was Feare , all arm'd from top to toe , Yet thought himselfe not safe enough thereby , But feard each shadow mouing to and fro , And his owne armes when glittering he did spy , Or clashing heard , he fast away did fly , As ashes pale of hew , and wingyheeld ; And euermore on daunger fixt his eye , Gainst whom he alwaies bent a brasen shield , Which his right hand vnarmed fearefully did wield . With him went Hope in rancke , a handsome Mayd , Of chearefull looke and louely to behold ; In silken samite she was light arayd , And her faire lockes were wouen vp in gold ; She alway smyld , and in her hand did hold An holy water Sprinckle , dipt in deowe , With which she sprinckled fauours manifold , On whom she list , and did great liking sheowe , Great liking vnto many , but true loue to feowe . And after them Dissemblance , and Suspect Marcht in one rancke , yet an vnequall paire : For she was gentle , and of milde aspect , Courteous to all , and seeming debonaire , Goodly adorned , and exceeding faire : Yet was that all but painted , and purloynd , And her bright browes were deckt with borrowed haire : Her deedes were forged , and her words false coynd , And alwaies in her hand two clewes of silke she twynd . But he was foule , ill fauoured , and grim , Vnder his eyebrowes looking still askaunce ; And euer as Dissemblance laught on him , He lowrd on her with daungerous eyeglaunce ; Shewing his nature in his countenance ; His rolling eyes did neuer rest in place , But walkt each where , for feare of hid mischaunce , Holding a lattice still before his face , Through which he still did peepe , as forward he did pace . Next him went Griefe , and Fury matcht yfere ; Griefe all in sable sorrowfully clad , Downe hanging his dull head , with heauy chere , Yet inly being more , then seeming sad : A paire of Pincers in his hand he had , With which he pinched people to the hart , That from thenceforth a wretched life they lad , In wilfull languor and consuming smart , Dying each day with inward wounds of dolours dart . But Fury was full ill appareiled In rags , that naked nigh she did appeare , With ghastly lookes and dreadfull drerihed ; For from her backe her garments she did teare , And from her head oft rent her snarled heare : In her right hand a firebrand she did tosse About her head , still roming here and there ; As a dismayed Deare in chace embost , Forgetfull of his safety , hath his right way lost . After them went Displeasure and Pleasance , He looking lompish and full sullein sad , And hanging downe his heauy countenance ; She chearefull fresh and full of ioyance glad , As if no sorrow she ne felt ne drad ; That euill matched paire they seemd to bee : An angry Waspe th' one in a viall had Th' other in hers an hony-lady Bee ; Thus marched these sixe couples forth in faire degree . After all these there marcht a most faire Dame , Led of two grysie villeins , th' one Despight , The other cleped Cruelty by name : She dolefull Lady , like a dreary Spright , Cald by strong charmes out of eternall night , Had deathes owne image figurd in her face , Full of sad signes , fearefull to liuing sight ; Yet in that horror shewd a seemely grace , And with her feeble feet did moue a comely pace . Her brest all naked , as net iuory , Without adorne of gold or siluer bright , Wherewith the Craftesman wonts it beautify , Of her dew honour was despoyled quight , And a wide wound therein ( O ruefull sight ) Entrenched deepe with knife accursed keene , Yet freshly bleeding forth her fainting spright , ( The worke of cruell hand ) was to be seene , That dyde in sanguine red her skin all snowy cleene . At that wide orisice her trembling hart Was drawne forth , and in siluer basin layd , Quite through transfixed with a deadly dart , And in her bloud yet steeming fresh embayd : And those two villeins , which her steps vpstayd , When her weake feete could scarcely her sustaine , And fading vitall powers gan to fade , Her forward still with torture did constraine , And euermore encreased her consuming paine . Next after her the winged God himselfe Came riding on a Lion rauenous , Taught to obay the menage of that Elfe , That man and beast with powre imperious Subdeweth to his knigdome tyrannous : His blindfold eyes he bad a while vnbind , That his proud spoyle of that same dolorous Faire Dame he might behold in perfect kind ; Which seene , he much reioyced in his cruell mind . Of which full proud , himselfe vp rearing hye , He looked round about with sterne disdaine ; And did suruay his goodly company : And marshalling the euill ordered traine , With that the darts which his right did straine , Full dreadfully he shooke that all did quake , And clapt on hie his coulourd winges twaine , That all his many it affraide did make : Tho blinding him againe , his way he forth did take . Behinde him was Reproch , Repentance , Shame ; Reproch the first , Shame next , Repent behind : Repentance feeble , sorrowfull , and lame : Reproch despightfull , carelesse , and vnkind ; Shame most ill fauourd , bestiall , and blind : Shame lowrd , Repentance sigh'd , Reproch did scould ; Reproch sharpe stings , Repentance whips entwind , Shame burning brond-yrons in her hand did hold : All three to each vnlike , yet all made in one mould . And after them a rude confused rout Of persons flockt , whose names is hard to read : Emongst them was sterne Strife , and Anger stout , Vnquiet Care , and fond Vnthriftihead , Lewd Losse of Time , and Sorrow seeming dead , Inconstant Chaunge , and false Disloyaltie , Consuming Riotise , and guilty Dread Of heauenly vengeance , faint Infirmitie , Vile Pouertie , and lastly Death with infamie . There were full many moe like maladies , Whose names and natures I note readen well ; So many moe , as there be phantasies In wauering wemens wit , that none can tell , Or paines in loue , or punishments in hell ; And which disguized marcht in masking wise , About the chamber with that Damozell , And then returned , hauing marched thrise , Into the inner roome , from whence they first did rise . So soone as they were in , the dore streight way Fast locked , driuen with that stormy blast , Which first it opened ; and bore all away Then the braue Maid , which all this while was plast , In secret shade , and saw both first and last , Issewed forth , and went vnto the dore , To enter in , but found it locked fast : It vaine she thought with rigorous vprore For to efforce , when charmes had closed it afore . Where force might not auaile , their sleights and art She cast to vse , both fit for hard emprize ; For thy from that same roome not to depart Till morrow next , she did her selfe auize , When that same Maske againe should forth arize . The morrow next appeard with ioyous cheare , Calling men to their daily exercize , Then she , as morrow fresh , her selfe did reare Out of her secret stand , that day for to out weare . All that day she outwore in wandering , And gazing on that Chambers ornament , Till that againe the second euening Her couered with her sable vestiment , Wherewith the worlds faire beautie she hath blent : Then when the second watch was almost past , That brasen dore flew open , and in went Bold Britomart , as she had late forecast , Neither of idle shewes , nor of false charmes aghast . So soone as she was entred , round about She cast her eies , to see what was become Of all those persons , which she saw without : But lo , they streight were vanisht all and some , Ne liuing wight she saw in all that roome , Saue that same woefull Ladie , both whose hands Were bounden fast , that did her ill become , And her small wast girt round with yron bands , Vnto a brasen pillour , by the which she stands . And her before the vile Enchaunter sate , Figuring straunge characters of his art , With liuing bloud he those characters wrate , Dreadfully dropping from her dying hart , Seeming transfixed with a cruell dart , And all perforce to make her him to loue . Ah who can loue the worker of her smart ? A thousand charmes he formerly did proue ; Yet thousand charmes could not her stedfast heart remoue . Soone as that virgin knight he saw in place , His wicked bookes in hast he ouerthrew , Not caring his long labours to deface , And fiercely ronning to that Lady trew , A murdrous knife out of his pocket drew , The which he thought , for villeinous despight , In her tormented bodie to embrew : But the stout Damzell to him leaping light , His cursed hand withheld , and maistered his might . From her , to whom his fury first he ment , The wicked weapon rashly he did wrest , And turning to her selfe his fell intent , Vnwares it strooke into her snowie chest , That little drops empurpled her faire brest . Exceeding wroth therewith the virgin grew , Albe the wound were nothing deepe imprest , And fiercely forth her mortall blade she drew , To giue him the reward for such vile outrage dew . So mightily she smote him , that to ground He fell halfe dead ; next stroke him should haue slaine , Had not the Lady , which by him stood bound , Dernely vnto him called to abstaine , From doing him to dy . For else her paine Should be remedilesse , sith none but hee , Which wrought it , could the same recure againe . Therewith she stayd her hand , loth stayd to bee ; For life she him enuyde , and long'd reuenge to see . And to him said , Thou wicked man , whose meed For so huge mischiefe , and vile villany Is death , or if that ought do death exceed , Be sure , that nought may saue thee from to dy , But if that thou this Dame doe presently Restore vnto her health , and former state ; This doe and line , else die vndoubtedly . He glad of life , that lookt for death but late , Did yield himselfe right willing to prolong his date . And rising vp , gan streight to ouerlooke Those cursed leaues , his charmes backe to reuerse ; Full dreadfull things out of that balefull booke He red , and measur'd many a sad verse , That horror gan the virgins hart to perse , And her faire lockes vp stared stiffe on end , Hearing him those same bloudy lines reherse ; And all the while he red , she did extend Her sword high ouer him , if ought he did offend . Anon she gan perceiue the house to quake , And all the dores to rattle round about ; Yet all that did not her dismaied make , Nor slacke her threatfull hand for daungers dout , But still with stedfast eye and courage stout Abode , to weet what end would come of all . At last that mightie chaine , which round about Her tender waste was wound , adowne gan fall , And that great brasen pillour broke in peeces small . The cruell steele , which thrild her dying hart , Fell softly forth , as of his owne accord , And the wyde wound , which lately did dispart Her bleeding brest , and riuen bowels gor'd , Was closed vp , as it had not bene bor'd , And euery part to safety full sound , As she were neuer hurt , was soone restor'd : Tho when she felt her selfe to be vnbound , And perfect hole , prostrate she fell vnto the ground . Before faire Britomart , she fell prostrate , Saying , Ah noble knight , what worthy meed Can wretched Lady , quit from wofull state , Yield you in liew of this your gratious deed ? Your vertue selfe her owne reward shall breed , Euen immortall praise , and glory wyde , Which I your vassall , by your prowesse freed , Shall through the world make to be notifyde , And goodly well aduance , that goodly well was tryde . But Britomart vprearing her from ground , Said , Gentle Dame , reward enough I weene For many labours more , then I haue found , This , that in safety now I haue you seene , And meane of your deliuerance haue beene : Henceforth faire Lady comfort to you take , And put away remembrance of late teene ; In stead thereof know , that your louing Make , Hath no lesse griefe endured for your gentle sake . She much was cheard to heare him mentiond , Whom of all liuing wights she loued best . Then laid the noble Championesse strong hond Vpon th' enchaunter , which had her distrest So sore , and with foule outrages opprest : With that great chaine , wherewith not long ygo He bound that pitteous Lady prisoner , now relest , Himselfe she bound , more worthy to be so , And captiue with her led to wretchednesse and wo. Returning backe , those goodly roomes , which erst She saw so rich and royally arayd , Now vanisht vtterly , and cleane subuerst She found , and all their glory quite decayd , That sight of such a chaunge her much dismayd . Thence forth descending to that perlous Porch , Those dreadfull flames she also found delayd , And quenched quite , like a consumed torch , That erst all entrers wont so cruelly to scorch . More easie issew now , then entrance late She found : for now that fained dreadfull flame , Which chokt the porch of that enchaunted gate , And passage bard to all , that thither came , Was vanisht quite , as it were not the same , And gaue her leaue at pleasure forth to passe . Th' Enchaunter selfe , which all that fraud did frame , To haue efforst the loue of that faire lasse , Seeing his worke now wasted deepe engrieued was . But when the victoresse arriued there , Where late she left the pensife Scudamore , With her owne trusty Squire , both full of feare , Neither of them she found where she them lore : There at her noble hart was stonisht sore ; But most faire Amoret , whose gentle spright Now gan to feede on hope , which she before Conceiued had , to see her owne deare knight , Being thereof beguyld was fild with new affright . But he sad man , when he had long in drede Awayted there for Britomarts returne , Yet saw her not nor signe of her good speed , His expectation to despaire did turne , Misdeeming sure that her those flames did burne ; And therefore gan aduize with her old Squire , Who her deare nourslings losse no lesse did mourne , Thence to depart for further aide t' enquire : Where let them wend at will , whilest here I doe respire .

A Vision vpon this conceipt of the Faery Queene . ME thought I saw the graue , where Laura lay , Within that Temple , where the vestall flame Was wont to burne , and passing by that way , To see that buried dust of liuing fame , Whose tombe faire loue , and fairer vertue kept , All suddenly I saw the Faery Queene : At whose approch the soule of Petrarke wept , And from thenceforth those graces were not seene . For they this Queene attended , in whose steed Obliuion laid him downe on Lauras herse : Hereat the hardest stones were seene to bleed , And grones of buried ghostes the heauens did perse . Where Homers spright did tremble all for griefe , And curst th' accesse of that celestiall theife .

Another of the same . THe prayse of meaner wits this worke like profit brings , As doth the Cuckoes song delight when Philumena sings . If thou hast formed right true vertues face herein : Vertue her selfe can best discerne , to whom they written bin . If thou hast beautie praysd , let her sole lookes diuine Iudge if ought therein be amis , and mend it by her eine . If Chastitie want ought , or Temperance her dew , Behold her Princely mind aright , and write thy , Queene anew . Meane while she shall perceiue , how farre her vertues sore Aboue the reach of all that liue , or such as wrote of yore : And thereby will excuse and fauour thy good will : Whose vertue can not be exprest , but by an Angels quill . Of me no lines are lou'd , nor letters are of price , Of all which speake our English tongue , but those of thy deuice . W.R.

To the learned Shepheard COllyn I see by thy new taken taske , some sacred fury hath enricht thy braynes , That leades thy muse in haughtie verse to maske , and loath the layes that longs to lowly swaynes . That lifts thy notes from Shepheardes vnto kings , So like the liuely Larke that mounting sings . Thy louely Rosolinde seemes now forlorne , and all thy gentle flockes forgotten quight , Thy chaunged hart now holdes thy pypes in scorne , those prety pypes that did thy mates delight . Those trustie mates , that loued thee so well , Whom thou gau'st mirth : as they gaue thee the bell . Yet as thou earst with thy sweet roundelayes , didst stirre to glee our laddes in homely bowers : So moughtst thou now in these refyned layes , delight the dainty eares of higher powers . And so mought they in their deepe skanning skill Alow and grace our Collyns flowing quill . And fare befall that Faerie Queene of thine , in whose faire eyes loue linckt with vertue sits : Enfusing by those bewties fiers deuine , Such high conceites into thy humble wits , As raised hath poore pastors oaten reede , From rusticke tunes , to chaunt heroique deedes . So mought thy Redcrosse knight with happy hand victorious be in that faire Hands right : Which thou doest vaile in Type of Faery land Elyzas blessed field , that Albion hight . That shieldes her friends , and warres her mightie foes , Yet still with people , peace , and plentie flowes . But ( iolly Shepheard ) though with pleasing style , thou feast the humour of the Courtly traine : Let not conceipt thy setled sence beguile , ne daunted be through enuy or disdaine . Subiect thy dome to her Empyring spright , From whence thy Muse , and all the world takes light . Hobynoll .

THE SECOND PART OF THE FAERIE QVEENE .

Containing THE FOVRTH , FIFTH , AND SIXTH BOOKES .

By Ed. Spenser .

ANCHORA SPEI

printer's or publisher's device

Imprinted at London for William Ponsonby . 1596.

THE FOVRTH BOOKE OF THE FAERIE QVEENE . Containing The Legend of CAMBEL and TELAMOND , OR OF FRIENDSHIP .

THe rugged forhead that with graue foresight Welds kingdomes causes , & affaires of state , My looser rimes ( I wote ) doth sharply wite , For praising loue , as I haue done of late , And magnifying louers deare debate ; By which fraile youth is oft to follie led , Through false allurement of that pleasing baite , That better were in vertues discipled , Then with vaine poemes weeds to haue their fancies fed . Such ones ill iudge of loue , that cannot loue , Ne in their frosen hearts feele kindly flame : For thy they ought not thing vnknowne reproue , Ne naturall affection faultlesse blame , For fault of few that haue abusd the same . For it of honor and all vertue is The roote , and brings forth glorious flowres of fame , That crowne true louers with immortall blis , The meed of them that loue , and do not liue amisse . Which who so list looke backe to former ages , And call to count the things that then were donne , Shall find , that all the workes of those wise sages , And braue exploits which great Heroes wonne , In loue were either ended or begunne : Witnesse the father of Philosophie , Which to his Critias , shaded oft from sunne , Of loue full manie lessons did apply , The which these Stoicke censours cannot well deny . To such therefore I do not sing at all , But to that sacred Saint my soueraigne Queene , In whose chast breast all bountie naturall , And treasures of true loue enlocked beene , Boue all her sexe that euer yet was seene ; To her I sing of loue , that loueth best , And best is lou'd of all aliue I weene : To her this song most fitly is addrest , The Queene of loue , & Prince of peace from heauen blest . Which that she may the better deigne to heare , Do thou dred infant , Venus dearling doue , From her high spirit chase imperious feare , And vse of awfull Maiestie remoue : In sted thereof with drops of melting loue , Deawd with ambrosiall kisses , by thee gotten From thy sweete smyling mother from aboue , Sprinckle her heart , and haughtie courage soften , That she may hearke to loue , and reade this lesson often .

Cant. I. Fayre Britomart saues Amoret , Duessa discord breedes Twixt Scudamour and Blandamour : Their fight and warlike deedes . OF louers sad calamities of old , Full many piteous stories doe remaine , But none more piteous euer was ytold , Then that of Amorets hart-binding chaine , And this of Florimels vnworthie paine : The deare compassion of whose bitter fit My softened heart so sorely doth constraine , That I with teares full oft doe pittie it , And oftentimes doe wish it neuer had bene writ . For from the time that Scudamour her bought In perilous fight , she neuer ioyed day , A perilous fight when he with force her brought From twentie Knights , that did him all assay : Yet fairely well he did them all dismay : And with great glorie both the shield of loue , And eke the Ladie selfe he brought away , Whom hauing wedded as did him behoue , A new vnknowen mischiefe did from him remoue . For that same vile Enchauntour Busyran , The very selfe same day that she was wedded , Amidst the bridale feast , whilest euery man Surcharg'd with wine , were heedlesse and ill hedded , All bent to mirth before the bride was bedded , Brought in that mask of loue which late was showen : And there the Ladie ill of friends bestedded , By way of sport , as oft in maskes is knowen , Conueyed quite away to liuing wight vnknowen . Seuen moneths he so her kept in bitter smart , Because his sinfull lust she would not serue , Vntill such time as noble Britomart Released her , that else was like to sterue , Through cruell knife that her deare heart did kerue . And now she is with her vpon the way , Marching in louely wise , that could deserue No spot of blame , though spite did oft assay To blot her with dishonor of so faire a pray . Yet should it be a pleasant tale , to tell The diuerse vsage and demeanure daint , That each to other made , as oft befell . For Amoret right fearefull was and faint , Lest she with blame her honor should attaint , That euerie word did tremble as she spake , And euerie looke was coy , and wondrous quaint , And euerie limbe that touched her did quake : Yet could she not but curteous countenan e to her make . For well she wist , as true it was indeed , That her liues Lord and patrone of her health Right well deserued as his duefull meed , Her loue , her seruice , and her vtmost wealth . All is his iustly , that all freely dealth : Nathlesse her honor dearer then her life , She sought to saue , as thing reseru'd from stealth ; Die had she leuer with Enchanters knife , Then to be false in loue , profest a virgine wife . Thereto her feare was made so much the greater Through fine abusion of that Briton mayd : Who for to hide her fained sex the better , And maske her wounded mind , both did and sayd Full many things so doubtfull to be wayd , That well she wist not what by them to gesse , For other whiles to her she purpos made Of loue , and otherwhiles of lustfulnesse , That much she feard his mind would grow to some excesse His will she feard ; for him she surely thought To be a man , such as indeed he seemed , And much the more , by that he lately wrought , When her from deadly thraldome he redeemed , For which no seruice she too much esteemed , Yet dread of shame , and doubt of fowle dishonor Made her not yeeld so much , as due she deemed . Yet Britomart attended duly on her , As well became a knight , and did to her all honor . It so befell one euening , that they came Vnto a Castell , lodged there to bee , Where many a knight , and many a louely Dame Was then assembled , deeds of armes to see : Amongst all which was none more faire then shee , That many of them mou'd to eye her sore . The custome of that place was such , that hee Which had no loue nor lemman there in store , Should either winne him one , or lye without the dore . Amongst the rest there was a iolly knight , Who being asked for his loue , auow'd That fairest Amoret was his by right , And offred that to iustifie alowd . The warlike virgine seeing his so prowd And boastfull chalenge , wexed inlie wroth , But for the present did her anger shrowd ; And sayd , her loue to lose she was full loth , But either he should neither of them haue , or both . So foorth they went , and both together giusted ; But that same younker soone was ouerthrowne , And made repent , that he had rashly lusted For thing vnlawfull , that was not his owne : Yet since he seemed valiant , though vnknowne , She that no lesse was courteous then stout , Cast how to salue , that both the custome showne Were kept , and yet that Knight not locked out , That seem'd full hard t' accord two things so far in dout . The Seneschall was cal'd to deeme the right , Whom she requir'd , that first fayre Amoret Might be to her allow'd , as to a Knight , That did her win and free from chalenge set : Which straight to her was yeelded without let . Then since that strange Knights loue from him was quitted , She claim'd that to her selfe , as Ladies det He as a Knight might iustly be admitted ; So none should be out shut , sith all of loues were fitted . With that her glistring helmet she vnlaced ; Which doft , her golden lockes , that were vp bound Still in a knot , vnto her heeles downe traced , And like a silken veile in compasse round About her backe and all her bodie wound : Like as the shining skie in summers night , What time the dayes with scorching heat abound , Is creasted all with lines of firie light , That it prodigious seemes in common peoples sight . Such when those Knights and Ladies all about Beheld her , all were with amazement smit , And euery one gan grow in secret dout Of this and that , according to each wit : Some thought that some enchantment faygned it ; Some , that Bellona in that warlike wise To them appear'd , with shield and armour fit ; Some , that it was a maske of strange disguise : So diuersely each one did sundrie doubts deuise . But that young Knight , which through her gentle deed Was to that goodly fellowship restor'd , Ten thousand thankes did yeeld her for her meed , And doubly ouercommen , her ador'd : So did they all their former strife accord ; And eke fayre Amoret now freed from feare , More franke affection did to her afford , And to her bed , which she was wont forbeare , Now freely drew , and found right safe assurance theare . Where all that night they of their loues did treat , And hard aduentures twixt themselues alone , That each the other gan with passion great , And griefull pittie priuately bemone . The morow next so soone as Titan shone , They both vprose , and to their waies them dight : Long wandred they , yet neuer met with none , That to their willes could them direct aright , Or to them tydings tell , that mote their harts delight . Lo thus they rode , till at the last they spide Two armed Knights , that toward them did pace , And ech of them had ryding by his side A Ladie , seeming in so farre a space , But Ladies none they were , albee in face And outward shew faire semblance they did beare ; For vnder maske of beautie and good grace , Vile treason and fowle falshood hidden were , That mote to none but to the warie wise appeare . The one of them the false Duessa hight , That now had chang'd her former wonted hew : For she could d'on so manie shapes in sight , As euer could Cameleon colours new ; So could she forge all colours , saue the trew . The other no whit better was then shee , But that such as she was , she plaine did shew ; Yet otherwise much worse , if worse might bee , And dayly more offensiue vnto each degree . Her name was Ate , mother of debate , And all dissention , which doth dayly grow Amongst fraile men , that many a publike state And many a priuate oft doth ouerthrow . Her false Duessa who full well did know , To be most fit to trouble noble knights , Which hunt for honor , raised from below , Out of the dwellings of the damned sprights , Where she in darknes wastes her cursed daies & nights . Hard by the gates of hell her dwelling is , There whereas all the plagues and harmes abound , Which punish wicked men , that walke amisse , It is a darksome delue farre vnder ground , With thornes and barren brakes enuirond round , That none the same may easily out win ; Yet many waies to enter may be found , But none to issue forth when one is in : For discord harder is to end then to begin . And all within the riuen walls were hung With ragged monuments of times forepast , All which the sad effects of discord sung : There were rent robes , and broken scepters plast , Altars defyl'd , and holy things defast , Disshiuered speares , and shields ytorne in twaine , Great cities ransackt , and strong castles rast , Nations captiued , and huge armies slaine : Of all which ruines there some relicks did remaine . There was the signe of antique Babylon , Of fatall Thebes , of Rome that raigned long , Of sacred Salem , and sad Ilion , For memorie of which on high there hong The golden Apple , cause of all their wrong , For which the three faire Goddesses did striue : There also was the name of Nimrod strong , Of Alexander , and his Princes fiue , Which shar'd to them the spoiles that he had got aliue . And there the relicks of the drunken fray , The which amongst the Lapithees befell , And of the bloodie feast , which sent away So many Centaures drunken soules to hell , That vnder great Alcides furie fell : And of the dreadfull discord , which did driue The noble Argonauts to outrage fell , That each of life sought others to depriue , All mindlesse of the Golden fleece , which made them striue . And eke of priuate persons many moe , That were too long a worke to count them all ; Some of sworne friends , that did their faith forgoe ; Some of borne brethren , prov'd vnnaturall ; Some of deare louers , foes perpetuall : Witnesse their broken bandes there to be seene , Their girlonds rent , their bowres despoyled all ; The moniments whereof there byding beene , As plaine as at the first , when they were fresh and greene . Such was her house within ; but all without , The barren ground was full of wicked weedes , Which she her selfe had sowen all about , Now growen great , at first of little seedes , The seedes of euill wordes , and factious deedes ; Which when to ripenesse due they growen arre , Bring foorth an infinite increase , that breedes Tumultuous trouble and contentious iarre , The which most often end in bloudshed and in warre . And those same cursed seedes doe also serue To her for bread , and yeeld her liuing food : For life it is to her , when others sterue Through mischieuous debate , and deadly feood , That she may sucke their life , and drinke their blood , With which she from her childhood had bene fed . For she at first was borne of hellish brood , And by infernall furies nourished , That by her monstrous shape might easily be red . Her face most fowle and filthy was to see , With squinted eyes contrarie wayes intended , And loathly mouth , vnmeete a mouth to bee , That nought but gall and venim comprehended , And wicked wordes that God and man offended : Her lying tongue was in two parts diuided , And both the parts did speake , and both contended ; And as her tongue , so was her hart discided , That neuer thoght one thing , but doubly stil was guided . Als as she double spake , so heard she double , With matchlesse eares deformed and distort , Fild with false rumors and seditios trouble , Bred in assemblies of the vulgar sort , That still are led with euery light report . And as her eares so eke her feet were odde , And much vnlike , th' one long , the other short , And both misplast ; that when th' one forward yode , The other backe retired , and contrarie trode . Likewise vnequall were her handes twaine , That one did reach , the other pusht away , That one did make , the other mard againe , And sought to bring all things vnto decay ; Whereby great riches gathered manie a day , She in short space did often bring to nought , And their possessours often did dismay . For all her studie was and all her thought , How she might ouerthrow the things that Concord wrought . So much her malice did her might surpas , That euen th' Almightie selfe she did maligne , Because to man so mercifull he was , And vnto all his creatures so benigne , Sith she her selfe was of his grace indigne : For all this worlds faire workmanship she tride , Vnto his last confusion to bring , And that great golden chaine quite to diuide , With which it blessed Concord hath together tide . Such was that hag , which with Duessa roade , And seruing her in her malitious vse , To hurt good knights , was as it were her baude , To sell her borrowed beautie to abuse . For though like withered tree , that wanteth iuyce , She old and crooked were , yet now of late , As fresh and fragrant as the floure deluce She was become , by chaunge of her estate , And made full goodly ioyance to her new found mate . Her mate he was a iollie youthfull knight , That bore great sway in armes and chiualrie , And was indeed a man of mickle might : His name was Blandamour , that did descrie His fickle mind full of inconstancie . And now himselfe he fitted had right well , With two companions of like qualitie , Faithlesse Duessa , and false Paridell , That whether were more false , full hard it is to tell . Now when this gallant with his goodly crew , From farre espide the famous Britomart , Like knight aduenturous in outward vew , With his faire paragon , his conquests part , Approching nigh , eftsoones his wanton hart Was tickled with delight , and iesting sayd ; Lo there Sir Paridel , for your desart , Good lucke presents you with yond louely mayd , For pitie that ye want a fellow for your ayd . By that the louely paire drew nigh to hond : Whom when as Paridel more plaine beheld , Albee in heart he like affection fond , Yet mindfull how he late by one was feld , That did those armes and that same scutchion weld , He had small lust to buy his loue so deare , But answerd , Sir him wise I neuer held , That hauing once escaped perill neare , Would afterwards afresh the sleeping euill reare . This knight too late his manhood and his might , I did assay , that me right dearely cost , Ne list I for reuenge prouoke new fight , Ne for light Ladies loue , that soone is lost . The hot-spurre youth so scorning to be crost , Take then to you this Dame of mine ( quoth hee ) And I without your perill or your cost , Will chalenge yond same other for my fee : So forth he fiercely prickt , that one him scare could see . The warlike Britonesse her soone addrest , And with such vncouth welcome did receaue Her fayned Paramour , her forced guest , That being forst his saddle soone to leaue , Him selfe he did of his new loue deceaue : And made him selfe then sample of his follie . Which done , she passed forth not taking leaue , And left him now as sad , as whilome iollie , Well warned to beware with whom he dar'd to dallie . Which when his other companie beheld , They to his succour ran with readie ayd : And finding him vnable once to weld , They reared him on horse backe , and vpstayd , Till on his way they had him forth conuayd : And all the way with wondrous griefe of mynd , And shame , he shewd him selfe to be dismayd , More for the loue which he had left behynd , Then that which he had to Sir Paridel resynd . Nathlesse he forth did march well as he might , And made good semblance to his companie , Dissembling his disease and euill plight ; Till that ere long they chaunced to espie Two other knights , that towards them did ply . With speedie course , as bent to charge them new . Whom when as Blandamour approching nie , Perceiu'd to be such as they seemd in vew , He was full wo , and gan his former griefe renew . For th' one of them he perfectly descride , To be Sir Scudamour , by that he bore The God of loue , with wings displayed wide , Whom mortally he hated euermore , Both for his worth , that all men did adore , And eke because his loue he wonne by right : Which when he thought , it grieued him full sore , That through the bruses of his former fight , He now vnable was to wreake his old despight . For thy he thus to Paridel bespake , Faire Sir , offriendship let me now you pray , That as I late aduentured for your sake , The hurts whereof me now from battell stay , Ye will me now with like good turne repay , And iustifie my cause on yonder knight . Ah Sir ( said Paridel ) do not dismay Your selfe for this , my selfe will for you fight , As ye haue done for me : the left hand rubs the right . With that he put his spurres vnto his steed , With speare in rest , and toward him did fare , Like shaft out of a bow preuenting speed . But Scudamour was shortly well aware Of his approch , and gan him selfe prepare Him to receiue with entertainment meete . So furiously they met , that either bare The other downe vnder their horses feete , That what of them became , themselues did scarsly weete . As when two billowes in the Irish sowndes , Forcibly driuen with contrarie tydes Do meete together , each abacke rebowndes With roaring rage ; and dashing on all sides , That filleth all the sea with some , diuydes The doubtfull current into diuers wayes : So fell those two in spight of both their prydes , But Scudamour himselfe did soone vprayse , And mounting light his foe for lying long vpbrayes . Who rolled on an heape lay still in swound , All carelesse of his taunt and bitter rayle , Till that the rest him seeing lie on ground , Ran hastily , to weete what did him ayle . Where finding that the breath gan him to fayle , With busie care they stroue him to awake , And doft his helmet , and vndid his mayle : So much they did , that at the last they brake His slomber , yet so mazed , that he nothing spake . Which when as Blandamour beheld , he sayd , False faitour Scudamour , that hast by slight And foule aduantage this good Knight dismayd , A Knight much better then thy selfe behight , Well falles it thee that I am not in plight This day , to wreake the dammage by thee donne : Such is thy wont , that still when any Knight Is weakned , then thou doest him ouerronne : So hast thou to thy selfe false honour often wonne . He little answer'd , but in manly heart His mightie indignation did forbeare , Which was not yet so secret , but some part Thereof did in his frouning face appeare : Like as a gloomie cloud , the which doth beare An hideous storme , is by the Northerne blast Quite ouerblowne , yet doth not passe so cleare , But that it all the skie doth ouercast With darknes dred , and threatens all the world to wast . Ah gentle knight then false Duessa sayd , Why do ye striue for Ladies loue so sore , Whose chiefe desire is loue and friendly aid Mongst gentle Knights to nourish euermore ? Ne be ye wroth Sir Scudamour therefore , That she your loue list loue another knight , Ne do your selfe dislike a whit the more ; For Loue is free , and led with selfe delight , Ne will enforced be with maisterdome or might . So false Duessa , but vile Ate thus ; Both foolish knights , I can but laugh at both , That striue and storme with stirre outrageous , For her that each of you alike doth loth , And loues another , with whom now she goth In louely wise , and sleepes , and sports , and playes ; Whilest both you here with many a cursed oth , Sweare she is yours , and stirre vp bloudie frayes , To win a willow bough , whilest other weares the bayes . Vile hag ( sayd Scudamour ) why dost thou lye ? And falsly seekst a vertuous wight to shame ? Fond knight ( sayd she ) the thing that with this eye I saw , why should I doubt to tell the same ? Then tell ( quoth Blandamour ) and feare no blame , Tell what thou saw'st , maulgre who so it heares . I saw ( quoth she ) a stranger knight , whose name I wote not well , but in his shield he beares ( That well I wote ) the heads of many broken speares . I saw him haue your Amoret at will , I saw him kisse , I saw him her embrace , I saw him sleepe with her all night his fill , All manie nights , and manie by in place , That present were to testifie the case . Which when as Scudamour did heare , his heart Was thrild with inward griefe , as when in chace The Parthian strikes a stag with shiuering dart , The beast astonisht stands in middest of his smart . So stood Sir Scudamour , when this he heard , Ne word he had to speake for great dismay , But lookt on Glauce grim , who woxe afeard Of outrage for the words , which she heard say , Albee vntrue she wist them by assay . But Blandamour , whenas he did espie His chaunge of cheere , that anguish did bewray , He woxe full blithe , as he had got thereby , And gan thereat to triumph without victorie . Lo recreant ( sayd he ) the fruitlesse end Of thy vaine boast , and spoile of loue misgotten , Whereby the name of knight-hood thou dost shend , And all true louers with dishonor blotten , All things not rooted well , will soone be rotten , Fy fy false knight ( then false Duessa cryde ) Vnworthy life that loue with guile hast gotten , Be thou , where euer thou do go or ryde , Loathed of ladies all , and of all knights defyde . But Scudamour for passing great despight Staid not to answer , scarcely did refraine , But that in all those knights and ladies sight , He for reuenge had guiltlesse Glauce slaine : But being past , he thus began amaine ; False traitour squire , false squire , of falsest knight , Why doth mine hand from thine auenge abstaine , Whose Lord hath done my loue this soule despight ? Why do I not it wreake , on thee now in my might ? Discourteous , disloyall Britomart , Vntrue to God , and vnto man vniust , What vengeance due can equall thy desart , That hast with shamefull spot of sinfull lust Defil'd the pledge committed to thy trust ? Let vgly shame and endlesse infamy Colour thy name with foule reproaches rust . Yet thou false Squire his fault shalt deare aby , And with thy punishment his penance shalt supply . The aged Dame him seeing so enraged , Was dead with feare , nathlesse as neede required , His flaming furie sought to haue assuaged With sober words , that sufferance desired , Till time the tryall of her truth expyred : And euermore sought Britomart to cleare . But he the more with furious rage was fyred , And thrise his hand to kill her did vpreare , And thrise he drew it backe : so did at last forbeare .

Cant. II. Blandamour winnes false Florimell , Paridell for her striues , They are accorded : Agape doth lengthen her sonnes liues . FIrebrand of hell first tynd in Phlegeton , By thousand furies , and from thence out throwen Into this world , to worke confusion , And set it all on fire by force vnknowen , Is wicked discord , whose small sparkes once blowen None but a God or godlike man can slake ; Such as was Orpheus , that when strife was growen Amongst those famous ympes of Greece , did take His siluer Harpe in hand , and shortly friends them make . Or such as that celestiall Psalmist was , That when the wicked feend his Lord tormented , With heauenly notes , that did all other pas , The outrage of his furious sit relented . Such Musicke is wise words with time concented , To moderate stiffe minds , disposd to striue : Such as that prudent Romane well inuented , What time his people into partes did ruie , Them reconcyld againe , and to their homes did driue . Such vs'd wise Glauce to that wrathfull knight , To calme the tempest of his troubled thought : Yet Blandamour with termes of foule despight , And Paridell her scornd , and set at nought , As old and crooked and not good for ought . Both they vnwise , and warelesse of the euill , That by themselues vnto themselues is wrought , Through that false witch , and that foule aged dreuill , The one a feend , the other an incarnate deuill . With whom as they thus rode accompanide , They were encountred of a lustie Knight , That had a goodly Ladie by his side , To whom he made great dalliance and delight . It was to weete the bold Sir Ferraugh hight , He that from Braggadocchio whilome reft The snowy Florimell , whose beautie bright Made him seeme happie for so glorious theft ; Yet was it in due triall but a wandring weft . Which when as Blandamour , whose fancie light Was alwaies flitting as the wauering wind , After each beautie , that appeard in sight , Beheld , eft soones it prickt his wanton mind With sting of lust , that reasons eye did blind , That to Sir Paridell these words he sent ; Sir knight why ride ye dumpish thus behind , Since so good fortune doth to you present So fayre a spoyle , to make you ioyous meriment ? But Paridell that had too late a tryall Of the bad issue of his counsell vaine , List not to hearke , but made this faire denyall ; Last turne was mine , well proued to my paine , This now be yours , God send you better gaine . Whose scoffed words he taking halfe in scorne , Fiercely forth prickt his steed as in disdaine , Against that Knight , ere he him well could torne By meanes whereof he hath him lightly ouerborne . Who with the sudden stroke astonisht sore , Vpon the ground a while in slomber lay ; The whiles his loue away the other bore , And shewing her , did Paridell vpbray ; Lo sluggish Knight the victors happie pray : So fortune friends the bold : whom Paridell Seeing so faire indeede , as he did say , His hart with secret enuie gan to swell , And inly grudge at him , that he had sped so well . Nathlesse proud man himselfe the other deemed , Hauing so peerelesse paragon ygot : For sure the fayrest Florimell him seemed , To him was fallen for his happie lot , Whose like aliue on earth he weened not : Therefore he her did court , did serue , did wooe , With humblest suit that he imagine mot , And all things did deuise , and all things dooe , That might her loue prepare , and liking win theretoo . She in regard thereof him recompenst With golden words , and goodly countenance , And such fond fauours sparingly dispenst : Sometimes him blessing with alight eye-glance , And coy lookes tempring with loose dalliance ; Sometimes estranging him in sterner wise , That hauing cast him in a foolish trance , He seemed brought to bed in Paradise , And prou'd himselfe most foole , in what he seem'd most wise . So great a mistresse of her art she was , And perfectly practiz'd in womans craft , That though therein himselfe he thought to pas , And by his false allurements wylie draft , Had thousand women of their loue beraft , Yet now he was surpriz'd : for that false spright , Which that same witch had in this forme engraft , Was so expert in euery subtile slight , That it could ouerreach the wisest earthly wight . Yet he to her did dayly seruice more , And dayly more deceiued was thereby ; Yet Paridell him enuied therefore , As seeming plast in sole felicity : So blind is lust , false colours to descry . But Ate soone discouering his desire , And finding now fit opportunity To stirre vp strife , twixt loue and spight and ire , Did priuily put coles vnto his secret fire . By sundry meanes thereto she prickt him forth , Now with remembrance of those spightfull speaches , Now with opinion of his owne more worth , Now with recounting of like former breaches Made in their friendship , as that Hag him teaches : And euer when his passion is allayd , She it reuiues and new occasion reaches : That on a time as they together way'd , He made him open chalenge , and thus boldly sayd . Too boastfull Blandamour , too long I beare The open wrongs , thou doest me day by day , Well know'st thou , when we friendship first did sweare , The couenant was , that euery spoyle or pray Should equally be shard betwixt vs tway : Where is my part then of this Ladie bright , Whom to thy selfe thou takest quite away ? Render therefore therein to me my right , Or answere for thy wrong , as shall fall out in fight . Exceeding wroth thereat was Blandamour , And gan this bitter answere to him make ; Too foolish Paridell , that fayrest floure Wouldst gather faine , and yet no paines wouldst take : But not so easie will I her forsake ; This hand her wonne , this hand shall her defend . With that they gan their shiuering speares to shake , And deadly points at eithers breast to bend , Forgetfull each to haue bene euer others frend . Their firie Steedes with so vntamed forse Did beare them both to fell auenges end , That both their speares with pitilesse remorse , Through shield and mayle , and haberieon did wend , And in their flesh a griesly passage rend , That with the furie of their owne affret , Each other horse and man to ground did send ; Where lying still a while , both did forget The perilous present stownd , in which their liues were set . As when two warlike Brigandines at sea , With murdrous weapons arm'd to cruell fight , Doe meete together on the watry lea , They stemme ech other with so fell despight , That with the shocke of their owne heedlesse might , Their wooden ribs are shaken nigh a sonder ; They which from shore behold the dreadfull sight Of flashing fire , and heare the ordenance thonder , Do greatly stand amaz'd at such vnwonted wonder . At length they both vpstarted in amaze ; As men awaked rashly out of dreme , And round about themselues a while did gaze , Till seeing her , that Florimell did seme , In doubt to whom she victorie should deeme , Therewith their dulled sprights they edgd a new , And drawing both their swords with rage extreme , Like two mad mastiffes each on other flew , And shields did share , & mailes did rash , and helmes did hew . So furiously each other did assayle , As if their soules they would attonce haue rent Out of their brests , that streames of bloud did rayle Adowne , as if their springs of life were spent ; That all the ground with purple bloud was sprent , And all their armours staynd with bloudie gore , Yet scarcely once to breath would they relent , So mortall was their malice and so sore , Become of fayned friendship which they vow'd afore . And that which is for Ladies most besitting , To stint all strife , and foster friendly peace , Was from those Dames so farre and so vnfitting , As that in stead of praying them surcease , They did much more their cruelty encrease ; Bidding them fight for honour of their loue , And rather die then Ladies cause release . With which vaine termes so much they did them moue , That both resolu'd the last extremities to proue . There they I weene would fight vntill this day , Had not a Squire , euen he the Squire of Dames , By great aduenture trauelled that way ; Who seeing both bent to so bloudy games , And both of old well knowing by their names , Drew nigh , to weete the cause of their debate : And first laide on those Ladies thousand blames , That did not fseke t' appease their deadly hate , But gazed on their harmes , not pittying their estate . And then those Knights he humbly did beseech , To stay their hands , till he a while had spoken : Who lookt a little vp at that his speech , Yet would not let their battell so be broken , Both greedie fiers on other to be wroken . Yet he to them so earnestly did call , And them coniur'd by some well knowen token , That they at last their wrothfull hands let fall , Content to heare him speake , and glad to rest withall . First he desir'd their cause of strife to see : They said , it was for loue of Florimell , Ah gentle knights ( quoth he ) how may that bee , And she so farre astray , as none can tell , Fond Squire , full angry then sayd Paridell , Seest not the Ladie there before thy face ? He looked backe , and her aduizing well , Weend as he said , by that her outward grace , That fayrest Florimell was present there in place . Glad man was he to see that ioyous sight , For none aliue but ioy'd in Florimell , And lowly to her lowting thus behight ; Fayrest of faire , that fairenesse doest excell , This happie day I haue to greete you well , In which you safe I see , whom thousand late , Misdoubted lost through mischiefe that befell ; Long may you liue in health and happie state , She litle answer'd him , but lightly did aggrate . Then turning to those Knights , he gan a new ; And you Sir Blandamour and Paridell , That for this Ladie present in your vew , Haue rays'd this cruell warre and outrage fell , Certes me seemes bene not aduised well , But rather ought in friendship for her sake To ioyne your force , their forces to repell , That seeke perforce her from you both to take , And of your gotten spoyle their owne triumph to make . Thereat Sir Blandamour with countenance sterne , All full of wrath , thus fiercely him bespake ; A read thou Squire , that I the man may learne , That dare fro me thinke Florimell to take . Not one ( quoth he ) but many doe partake Herein , as thus . It lately so befell , That Satyran a girdle did vptake , Well knowne to appertaine to Florimell , Which for her sake he wore , as him beseemed well . But when as she her selfe was lost and gone , Full many knights , that loued her like deare , Thereat did greatly grudge , that he alone That lost faire Ladies ornament should weare , And gan therefore close spight to him to beare : Which he to shun , and stop vile enuies sting , Hath lately caus'd to be proclaim'd each where A solemne feast , with publike turneying , To which all knights with them their Ladies are to bring . And of them all she that is fayrest found , Shall haue that golden girdle for reward , And of those Knights who is most stout on ground , Shall to that fairest Ladie be prefard . Since therefore she her selfe is now your ward , To you that ornament of hers pertaines , Against all those , that chalenge it to gard , And saue her honour with your ventrous paines ; That shall you win more glory , then ye here find gaines . When they the reason of his words had hard , They gan abate the rancour of their rage , And with their honours and their loues regard , The furious flames of malice to asswage . Tho each to other did his faith engage , Like faithfull friends thenceforth to ioyne in one With all their force , and battell strong to wage Gainst all those knights , as their professed fone , That chaleng'd ought in Florimell , saue they alone . So well accorded forth they rode together In friendly sort , that lasted but a while ; And of all old dislikes they made faire weather , Yet all was forg'd and spred with golden foyle , That vnder it hidde hate and hollow guyle . Ne certes can that friendship long endure , How euer gay and goodly be the style , That doth ill cause or euill end enure : For vertue is the band , that bindeth harts most sure . Thus as they marched all in close disguise , Of fayned loue , they chaunst to ouertake Two knights , that lincked rode in louely wise , As if they secret counsels did partake ; And each not farre behinde him had his make , To weete , two Ladies of most goodly hew , That twixt themselues did gentle purpose make , Vnmindfull both of that discordfull crew , The which with speedie pace did after them pursew . Who as they now approched nigh at hand , Deeming them doughtie as they did apeare , They sent that Squire afore , to vnderstand , What mote they be : who viewing them more neare Returned readie newes , that those same weare Two of the prowest Knights in Faery lond ; And those two Ladies their two louers deare , Couragious Cambell , and stout Triamond , With Canacee and Cambine linckt in louely bond . Whylome as antique stories tellen vs , Those two were foes the fellonest on ground , And battell made the dreddest daungerous , That euer shrilling trumpet did resound ; Though now their acts be no where to be found , As that renowmed Poet them compyled , With warlike numbers and Heroicke sound , Dan Chaucer , well of English vndefyled . On Fames eternall beadroll worthie to be fyled . But wicked Time that all good thoughts doth waste , And workes of noblest wits to nought out weare , That famous moniment hath quite defaste , And robd the world of threasure endlesse deare , The which mote haue enriched all vs heare . O cursed Eld the cankerworme of writs , How may these rimes , so rude as doth appeare , Hope to endure , sith workes of heauenly wits Are quite deuourd , and brought to nought by little bits ? Then pardon , O most sacred happie spirit , That I thy labours lost may thus reuiue , And steale from thee the meede of thy due merit , That none durst euer whilest thou wast aliue , And being dead in vaine yet many striue : Ne dare I like , but through infusion sweete Of thine owne spirit , which doth in me surviue , I follow here the footing of thy feete , That with thy meaning so I may the rather meete . Cambelloes sister was fayre Canacee , That was the learnedst Ladie in her dayes , Well seene in euerie science that mote bee , And euery secret worke of natures wayes , In wittie riddles , and in wise soothsayes , In power of herbes , and tunes of beasts and burds ; And , that augmented all her other prayse , She modest was in all her deedes and words , And wondrous chast of life , yet lou'd of Knights & Lords . Full many Lords , and many Knights her loued , Yet she to none of them her liking lent , Ne euer was with fond affection moued , But rul'd her thoughts with goodly gouernement , For dread of blame and honours blemishment ; And eke vnto her lookes a law she made , That none of them once out of order went , But like to warie Centonels well stayd , Still watcht on euery side , of secret foes affrayd . So much die more as she refusd to loue , So much the more she loued was and sought , That oftentimes vnquiet strife did moue Amongst her louers , and great quarrels wrought , That oft for her in bloudie armes they fought . Which whenas Cambell , that was stout and wise , Perceiu'd would breede great mischiefe , he bethought How to preuent the perill that mote rise , And turne both him and her to honour in this wise . One day , when all that troupe of warlike wooers Assembled were , to weet whose she should bee , All mightie men and dreadfull derring dooers , ( The harder it to make them well agree ) Amongst them all this end he did decree ; That of them all , which loue to her did make , They by consent should chose the stoutest three , That with himselfe should combat for her sake , And of them all the victour should his sister take . Bold was the chalenge , as himselfe was bold , And courage full of haughtie hardiment , Approued oft in perils manifold , Which he atchieu'd to his great ornament : But yet his sisters skill vnto him lent Most confidence and hope of happie speed , Conceiued by a ring , which she him sent , That mongst the manie vertues , which we reed , Had power to staunch al wounds , that mortally did bleed . Well was that rings great vertue knowen to all , That dread thereof , and his redoubted might Did all that youthly rout so much appall , That none of them durst vndertake the fight ; More wise they weend to make of loue delight , Then life to hazard for faire Ladies looke , And yet vncertaine by such outward sight , Though for her sake they all that perill tooke , Whether she would them loue , or in her liking brooke . Amongst those knights there were three brethren bold , Three bolder brethren neuer were yborne , Borne of one mother in one happie mold , Borne at one burden in one happie morne , Thrise happie mother , and thrise happie morne , That bore three such , three such not to be fond ; Her name was Agape whose children werne All three as one , the first hight Priamond , The second Dyamond , the youngest Triamond . Stout Priamond , but not so strong to strike , Strong Diamond , but not so stout a knight , But Triamond was stout and strong alike : On horsebacke vsed Triamond to fight , And Priamond on foote had more delight , But horse and foote knew Diamond to wield : With curtaxe vsed Diamond to smite , And Triamond to handle speare and shield , But speare and curtaxe both vsd Priamond in field . These three did loue each other dearely well , And with so firme affection were allyde , As if but one soule in them all did dwell , Which did her powre into three parts diuyde ; Like three faire branches budding farre and wide , That from one roote deriu'd their vitall sap : And like that roote that doth her life diuide , Their mother was , and had full blessed hap , These three so noble babes to bring forth at one clap . Their mother was a Fay , and had the skill Of secret things , and all the powres of nature , Which she by art could vse vnto her will , And to her seruice bind each liuing creature : Through secret vnderstanding of their feature . Thereto she was right faire , when so her face She list discouer , and of goodly stature ; But she as Fayes are wont , in priuie place Did spend her dayes , and lov'd in forests wyld to space . There on a day a noble youthly knight Seeking aduentures in the saluage wood , Did by great fortune get of her the sight ; As she sate carelesse by a cristall flood , Combing her golden lockes , as seemd her good : And vnawares vpon her laying hold , That stroue in vaine him long to haue withstood , Oppressed her , and there ( as it is told ) Got these three louely babes , that prov'd three champions bold . Which she with her long fostred in that wood , Till that to ripenesse of mans state they grew : Then shewing forth signes of their fathers blood , They loued armes , and knighthood did ensew , Seeking aduentures , where they anie knew . Which when their mother saw , she gan to dout Their safetie , least by searching daungers new , And rash prouoking perils all about , Their days mote be abridged through their corage stout Therefore desirous th' end of all their dayes To know , and them t' enlarge with long extent , By wondrous skill , and many hidden wayes , To the three fatall sisters house she went , Farre vnder ground from tract of liuing went , Downe in the bottome of the deepe Abysse , Where Demogorgon in dull darknesse pent , Farre from the view of Gods and heauens blis , The hideous Chaos keepes , their dreadfull dwelling is . There she them found , all sitting round about The direfull distaffe standing in the mid , And with vnwearied fingers drawing out The lines of life , from liuing knowledge hid . Sad Clotho held the rocke , the whiles the thrid By griesly Lachesis was spun with paine , That cruell Atropos eftsoones vndid , With cursed knife cutting the twist in twaine : Most wretched men , whose dayes depend on thrids so vaine . She them saluting , there by them sate still , Beholding how the thrids of life they span : And when at last she had beheld her fill , Trembling in heart , and looking pale and wan , Her cause of comming she to tell began . To whom fierce Atropos , Bold Fay , that durst Come see the secret of the life of man , Well worthie thou to be of Ioue accurst , And eke thy childrens thrids to be a sunder burst . Whereat she sore affrayd , yet her besought To graunt her boone , and rigour to abate , That she might see her childrens thrids forth brought , And know the measure of their vtmost date , To them ordained by eternall fate . Which Clotho graunting , shewed her the same : That when she saw , it did her much amate , To see their thrids so thin , as spiders frame , And eke so short , that seemd their ends out shortly came She then began them humbly to intreate , To draw them longer out , and better twine , That so their liues might be prolonged late . But Lachesis thereat gan to repine , And sayd , fond dame that deem'st of things diuine As of humane , that they may altred bee , And chaung'd at pleasure for those impes of thine . Not so ; for what the Fates do once decree , Not all the gods can chaunge , nor Ioue him self can free . Then since ( quoth she ) the terme of each mans life For nought may lessened nor enlarged bee , Graunt this , that when ye shred with fatall knife His line , which is the eldest of the three , Which is of them the shortest , as I see , Eftsoones his life may passe into the next ; And when the next shall likewise ended bee , That both their liues may likewise be annext Vnto the third , that his may so be trebly wext . They graunted it ; and then that carefull Fay Departed thence with full contented mynd ; And comming home , in warlike fresh aray Them found all three according to their kynd . But vnto them what destinie was assynd , , Or how their liues were eekt , she did not tell ; But euermore , when she fit time could fynd , She warned them to tend their safeties well , And loue each other deare , what euer them befell . So did they surely during all their dayes , And neuer discord did amongst them fall ; Which much augmented all their other praise . And now t' increase affection naturall , In loue of Canacee they ioyned all : Vpon which ground this same great battell grew , Great matter growing of beginning small ; The which for length I will not here pursew , But rather will reserue it for a Canto new .

Cant. III. The battell twixt three brethren with Cambell for Canacee Cambina with true friendships bond doth their long strife agree . O Why doe wretched men so much desire , To draw their dayes vnto the vtmost date , And doe not rather wish them soone expire , Knowing the miserie of their estate , And thousand perills which them still awate , Tossing them like a boate amid the mayne , That euery houre they knocke at deathes gate ? And he that happie seemes and least in payne , Yet is as nigh his end , as he that most doth playne . Therefore this Fay I hold but fond and vaine , The which in seeking for her children three Long life , thereby did more prolong their paine . Yet whilest they liued none did euersee More happie creatures , then they seem'd to bee , Nor more ennobled for their courtesie , That made them dearely lou'd of each degree ; Ne more renowmed for their cheualrie , That made them dreaded much of all men farre and nie . These three that hardie chalenge tooke in hand , For Canacee with Cambell for to fight : The day was set , that all might vnderstand , And pledges pawnd the same to keepe a right , That day , the dreddest day that liuing wight Did euer see vpon this world to shine , So soone as heauens window shewed light , These warlike Champions all in armour shine , Assembled were in field , the chalenge to define . The field with listes was all about enclos'd , To barre the prease of people farre away ; And at th' one side sixe iudges were dispos'd , To view and deeme the deedes of armes that day ; And on the other side in fresh aray , Fayre Canacee vpon a stately stage Was set , to see the fortnne of that fray , And to be seene , as his most worthie wage , That could her purchase with his liues aduentur'd gage . Then entred Cambell first into the list , With stately steps , and fearelesse countenance , As if the conquest his he surely wist . Soone after did the brethren three aduance , In braue aray and goodly amenance , With scutchins gilt and banners broad displayd : And marching thrise in warlike ordinance , Thrise lowted lowly to the noble Mayd , The whiles shril trompets & loud clarions sweetly playd . Which doen the doughty chalenger came forth , All arm'd to point his chalenge to abet : Gainst whom Sir Priamond with equall worth : And equall armes himselfe did forward set . A trompet blew ; they both together met , With dreadfull force , and furious intent , Carelesse of perill in their fiers affret , As if that life to losse they had forelent , And cared not to spare , that should be shortly spent . Right practicke was Sir Priamond in fight , And throughly skild in vse of shield and speare ; Ne lesse approued was Cambelloes might , Ne lesse his skill in weapons did appeare , That hard it was to weene which harder were . Full many mightie strokes on either side Were sent , that seemed death in them to beare , But they were both so watchfull and well eyde , That they auoyded were , and vainely by did slyde . Yet one of many was so strongly bent By Priamond , that with vnluckie glaunce Through Cambels shoulder it vnwarely went , That forced him his shield to disaduaunce , Much was he grieued with that gracelesse chaunce , Yet from the wound no drop of bloud there fell , But wondrous paine , that did the more enhaunce His haughtie courage to aduengement fell : Smart daunts not mighty harts , but makes them more to swell . With that his poynant speare he fierce auentred , With doubled force close vnderneath his shield , That through the mayles into his thigh it entred ; And there arresting , readie way did yield , For bloud to gush forth on the grassie field ; That he for paine himselfe not right vpreare , But too and fro in great amazement reel'd , Like an old Oke whose pith and sap is seare , At puffe of euery storme doth stagger here and theare . Whom so dismayd when Cambell had espide , Againe he droue at him with double might , That nought mote stay the steele , till in his side The mortall point most cruelly empight : Where fast infixed , whilest he sought by slight It forth to wrest , the staffe a sunder brake , And left the head behind : with which despight He all enrag'd , his shiuering speare did shake , And charging him a fresh thus felly him bespake . Lo faitour there thy meede vnto thee take , The meede of thy mischalenge and abet : Not for thine owne , but for thy sisters sake , Haue I thus long thy life vnto thee let : But to forbeare doth not forgiue the det . The wicked weapon heard his wrathfull vow , And passing forth with furious affret , Pierst through his beuer quite into his brow , That with the force it backward forced him to bow . Therewith a sunder in the midst it brast , And in his hand nought but the troncheon left , The other halfe behind yet sticking fast , Out of his headpeece Cambell fiercely rest , And with such furie backe at him it heft , That making way vnto his dearest life , His weasand pipe it through his gorget cleft : Thence streames of purple bloud issuing rife , Let forth his wearie ghost and made an end of strife . His wearie ghost assoyld from fleshly band , Did not as others wont , directly fly Vnto her rest in Plutoes griesly land , Ne into ayre did vanish presently , Ne chaunged was into a starre in sky : But through traduction was eftsoones deriued , Like as his mother prayd the Destinie , Into his other brethren , that suruiued , In whom he liu'd a new , of former life depriued . Whom when on ground his brother next beheld , Though sad and sorie for so heauy sight , Yet leaue vnto his sorrow did not yeeld , But rather stird to vengeance and despight , Through secret feeling of his generous spright , Rusht fiercely forth , the battell to renew , As in reuersion of his brothers right ; And chalenging the Virgin as his dew . His foe was soone addrest : the trompets freshly blew . With that they both together fiercely met , As if that each ment other to deuoure ; And with their axes both so sorely bet , That neither plate nor mayle , whereas their powre They felt , could once sustaine the hideous stowre , But riued were like rotten wood a sunder , Whilest through their rifts the ruddie bloud did showre And fire did flash , like lightning after thunder , That fild the lookers on attonce with ruth and wonder . As when two Tygers prickt with hungers rage , Haue by good fortune found some beasts fresh spoyle , On which they weene their famine to asswage , And gaine a feastfull guerdon of their toyle , Both falling out doe stirre vp strifefull broyle , And cruell battell twixt themselues doe make , Whiles neither lets the other touch the soyle , But either sdeignes with other to partake : So cruelly these Knights stroue for that Ladies sake . Full many strokes , that mortally were ment , The whiles were enterchaunged twixt them two ; Yet they were all with so good wariment Or warded , or auoyded and let goe , That still the life stood fearelesse of her foe : Till Diamond disdeigning long delay Of doubtfull fortune wauering to and fro , Resolu'd to end it one or other way ; And heau'd his murdrous axe at him with mighty sway . The dreadfull stroke in case it had arriued , Where it was ment , ( so deadly it was ment ) The soule had sure out of his bodie riued , And stinted all the strife incontinent . But Cambels fate that fortune did preuent : For seeing it at hand , he swaru'd asyde , And so gaue way vnto his fell intent : Who missing of the marke which he had eyde , Was with the force nigh feld whilst his right foot did slyde . As when a Vulture greedie of his pray , Through hunger long , that hart to him doth lend , Strikes at an Heron with all his bodies sway , That from his force seemes nought may it defend ; The warie fowle that spies him toward bend His dreadfull souse , auoydes it shunning light , And maketh him his wing in vaine to spend ; That with the weight of his owne weeldlesse might , He falleth nigh to ground , and scarse recouereth flight . Which faire aduenture when Cambello spide , Full lightly , ere himselfe he could recower , From daungers dread to ward his naked side , He can let driue at him with all his power , And with his axe him smote in euill hower , That from his shoulders quite his head he rest : The headlesse tronke , as heedlesse of that stower , Stood still a while , and his fast footing kept , Till feeling life to fayle , it fell , and deadly slept . They which that piteous spectacle beheld , Were much amaz'd the headlesse tronke to see Stand vp so long , and weapon vaine to weld , Vnweeting of the Fates diuine decree , For lifes succession in those brethren three . For notwithstanding that one soule was reft , Yet , had the bodie not dismembred bee , It would haue liued , and reuiued eft ; But finding no fit seat , the lifelesse corse it left . It left ; but that same soule , which therein dwelt , Streight entring into Triamond , him fild With double life , and griefe , which when he felt , As one whose inner parts had bene ythrild With point of steele , that close his hartbloud spild , He lightly lept out of his place of rest , And rushing forth into the emptie field , Against Cambello fiercely him addrest ; Who him affronting soone to fight was readie prest . Well mote ye wonder how that noble Knight , After he had so often wounded beene , Could stand on foot , now to renew the fight . But had ye then him forth aduauncing seene , Some newborne wight ye would him surely weene : So fresh he seemed and so fierce in sight ; Like as a Snake , whom wearie winters teene , Hath worne to nought , now feeling sommers might , Casts off his ragged skin and freshly doth him dight . All was through vertue of the ring he wore , The which not onely did not from him let One drop of bloud to fall , but did restore His weakned powers , and dulled spirits whet , Through working of the stone therein yset . Else how could one of equall might with most , Against so many no lesse mightie met , Once thinke to match three such on equall cost , Three such as able were to match a puissant host . Yet nought thereof was Triamond adredde , Ne desperate of glorious victorie , But sharpely him assayld , and sore bestedde , With heapes of strokes , which he at him let flie , As thicke as hayle forth poured from the skie : He stroke , he soust , he foynd , he hewd , he lasht , And did his yron brond so fast applie , That from the same the fierie sparkles flasht , As fast as water-sprinkles gainst a rocke are dasht . Much was Cambello daunted with his blowes , So thicke they fell , and forcibly were sent , That he was forst from daunger of the throwes Backe to retire , and somewhat to relent , Till th' heat of his fierce furie he had spent : Which when for want of breath gan to abate , He then afresh with new encouragement Did him assayle , and mightily amate , As fast as forward erst , now backward to retrate . Like as the tide that comes fro th' Ocean mayne , Flowes vp the Shenan with contrarie forse , And ouerruling him in his owne rayne , Driues backe the current of his kindly course , And makes it seeme to haue some other sourse : But when the floud is spent , then backe againe His borrowed waters forst to redisbourse , He sends the sea his owne with double gaine , And tribute eke withall , as to his Soueraine . Thus did the battell varie to and fro , With diuerse fortune doubtfull to be deemed : Now this the better had , now had his fo ; Then he halfe vanquisht , then the other seemed , Yet victors both them selues alwayes esteemed . And all the while the disentrayled blood Adowne their sides like litle riuers stremed , That with the wasting of his vitall flood , Sir Triamond at last full faint and feeble stood . But Cambell still more strong and greater grew , Ne felt his blood to wast , ne powres emperisht , Through that rings vertue , that with vigour new , Still when as he enfeebled was , him cherisht , And all his wounds , and all his bruses guarisht , Like as a withered tree through husbands toyle Is often seene full freshly to haue florisht , And fruitfull apples to haue borne awhile , As fresh as when it first was planted in the soyle . Through which aduantage , in his strength he rose , And smote the other with so wondrous might , That through die seame , which did his hauberk close , Into his throate and life it pierced quight , That downe he fell as dead in all mens sight : Yet dead he was not , yet he sure did die , As all men do , that lose the liuing spright : So did one soule out of his bodie flie Vnto her natiue home from mortall miserie . But nathelesse whilst all the lookers on Him dead behight , as he to all appeard , All vnawares he started vp anon , As one that had out of a dreame bene reard , And fresh assayld his foe , who halfe affeard Of th' vncouth sight , as he some ghost had seene , Stood still amaz'd , holding his idle sweard ; Till hauing often by him stricken beene , He forced was to strike , and saue him selfe from teene . Yet from thenceforth more warily he fought , As one in feare the Stygian gods t' offend , Ne followd on so fast , but rather sought Him selfe to saue , and daunger to defend , Then life and labour both in vaine to spend . Which Triamond perceiuing , weened sure He gan to faint , toward the battels end , And that he should not long on foote endure , A signe which did to him the victorie assure . Whereof full blith , eftsoones his mightie hand He heav'd on high , in mind with that same blow To make an end of all that did withstand : Which Cambell seeing come , was nothing slow Him selfe to saue from that so deadly throw ; And at that instant reaching forth his sweard Close vnderneath his shield , that scarce did show , Stroke him , as he his hand to strike vpreard , In th' arm-pit full , that through both sides the wound appeard . Yet still that direfull stroke kept on his way , And falling heauie on Cambelloes crest , Strooke him so hugely , that in swowne he lay , And in his head an hideous wound imprest : And sure had it not happily found rest Vpon the brim of his brode plated shield , It would haue cleft his braine downe to his brest . So both at once fell dead vpon the field , And each to other seemd the victorie to yield . Which when as all the lookers on beheld , They weened sure the warre was at an end , And Iudges rose , and Marshals of the field Broke vp the listes , their armes away to rend ; And Canacee gan wayle her dearest frend . All suddenly they both vpstarted light , The one out of the swownd , which him did blend , The other breathing now another spright , And fiercely each assayling , gan afresh to fight . Long while they then continued in that wize , As if but then the battell had begonne : Strokes , wounds , wards , weapons , all they did despise , Ne either car'd to ward , or perill shonne , Desirous both to haue the battell donne ; Ne either cared life to saue or spill , Ne which of them did winne , ne which were wonne . So wearie both of fighting had their fill , That life it selfe seemd loathsome , and long safetie ill . Whilst thus the case in doubtfull ballance hong , Vnsure to whether side it would incline , And all mens eyes and hearts , which there among Stood gazing , filled were with rufull tine , And secret feare , to see their fatall fine , All suddenly they heard a troublous noyes , That seemd some perilous tumult to desine , Confusd with womens cries , and shouts of boyes , Such as the troubled Theaters oftimes annoyes . Thereat the Champions both stood still a space , To weeten what that sudden clamour ment ; Lo where they spyde with speedie whirling pace , One in a charet of straunge furniment , Towards them driuing like a storme out sent . The charet decked was in wondrous wize , With gold and many a gorgeous ornament , After the Persian Monarks antique guize , Such as the maker selfe could best by art deuize . And drawne it was ( that wonder is to tell ) Of two grim lyons , taken from the wood , In which their powre all others did excell ; Now made forget their former cruell mood , T' obey their riders hest , as seemed good . And therein sate a Ladie passing faire And bright , that seemed borne of Angels brood , And with her beautie bountie did compare , Whether of them in her should haue the greater share . Thereto she learned was in Magicke leare , And all the artes , that subtill wits discouer , Hauing therein bene trained many a yeare , And well instructed by the Fay her mother , That in the same she farre exceld all other . Who vnderstanding by her mightie art , Of th' euill plight , in which her dearest brother Now stood , came forth in hast to take his part , And pacifie the strife , which causd so deadly smart . And as she passed through th' vnruly preace Of people , thronging thicke her to behold , Her angrie teame breaking their bonds of peace , Great heapes of them , like sheepe in narrow fold , For hast did ouer-runne , in dust enrould , That thorough rude confusion of the rout , Some fearing shriekt , some being harmed hould , Some laught for sport , some did for wonder shout , And some that would seeme wise , their wonder turnd to dout . In her right hand a rod of peace shee bore , About the which two Serpents weren wound , Entrayled mutually in louely lore , And by the tailes together firmely bound , And both were with one oliue garland crownd , Like to the rod which Maias sonne doth wield , Wherewith the hellishfiends he doth confound . And in her other hand a cup she hild , The which was with Nepenthe to the brim vpfild . Nepenthe is a drinck of souerayne grace , Deuized by the Gods , for to asswage Harts grief , and bitter gall away to chace , Which stirs vp anguish and contentious rage : In stead thereof sweet peace and quiet age It doth establish in the troubled mynd . Few men , but such as sober are and sage , Are by the Gods to drinck thereof assynd ; But such as drinck , eternall happinesse do fynd . Such famous men , such worthies of the earth , As loue will haue aduaunced to the skie , And there made gods , though borne of mortall berth , For their high merits and great dignitie , Are wont , before they may to heauen flie , To drincke hereof , whereby all cares forepast Are washt away quite from their memorie . So did those olde Heroes hereof taste , Before that they in blisse amongst the Gods were plaste . Much more of price and of more gratious powre Is this , then that same water of Ardenne , The which Rinaldo drunck in happie howre , Described by that famous Tuscane penne : With whom he ledd a long and happie life ; And Cambel tooke Cambina to his fere , The which as life were each to other liefe . So all alike did loue , and loued were , That since their days such louers were not found elswere .

Cant. IIII. Satyrane makes a Turneyment For loue of Florimell : Britomart winnes the prize from all , And Artegall doth quell . IT often fals , ( as here it earst befell ) That mortall foes doe turne to faithfull frends , And friends profest are chaungd to foemen fell : The cause of both , of both their minds depends . And th' end of both likewise of both their ends . For enmitie , that of no ill proceeds , But of occasion , with th' occasion ends ; And friendship , which a faint affection breeds Without regard of good , dyes like ill grounded seeds . That well ( me seemes ) appeares , by that oflate Twixt Camhell and Sir Triamond befell , As els by this , that now a new debate Stird vp twixt Scudamour and Paridell , The which by course befals me here to tell : Who hauing those two other Knights espide Marching afore , as ye remember well , Sent forth their Squire to haue them both descride , And eke those masked Ladies riding them beside . Who backe returning , told as he had seene , That they were doughtie knights of dreaded name ; And those two Ladies , their two loues vnseene ; And therefore wisht them without blot or blame , To let them passe at will , for dread of shame . But Blandamour full of vainglorious spright , And rather stird by his discordfull Dame , Vpon them gladly would haue prov'd his might , But that he yet was sore of his late lucklesse fight . Yet nigh approching , he them fowle bespake , Disgracing them , him selfe thereby to grace , As was his wont , so weening way to make To Ladies loue , where so he came in place , And with lewd termes their louers to deface . Whose sharpe prouokement them incenst so sore , That both were bent t' auenge his vsage base , And gan their shields addresse them selues afore : For euill deedes may better then bad words be bore . But faire Cambina with perswasions myld , Did mitigate the fiercenesse of their mode , That for the present they were reconcyld , And gan to treate of deeds of armes abrode , And strange aduentures , all the way they rode : Amongst the which they told , as then befell , Of that great turney , which was blazed brode , For that rich girdle of faire Florimell , The prize of her , which did in beautie most excell . To which folke-mote they all with one consent , Sith each of them his Ladie had him by , Whose beautie each of them thought excellent , Agreed to trauell , and their fortunes try . So as they passed forth , they did espy One in bright armes , with ready speare in rest , That toward them his course seem'd to apply , Gainst whom Sir Paridell himselfe addrest , Him weening , ere he nigh approcht to haue represt . Which th' other seeing , gan his course relent , And vaunted speare eftsoones to disaduaunce , As if he naught but peace and pleasure ment , Now falne into their fellowship by chance , Whereat they shewed curteous countenaunce . So as he rode with them accompanide , His rouing eie did on the Lady glaunce , Which Blandamour had riding by his side : Whom sure he weend , that he some wher tofore had eide . It was to weete that snowy Florimell , Which Ferrat late from Braggadochio wonne , Whom he now seeing , her remembred well , How hauing reft her from the witches sonne , He soone her lost : wherefore he now begunne To challenge her anew , as his owne prize , Whom formerly he had in battell wonne , And proffer made by force her to reprize , Which scornefull offer , Blandamour gan soone despize . And said , Sir Knight , sith ye this Lady clame , Whom he that hath , were loth to lose so light , ( For so to lose a Lady , were great shame ) Yee shall her winne , as I haue done in fight : And lo shee shall be placed here in sight . Together with this Hag beside her set , That who so winnes her , may her haue by right : But he shall haue the Hag that is ybet , And with her alwaies ride , till he another get . That offer pleased all the company , So Florimell with Ate forth was brought , At which they all gan laugh full merrily : But Braggadochio said , he neuer thought For such an Hag , that seemed worst then nought , His person to emperill so in fight . But if to match that Lady they had sought Another like , that were like faire and bright , His life he then would spend to iustifie his right . At which his vaine excuse they all gan smile , As scorning his vnmanly cowardize : And Florimell him fowly gan reuile , That for her sake refus'd to enterprize The battell , offred in so knightly wize . And Ate eke prouokt him priuily , With loue of her , and shame of such mesprize . But naught he car'd for friend or enemy , For in base mind nor friendship dwels nor enmity . But Cambell thus did shut vp all in iest , Braue Knights and Ladies , certes ye doe wrong To stirre vp strife , when most vs needeth rest , That we may vs reserue both fresh and strong , Against the Turneiment which is not long . When who so list to fight , may fight his fill , Till then your challenges ye may prolong ; And then it shall be tried , if ye will , Whether shall haue the Hag , or hold the Lady still . They all agreed , so turning all to game , And pleasaunt bord , they past forth on their way , And all that while , where so they rode or came , That masked Mock-knight was their sport and play . Till that at length vpon th' appointed day , Vnto the place of turneyment they came ; Where they before them found in fresh aray Manie a braue knight , and manie a daintie dame Assembled , for to get the honour of that game . There this faire crewe arriuing , did diuide Them selues asunder : Blandamour with those Of his , on th' one ; the rest on th' other side . But boastfull Braggadocchio rather chose , For glorie vaine their fellowship to lose , That men on him the more might gaze alone . The rest them selues in troupes did else dispose , Like as it seemed best to euery one ; The knights in couples marcht , with ladies linckt attone . Then first of all forth came Sir Satyrane , Bearing that precious relicke in an arke Of gold , that bad eyes might it not prophane : Which drawing softly forth out of the darke , He open shewd , that all men it mote marke . A gorgeous girdle , curiously embost With pearle & precious stone , worth many a marke ; Yet did the workmanship farre passe the cost : It was the same , which lately Florimel had lost . That same aloft he hong in open vew , To be the prize of beautie and of might ; The which eftsoones discouered , to it drew The eyes of all , allur'd with close delight , And hearts quite robbed with so glorious sight , That all men threw out vowes and wishes vaine . Thrise happie Ladie , and thrise happie knight , Them seemd that could so goodly riches gaine , So worthie of the perill , worthy of the paine . Then tooke the bold Sir Satyrane in hand An huge great speare , such as he wont to wield , And vauncing forth from all the other band Of knights , addrest his maiden-headed shield , Shewing him selfe all ready for the field . Gainst whom there singled from the other side A Painim knight , that well in armes was skild , And had in many a battell oft bene tride , Hight Bruncheual the bold , who fiersly forth did ride . So furiously they both together met , That neither could the others force sustaine ; As two fierce Buls , that striue the rule to get Of all the heard , meete with so hideous maine , That both rebutted , tumble on the plaine : So these two champions to the ground were feld , Where in a maze they both did long remaine , And in their hands their idle troncheons held , Which neither able were to wag , or once to weld . Which when the noble Ferramont espide , He pricked forth in ayd of Satyran ; And him against Sir Blandamour did ride With all the strength and stifnesse that he can . But the more strong and stiffely that he ran , So much more sorely to the ground he fell , That on an heape were tumbled horse and man . Vnto whose rescue forth rode Paridell ; But him likewise with that same speare he eke did quell . Which Braggadocchio seeing , had no will To hasten greatly to his parties ayd , Albee his turne were next ; but stood there still , As one that seemed doubtfull or dismayd . But Triamond halfe wroth to see him staid , Sternly stept forth , and raught away his speare , With which so sore he Ferramont assaid , That horse and man to ground he quite did beare , That neither could in hast themselues againe vpreare . Which to auenge , Sir Deuon him did dight , But with no better fortune then the rest : For him likewise he quickly downe did smight , And after him Sir Douglas him addrest , And after him Sir Faliumord forth prest , But none of them against his strokes could stand , But all the more , the more his praise increst . For either they were left vppon the land , Or went away sore wounded of his haplesse hand . And now by this , Sir Satyrane abraid , Out of the swowne , in which too long he lay ; And looking round about , like one dismaid , When as he saw the mercilesse affray . Which doughty Triamond had wrought that day , Vnto the noble Knights of Maidenhead . His mighty heart did almost rend in tway , For very gall , that rather wholly dead Himselfe he wisht haue beene , then in so bad a stead . Eftsoones he gan to gather vp around His weapons , which lay scattered all abrode , And as it fell , his steed he ready found . On whom remounting , fiercely forth he rode , Like sparke of fire that from the anduile glode . There where he saw the valiant Triamond Chasing , and laying on them heauy lode . That none his force were able to withstond , So dreadfull were his strokes , so deadly was his hond . With that at him his brauelike speare he aimed , And thereto all his power and might applide : The wicked steele for mischiefe first ordained , And hauing now misfortune got for guide . Staid not , till it arriued in his side . And therein made a very griesly wound , That streames of bloud his armour all bedide . Much was he daunted with that direfull stound , That scarse he him vpheld from falling in a sound . Yet as he might , himselfe he soft withdrew Out of the field , that none perceiu'd it plaine , Then gan the part of Chalengers anew To range the field , and victorlike to raine , That none against them battell durst maintaine . By that the gloomy euening on them fell , That forced them from fighting to refraine , And trumpets sound to cease did them compell , So Satyrane that day was iudg'd to beare the bell . The morrow next the Turney gan anew , And with the first the hardy Satyrane Appear'd in place , with all his noble crew , On th' other side , full many a warlike swaine , Assembled were , that glorious prize to gaine . But mongst them all , was not Sir Triamond , Vnable he new battell to darraine , Through grieuaunce of his late receiued wound , That doubly did him grieue , when so himselfe he found . Which Cambell seeing , though he could not salue , Ne done vndoe , yet for to salue his name , And purchase honour in his friends behalue . This goodly counterfesaunce he did frame . The shield and armes well knowne to be the same , Which Triamond had worne , vnwares to wight , And to his friend vnwist , for doubt of blame , If he misdid ; he on himselfe did dight , That none could him discerne , and so went forth to fight There Satyrane Lord of the field he found , Triumphing in great ioy and iolity ; Gainst whom none able was to stand on ground ; That much he gan his glorie to enuy , And cast t' auenge his friends indignity . A mightie speare eftsoones at him he bent ; Who seeing him come on so furiously , Met him mid-way with equall hardiment , That forcibly to ground they both together went . They vp againe them selues can lightly reare , And to their tryed swords them selues betake ; With which they wrought such wondrous maruels there , That all the rest it did amazed make , Ne any dar'd their perill to partake ; Now cuffling close , now chacing to and fro , Now hurtling round aduantage for to take : As two wild Boares together grapling go , Chaufing and foming choler each against his fo. So as they courst , and turneyd here and theare , It chaunst Sir Satyrane his steed at last , Whether through foundring or through sodein feare To stumble , that his rider nigh he cast ; Which vauntage Cambell did pursue so fast , That ere him selfe he had recouered well , So sore he sowst him on the compast creast , That forced him to leaue his loftie sell , And rudely tumbling downe vnder his horse feete fell . Lightly Cambello leapt downe from his steed , For to haue rent his shield and armes away , That whylome wont to be the victors meed ; When all vnwares he felt an hideous sway Of many swords , that lode on him did lay . An hundred knights had him enclosed round , To rescue Satyrane out of his pray ; All which at once huge strokes on him did pound , In hope to take him prisoner , where he stood on ground . He with their multitude was nought dismayd , But with stout courage turnd vpon them all , And with his brondiron round about him layd ; Of which he dealt large almes , as did befall : Like as a Lion that by chaunce doth fall Into the hunters toile , doth rage and rore , In royall heart disdaining to be thrall . But all in vaine : for what might one do more ? They haue him taken captiue , though it grieue him sore . Whereof when newes to Triamond was brought , There as he lay , his wound he soone forgot , And starting vp , streight for his armour sought : In vaine he sought ; for there he found it not ; Cambello it away before had got : Cambelloes armes therefore he on him threw , And lightly issewd forth to take his lot . There he in troupe found all that warlike crew , Leading his friend away , full sorie to his vew . Into the thickest of that knightly preasse He thrust , and smote downe all that was betweene , Caried with feruent zeale , ne did he ceasse , Till that he came , where he had Cambell seene , Like captiue thral two other Knights atweene , There he amongst them cruell hauocke makes . That they which lead him , soone enforced beene To let him loose , to saue their proper stakes , Who being freed , from one a weapon fiercely takes . With that he driues at them with dreadfull might , Both in remembrance of his friends late harme , And in reuengement of his owne despight , So both together giue a new allarme , As if but now the battell wexed warme . As when two greedy Wolues doe breake by force Into an heard , farre from the husband farme , They spoile and rauine without all remorse , So did these two through all the field their foes enforce . Fiercely they followd on their bolde emprize , Till trumpets sound did warne them all to rest ; Then all with one consent did yeeld the prize To Triamond and Cambell as the best . But Triamond to Cambell it relest . And Cambell it to Triamond transferd ; Each labouring t' aduance the others gest , And make his praise before his owne preferd : So that the doome was to another day differd . The last day came , when all those knightes againe Assembled were their deedes of armes to shew . Full many deedes that day were shewed plaine : But Satyrane boue all the other crew , His wondrous worth declared in all mens view . For from the first he to the last endured , And though some while Fortune from him withdrew , Yet euermore his honour he recured , And with vnwearied powre his party still assured . Ne was there Knight that euer thought of armes , But that his vtmost prowesse there made knowen , That by their many wounds , and carelesse harmes , By shiuered speares , and swords all vnder strowen , By scattered shields was easie to be showen . There might ye see loose steeds at randon ronne , Whose luckelesse riders late were ouerthrowen ; And squiers make hast to helpe their Lords fordonne , But still the Knights of Maidenhead the better wonne . Till that there entred on the other side , A straunger knight , from whence no man could reed , In quyent disguise , full hard to be descride . For all his armour was like saluage weed , With woody mosse bedight , and all his steed With oaken leaues attrapt , that seemed fit For saluage wight , and thereto well agreed His word , which on his ragged shield was writ , Saluagesse sans finesse , shewing secret wit . He at his first incomming , charg'd his spere At him , that first appeared in his sight : That was to weet , the stout Sir Sangliere , Who well was knowen to be a valiant Knight , Approued oft in many a perlous fight . Him at the first encounter downe he smote , And ouerbore beyond his crouper quight , And after him another Knight , that hote Sir Brianor , so sore , that none him life behote . Then ere his hand he reard , he ouerthrew Seuen Knights one after other as they came : And when his speare was brust , his sword he drew , The instrument of wrath , and with the same Far'd like a lyon in his bloodie game , Hewing , and slashing shields , and helmets bright , And beating downe , what euer nigh him came , That euery one gan shun his dreadfull sight , No lesse then death it selfe , in daungerous affright . Much wondred all men , what , or whence he came , That did amongst the troupes so tyrannize ; And each of other gan inquire his name . But when they could not learne it by no wize , Most answerable to his wyld disguize It seemed , him to terme the saluage knight . But certes his right name was otherwize , Though knowne to few , that Arthegall he hight , The doughtiest knight that liv'd that day , and most of might . Thus was Sir Satyrane with all his band By his fole manhood and atchieuement stout Dismayd , that none of them in field durst stand , But beaten were , and chased all about . So he continued all that day throughout , Till euening , that the Sunne gan downward bend . Then rushed forth out of the thickest rout A stranger knight , that did his glorie shend : So nought maybe esteemed happie till the end . He at his entrance charg'd his powrefull speare At Artegall , in middest of his pryde , And therewith smote him on his Vmbriere So sore , that tombling backe , he downe did slyde Ouer his horses taile aboue a stryde ; Whence litle lust he had to rise againe . Which Cambell seeing , much the same enuyde , And ran at him with all his might and maine ; But shortly was likewise seene lying on the plaine . Whereat full inly wroth was Triamond , And cast t'euenge the shame doen to his freend : But by his friend himselfe eke soone he fond , In no lesse neede of helpe , then him he weend . All which when Blandamour from end to end Beheld , he woxe therewith displeased sore , And thought in mind it shortly to amend : His speare he feutred , and at him it bore ; But with no better fortune , then the rest afore . Full many others at him likewise ran : But all of them likewise dismounted were , Ne certes wonder ; for no powre of man Could bide the force of that enchaunted speare , The which this famous Britomart did beare ; With which she wondrous deeds of arms atchieued , And ouerthrew , what euer came her neare , That all those stranger knights full sore agrieued , And that late weaker band of chalengers relieued . Like as in sommers day when raging heat Doth burne the earth , and boyled riuers drie , That all brute beasts forst to refraine fro meat , Doe hunt for shade , where shrowded they may lie , And missing it , faine from themselues to flie ; All trauellers tormented are with paine : A watry cloud doth ouercast the skie , And poureth forth a sudden shoure of raine , That all the wretched world recomforteth againe . So did the warlike Britomart restore The prize , to knights of Maydenhead that day , Which else was like to haue bene lost , and bore The prayse of prowesse from them all away . Then shrilling trompets loudly gan to bray , And bad them leaue their labours and long toyle , To ioyous feast and other gentle play , Where beauties prize shold win that pretious spoyle : Where I with sound of trompe will also rest a whyle .

Cant. V. The Ladies for the girdle siriue of famous Florimell : Scudumour comming to Cares house , doth sleepe from him expell . IT hath bene through all ages euer seene , That with the praise of armes and cheualrie , The prize of beautie still hath ioyned beene ; And that for reasons speciall priuitie : For either doth on other much relie . For he me seemes most fit the faire to serue , That can her best defend from villenie ; And she most fit his seruice doth deserue , That fairest is and from her faith will neuer swerue . So fitly now here commeth next in place , After the proofe of prowesse ended well , The controuerse of beauties soueraine grace ; In which to her that doth the most excell , Shall fall the girdle of faire Florimell : That many wish to win for glorie vaine , And not for vertuous vse , which some doe tell That glorious belt did in it selfe containe , Which Ladies ought to loue , and seeke for to obtaine . That girdle gaue the vertue of chast loue , And wiuehood true , to all that did it beare ; But whosoeuer contrarie doth proue , Might not the same about her middle weare , But it would loose , or else a sunder teare . Whilome it was ( as Faeries wont report ) Dame Venus girdle , by her steemed deare , What time she vsd to liue in wiuely sort ; But layd aside , when so she vsd her looser sport . Her husband Vulcan whylome for her sake , When first he loued her with heart entire , This pretious ornament they say did make , And wrought in Lemno with vnquenched fire : And afterwards did for her loues first hire , Giue it to her , for euer to remaine , Therewith to bind lasciuious desire , And loose affections streightly to restraine ; Which vertue it for euer after did retaine . The same one day , when she her selfe disposd To visite her beloued Paramoure , The God of warre , she from her middle loosd , And left behind her in her secret bowre , On Aridalian mount , where many an howre She with the pleasant Graces wont to play . There Florimell in her first ages flowre Was fostered by those Graces , ( as they say ) And brought with her from thence that goodly belt away . That goodly belt was Cestas hight by name , And as her life by her esteemed deare . No wonder then , if that to winne the same So many Ladies sought , as shall appeare ; For pearelesse she was thought , that did it beare . And now by this their feast all being ended , The iudges which thereto selected were , Into the Martian field adowne descended , To deeme this doutfull case , for which they all contended . But first was question made , which of those Knights That lately turneyd , had the wager wonne : There was it iudged by those worthie wights , That Satyrane the first day best had donne : For he last ended , hauing first begonne . The second was to Triamond behight , For that he sau'd the victour from fordonne : For Cambell victour was in all mens sight , Till by mishap he in his foemens hand did light . The third dayes prize vnto that straunger Knight , Whom all men term'd Knight of the Hebene speare , To Britomart was giuen by good right ; For that with puissant stroke she downe did beare The Saluage Knight , that victour was whileare , And all the rest , which had the best afore , And to the last vnconquer'd did appeare ; For last is deemed best . To her therefore The fayrest Ladie was adiudgd for Paramore . But thereat greatly grudged Arthegall , And much repynd , that both of victors meede , And eke of honour she did him forestall . Yet mote he not withstand , what was decreede ; But inly thought of that despightfull deede Fit time t'awaite auenged for to bee . This being ended thus , and all agreed , Then next ensew'd the Paragon to see Of beauties praise , and yeeld the fayrest her due fee. Then first Cambello brought vnto their view His faire Cambina , couered with a veale ; Which being once withdrawne , most perfect hew And passing beautie did eftsoones reueale , That able was weake harts away to steale . Next did Sir Triamond vnto their sight The face of his deare Canacee vnheale ; Whose beauties beame eftsoones did shine so bright , That daz'd the eyes of all , as with exceeding light . And after her did Paridell produce His false Duessa , that she might be seene , Who with her forged beautie did seduce The hearts of some , that fairest her did weene ; As diuerse wits affected diuers beene . Then did Sir Ferramont vnto them shew His Lucida , that was full faire and sheene , And after these an hundred Ladies moe Appear'd in place , the which each other did outgoe . All which who so dare thinke for to enchace , Him needeth sure a golden pen I weene , To tell the feature of each goodly face . For since the day that they created beene , So many heauenly faces were not seene Assembled in one place : ne he that thought For Chian folke to pourtraict beauties Queene , By view of all the fairest to him brought , So many faire did see , as here he might haue sought . At last the most redoubted Britonesse , Her louely Amoret did open shew ; Whose face discouered , plainely did expresse The heauenly pourtraict of bright Angels hew . Well weened all , which her that time did vew , That she should surely beare the bell away , Till Blandamour , who thought he had the trew And very Florimell , did her display : The sight of whom once seene did all the rest dismay . For all afore that seemed fayre and bright , Now base and contemptible did appeare , Compar'd to her , that shone as Phebes light , Amongst the lesser starres in euening cleare . All that her saw with wonder rauisht weare , And weend no mortall creature she should bee , But some celestiall shape , that flesh did beare : Yet all were glad there Florimell to see ; Yet thought that Florimell was not so faire as shee . As guilefull Goldsmith that by secret skill , With golden foyle doth finely ouer spred Some baser metall , which commend he will Vnto the vulgar for good gold insted , He much more goodly glosse thereon doth shed , To hide his falshood , then if it were trew : So hard , this Idole was to be ared , That Florimell her selfe in all mens vew She seem'd to passe : so forged things do fairest shew . Then was that golden belt by doome of all Graunted to her , as to the fayrest Dame . Which being brought , about her middle small They thought to gird , as best it her became ; But by no meanes they could it thereto frame . For euer as they fastned it , it loos'd And fell away , as feeling secret blame . Full oft about her wast she it enclos'd ; And it as oft was from about her wast disclos'd . That all men wondred at the vncouth sight , And each one thought , as to their fancies came . But she her selfe did thinke it doen for spight , And touched was with secret wrath and shame Therewith , as thing deuiz'd her to defame . Then many other Ladies likewise tride , About their tender loynes to knit the same ; But it would not on none of them abide , But when they thought it fast , eftsoones it was vntide . Which when that scornefull Squire of Dames did vew , He lowdly gan to laugh , and thus to iest ; Alas for pittie that so faire a crew , As like can not be seene from East to West , Cannot find one this girdle to inuest . Fie on the man , that did it first inuent , To shame vs all with this , Vngirt vnblest . Let neuer Ladie to his loue assent , That hath this day so many so vnmanly shent . Thereat all Knights gan laugh , and Ladies lowre : Till that at last the gentle Amoret Likewise assayd , to proue that girdles powre ; And hauing it about her middle set , Did find it fit , withouten breach or let . Whereat the rest gan greatly to enuie : But Florimell exceedingly did fret , And snatching from her hand halfe angrily The belt againe , about her bodie gan it tie . Yet nathemore would it her bodie fit ; Yet nathelesse to her , as her dew right , It yeelded was by them , that iudged it : And she her selfe adiudged to the Knight , That bore the Hebene speare , as wonne in fight . But Britomart would not thereto assent , Ne her owne Amoret forgoe so light For that strange Dame , whose beauties wonderment She lesse esteem'd , then th' others vertuous gouernment . Whom when the rest did see her to refuse , They were full glad , in hope themselues to get her : Yet at her choice they all did greatly muse . But after that the Iudges did arret her Vnto the second best , that lou'd her better ; That was the Saluage Knight : but he was gone In great displeasure , that he could not get her . Then was she iudged Triamond his one ; But Triamond lou'd Canacee , and other none . Tho vnto Satyran she was adiudged , Who was right glad to gaine so goodly meed : But Blandamour thereat full greatly grudged , And litle prays'd his labours euill speed , That for to winne the saddle , lost the steed . Ne lesse thereat did Paridell complaine , And thought t' appeale from that , which was decreed , To single combat with Sir Satyrane . Thereto him Ate stird , new discord to maintaine . And eke with these , full many other Knights She through her wicked working did incense , Her to demaund , and chalenge as their rights , Deserued for their perils recompense . Amongst the rest with boastfull vaine pretense Stept Braggadochio forth , and as his thrall Her claym'd , by him in battell wonne long sens : Whereto her selfe he did to witnesse call ; Who being askt , accordingly confessed all . Thereat exceeding wroth was Satyran ; And wroth with Satyran was Blandamour ; And wroth with Blandamour was Eriuan ; And at them both Sir Paridell did loure . So all together stird vp strifull stoure , And readie were new battell to darraine . Each one profest to be her paramoure , And vow'd with speare and shield it to maintaine ; Ne Iudges powre , ne reasons rule mote them restraine . Which troublous stirre when Satyrane auiz'd : He gan to cast how to appease the same , And to accord them all , this meanes deuiz'd : First in the midst to set that fayrest Dame , To whom each once his chalenge should disclame , And he himselfe his right would eke releasse : Then looke to whom she voluntarie came , He should without disturbance her possesse : Sweete is the loue that comes alone with willingnesse . They all agreed , and then that snowy Mayd Was in the middest plast among them all ; All on her gazing wisht , and vowd , and prayd , And to the Queene of beautie close did call , That she vnto their portion might befall . Then when she long had lookt vpon each one , As though she wished to haue pleasd them all , At last to Braggadochio selfe alone She came of her accord , in spight of all his fone . Which when they all beheld they chaft and rag'd , And woxe nigh mad for very harts despight , That from reuenge their willes they scarse asswag'd : Some thought from him her to haue reft by might ; Some proffer made with him for her to fight . But he nought car'd for all that they could say : For he their words as wind esteemed light . Yet not fit place he thought it there to stay , But secretly from thence that night her bore away . They which remaynd , so soone as they perceiu'd , That she was gone , departed thence with speed , And follow'd them , in mind her to haue reau'd From wight vnworthie of so noble meed . In which poursuit how each one did succeede , Shall else be told in order , as it fell . But now of Britomart it here doth neede , The hard aduentures and strange haps to tell ; Since with the rest she went not after Florimell . For soone as she them saw to discord set , Her list no longer in that place abide ; But taking with her louely Amoret , Vpon her first aduenture forth did ride , To seeke her lou'd , making blind loue her guide . Vnluckie Mayd to seeke her enemie , Vnluckie Mayd to seeke him farre and wide , Whom , when he was vnto her selfe most nie , She through his late disguizement could him not descrie . So much the more her griefe , the more her toyle : Yet neither toyle nor griefe she once did spare , In seeking him , that should her paine assoyle ; Whereto great comfort in her sad misfare Was Amoret , companion of her care : Who likewise sought her louer long miswent , The gentle Scudamour , whose hart whileare That stryfull hag with gealous discontent Had fild , that he to fell reueng was fully bent . Bent to reuenge on blamelesse Britomart The crime , which cursed Ate kindled earst , The which like thornes did pricke her gealous hart , And through his soule like poysned arrow perst , That by no reason it might be reuerst , For ought that Glauce could or doe or say . For aye the more that she the same reherst , The more it gauld , and grieu'd him night and day , That nought but dire reuenge his anger mote defray . So as they trauelled , the drouping night Couered with cloudie storme and bitter showre , That dreadfull seem'd to euery liuing wight , Vpon them fell , before her timely howre ; That forced them to seeke some couert bowre , Where they might hide their heads in quiet rest , And shrowd their persons from that stormie stowre . Not farre away , not meete for any guest They spide a little cottage , like some poore mans nest . Vnder a steepe hilles side it placed was , There where the mouldred earth had cav'd the banke ; And fast beside a little brooke did pas Of muddie water , that like puddle stanke , By which few crooked sallowes grew in ranke : Whereto approaching nigh , they heard the sound Of many yron hammers beating ranke , And answering their wearie turnes around , That seemed some blacksmith dwelt in that desert ground . There entring in , they found the goodman selfe Full busily vnto his worke ybent ; Who was to weet a wretched wearish elfe , With hollow eyes and rawbone cheekes forspent , As if he had in prison long bene pent : Full blacke and griesly did his face appeare , Besmeard with smoke that nigh his eye-sight blent ; With rugged beard , and hoarie shagged heare , The which he neuer wont to combe , or comely sheare . Rude was his garment , and to rags all rent , Ne better had he , ne for better cared : With blistred hands emongst the cinders brent , And fingers filthie , with long nayles vnpared , Right fit to rend the food , on which he fared . His name was Care ; a blacksmith by his trade , That neither day nor night , from working spared , But to small purpose yron wedges made ; Those be vnquiet thoughts , that carefull minds inuade . In which his worke he had sixe seruants prest , About the Andvile standing euermore , With huge great hammers , that did neuer rest From heaping stroakes , which thereon soused sore : All sixe strong groomes , but one then other more ; For by degrees they all were disagreed ; So likewise did the hammers which they bore , Like belles in greatnesse orderly succeed , That he which was the last , the first did farre exceede . He like a monstrous Gyant seem'd in sight , Farre passing Bronteus , or Pynacmon great , The which in Lipari doe day and night Frame thunderbolts for Ioues auengefull threate . So dreadfully he did the anduile beat , That seem'd to dust he shortly would it driue : So huge his ham mer and so fierce his heat , That seem'd a rocke of Diamond it could riue , And rend a sunder quite , if he thereto list striue . Sit Scudamour there entring , much admired The manner of their worke and wearie paine ; And hauing long beheld , at last enquired The cause and end thereof : but all in vaine ; For they for nought would from their worke refraine , Ne let his speeches come vnto their eare . And eke the breathfull bellowes blew amaine , Like to the Northren winde , that none could heare , Those Pensifenesse did moue ; & Sighes the bellows weare . Which when that warriour saw , he said no more , But in his armour layd him downe to rest : To rest he layd him downe vpon the flore , ( Whylome for ventrous Knights the bedding best ) And thought his wearie limbs to haue redrest . And that old aged Dame , his faithfull Squire , Her feeble ioynts layd eke a downe to rest ; That needed much her weake age to desire , After so long a trauell , which them both did tire . There lay Sir Scudamour long while expecting , When gentle sleepe his heauie eyes would close ; Oft chaunging sides , and oft new place electing , Where better seem'd he mote himselfe repose ; And oft in wrath he thence againe vprose ; And oft in wrath he layd him downe againe . But wheresoeuer he did himselfe dispose , He by no meanes could wished ease obtaine : So euery place seem'd painefull , and ech changing vaine . And euermore , when he to sleepe did thinke , The hammers sound his senses did molest ; And euermore , when he began to winke , The bellowes noyse disturb'd his quiet rest , Ne suffred sleepe to settle in his brest . And all the night the dogs did barke and howle About the house , at sent of stranger guest : And now the crowing Cocke , and now the Owle Lowde shriking him afflicted to the very sowle . And if by fortune any litle nap Vpon his heauie eye-lids chaunst to fall , Eftsoones one of those villeins him did rap Vpon his headpeece with his yron mall ; That he was soone awaked therewithall , And lightly started vp as one affrayd ; Or as if one him suddenly did call . So oftentimes he out of sleepe abrayd , And then lay musing long , on that him ill apayd . So long he muzed , and so long he lay , That at the last his wearie sprite opprest With fleshly weaknesse , which no creature may Long time resist , gaue place to kindly rest , That all his senses did full soone arrest : Yet in his soundest sleepe , his dayly feare His ydle braine gan busily molest , And made him dreame those two disloyall were : The things that day most minds , at night doe most appeare . With that , the wicked carle the maister Smith A paire of redwhot yron tongs did take Out of the burning cinders , and therewith , Vnder his side him nipt , that forst to wake , He felt his hart for very paine to quake , And started vp auenged for to be On him , the which his quiet slomber brake : Yet looking round about him none could see ; Yet did the smart remaine , though he himselfe did flee . In such disquiet and hartfretting payne , He all that night , that too long night did passe . And now the day out of the Ocean mayne Began to peepe aboue this earthly masse , With pearly dew sprinkling the morning grasse : Then vp he rose like heauie lumpe of lead , That in his face , as in a looking glasse , The signes of anguish one mote plainely read , And ghesse the man to be dismayd with gealous dread . Vnto his lofty steede he clombe anone , And forth vpon his former voiage fared , And with him eke that aged Squire attone ; Who whatsoeuer perill was prepared , Both equall paines and equall perill shared : The end whereof and daungerous euent Shall for another canticle be spared . But here my wearie teeme nigh ouer spent Shall breath it selfe awhile , after so long a went .

Cant. VI. Both Scadamour and Arthegall Doe fight with Britomart , He sees her face ; doth fall in loue , and soone from her depart . WHat equall torment to the griefe of mind , And pyning anguish hid in gentle hart , That inly feeds it selfe with thoughts vnkind , And nourisheth her owne consuming smart ? What medicine can any Leaches art Yeeld such a sore , that doth her grieuance hide , And will to none her maladie impart ? Such was the wound that Scudamour did gride ; For which Dan Phebus selfe cannot a salue prouide . Who hauing left that restlesse house of Care , The next day , as he on his way did ride , Full of melancholie and sad misfare , Through misconceipt ; all vnawares espide An armed Knight vnder a forrest side , Sitting in shade beside his grazing steede ; Who soone as them approaching he descride , Gan towards them to pricke with eger speede , That seem'd he was full bent to some mischieuous deede . Which Scudamour perceiuing , forth issewed To haue rencountred him in equall race ; But soone as th' other nigh approaching , vewed The armes he bore , his speare he gan abase , And voide his course : at which so suddain case He wondred much . But th' other thus can say ; Ah gentle Scudamour , vnto your grace I me submit , and you of pardon pray , That almost had against you trespassed this day . Whereto thus Scudamour , Small harme it were For any knight , vpon a ventrous knight Without displeasance for to proue his spere . But reade you Sir , sith ye my name haue hight , What is your owne , that I mote you requite . Certes ( sayd he ) ye mote as now excuse Me from discouering you my name aright : For time yet serues that I the same refuse , But call ye me the Saluage Knight , as others vse . Then this , Sir Saluage Knight ( quoth he ) areede ; Or doe you here within this forrest wonne , That seemeth well to answere to your weede ? Or haue ye it for some occasion donne ? That rather seemes , sith knowen armes ye shonne . This other day ( sayd he ) a stranger knight Shame and dishonour hath vnto me donne ; On whom I waite to wreake that foule despight , When euer he this way shall passe by day or night . Shame be his meede ( quoth he ) that meaneth shame . But what is he , by whom ye shamed were ? A stranger knight , sayd he , vnknowne by name , But knowne by fame , and by an Hebene speare , 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 ; And hauing me all wearie earst , downe feld , The fayrest Ladie reft , and euer since withheld . When Scudamour heard mention of that speare , He wist right well , that it was Britomart , The which from him his fairest loue did beare . Tho gan he swell in euery inner part , For fell despight , and gnaw his gealous hart , That thus he sharply sayd ; Now by my head , Yet is not this the first vnknightly part , Which that same knight , whom by his launce I read , Hath doen to noble knights , that many makes him dread . For lately he my loue hath fro me rest , And eke defiled with foule villanie The sacred pledge , which in his faith was left , In shame of knighthood and fidelitie ; The which ere long full deare he shall abie . And if to that auenge by you decreed This hand may helpe , or succour ought supplie , It shall not fayle , when so ye shall it need . So both to wreake their wrathes on Britomart agreed . Whiles thus they communed , lo farre away A Knight soft ryding towards them they spyde , Attyr'd in forraine armes and straunge aray : Whom when they nigh approcht , they plaine descryde To be the same , for whom they did abyde . Sayd then Sir Scudamour , Sir Saluage knight Let me this craue , sith first I was defyde , That first I may that wrong to him requite : And if I hap to fayle , you shall recure my right . Which being yeelded , he his threatfull speare Gan fewter , and against her fiercely ran . Who soone as she him saw approaching neare With so fell rage , her selfe she lightly gan To dight , to welcome him , well as she can : But entertaind him in so rude a wise , That to the ground she smote both horse and man ; Whence neither greatly hasted to arise , But on their common harmes together did deuise . But Artegall beholding his mischaunce , New matter added to his former fire ; And eft auentring his steeleheaded launce , Against her rode , full of despiteous ire , That nought but spoyle and vengeance did require , But to himselfe his felonous intent Returning , disappointed his desire , Whiles vnawares his saddle he forwent , And found himselfe on ground in great amazement . Lightly he started vp out of that stound , And snatching forth his direfull deadly blade , Did leape to her , as doth an eger hound Thrust to an Hynd within some couert glade , Whom without perill he cannot inuade . With such fell greedines he her assayled , That though she mounted were , yet he her made To giue him ground , ( so much his force preuayled ) And shun his mightie strokes , gainst which no armes auayled . So as they coursed here and there , it chaunst That in her wheeling round , behind her crest So sorely he her strooke , that thence it glaunst Adowne her backe , the which it fairely blest From foule mischance ; ne did it euer rest , Till on her horses hinder parts it fell ; Where byting deepe , so deadly it imprest , That quite it chynd his backe behind the sell , And to alight on foote her algates did compell . Like as the lightning brond from riuen skie , Throwne out by angry Ioue in his vengeance , With dreadfull force falles on some steeple hie ; Which battring , downe it on the church doth glance , And teares it all with terrible mischance . Yet she no whit dismayd , her steed forsooke , And casting from her that enchaunted lance , Vnto her sword and shield her soone betooke ; And therewithall at him right furiously she strooke . So furiously she strooke in her first heat , Whiles with long fight on foot he breathlesse was , That she him forced backward to retreat , And yeeld vnto her weapon way to pas : Whose raging rigour neither steele nor bras Could stay , but to the tender flesh it went , And pour'd the purple bloud forth on the gras ; That all his mayle yriv'd , and plates yrent , Shew'd all his bodie bare vnto the cruell dent . At length when as he saw her hastie heat Abate , and panting breath begin to fayle , He through long sufferance growing now more great , Rose in his strength , and gan her fresh assayle , Heaping huge strokes , as thicke as showre of hayle , And lashing dreadfully at euery part , As if he thought her soule to disentrayle . Ah cruell hand , and thrise more cruell hart , That workst such wrecke on her , to whom thou dearest art . What yron courage euer could endure , To worke such outrage on so faire a creature ? And in his madnesse thinke with hands impure To spoyle so goodly workmanship of nature , The maker selfe resembling in her feature ? Certes some hellish furie , or some feend This mischiefe framd , for their first loues defeature , To bath their hands in bloud of dearest freend , Thereby to make their loues beginning , their lines end . Thus long they trac'd , and trauerst to and fro , Sometimes pursewing , and sometimes pursewed , Still as aduantage they espyde thereto : But toward th' end Sir Arthegall renewed His strength still more , but she still more decrewed . At last his lucklesse hand he heau'd on hie , Hauing his forces all in one accrewed , And therewith stroke at her so hideouslie , That seemed nought but death mote be her destinie . The wicked stroke vpon her helmet chaunst , And with the force , which in it selfe it bore , Her ventayle shard away , and thence forth glaunst A downe in vaine , ne harm'd her any more . With that her angels face , vnseene afore , Like to the ruddie morne appeard in sight , Deawed with siluer drops , through sweating sore , But somewhat redder , then beseem'd aright , Through toylesome heate and labour of her weary fight . And round about the same , her yellow heare Hauing through stirring loosd their wonted band , Like to a golden border did appeare , Framed in goldsmithes forge with cunning hand : Yet goldsmithes cunning could not vnderstand To frame such subtile wire , so shinie cleare . For it did glister like the golden sand , The which Pactolus with his waters shere , Throwes forth vpon the riuage round about him nere . And as his hand he vp againe did reare , Thinking to worke on her his vtmost wracke , His powrelesse arme benumbd with secret feare From his reuengefull purpose shronke abacke , And cruell sword out of his fingers slacke Fell downe to ground , as if the steele had sence , And felt some ruth , or sence his hand did lacke , Or both of them did thinke , obedience To doe to so diuine a beauties excellence . And he himselfe long gazing thereupon , At last fell humbly downe vpon his knee , And of his wonder made religion , Weening some heauenly goddesse he did see , Or else vnweeting , what it else might bee ; And pardon her besought his errour frayle , That had done outrage in so high degree : Whilest trembling horrour did his sense assayle , And made ech member quake , and manly hart to quayle . Nathelesse she full of wrath for that late stroke , All that long while vpheld her wrathfull hand , With fell intent , on him to bene ywroke , And looking sterne , still ouer him did stand , Threatning to strike , vnlesse he would withstand : And bad him rise , or surely he should die . But die or liue for nought he would vpstand But her of pardon prayd more earnestlie , Or wreake on him her will for so great iniurie . Which when as Scudamour , who now abrayd , Beheld , whereas he stood not farre aside , He was therewith right wondrously dismayd , And drawing nigh , when as he plaine descride That peerelesse paterne of Dame natures pride , And heauenly image of perfection , He blest himselfe , as one sore terrifide , And turning his feare to faint deuotion , Did worship her as some celestiall vision . But Glauce , seeing all that chaunced there , Well weeting how their errour to assoyle , Full glad of so good end , to them drew nere , And her salewd with seemely belaccoyle , Ioyous to see her safe after long toyle . Then her besought , as she to her was deare , To graunt vnto those warriours truce a whyle ; Which yeelded , they their beuers vp did reare , And shew'd themselues to her , such as indeed they were . When Britomart with sharpe auizefull eye Beheld the louely face of Artegall , Tempred with sternesse and stout maiestie , She gan eftsoones it to her mind to call , To be the same which in her fathers hall Long since in that enchaunted glasse she saw . Therewith her wrathfull courage gan appall , And haughtie spirits meekely to adaw , That her enhaunced hand she downe can soft withdraw . Yet she it forst to haue againe vpheld , As fayning choler , which was turn'd to cold : But euer when his visage she beheld , Her hand fell downe , and would no longer hold The wrathfull weapon gainst his countnance bold : But when in vaine to fight she oft assayd , She arm'd her tongue , and thought at him to scold ; Nathlesse her tongue not to her will obayd , But brought forth speeches myld , when she would haue missayd . But Scudamour now woxen inly glad , That all his gealous feare he false had found , And how that Hag his loue abused had With breach of faith and loyaltie vnsound , The which long time his grieued hart did wound , Her thus bespake ; certes Sir Artegall , I ioy to see you lout so low on ground , And now become to liue a Ladies thrall , That whylome in your minde wont to despise them all . Soone as she heard the name of Artegall , Her hart did leape , and all her hart-strings tremble , For sudden ioy , and secret feare withall , And all her vitall powres with motion nimble , To succour it , themselues gan there assemble , That by the swift recourse of flushing blood Right plaine appeard , though she it would dissemble , And fayned still her former angry mood , Thinking to hide the depth by troubling of the flood . When Glauce thus gan wisely all vpknit ; Ye gentle Knights , whom fortune here hath brought , To be spectators of this vncouth fit , Which secret fate hath in this Ladie wrought , Against the course of kind , ne meruaile nought , Ne thenceforth feare the thing that hethertoo Hath troubled both your mindes with idle thought , Fearing least she your loues away should woo , Feared in vaine , sith meanes ye see there wants theretoo . And you Sir Artegall , the saluage knight , Henceforth may not disdaine , that womans hand Hath conquered you anew in second fight : For whylome they haue conquerd sea and land , And heauen it selfe , that nought may them withstand Ne henceforth be rebellious vnto loue , That is the crowne of knighthood , and the band Of noble minds deriued from aboue , Which being knit with vertue , neuer will remoue . And you faire Ladie knight , my dearest Dame , Relent the rigour of your wrathfull will , Whose fire were better turn'd to other flame ; And wiping out remembrance of all ill , Graunt him your grace , but so that he fulfill The penance , which ye shall to him empart : For louers heauen must passe by sorrowes hell . Thereat full inly blushed Britomart ; But Artegall close smyling ioy'd in secret hart . Yet durst he not make loue so suddenly , Ne thinke th' affection of her hart to draw From one to other so quite contrary : Besides her modest countenance he saw So goodly graue , and full of princely aw , That it his ranging fancie did refraine , And looser thoughts to lawfull bounds withdraw ; Whereby the passion grew more fierce and faine , Like to a stubborne steede whom strong hand would restraine . But Scudamour whose hart twixt doubtfull feare And feeble hope hung all this while suspence , Desiring of his Amoret to heare Some gladfull newes and sure intelligence , Her thus bespake ; But Sir without offence Mote I request you tydings of my loue , My Amoret , sith you her freed fro thence , Where she captiued long , great woes did proue ; That where ye left , I may her seeke , as doth behoue . To whom thus Britomart , certes Sir knight , What is of her become , or whether rest , I can not vnto you aread a right . For from that time I from enchaunters theft Her freed , in which ye her all hopelesse left , I her preseru'd from perill and from feare , And euermore from villenie her kept : Ne euer was there wight to me more deare Then she , ne vnto whom I more true loue did beare . Till on a day as through a desert wyld We trauelled , both wearie of the way We did alight , and sate in shadow myld ; Where fearelesse I to sleepe me downe did lay . But when as I did out of sleepe abray , I found her not , where I her left whyleare , But thought she wandred was , or gone astray . I cal'd her loud , I so ught her farre and neare ; But no where could her find , nor tydings of her heare . When Scudamour those heauie tydings heard , His hart was thrild with point of deadly feare ; Ne in his face or bloud or life appeard , But senselesse stood , like to a mazed steare , That yet of mortall stroke the stound doth beare . Till Glauce thus ; Faire Sir , be nought dismayd With needelesse dread , till certaintie ye heare : For yet she may be safe though somewhat strayd ; It s best to hope the best , though of the worst affrayd . Nathlesse he hardly of her chearefull speech Did comfort take , or in his troubled sight Shew'd change of better cheare : so sore a breach That sudden newes had made into his spright ; Till Britomart him fairely thus behight ; Great cause of sorrow certes Sir ye haue : 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 that her did reaue . Therewith he rested , and well pleased was . So peace being confirm'd amongst them all , They tooke their steeds , and forward thence did pas Vnto some resting place , which mote befall , All being guided by Sir Artegall . Where goodly solace was vnto them made , And dayly feasting both in bowre and hall , Vntill that they their wounds well healed had , And wearie limmes recur'd after late vsage bad . In all which time , Sir Artegall made way Vnto the loue of noble Britomart , And with meeke seruice and much suit did lay Continuall siege vnto her gentle hart , Which being whylome launcht with louely dart , More each was new impression to receiue , How euer she her paynd with womanish art To hide her wound , that none might it pereciue : Vaine is the art that seekes it selfe for to deceiue . So well he woo'd her , and so well he wrought her , With faire entreatie and sweet blandishment , That at the length vnto a bay he brought her , So as she to his speeches was content To lend an eare , and softly to relent . At last through many vowes which forth he pour'd , And many othes , she yeelded her consent To be his loue , and take him for her Lord , Till they with mariage meet might finish that accord . Tho when they had long time there taken rest , Sir Artegall , who all this while was bound Vpon an hard aduenture yet in quest , Fit time for him thence to depart it found , To follow that , which he did long propound ; And vnto her his congee came to take . But her therewith full sore displeasd he found , And loth to leaue her late betrothed make , Her dearest loue full loth so shortly to forsake . Yet he with strong perswasions her asswaged , And wonne her will to suffer him depart ; For which his faith with her he fast engaged , And thousand vowes from bottome of his hart , That all so soone as he by wit or art Could that atchieue , whereto he did aspire , He vnto her would speedily reuert : No longer space thereto he did desire , But till the horned moone three courses did expire . With which she for the present was appeased , And yeelded leaue , how euer malcontent She inly were , and in her mind displeased . So early in the morrow next he went Forth on his way , to which he was ybent . Ne wight him to attend , or way to guide , As whylome was the custome ancient Mongst Knights , when on aduentures they did ride , Saue that she algates him a while accompanide . And by the way she sundry purpose found Of this or that , the time for to delay , And of the perils whereto he was bound , The feare whereof seem'd much her to affray : But all she did was but to weare out day . Full oftentimes she leaue of him did take ; And eft againe deuiz'd some what to say , Which she forgot , whereby excuse to make : So loth she was his companie for to forsake . At last when all her speeches she had spent , And new occasion fayld her more to find , She left him to his fortunes gouernment , And backe returned with right heauie mind . To Scudamour , who she had left behind , With whom she went to seeke faire Amoret , Her second care , though in another kind ; For vertues onely sake , which doth beget True loue and faithfull friendship , she by her did set . Backe to that desert forrest they retyred , Where sorie Britomart had lost her late ; There they her sought , and euery where inquired , Where they might tydings get of her estate ; Yet found they none . But by what haplesse fate , Or hard misfortune she was thence conuayd , And stolne away from her beloued mate , Were long to tell ; therefore I here will stay Vntill another tyde , that I it finish may .

Cant. VII . Amoret rapt by greedie lust Belphebe saues from dread , The Squire her loues , and being blam'd his dayes in dole doth lead . GReat God of loue , that with thy cruell dart Doest conquer greatest conquerors on ground , And setst thy kingdome in the captiue harts Of Kings and Keasars , to thy seruice bound , What glorie , or what guerdon hast thou found In feeble Ladies tyranning so sore ; And adding anguish to the bitter wound , With which their liues thou lanchedst long afore , By heaping stormes of trouble on them daily more ? So whylome didst thou to faire Florimell ; And so and so to noble Britomart : So doest thou now to her , of whom I tell , The louely Amoret , whose gentle hart Thou martyrest with sorow and with smart , In saluage forrests , and in deserts wide , With Beares and Tygers taking heauie part , Withouten comfort , and withouten guide , That pittie is to heare the perils , which she tride . So soone as she with that braue Britonesse Had left that Turneyment for beauties prise , They trauel'd long , that now for wearinesse , Both of the way , and warlike exercise , Both through a forest ryding did deuise T' alight , and rest their wearie limbs awhile . There heauie sleepe the eye-lids did surprise Of Britomart after long tedious toyle , That did her passed paines in quiet rest assoyle . The whiles faire Amoret , of nought affeard , Walkt through the wood , for pleasure , or for need ; When suddenly behind her backe she heard One rushing forth out of the thickest weed , That ere she backe could turne to taken heed , Had vnawares her snatched vp from ground . Feebly she shriekt , but so feebly indeed , That Britomart heard not the shrilling sound , There where through weary trauel she lay sleeping sound . It was to weet a wilde and saluage man , Yet was no man , but onely like in shape , And eke in stature higher by a span , All ouer growne with haire , that could awhape An hardy hart , and his wide mouth did gape With huge great teeth , like to a Bore : For he liu'd all on rauin and on rape Of men and beasts ; and fed on fleshly gore , The signe whereof yet stain'd his bloudy lips afore . His neather lip was not like man nor beast , But like a wide deepe poke , downe hanging low , In which he wont the relickes of his feast , And cruell spoyle , which he had spard , to stow : And ouer it his huge great nose did grow , Full dreadfully empurpled all with bloud ; And downe both sides two wide long eares did glow , And raught downe to his waste , when vp he stood , More great then th' eares of Elephants by Indus flood . His wast was with a wreath of yuie greene Engirt about , ne other garment wore : For all his haire was like a garment seene ; And in his hand a tall young oake he bore , Whose knottie snags were sharpned all afore , And beath'd in fire for steele to be in sted . But whence he was , or of what wombe ybore , Of beasts , or of the earth , I haue not red : But certes was with milke of Wolues and Tygres fed . This vgly creature in his armes her snatcht , And through the forrest bore her quite away , With briers and bushes all to rent and scratcht ; Ne care he had , ne pittie of the pray , Which many a knight had sought so many a day . He stayed not , but in his armes her bearing Ran , till he came to th' end of all his way , Vnto his caue farre from all peoples hearing , And there he threw her in , nought feeling , ne nought fearing . For she deare Ladie all the way was dead , Whilest he in armes her bore ; but when she felt Her selfe downe soust , she waked out of dread Streight into griefe , that her deare hart nigh swelt , And eft gan into tender teares to melt . Then when she lookt about , and nothing found But darknesse and dread horrour , where she dwelt , She almost fell againe into a swound , Ne wist whether aboue she were , or vnder ground . With that she heard some one close by her side Sighing and sobbing sore , as if the paine Her tender hart in peeces would diuide : Which she long listning , softly askt againe What mister wight it was that so did plaine ? To whom thus aunswer'd was : Ah wretched wight That seekes to know anothers griefe in vaine , Vnweeting of thine owne like haplesse plight : Selfe to forget to mind another , is ouersight . Aye me ( said she ) where am I , or with whom ? Emong the liuing , or emong the dead ? What shall of me vnhappy maid become ? Shall death be th' end , or ought else worse , aread . Vnhappy mayd ( then answerd she ) whose dread Vntride , is lesse then when thou shalt it try : Death is to him , that wretched life doth lead , Both grace and gaine ; but he in hell doth lie , That liues a loathed life , and wishing cannot die . This dismall day hath thee a caytiue made , And vassall to the vilest wretch aliue , Whose cursed vsage and vngodly trade The heauens abhorre , and into darkenesse driue . For on the spoile of women he doth liue , Whose bodies chast , when euer in his powre He may them catch , vnable to gainestriue , He with his shamefull lust doth first deflowre , And afterwards themselues doth cruelly deuoure . Now twenty daies , by which the sonnes of men Diuide their works , haue past through heuen sheene , Since I was brought into this dolefull den ; During which space these sory eies haue seen Seauen women by him slaine , and eaten clene . And now no more for him but I alone , And this old woman here remaining beene ; Till thou cam'st hither to augment our mone , And of vs three to morrow he will sure eate one . Ah dreadfull tidings which thou doest declare , ( Quoth she ) of all that euer hath bene knowen : Full many great calamities and rare This feeble brest endured hath , but none Equall to this , where euer I haue gone . But what are you , whom like vnlucky lot Hath linckt with me in the same chaine attone ? To tell ( quoth she ) that which ye see , needs not ; A wofull wretched maid , of God and man forgot . But what I was , it irkes me to reherse ; Daughter vnto a Lord of high degree ; That ioyd in happy peace , till fates peruerse With guilefull loue did secretly agree , To ouerthrow my state and dignitie . It was my lot to loue a gentle swaine , Yet was he but a Squire of low degree ; Yet was he meet , vnlesse mine eye did faine , By any Ladies side for Leman to haue laine . But for his meannesse and disparagement , My Sire , who me too dearely well did loue , Vnto my choise by no meanes would assent , But often did my folly fowle reproue . Yet nothing could my fixed mind remoue , But whether willed or nilled friend or foe , I me resolu'd the vtmost end to proue , And rather then my loue abandon so , Both sire , and friends , and all for euer to forgo . Thenceforth I sought by secret meanes to worke Time to my will , and from his wrathfull sight To hide th' intent , which in my heart did lurke , Till I thereto had all things ready dight . So on a day vnweeting vnto wight , I with that Squire agreede away to flit , And in a priuy place , betwixt vs hight , Within a groue appointed him to meete ; To which I boldly came vpon my feeble feete . But ah vnhappy houre me thither brought : For in that place where I him thought to find , There was I found , contrary to my thought , Of this accursed Carle of hellish kind , The shame of men , and plague of womankind , Who trussing me , as Eagle doth his pray , Me hether brought with him , as swift as wind , Where yet vntouched till this present day , I rest his wretched thrall , the sad AEmylia . Ah sad AEmylia ( then sayd Amoret , ) Thy ruefull plight I pitty as mine owne . But read to me , by what deuise or wit , Hast thou in all this time , from him vnknowne Thine honor sau'd , though into thraldome throwne . Through helpe ( quoth she ) of this old woman here I haue so done , as she to me hath showne . For euer when he burnt in lustfull fire , She in my stead supplide his bestiall desire . Thus of their euils as they did discourse , And each did other much bewaile and mone ; Loe where the villaine selfe , their sorrowes sourse , Came to the caue , and rolling thence the stone , Which wont to stop the mouth thereof , that none Might issue forth , came rudely rushing in , And spredding ouer all the flore alone , Gan dight him selfe vnto his wonted sinne ; Which ended , then his bloudy banket should beginne . Which when as fearefull Amoret perceiued , She staid not the vtmost end thereof to try , But like a ghastly Gelt , whose wits are reaued , Ran forth in hast with hideous outcry , For horrour of his shamefull villany . But after her full lightly he vprose , And her pursu'd as fast as she did flie : Full fast she flies , and farre afore him goes , Ne feeles the thorns and thickets pricke her tender toes . Nor hedge , nor ditch , nor hill , nor dale she staies , But ouerleapes them all , like Robucke light , And through the thickest makes her nighest waies ; And euermore when with regardfull sight She looking backe , espies that griesly wight Approching nigh , she gins to mend her pace , And makes her feare a spur to hast her flight : More swift then Myrrh ' or Daphne in her race , Or any of the Thracian Nimphes in saluage chase . Long so she fled , and so he follow'd long , Ne liuing aide for her on earth appeares , But if the heauens helpe to redresse her wrong , Moued with pity of her plenteous teares . It fortuned Belphebe with her peares The woody Nimphs , and with that louely boy , Was hunting then the Libbards and the Beares , In these wild woods , as was her wonted ioy , To banish sloth , that oft doth noble mindes annoy . It so befell , as oft it fals in chace , That each of them from other sundred were , And that same gentle Squire arriu'd in place , Where this same cursed caytiue did appeare , Pursuing that faire Lady full of feare , And now he her quite ouertaken had ; And now he her away with him did beare Vnder his arme , as seeming wondrous glad , That by his grenning laughter mote farre off be rad. With drery sight the gentle Squire espying , Doth hast to crosse him by the nearest way , Led with that wofull Ladies piteous crying , And him assailes with all the might he may , Yet will not he the louely spoile downe lay , But with his craggy club in his right hand , Defends him selfe , and saues his gotten pray . Yet had it bene right hard him to withstand , But that he was full light and nimble on the land . Thereto the villaine vsed craft in fight ; For euer when the Squire his iauelin shooke , He held the Lady forth before him right , And with her body , as a buckler , broke The puissance of his intended stroke . And if it chaunst , ( as needs it must in fight ) Whilest he on him was greedy to be wroke , That any little blow on her did light , Then would he laugh aloud , and gather great delight . Which subtill sleight did him encumber much , And made him oft , when he would strike , forbeare ; For hardly could he come the carle to touch , But that he her must hurt , or hazard neare : Yet he his hand so carefully did beare , That at the last he did himselfe attaine , And therein left the pike head of his speare . A streame of coleblacke bloud thence gusht amaine , That all her silken garments did with bloud bestaine . With that he threw her rudely on the flore , And laying both his hands vpon his glaue , With dreadfull strokes let driue at him so sore , That forst him flie abacke , himselfe to saue : Yet he therewith so felly still did raue , That scarse the Squire his hand could once vpreare , But for aduantage ground vnto him gaue , Tracing and trauersing , now here , now there ; For bootlesse thing it was to think such blowes to beare . Whilest thus in battell they embusied were , Belphebe raunging in that forrest wide , The hideous noise of their huge strokes did heare , And drew thereto , making her eare her guide . Whom when that theefe approching nigh espide , With bow in hand , and arrowes ready bent , He by his former combate would not bide , But fled away with ghastly dreriment , Well knowing her to be his deaths sole instrument . Whom seeing flie , she speedily poursewed With winged feete , as nimble as the winde , And euer in her bow she ready shewed , The arrow , to his deadly marke desynde . As when Latonaes daughter cruell kynde , In vengement of her mothers great disgrace , With fell despight her cruell arrowes tynde Gainst wofull Niobes vnhappy race , That all the gods did mone her miserable case . So well she sped her and so far she ventred , That ere vnto his hellish den he raught , Euen as he ready was there to haue entred , She sent an arrow forth with mighty draught , That in the very dore him ouercaught , And in his nape arriuing , through it thrild His greedy throte , therewith in two distraught , That all his vitall spirites thereby spild , And all his hairy brest with gory bloud was fild . Whom when on ground she groueling saw to rowle , She ran in hast his life to haue berest : But ere she could him reach , the sinfull sowle Hauing his carrion corse quite sencelesse left , Was fled to hell , surcharg'd with spoile and theft . Yet ouer him she there long gazing stood , And oft admir'd his monstrous shape , and oft His mighty limbs , whilest all with filthy bloud The place there ouerflowne , seemd like a sodaine flood . Thenceforth she past into his dreadfull den , Where nought but darkesome drerinesse she found , Ne creature saw , but hearkned now and then Some litle whispering , and soft groning sound . With that she askt , what ghosts there vnder ground Lay hid in horrour of eternall night ? And bad them , if so be they were not bound , To come and shew themselues before the light , Now freed from feare and danger of that dismall wight . Then forth the said AEmylia issewed , Yet trembling euery ioynt through former feare ; And after her the Hag , there with her mewed , A foule and lothsome creature did appeare ; A leman fit for such a louer deare . That mou'd Belphebe her no lesse to hate , Then for to rue the others heauy cheare ; Of whom she gan enquire of her estate . Who all to her at large , as hapned , did relate . Thence she them brought toward the place , where late She left the gentle Squire with Amoret : There she him found by that new louely mate , Who lay the whiles in swoune , full sadly set , From her faire eyes wiping the deawy wet , Which softly stild , and kissing them atweene , And handling soft the hurts , which she did get . For of that Carle she sorely bruz'd had beene , Als of his owne rash hand one wound was to be seene . Which when she saw , with sodaine glauncing eye , Her noble heart with sight thereof was fild With deepe disdaine , and great indignity , That in her wrath she thought them both haue thrild , With that selfe arrow , which the Carle had kild : Yet held her wrathfull hand from vengeance sore , But drawing nigh , ere he her well beheld ; Is this the faith she said , and said no more , But turnd her face , and fled away for euermore . He seeing her depart , arose vp light , Right sore agrieued at her sharpe reproofe , And follow'd fast : but when he came in sight , He durst not nigh approch , but kept aloofe , For dread of her displeasures vtmost proofe . And euermore , when he did grace entreat , And framed speaches fit for his behoofe , Her mortall arrowes , she at him did threat , And forst him backe with fowle dishonor to retreat . At last when long he follow'd had in vaine , Yet found no ease of griefe , nor hope of grace , Vnto those woods he turned backe againe , Full of sad anguish , and in heauy case : And finding there fit solitary place For wofull wight , chose out a gloomy glade , Where hardly eye mote see bright heauens face , For mossy trees , which couered all with shade And sad melancholy , there he his cabin made . His wonted warlike weapons all he broke , And threw away , with vow to vse no more , Ne thenceforth euer strike in battell stroke , Ne euer word to speake to woman more ; But in that wildernesse , of men forlore , And of the wicked world forgotten quight , His hard mishap in dolor to deplore , And wast his wretched daies in wofull plight ; So on him selfe to wreake his follies owne despight . And eke his garment , to be thereto meet , He wilfully did cut and shape anew ; And his faire lockes , that wont with ointment sweet To be embaulm'd , and sweat out dainty dew , He let to grow and griesly to concrew , Vncomb'd , vncurl'd , and carelesly vnshed ; That in short time his face they ouergrew , And ouer all his shoulders did dispred , That who he whilome was , vneath was to be red . There he continued in this carefull plight , Wretchedly wearing out his youthly yeares , Through wilfull penury consumed quight , That like a pined ghost he soone appeares . For other food then that wilde forrest beares , Ne other drinke there did he euer tast , Then running water , tempred with his teares , The more his weakened body so to wast : That out of all mens knowledge he was worne at last . For on a day , by fortune as it fell , His owne deare Lord Prince Arthure came that way , Seeking aduentures , where he mote heare tell ; And as he through the wandring wood did stray , Hauing espide this Cabin far away , He to it drew , to weet who there did wonne ; Weening therein some holy Hermit lay , That did resort of sinfull people shonne ; Or else some woodman shrowded there from scorching sunne . Arriuing there , he found this wretched man , Spending his daies in dolour and despaire , And through long fasting woxen pale and wan , All ouergrowen with rude and rugged haire ; That albeit his owne deare Squire he were , Yet he him knew not , ne auiz'd at all , But like strange wight , whom he had seene no where , Saluting him , gan into speach to fall , And pitty much his plight , that liu'd like outcast thrall . But to his speach he aunswered no whit , But stood still mute , as if he had beene dum , Ne signe of sence did shew , ne common wit , As one with griefe and anguishe ouercum , And vnto euery thing did aunswere mum : And euer when the Prince vnto him spake , He louted lowly , as did him becum , And humble homage did vnto him make , Midst sorrow shewing ioyous semblance for his sake . At which his vncouth guise and vsage quaint The Prince did wonder much , yet could not ghesse The cause of that his sorrowfull constraint ; Yet weend by secret signes of manlinesse , Which close appeard in that rude brutishnesse , That he whilome some gentle swaine had beene , Traind vp in feats of armes and knightlinesse ; Which he obseru'd , by that he him had seene To weld his naked sword , and try the edges keene . And eke by that he saw on euery tree , How he the name of one engrauen had , Which likly was his liefest loue to be , For whom he now so sorely was bestad ; Which was by him BELPHEBE rightly rad. Yet who was that Belphebe , he ne wist ; Yet saw he often how he wexed glad , When he it heard , and how the ground he kist , Wherein it written was , and how himselfe he blist : Tho when he long had marked his demeanor , And saw that all he said and did , was vaine , Ne ought mote make him change his wonted tenor , Ne ought mote ease or mitigate his paine , He left him there in languor to remaine , Till time for him should remedy prouide , And him restore to former grace againe . Which for it is too long here to abide , I will deferre the end vntill another tide .

Cant. VIII . The gentle Squire recouers grace , Sclaunder her guests doth staine : Corflambo chaseth Placidas , And is by Arthure slaine . WEll said the wiseman , now prou'd true by this , Which to this gentle Squire did happen late , That the displeasure of the mighty is Then death it selfe more dread and desperate . Fornaught the same may calme ne mitigate , Till time the tempest doe thereof delay With sufferaunce soft , which rigour can abate , And haue the sterne remembrance wypt away Of bitter thoughts , which deepe therein infixed lay . Like as it fell to this vnhappy boy , Whose tender heart the faire Belphebe had , With one sterne looke so daunted , that no ioy In all his life , which afterwards he lad , He euer tasted , but with penaunce sad And pensiue sorrow pind and wore away , Ne euer laught , ne once shew'd countenance glad ; But alwaies wept and wailed night and day , As blasted bloosme through heat doth languish & decay Till on a day , as in his wonted wise His doole he made , there chaunst a turtle Doue To come , where he his dolors did deuise , That likewise late had lost her dearest loue , Which losse her made like passion also proue . Who seeing his sad plight , her tender heart With deare compassion deeply did emmoue , That she gan mone his vndeserued smart , And with her dolefull accent beare with him a part . Shee sitting by him as on ground he lay , Her mournefull notes full piteously did frame , And thereof made a lamentable lay , So sensibly compyld , that in the same Him seemed oft he heard his owne right name . With that he forth would poure so plenteous teares , And beat his breast vnworthy of such blame , And knocke his head , and rend his rugged heares , That could haue perst the hearts of Tigres & of Beares . Thus long this gentle bird to him did vse , Withouten dread of perill to repaire Vnto his wonne , and with her mournefull muse Him to recomfort in his greatest care , That much did ease his mourning and misfare : And euery day for guerdon of her song , He part of his small feast to her would share ; That at the last of all his woe and wrong Companion she became , and so continued long . Vpon a day as she him sate beside , By chance he certaine miniments forth drew , Which yet with him as relickes did abide Of all the bounty , which Belphebe threw On him , whilst goodly grace she did him shew : Amongst the rest a iewell rich he found , That was a Ruby of right perfect hew , Shap'd like a heart , yet bleeding of the wound , And with a litle golden chaine about it bound . The same he tooke , and with a riband new , In which his Ladies colours were , did bind About the turtles necke , that with the vew Did greatly solace his engrieued mind . All vnawares the bird , when she did find Her selfe so deckt , hernimble wings displaid , And flew away , as lightly as the wind : Which sodaine accident him much dismaid , And looking after long , did marke which way she straid . But when as long he looked had in vaine , Yet saw her forward still to make her flight , His weary eie returnd to him againe , Full of discomfort and disquiet plight , That both his iuell he had lost so light , And eke his deare companion of his care . But that sweet bird departing , flew forth right Through the wideregion of the wastfull aire , Vntill she came where wonned his Belphebe faire . There found she her ( as then it did betide ) Sitting in couert shade of arbors sweet , After late weary toile , which she had tride In saluage chase , to rest as seem'd her meet . There she alighting , fell before her feet , And gan to her her mournfull plaint to make , As was herwont , thinking to let her weet The great tormenting griefe , that for her sake Her gentle Squire through her displeasure did pertake . She her beholding with attentiue eye , At length did marke about her purple brest That precious iuell , which she formerly Had knowne right well with colourd ribbands drest : Therewith she rose in hast , and her addrest With ready hand it to haue rest away . But the swift bird obayd not her behest , But swaru'd aside , and there againe did stay ; She follow'd her , and thought againe it to assay . And euer when she nigh approcht , the Doue Would flit a litle forward , and then stay , Till she drew neare , and then againe remoue ; So tempting her still to pursue the pray , And still from her escaping soft away : Till that at length into that forrest wide , She drew her far , and led with slow delay . In th' end she her vnto that place did guide , Whereas that wofull man in languor did abide . Eftsoones she flew vnto his fearelesse hand , And there a piteous ditty new deuiz'd , As if she would haue made him vnderstand , His sorrowes cause to be of her despis'd . Whom when she saw in wretched weedes disguiz'd , With heary glib deform'd , and meiger face , Like ghost late risen from his graue agryz'd , She knew him not , but pittied much his case , And wisht it were in her to doe him any grace . He her beholding , at her feet downe fell , And kist the ground on which her sole did tread , And washt the same with water , which did well From his moist eies , and like two streames procead , Yet spake no word , whereby she might aread What mister wight he was , or what he ment , But as one daunted with her presence dread , Onely few ruefull lookes vnto her sent , As messengers of his true meaning and intent . Yet nathemore his meaning she ared , But wondred much at his so selcouth case , And by his persons secret seemlyhed Well weend , that he had beene some man of place , Before misfortune did his hew deface : That being mou'd with ruth she thus bespake . Ah wofull man , what heauens hard disgrace , Or wrath of cruell wight on thee ywrake ? Or selfe disliked life doth thee thus wretched make ? If heauen , then none may it redresse or blame , Sith to his powre we all are subiect borne : If wrathfull wight , then fowle rebuke and shame Be theirs , that haue so cruell thee forlorne ; But if through inward griefe or wilfull scorne Of life it be , then better doe aduise . For he whose daies in wilfull woe are worne , The grace of his Creator doth despise , That will not vse his gifts for thanklesse nigardise . When so he heard her say , eftsoones he brake His sodaine silence , which he long had pent , And sighing inly deepe , her thus bespake ; Then haue they all themselues against me bent : For heauen , first author of my languishment , Enuying my too great felicity , Did closely with a cruell one consent , To cloud my daies in dolefull misery , And make me loath this life , still longing for to die . Ne any but your selfe , ô dearest dred , Hath done this wrong , to wreake on worthlesse wight Your high displesure , through misdeeming bred : That when your pleasure is to deeme aright , Ye may redresse , and me restore to light . Which sory words her mightie hart did mate With mild regard , to see his ruefull plight , That her inburning wrath she gan abate , And him receiu'd againe to former fauours state . In which he long time afterwards did lead An happie life with grace and good accord , Fearlesse of fortunes chaunge or enuies dread , And eke all mindlesse of his owne deare Lord The noble Prince , who neuer heard one word Of tydings , what did vnto him betide , Or what good fortune did to him afford , But through the endlesse world did wander wide , Him seeking euermore , yet no where him descride . Till on a day as through that wood he rode , He chaunst to come where those two Ladies late , Aemylia and Amoret abode , Both in full sad and sorrowfull estate ; The one right feeble through the euill rate Of food , which in her duresse she had found : The other almost dead and desperate Through her late hurts , and through that haplesse wound , With which the Squire in her defence her sore astound . Whom when the Prince beheld , he gan to rew The euill case in which those Ladies lay ; But most was moued at the piteous vew Of Amoret , so neare vnto decay , That her great daunger did him much dismay . Eftsoones that pretious liquour forth he drew , Which he in store about him kept alway , And with few drops thereof did softly dew Her wounds , that vnto strength restor'd her soone anew . Tho when they both recouered were right well , He gan of them inquire , what euill guide Them thether brought , and how their harmes befell . To whom they told all , that did them betide , And how from thraldome vile they were vntide Of that same wicked Carle , by Virgins hond ; Whose bloudie corse they shew'd him there beside , And eke his caue , in which they both were bond : At which he wondred much , when all those signes he fond . And euermore he greatly did desire To know , what Virgin did them thence vnbind ; And oft of them did earnestly inquire , Where was her won , and how he mote her find . But when as nought according to his mind He could outlearne , he them from ground did reare : No seruice lothsome to a gentle kind ; And on his warlike beast them both did beare , Himselfe by them on foot , to succour them from feare . So when that forrest they had passed well , A litle cotage farre away they spide , To which they drew , ere night vpon them fell ; And entring in , found none therein abide , But one old woman sitting there beside , Vpon the ground in ragged rude attyre , With filthy lockes about her scattered wide , Gnawing her nayles for felnesse and for yre , And there out sucking venime to her parts entyre . A foule and loathly creature sure in sight , And in conditions to be loath'd no lesse : For she was stuft with rancour and despight Vp to the throat , that oft with bitternesse It forth would breake , and gush in great excesse , Pouring out streames of poyson and of gall Gainst all , that truth or vertue doe professe , Whom she with leasings lewdly did miscall , And wickedly backbite : Her name men Sclaunder call . Her nature is all goodnesse to abuse , And causelesse crimes continually to frame , With which she guiltlesse persons may accuse , And steale away the crowne of their goodname ; Ne euer Knight so bold , ne euer Dame So chast and loyall liu'd , but she would striue With forged cause them falsely to defame ; Ne euer thing so well was doen aliue , But she with blame would blot , & of due praise depriue . Her words were not , as common words are ment , T' expresse the meaning of the inward mind , But noysome breath , and poysnous spirit sent From inward parts , with cancred malice lind , And breathed forth with blast of bitter wind ; Which passing through the eares , would pierce the hart , And wound the soule it selfe with griefe vnkind : For like the stings of Aspes , that kill with smart , Her spightfull words did pricke , & wound the inner part . Such was that Hag , vnmeet to host such guests , Whom greatest Princes court would welcome fayne , But neede , that answers not to all requests , Bad them not looke for better entertayne ; And eke that age despysed nicenesse vaine , Enur'd to hardnesse and to homely fare , Which them to warlike discipline did trayne , And manly limbs endur'd with litle care Against all hard mishaps and fortunelesse misfare . Then all that euening welcommed with cold , And chearelesse hunger , they together spent ; Yet found no fault , but that the Hag did scold And rayle at them with grudgefull discontent , For lodging there without her owne consent : Yet they endured all with patience milde , And vnto rest themselues all onely lent , Regardlesse of that queane so base and vilde , To be vniustly blamd , and bitterly reuilde . Here well I weene , when as these rimes be red With misregard , that some rash witted wight , Whose looser thought will lightly be misled , These gentle Ladies will misdeeme too light , For thus conuersing with this noble Knight ; Sith now of dayes such temperance is rare And hard to finde , that heat of youthfull spright For ought will from his greedie pleasure spare , More hard for hungry steed t' abstaine from pleasant lare . But antique age yet in the infancie Of time , did liue then like an innocent , In simple truth and blamelesse chastitie , Ne them of guile had made experiment , But voide of vile and treacherous intent , Held vertue for it selfe in soueraine awe : Then loyall loue had royall regiment , And each vnto his lust did make a lawe , From all forbidden things his liking to withdraw . The Lyon there did with the Lambe consort , And eke the Doue sate by the Faulcons side , Ne each of other feared fraud or tort , But did in safe securitie abide , Withouten perill of the stronger pride : But when the world woxe old , it woxe warre old ( Whereof it hight ) and hauing shortly tride The traines of wit , in wickednesse woxe bold , And dared of all sinnes the secrets to vnfold . Then beautie , which was made to represent The great Creatours owne resemblance bright , Vnto abuse of lawlesse lust was lent , And made the baite of bestiall delight : Then faire grew foule , and foule grew faire in sight , And that which wont to vanquish God and man , Was made the vassall of the victors might ; Then did her glorious flowre wex dead and wan , Despisd and troden downe of all that ouerran . And now it is so vtterly decayd , That any bud thereof doth scarse remaine , But if few plants preseru'd through heauenly ayd , In Princes Court doe hap to sprout againe , Dew'd with her drops of bountie Soueraine , Which from that goodly glorious flowre proceed , Sprung of the auncient stocke of Princes straine , Now th' onely remnant of that royall breed , Whose noble kind at first was sure of heauenly seed . Tho soone as day discouered heauens face To sinfull men with darknes ouerdight , This gentle crew gan from their eye-lids chace The drowzie humour of the dampish night , And did themselues vnto their iourney dight . So forth they yode , and forward softly paced , That them to view had bene an vncouth sight ; How all the way the Prince on footpace traced , The Ladies both on horse , together fast embraced . Soone as they thence departed were afore , That shamefull Hag , the slaunder of her sexe , Them follow'd fast , and them reuiled sore , Him calling theese , them whores ; that much did vexe His noble hart ; thereto she did annexe False crimes and facts , such as they neuer ment , That those two Ladies much asham'd did wexe : The more did she pursue her lewd intent , And rayl'd and rag'd , till she had all her poyson spent . At last when they were passed out of sight , Yet she did not her spightfull speach forbeare , But after them did barke , and still backbite , Though there were none her hatefull words to heare : Like as a curre doth felly bite and teare The stone , which passed straunger at him threw ; So she them seeing past the reach of eare , Against the stones and trees did rayle anew , Till she had duld the sting , which in her tongs end grew . They passing forth kept on their readie way , With easie steps so soft as foot could stryde , Both for great feeblesse , which did oft assay Faire Amoret , that scarcely she could ryde , And eke through heauie armes , which sore annoyd The Prince on foot , not wonted so to fare ; Whose steadie hand was faine his steede to guyde , And all the way from trotting hard to spare , So was his toyle the more , the more that was his care . At length they spide , where towards them with speed A Squire came gallopping , as he would flie Bearing a litle Dwarfe before his steed , That all the way full loud for aide did crie , That seem'd his shrikes would rend the brasen skie : Whom after did a mightie man pursew , Ryding vpon a Dromedare on hie , Of stature huge , and horrible of hew , That would haue maz'd a man his dreadfull face to vew . For from his fearefull eyes two fierie beames , More sharpe then points of needles did proceede , Shooting forth farre away two flaming streames , Full of sad powre , that poysonous bale did breede To all , that on him lookt without good heed , And secretly his enemies did slay : Like as the Basiliske of serpents seede , From powrefull eyes close venim doth conuay Into the lookers hart , and killeth farre away . He all the way did rage at that same Squire , And after him full many threatnings threw , With curses vaine in his auengefull ire : But none of them ( so fast away he flew ) Him ouertooke , before he came in vew . Where when he saw the Prince in armour bright , He cald to him aloud , his case to rew , And rescue him through succour of his might , From that his cruell foe , that him pursewd in sight . Eftsoones the Prince tooke downe those Ladies twaine From loftie steede , and mounting in their stead Came to that Squire , yet trembling euery vaine : Of whom he gan enquire his cause of dread ; Who as he gan the same to him aread , Loe hard behind his backe his foe was prest , With dreadfull weapon aymed at his head , That vnto death had doen him vnredrest , Had not the noble Prince his readie stroke represt . Who thrusting boldly twixt him and the blow , The burden of the deadly brunt did beare Vpon his shield , which lightly he did throw Ouer his head , before the harme came neare . Nathlesse it fell with so despiteous dreare And heauie sway , that hard vnto his crowne The shield it droue , and did the couering reare , Therewith both Squire and dwarfe did tomble downe Vnto the earth , and lay long while in senselesse swowne . Whereat the Prince full wrath , his strong right hand In full auengement heaued vp on hie , And stroke the Pagan with his steely brand So sore , that to his saddle bow thereby He bowed low , and so a while did lie : And sure had not his massie yron mace Betwixt him and his hurt bene happily , It would haue cleft him to the girding place , Yet as it was , it did astonish him long space . But when he to himselfe returnd againe , All full of rage he gan to curse and sweare , And vow by Mahoune that he should be slaine . With that his murdrous mace he vp did reare , That seemed nought the souse thereof could beare , And therewith smote at him with all his might . But ere that it to him approched neare , The royall child with readie quicke foresight , Did shun the proofe thereof and it auoyded light . But ere his hand he could recure againe , To ward his bodie from the balefull stound , He smote at him with all his might and maine , So furiously , that ere he wist , he found His head before him tombling on the ground . The whiles his babling tongue did yet blaspheme And curse his God , that did him so confound ; The whiles his life ran foorth in bloudie streame , His soule descended downe into the Stygian reame . Which when that Squire beheld , he woxe full glad To see his foe breath out his spright in vaine : But that same dwarfe right sorie seem'd and sad , And howld aloud to see his Lord there slaine , And rent his haire and scratcht his face for paine . Then gan the Prince at leasure to inquire Of all the accident , there hapned plaine , And what he was , whose eyes did flame with fire ; All which was thus to him declared by that Squire . This mightie man ( quoth he ) whom you haue slaine , Of an huge Geauntesse whylome was bred ; And by his strength rule to himselfe did gaine Of many Nations into thraldome led , And mightie kingdomes of his force adred ; Whom yet he conquer'd not by bloudie fight , Ne hostes of men with banners brode dispred , But by the powre of his infectious sight , With which he killed all , that came within his might . Ne was he euer vanquished afore , But euer vanquisht all , with whom he fought ; Ne was there man so strong , but he downe bore , Ne woman yet so faire , but he her brought Vnto his bay , and captiued her thought . For most of strength and beautie his desire Was spoyle to make , and wast them vnto nought , By casting secret flakes of lustfull fire From his false eyes , into their harts and parts entire . Therefore Corflambo was he cald aright , Though namelesse there his bodie now doth lie , Yet hath he left one daughter that is hight The faire Poeana ; who seemes outwardly So faire , as euer yet saw liuing eie : And were her vertue like her beautie bright , She were as faire as any vnder skie . But ah she giuen is to vaine delight , And eke too loose of life , and eke of loue too light . So as it fell there was a gentle Squire , That lou'd a Ladie of high parentage , But for his meane degree might not aspire To match so high , her friends with counsell sage , Dissuaded her from such a disparage . But she , whose hart to loue was wholly lent , Out of his hands could not redeeme her gage , But firmely following her first intent , Resolu'd with him to wend , gainst all her friends consent . So twixt themselues they pointed time and place , To which when he according did repaire , An hard mishap and disauentrous case Him chaunst ; in stead of his Aemylia faire This Gyants sonne , that lies there on the laire An headlesse heape , him vnawares there caught , And all dismayd through mercilesse despaire , Him wretched thrall vnto his dongeon brought , Where he remaines , of all vnsuccour'd and vnsought . This Gyants daughter came vpon a day Vnto the prison in her ioyous glee , To view the thrals , which there in bondage lay : Amongst the rest she chaunced there to see This louely swaine the Squire of low degree ; To whom she did her liking lightly cast , And wooed him her paramour to bee : From day to day she woo'd and prayd him fast , And for his loue him promist libertie at last . He though affide vnto a former loue , To whom his faith he firmely ment to hold , Yet seeing not how thence he mote remoue , But by that meanes , which fortune did vnfold , Her graunted loue , but with affection cold To win her grace his libertie to get . Yet she him still detaines in captiue hold , Fearing least if she should him freely set , He would her shortly leaue , and former loue forget . Yet so much fauour she to him hath hight , Aboue the rest , that he sometimes may space And walke about her gardens of delight , Hauing a keeper still with him in place , Which keeper is this Dwarfe , her dearling base , To whom the keyes of euery prison dore By her committed be , of speciall grace , And at his will may whom he list restore , And whom he list reserue , to be afflicted more . Whereof when tydings came vnto mine eare , Full inly sorie for the feruent zeale , Which I to him as to my soule did beare ; I thether went where I did long conceale My selfe , till that the Dwarfe did me reueale , And told his Dame , her Squire of low degree Did secretly out of her prison steale ; For me he did mistake that Squire to bee ; For neuer two so like did liuing creature see . Then was I taken and before her brought , Who through the likenesse of my outward hew , Being likewise beguiled in her thought , Gan blame me much for being so vntrew , To seeke by flight her fellowship t' eschew , That lou'd me deare , as dearest thing aliue . Thence she commaunded me to prison new ; Whereof I glad did not gainesay nor striue , But suffred that same Dwarfe me to her dongeon driue . There did I finde mine onely faithfull frend In heauy plight and sad perplexitie ; Whereof I sorie , yet my selfe did bend , Him to recomfort with my companie . But him the more agreeu'd I found thereby : For all his ioy , he said , in that distresse Was mine and his Aemylias libertie . Aemylia well he lou'd , as I mote ghesse ; Yet greater loue to me then her he did professe . But I with better reason him auiz'd , And shew'd him how through error and mis-thought Of our like persons each to be disguiz'd , Or his exchange , or freedome might be wrought . Whereto full loth was he , ne would for ought Consent , that I who stood all fearelesse free , Should wilfully be into thraldome brought , Till fortune did perforce it so decree . Yet ouerrul'd at last , he did to me agree . The morrow next about the wonted howre , The Dwarfe cald at the doore of Amyas , To come forthwith vnto his Ladies bowre . In steed of whom forth came I Placidas , And vndiscerned , forth with him did pas . There with great ioyance and with gladsome glee , Of faire Poeana I receiued was , And oft imbrast , as if that I were hee , And with kind words accoyd , vowing great loue to mee . Which I , that was not bent to former loue , As was my friend , that had her long refusd , Did well accept , as well it did behoue , And to the present neede it wisely vsd . My former hardnesse first I faire excusd ; And after promist large amends to make . With such smooth termes her error I abusd , To my friends good , more then for mine owne sake , For whose sole libertie I loue and life did stake . Thenceforth I found more fauour at her hand , That to her Dwarfe , which had me in his charge , She bad to lighten my too heauie band , And graunt more scope to me to walke at large . So on a day as by the flowrie marge Of a fresh streame I with that Elfe did play , Finding no meanes how I might vs enlarge , But if that Dwarfe I could with me conuay , I lightly snatcht him vp , and with me bore away . Thereat he shriekt aloud , that with his cry The Tyrant selfe came forth with yelling bray , And me pursew'd ; but nathemore would I Forgoe the purchase of my gotten pray , But haue perforce him hether brought away . Thus as they talked , loe where nigh at hand Those Ladies two yet doubtfull through dismay In presence came , desirous t' vnderstand Tydings of all , which there had hapned on the land . Where soone as sad Aemylia did espie Her captiue louers friend , young Placidas ; All mindlesse of her wonted modestie , She to him ran , and him with streight embras Enfolding said , and liues yet Amyas ? He liues ( quoth he ) and his Aemylia loues . Then lesse ( said she ) by all the woe I pas , With which my weaker patience fortune proues . But what mishap thus long him fro my selfe remoues ? Then gan he all this storie to renew , And tell the course of his captiuitie ; That her deare hart full deepely made to rew , And sigh full sore , to heare the miserie , In which so long he mercilesse did lie . Then after many teares and sorrowes spent , She deare besought the Prince of remedie : Who thereto did with readie will consent , And well perform'd , as shall appeare by his euent .

Cant. IX . The Squire of low degree releast Poeana takes to wife : Britomart fightes with many Knights Prince Arthur stints their strife . HArd is the doubt , and difficult to deeme , When all three kinds of loue together meet , And doe dispart the hart with powre extreme , Whether shall weigh the balance downe ; to weet The deare affection vnto kindred sweet , Or raging fire of loue to woman kind , Or zeale of friends combynd with vertues meet . But of them all the band of vertues mind Me seemes the gentle hart , should most assured bind . For naturall affection soone doth cesse , And quenched is with Cupids greater flame : But faithfull friendship doth them both suppresse , And them with maystring discipline doth tame , Through thoughts aspyring to eternall fame . For as the soule doth rule the earthly masse , And all the seruice of the bodie frame , So loue of soule doth loue of bodie passe , No lesse then perfect gold surmounts the meanest brasse . All which who list by tryall to assay , Shall in this storie find approued plaine ; In which these Squires true friendship more did sway , Then either care of parents could refraine , Or loue of fairest Ladie could constraine . For though Poeana were as faire as morne , Yet did this Trustie squire with proud disdaine For his friends sake her offred fauours scorne , And she her selfe her syre , of whom she was yborne . Now after that Prince Arthur graunted had , To yeeld strong succour to that gentle swayne , Who now long time had lyen in prison sad , He gan aduise how best he mote darrayne That enterprize , for greatest glories gayne . That headlesse tyrants tronke he reard from ground , And hauing ympt the head to it agayne , Vpon his vsuall beast it firmely bound , And made it so to ride , as it aliue was found . Then did he take that chaced Squire , and layd Before the ryder , as he captiue were , And made his Dwarfe , though with vnwilling ayd , To guide the beast , that did his maister beare , Till to his castle they approched neare . Whom when the watch , that kept continuall ward Saw comming home ; all voide of doubtfull feare , He running downe , the gate to him vnbard ; Whom straight the Prince ensuing , in together far'd . There he did find in her delitious boure The faire Poeana playing on a Rote , Complayning of her cruell Paramoure , And singing all her sorrow to the note , As she had learned readily by rote . That with the sweetnesse of her rare delight , The Prince halfe rapt , began on her to dote : Till better him bethinking of the right , He her vnwares attacht , and captiue held by might . Whence being forth produc'd , when she perceiued Her owne deare sire , she cald to him for aide . But when of him no aunswere she receiued , But saw him sencelesse by the Squire vpstaide , She weened well , that then she was betraide : Then gan she loudly cry , and weepe , and waile , And that same Squire of treason to vpbraide . But all in vaine , her plaints might not preuaile , Ne none there was to reskue her , ne none to baile . Then tooke he that same Dwarfe , and him compeld To open vnto him the prison dore , And forth to bring those thrals , which there he held . Thence forth were brought to him aboue a score Of Knights and Squires to him vnknowne afore : All which he did from bitter bondage free , And vnto former liberty restore . Amongst the rest , that Squire of low degree Came forth full weake and wan , not like him selfe to bee . Whom soone as faire Aemylia beheld , And Placidas , they both vnto him ran , And him embracing fast betwixt them held , Striuing to comfort him all that they can , And kissing oft his visage pale and wan . That faire Paeana them beholding both , Gan both enuy , and bitterly to ban ; Through iealous passion weeping inly wroth , To see the sight perforce , that both her eyes were loth . But when a while they had together beene , And diuersly conferred of their case , She , though full oft she both of them had seene Asunder , yet not euer in one place , Began to doubt , when she them saw embrace , Which was the captiue Squire she lou'd so deare , Deceiued through great likenesse of their face , For they so like in person did appeare , That she vneath discerned , whether whether weare . And eke the Prince , when as he them auized , Their like resemblaunce much admired there , And mazd how nature had so well disguized Her worke , and counterfet her selfe so nere , As if that by one patterne seene somewhere , She had them made a paragone to be , Or whether it through skill , or errour were . Thus gazing long , at them much wondred he , So did the other knights and Squires , which him did see . Then gan they ransacke that same Castle strong , In which he found great store of hoorded threasure , The which that tyrant gathered had by wrong And tortious powre , without respect or measure . Vpon all which the Briton Prince made seasure , And afterwards continu'd there a while , To rest him selfe , and solace in soft pleasure Those weaker Ladies after weary toile ; To whom he did diuide part of his purchast spoile . And for more ioy , that captiue Lady faire The faire Paeana he enlarged free ; And by the rest did set in sumptuous chaire , To feastand frollicke ; nathemore would she Shew gladsome countenaunce nor pleasaunt glee : But grieued was for losse both of her sire , And eke of Lordship , with both land and fee : But most she touched was with griefe entire , For losse of her new loue , the hope of her desire . But her the Prince through his well wonted grace , To better termes of myldnesse did entreat , From that fowle rudenesse , which did her deface ; And that same bitter corsiue , which did eat Her tender heart , and made refraine from meat , He with good thewes and speaches well applyde , Did mollifie , and calme her raging heat . For though she were most faire , and goodly dyde , Yet she it all did mar with cruelty and pride . And for to shut vp all in friendly loue , Sith loue was first the ground of all her griefe , That trusty Squire he wisely well did moue Not to despise that dame , which lou'd him liefe , Till he had made of her some better priefe , But to accept her to his wedded wife . Thereto he offred for to make him chiefe Of all her land and lordship during life : He yeelded , and her tooke ; so stinted all their strife . From that day forth in peace and ioyous blis , They liu'd together long without debate , Ne priuate iarre , ne spite of enemis Could shake the safe assuraunce of their state . And she whom Nature did so faire create , That she mote match the fairest of her daies , Yet with lewd loues and lust intemperate Had it defaste ; thenceforth reformd her waies , That all men much admyrde her change , and spake her praise . Thus when the Prince had perfectly compylde These paires of friends in peace and setled rest , Him selfe , whose minde did trauell as with chylde , Of his old loue , conceau'd in secret brest , Resolued to pursue his former guest ; And taking leaue of all , with him did beare Faire Amoret , whom Fortune by bequest Had left in his protection whileare , Exchanged out of one into an other feare . Feare of her safety did her not constraine , For well she wist now in a mighty hond , Her person late in perill , did remaine , Who able was all daungers to withstond . But now in feare of shame she more did stond , Seeing her selfe all soly succourlesse , Left in the victors powre , like vassall bond ; Whose will her weakenesse could no way represse . In case his burning lust should breake into excesse . But cause of feare sure had she none at all Of him , who goodly learned had of yore The course of loose affection to forstall , And lawlesse lust to rule with reasons lore ; That all the while he by his side her bore , She was as safe as in a Sanctuary ; Thus many miles they two together wore , To seeke their loues dispersed diuersly , Yet neither shewed to other their hearts priuity . At length they came , whereas a troupe of Knights They saw together skirmishing , as seemed : Sixe they were all , all full offell despight , But foure of them the battell best beseemed , That which of them was best , mote not be deemed . Those foure were they , from whom false Florimell By Braggadochio lately was redeemed . To weet , sterne Druon , and lewd Claribell , Loue-lauish Blandamour , and lustfull Paridell . Druons delight was all in single life , And vnto Ladies loue would lend no leasure : The more was Claribell enraged rise With feruent flames , and loued out of measure : So eke lou'd Blandamour , but yet at pleasure Would change his liking , and new Lemans proue : But Paridell of loue did make no threasure , But lusted after all , that him did moue . So diuersly these foure disposed were to loue . But those two other which beside them stoode , Were Britomart , and gentle Scudamour , Who all the while beheld their wrathfull moode , And wondred at their impacable stoure , Whose like they neuer saw till that same houre : So dreadfull strokes each did at other driue , And laid on load with all their might and powre , As if that euery dint the ghost would riue Out of their wretched corses , and their liues depriue . As when Dan AEolus in great displeasure , For losse of his deare loue by Neptune hent , Sends forth the winds out of his hidden threasure , Vpon the sea to wreake his fell intent ; They breaking forth with rude vnruliment , From all foure parts of heauen doe rage full sore , And tosse the deepes , and teare the firmament , And all the world confound with wide vprore , As if in stead thereof they Chaos would restore . Cause of their discord , and so fell debate , Was for the loue of that same snowy maid , Whome they had lost in Turneyment of late , And seeking long , to weet which way she straid Met here together , where through lewd vpbraide Of Ate and Duessa they fell out , And each one taking part in others aide , This cruell conflict raised thereabout , Whose dangerous successe depended yet in dout . For sometimes Paridell and Blandamour The better had , and bet the others backe , Eftsoones the others did the field recoure , And on their foes did worke full cruell wracke : Yet neither would their fiendlike fury slacke , But euermore their malice did augment ; Till that vneath they forced were for lacke Of breath , their raging rigour to relent , And rest themselues for to recouer spirits spent . Their gan they change their sides , and new parts take ; For Paridell did take to Druons side , For old despight , which now forth newly brake Gainst Blandamour , whom alwaies he enuide : And Blandamour to Claribell relide . So all afresh gan former fight renew . As when two Barkes , this caried with the tide , That with the wind , contrary courses sew , If wind and tide doe change , their courses change anew . Thenceforth they much more furiously gan fare , As if but then the battell had begonne , Ne helmets bright , ne hawberks strong did spare , That through the clifts the vermeil bloud out sponne , And all adowne their riuen sides did ronne . Such mortall malice , wonder was to see In friends profest , and so great outrage donne : But sooth is said , and tride in each degree , Faint friends when they fall out , most cruell fomen bee . Thus they long while continued in fight , Till Scudamour , and that same Briton maide , By fortune in that place did chance to light : Whom soone as they with wrathfull eie bewraide , They gan remember of the fowle vpbraide , The which that Britonesse had to them donne , In that late Turney for the snowy maide ; Where she had them both shamefully fordonne , And eke the famous prize of beauty from them wonne . Eftsoones all burning with a fresh desire Of fell reuenge , in their malicious mood They from them selues gan turne their furious ire , And cruell blades yet steeming with whot bloud , Against those two let driue , as they were wood : Who wondring much at that so sodaine fit , Yet nought dismayd , them stoutly well withstood ; Ne yeelded foote , ne once abacke did flit , But being doubly smitten likewise doubly smit . The warlike Dame was on her part assaid , Of Claribell and Blandamour attone ; And Paridell and Druon fiercely laid At Scudamour , both his professed fone . Foure charged two , and two surcharged one ; Yet did those two them selues so brauely beare , That the other litle gained by the lone , But with their owne repayred duely weare , And vsury withall : such gaine was gotten deare . Full oftentimes did Britomart assay To speake to them , and some emparlance moue ; But they for nought their cruell hands would stay , Ne lend an eare to ought , that might behoue , As when an eager mastiffe once doth proue The tast of bloud of some engored beast , No words may rate , nor rigour him remoue From greedy hold of that his blouddy feast : So litle did they hearken to her sweet beheast . Whom when the Briton Prince a farre beheld With ods of so vnequall match opprest , His mighty heart with indignation fweld , And inward grudge fild his heroicke brest : Eftsoones him selfe he to their aide addrest , And thrusting fierce into the thickest preace , Diuided them , how euer loth to rest , And would them faine from battell to surceasse , With gentle words perswading them to friendly peace . But they so farre from peace or patience were , That all at once at him gan fiercely flie , And lay on load , as they him downe would beare ; Like to astorme , which houers vnder skie Long here and there , and round about doth stie , At length breakes downe in raine , and haile , and sleet , First from one coast , till nought thereof be drie ; And then another , till that likewise fleet ; And so from side to side till all the world it weet . But now their forces greatly were decayd , The Prince yet being fresh vntoucht afore ; Who them with speaches milde gan first disswade From such foule outrage , and them long forbore : Till seeing them through suffrance hartned more , Him selfe he bent their furies to abate , And layd at them so sharpely and so sore , That shortly them compelled to retrate , And being brought in daunger , to relent too late . But now his courage being throughly fired , He ment to make them know their follies prise , Had not those two him instantly desired T' asswage his wrath , and pardon their mesprise . At whose request he gan him selfe aduise To stay his hand , and of a truce to treat In milder tearmes , as list them to deuise : Mongst which the cause of their so cruell heat He did them aske , who all that passed gan repeat . And told at large how that same errant Knight , To weet faire Britomart , them late had foyled In open turney , and by wrongfull fight Both of their publicke praise had them despoyled , And also of their priuate loues beguyled , Of two full hard to read the harder theft . But she that wrongfull challenge soone assoyled , And shew'd that she had not that Lady reft , ( As they supposd ) but her had to her liking left . To whom the Prince thus goodly well replied ; Certes sir Knight , ye seemen much to blame , To rip vp wrong , that battell once hath tried ; Wherein the honor both of Armes ye shame , And eke the loue of Ladies foule defame ; To whom the world this franchise euer yeelded , That of their loues choise they might freedom clame , And in that right should by all knights be shielded : Gainst which me seemes this war ye wrongfully haue wielded . And yet ( quoth she ) a greater wrong remaines : For I thereby my former loue haue lost , Whom seeking euer since with endlesse paines , Hath me much sorrow and much trauell cost ; Aye me to see that gentle maide so tost . But Scudamour then sighing deepe , thus saide , Certes her losse ought me to sorrow most , Whose right she is , where euer she be straide , Through many perils wonne , and many fortunes waide . For from the first that I her loue profest , Vnto this houre , this present lucklesse howre , I neuer ioyed happinesse nor rest , But thus turmoild from one to other stowre , I wast my life , and doe my daies deuowre In wretched anguishe and incessant woe , Passing the measure of my feeble powre , That liuing thus , a wretch I and louing so , I neither can my loue , ne yet my life forgo . Then good sir Claribell him thus bespake , Now were it not sir Scudamour to you , Dislikefull paine , so sad a taske to take , Mote we entreat you , sith this gentle crew Is now so well accorded all anew ; That as we ride together on our way , Ye will recount to vs in order dew All that aduenture , which ye did assay For that faire Ladies loue : past perils well apay . So gan the rest him likewise to require , But Britomart did him importune hard , To take on him that paine : whose great desire He glad to satisfie , him selfe prepar'd To tell through what misfortune he had far'd , In that atchieuement , as to him befell . And all those daungers vnto them declar'd , Which sith they cannot in this Canto well Comprised be , I will them in another tell .

Cant. X. Scudamour doth his conqust tell , Of vertuous Amoret : Great Venus Temple is describ'd , And louers life forth set . TRue he it said , what euer man it sayd , That loue with gall and hony doth abound , But if the one be with the other wayd , For euery dram of hony therein found , A pound of gall doth ouer it redound . That I too true by triall haue approued : For since the day that first with deadly wound My heart was launcht , and learned to haue loued , I neuer ioyed howre , but still with care was moued . And yet such grace is giuen them from aboue , That all the cares and euill which they meet , May nought at all their setled mindes remoue , But seeme gainst common sence to them most sweet ; As bosting in their martyrdome vnmeet . So all that euer yet I haue endured , I count as naught , and tread downe vnder feet , Since of my loue at length I rest assured , That to disloyalty she will not be allured . Long were to tell the trauell and long toile , Through which this shield of loue I late haue wonne , And purchased this peerelesse beauties spoile , That harder may be ended , then begonne . But since ye so desire , your will be donne . Then hearke ye gentle knights and Ladies free , My hard mishaps , that ye may learne to shonne ; For though sweet loue to conquer glorious Bee , Yet is the paine thereof much greater then the fee. What time the fame of this renowmed prise Flew first abroad , and all mens eares possest , I hauing armes then taken , gan auise To winne me honour by some noble gest , And purchase me some place amongst the best . I boldly thought ( so young mens thoughts are bold ) That this same braue emprize for me did rest , And that both shield and she whom I behold , Might be my lucky lot ; sith all by lot we hold . So on that hard aduenture forth I went , And to the place of perill shortly came . That was a temple faire and auncient , Which of great mother Venus bare the name , And farre renowmed through exceeding fame ; Much more then that , which was in Paphos built , Or that in Cyprus , both long since this same , Though all the pillours of the one were guilt , And all the others pauement were with yuory spilt . And it was seated in an Island strong , Abounding all with delices most rare , And wall'd by nature gainst inuaders wrong , That none mote haue accesse , nor inward fare , But by one way , that passage did prepare . It was a bridge ybuilt in goodly wize , With curious Corbes and pendants grauen faire , And arched all with porches , did arize On stately pillours , fram'd after the Doricke guize . And for defence thereof , on th' other end There reared was a castle faire and strong , That warded all which in or out did wend , And flancked both the bridges sides along , Gainst all that would it faine to force or wrong . And therein wonned twenty valiant Knights ; All twenty tride in warres experience long ; Whose office was , against all nanner wights By all meanes to maintaine , that castels ancients rights . Before that Castle was an open plaine , And in the midst thereof a piller placed ; On which this shield , of many sought in vaine , The shield of Loue , whose guerdon me hath graced , Was hangd on high with golden ribbands laced ; And in the marble stone was written this , With golden letters goodly well enchaced , Blessed the man that well can vse his blis : Whose euer be the shield , faire Amoret be his . Which when I red , my heart did inly earne , And pant with hope of that aduentures hap : Ne stayed further newes thereof to learne , But with my speare vpon the shield did rap , That all the castle ringed with the clap . Streight forth issewd a Knight all arm'd to proofe , And brauely mounted to his most mishap : Who staying nought to question from aloofe , Ran fierce at me , that fire glaunst from his horses hoofe . Whom boldly I encountred ( as I could ) And by good fortune shortly him vnseated . Eftsoones out sprung two more of equall mould ; But I them both with equall hap defeated : So all the twenty I likewise entreated , And left them groning there vpon the plaine . Then preacing to the pillour I repeated The read thereof for guerdon of my paine , And taking downe the shield , with me did it retaine . So forth without impediment I past , Till to the Bridges vtter gate I came : The which I found sure lockt and chained fast . I knockt , but no man aunswred me by name ; I cald , but no man answerd to my clame . Yet I perseuer'd still to knocke and call , Till at the last I spide within the same , Where one stood peeping through a creuis small , To whom I cald aloud , halfe angry therewithall . That was to weet the Porter of the place , Vnto whose trust the charge thereof was lent : His name was Doubt , that had a double face , Th' one forward looking , th' other backeward bent , Therein resembling Ianus auncient , Which hath in charge the ingate of the yeare : And euermore his eyes about him went , As if some proued perill he did feare , Or did misdoubt some ill , whose cause did not appeare . On th' one side he , on th' other sate Delay , Behinde the gate , that none her might espy ; Whose manner was all passengers to stay , And entertaine with her occasions sly , Through which some lost great hope vnheedily , Which neuer they recouer might againe ; And others quite excluded forth , did ly Long languishing there in vnpittied paine , And seeking often entraunce , afterwards in vaine . Me when as he had priuily espide , Bearing the shield which I had conquerd late , He kend it streight , and to me opened wide . So in I past , and streight he closd the gate . But being in , Delay in close awaite Caught hold on me , and thought my steps to stay , Feigning full many a fond excuse to prate , And time to steale , the threasure of mans day , Whose smallest minute lost , no riches render may . But by no meanes my way I would forslow , For ought that euer she could doe or say , But from my lofty steede dismounting low , Past forth on foote , beholding all the way The goodly workes , and stones of rich assay , Cast into sundry shapes by wondrous skill , That like on earth no where I recken may : And vnderneath , the riuer rolling still With murmure soft , that seem'd to serue the workmans will . Thence forth I passed to the second gate , The Gate of good desert , whose goodly pride And costly frame , were long here to relate . The same to all stoode alwaies open wide : But in the Porch did euermore abide An hideous Giant , dreadfull to behold , That stopt the entraunce with his spacious stride , And with the terrour of his countenance bold Full many did affray , that else faine enter would . His name was Daunger dreaded ouer all , Who day and night did watch and duely ward , From fearefull cowards , entrance to forstall , And faint-heart-fooles , whom shew of perill hard Could terrifie from Fortunes faire adward : For oftentimes faint hearts at first espiall Of his grim face , were from approaching scard ; Vnworthy they of grace , whom one deniall Excludes from fairest hope , withouten further triall . Yet many doughty warriours , often tride In greater perils to bestout and bold , Durst not the sternnesse of his looke abide , But soone as they his countenance did behold , Began to faint , and feele their corage cold . Againe some other , that in hard assaies Were cowards knowne , and litle count did hold , Either through gifts , or guile , or such like waies , Crept in by stouping low , or stealing of the kaies . But I though nearest man of many moe , Yet much disdaining vnto him to lout , Or creepe betweene his legs , so in to goe , Resolu'd him to assault with manhood stout , And either beat him in , or driue him out . Eftsoones aduauncing that enchaunted shield , With all my might I gan to lay about : Which when he saw , the glaiue which he did wield He gan forthwith t'auale , and way vnto me yield . So as I entred , I did backeward looke , For feare of harme , that might lie hidden there ; And loe his hindparts , whereof heed I tooke , Much more deformed fearefull vgly were , Then all his former parts did earst appere . For hatred , murther , treason , and despight , With many moe lay in ambushment there , Awayting to entrap the warelesse wight , Which did not them preuent with vigilant foresight . Thus hauing past all perill , I was come Within the compasse of that Islands space ; The which did seeme vnto my simple doome , The onely pleasant and delightfull place , That euer troden was of footings trace . For all that nature by her mother wit Could frame in earth , and forme of substance base , Was there , and all that nature did omit , Art playing second natures part , supplyed it . No tree , that is of count , in greenewood growes , From lowest Iuniper to Ceder tall , No flowre in field , that daintie odour throwes , And deckes his branch with blossomes ouer all , But there was planted , or grew naturall : Nor sense of man so coy and curious nice , But there mote find to please it selfe withall ; Nor hart could wish for any queint deuice , But there it present was , and did fraile sense entice . In such luxurious plentie of all pleasure , It seem'd a second paradise to bee , So lauishly enricht with natures threasure , That if the happie soules , which doe possesse Th' Elysian fields , and liue in lasting blesse , Should happen this with liuing eye to see , They soone would loath their lesser happinesse , And wish to life return'd againe to ghesse , That in this ioyous place they mote haue ioyance free . Fresh shadowes , fit to shroud from sunny ray ; Faire lawnds , to take the sunne in season dew ; Sweet springs , in which a thousand Nymphs did play ; Soft rombling brookes , that gentle slomber drew ; High reared mounts , the lands about to vew ; Low looking dales , disloignd from common gaze ; Delightfull bowres , to solace louers trew ; False Labyrinthes , fond runners eyes to daze ; All which by nature made did nature selfe amaze . And all without were walkes and all eyes dight , With diuers trees , enrang'd in euen rankes ; And here and there were pleasant arbors pight , And shadie seates , and sundry flowring bankes , To sit and rest the walkers wearie shankes , And therein thousand payres of louers walkt , Praysing their god , and yeelding him great thankes , Ne euer ought but of their true loues talkt , Ne euer for rebuke or blame of any balkt . All these together by themselues did sport Their spotlesse pleasures , and sweet loues content . But farre away from these , another sort Of louers lincked in true harts consent ; Which loued not as these , for like intent , But on chast vertue grounded their desire , Farre from all fraud , or fayned blandishment ; Which in their spirits kindling zealous fire , Braue thoughts and noble deedes did euermore aspire . Such were great Hercules , and Hyllus deare ; Trew Ionathan , and Dauid trustie tryde ; Stout Theseus , and Pirithous his feare ; Pylades and Orestes by his syde ; Myld Titus and Gesippus without pryde ; Damon and Pythias whom death could not seuer : All these and all that euer had bene tyde , In bands of friendship there did liue for euer , Whose liues although decay'd , yet loues decayed neuer . Which when as I , that neuer tasted blis , Nor happie howre , beheld with gazefull eye , I thought there was none other heauen then this ; And gan their endlesse happinesse enuye , That being free from feare and gealosye , Might frankely there their loues desire possesse ; Whilest I through paines and perlous ieopardie , Was forst to seeke my lifes deare patronesse : Much dearer be the things , which come through hard distresse . Yet all those sights , and all that else I saw , Might not my steps withhold , but that forthright Vnto that purposd place I did me draw , Where as my loue was lodged day and night : The temple of great Venus , that is hight The Queene of beautie , and of loue the mother , There worshipped of euery liuing wight ; Whose goodly workmanship farre past all other That euer were on earth , all were they set together . Not that same famous Temple of Diane , Whose hight all Ephesus did ouersee , And which all Asia sought with vowes prophane , One of the worlds seuen wonders sayd to bee , Might match with this by many a degree : Nor that , which that wise King of Iurie framed , With endlesse cost , to be th' Almighties see ; Nor all that else through all the world is named To all the heathen Gods , might like to this be clamed . I much admyring that so goodly frame , Vnto the porch approcht , which open stood ; But therein sate an amiable Dame , That seem'd to be of very sober mood , And in her semblant shewed great womanhood : Strange was her tyre ; for on her head a crowne She wore much like vnto a Danisk hood , Poudred with pearle and stone , and all her gowne Enwouen was with gold , that taught full low a downe . On either side of her , two young men stood , Both strongly arm'd , as fearing one another ; Yet were they brethren both of halfe the blood , Begotten by two fathers of one mother , Though of contrarie natures each to other : The one of them hight Loue , the other Hate , Hate was the elder , Loue the younger brother ; Yet was the younger stronger in his state Then th' elder , and him maystred still in all debate . Nathlesse that Dame so well them tempted both , That she them forced hand to ioyne in hand , Albe that Hatred was thereto full loth , And turn'd his face away , as he did stand , Vnwilling to behold that louely band . Yet she was of such grace and vertuous might , That her commaundment he could notwithstand , But bit his lip for felonous despight , And gnasht his yron tuskes at that displeasing sight . Concord she cleeped was in common reed , Mother of blessed Peace , and Friendship trew ; They both her twins , both borne of heauenly seed , And she her selfe likewise diuinely grew ; The which right well her workes diuine did snew : For strength , and wealth , and happinesse she lends , And strife , and warre , and anger does subdew : Of litle much , of foes she maketh frends , And to afflicted minds sweet rest and quiet sends . By her the heauen is in his course contained , And all the world in state vnmoued stands , As their Almightie maker first ordained , And bound them with inuiolable bands ; Else would the waters ouerflow the lands , And fire deuoure the ayre , and hell them quight , But that she holds them with her blessed hands . She is the nourse of pleasure and delight , And vnto Venus grace the gate doth open right . By her I entring halfe dismayed was , But she in gentle wise me entertayned , And twixt her selfe and loue did let me pas ; But Hatred would my entrance haue restrayned , And with his club me threatned to haue brayned , Had not the Ladie with her powrefull speach Him from his wicked will vneath refrayned ; And th' other eke his malice did empeach , Till I was throughly past the perill of his reach . Into the inmost Temple thus I came , Which fuming all with frankensence I found , And odours rising from the altars flame . Vpon an hundred marble pillors round The roofe vp high was reared from the ground , All deckt with crownes , & chaynes , and girlands gay , And thousand pretious gifts worth many a pound , The which sad louers for their vowes did pay ; And all the ground was strow'd with flowres , as fresh as may . An hundred Altars round about were set , All flaming with their sacrifices fire , That with the steme thereof die Temple swet , Which rould in clouds to heauen did aspire , And in them bore true louers vowes entire : And eke an hundred brasen caudrons bright , To bath in ioy and amorous desire , Euery of which was to a damzell hight ; For all the Priests were damzels , in soft linnen dight . Right in the midst the Goddesse selfe did stand Vpon an altar of some costly masse , Whose substance was vneath to vnderstand : For neither pretious stone , nor durefull brasse , Nor shining gold , nor mouldring clay it was ; But much more rare and pretious to esteeme , Pure in aspect , and like to christall glasse , Yet glasse was not , if one did rightly deeme , But being faire and brickle , likest glasse did seeme . But it in shape and beautie did excell All other Idoles , which the heathen adore , Farre passing that , which by surpassing skill Phidias did make in Paphos Isle of yore , With which that wretched Greeke , that life forlore Did fall in loue : yet this much fairer shined , But couered with a slender veile afore ; And both her feete and legs together twyned Were with a snake , whose head & tail were fast combyned . The cause why she was couered with a vele , Was hard to know , for that her Priests the same From peoples knowledge labour'd to concele . But sooth it was not sure for womanish shame , Nor any blemish , which the worke mote blame ; But for , they say , she hath both kinds in one , Both male and female , both vnder one name : She syre and mother is her selfe alone , Begets and eke conceiues , ne needeth other none . And all about her necke and shoulders flew A flocke of litle loues , and sports , and ioyes , With nimble wings of gold and purple hew ; Whose shapes seem'd not like to terrestriall boyes , But like to Angels playing heauenly toyes ; The whilest their eldest brother was away , Cupid their eldest brother ; he enioyes The wide kingdome of loue with Lordly sway , And to his law compels all creatures to obay . And all about her altar scattered lay Great sorts of louers piteously complayning , Some of their losse , some of their loues delay , Some of their pride , some paragons disdayning , Some fearing fraud , some fraudulently fayning , As euery one had cause of good or ill . Amongst the rest some one through loues constrayning , Tormented sore , could not containe it still , But thus brake forth , that all the temple it did fill . Great Venus , Queene of beautie and of grace , The ioy of Gods and men , that vnder skie Doest fayrest shine , and most adorne thy place , That with thy smyling looke doest pacifie The raging seas , and makst the stormes to flie ; Thee goddesse , thee the winds , the clouds doe feare , And when thou spredst thy mantle forth on hie , The waters play and pleasant lands appeare , And heauens laugh , & al the world shews ioyous cheare . Then doth the daedale earth throw forth to thee Out of her fruitfull lap aboundant flowres , And then all liuing wights , soone as they see The spring breake forth out of his lusty bowres , They all doe learne to play the Paramours ; First doe the merry birds , thy prety pages Priuily pricked with thy lustfull powres , Chirpe loud to thee out of their leauy cages , And thee their mother call to coole their kindly rages . Then doe the saluage beasts begin to play Their pleasant friskes , and loath their wanted food ; The Lyons rore , the Tygres loudly bray , The raging Buls rebellow through the wood , And breaking forth , dare tempt the deepest flood , To come where thou doest draw them with desire : So all things else , that nourish vitall blood , Soone as with fury thou doest them inspire , In generation seeke to quench their inward fire . So all the world by thee at first was made , And dayly yet thou doest the same repayre : Ne ought on earth that merry is and glad , Ne ought on earth that louely is and fayre , But thou the same for pleasure didst prepayre . Thou art the root of all that ioyous is , Great God of men and women , queene of th' ayre , Mother of laughter , and welspring of blisse , O graunt that of my loue at last I may not misse . So did he say : but I with murmure soft , That none might heare the sorrow of my hart , Yet inly groning deepe and sighing oft , Besought her to graunt ease vnto my smart , And to my wound her gratious help impart . Whilest thus I spake , behold with happy eye I spyde , where at the Idoles feet apart A beuie of fayre damzels close did lye , Wayting when as the Antheme should be sung on hye . The first of them did seeme of ryper yeares , And grauer countenance then all the rest ; Yet all the rest were eke her equall peares , Yet vnto her obayed all the best . Her name was Womanhood , that she exprest By her sad semblant and demeanure wyse : For stedfast still her eyes did fixed rest , Ne rov'd at randon after gazers guyse , Whose luring baytes oftimes doe heedlesse harts entyse . And next to her sate goodly Shamefastnesse , Ne euer durst her eyes from ground vpreare , Ne euer once did looke vp from her desse , As if some blame of euill she did feare , That in her cheekes made roses oft appeare : And her against sweet Cherefulnesse was placed , Whose eyes like twinkling stars in euening cleare , Were deckt with smyles , that all sad humors chaced , And darted forth delights , the which her goodly graced . And next to her sate sober Modestie , Holding her hand vpon her gentle hart ; And her against sate comely Curtesie , That vnto euery person knew her part ; And her before was seated ouerthwart Soft Silence , and submisse Obedience , Both linckt together neuer to dispart , Both gifts of God not gotten but from thence , Both girlonds of his Saints against their foes offence . Thus sate they all a round in seemely rate : And in the midst of them a goodly mayd , Euen in the lap of Womanhood there sate , The which was all in lilly white arayd , With siluer streames amongst the linnen stray'd ; Like to the Morne , when first her shyning face Hath to the gloomy world it selfe bewray'd , That same was fayrest Amoret in place , Shyning with beauties light , and heauenly vertues grace . Whom soone as I beheld , my hart gan throb , And wade in doubt , what best were to be donne : For sacrilege me seem'd the Church to rob , And folly seem'd to leaue the thing vndonne , Which with so strong attempt I had begonne . Tho shaking off all doubt and shamefast feare , Which Ladies loue I heard had neuer wonne Monest men of worth , I to her stepped neare , And by the lilly hand her labour'd vp to reare . Thereat that formost matrone me did blame , And sharpe rebuke , for being ouer bold ; Saying it was to Knight vnseemely shame , Vpon a recluse Virgin to lay hold , That vnto Venus seruices was sold . To whom I thus , Nay but it fitteth best , For Cupids man with Venus mayd to hold , For ill your goddesse seruices are drest By virgins , and her sacrifices let to rest . With that my shield I forth to her did show , Which all that while I closely had conceld ; On which when Cupid with his killing bow And cruell shafts emblazond she beheld , At sight thereof she was with terror queld , And said no more : but I which all that while The pledge of faith , her hand engaged held , Like warie Hynd within the weedie soyle , For no intreatie would forgoe so glorious spoyle . And euermore vpon the Goddesse face Mine eye was fixt , for feare of her offence , Whom when I saw with amiable grace To laugh at me , and fauour my pretence , I was emboldned with more confidence , And nought for nicenesse nor for enuy sparing , In presence of them all forth led her thence , All looking on , and like astonisht staring , Yet to lay hand on her , not one of all them daring . She often prayd , and often me besought , Sometime with tender teares to let her goe , Sometime with witching smyles : but yet for nought , That euer she to me could say or doe , Could she her wished freedome fro me wooe ; But forth I led her through the Temple gate , By which I hardly past with much adoe : But that same Ladie which me friended late In entrance , did me also friend in my retrate . No lesse did daunger threaten me with dread , When as he saw me , maugre all his powre , That glorious spoyle of beautie with me lead , Then Cerberus , when Orpheus did recoure His Leman from the Stygian Princes boure . But euermore my shield did me defend , Against the storme of euery dreadfull stoure : Thus safely with my loue I thence did wend. So ended he his tale , where I this Canto end .

Cant. XI . Marinells former wound is heald , he comes to Proteus hall , Where Thames doth the Medway wedd , and feasts the Sea-gods all . BVt ah for pittie that I haue thus long Left a fayre Ladie languishing in payne : Now well away , that I haue doen such wrong , To let faire Florimell in bands remayne , In bands of loue , and in sad thraldomes chayne ; From which vnlesse some heauenly powre her free By miracle , not yet appearing playne , She lenger yet is like captiu'd to bee : That euen to thinke thereof , it inly pitties mee . Here neede you to remember , how erewhile Vnlouely Proteus , missing to his mind That Virgins loue to win by wit or wile , Her threw into a dongeon deepe and blind , And there in chaynes her cruelly did bind , In hope thereby her to his bent to draw : For when as neither gifts nor graces kind Her constant mind could moue at all he saw , He thought her to compell by crueltie and awe . Deepe in the bottome of an huge great rocke The dongeon was , in which her bound he left , That neither yron barres , nor brasen locke Did neede to gard from force , or secret theft Of all her louers , which would her haue rest . For wall'd it was with waues , which rag'd and ror'd As they the cliffe in peeces would haue cleft ; Besides ten thousand monsters foule abhor'd Did waite about it , gaping griesly all begor'd . And in the midst thereof did horror dwell , And darkenesse dredd , that neuer viewed day , Like to the balefull house of lowest hell , In which old Styx her aged bones alway , Old Styx the Gramdame of the Gods , doth lay . There did this lucklesse mayd three months abide , Ne euer euening saw , ne mornings ray , Ne euer from the day the night descride , But thought it all one night , that did no houres diuide . And all this was for loue of Marinell , Who her despysd ( ah who would her despyse ? ) And wemens loue did from his hart expell , And all those ioyes that weake mankind entyse . Nathlesse his pride full dearely he did pryse ; For of a womans hand it was ywroke , That of the wound he yet in languor lyes , Ne can be cured of that cruell stroke Which Britomart him gaue , when he did her prouoke . Yet farre and neare the Nymph his mother sought , And many salues did to his sore applie , And many herbes did vse . But when as nought She saw could ease his rankling maladie , At last to Tryphon she for helpe did hie , ( This Tryphon is the seagods surgeon hight ) Whom she besought to find some remedie : And for his paines a whistle him behight That of a fishes shell was wrought with rare delight . So well that Leach did hearke to her request , And did so well employ his carefull paine , That in short space his hurts he had redrest , And him restor'd to healthfull state againe : In which he long time after did remaine There with the Nymph his mother , like her thrall ; Who sore against his will did him retaine , For feare of perill , which to him mote fall , Through his too ventrous prowesse proued ouer all . It fortun'd then , a solemne feast was there To all the Sea-gods and their fruitfull seede , In honour of the spousalls , which then were Betwixt the Medway and the Thames agreed . Long had the Thames ( as we in records reed ) Before that day her wooed to his bed ; But the proud Nymph would for no worldly meed , Nor no entreatie to his loue be led ; Till now at last relenting , she to him was wed . So both agreed , that this their bridale feast Should for the Gods in Proteus house be made ; To which they all repayr'd , both most and least , Aswell which in the mightie Ocean trade , As that in riuers swim , or brookes doe wade . All which not if an hundred tongues to tell , And hundred mouthes , and voice of brasse I had , And endlesse memorie , that mote excell , In order as they came , could I recount them well . Helpe therefore , O thou sacred imp of Ioue , The noursling of Dame Memorie his deare , To whom those rolles , layd vp in heauen aboue , And records of antiquitie appeare , To which no wit of man may comen neare ; Helpe me to tell the names of all those floods , And all those Nymphes , which then assembled were To that great banquet of the watry Gods , And all their sundry kinds , and all their hid abodes . First came great Neptune with his threeforkt mace , That rules the Seas , and makes them rise or fall ; His dewy lockes did drop with brine apace , Vnder his Diademe imperiall : And by his side his Queene with coronall , Faire Amphitrite , most diuinely faire , Whose yuorie shoulders weren couered all , As with a robe , with her owne siluer haire , And deckt with pearles , which th' Indian seas for her prepaire . These marched farre afore the other crew ; And all the way before them as they went , Triton his trompet shrill before them blew , For goodly triumph and great iollyment , That made the rockes to roare , as they were rent . And after them the royall issue came , Which of them sprung by lineall descent : First the Sea-gods , which to themselues doe clame The powre to rule the billowes , and the waues to tame . Phorcys , the father of that fatall brood , By whom those old Heroes wonne such fame ; And Glaucus , that wise southsayes vnderstood ; And tragicke Inoes sonne , the which became A God of seas through his mad mothers blame , Now hight Palemon , and is saylers frend ; Great Brontes , and Astraeus , that did shame Himselfe with incest of his kin vnkend ; And huge Orion , that doth tempests still portend . The rich Cteatus , and Eurytus long ; Neleus and Pelias louely brethren both ; Mightie Chrysaor , and Caïcus strong ; Eurypulus , that calmes the waters wroth ; And faire Euphoemus , that vpon them goth As on the ground , without dismay or dread : Fierce Eryx , and Alebius that know'th The waters depth , and doth their bottome tread ; And sad Asopus , comely with his hoarie head . There also some most famous founders were Of puissant Nations , which the world possest ; Yet sonnes of Neptune , now assembled here : Ancient Ogyges , euen th' auncientest , And Inachus renowmd aboue the rest ; Phoenix , and Aon , and Pelasgus old , Great Belus , Phoeax , and Agenor best ; And mightie Albion , father of the bold And warlike people , which the Britaine Islands hold . For Albion the sonne of Neptune was , Who for the proofe of his great puissance , Out of his Albion did on dry-foot pas Into old Gall , that now is cleeped France , To fight with Hercules , that did aduance To vanquish all the world with matchlesse might , And there his mortall part by great mischance Was slaine : but that which is th' immortall spright Liues still : and to this feast with Neptunes seed was dight . But what doe I their names seeke to reherse , Which all the world haue with their issue fild ? How can they all in this so narrow verse Contayned be , and in small compasse hild ? Let them record them , that are better skild , And know the moniments of passed times : Onely what needeth , shall be here fulfild , T' expresse some part of that great equipage , Which from great Neptune do deriue their parentage . Next came the aged Ocean , and his Dame , Old Tethys , th' oldest two of all the rest , For all the rest of those two parents came , Which afterward both sea and land possest : Of all which Nereus th' eldest , and the best , Did first proceed , then which none more vpright , Ne more sincere in word and deed profest ; Most voide of guile , most free from fowle despight , Doing him selfe , and teaching others to doe right . Thereto he was expert in prophecies , And could the ledden of the Gods vnfold , Through which , when Paris brought his famous prise The faire Tindarid lasse , he him fortold , That her all Greece with many a champion bold Should fetch againe , and finally destroy Proud Priams towne . So wise is Nereus old , And so well skild ; nathlesse he takes great ioy Oft-times amongst the wanton Nymphs to sport and toy . And after him the famous riuers came , Which doe the earth enrich and beautifie : The fertile Nile , which creatures new doth frame ; Long Rhodanus , whose sourse springs from the skie ; Faire Ister , flowing from the mountaines hie ; Diuine Seaman der , purpled yet with blood Of Greekes and Troians , which therein did die ; Pactolus glistring with his golden flood , And Tygris fierce , whose streames of none may be withstood . Great Ganges , and immortall Euphrates , Deepe Indus , and Maeander intricate , Slow Peneus , and tempestuous Phasides , Swift Rhene , and Alpheus still immaculate : Ooraxes , feared for great Cyrus fate ; Tybris , renowmed for the Romaines fame , Rich Oranochy , though but knowen late ; And that huge Riuer , which doth beare his name Of warlike Amazons , which doe possesse the same . Ioy on those warlike women , which so long Can from all men so rich a kingdome hold ; And shame on you , ô men , which boast your strong And valiant hearts , in thoughts lesse hard and bold , Yet quaile in conquest of that land of gold . But this to you , ô Britons , most pertaines , To whom the right hereof it selfe hath sold ; The which for sparing litle cost or paines , Loose so immortall glory , and so endlesse gaines . Then was there heard a most celestiall sound , Of dainty musicke , which did next ensew Before the spouse : that was Arion crownd ; Who playing on his harpe , vnto him drew The eares and hearts of all that goodly crew , That euen yet the Dolphin , which him bore Through the Agaean seas from Pirates vew , Stood still by him astonisht at his lore , And all the raging seas for ioy forgot to rore . So went he playing on the watery plaine . Soone after whom the louely Bridegroome came , The noble Thamis , with all his goodly traine , But him before there went , as best became ; His auncient parents , namely th' auncient Thame . But much more aged was his wife then he , The Ouze , whom men doe Isis rightly name ; Full weake and crooked creature seemed shee , And almost blind through eld , that scarce her way could see . Therefore on either side she was sustained Of two smal grooms , which by their names were hight The Churne , and Charwell , two small streames , which pained Them selues her footing to direct aright , Which fayled oft through faint and feeble plight : But Thame was stronger , and of better stay ; Yet seem'd full aged by his outward sight , With head all hoary , and his beard all gray , Deawed with siluer drops , that trickled downe alway . And eke he somewhat seem'd to stoupe afore With bowed backe , by reason of the lode , And auncient heauy burden , which he bore Of that faire City , wherein make abode So many learned impes , that shoote abrode , And with their braunches spred all Britany , No lesse then do her elder sisters broode . Ioy to you both , ye double noursery , Of Arts , but Oxford thine doth Thame most glorify . But he their sonne full fresh and iolly was , All decked in a robe of watchet hew , On which the waues , glittering like Christall glas , So cunningly enwouen were , that few Could weenen , whether they were false or trew . And on his head like to a Coronet He wore , that seemed strange to common vew , In which were many towres and castels set , Than it encompast round as with a golden fret . Like as the mother of the Gods , they say , In her great iron charet wonts to ride , When to loues pallace she doth take her way ; Old Cybele , arayd with pompous pride , Wearing a Diademe embattild wide With hundred turrets , like a Turribant . With such an one was Thamis beautifide ; That was to weet the famous Troynouant , In which her kingdomes throne is chiefly resiant . And round about him many a pretty Page Attended duely , ready to obay ; All little Riuers , which owe vassallage To him , as to their Lord , and tribute pay : The chaulky Kenet , and the Thetis gray , The morish Cole , and the soft sliding Breane , The wanton Lee , that oft doth loose his way , And the still Darent , in whose waters cleane Ten thousand fishes play , and decke his pleasant streame . Then came his neighbour flouds , which nigh him dwell , And water all the English soile throughout ; They all on him this day attended well ; And with meet seruice waited him about ; Ne none disdained low to him to lout : No not the stately Seuerne grudg'd at all , Ne storming Humber , though he looked stout ; But both him honor'd as their principall , And let their swelling waters low before him fall . There was the speedy Tamar , which deuides The Cornish and the Deuonish confines ; Through both whose borders swiftly downe it glides , And meeting Plim , to Plimmouth thence declines : And Dart , nigh chockt with sands of tinny mines . But Auon marched in more stately path , Proud of his Adamants , with which he shines And glisters wide , as als of wondrous Bath , And Bristow faire , which on his waues he builded hath . And there came Stoure with terrible aspect , Bearing his sixe deformed heads on hye , That doth his course through Blandford plains direct , And washeth Winborne meades in season drye . Next him went Wylibourne with passage slye , That of his wylinesse his name doth take , And of him selfe doth name the shire thereby : And Mole , that like a nousling Mole doth make His way still vnder ground , till Thamis he ouertake . Then came the Rother , decked all with woods Like a wood God , and flowing fast to Rhy : And Sture , that parteth with his pleasant floods The Easterne Saxons from the Southerne ny , And Clare , and Harwitch both doth beautify : Him follow'd Y ar , soft washing Norwitch wall , And with him brought a present ioyfully Of his owne fish vnto their festiuall , Whose like none else could shew , the which they Ruffins call . Next these the plenteous Ouse came far from land , By many a city , and by many a towne , And many riuers taking vnder hand Into his waters , as he passeth downe , The Cle , the Were , the Guant , the Sture , the Rowne . Thence doth by Huntingdon and Cambridge flit , My mother Cambridge , whom as with a Crowne He doth adorne , and is adorn'd of it With many a gentle Muse , and many a learned wit . And after him the fatall Welland went , That if old sawes proue true ( which God forbid ) Shall drowne all Holland with his excrement , And shall see Stamford , though now homely hid , Then shine in learning , more then euer did Cambridge or Oxford , Englands goodly beames . And next to him the Nene downe softly slid ; And bounteous Trent , that in him selfe enseames Both thirty sorts of fish , and thirty sundry streames . Next these came Tyne , along whose stony bancke That Romaine Monarch built a brasen wall , Which mote the feebled Britons strongly flancke Against the Picts , that swarmed ouer all , Which yet thereof Gualseuer they doe call : And Twede the limit betwixt Logris land And Albany : And Eden though but small , Yet often stainde with bloud of many a band Of Scots and English both , that tyned on his strand . Then came those sixe sad brethren , like forlorne , That whilome were ( as antique fathers tell ) Sixe valiant Knights , of one faire Nymphe yborne , Which did in noble deedes of armes excell , And wonned there , where now Yorke people dwell ; Still Vre , swift Werfe , and Oze the most of might , High Swale , vnquiet Nide , and troublous Skell ; All whom a Scythian king , that Humber hight , Slew cruelly , and in the riuer drowned quight . But past not long , ere Brutus warlicke sonne Locrinus them aueng'd , and the same date , Which the proud Humber vnto them had donne , By equall dome repayd on his owne pate : For in the selfe same riuer , where he late Had drenched them , he drowned him againe ; And nam'd the riuer of his wretched fate ; Whose bad condition yet it doth retaine , Oft tossed with his stormes , which therein still remaine . These after , came the stony shallow Lone , That to old Loncaster his name doth lend ; And following Dee , which Britons longygone Did call diuine , that doth by Chester tend ; And Conway which out of his streame doth send Plenty of pearles to decke his dames withall , And Lindus that his pikes doth most commend , Of which the auncient Lincolne men doe call , All these together marched toward Proteus hall . Ne thence the Irishe Riuers absent were , Sith no lesse famous then the rest they bee , And ioyne in neighbourhood of kingdome nere , Why should they not likewise in loue agree , And ioy likewise this solemne day to see . They saw it all , and present were in place ; Though I them all according their degree , Cannot recount , nor tell their hidden race , Nor read the saluage cuntreis , thorough which they pace . There was the Liffy rolling downe the lea , The sandy Slane , the stony Aubrian , The spacious Shenan spreading like a sea , The pleasant Boyne , the fishy fruitfull Ban , Swift Awniduff , which of the English man Is cal'de Blacke water , and the Liffar deep , Sad Trowis , that once his people ouerran , Strong Allo tombling from Slewlogher steep , And Mulla mine , whose waues I whilom taught to weep . And there the three renowmed brethren were , Which that great Gyant Blomius begot , Of the faire Nimph Rheusa wandring there . One day , as she to shunne the season whot , Vnder Slewbloome in shady groue was got , This Gyant found her , and by force deflowr'd , Whereof conceiuing , she in time forth brought These three faire sons , which being thence forth powrd In three great riuers ran , and many countreis scowrd . The first , the gentle Shure that making way By sweet Clonmell , adornes rich Waterford ; The next , the stubborne Newre , whose waters gray By faire Kilkenny and Rosseponte boord , The third , the goodly Barow , which doth hoord Great heapes of Salmons in his deepe bosome : All which long sundred , doe at last accord To ioyne in one , ere to the sea they come , So flowing all from one , all one at last become . There also was the wide embayed Mayre , The pleasaunt Bandon crownd with many a wood , The spreading Lee , that like an Island fayre Encloseth Corke with his deuided flood ; And balefull Oure , late staind with English blood : With many more , whose names no tongue can tell . All which that day in order seemly good Did on the Thamis attend , and waited well To doe their duefull seruice , as to them befell . Then came the Bride , the louely Medua came , Clad in a vesture of vnknowen geare , And vncouth fashion , yet her well became ; That seem'd like siluer , sprinckled here and theare With glittering spangs , that did like starres appeare , And wau'd vpon , like water Chamelot , To hide the metall , which yet euery where Bewrayd it selfe , to let men plainely wot , It was no mortall worke , that seem'd and yet was not . Her goodly lockes adowne her backe did flow Vnto her waste , with flowres bescattered , The which ambrosiall odours forth did throw To all about , and all her shoulders spred As a new spring ; and likewise on her hed A Chapelet of sundry flowers she wore , From vnder which the deawy humour shed , Did tricle downe her haire , like to the hore Congealed litle drops , which doe the morne adore . On her two pretty handmaides did attend , One cald the Theise , the other cald the Crane ; Which on her waited , things amisse to mend , And both behind vpheld her spredding traine ; Vnder the which , her feet appeared plaine , Her siluer feet , faire washt against this day : And her before there paced Pages twaine , Both clad in colours like , and like array , The Doune & eke the Frith , both which prepard her way . And after these the Sea Nymphs marched all , All goodly damzels , deckt with long greene haire , Whom of their sire Nereides men call , All which the Oceans daughter to him bare The gray eyde Doris : all which fifty are ; All which she there on her attending had . Swift Proto , milde Eucrate , Thetis faire , Soft Spio , sweete Endore , Sao sad , Light Doto , wanton Glauce , and Galene glad . White hand Eunica , proud Dynamene , Ioyous Thalia , goodly Amphitrite , Louely Pasithee , kinde Eulimene , Light foote Cymothoe , and sweete Melite , Fairest Pherusa , Phao lilly white , Wondred Agaue , Poris , and Nesaea , With Erato that doth in loue delite , And Panopae , and wise Protomedaea , And snowy neckd Doris , and milkewhite Galathaea . Speedy Hippothoe , and chaste Actea , Large Lisianassa , and Pronaea sage , Euagore , and light Pontoporea , And she , that with her least word can asswage The surging seas , when they do sorest rage , Cymodoce , and stout Autonoe , And Neso , and Eione well in age , And seeming still to smile , Glauconome , And she that hight of many heastes Polynome . Fresh Alimeda , deckt with girlond greene ; Hyponeo , with salt bedewed wrests : Laomedia , like the christall sheene ; Liagore , much praisd for wise behests ; And Psamathe , for her brode snowy brests ; Cymo , Eupompe , and Themiste iust ; And she that vertue loues and vice detests Euarna , and Menippe true in trust , And Nemertea learned well to rule her lust . All these the daughters of old Nereus were , Which haue the sea in charge to them assinde , To rule his tides , and surges to vprere , To bring forth stormes , or fast them to vpbinde . And sailers saue from wreckes of wrathfull winde . And yet besides three thousand more there were Of th' Oceans seede , but Ioues and Phoebus kinde ; The which in floods and fountaines doe appere , And all mankinde do nourish with their waters clere . The which , more each it were for mortall wight , To tell the sands , or count the starres on hye , Or ought more hard , then thinke to reckon right . But well I wote , that these which I descry , Were present at this great solemnity : And there amongst the rest , the mother was Of luckelesse Marinell Cymodoce , Which , for my Muse her selfe now tyred has , Vnto an other Canto I will ouerpas .

Cant. XII . Marin for loue of Florimell , In languor wastes his life : The Nymph his mother getteth her , And giues to him for wife . O What an endlesse worke haue I in hand , To count the seas abundant progeny , Whose fruitfull seede farre passeth those in land , And also those which wonne in th' azure sky ? For much more each to tell the starres on hy , Albe they endlesse seeme in estimation , Then to recount the Seas posterity : So fertile be the flouds in generation , So huge their numbers , and so numberlesse their nation . Therefore the antique wisards well inuented , That Venus of the fomy sea was bred ; For that the seas by her are most augmented . Witnesse th' exceeding fry , which there are fed , And wondrous sholes , which may of none be red . Then blame me not , if I haue err'd in count Of Gods , of Nymphs , Of riuers yet vnred : For though their numbers do much more surmount , Yet all those same were there , which erst I did recount . All those were there , and many other more , Whose names and nations were too long to tell , That Proteus house they fild euen to the dore ; Yet were they all in order , as befell , According their degrees disposed well . Amongst the rest , was faire Cymodoce , The mother of vnlucky Marinell , Who thither with her came , to learne and see The manner of the Gods when they at banquet be . But for he was halfe mortall , being bred Of mortall sire , though of immortall wombe , He might not with immortall food be fed , Ne with th' eternall Gods to bancket come ; But walkt abrode , and round about did rome , To view the building of that vncouth place , That seem'd vnlike vnto his earthly home : Where , as he to and fro by chaunce did trace , There vnto him betid a disauentrous case . Vnder the hanging of an hideous clieffe , He heard the lamentable voice of one , That piteously complaind her carefull grieffe , Which neuer she before disclosd to none . But to her selfe her sorrow did bemone , So feelingly her case she did complaine , That ruth it moued in the rocky stone , And made it seeme to feele her grieuous paine , And oft to grone with billowes beating from the maine . Though vaine I see my sorrowes to vnfold , And count my cares , when none is nigh to heare , Yet hoping griefe may lessen being told , I will them tell though vnto no man neare : For heauen that vnto all lends equall eare , Is farre from hearing of my heauy plight ; And lowest hell , to which I lie most neare , Cares not what euils hap to wretched wight ; And greedy seas doe in the spoile of life delight . Yet loe the seas I see by often beating , Doe pearce the rockes , and hardest marble weares ; But his hard rocky hart for no entreating Will yeeld , but when my piteous plaints he heares , Is hardned more with my aboundant teares . Yet though he neuer list to me relent , But let me waste in woe my wretched yeares , Yet will I neuer of my loue repent , But ioy that for his sake I suffer prisonment . And when my weary ghost with griefe outworne , By timely death shall winne her wished rest , Let then this plaint vnto his eares be borne , That blame it is to him , that armes profest , To let her die , whom he might haue redrest . There did she pause , inforced to giue place , Vnto the passion , that her heart opprest , And after she had wept and wail'd a space , She gan afresh thus to renew her wretched case . Ye Gods of seas , if any Gods at all Haue care of right , or ruth of wretches wrong , By one or other way me woefull thrall , Deliuer hence out of this dungeon strong , In which I daily dying am too long . And if ye deeme me death for louing one , That loues not me , then doe it not prolong , But let me die and end my daies attone , And let him liue vnlou'd , or loue him selfe alone . But if that life ye vnto me decree , Then let mee liue , as louers ought to do , And of my lifes deare loue beloued be : And if he shall through pride your doome vndo , Do you by duresse him compell thereto , And in this prison put him here with me : One prison fittest is to hold vs two : So had I rather to be thrall , then free ; Such thraldome or such freedome let it surely be . But ô vaine iudgement , and conditions vaine , The which the prisoner points vnto the free , The whiles I him condemne , and deeme his paine , He where he list goes loose , and laughes at me . So euer loose , so euer happy be . But where so loose or happy that thou art , Know Marinell that all this is for thee . With that she wept and wail'd , as if her hart Would quite haue burst through great abundance of her smart . All which complaint when Marinell had heard , And vnderstood the cause of all her care To come of him , for vsing her so hard , His stubborne heart , that neuer felt misfare Was toucht with soft remorse and pitty rare ; That euen for griefe of minde he oft did grone , And inly wish , that in his powre it weare Her to redresse : but since he meanes found none He could no more but her great misery bemone . Thus whilst his stony heart with tender ruth Was toucht , and mighty courage mollifide , Dame Venus sonne that tameth stubborne youth With iron bit , and maketh him abide , Till like a victor on his backe he ride , Into his mouth his maystring bridle threw , That made him stoupe , till he did him bestride : Then gan he make him tread his steps anew , And learne to loue , by learning louers paines to rew . Now gan he in his grieued minde deuise , How from that dungeon he might her enlarge ; Some while he thought , by faire and humble wise To Proteus selfe to sue for her discharge : But then he fear'd his mothers former charge Gainst womens loue , long giuen him in vaine . Then gan he thinke , perforce with sword and targe Her forth to fetch , and Proteus to constraine : But soone he gan such folly to forthinke againe . Then did he cast to steale her thence away , And with him beare , where none of her might know . But all in vaine : for why he found no way To enter in , or issue forth below : For all about that rocke the sea did flow . And though vnto his will she giuen were , Yet without ship or bote her thence to row , He wist not how her thence away to bere ; And daunger well he wist long to continue there . At last when as no meanes he could inuent , Backe to him selfe , he gan returne the blame , That was the author of her punishment ; And with vile curses , and reprochfull shame To damne him selfe by euery euill name ; And deeme vnworthy or of loue or life , That had despisde so chast and faire a dame , Which him had sought through trouble & long strife ; Yet had refusde a God that her had sought to wife . In this sad plight he walked here and there , And romed round about the rocke in vaine , As he had lost him selfe , he wist not where ; Oft listening if he mote her heare againe ; And still bemoning her vnworthy paine . Like as an Hynde whose calfe is falne vnwares Into some pit , where she him heares complaine , An hundred times about the pit side fares , Right sorrowfully mourning her bereaued cares . And now by this the feast was throughly ended , And euery one gan homeward to resort . Which seeing Marinell , was sore offended , That his departure thence should be so short , And leaue his loue in that sea-walled for t . Yet durst he not his mother disobay , But her attending in full seemly sort , Did march amongst the many all the way : And all the way did inly mourne , like one astray . Being returned to his mothers bowre , In solitary silence far from wight , He gan record the lamentable stowre , In which his wretched loue lay day and night , For his deare sake , that ill deseru'd that plight : The thought whereof empierst his hart so deepe , That of no worldly thing he tooke delight ; Ne dayly food did take , ne nightly sleepe , But pyn'd , & mourn'd , & languisht , and alone did weepe . That in short space his wonted chearefull hew Gan fade , and liuely spirits deaded quight : His cheeke bones raw , and eie-pits hollow grew , And brawney armes had lost their knowen might , That nothing like himselfe he seem'd in sight . Ere long so weake of limbe , and sicke of loue He woxe , that lenger he note stand vpright , But to his bed was brought , and layd aboue , Like ruefull ghost , vnable once to stirre or moue . Which when his mother saw , she in her mind Was troubled sore , ne wist well what to weene , Ne could by search nor any meanes out find The secret cause and nature of his teene , Whereby she might apply some medicine ; But weeping day and night , did him attend , And mourn'd to see her losse before her eyne , Which grieu'd her more , that she it could not mend . To see an helpelesse euill , double griefe doth lend . Nought could she read the roote of his disease , Ne weene what mister maladie it is , Whereby to seeke some meanes it to appease . Most did she thinke , but most she thought amis , That that same former fatall wound of his Whyleare by Tryphon was not throughly healed , But closely rankled vnder th' orifis : Least did she thinke , that which he most concealed , That loue it was , which in his hart lay vnreuealed . Therefore to Tryphon she againe doth hast , And him doth chyde as false and fraudulent , That fayld the trust , which she in him had plast , To cure her sonne , as he his faith had lent : Who now was falne into new languishment Of his old hurt , which was not throughly cured . So backe he came vnto her patient , Where searching euery part , her well assured , That it was no old sore , which his new paine procured . But that it was some other maladie , Or griefe vnknowne , which he could not discerne : So left he her withouten remedie . Then gan her heart to faint , and quake , and earne , And inly troubled was , the truth to learne . Vnto himselfe she came , and him besought , Now with faire speches , now with threatnings sterne , If ought lay hidden in his grieued thought , It to reueale : who still her answered , there was nought . Nathlesse she rested not so satisfide , But leauing watry gods , as booting nought , Vnto the shinie heauen in haste she hide , And thence Apollo King of Leaches brought . Apollo came ; who soone as he had sought Through his disease , did by and by out find , That he did languish of some inward thought , The which afflicted his engrieued mind ; Which loue he red to be , that leads each liuing kind . Which when he had vnto his mother told , She gan thereat to fret , and greatly grieue . And comming to her sonne , gan first to scold , And chyde at him , that made her misbelieue : But afterwards she gan him soft to shrieue , And wooe with faire intreatie , to disclose , Which of the Nymphes his heart so sore did mieue . For sure she weend it was some one of those , Which he had lately seene , that for his loue he chose . Now lesse she feared that same fatall read , That warned him of womens loue beware : Which being ment of mortall creatures sead , For loue of Nymphes she thought she need not care , But promist him , what euer wight she weare , That she her loue , to him would shortly gaine : So he her told : but soone as she did heare That Florimell it was , which wrought his paine , She gan a fresh to chafe , and grieue in euery vaine . Yet since she saw the streight extremitie , In which his life vnluckily was layd , It was no time to scan the prophecie , Whether old Proteus true or false had sayd , That his decay should happen by a mayd . It 's late in death of daunger to aduize , Or loue forbid him , that is life denayd : But rather gan in troubled mind deuize , How she that Ladies libertie might enterprize . To Proteus selfe to sew she thought it vaine , Who was the root and worker of her woe : Nor vnto any meaner to complaine , But vnto great king Neptune selfe did goe , And on her knee before him falling lowe , Made humble suit vnto his Maiestie , To graunt to her , her sonnes life , which his foe A cruell Tyrant had presumpteouslie By wicked doome condemn'd , a wretched death to die . To whom God Neptune softly smyling , thus ; Daughter me seemes of double wrong ye plaine , Gainst one that hath both wronged you , and vs : For death t'adward I ween'd did appertaine To none , but to the seas sole Soueraine . Read therefore who it is , which this hath wrought , And for what cause ; the truth discouer plaine . For neuer wight so euill did or thought , But would some rightfull cause pretend , though rightly nought . To whom she answerd , Then it is by name Proteus , that hath ordayn'd my sonne to die ; For that a waist , the which by fortune came Vpon your seas , he claym'd as propertie : And yet nor his , nor his in equitie , But yours the waift by high prerogatiue . Therefore I humbly craue your Maiestie , It to repleuie , and my sonne repriue : So shall you by one gift saue all vs three aliue . He graunted it : and streight his warrant made , Vnder the Sea-gods seale autenticall , Commaunding Proteus straight t' enlarge the mayd , Which wandring on his seas imperiall , He lately tooke , and sithence kept as thrall . Which she receiuing with meete thankefulnesse , Departed straight to Proteus therewithall : Who reading it with inward loathfulnesse , Was grieued to restore the pledge , he did possesse . Yet durst he not the warrant to withstand , But vnto her deliuered Florimell . Whom she receiuing by the lilly hand , Admyr'd her beautie much , as she mote well : For she all liuing creatures did excell ; And was right ioyous , that she gotten had So faire a wife for her sonne Marinell . So home with her she streight the virgin lad , And shewed her to him , then being sore bestad . Who soone as he beheld that angels face , Adorn'd with all diuine perfection , His cheared heart eftsoones away gan chace Sad death , reuiued with her sweet inspection , And feeble spirit inly felt refection ; As withered weed through cruell winters tine , That feeles the warmth of sunny beames reflection , Liftes vp his head , that did before decline And gins to spread his leafe before the faire sunshine . Right so himselfe did Marinell vpreare , When he in place his dearest loue did spy ; And though his limbs could not his bodie beare , Ne former strength returne so suddenly , Yet chearefull signes he shewed outwardly . Ne lesse was she in secret hart affected , But that she masked it with modestie , For feare she should of lightnesse be detected : Which to another place I leaue to be perfected .

THE FIFTH BOOKE OF THE FAERIE QVEENE . Contayning , THE LEGEND OF ARTEGALL OR OF IVSTICE .

SO oft as I with state of present time , The image of the antique world compare , When as mans age was in his freshest prime . And the first blossome of faire vertue bare , Such oddes I finde twixt those , and these which are , As that , through long continuance of his course , Me seemes die world is runne quite out of square , From the first point of his appointed sourse , And being once amisse growes daily wourse and wourse . For from the golden age , that first was named , It 's now at earst become a stonie one ; And men themselues , the which at first were framed Of earthly mould , and form'd of flesh and bone , Are now transformed into hardest stone : Such as behind their backs ( so backward bred ) Were throwne by Pyrrha and Deucalione : And if then those may any worse be red , They into that ere long will be degendered . Let none then blame me , if in discipline Of vertue and of ciuill vses lore , I doe not forme them to the common line Of present dayes , which are corrupted sore , But to the antique vse , which was of yore , When good was onely for it selfe desyred , And all men sought their owne , and none no more ; When Iustice was not for most meed outhyred , But simple Truth did rayne , and was of all admyred . For that which all men then did vertue call , Is now cald vice ; and that which vice was hight , Is now hight vertue , and so vs'd of all : Right now is wrong , and wrong that was is right , As all things else in time are chaunged quight . Ne wonder ; for the heauens reuolution Is wandred farre from , where it first was pight , And so doe make contrarie constitution Of all this lower world , toward his dissolution . For who so list into the heauens looke , And search the courses of the rowling spheares , Shall find that from the point , where they first tooke Their setting forth , in these few thousand yeares They all are wandred much ; that plaine appeares . For that same golden fleecy Ram , which bore Phrixus and Helle from their stepdames feares , Hath now forgot , where he was plast of yore , And shouldred hath the Bull , which fayre Europa bore . And eke the Bull hath with his bow-bent horne So hardly butted those two twinnes of Ioue , That they haue crusht the Crab , and quite him borne Into the great Nemoean lions groue . So now all range , and doe at randon roue Out of their proper places farre away , And all this world with them amisse doe moue , And all his creatures from their course astray , Till they arriue at their last ruinous decay . Ne is that same great glorious lampe of light , That doth enlumine all these lesser fyres , In better case , ne keepes his course more right , But is miscaried with the other Spheres . For since the terme of fourteene hundred yeres , That learned Ptolomaee his hight did take , He is declyned from that marke of theirs , Nigh thirtie minutes to the Southerne lake ; That makes me feare in time he will vs quite forsake . And if to those Aegyptian wisards old , Which in Star-read were wont haue best insight , Faith may be giuen , it is by them told , That since the time they first tooke the Sunnes hight , Foure times his place he shifted hath in sight , And twice hath risen , where he now doth West , And wested twice , where he ought rise aright . But mostis Mars amisse of all the rest , And next to him old Saturne , that was wont be best . For during Saturnes ancient raigne it 's sayd , That all the world with goodnesse did abound : All loued vertue , no man was affrayd Of force , ne fraud in wight was to be found : No warre was knowne , no dreadfull trompets sound , Peace vniuersall rayn'd mongst men and beasts , And all things freely grew out of the ground : Iustice sate high ador'd with solemne feasts , And to all people did diuide her dred beheasts . Most sacred vertue she of all the rest , Resembling God in his imperiall might ; Whose soueraine powre is herein most exprest , That both to good and bad he dealeth right , And all his workes with Iustice hath bedight . That powre he also doth to Princes lend , And makes then like himselfe in glorious sight , To sit in his owne seate , his cause to end , And rule his people right , as he doth recommend . Dread Souerayne Goddesse , that doest highest sit In seate of iudgement , in th' Almighties place , And with magnificke might and wondrous wit Doest to thy people righteous doome aread , That furthest Nations filles with awfull dread , Pardon the boldnesse of thy basest thrall , That dare discourse of so diuine a read , As thy great iustice praysed ouer all : The instrument whereof loe here thy Artegall .

Cant. I. Artegall trayn'd in Iustice lore Irenaes quest pursewed , He doeth auenge on Sanglier his Ladies bloud embrewed . THough vertue then were held in highest price , In those old times , of which I doe intreat , Yet then likewise the wicked seede of vice Began to spring which shortly grew full great , And with their boughes the gentle plants did beat . But euermore some of the vertuous race Rose vp , inspired with heroicke heat , That cropt the branches of the sient base , And with strong hand their fruitfull rancknes did deface . Such first was Bacchus , that with furious might All th' East before vntam'd did ouerronne , And wrong repressed , and establisht right , Which lawlesse men had formerly fordonne . There Iustice first her princely rule begonne . Next Hercules his like ensample shewed , Who all the West with equall conquest wonne , And monstrous tyrants with his club subdewed ; The club of Iustice dread , with kingly powre endewed . And such was he , of whom I haue to tell , The Champion of true Iustice Artegall . Whom ( as ye lately mote remember well ) An hard aduenture , which did then befall , Into redoubted perill forth did call ; That was to succour a distressed Dame , Whom a strong tyrant did vniustly thrall , And from the heritage , which she did clame , Did with strong hand withhold : Grantorto was his name . Wherefore the Lady , which Eirena hight , Did to the Faery Queene her way addresse , To whom complayning her afflicted plight , She her besought of gratious redresse . That soueraine Queene , that mightie Emperesse , Whose glorie is to aide all suppliants pore , And of weake Princes to be Patronesse , Chose Artegall to right her to restore ; For that to her he seem'd best skild in righteous lore . For Artegall in iustice was vpbrought Euen from the cradle of his infancie , And all the depth of rightfull doome was taught By faire Astraea , with great industrie , Whilest here on earth the liued mortallie . For till the world from his perfection fell Into all filth and foule iniquitie , Astraea here mongst earthly men did dwell , And in the rules of iustice them instructed well . Whiles through the world she walked in this sort , Vpon a day she found this gentle childe , Amongst his peres playing his childish sport : Whom seeing fit , and with no crime defilde , She did allure with gifts and speaches milde , To wend with her . So thence him farre she brought Into a caue from companie exilde , In which she noursled him , till yeares he raught , And all the discipline of iustice there him taught . There she him taught to weigh both right and wrong In equall ballance with due recompence , And equitie to measure out along , According to the line of conscience , When so it needs with rigour to dispence . Of all the which , for want there of mankind , She caused him to make experience Vpon wyld beasts , which she in woods did find , With wrongfull powre oppressing others of their kind . Thus she him trayned , and thus she him taught , In all the skill of deeming wrong and right , Vntill the ripenesse of mans yeares he raught ; That euen wilde beasts did feare his awfull sight , And men admyr'd his ouerruling might ; Ne any liu'd on ground , that durst withstand His dreadfull heast , much lesse him match in fight , Or bide the horror of his wreakfull hand , When so he list in wrath lift vp his steely brand . Which steely brand , to make him dreaded more , She gaue vnto him , gotten by her slight And earnest search , where it was kept in store In Ioues eternall house , vnwist of wight , Since he himselfe it vs'd in that great fight Against the Titans , that whylome rebelled Gainst highest heauen ; Chrysaor it was hight ; Chrysaor that all other swords excelled , Well prou'd in that same day , when Ioue those Gyants quelled . For of most perfect metall it was made , Tempred with Adamant amongst the same , And garnisht all with gold vpon the blade In goodly wise , whereof it tooke his name , And was of no lesse vertue , then of fame . For there no substance was so firme and hard , But it would pierce or cleaue , where so it came ; Ne any armour could his dint out ward , But wheresoeuer it did light , it throughly shard . Now when the world with sinne gan to abound , Astraea loathing lenger here to space Mongst wicked men , in whom no truth she found , Return'd to heauen , whence she deriu'd her race ; Where she hath now an euerlasting place , Mongst those twelue signes , which nightly we doe see The heauens bright-shining baudricke to enchace ; And is the Virgin , sixt in her degree , And next her selfe her righteous ballance hanging bee . But when she parted hence , she left her groome An yron man , which did on her attend Alwayes , to execute her stedfast doome , And willed him with Artegall to wend , And doe what euer thing he did intend . His name was Talus , made of yron mould , Immoueable , resistlesse , without end . Who in his hand an yron flale did hould , With which he thresht out falshood , and did truth vnfould . He now went with him in this new inquest , Him for to aide , if aide he chaunst to neede , Against that cruell Tyrant , which opprest The faire Irena with his foule misdeede , And kept the crowne in which she should succeed . And now together on their way they bin , When as they saw a Squire in squallid weed , Lamenting sore his sorowfull sad tyne , With many bitter teares shed from his blubbred eyne . To whom as they approched , they espide A sorie sight , as euer seene with eye ; An headlesse Ladie lying him beside , In her owne blood all wallow'd wofully , That her gay clothes did in discolour die . Much was he moued at that ruefull sight ; And flam'd with zeale of vengeance inwardly , He askt , who had that Dame so fouly dight ; Or whether his owne hand , or whether other wight ? Ah woe is me , and well away ( quoth hee ) Bursting forth teares , like springs out of a banke , That euer I this dismall day did see : Full farre was I from thinking such a pranke ; Yet litle losse it were , and mickle thanke , If I should graunt that I haue doen the same , That I mote drinke the cup , whereof she dranke : But that I should die guiltie of the blame , The which another did , who now is fled with shame . Who was it then ( sayd Artegall ) that wrought ? And why , doe it declare vnto me trew . A knight ( said he ) if knight he may be thought , That did his hand in Ladies bloud embrew , And for no cause , but as I shall you shew . This day as I in solace sate hereby With a fayre loue , whose losse I now do rew , There came this knight , hauing in companie This lucklesse Ladie , which now here doth headlesse lie . He , whether mine seem'd fayrer in his eye , Or that he wexed weary of his owne , Would change with me ; but I did it denye ; So did the Ladies both , as may be knowne , But he , whose spirit was with pride vpblowne , Would not so rest contented with his right , But hauing from his courser her downe throwne , Fro me rest mine away by lawlesse might , And on his steed her set , to beare her out of sight . Which when his Ladie saw , she follow'd fast , And on him catching hold , gan loud to crie Not so to leaue her , nor away to cast , But rather of his hand besought to die . With that his sword he drew all wrathfully , And at one stroke cropt off her head with scorne , In that same place , whereas it now doth lie . So he my loue away with him hath borne , And left me here , both his & mine owne loue to morne . Aread ( sayd he ) which way then did he make ? And by what markes may he be knowne againe ? To hope ( quoth he ) him soone to ouertake , That hence so long departed , is but vaine : But yet he pricked ouer yonder plaine , And as I marked , bore vpon his shield , By which it's easie him to know againe , A broken sword within a bloodie field ; Expressing well his nature , which the same did wield . No sooner sayd , but streight he after sent His yron page , who him pursew'd so light , As that it seem'd aboue the ground he went : For he was swift as swallow in her flight , And strong as Eyon in his Lordly might . It was not long , before he ouertooke Sir Sanglier ; ( so cleeped was that Knight ) Whom at the first he ghessed by his looke , And by the other markes , which of his shield he tooke . He bad him stay , and backe with him retire ; Who full of scorne to be commaunded so , The Lady to alight did est require , Whilest he reformed that vnciuill so : And streight at him with all his force did go . Who mou'd no more therewith , then when a rocke Is lightly stricken with some stones throw ; But to him leaping , lent him such a knocke , That on the ground he layd him like a sencelesse blocke . But ere he could him selfe recure againe , Him in his iron paw he seized had ; That when he wak't out of his warelesse paine , He found him selfe vnwist , so ill bestad , That lim he could not wag . Thence he him lad , Bound like a beast appointed to the stall : The sight whereof the Lady sore adrad , And fain'd to fly for feare of being thrall ; But he her quickly stayd , and forst to wend withall . When to the place they came , where Artegall By that same carefull Squire did then abide , He gently gan him to demaund of all , That did betwixt him and that Squire betide . Who with sterne countenance and indignant pride Did aunswer , that of all he guiltlesse stood , And his accuser thereuppon defide : For neither he did shed that Ladies bloud , Nor tooke away his loue , but his owne proper good . Well did the Squire perceiue him selfe too weake , To aunswere his defiaunce in the field , And rather chose his challenge off to breake , Then to approue his right with speare and shield . And rather guilty chose him selfe to yield . But Artegall by signes perceiuing plaine , That he it was not , which that Lady kild , But that strange Knight , the fairer loue to gaine , Did cast about by sleight the truth thereout to straine . And sayd , now sure this doubtfull causes right Can hardly but by Sacrament be tride , Or else by ordele , or by blooddy fight ; That ill perhaps mote fall to either side . But if ye please , that I your cause decide , Perhaps I may all further quarrell end , So ye will sweare my iudgement to abide . Thereto they both did franckly condiscend , And to his doome with listfull eares did both attend . Sith then ( sayd he ) ye both the dead deny , And both the liuing Lady claime your right , Let both the dead and liuing equally Deuided be betwixt you here in sight , And each of either take his share aright . But looke who does dissent from this my read , He for a twelue moneths day shall in despight Beare for his penaunce that same Ladies head ; To witnesse to the world , that she by him is dead . Well pleased with that doome was Sangliere , And offred streight the Lady to be slaine . But that same Squire , to whom she was more dere , When as he saw she should be cut in twaine , Did yield , she rather should with him remaine Aliue , then to him selfe be shared dead ; And rather then his loue should suffer paine , He chose with shame to beare that Ladies head . True loue despiseth shame , when life is cald in dread . Whom when so willing Artegall perceaued ; Not so thou Squire , ( he sayd ) but thine I deeme The liuing Lady , which from thee he reaued : For worthy thou of her doest rightly seeme . And you , Sir Knight , that loue so light esteeme , As that ye would for little leaue the same , Take here your owne , that doth you best beseeme , And with it beare the burden of defame ; Your owne dead Ladies head , to tell abrode your shame . But Sangliere disdained much his doome , And sternly gan repine at his beheast ; Ne would for ought obay , as did become , To beare that Ladies head before his breast . Vntill that Talus had his pride represt , And forced him , maulgre , it vp to reare . Who when he saw it bootelesse to resist , He tooke it vp , and thence with him did beare , As rated Spaniell takes his burden vp for feare . Much did that Squire Sir Artegall adore , For his great iustice , held in high regard ; And as his Squire him offred euermore To serue , for want of other meete reward , And wend with him on his adueuture hard . But he thereto would by no meanes consent ; But leauing him forth on his iourney far'd : Ne wight with him but onely Talus went . They two enough t' encounter an whole Regiment .

Cant. II. Artegall heares of Florimell , Does with the Pagan fight : Him slaies , drownes Lady Momera , Does race her castle quight . NOught is more honorable to a knight , Ne better doth beseeme braue cheualry , Then to defend the feeble in their right , And wrong redresse in such as wend awry . Whilome those great Heroes got thereby Their greatest glory , for their rightfull deedes , And place deserued with the Gods on hy . Herein the noblesse of this knight exceedes , Who now to perils great for iustice sake proceedes . To which as he now was vppon the way , He chaunst to meet a Dwarfe in hasty course ; Whom he requir'd his forward hast to stay , Till he of tidings mote with him discourse . Loth was the Dwarfe , yet did he stay perforse , And gan of sundry newes his store to tell , And to his memory they had recourse : But chiefely of the fairest Florimell , How she was found againe , and spousde to Marinell . For this was Dony , Florimels owne Dwarfe , Whom hauing lost ( as ye haue heard whyleare ) And finding in the way the scattred scarfe , The fortune of her life long time did feare . But of her health when Artegall did heare , And safe returne , he was full inly glad , And askt him where , and when her bridale cheare Should be solemniz'd : for if time he had , He would be there , and honor to her spousall ad . Within three daies ( quoth she ) as I do here , It will be at the Castle of the strond ; What time if naught me let , I will be there To doe her seruice , so as I am bond . But in my way a little here beyond A cursed cruell Sarazin doth wonne , That keepes a Bridges passage by strong hond , And many errant Knights hath there fordonne ; That makes all men for feare that passage for to shonne . What mister wight ( quoth he ) and how far hence Is he , that doth to trauellers such harmes ? He is ( said he ) a man of great defence ; Expert in battell and in deedes of armes ; And more emboldned by the wicked charmes , With which his daughter doth him still support ; Hauing great Lordships got and goodly farmes , Through strong oppression of his powre extort ; By which he stil them holds , & keepes with strong effort . And dayly he his wrongs encreaseth more , For neuer wight he lets to passe that way ; Ouer his Bridge , albee he rich or poore , But he him makes his passage-penny pay : Else he doth hold him backe or beat away . Thereto he hath a groome of euill guize , Whose scalp is bare , that bondage doth bewray , Which pols and pils the poore in piteous wize ; But he him selfe vppon the rich doth tyrannize . His name is hight Pollente , rightly so For that he is so puissant and strong , That with his powre he all doth ouergo , And makes them subiect to his mighty wrong ; And some by sleight he eke doth vnderfong . For on a Bridge he custometh to fight , Which is but narrow , but exceeding long ; And in the same are many trap fals pight , Through which the rider downe doth fall through ouersight And vnderneath the same a riuer flowes , That is both swift and dangerous deepe withall ; Into the which whom so he ouerthrowes , All destitute of helpe doth headlong fall , But he him selfe , through practise vsuall , Leapes forth into the floud , and there assaies His foe confused through his sodaine fall , That horse and man he equally dismaies , And either both them drownes , or trayterously slaies . Then doth he take the spoile of them at will , And to his daughter brings , that dwels thereby : Who all that comes doth take , and therewith fill The coffers of her wicked threasury ; Which she with wrongs hath heaped vp so hy , That many Princes she in wealth exceedes , And purchast all the countrey lying ny With the reuenue of her plenteous meedes , Her name is Munera , agreeing with her deedes . Thereto she is full faire , and rich attired , With golden hands and siluer feete beside , That many Lords haue her to wife desired : But she them all despiseth for great pride . Now by my life ( sayd he ) and God to guide , None other way will I this day betake , But by that Bridge , whereas he doth abide : Therefore me thither lead . No more he spake , But thitherward forthright his ready way did make . Vnto the place he came within a while , Where on the Bridge he ready armed saw The Sarazin , awayting for some spoile . Who as they to the passage gan to draw , A villaine to them came with scull all raw , That passage money did of them require , According to the custome of their law . To whom he aunswerd wroth , loe there thy hire ; And with that word him strooke , that streight he did expire . Which when the Pagan saw , he wexed wroth , And streight him selfe vnto the fight addrest , Ne was Sir Artegall behinde : so both Together ran with ready speares in rest . Right in the midst , whereas they brest to brest Should meete , a trap was letten downe to fall Into the floud ; streight leapt the Carle vnblest , Well weening that his foe was falne withall : But he was well aware , and leapt before his fall . There being both together in the floud , They each at other tyrannousty flew ; Ne ought the water cooled their whot bloud , But rather in them kindled choler new . But there the Paynim , who that vse well knew To fight in water , great aduantage had , That oftentimes him nigh he ouerthrew : And eke the courser , whereuppon he rad , Could swim like to a fish , whiles he his backe bestrad . Which oddes when as Sir Artegall espide , He saw no way , but close with him in hast ; And to him driuing strongly downe the tide , Vppon his iron coller griped fast , That with the straint his wesand nigh he brast . There they together stroue and struggled long , Either the other from his steede to cast ; Ne euer Artegall his griple strong For any thing wold slacke , but still vppon him hong . As when a Dolphin and a Sele are met , In the wide champian of the Ocean plaine : With cruell chause their courages they whet , The maysterdome of each by force to gaine , And dreadfull battaile twixt them do darraine : They snuf , they snort , they bounce , they rage , they rore , That all the sea disturbed with their traine , Doth frie with some aboue the surges hore . Such was betwixt these two the troublesome vprore . So Artegall at length him forst forsake His horses backe , for dread of being drownd , And to his handy swimming him betake . Eftsoones him selfe he from his hold vnbownd , And then no ods at all in him he fownd : For Artegall in swimming skilfull was , And durst the depth of any water sownd . So ought each Knight , that vse of perill has , In swimming be expert through waters force to pas . Then very doubtfull was the warres euent , Vncertaine whether had the better side . For both were skildin that experiment , And both in armes well traind and throughly tride . But Art egall was better breath'd beside , And towards th' end , grew greater in his might , That his faint foe no longer could abide His puissance , ne beare him selfe vpright , But from the water to the land betooke his flight . But Artegall pursewd him still so neare , With bright Chrysaor in his cruell hand , That as his head he gan a litle reare Aboue the brincke , to tread vpon the land , He smote it off , that tumbling on the strand It bit the earth for very fell despight , And gnashed with his teeth , as if he band High God , whose goodnesse he despaired quight , Or curst the hand , which did that vengeance on him dight His corps was carried downe along the Lee , Whose waters with his filthy bloud it stayned : But his blasphemous head , that all might see , He pitcht vpon a pole on high ordayned ; Where many years it afterwards remayned , To be a mirrour to all mighty men , In whose right hands great power is contayned , That none of them the feeble ouerren , But alwaies doe their powre within iust compasse pen. That done , vnto the Castle he did wend , In which the Paynims daughter did abide , Guarded of many which did her defend : Of whom he entrance sought , but was denide , And with reprochfull blasphemy defide , Beaten with stones downe from the battilment , That he was forced to withdraw aside ; And bad his seruant Talus to inuent Which way he enter might , without endangerment . Eftsoones his Page drew to the Castle gate , And with his iron flale at it let flie , That all the warders it did sore amate , The which erewhile spake so reprochfully , And made them stoupe , that looked earst so hie . Yet still he bet , and bounst vppon the dore , And thundred strokes thereon so hideouslie , That all the peece he shaked from the flore , And filled all the house with feare and great vprore . With noise whereof the Lady forth appeared Vppon the Castle wall , and when she saw The daungerous state , in which she stood , she feared The sad effect of her neare ouerthrow ; And gan entreat that iron man below , To cease his outrage , and him faire besought , Sith neither force of stones which they did throw , Nor powr of charms , which she against him wrought , Might otherwise preuaile , or make him cease for ought . But when as yet she saw him to proceede , Vnmou'd with praiers , or with piteous thought , She ment him to corrupt with goodly meede ; And causde great sackes with endlesse riches fraught , Vnto the battilment to be vpbrought , And powred forth ouer the Castle wall , That she might win some time , though dearly bought Whilest he to gathering of the gold did fall . But he was nothing mou'd , nor tempted therewithall . But still continu'd his assault the more , And layd on load with his huge yron flaile , That at the length he has yrent the dore , And made way for his maister to assaile . Who being entred , nought did then auaile For wight , against his powre them selues to reare : Each one did flie ; their hearts began to faile , And hid them selues in corners here and there ; And eke their dame halfe dead did hide her self for feare . Long they her sought , yet no where could they finde her , That sure they ween'd she was escapt away : But Talus , that could like a limehound winde her , And all things secrete wisely could bewray , At length found out , whereas she hidden lay Vnder an heape of gold . Thence he her drew By the faire lockes , and fowly did array , Withouten pitty of her goodly hew , That Artegall him selfe her seemelesse plight did rew . Yet for no pitty would he change the course Of Iustice , which in Talus hand did lye ; Who rudely hayld her forth without remorse , Still holding vp her suppliant hands on hye , And kneeling at his feete submissiuely . But he her suppliant hands , those hands of gold , And eke her feete , those feete of siluer trye , Which sought vnrighteousnesse , and iustice sold , Chopt off , and nayld on high , that all might then behold . Her selfe then tooke he by the sclender wast , In vaine loud crying , and into the flood Ouer the Castle wall adowne her cast , And there her drowned in the durty mud : But the streame washt away her guilty blood . Thereafter all that mucky pelfe he tooke , The spoile of peoples euill gotten good , The which her sire had scrap't by hooke and crooke , And burning all to ashes , powr'd it downe the brooke . And lastly all that Castle quite he raced , Euen from the sole of his foundation , And all the hewen stones thereof defaced , That there mote be no hope of reparation , Nor memory thereof to any nation . All which when Talus throughly had perfourmed , Sir Artegall vndid the euill fashion , And wicked customes of that Bridge refourmed . Which done , vnto his former iourney he retourned . In which they measur'd mickle weary way , Till that at length nigh to the sea they drew ; By which as they did trauell on a day , They saw before them , far as they could vew , Full many people gathered in a crew ; Whose great assembly they did much admire . For neuer there the like resort they knew . So towardes them they coasted , to enquire What thing so many nations met , did there desire . There they beheld a mighty Gyant stand Vpon a rocke , and holding forth on hie An huge great paire of ballance in his hand , With which he boasted in his surquedrie , That all the world he would weigh equallie , If ought he had the same to counterpoys . For want whereof he weighed vanity , And fild his ballaunce full of idle toys : Yet was admired much of fooles , women , and boys . He sayd that he would all the earth vptake , And all the sea , deuided each from either : So would he of the fire one ballaunce make , And one of th' ayre , without or wind , or wether : Then would he ballaunce heauen and hell together , And all that did within them all containe ; Of all whose weight , he would not misse a fether . And looke what surplus did of each remaine , He would to his owne part restore the same againe . For why , he sayd they all vnequall were , And had encroched vppon others share , Like as the sea ( which plaine he shewed there ) Had worne the care , so did the fire the aire , So all the rest did others parts empaire . And so were realmes and nations run awry . All which he vndertooke for to repaire , In sort as they were formed aunciently ; And all things would reduce vnto equality . Therefore the vulgar did about him flocke , And cluster thicke vnto his leasings vaine , Like foolish flies about an hony crocke , In hope by him great benefite to gaine , And vncontrolled freedome to obtaine . All which when Artegall did see , and heare , How he mis-led the simple peoples traine , In sdeignfull wize he drew vnto him neare , And thus vnto him spake , without regard or feare . Thou that presum'st to weigh the world anew , And all things to an equall to restore , In stead of right me seemes great wrong dost shew , And far aboue thy forces pitch to sore . For ere thou limit what is lesse or more In euery thing , thou oughtest first to know , What was the poyse of euery part of yore : And looke then how much it doth ouerflow , Or faile thereof , so much is more then iust to trow . For at the first they all created were In goodly measure , by their Makers might , And weighed out in ballaunces so nere , That not a dram was missing of their right , The earth was in the middle centre pight , In which it doth immoueable abide , Hemd in with waters like a wall in sight ; And they with aire , that not a drop can slide : Al which the heauens containe , & in their courses guide . Such heauenly iustice doth among them raine , That euery one doe know their certaine bound , In which they doe these many yeares remaine , And mongst them al no change hath yet beene found . But if thou now shouldst weigh them new in pound , We are not sure they would so long remaine : All change is perillous , and all chaunce vnsound . Therefore leaue off to weigh them all againe , Till we may be assur'd they shall their course retaine . Thou foolishe Elfe ( said then the Gyant wroth ) Seest not , how badly all things present bee , And each estate quite out of order goth ? The sea it selfe doest thou not plainely see Encroch vppon the land there vnder thee ; And th' earth it selfe how daily it s increast , By all that dying to it turned be . Were it not good that wrong were then surceast , And from the most , that some were giuen to the least ? Therefore I will throw downe these mountaines hie , And make them leuell with the lowly plaine : These towring rocks , which reach vnto the skie , I will thrust downe into the deepest maine , And as they were , them equalize againe . Tyrants that make men subiect to their law , I will suppresse , that they no more may raine ; And Lordings curbe , that commons ouer-aw ; And all the wealth of rich men to the poore will draw . Of things vnseene how canst thou deeme aright , Then answered the righteous Artegall , Sith thou misdeem'st so much of things in sight ? What though the sea with waues continuall Doe eate the earth , it is no more at all : Ne is the earth the lesse , or loseth ought , For whatsoeuer from one place doth fall , Is with the tide vnto an other brought : For there is nothing lost , that may be found , if sought . Likewise the earth is not augmented more , By all that dying into it doe fade . For of the earth they formed were of yore , How euer gay their blossome or their blade Doe flourish now , they into dust shall vade . What wrong then is it , if that when they die , They turne to that , whereof they first were made ? All in the powre of their great Maker lie : All creatures must obey the voice of the most hie . They liue , they die , like as he doth ordaine , Ne euer any asketh reason why . The hils doe not the lowly dales disdaine ; The dales doe not the lofty hils enuy . He maketh Kings to sit in souerainty ; He maketh subiects to their powre obay ; He pulleth downe , he setteth vp on hy ; He giues to this , from that he takes away . For all we haue is his : what he list doe , he may . What euer thing is done , by him is donne , Ne any may his mighty will withstand ; Ne any may his soueraine power shonne , Ne loose that he hath bound with stedfast band . In vaine therefore doest thou now take in hand , To call to count , or weigh his workes anew , Whose counsels depth thou canst not vnderstand , Sith of things subiect to thy daily vew Thou doest not know the causes , nor their courses dew . For take thy ballaunce , if thou be so wise , And weigh the winde , that vnder heauen doth blow ; Or weigh the light , that in the East doth rise ; Or weigh the thought , that from mans mind doth flow . But if the weight of these thou canst not show , Weigh but one word which from thy lips doth fall . For how canst thou those greater secrets know , That doest not know the least thing of them all ? Ill can he rule the great , that cannot reach the small . Therewith the Gyant much abashed sayd ; That he of little things made reckoning light , Yet the least word that euer could be layd Within his ballaunce , he could way aright . Which is ( sayd he ) more heauy then in weight , The right or wrong , the false or else the trew ? He answered , that he would try it streight , So he the words into his ballaunce threw , But streight the winged words out of his ballaunce flew . Wroth wext he then , and sayd , that words were light , Ne would within his ballaunce well abide . But he could iustly weigh the wrong or right . Well then , sayd Artegall , let it be tride . First in one ballance set the true aside . He did so first ; and then the false he layd In th' other scale ; but still it downe did slide , And by no meane could in the weight be stayd . For by no meanes the false will with the truth be wayd . Now take the right likewise , sayd Artegale , And counterpeise the same with so much wrong . So first the right he put into one scale ; And then the Gyant stroue with puissance strong To fill the other scale with so much wrong . But all the wrongs that he therein could lay , Might not it peise ; yet did he labour long , And swat , and chauf'd , and proued euery way : Yet all the wrongs could not a litle right downe way . Which when he saw , he greatly grew in rage , And almost would his balances haue broken : But Artegall him fairely gan asswage , And said ; be not vpon thy balance wroken : For they doe nought but right or wrong betoken ; But in the mind the doome of right must bee ; And so likewise of words , the which be spoken , The eare must be the ballance , to decree And iudge , whether with truth or falshood they agree . But set the truth and set the right aside , For they with wrong or falshood will not fare ; And put two wrongs together to be tride , Or else two falses , of each equall share ; And then together doe them both compare . For truth is one , and right is euer one . So did he , and then plaine it did appeare , Whether of them the greater were attone . But right sate in the middest of the beame alone . But he the right from thence did thrust away , For it was not the right , which he did seeke ; But rather stroue extremities to way , Th' one to diminish , th' other for to eeke . For of the meane he greatly did misleeke . Whom when so lewdly minded Talus found , Approching nigh vnto him cheeke by cheeke , He shouldered him from off the higher ground , And down the rock him throwing , in the sea him dround . Like as a ship , whom cruell tempest driues Vpon a rocke with horrible dismay , Her shattered ribs in thousand peeces riues , And spoyling all her geares and goodly ray , Does makes her selfe misfortunes piteous pray . So downe the cliffe the wretched Gyant tumbled ; His battred ballances in peeces lay , His timbered bones all broken rudely rumbled , So was the high aspyring with huge ruine humbled . That when the people , which had there about Long wayted , saw his sudden desolation , They gan to gather in tumultuous rout , And mutining , to stirre vp ciuill faction , For certaine losse of so great expectation . For well they hoped to haue got great good ; And wondrous riches by his innouation . Therefore resoluing to reuenge his blood , They rose in armes , and all in battell order stood . Which lawlesse multitude him comming too In warlike wise , when Artegall did vew , He much was troubled , ne wist what to doo . For loth he was his noble hands t'embrew In the base blood of such a rascall crew ; And otherwise , if that he should retire , He fear'd least they with shame would him pursew . Therefore he Talus to them sent , t' inquire The cause of their array , and truce for to desire . But soone as they him nigh approching spide , They gan with all their weapons him assay , And rudely stroke at him on euery side : Yet nought they could him hurt , ne ought dismay . But when at them he with his flaile gan lay , He like a swarme of flyes them ouerthrew ; Ne any of them durst come in his way , But here and there before his presence flew , And hid themselues in holes and bushes from his vew . As when a Faulcon hath with nimble flight Flowne at a flush of Ducks , foreby the brooke , The trembling foule dismayd with dreadfull sight Of death , the which them almost ouertooke , Doe hide themselues from her astonying looke , Amongst the flags and couert round about . When Talus saw they all the field forsooke And none appear'd of all that raskall rout , To Artegall he turn'd , and went with him throughout .

Cant. III. The spousals of faire Florimell , where turney many knights : There Braggadochio is vncas'd in all the Ladies sights . AFter long stormes and tempests ouerblowne , The sunne at length his ioyous face doth cleare : So when as fortune all her spight hath showne , Some blisfull houres at last must needes appeare ; Else should afflicted wights oftimes despeire . So comes it now to Florimell by tourne , After long sorrowes suffered whyleare , In which captiu'd she many moneths did mourne , To tast of ioy , and to wont pleasures to retourne . Who being freed from Proteus cruell band By Marinell , was vnto him affide , And by him brought againe to Faerie land ; Where be her spous'd , and made his ioyous bride . The time and place was blazed farre and wide ; And solemne feasts and giusts ordain'd therefore . To which there did resort from euery side Of Lords and Ladies infinite great store ; Ne any Knight was absent , that braue courage bore . To tell the glorie of the feast that day , The goodly seruice , the deuicefull sights , The bridegromes state , the brides most rich aray , The pride of Ladies , and the worth of knights , The royall banquets , and the rare delights Were worke fit for an Herauld , not for me : But for so much as to my lot here lights , That with this present treatise doth agree , True vertue to aduance , shall here recounted bee . When all men had with full satietie Of meates and drinkes their appetites suffiz'd , To deedes of armes and proofe of cheualrie They gan themselues addresse , full rich aguiz'd , As each one had his furnitures deuiz'd . And first of all issu'd Sir Marinell , And with him sixe knights more , which enterpriz'd To chalenge all in right of Florimell , And to maintaine , that she all others did excell . The first of them was hight Sir Orimont , A noble Knight , and tride in hard assayes : The second had to name Sir Bellisont , But second vnto none in prowesse prayse ; The third was Brunell , famous in his dayes ; The fourth Ecastor , of exceeding might ; The fift Armeddan , skild in louely layes ; The sixt was Lansack , a redoubted Knight : All sixe well seene in armes , and prou'd in many a fight . And them against came all that list to giust , From euery coast and countrie vnder sunne : None was debard , but all had leaue that lust . The trompets sound ; then all together ronne . Full many deedes of armes that day were donne , And many knights vnhorst , and many wounded , As fortune fell ; yet litle lost or wonne : But all that day the greatest prayse redounded To Marinell , whose name the Heralds loud resounded . The second day , so soone as morrow light Appear'd in heauen , into the field they came , And there all day continew'd cruell fight , With diuers fortune fit for such a game , In which all stroue with perill to winne fame . Yet whether side was victor , note be ghest : But at the last the trompets did proclame That Marinell that day deserued best . So they disparted were , and all men went to rest . The third day came , that should due tryall lend Of all the rest , and then this warlike crew Together met , of all to make an end . There Marinell great deeds of armes did shew ; And through the thickest like a Lyon flew , Rashing oft helmes , and ryuing plates a sonder , That euery one his daunger did eschew . So terribly his dreadfull strokes did thonder , That all men stood amaz'd , & at his might did wonder . But what on earth can alwayes happie stand ? The greater prowesse greater perils find . So farre he past amongst his enemies band , That they haue him enclosed so behind , As by no meanes he can himselfe outwind . And now perforce they haue him prisoner taken ; And now they doe with captiue bands him bind ; And now they lead him thence , of all forsaken , Vnlesse some succour had in time him ouertaken . It fortun'd whylest they were thus ill beset , Sir Artegall into the Tilt-yard came , With Braggadochio , whom he lately met Vpon the way , with that his snowy Dame . Where when he vnderstood by common fame , What euill hap to Marinell betid , He much was mou'd at so vnworthie shame , And streight that boaster prayd , with whom he rid , To change his shield with him , to be the better hid . So forth he went , and soone them ouer hent , Where they were leading Marinell away , Whom he assayld with dreadlesse hardiment , And forst the burden of their prize to stay . They were an hundred knights of that array ; Of which th' one halfe vpon himselfe did set , Th' other stayd behind to gard the pray . But he ere long the former fiftie bet ; And from th' other fiftie soone the prisoner fet . So backe he brought Sir Marinell againe ; Whom hauing quickly arm'd againe anew , They both together ioyned might and maine , To set afresh on all the other crew . Whom with sore hauocke soone they ouerthrew , And chaced quite out of the field , that none Against them durst his head to perill shew . So were they left Lords of the field alone : So Marinell by him was rescu'd from his fone . Which when he had perform'd , then backe againe To Braggadochio did his shield restore : Who all this while behind him did remaine , Keeping there close with him in pretious store That his false Ladie , as ye heard afore . Then did the trompets sound , and Iudges rose , And all these knights , which that day armour bore , Came to the open hall , to listen whose The honour of the prize should be adiudg'd by those . And thether also came in open sight Fayre Florimell , into the common hall , To greet his guerdon vnto euery knight , And best to him , to whom the best should fall . Then for that stranger knight they loud did call , To whom that day they should the girlond yield . Who came not forth : but for Sir Artegall Came Braggadochio , and did shew his shield , Which bore the Sunne brode blazed in a golden field . The sight whereof did all with gladnesse fill : So vnto him they did addeeme the prise Of all that Tryumph . Then the trompets shrill Don Braggadochios name resounded thrise : So courage lent a cloke to cowardise . And then to him came fayrest Florimell , And goodly gan to greet his braue emprise , And thousand thankes him yeeld , that had so well Approu'd that day , that she all others did excell . To whom the boaster , that all knights did blot , With proud disdaine did scornefull answere make ; That what he did that day , he did it not For her , but for his owne deare Ladies sake , Whom on his perill he did vndertake , Both her and eke all others to excell : And further did vncomely speaches crake . Much did his words the gentle Ladie quell , And turn'd aside for shame to heare , what he did tell . Then forth he brought his snowy Florimele , Whom Trompart had in keeping there beside , Couered from peoples gazement with a vele . Whom when discouered they had throughly eide , With great amazement they were stupefide ; And said , that surely Florimell it was , Or if it were not Florimell so tride , That Florimell her selfe she then did pas . So feeble skill of perfect things the vulgar has . Which when as Marinell beheld likewise , He was therewith exceedingly dismayd ; Ne wist he what to thinke , or to deuise , But like as one , whom feends had made affrayd , He long astonisht stood , ne ought he sayd , Ne ought he did , but with fast fixed eies He gazed still vpon that snowy mayd ; Whom euer as he did the more auize , The more to be true Florimell he did surmize . As when two sunnes appeare in the azure skye , Mounted in Phoebus charet fierie bright , Both darting forth faire beames to each mans eye , And both adorn'd with lampes of flaming light , All that behold so strange prodigious sight , Not knowing natures worke , nor what to weene , Are rapt with wonder , and with rare affright . So stood Sir Marinell , when he had seene The semblant of this false by his faire beauties Queene . All which when Artegall , who all this while Stood in the preasse close couered , well aduewed , And saw that boasters pride and gracelesse guile , He could no longer beare , but forth issewed , And vnto all himselfe there open shewed , And to the boaster said ; Thou losell base , That hast with borrowed plumes thy selfe endewed , And others worth with leasings doest deface , When they are all restor'd , thou shalt rest in disgrace . That shield , which thou doest beare , was it indeed , Which this dayes honour sau'd to Marinell ; But not that arme , nor thou the man I reed , Which didst that seruice vnto Florimell . For proofe shew forth thy sword , and let it tell , What strokes , what dreadfull stoure it stird this day : Or shew the wounds , which vnto thee befell ; Or shew the sweat , with which thou diddest sway So sharpe a battell , that so many did dismay . But this the sword , which wrought those cruell stounds , And this the arme , the which that shield did beare , And these the signes , ( so shewed forth his wounds ) By which that glorie gotten doth appeare . As for this Ladie , which he sheweth here , Is not ( I wager ) Florimell at all ; But some fayre Franion , fit for such a fere , That by misfortune in his hand did fall . For proofe whereof , he bad them Florimell forth call . So forth the noble Ladie was ybrought , Adorn'd with honor and all comely grace : Whereto her bashfull shamefastnesse ywrought A great increase in her faire blushing face ; As roses did with lillies interlace . For of those words , the which that boaster threw , She inly yet conceiued great disgrace . Whom when as all the people such did vew , They shouted loud , and signes of gladnesse all did shew . Then did he set her by that snowy one , Like the true saint beside the image set , Of both their beauties to make paragone , And triall , whether should the honor get . Streight way so soone as both together met , Th' enchaunted Damzell vanisht into nought : Her snowy substance melted as with heat , Ne of that goodly hew remayned ought , But th' emptie girdle , which about her wast was wrought . As when the daughter of Thaumantes faire , Hath in a watry cloud displayed wide Her goodly bow , which paints the liquid ayre ; That all men wonder at her colours pride ; All suddenly , ere one can looke aside , The glorious picture vanisheth away , Ne any token doth thereof abide : So did this Ladies goodly forme decay , And into nothing goe , ere one could it bewray . Which when as all that present were , beheld , They stricken were with great astonishment , And their faint harts with senselesse horrour queld , To see the thing , that seem'd so excellent , So stolen from their fancies wonderment ; That what of it became , none vnderstood . And Braggadochio selfe with dreriment So daunted was in his despeyring mood , That like a lifelesse corse immoueable he stood . But Artegall that golden belt vptooke , The which of all her spoyle was onely left ; Which was not hers , as many it mistooke , But Florimells owne girdle , from her reft , While she was flying , like a weary weft , From that foule monster , which did her compell To perils great ; which he vnbuckling eft , Presented to the fayrest Florimell ; Who round about her tender wast it fitted well . Full many Ladies often had assayd , About their middles that faire belt to knit ; And many a one suppos'd to be a mayd : Yet it to none of all their loynes would fit , Till Florimell about her fastned it . Such power it had , that to no womans wast By any skill or labour it would sit , Vnlesse that she were continent and chast , But it would lose or breake , that many had disgrast . Whilest thus they busied were bout Florimell , And boastfull Braggadochio to defame , Sir Guyon as by fortune then befell , Forth from the thickest preasse of people came , His owne good steed , which he had stolne , to clame ; And th' one hand seizing on his golden bit , With th' other drew his sword : for with the same He ment the thiefe there deadly to haue smit : And had he not bene held , he nought had fayld of it . Thereof great hurly burly moued was Throughout the hall , for that same warlike horse . For Braggadochio would not let him pas ; And Guyon would him algates haue perforse , Or it approue vpon his carrion corse . Which troublous stirre when Artegall perceiued , He nigh them drew to stay th' auengers forse , And gan inquire , how was that steed bereaued , Whether by might extort , or else by slight deceaued . Who all that piteous storie , which befell About that wofull couple , which were slaine , And their young bloodie babe to him gan tell ; With whom whiles he did in the wood remaine , His horse purloyned was by subtill traine : For which he chalenged the thiefe to fight . But he for nought could him thereto constraine . For as the death he hated such despight , And rather had to lose , then trie in armes his right . Which Artegall well hearing , though no more By law of armes there neede ones right to trie , As was the wont of warlike knights of yore , Then that his foe should him the field denie , Yet further right by tokens to descrie , He askt , what priuie tokens he did beare . If that ( said Guyon ) may you satisfie , Within his mouth a blacke spot doth appeare , Shapt like a horses shoe , who list to seeke it there . Whereof to make due tryall , one did take The horse in hand , within his mouth to looke : But with his heeles so sorely he him strake , That all his ribs he quite in peeces broke , That neuer word from that day forth he spoke . Another that would seeme to haue more wit , Him by the bright embrodered hedstall tooke : But by the shoulder him so sore he bit , That he him maymed quite , and all his shoulder split . Ne he his mouth would open vnto wight , Vntill that Guyon selfe vnto him spake , And called Brigadore ( so was he hight ) Whose voice so soone as he did vndertake , Eftsoones he stood as still as any stake , And suffred all his secret marke to see : And when as he him nam'd , for ioy he brake His bands , and follow'd him with gladfull glee , And friskt , and flong aloft , and louted low on knee . Thereby Sir Artegall did plaine areed , That vnto him the horse belong'd , and sayd ; Lo there Sir Guyon , take to you the steed , As he with golden saddle is arayd ; And let that losell , plainely now displayd , Hence fare on foot , till he an horse haue gayned . But the proud boaster gan his doome vpbrayd , And him reuil'd , and rated , and disdayned , That iudegement so vniust against him had ordayned . Much was the knight incenst with his lewd word , To haue reuenged that his villeny ; And thrise did lay his hand vpon his sword , To haue him slaine , or dearely doen aby . But Guyon did his choler pacify , Saying , Sir knight , it would dishonour bee To you , that are our iudge of equity , To wreake your wrath on such a carle as hee It's punishment enough , that all his shame doe see . So did he mitigate Sir Artegall , But Talus by the backe the boaster hent , And drawing him out of the open hall , Vpon him did inflict this punishment . First he his beard did shaue , and fowly shent : Then from him reft his shield , and it renuerst , And blotted out his armes with falshood blent , And himselfe baffuld , and his armes vnherst , And broke his sword in twaine , and all his armour sperst . The whiles his guilefull groome was fled away : But vaine it was to thinke from him to flie . Who ouertaking him did disaray , And all his face deform'd with infamie , And out of court him scourged openly . So ought all faytours , that true knighthood shame , And armes dishonour with base villanie , From all braue knights be banisht with defame : For oft their lewdnes blotteth good deserts with blame . Now when these counterfeits were thus vncased Out of the foreside of their forgerie , And in the sight of all men cleane disgraced , All gan to iest and gibe full merilie At the remembrance of their knauerie . Ladies can laugh at Ladies , Knights at Knights , To thinke with how great vaunt of brauerie He them abused , through his subtill slights , And what a glorious shew he made in all their sights . There leaue we them in pleasure and repast , Spending their ioyous dayes and gladfull nights , And taking vsurie of time forepast , With all deare delices and rare delights , Fit for such Ladies and such louely knights : And turne were here to this faire furrowes end Our wearie yokes , to gather fresher sprights , That when as time to Artegall shall tend , We on his first aduenture may him forward send .

Cant. IIII Artegall dealeth right betwixt two brethren that doe striue , Saues Terpine from the gallow tree , and doth from death reprine . WHo so vpon him selfe will take the skill True Iustice vnto people to diuide , Had neede haue mightie hands , for to fulfill That , which he doth with righteous doome decide , And for to maister wrong and puissant pride . For vaine it is to deeme of things aright , And makes wrong doers iustice to deride , Vnlesse it be perform'd with dreadlesse might . For powre is the right hand of Iustice truely hight . Therefore whylome to knights of great emprise The charge of Iustice giuen was in trust , That they might execute her iudgements wise , And with their might beat downe licentious lust , Which proudly did impugne her sentence iust . Whereof no brauer president this day Remaines on earth , preseru'd from yron rust Of rude obliuion , and long times decay , Then this of Artegall , which here we haue to say . Who hauing lately left that louely payre , Enlincked fast in wedlockes loyall bond , Bold Marinell with Florimell the fayre , With whom great feast and goodly glee he fond , Departed from the Castle of the strond , To follow his aduentures first intent , Which long agoe he taken had in hond : Ne wight with him for his assistance went , But that great yron groome , his gard and gouernment . With whom as he did passe by the sea shore , He chaunst to come , whereas two comely Squires , Both brethren , whom one wombe together bore , But stirred vp with different desires , Together stroue , and kindled wrathfull fires : And them beside two seemely damzels stood , By all meanes seeking to asswage their ires , Now with faire words ; but words did little good , Now with sharpe threats ; but threats the more increast their mood . And there before them stood a Coffer strong , Fast bound on euery side with iron bands , But seeming to haue suffred mickle wrong , Either by being wreckt vppon the sands , Or being carried farre from forraine lands . Seem'd that for it these Squires at ods did fall , And bent against them selues their cruell hands . But euermore , those Damzels did forestall Their furious encounter , and their fiercenesse pall . But firmely fixt they were , with dint of sword , And battailes doubtfull proofe their rights to try , Ne other end their fury would afford , But what to them Fortune would iustify . So stood they both in readinesse ; thereby To ioyne the combate with cruell intent ; When Artegall arriuing happily , Did stay a while their greedy bickerment , Till he had questioned the cause of their dissent . To whom the elder did this aunswere frame ; Then weete ye Sir , that we two brethren be , To whom oursire , Milesio by name , Did equally bequeath his lands in fee , Two Ilands , which ye there before you see Not farre in sea ; of which the one appeares But like a little Mount of small degree ; Yet was as great and wide ere many yeares , As that same other Isle , that greater bredth now beares . But tract of time , that all things doth decay , And this deuouring Sea , that naught doth spare , The most part of my land hath washt away , And throwne it vp vnto my brothers share : So his encreased , but mine did empaire . Before which time I lou'd , as was my lot , That further mayd , hight Philtera the faire , With whom a goodly doure I should haue got , And should haue ioyned bene to her in wedlocks knot . Then did my younger brother Amidas Loue that same other Damzell , Lucy bright , To whom but little dowre allotted was ; Her vertue was the dowre , that did delight . What better dowre can to a dame be hight ? But now when Philtra saw my lands decay , And former liuelod fayle , she left me quight , And to my brother did ellope streight way : Who taking her from me , his owne loue left astray . She seeing then her selfe forsaken so , Through dolorous despaire , which she conceyued , Into the Sea her selfe did headlong throw , Thinking to haue her griefe by death bereaued . But see how much her purpose was deccaued . Whilest thus amidst the billowes beating of her Twixt life and death , long to and fro she weaued , She chaunst vnwares to light vppon this coffer , Which to her in that daunger hope of life did offer . The wretched mayd that earst desir'd to die , When as the paine of death she tasted had , And but halfe seene his vgly visnomie , Gan to repent , that she had beene so mad , For any death to chaunge life though most bad : And catching hold of this Sea-beaten chest , The lucky Pylot of her passage sad , After long tossing in the seas distrest , Her weary barke at last vppon mine Isle did rest . Where I by chaunce then wandring on the shore , Did her espy , and through my good endeuour From dreadfull mouth of death , which threatned sore Her to haue swallow'd vp , did helpe to saue her . She then in recompence of that great fauour , Which I on her bestowed , bestowed on me The portion of that good , which Fortune gaue her , Together with her selfe in dowry free ; Both goodly portions , but of both the better she . Yet in this coffer , which she with her brought , Great threasure sithence we did finde contained ; Which as our owne we tooke , and so it thought . But this same other Damzell since hath fained , That to her selfe that threasure appertained ; And that she did transport the same by sea , To bring it to her husband new ordained , But suffred cruell shipwracke by the way . But whether it be so or no , I can not say . But whether it indeede be so or no , This doe I say , that what so good or ill Or God or Fortune vnto me did throw , Not wronging any other by my will , I hold mine owne , and so will hold it still . And though my land he first did winne away , And then my loue ( though now it little skill , ) Yet my good lucke he shall not likewise pray ; But I will it defend , whilst euer that I may . So hauing sayd , the younger did ensew ; Full true it is , what so about our land My brother here declared hath to you : But not for it this ods twixt vs doth stand , But for this threasure throwne vppon his strand ; Which well I proue , as shall appeare by triall , To be this maides , with whom I fastned hand , Known by good markes , and perfect good espiall , Therefore it ought be rendred her without deniall . When they thus ended had , the Knight began ; Certes your strife were easie to accord , Would ye remit it to some righteous man . Vnto your selfe , said they , we giue our word , To bide what iudgement ye shall vs afford . Then for assuraunce to my doome to stand , Vnder my foote let each lay downe his sword , And then you shall my sentence vnderstand . So each of them layd downe his sword out of his hand . Then Artegall thus to the younger sayd ; Now tell me Amidas , if that ye may , Your brothers land the which the sea hath layd Vnto your part , and pluckt from his away , By what good right doe you withhold this day ? What other right ( quoth he ) should you esteeme , But that the sea it to my share did lay ? Your right is good ( sayd he ) and so I deeme , That what the sea vnto you sent , your own should seeme . Then turning to the elder thus he sayd ; Now Bracidas let this likewise be showne . Your brothers threasure , which from him is strayd , Being the dowry of his wife well knowne , By what right doe you claime to beyour owne ? What other right ( quoth he ) should you esteeme , But that the sea hath it vnto me throwne ? Your right is good ( sayd he ) and so I deeme , That what the sea vnto you sent , your own should seeme . For equall right in equall things doth stand , For what the mighty Sea hath once possest , And plucked quite from all possessors hand , Whether by rage of waues , that neuer rest , Or else by wracke , that wretches hath distrest , He may dispose by his imperiall might , As thing at randon left , to whom he list . So Amidas , the land was yours first hight , And so the threasure yours is Bracidas by right . When he his sentence thus pronounced had , Both Amidas and Philtra were displeased : But Bracidas and Lucy were right glad , And on the threasure by that iudgement seased . So was their discord by this doome appeased , And each one had his right . Then Artegall When as their sharpe contention he had ceased , Departed on his way , as did befall , To follow his old quest , the which him forth did call . So as he trauelled vppon the way , He chaunst to come , where happily he spide A rout of many people farre away ; To whom his course he hastily applide , To weete the cause of their assemblaunce wide . To whom when he approched neare in sight , ( An vncouth sight ) he plainely then descride To be a troupe of women warlike dight , With weapons in their hands , as ready for to fight . And in the midst of them he saw a Knight , With both his hands behinde him pinnoed hard , And round about his necke an halter tight , As ready for the gallow tree prepard : His face was couered , and his head was bar'd , That who he was , vneath was to descry ; And with full heauy heart with them he far'd , Grieu'd to the soule , and groning inwardly , That he of womens hands so base a death should dy . But they like tyrants , mercilesse the more , Reioyced at his miserable case , And him reuiled , and reproched sore With bitter taunts , and termes of vile disgrace . Now when as Artegall arriu'd in place , Did aske , what cause brought that man to decay , They round about him gan to swarme apace , Meaning on him their cruell hands to lay , And to haue wrought vnwares some villanous assay . But he was soone aware of their ill minde , And drawing backe deceiued their intent ; Yet though him selfe did shame on womankinde His mighty hand to shend , he Talus sent To wrecke on them their follies hardyment : Who with few sowces of his yron flale , Dispersed all their troupe incontinent , And sent them home to tell a piteous tale , Of their vaine prowesse , turned to their proper bale . But that same wretched man , ordaynd to die , They left behind them , glad to be so quit : Him Talus tooke out of perplexitie , And horrour of fowle death for Knight vnfit , Who more then losse of life ydreaded it ; And him restoring vnto liuing light , So brought vnto his Lord , where he did sit , Beholding all that womanish weake fight ; Whom soone as he beheld , he knew , and thus behight . Sir Turpine , haplesse man , what make you here ? Or haue you lost your selfe , and your discretion , That euer in this wretched case ye were ? Or haue ye yeelded you to proude oppression Of womens powre , that boast of mens subiection ? Or else what other deadly dismall day Is falne on you , by heauens hard direction , That ye were runne so fondly far astray , As for to lead your selfe vnto your owne decay ? Much was the man confounded in his mind , Partly with shame , and partly with dismay , That all astonisht he him selfe did find , And little had for his excuse to say , But onely thus ; Most haplesse well ye may Me iustly terme , that to this shame am brought , And made the scorne of Knighthod this same day . But who can scape , what his owne fate hath wrought ? The worke of heauens will surpasseth humaine thought . Right true : but faulty men vse oftentimes To attribute their folly vnto fate , And lay on heauen the guilt of their owne crimes . But tell , Sir Terpin , ne let you amate Your misery , how fell ye in this state . Then sith ye needs ( quoth he ) will know my shame , And all the ill , which chaunst to me of late , I shortly will to you rehearse the same , In hope ye will not turne misfortune to my blame . Being desirous ( as all Knights are woont ) Through hard aduentures deedes of armes to try , And after fame and honour for to hunt , I heard report that farre abrode did fly , That a proud Amazon did late defy All the braue Knights , that hold of Maidenhead , And vnto them wrought all the villany , That she could forge in her malicious head , Which some hath put to shame , and many done be dead . The cause , they say , of this her cruell hate , Is for the sake of Bellodant the bold , To whom she bore most feruent loue of late , And wooed him by all the waies she could : But when she saw at last , that he ne would For ought or nought be wonne vnto her will , She turn'd her loue to hatred manifold , And for his sake vow'd to doe all the ill Which she could doe to Knights , which now she doth fulfill . For all those Knights , the which by force or guile She doth subdue , she fowly doth entreate . First she doth them of warlike armes despoile , And cloth in womens weedes : And then with threat Doth them compell to worke , to earne their meat , To spin , to card , to sew , to wash , to wring ; Ne doth she giue them other thing to eat , But bread and water , or like feeble thing , Them to disable from reuenge aduenturing . But if through stout disdaine of manly mind , Any her proud obseruaunce will withstand , Vppon that gibbet , which is there behind , She causeth them be hang'd vp out of hand ; In which condition I right now did stand . For being ouercome by her in fight , And put to that base seruice of her band , I rather chose to die in lines despight , Then lead that shamefull life , vnworthy of a Knight . How hight that Amazon ( sayd Artegall ? ) And where , and how far hence does she abide ? Her name ( quoth he ) they Radigund doe call , A Princesse of great powre , and greater pride , And Queene of Amazons , in armes well tride , And sundry battels , which she hath atchieued With great successe , that her hath glorifide , And made her famous , more then is belieued ; Ne would I it haue ween'd , had I not late it prieued . Now sure ( said he ) and by the faith that I To Maydenhead and noble knighthood owe , I will not rest , till I her might doe trie , And venge the shame , that she to Knights doth show . Therefore Sir Terpin from you lightly throw This squalid weede , the patterne of dispaire ; And wend with me , that ye may see and know , How Fortune will your ruin'd name repaire , And knights of Maidenhead , whose praise she would empaire . With that , like one that hopelesse was repry'ud From deathes dore , at which he lately lay , Those yron fetters , wherewith he was gyu'd , The badges ofreproch , he threw away , And nimbly did him dight to guide the way Vnto the dwelling of that Amazone . Which was from thence not past a mile or tway : A goodly citty and a mighty one , The which of her owne name she called Radegone . Where they arriuing , by the watchmen were Descried streight , who all the citty warned , How that three warlike persons did appeare , Of which the one him seem'd a Knight all armed , And th' other two well likely to haue harmed . Estsoones the people all to harnesse ran , And like a sort of Bees in clusters swarmed : Ere long their Queene her selfe halfe , like a man Came forth into the rout , and them t'array began . And now the Knights being arriued neare , Did beat vppon the gates to enter in , And at the Porter , skorning them so few , Threw many threats , if they the towne did win , To teare his flesh in peeces for his sin . Which when as Radigund there comming heard , Her heart for rage did grate , and teeth did grin : She bad that streight the gates should be vnbard , And to them way to make , with weapons well prepard . Soone as the gates were open to them set , They pressed forward , entraunce to haue made . But in the middle way they were ymet With a sharpe showre of arrowes , which them staid , And better bad aduise , ere they assaid Vnknowen perill of bold womens pride . Then all that rout vppon them rudely laid , And heaped strokes so fast on euery side , And arrowes haild so thicke , that they could not abide . But Radigund her selfe , when she espide Sir Terpin , from her direfull doome acquit , So cruell doile amongst her maides dauide , T' auenge that shame , they did on him commit , All sodainely enflam'd with furious fit , Like a fell Lionesse at him she flew , And on his head-peece him so fiercely smit , That to the ground him quite she ouerthrew , Dismayd so with the stroke , that he no colours knew . Soone as she saw him on the ground to grouell , She lightly to him leapt , and in his necke Her proud foote setting , at his head did leuell , Weening at once her wrath on him to wreake , And his contempt , that did her iudg'ment breake . As when a Beare hath seiz'd her cruell clawes Vppon the carkasse of some beast too weake , Proudly stands ouer , and a while doth pause , To heare the piteous beast pleading her plaintiffe cause . Whom when as Artegall in that distresse By chaunce beheld , he left the bloudy slaughter , In which he swam , and ranne to his redresse . There her assayling fiercely fresh , he raught her Such an huge stroke , that it of sence distraught her : And had she not it warded warily , It had depriu'd her mother of a daughter . Nathlesse for all the powre she did apply , It made her stagger oft , and stare with ghastly eye . Like to an Eagle in his kingly pride , Soring through his wide Empire of the aire , To weather his brode sailes , by chaunce hath spide A Goshauke , which hath seized for her share Vppon some fowle , that should her feast prepare ; With dreadfull force he flies at her byliue , That with his souce , which none enduren dare , Her from the quarrey he away doth driue , And from her griping pounce the greedy prey doth riue . But soone as she her sence recouer'd had , She fiercely towards him her selfe gan dight , Through vengeful wrath & sdeignfull pride half mad : For neuer had she suffred such despight . But ere she could ioyne hand with him to fight , Her warlike maides about her flockt so fast , That they disparted them , maugre their might , And with their troupes did far a sunder cast : But mongst the rest the fight did vntill euening last . And euery while that mighty yron man , With his strange weapon , neuer wont in warre , Them sorely vext , and courst , and ouerran , And broke their bowes , and did their shooting marre , That none of all the many once did darre Him to assault , nor once approach him nie , But like a sort of sheepe dispersed farre For dread of their deuouring enemie , Through all the fields and vallies did before him flie . But when as daies faire shinie-beame , yclowded With fearefull shadowes of deformed night , Warn'd man and beast in quiet rest be shrowded , Bold Radigund with sound of trumpe on hight , Causd all her people to surcease from fight , And gathering them vnto her citties gate , Made them all enter in before her sight , And all the wounded , and the weake in state , To be conuayed in , ere she would once retrate . When thus the field was voided all away , And all things quieted , the Elfin Knight Weary of toile and trauell of that day , Causd his pauilion to be richly pight Before the city gate , in open sight ; Where he him selfe did rest in safety , Together with sir Terpin all that night : But Talus vsde in times of ieopardy To keepe a nightly watch , for dread of treachery . But Radigund full of heart-gnawing griefe , For the rebuke , which she sustain'd that day , Could take no rest , ne would receiue reliefe , But tossed in her troublous minde , what way She mote reuenge that blot , which on her lay . There she resolu'd her selfe in single fight To try her Fortune , and his force assay , Rather then see her people spoiled quight , As she had seene that day a disauenterous sight . She called forth to her a trusty mayd , Whom she thought fittest for that businesse , Her name was Clarin , and thus to her sayd ; Goe damzell quickly , doe thy selfe addresse , To doe the message , which I shall expresse . Goe thou vnto that stranger Faery Knight , Who yeester day droue vs to such distresse , Tell , that to morrow I with him wil fight , And try in equall field , whether hath greater might . But these conditions doe to him propound , That if I vanquishe him , he shall obay My law , and euer to my lore be bound , And so will I , if me he vanquish may ; What euer he shall like to doe or say . Goe streight , and take with thee , to witnesse it , Sixe of thy fellowes of the best array , And beare with you both wine and iuncates fit , And bid him eate , henceforth he oft shall hungry sit . The Damzell streight obayd , and putting all In readinesse , forth to the Towne-gate went , Where sounding loud a Trumpet from the wall , Vnto those warlike Knights she warning sent . Then Talus forth issuing from the tent , Vnto the wall his way did fearelesse take , To weeten what that trumpets sounding ment : Where that same Damzell lowdly him bespake , And shew'd , that with his Lord she would emparlaunce make . So he them streight conducted to his Lord , Who , as he could , them goodly well did greete , Till they had told their message word by word : Which he accepting well , as he could weete , Them fairely entertaynd with curt'sies meete , And gaue them gifts and things of deare delight . So backe againe they homeward turnd their feete . But Artegall him selfe to rest did dight , That he mote fresher be against the next daies fight .

Cant. V. Artegall fights with Radigund And is subdewd by guile : He is by her emprisoned , But wrought by Clarins wile . SO soone as day forth dawning from the East , Nights humid curtaine from the heauens withdrew , And earely calling forth both man and beast , Comaunded them their daily workes renew , These noble warriors , mindefull to pursew The last daies purpose of their vowed fight , Them selues thereto preparde in order dew ; The Knight , as best was seeming for a Knight , And th' amazon , as best it likt her selfe to dight . All in a Camis light of purple silke Wouen vppon with siluer , subtly wrought , And quilted vppon sattin white as milke , Trayled with ribbands diuersly distraught Like as the workeman had their courses taught ; Which was short tucked for light motion Vp to her ham , but when she list , it raught Downe to her lowest heele , and thereuppon She wore for her defence a mayled habergeon . And on her legs she painted buskins wore , Basted with bends of gold on euery side , And mailes betweene , and laced close afore : Vppon her thigh her Cemitare was tide , With an embrodered belt of mickell pride ; And on her shoulder hung her shield , bedeckt Vppon the bosse with stones , that shined wide , As the faire Moone in her most full aspect , That to the Moone it mote be like in each respect . So forth she came out of the citty gate , With stately port and proud magnificence , Guarded with many damzels , that did waite Vppon her person for her sure defence , Playing on shaumes and trumpets , that from hence Their sound did reach vnto the heauens hight . So forth into the field she marched thence , Where was a rich Pauilion ready pight , Her to receiue , till time they should begin the fight . Then forth came Artegall out of his tent , All arm'd to point , and first the Lists did enter : Soone after eke came she , with fell intent , And countenaunce fierce , as hauing fully bent her , That battels vtmost triall to aduenter . The Lists were closed fast , to barre the rout From rudely pressing to the middle center ; Which in great heapes them circled all about , Wayting , how Fortune would resolue that daungerous dout . The Trumpets sounded , and the field began ; With bitter strokes it both began , and ended . She at the first encounter on him ran With furious rage , as if she had intended Out of his breast the very heart haue rended : But he that had like tempests often tride , From that first flaw him selfe right well defended . The more she rag'd , the more he did abide ; She hewd , she foynd , she lasht , she laid on euery side . Yet still her blowes he bore , and her forbore , Weening at last to win aduantage new ; Yet still her crueltie increased more , And though powre faild , her courage did accrew , Which fayling he gan fiercely her pursew . Like as a Smith that to his cunning feat The stubborne mettall seeketh to subdew , Soone as he feeles it mollifide with heat , With his great yron sledge doth strongly on it beat . So did Sir Artegall vpon her lay , As if she had an yron anduile beene , That flakes of fire , bright as the sunny ray , Out of her steely armes were flashing seene , That all on fire ye would her surely weene . But with her shield so well her selfe she warded , From the dread daunger of his weapon keene , That all that while her life she safely garded : But he that helpe from her against her will discarded . For with his trenchant blade at the next blow Halfe of her shield he shared quite away , That halfe her side it selfe did naked show , And thenceforth vnto daunger opened way . Much was she moued with the mightie sway Of that sad stroke , that halfe enrag'd she grew , And like a greedie Beare vnto her pray , With her sharpe Cemitare at him she flew , That glauncing downe his thigh , the purple bloud forth drew . Thereat she gan to triumph with great boast , And to vpbrayd that chaunce , which him misfell , As if the prize she gotten had almost , With spightfull speaches , fitting with her well ; That his great hart gan inwardly to swell With indignation , at her vaunting vaine , And at her strooke with puissance fearefull fell ; Yet with her shield she warded it againe , That shattered all to peeces round about the plaine . Hauing her thus disarmed of her shield , Vpon her helmet he againe her strooke , That downe she fell vpon the grassie field , In sencelesse swoune , as if her life forsooke , And pangs of death her spirit ouertooke . Whom when he saw before his foote prostrated , He to her lept with deadly dreadfull looke , And her sunshynie helmet soone vnlaced , Thinking at once both head and helmet to haue raced . But when as he discouered had her face , He saw his senses straunge astonishment , A miracle of natures goodly grace , In her faire visage voide of ornament , But bath'd in bloud and sweat together ment ; Which in the rudenesse of that euill plight , Bewrayd the signes of feature excellent : Like as the Moone in foggie winters night , Doth seeme to be her selfe , though darkned be her light . At sight thereof his cruell minded hart Empierced was with pittifull regard , That his sharpe sword he threw from him apart , Cursing his hand that had that visage mard : No hand so cruell , nor no hart so hard , But ruth of beautie will it mollifie . By this vpstarting from her swoune , she star'd A while about her with confused eye ; Like one that from his dreame is waked suddenlye . Soone as the knight she there by her did spy , Standing with emptie hands all weaponlesse , With fresh assault vpon him she did fly , And gan renew her former cruelnesse : And though he still retyt'd , yet nathelesse With huge redoubled strokes she on him layd ; And more increast her outrage mercilesse , The more that he with meeke intreatie prayd , Her wrathful hand from greedy vengeance to haue stayd . Like as a Puttocke hauing spyde in sight A gentle Faulcon sitting on an hill , Whose other wing , now made vnmeete for flight , Was lately broken by some fortune ill ; The foolish Kyte , led with licentious will , Doth beat vpon the gentle bird in vaine , With many idle stoups her troubling still : Euen so did Radigund with bootlesse paine Annoy this noble Knight , and sorely him constraine . Nought could he do , but shun the dred despight Of her fierce wrath , and backward still retyre , And with his single shield , well as he might , Beare off the burden of her raging yre ; And euermore he gently did desyre , To stay her stroks , and he himselfe would yield : Yet nould she hearke , ne let him once respyre , Till he to her deliuered had his shield , And to her mercie him submitted in plaine field . So was he ouercome , not ouercome , But to her yeelded of his owne accord ; Yet was he iustly damned by the doome Of his owne mouth , that spake so warelesse word , To be her thrall , and seruice her afford . For though that he first victorie obtayned , Yet after by abandoning his sword , He wilfull lost , that he before attayned . No fayrer conquest , then that with goodwill is gayned . Tho with her sword on him she flatling strooke , In signe of true subiection to her powre , And as her vassall him to thraldome tooke . But Terpine borne to'a more vnhappy howre , As he , on whom the lucklesse starres did lowre , She causd to be attacht , and forthwith led Vnto the crooke t' abide the balefull stowre , From which he lately had through reskew fled : Where he full shamefully was hanged by the hed . But when they thought on Talus hands to lay , He with his yron flaile amongst them thondred , That they were fayne to let him scape away , Glad from his companie to be so sondred ; Whose presence all their troups so much encombred That th' heapes of those , which he did wound and slay , Besides the rest dismayd , might not be nombred : Yet all that while he would not once assay , To reskew his owne Lord , but thought it iust t' obay . Then tooke the Amazon this noble knight , Left to her will by his owne wilfull blame , And caused him to be disarmed quight , Of all the ornaments of knightly name , With which whylome he gotten had great fame : In stead whereof she made him to be dight In womans weedes , that is to manhood shame , And put before his lap a napron white , In stead of Curiets and bases fit for fight . So being clad , she brought him from the field , In which he had bene trayned many a day , Into a long large chamber , which was sield With moniments of many knights decay , By her subdewed in victorious fray : Amongst the which she causd his warlike armes Be hang'd on high , that mote his shame bewray ; And broke his sword , or feare of further harmes , With which he wont to stirre vp battailous alarmes . There entred in , he round about him saw Many braue knights , whose names right well he knew , There bound t' obay that Amazons proud law , Spinning and carding all in comely rew , That his bigge hart loth'd so vncomely vew . But they were forst through penurie and pyne , To doe those workes , to them appointed dew : For nought was giuen them to sup or dyne , But what their hands could earne by twisting linnen twyne . Amongst them all she placed him most low , And in his hand a distaffe to him gaue , That he thereon should spin both flax and tow ; A sordid office for a mind so braue . So hard it is to be a womans slaue . Yet he it tooke in his owne selfes despight , And thereto did himselfe right well behaue , Her to obay , sith he his faith had plight , Her vassall to become , if she him wonne in fight . Who had him seene , imagine mote thereby , That whylome hath of Hercules bene told , How for Iolas sake he did apply His mightie hands , the distaffe vile to hold , For his huge club , which had subdew'd of old So many monsters , which the world annoyed ; His Lyons skin chaungd to a pall of gold , In which forgetting warres , he onely ioyed In combats of sweet loue , and with his mistresse toyed . Such is the crueltie of women kynd , When they haue shaken off the shamefast band , With which wise Nature did them strongly bynd , Tobay the heasts of mans well ruling hand , That then all rule and reason they withstand , To purchase a licentious libertie . But vertuous women wisely vnderstand , That they were borne to base humilitie , Vnlesse the heauens them lift to lawfull soueraintie . Thus there long while continu'd Artegall , Seruing proud Radigund with true subiection ; How euer it his noble heart did gall , Tobay a womans tyrannous direction , That might haue had of life or death election : But hauing chosen , now he might not chaunge . During which time , the warlike Amazon , Whose wandring fancie after lust did raunge , Gan cast a secret liking to this captiue straunge . Which long concealing in her couert brest , She chaw'd the cud of louers carefull plight ; Yet could it not so thoroughly digest , Being fast fixed in her wounded spright , But it tormented her both day and night : Yet would she not thereto yeeld free accord , To serue the lowly vassall of her might , And of her seruant make her souerayne Lord : So great her pride , that she such basenesse much abhord . So much the greater still her anguish grew , Through stubborne handling of her loue-sicke hart ; And still the more she stroue it to subdew , The more she still augmented her owne smart , And wyder made the wound of th' hidden dart . At last when long she struggled had in vaine , She gan to stoupe , and her proud mind conuert To meeke obeysance of loues mightie raine , And him entreat for grace , that had procur'd her paine . Vnto her selfe in secret she did call Her nearest handmayd , whom she most did trust , And to her said ; Clarinda whom of all I trust a liue , sith I thee fostred first ; Now is the time , that I vntimely must Thereof make tryall , in my greatest need : It is so hapned , that the heauens vniust , Spighting my happie freedome , haue agreed , To thrall my looser life , or my last bale to breed . With that she turn'd her head , as halfe abashed , To hide the blush which in her visage rose , And through her eyes like sudden lightning flashed , Decking her cheeke with a vermilion rose : But soone she did her countenance compose , And to her turning , thus began againe ; This griefes deepe wound I would to thee disclose , Thereto compelled through hart-murdring paine , But dread of shame my doubtfull lips doth still restraine . Ah my deare dread ( said then the faithfull Mayd ) Can dread of ought your dreadlesse hart withhold , That many hath with dread of death dismayd , And dare euen deathes most dreadfull face behold ? Say on my souerayne Ladie , and be bold ; Doth not your handmayds life at your foot lie ? Therewith much comforted , she gan vnfold The cause of her conceiued maladie , As one that would confesse , yet faine would it denie . Clarin ( sayd she ) thou seest yond Fayry Knight , Whom not my valour , but his owne braue mind Subiected hath to my vnequall might ; What right is it , that he should thraldome find , For lending life to me a wretch vnkind ; That for such good him recompence with ill ? Therefore I cast , how I may him vnbind , And by his freedome get his free goodwill ; Yet so , as bound to me he may continue still . Bound vnto me , but not with such hard bands Of strong compulsion , and streight violence , As now in miserable state he stands ; But with sweet loue and sure beneuolence , Voide of malitious mind , or foule offence . To which if thou canst win him any way , Without discouerie of my thoughts pretence , Both goodly meede of him it purchase may , And eke with gratefull seruice me right well apay . Which that thou mayst the better bring to pas , Loe here this ring , which shall thy warrant bee , And token true to old Eumenias , From time to time , when thou it best shalt see , That in and out thou mayst haue passage free . Goe now , Clarinda , well thy wits aduise , And all thy forces gather vnto thee ; Armies of louely lookes , and speeches wise , With which thou canst euen Ioue himselfe to loue entise . The trustie Mayd , conceiuing her intent , Did with sure promise of her good indeuour , Giue her great comfort , and some harts content . So from her parting , she thenceforth did labour By all the meanes she might , to curry fauour With th' Elfin Knight , her Ladies best beloued ; With daily shew of courteous kind behauiour , Euen at the markewhite of his hart she roued , And with wide glauncing words , one day she thus him proued . Vnhappie Knight , vpon whose hopelesse state Fortune enuying good , hath felly frowned , And cruell heauens haue heapt an heauy fate ; I rew that thus thy better dayes are drowned In sad despaire , and all thy senses swowned In stupid sorow , sith thy iuster merit Might else haue with felicitie bene crowned : Looke vp at last , and wake thy dulled spirit , To thinke how this long death thou mightest disinherit . Much did he maruell at her vncouth speach , Whose hidden drift he could not well perceiue ; And gan to doubt , least she him sought t'appeach Of treason , or some guilefull traine did weaue , Through which she might his wretched life bereaue . Both which to barre , he with this answere met her ; Faire Damzell , that with ruth ( as I perceaue ) Of my mishaps , art mou'd to wish me better , For such your kind regard , I can but rest your detter . Yet weet ye well , that to a courage great It is no lesse beseeming well , to beare The storme of fortunes frowne , or heauens threat , Then in the sunshine of her countenance cleare Timely to ioy , and carrie comely cheare . For though this cloud haue now me ouercast , Yet doe I not of better times despeyre ; And , though vnlike , they should for euer last , Yet in my truthes assurance I rest fixed fast . But what so stonie mind ( she then replyde ) But if in his owne powre occasion lay , Would to his hope a windowe open wyde , And to his fortunes helpe make readie way ? Vnworthy sure ( quoth he ) of better day , That will not take the offer of good hope , And eke pursew , if he attaine it may . Which speaches she applying to the scope Of her intent , this further purpose to him shope . Then why doest not , thou ill aduized man , Make meanes to win thy libertie forlorne , And try if thou by faire entreatie , can Moue Radigund ? who though she still haue worne Her dayes in warre , yet ( weet thou ) was not borne Of Beares and Tygres , nor so saluage mynded , As that , albe all loue of men she scorne , She yet forgets , that she of men was kynded : And sooth oft seene , that proudest harts base loue hath blynded . Certes Clarinda , not of cancred will , ( Sayd he ) nor obstinate disdainefull mind , I haue forbore this duetie to fulfill : For well I may this weene , by that I fynd , That she a Queene , and come of Princely kynd , Both worthie is for to be sewd vnto , Chiefely by him , whose life her law doth bynd , And eke of powre her owne doome to vndo , And als of princely grace to be inclyn'd thereto . But want of meanes hath bene mine onely let , From seeking fauour , where it doth abound ; Which if I might by your good office get , I to your selfe should rest for euer bound , And readie to deserue , what grace I found . She feeling him thus bite vpon the bayt , Yet doubting least his hold was but vnsound , And not well fastened , would not strike him strayt , But drew him on with hope , fit leasure to awayt . But foolish Mayd , whyles heedlesse of the hooke , She thus oft times was beating off and on , Through slipperie footing , fell into the brooke , And there was caught to her confusion . For seeking thus to salue the Amazon , She wounded was with her deceipts owne dart , And gan thenceforth to cast affection , Conceiued close in her beguiled hart , To Artegall , through pittie of his causelesse smart . Yet durst she nop disclose her fancies wound , Ne to himselfe , for doubt of being sdayned , Ne yet to any other wight on ground , For feare her mistresse shold haue knowledge gayned , But to her selfe it secretly retayned , Within the closet of her couert brest : The more thereby her tender hart was payned . Yet to awayt fit time she weened best , And fairely did dissemble her sad thoughts vnrest . One day her Ladie , calling her apart , Can to demaund of her some tydings good , Touching her loues successe , her lingring smart . Therewith she gan at first to change her mood , As one adaw'd , and halfe confused stood ; But quickly she it ouerpast , so soone As she her face had wypt , to fresh her blood : Tho gan she tell her all , that she had donne , And all the wayes she sought , his loue for to haue wonne . But sayd , that he was obstinate and sterne , Scorning her offers and conditions vaine ; Ne would be taught withany termes , to lerne So fond a lesson , as to loue againe . Die rather would he in penurious paine , And his abridged dayes in dolour wast , Then his foes loue or liking entertaine : His resolution was both first and last , His bodie was her thrall , his hart was freely plast . Which when the cruell Amazon perceiued , She gan to storme , and rage , and rend her gall , For very fell despight , which she conceiued , To be so scorned of a base borne thrall , Whose life did lie in her least eye-lids fall ; Of which she vow'd with many a cursed threat , That she therefore would him ere long forstall . Nathlesse when calmed was her furious heat , She chang'd that threatfull mood , & mildly gan entreat . What now is left Clarinda ? what remaines , That we may compasse this our enterprize ? Great shame to lose so long employed paines , And greater shame t' abide so great misprize , With which he dares our offers thus despize . Yet that his guilt the greater may appeare , And more my gratious mercie by this wize , I will a while with his first folly beare , Till thou haue tride againe , & tempted him more neare . Say , and do all , that may thereto preuaile ; Leaue nought vnpromist , that may him perswade , Life , freedome , grace , and gifts of great auaile , With which the Gods themselues are mylder made : Thereto adde art , euen womens witty trade , The art of mightie words , that men can charme ; With which in case thou canst him not inuade , Let him feele hardnesse of thy heauie arme : Who will not stoupe with good , shall be made stoupe with harme . Some of his diet doe from him withdraw ; For I him find to be too proudly fed . Giue him more labour , and with streighter law , That he with worke may be forwearied . Let him lodge hard , and lie in strawen bed , That may pull downe the courage of his pride ; And lay vpon him , for his greater dread , Cold yron chaines , with which let him be tide ; And let , what euer he desires , be him denide . When thou hast all this doen , then bring me newes Of his demeane : thenceforth notlike a louer , But like a rebell stout I will him vse . For I resolue this siege not to giue ouer , Till I the conquest of my will recouer . So she departed , full of griefe and sdaine , Which inly did to great impatience moue her . But the false mayden shortly turn'd againe Vnto the prison , where her hart did thrall remaine . There all her subtill nets she did vnfold , And all the engins of her wit display ; In which she meant him warelesse to enfold , And of his innocence to make her pray . So cunnningly she wrought her crafts assay , That both her Ladie , and her selfe withall , And eke the knight attonce she did betray : But most the knight , whom she with guilefull call Did cast for to allure , into her trap to fall . As a bad Nurse , which fayning to receiue In her owne mouth the food , ment for her chyld , Withholdes it to her selfe , and doeth deceiue The infant , so for want of nourture spoyld : Euen so Clarinda her owne Dame beguyld , And turn'd the trust , which was in her affyde , To feeding of her priuate fire , which boyld Her inward brest , and in her entrayles fryde , The more that she it sought to couer and to hyde . For comming to this knight , she purpose fayned , How earnest suit she earst for him had made Vnto her Queene , his freedome to haue gayned ; But by no meanes could her thereto perswade : But that in stead thereof , she sternely bade His miserie to be augmented more , And many yron bands on him to lade . All which nathlesse she for his loue forbore : So praying him t' accept her seruice euermore . And more then that , she promist that she would , In case she might finde fauour in his eye , Deuize how to enlarge him out of hould . The Fayrie glad to gaine his libertie , Can yeeld great thankes for such her curtesie , And with faire words , fit for the time and place , To feede the humour of her maladie ; Promist , if she would free him from that case , He wold by all good means he might , deserue such grace . So daily he faire semblant did her shew , Yet neuer meant he in his noble mind , To his owne absent loue to be vntrew : Ne euer did deceiptfull Clarin find In her false hart , his bondage to vnbind ; But rather how she mote him faster tye . Therefore vnto her mistresse most vnkind She daily told , her loue he did defye , And him she told , her Dame his freedome did denye . Yet thus much friendship she to him did show , That his scarse diet somewhat was amended , And his worke lessened , that his loue mote grow : Yet to her Dame him still she discommended , That she with him mote be the more offended . Thus he long while in thraldome there remayned , Of both beloued well , but litle frended ; Vntill his owne true loue his freedome gayned , Which in an other Canto will be best contayned .

Cant. VI. Talus brings newes to Britomart , of Artegals mishap , She goes to seeke him , Dolon meetes , who seekes her to entrap . SOme men , I wote , will deeme in Artegall Great weaknesse , and report of him much ill , For yeelding so himselfe a wretched thrall , To th' insolent commaund of womens will ; That all his former praise doth fowly spill . But he the man , that say or doe so dare , Be well aduiz'd , that he stand stedfast still : For neuer yet was wight so well aware , But he at first or last was trapt in womens snare . Yet in the streightnesse of that captiue state , This gentle knight himselfe so well behaued , That notwithstanding all the subtill bait , With which those Amazons his loue still craued , To his owne loue his loialtie he saued : Whose character in th' Adamantine mould Of his true hart so firmely was engraued , That no new loues impression euer could Bereaue it thence : such blot his honour blemish should . Yet his owne loue , the noble Britomart , Scarse so conceiued in her iealous thought , What time sad tydings of his balefull smart In womans bondage , Talus to her brought ; Brought in vntimely houre , ere it was sought . For after that the vtmost date , assynde For his returne , she waited had for nought , She gan to cast in her misdoubtfull mynde A thousand feares , that loue-sicke fancies faine to fynde . Sometime she feared , least some hard mishap Had him misfalne in his aduenturous quest ; Sometime least his false foe did him entrap In traytrous traine , or had vnwares opprest : But most she did her troubled mynd molest , And secretly afflict with iealous feare , Least some new loue had him from her possest ; Yet loth she was , since she no ill did heare , To thinke of him so ill : yet could she not forbeare . One while she blam'd her selfe ; another whyle She him condemn'd , as trustlesse and vntrew : And then , her griefe with errour to beguyle , She fayn'd to count the time againe anew , As if before she had not counted trew . For houres but dayes ; for weekes , that passed were , She told but moneths , to make them seeme more few : Yet when she reckned them , still drawing neare , Each hour did seeme a moneth , & euery moneth a yeare . But when as yet she saw him not returne , She thought to send some one to seeke him out ; But none she found so fit to serue that turne , As her owne selfe , to ease her selfe of dout . Now she deuiz'd amongst the warlike rout Of errant Knights , to seeke her errant Knight ; And then againe resolu'd to hunt him out Amongst loose Ladies , lapped in delight : And then both Knights enuide , & Ladies eke did spight . One day , when as she long had sought for ease In euery place , and euery place thought best , Yet found no place , that could her liking please , She to a window came , that opened West , Towards which coast her loue his way addrest . There looking forth , shee in her heart did find Many vaine fancies , working her vnrest ; And sent her winged thoughts , more swift then wind , To beare vnto her loue the message of her mind . There as she looked long , at last she spide One comming towards her with hasty speede : Well weend she then , ere him she plaine descride , That it was one sent from her loue indeede . Who when he nigh approcht , shee mote arede That it was Talus , Artegall his groome ; Whereat her heart was fild with hope and drede ; Ne would she stay , till he in place could come , But ran to meete him forth , to know his tidings somme . Euen in the dore him meeting , she begun ; And where is he thy Lord , and how far hence ? Declare at once ; and hath he lost or wun ? The yron man , albe he wanted sence And sorrowes feeling , yet with conscience Of his ill newes , did inly chill and quake , And stood still mute , as one in great suspence , As if that by his silence he would make Her rather reade his meaning , then him selfe it spake . Till she againe thus sayd ; Talus be bold , And tell what euer it be , good or bad , That from thy tongue thy hearts intent doth hold . To whom he thus at length . The tidings sad , That I would hide , will needs , I see , be rad. My Lord , your loue , by hard mishap doth lie In wretched bondage , wofully bestad . Ay me ( quoth she ) what wicked destinie ? And is he vanquisht by his tyrant enemy ? Not by that Tyrant , his intended foe ; But by a Tyrannesse ( he then replide , ) That him captiued hath in haplesse woe . Cease thou bad newes-man , badly doest thou hide Thy maisters shame , in harlots bondage tide . The rest my selfe too readily can spell . With that in rage she turn'd from him aside , Forcing in vaine the rest to her to tell , And to her chamber went like solitary cell . There she began to make her monefull plaint Against her Knight , for being so vntrew ; And him to touch with falshoods fowle attaint , That all his other honour ouerthrew . Oft did she blame her selfe , and often rew , For yeelding to a straungers loue so light , Whose life and manners straunge she neuer knew ; And euermore she did him sharpely twight For breach of faith to her , which he had firmely plight . And then she in her wrathfull will did cast , How to reuenge that blot of honour blent ; To fight with him , and goodly die her last : And then againe she did her selfe torment , Inflicting on her selfe his punishment . A while she walkt , and chauft ; a while she threw Her selfe vppon her bed , and did lament : Yet did she not lament with loude alew , As women wont , but with deepe sighes , and singulfs few . Like as a wayward childe , whose sounder sleepe Is broken with some fearefull dreames affright , With froward will doth set him selfe to weepe ; Ne can be stild for all his nurses might , But kicks , and squals , and shriekes for fell despight : Now scratching her , and her loose locks misusing ; Now seeking darkenesse , and now seeking light ; Then crauing sucke , and then the sucke refusing . Such was this Ladies fit , in her loues fond accusing . But when she had with such vnquiet fits Her selfe there close afflicted long in vaine , Yet found no easement in her troubled wits , She vnto Talus forth return'd againe , By change of place seeking to ease her paine ; And gan enquire of him , with mylder mood , The certaine cause of Artegals detaine ; And what he did , and in what state he stood , And whether he did woo , or whether he were woo'd . Ah wellaway ( sayd then the yron man , ) That he is not the while in state to woo ; But lies in wretched thraldome , weake and wan , Not by strong hand compelled thereunto , But his owne doome , that none can now vndoo . Sayd I not then ( quoth shee ) erwhile aright , That this is things compacte betwixt you two , Me to deceiue of faith vnto me plight , Since that he was not forst , nor ouercome in fight ? With that he gan at large to her dilate The whole discourse of his captiuance sad , In sort as ye haue heard the same of late . All which when she with hard enduraunce had Here to the end , she was right sore bestad , With sodaine stounds of wrath and griefe attone : Ne would abide , till she had aunswere made , But streight her selfe did dight , and armor don ; And mounting to her steede , bad Talus guide heron . So forth she rode vppon her ready way , To seeke her Knight , as Talus her did guide : Sadly she rode , and neuer word did say , Nor good nor bad , ne euer lookt aside , But still right downe , and in her thought did hide The felnesse of her heart , right fully bent To fierce auengement of that womans pride , Which had her Lord in her base prison pent , And so great honour with so fowle reproch had blent . So as she thus melancholicke did ride , Chawing the cud of griefe and inward paine , She chaunst to meete toward th' euen-tide A Knight , that softly paced on the plaine , As if him selfe to solace he were faine . Well shot in yeares he seem'd , and rather bent To peace , then needlesse trouble to constraine . As well by view of that his vestiment , As by his modest semblant , that no euill ment . He comming neare , gan gently her salute . With curteous words , in the most comely wize ; Who though desirous rather to rest mute , Then termes to entertaine of common guize , Yet rather then she kindnesse would despize , She would her selfe displease , so him requite . Then gan the other further to deuize Of things abrode , as next to hand did light , And many things demaund , to which she answer'd light . For little lust had she to talke of ought , Or ought to heare , that mote delightfull bee ; Her minde was whole possessed of one thought , That gaue none other place . Which when as hee By outward signes , ( as well he might ) did see , He list no lenger to vse lothfull speach , But her besought to take it well in gree , Sith shady dampe had dimd the heauens reach , To lodge with him that night , vnles good cause empeach The Championesse , now seeing night at dore , Was glad to yeeld vnto his good request : And with him went without gaine-saying more . Not farre away , but little wide by West , His dwelling was , to which he him addrest ; Where soone arriuing they receiued were In seemely wise , as them beseemed best : For he their host them goodly well did cheare , And talk't of pleasant things , the night away to weare . Thus passing th' euening well , till time of rest , Then Britomart vnto a bowre was brought ; Where groomes awayted her to haue vndrest . But she ne would vndressed be for ought , Ne doffe her armes , though he her much besought . For she had vow'd , she sayd , not to forgo Those warlike weedes , till she reuenge had wrought Of a late wrong vppon a mortall foe ; Which she would sure performe , betide her wele or wo. Which when their Host perceiu'd , right discontent In minde he grew , for feare least by that art He should his purpose misse , which close he ment : Yet taking leaue of her , he did depart . There all that night remained Britomart , Restlesse , recomfortlesse , with heart deepe grieued , Not suffering the least twinckling sleepe to start Into her eye , which th' heart mote haue relieued , But if the least appear'd , her eyes she streight reprieued . Ye guilty eyes ( sayd she ) the which with guyle My heart at first betrayd , will ye betray My life now to , for which a little whyle Ye will not watch ? false watches , wellaway , I wote when ye did watch both night and day Vnto your losse : and now needes will ye sleepe ? Now ye haue made my heart to wake alway , Now will ye sleepe ? ah wake , and rather weepe , To thinke of your nights want , that should yee waking keepe . Thus did she watch , and weare the weary night In waylfull plaints , that none was to appease ; Now walking soft , now sitting still vpright , As sundry chaunge her seemed best to ease . Ne lesse did Talus suffer sleepe to seaze His eye-lids sad , but watcht continually , Lying without her dore in great disease ; Like to a Spaniell wayting carefully Least any should betray his Lady treacherously . What time the natiue Belman of the night , The bird , that warned Peter of his fall , First rings his siluer Bell t' each sleepy wight , That should their mindes vp to deuotion call , She heard a wondrous noise below the hall . All sodainely the bed , where she should lie , By a false trap was let adowne to fall Into a lower roome , and by and by The lost was raysd againe , that no man could it spie . With sight whereof she was dismayd right sore , Perceiuing well the treason , which was ment : Yet stirred not at all for doubt of more , But kept her place with courage confident , Wayting what would ensue of that euent . It was not long , before she heard the sound of armed men , comming with close intent Towards her chamber ; at which dreadfull stound She quickly caught her sword , & shield about her bound . With that there came vnto her chamber dore Two Knights , all arm'd ready for to fight , And after them full many other more , A raskall rout , with weapons rudely dight . Whom soone as Talus spide by glims of night , He started vp , there where on ground he lay , And in his hand his thresher ready keight . They seeing that , let driue at him streight way , And round about him preace in riotous aray . But soone as he began to lay about With his rude yron flaile , they gan to flie , Both armed Knights , and eke vnarmed rout : Yet Talus after them apace did plie , Where euer in the darke he could them spie ; That here and there like scattred sheepe they lay . Then backe returning , where his Dame did lie , He to her told the story of that fray , And all that treason there intended did bewray . Wherewith though wondrous wroth , and inly burning , To be auenged for so fowle a deede , Yet being forst to abide the daies returning , She there remain'd , but with right wary heede , Least any more such practise should proceede . Now mote ye know ( that which to Britomart Vnknowen was ) whence all this did proceede , And for what cause so great mischieuous smart Was ment to her , that neuer euill ment in hart . The goodman of this house was Dolon hight , A man of subtill wit and wicked minde , That whilome in his youth had bene a Knight , And armes had borne , but little good could finde , And much lesse honour by that warlike kinde Of life : for he was nothing valorous , But with slie shiftes and wiles did vnderminde All noble Knights , which were aduenturous , And many brought to shame by treason treacherous . He had three sonnes , all three like fathers sonnes , Like treacherous , like full of fraud and guile , Of all that on this earthly compasse wonnes : The eldest of the which was slaine erewhile By Artegall , through his owne guilty wile ; His name was Guizor , whose vntimely fate For to auenge , full many treasons vile His father Dolon had deuiz'd of late With these his wicked sons , and shewd his cankred hate . For sure he weend , that this his present guest Was Artegall , by many tokens plaine ; But chiefly by that yron page he ghest , Which still was wont with Artegall remaine ; And therefore ment him surely to haue slaine . But by Gods grace , and her good heedinesse , She was preserued from their traytrous traine . Thus she all night wore out in watchfulnesse , Ne suffred slothfull sleepe her eyelids to oppresse . The morrow next , so soone as dawning houre Discouered had the light to liuing eye , She forth yssew'd out of her loathed bowre , With full intent t' auenge that villany , On that vilde man , and all his family And comming down to seeke them , where they wond , Nor sire , nor sonnes , nor any could she spie : Each rowme she sought , but them all empty fond ; They all were fled for feare , but whether , nether kond . She saw it vaine to make there lenger stay , But tooke her steede , and thereon mounting light , Gan her addresse vnto her former way . She had not rid the mountenance of a flight , But that she saw there present in her sight , Those two false brethren , on that perillous Bridge , On which Pollente with Artegall did fight . Streight was the passage like a ploughed ridge , That if two met , the one mote needes fall ouer the lidge . There they did thinke them selues on her to wreake : Who as she nigh vnto them drew , the one These vile reproches gan vnto her speake ; Thou recreant false traytor , that with lone Of armes hast knighthood stolne , yet Knight art none , No more shall now the darkenesse of the night Defend thee from the vengeance of thy fone , But with thy bloud thou shalt appease the spright Of Guizor , by thee slaine , and murdred by thy slight . Strange were the words in Britomartis eare ; Yet stayd she not for them , but forward fared , Till to the perillous Bridge she came , and there Talus desir'd , that he might haue prepared The way to her , and those two losels scared . But she thereat was wroth , that for despight The glauncing sparkles through her beuer glared , And from her eies did flash out fiery light , Like coles , that through a siluer Censer sparkle bright . She stayd not to aduise which way to take ; But putting spurres vnto her fiery beast , Thorough the midst of them she way did make . The one of them , which most her wrath increast , Vppon her speare she bore before her breast , Till to the Bridges further end she past , Where falling downe , his challenge he releast : The other ouer side the Bridge she cast Into the riuer , where he drunke his deadly last . As when the flashing Leuin haps to light Vppon two stubborne oakes , which stand so neare , That way betwixt them none appeares in sight ; The Engin fiercely flying forth , doth teare Th' one from the earth , & through the aire doth beare ; The other it withforce doth ouerthrow , Vppon one side , and from his rootes doth reare . So did the Championesse those two there strow , And to their sire their carcasses left to bestow .

Cant. VII Britomart comes to Isis Church , Where shee strange visions sees : She fights with Radigund , her slases , And Artegall thence frees . NOught is on earth more sacred or diuine , That Gods and men doe equally adore , Then this same vertue , that doth right define : For th' heuens themselues , whence mortal men implore Right in their wrongs , are rul'd by righteous lore Of highest Ioue , who doth true iustice deale To his inferiour Gods , and euermore Therewith containes his heauenly Common-weale : The skill whereof to Princes hearts he doth reueale . Well therefore did the antique world inuent , That Iustice was a God of soueraine grace , And altars vnto him , and temples lent , And heauenly honours in the highest place ; Calling him great Osyris , of the race Of th' old Aegyptian Kings , that whylome were ; With fayned colours shading a true case : For that Osyris , whilest he liued here , The iustest man aliue , and truest did appeare . His wife was Isis , whom they likewise made A Goddesse of great powre and souerainty , And in her person cunningly did shade That part of Iustice , which is Equity , Whereof I haue to treat here presently . Vnto whose temple when as Britomart Arriued , shee with great humility Did enter in , ne would that night depart ; But Talus mote not be admitted to her part . There she receiued was in goodly wize Of many Priests , which duely did attend Vppon the rites and daily sacrifize , All clad in linnen robes with siluer hemd ; And on their heads with long locks comely kemd , They wore rich Mitres shaped like the Moone , To shew that Isis doth the Moone portend ; Like as Osyris signifies the Sunne . For that they both like race in equall iustice runne . The Championesse them greeting , as she could , Was thence by them into the Temple led ; Whose goodly building when she did behould , Borne vppon stately pillours , all dispred With shining gold , and arched ouer hed , She wondred at the workemans passing skill , Whose like before she neuer saw nor red ; And thereuppon long while stood gazing still , But thought , that she thereon could neuer gaze her fill . Thence forth vnto the Idoll they her brought , The which was framed all of siluer fine , So well as could with cunning hand be wrought , And clothed all in garments made of line , Hemd all about with fringe of siluer twine . Vppon her head she wore a Crowne of gold , To shew that she had powre in things diuine ; And at her feete a Crocodile was rold , That with her wreathed taile her middle did enfold . One foote was set vppon the Crocodile , And on the ground the other fast did stand , So meaning to suppresse both forged guile , And open force : and in her other hand She stretched forth a long white sclender wand . Such was the Goddesse , whom when Britomart Had long beheld , her selfe vppon the land She did prostrate , and with right humble hart , Vnto her selfe her silent prayers did impart . To which the Idoll as it were inclining , Her wand did moue with amiable looke , By outward shew her inward sence desining . Who well perceiuing , how her wand she shooke , It as a token of good fortune tooke . By this the day with dampe was ouercast , And ioyous light the house of Ioue forsooke : Which when she saw , her helmet she vnlaste , And by the altars side her selfe to slumber plaste . For other beds the Priests there vsed none , But on their mother Earths deare lap did lie , And bake their sides vppon the cold hard stone , T'enure them selues to sufferaunce thereby And proud rebellious flesh to mortify . For by the vow of their religion They tied were to stedfast chastity , And continence of life , that all forgon , They mote the better tend to their deuotion . Therefore they mote not taste of fleshly food , Ne feed on ought , the which doth bloud containe , Ne drinke of wine , for wine they say is blood , Euen the bloud of Gyants , which were slaine , By thundring Ioue in the Phlegrean plaine . For which the earth ( as they the story tell ) Wroth with the Gods , which to perpetuall paine Had damn'd her sonnes , which gainst them did rebell , With inward griefe and malice did against them swell . And of their vitall bloud , the which was shed Into her pregnant bosome , forth she brought The fruitfull vine , whose liquor blouddy red Hauing the mindes of men with fury fraught , Mote in them stirre vp old rebellious thought , To make new warre against the Gods againe : Such is the powre of that same fruit , that nought The fell contagion may thereof restraine , Ne within reasons rule , her madding mood containe . There did the warlike Maide her selfe repose , Vnder the wings of Isis all that night , And with sweete rest her heauy eyes did close , After that long daies toile and weary plight . Where whilest her earthly parts with soft delight Of sencelesse sleepe did deeply drowned lie , There did appeare vnto her heauenly spright A wondrous vision , which did close implie The course of all her fortune and posteritie . Her seem ' , das she was doing sacrifize To Isis , deckt with Mitre on her hed , And linnen stole after those Priestes guize , All sodainely she saw transfigured Her linnen stole to robe of scarlet red . And Moone-like Mitre to a Crowne of gold , That euen she her selfe much wondered At such a chaunge , and ioyed to behold Her selfe , adorn'd with gems and iewels manifold . And in the midst of her felicity , An hideous tempest seemed from below , To rise through all the Temple sodainely , That from the Altar all about did blow The holy fire , and all the embers strow Vppon the ground , which kindled priuily , Into outragious flames vnwares did grow , That all the Temple put in ieopardy Of flaming , and her selfe in great perplexity . With that the Crocodile , which sleeping lay Vnder the Idols feete in fearelesse bowre , Seem'd to awake in horrible dismay , As being troubled with that stormy stowre ; And gaping greedy wide , did streight deuoure Both flames and tempest : with which growen great , And swolne with pride of his owne peerelesse powre , He gan to threaten her likewise to eat ; But that the Goddesse with her rod him backe did beat . Tho turning all his pride to humblesse meeke , Him selfe before her feete he lowly threw , And gan for grace and loue of her to seeke : Which she accepting , he so neare her drew , That of his game she soone enwombed grew , And forth did bring a Lion of great might ; That shortly did all other beasts subdew . With that she waked , full of fearefull fright , And doubtfully dismayd through that so vncouth sight . So thereuppon long while she musing lay , With thousand thoughts feeding her fantasie , Vntill she spide the lampe of lightsome day , Vp-lifted in the porch of heauen hie . Then vp she rose fraught with melancholy , And forth into the lower parts did pas ; Whereas the Priestes she found full busily About their holy things for morrow Mas : Whom she saluting faire , faire resaluted was . But by the change of her vnchearefull looke , They might perceiue , she was not well in plight ; Or that some pensiuenesse to heart she tooke . Therefore thus one of them , who seem'd in sight To be the greatest , and the grauest wight , To her bespake ; Sir Knight it seemes to me , That thorough euill rest of this last night , Or ill apayd , or much dismayd ye be , That by your change of cheare is easie for to see . Certes ( sayd she ) sith ye so well haue spide The troublous passion of my pensiue mind , I will not seeke the same from you to hide , But will my cares vnfolde , in hope to find Your aide , to guide me out of errour blind . Say on ( quoth he ) the secret of your hart : For by the holy vow , which me doth bind , I am adiur'd , best counsell to impart To all , that shall require my comfort in their smart . Then gan she to declare the whole discourse Of all that vision , which to her appeard , As well as to her minde it had recourse . All which when he vnto the end had heard , Like to a weake faint-hearted man he fared , Through great astonishment of that strange sight ; And with long locks vp-standing , stifly stared Like one adawed with some dreadfull spright . So fild with heauenly fury , thus he her behight . Magnificke Virgin , that in queint disguise Of British armes doest maske thy royall blood , So to pursue a perillous emprize , How coulst thou weene , through that disguized hood , To hide thy state from being vnderstood ? Can from th' immortall Gods ought hidden bee ? They doe thy linage , and thy Lordly brood ; They doe thy sire , lamenting sore for thee ; They doe thy loue , forlorne in womens thraldome see . The end whereof , and all the long euent , They doe to thee in this same dreame discouer . For that same Crocodile doth represent The righteous Knight , that is thy faithfull louer , Like to Osyris in all iust endeuer . For that same Crocodile Osyris is , That vnder Isis feete doth sleepe tor euer : To shew that clemence oft in things amis , Restraines those sterne behests , and cruell doomes of his . That Knight shall all the troublous stormes asswage , And raging flames , that many foes shall reare , To hinder thee from the iust heritage Of thy sires Crowne , and from thy countrey deare . Then shalt thou take him to thy loued fere , And ioyne in equall portion of thy realme : And afterwards a sonne to him shalt beare , That Lion-like shall shew his powre extreame . So blesse thee God , and giue thee ioyance of thy dreame . All which when she vnto the end had heard , She much was eased in her troublous thought , And on those Priests bestowed rich reward : And royall gifts of gold and siluer wrought , She for a present to their Goddesse brought . Then taking leaue of them , she forward went , To seeke her loue , where he was to be sought ; Ne rested till she came without relent Vnto the land of Amazons , as she was bent . Whereof when newes to Radigund was brought , Not with amaze , as women wonted bee , She was confused in her troublous thought , But fild with courage and with ioyous glee , As glad to heare of armes , the which now she Had long surceast , she bad to open bold , That she the face of her new foe might see . But when they of that yron man had told , Which late her folke had slaine , she bad them forth to hold So there without the gate ( as seemed best ) She caused her Pauilion be pight ; In which stout Britomart her selfe did rest , Whiles Talus watched at the dore all night . All night likewise , they of the towne in fright , Vppon their wall good watch and ward did keepe . The morrow next , so soone as dawning light Bad doe away the dampe of drouzie sleepe , The warlike Amazon out of her bowre did peepe . And caused streight a Trumpet loud to shrill , To warne her foe to battell soone be prest : Who long before awoke ( for she ful ill Could sleepe all night , that in vnquiet brest Did closely harbour such a iealous guest ) Was to the battell whilome ready dight . Eftsoones that warriouresse with haughty crest Did forth issue , all ready for the fight : On th' other side her foe appeared soone in sight . But ere they reared hand , the Amazone Began the streight conditions to propound , With which she vsed still to tye her fone ; To serue her so , as she the rest had bound . Which when the other heard , she sternly frownd For high disdaine of such indignity , And would no lenger treat , but bad them sound . For her no other termes should euer tie . Then what prescribed were by lawes of cheualrie . The Trumpets sound , and they together run With greedy rage , and with their faulchins smot ; Ne either sought the others strokes to shun , But through great fury both their skill forgot , And practicke vse in armes : ne spared not Their dainty parts , which nature had created So faire and tender , without staine or spot , For other vses , then they them translated ; Which they now hackt & hewd , as if such vse they hated , As when a Tygre and a Lionesse Are met at spoyling of some hungry pray , Both challenge it with equall greedinesse : But first the Tygre clawes thereon did lay ; And therefore loth to loose her right away , Doth in defence thereof full stoutly stond : To which the Lion strongly doth gainesay , That she to hunt the beast first tooke in hond ; And therefore ought it haue , where euer she it fond . Full fiercely layde the Amazon about , And dealt her blowes vnmercifully sore : Which Britomart withstood with courage stout , And them repaide againe with double more . So long they fought , that all the grassie flore Was fild with bloud , which from their sides did flow , And gushed through their armes , that all in gore They trode , and on the ground their liues did strow , Like fruitles seede , of which vntimely death should grow . At last proud Radigund with fell despight , Hauing by chaunce espide aduantage neare , Let driue at her with all her dreadfull might , And thus vpbrayding said ; This token beare Vnto the man , whom thou doest loue so deare ; And tell him for his sake thy life thou gauest . Which spitefull words she sore engrieu'd to heare , Thus answer'd ; Lewdly thou my loue deprauest , Who shortly must repent that now so vainely brauest . Nath'lesse that stroke so cruell passage found , That glauncing on her shoulder plate , it bit Vnto the bone , and made a griesly wound , That she her shield through raging smart of it Could scarse vphold ; yet soone she it requit . For hauing force increast through furious paine , She her so rudely on the helmet smit , That it empierced to the very braine , And her proud person low prostrated on the plaine . Where being layd , the wrothfull Britonesse Stayd not , till she came to her selfe againe , But in reuenge both of her loues distresse , And her late vile reproch , though vaunted vaine , And also of her wound , which sore did paine , She with one stroke both head and helmet cleft . Which dreadfull sight , when all her warlike traine There present saw , each one of sence bereft , Fled fast into the towne , and her sole victor left . But yet so fast they could not home retrate , But that swift Talus did the formost win ; And pressing through the preace vnto the gate , Pelmell with them attonce did enter in . There then a piteous slaughter did begin : For all that euer came within his reach , He with his yron flale did thresh so thin , That he no worke at all left for the leach : Like to an hideous storme , which nothing may empeach . And now by this the noble Conqueresse Her selfe came in , her glory to partake ; Where though reuengefull vow she did professe , Yet when she saw the heapes , which he did make , Of slaughtred carkasses , her heart did quake For very ruth , which did it almost riue , That she his fury willed him to slake : For else he sure had left not one aliue , But all in his reuenge of spirite would depriue . Tho when she had his execution stayd , She for that yron prison did enquire , In which her wretched loue was captiue layd : Which breaking open with indignant ire , She entred into all the partes entire . Where when she saw that lothly vncouth sight , Of men disguiz'd in womanishe attire , Her heart gan grudge , for very deepe despight Of so vnmanly maske , in misery misdight . At last when as to her owne Loue she came , Whom like disguize no lesse deformed had , At sight thereof abasht with secrete shame , She turnd her head aside , as nothing glad , To haue beheld a spectacle so bad : And then too well beleeu'd , that which tofore Iealous suspect as true vntruely drad , Which vaine conceipt now nourishing no more , She sought with ruth to salue his sad misfortunes sore . Not so great wonder and astonishment , Did the most chast Penelope possesse , To see her Lord , that was reported drent , And dead long since in dolorous distresse , Come home to her in piteous wretchednesse , After long trauell of full twenty yeares , That she knew not his fauours likelynesse , For many scarres and many hoary heares , But stood long staring on him , mongst vncertaine feares . Ah my deare Lord , what sight is this ( quoth she ) What May-game hath misfortune made of you ? Where is that dreadfull manly looke ? where be Those mighty palmes , the which ye wont t'embrew In bloud of Kings , and great hoastes to subdew ? Could ought on earth so wondrous change haue wrought , As to haue robde you of that manly hew ? Could so great courage stouped haue to ought ? Then farewell fleshly force ; I see thy pride is nought . Thenceforth she streight into a bowre him brought , And causd him those vncomely weedes vndight ; And in their steede for other rayment sought , Whereof there was great store , and armors bright , Which had bene reft from many a noble Knight ; Whom that proud Amazon subdewed had , Whilest Fortune fauourd her successe in fight , In which when as she him anew had clad , She was reuiu'd , and ioyd much in his semblance glad . So there a while they afterwards remained , Him to refresh , and her late wounds to heale : During which space she there as Princes rained , And changing all that forme of common weale , The liberty of women did repeale , Which they had long vsurpt ; and them restoring To mens subiection , did true Iustice deale : That all they as a Goddesse her adoring , Her wisedome did admire , and hearkned to her loring . For all those Knights , which long in captiue shade Had shrowded bene , she did from thraldome free ; And magistrates of all that city made , And gaue to them great liuing and large fee : And that they should for euer faithfull bee , Made them sweare fealty to Artegall . Who when him selfe now well recur'd did see , He purposd to proceed , what so be fall , Vppon his first aduenture , which him forth did call . Full sad and sorrowfull was Britomart For his departure , her new cause of griefe ; Yet wisely moderated her owne smart , Seeing his honor , which she tendred chiefe , Consisted much in that aduentures priefe . The care whereof , and hope of his successe Gaue vnto her great comfort and reliefe , That womanish complaints she did represse , And tempred for the time her present heauinesse . There she continued for a certaine space , Till through his want her woe did more increase : Then hoping that the change of aire and place Would change her paine , and sorrow somewhat ease , She parted thence , her anguish to appease . Meane while her noble Lord sir Artegall Went on his way , ne euer howre did cease , Till he redeemed had that Lady thrall : That for another Canto will more fitly fall .

Cant. VIII . Prince Arthure and Sir Artegall , Free Samient from feare : They slay the Soudan , driue his wife , A dicia to despaire . NOught vnder heauen so strongly doth allure The sence of man , and all his minde possesse , As beauties lonely baite , that doth procure Great warriours oft their rigour to represse , And mighty hands forget their manlinesse ; Drawne with the powre of an heart-robbing eye , And wrapt in fetters of a golden tresse , That can with melting pleasaunce mollifye Their hardned hearts , enur'd to bloud and cruelty . So whylome learnd that mighty Iewish swaine , Each of whose lockes did match a man in might , To lay his spoiles before his lemans traine : So also did that great Octean Knight For his loues sake his Lions skin vndight : And so did warlike Antony neglect The worlds whole rule for Cleopatras sight . Such wondrous powre hath wemens faire aspect , To captiue men , and make them all the world reiect . Yet could it not sterne Artegall retaine , Nor hold from suite of his auowed quest , Which he had vndertane to Gloriane ; But left his loue , albe her strong request , Faire Britomart in languor and vnrest , And rode him selfe vppon his first intent : Ne day nor night did euer idly rest ; Ne wight but onely Talus with him went , The true guide of his way and vertuous gouernment . So trauelling , he chaunst far off to heed A Damzell , flying on a palfrey fast Before two Knights , that after her did speed With all their powre , and her full fiercely chast In hope to haue her ouerhent at last : Yet fled she fast , and both them farre outwent , Carried with wings of feare , like fowle aghast , With locks all loose , and rayment all to rent ; And euer as she rode , her eye was backeward bent . Soone after these he saw another Knight , That after those two former rode apace , With speare in rest , and prickt with all his might : So ran they all , as they had bene at bace , They being chased , that did others chase . At length he saw the hindmost ouertake One of those two , and force him turne his face ; How euer loth he were his way to slake , Yet mote he algates now abide , and answere make . But th' other still pursu'd the fearefull Mayd ; Who still from him as fast away did flie , Ne once for ought her speedy passage stayd , Till that at length she did before her spie Sir Artegall , to whom she streight did hie With gladfull hast , in hope of him to get Succour against her greedy enimy : Who seeing her approch gan forward set , To saue her from her feare , and him from force to let . But he like hound full greedy of his pray , Being impatient of impediment , Continu'd still his course , and by the way Thought with his speare him quight haue ouerwent . So both together ylike felly bent , Like fiercely met . But Artegall was stronger , And better skild in Tilt and Turnament , And bore him quite out of his saddle , longer Then two speares length ; So mischiefe ouermatcht the wronger . And in his fall misfortune hm mistooke ; For on his head vnhappily he pight , That his owne waight his necke asunder broke , And left there dead . Meane while the other Knight Defeated had the other faytour quight , And all his bowels in his body brast : Whom leauing there in that dispiteous plight , He ran still on , thinking to follow fast His other fellow Pagan , which before him past . In stead of whom finding there ready prest Sir Artegall , without discretion He at him ran , with ready speare in rest : Who seeing him come still so fiercely on , Against him made againe . So both anon Together met , and strongly either strooke And broke their speares ; yet neither has forgon His horses backe , yet to and fro long shooke , And tottred like two towres , which through a tempest quooke . But when againe they had recouered sence , They drew their swords , in mind to make amends For what their speares had fayld of their pretence . Which when the Damzell , who those deadly ends Of both her foes had seene , and now her frends For her beginning a more fearefull fray , She to them runnes in hast , and her haire rends , Crying to them their cruell hands to stay , Vntill they both doe heare , what she to them will say . They stayd their hands , when she thus gan to speake ; Ah gentle Knights , what meane ye thus vnwise Vpon your selues anothers wrong to wreake ? I am the wrong'd , whom ye did enterprise Both to redresse , and both redrest likewise : Witnesse the Paynims both , whom ye may see There dead on ground . What doe ye then deuise Of more reuenge ? if more , then I am shee , Which was the roote of all , end your reuenge on mee . Whom when they heard so say , they lookt about , To weete if it were true , as she had told ; Where when they saw their foes dead out of doubt , Eftsoones they gan their wrothfull hands to hold , And Ventailes reare , each other to behold . Tho when as Artegall did Arthure vew , So faire a creature , and so wondrous bold , He much admired both his heart and hew , And touched with intire affection , nigh him drew . Saying , sir Knight , of pardon I you pray , That all vnweeting haue you wrong'd thus sore , Suffring my hand against my heart to stray : Which if ye please forgiue , I will therefore Yeeld for amends my selfe yours euermore , Or what so penaunce shall by you be red . To whom the Prince ; Certes me needeth more To craue the same , whom errour so misled , As that I did mistake the liuing for the ded . But sith ye please , that both our blames shall die , Amends may for the trespasse soone be made , Since neither is endamadg'd much thereby . So can they both them selues full each perswade To faire accordaunce , and both faults to shade , Either embracing other louingly , And swearing faith to either on his blade , Neuer thenceforth to nourish enmity , But either others cause to maintaine mutually . Then Artegall gan of the Prince enquire , What were those knights , which there on ground were layd , And had receiu'd their follies worthy hire , And for what cause they chased so that Mayd . Certes I wote not well ( the Prince then sayd ) But by aduenture found them faring so , As by the way vnweetingly I strayd , And lo the Damzell selfe , whence all did grow , Of whom we may at will the whole occasion know . Then they that Damzell called to then nie , And asked her , what were those two her fone , From whom she earst so fast away did flie ; And what was she her selfe so woe begone , And for what cause pursu'd of them attone . To whom she thus ; Then wote ye well , that I Doe serue a Queene , that not far hence doth wone , A Princesse of great powre and maiestie , Famous through all the world , and honor'd far and nie . Her name Mercilla most men vse to call ; That is a mayden Queene of high renowne , For her great bounty knowen ouer all , And soueraine grace , with which her royall crowne She doth support , and strongly beateth downe The malice of her foes , which her enuy , And at her happinesse do fret and frowne : Yet she her selfe the more doth magnify , And euen to her foes her mercies multiply . Mongst many which maligne her happy state , There is a mighty man , which wonnes here by That with most fell despight and deadly hate , Seekes to subuert her Crowne and dignity , And all his powre doth thereunto apply : And her good Knights , of which so braue a band Serues her , as any Princesse vnder sky , He either spoiles , if they against him stand , Or to his part allures , and bribeth vnder hand . Ne him sufficeth all the wrong and ill , Which he vnto her people does each day , But that he seekes by traytrous traines to spill Her person , and her sacred selfe to slay : That ô ye heauens defend , and turne away From her , vnto the miscreant him selfe , That neither hath religion nor fay , But makes his God of his vngodly pelfe , And Idols serues ; so let his Idols serue the Elfe . To all which cruell tyranny they say , He is prouokt , and stird vp day and night By his bad wife , that hight Adicia , Who counsels him through confidence of might , To breake all bonds of law , and rules of right . For she her selfe professeth mortall foe To Iustice , and against her still doth fight , Working to all , that loue her , deadly woe , And making all her Knights and people to doe so . Which my liege Lady seeing , thought it best , With that his wife in friendly wise to deale , For stint of strife , and stablishment of rest Both to her selfe , and to her common weale , And all forepast displeasures to repeale . So me in message vnto her she sent , To treat with her by way of enterdeale , Of finall peace and faire attonement , Which might concluded be by mutuall consent . All times haue wont safe passage to afford To messengers , that come for causes iust : But this proude Dame disdayning all accord , Not onely into bitter termes forth brust , Reuiling me , and rayling as she Iust , But lastly to make proofe of vtmost shame , Me like a dog she out of dores did thrust , Miscalling me by many a bitter name , That neuer did her ill , ne once deserued blame . And lastly , that no shame might wanting be , When I was gone , soone after me she sent These two false Knights , whom there ye lying see , To be by them dishonoured and shent : But thankt be God , and your good hardiment , They haue the price of their owne folly payd . So said this Damzell , that hight Samient , And to those knights , for their so noble ayd , Her selfe most gratefull shew'd , & heaped thanks repayd . But they now hauing throughly heard , and seene Al those great wrongs , the which that mayd complained . To haue bene done against her Lady Queene , By that proud dame , which her so much disdained , Were moued much thereat , and twixt them fained , With all their force to worke auengement strong Vppon the Souldanselfe , which it mayntained , And on his Lady , th' author of that wrong , And vppon all those Knights , that did to her belong . But thinking best by counterfet disguise To their deseigne to make the easier way , They did this complot twixt them selues deuise , First that sir Artegall should him array , Like one of those two Knights , which dead there lay . And then that Damzell , the sad Samient , Should as his purchast prize with him conuay Vnto the Souldans court , her to present Vnto his scornefull Lady , that for her had sent . So as they had deuiz'd , sir Artegall Him clad in th' armour of a Pagan knight , And taking with him , as his vanquisht thrall , That Damzell , led her to the Souldans right . Where soone as his proud wife of her had sight , Forth of her window as she looking lay , She weened streight , it was her Paynim Knight , Which brought that Damzell , as his purchast pray ; And sent to him a Page , that mote direct his way . Who bringing them to their appointed place , Offred his seruice to disarme the Knight ; But he refusing him to let vnlace , For doubt to be discouered by his sight , Kept himselfe still in his straunge armour dight . Soone after whom the Prince arriued there , And sending to the Souldan in despight A bold defyance , did of him requere That Damzell , whom he held as wrongfull prisonere . Wherewith the Souldan all with furie fraught , Swearing , and banning most blasphemously , Commaunded straight his armour to be brought , And mounting straight vpon a charret hye , With yron wheeles and hookes arm'd dreadfully , And drawne of cruell steedes , which he had fed With flesh of men , whom through fell tyranny He slaughtred had , and ere they were halfe ded , Their bodies to his beasts for prouender did spred . So forth he came all in a cote of plate , Burnisht with bloudie rust , whiles on the greene The Briton Prince him readie did awayte , In glistering armes right goodly well beseene , That shone as bright , as doth the heauen sheene ; And by his stirrup Talus did attend , Playing his pages part , as he had beene Before directed by his Lord ; to th' end He should his flale to finall execution bend . Thus goe they both together to their geare , With like fierce minds , but meanings different : For the proud Souldan with presumpteous cheare , And countenance sublime and insolent , Sought onely slaughter and auengement : But the braue Prince for honour and for right , Gainst tortious powre and lawlesse regiment , In the behalfe of wronged weake did fight : More in his causes truth he trusted then in might . Like to the Thracian Tyrant , who they say Vnto his horses gaue his guests for meat , Till he himselfe was made their greedie pray , And torne in peeces by Alcides great . So thought the Souldan in his follies threat , Either the Prince in peeces to haue torne With his sharpe wheeles , in his first rages heat , Or vnder his fierce horses feet haue borne And trampled downe in dust his thoughts disdained scorne . But the bold child that perill well espying , If he too rashly to his charet drew , Gaue way vnto his horses speedie flying , And their resistlesse rigour did eschew . Yet as he passed by , the Pagan threw A shiuering dart with so impetuous force , That had he not it shun'd with heedfull vew , It had himselfe transfixed , or his horse , Or made them both one masse withouten more remorse . Oft drew the Prince vnto his charret nigh , In hope some stroke to fasten on him neare ; But he was mounted in his seat so high , And his wingfooted coursers him did beare So fast away , that ere his readie speare He could aduance , he farre was gone and past . Yet still he him did follow euery where , And followed was of him likewise full fast ; So long as in his steedes the flaming breath did last . Againe the Pagan threw another dart , Of which he had with him abundant store , On euery side of his embatteld cart , And of all other weapons lesse or more , Which warlike vses had deuiz'd of yore . The wicked shaft guyded through th' ayrie wyde , By some bad spirit , that it to mischiefe bore , Stayd not , till through his curat it did glyde , And made a griesly wound in his enriuen side . Much was he grieued with that haplesse throe , That opened had the welspring of his blood ; But much the more that to his hatefull foe He mote not come , to wreake his wrathfull mood . That made him raue , like to a Lyon wood , Which being wounded of the huntsmans hand Can not come neare him in the couert wood , Where he with boughes hath built his shady stand , And fenst himselfe about with many a flaming brand . Still when he sought t' approch vnto him ny , His charret wheeles about him whirled round , And made him backe againe as fast to fly ; And eke his steedes like to an hungry hound , That hunting after game hath carrion found , So cruelly did him pursew and chace , That his good steed , all were he much renound For noble courage , and for hardie race , Durst not endure their sight , but fled from place to place . Thus long they trast , and trauerst to and fro , Seeking by euery way to make some breach , Yet could the Prince not nigh vnto him goe , That one sure stroke he might vnto him reach , Whereby his strengthes assay he might him teach . At last from his victorious shield he drew The vaile , which did his powrefull light empeach ; And comming full before his horses vew , As they vpon him prest , it plaine to them did shew . Like lightening flash , that hath the gazet burned , So did the sight thereof their sense dismay , That backe againe vpon themselues they turned , And with their ryder ranne perforce away : Ne could the Souldan them from flying stay , With raynes , or wonted rule , as well he knew . Nought feared they , what he could do , or say , But th' onely feare , that was before their vew ; From which like mazed deare , dismayfully they flew . Fast did they fly , as them their feete could beare , High ouer hilles , and lowly ouer dales , As they were follow'd of their former feare . In vaine the Pagan bannes , and sweares , and rayles , And backe with both his hands vnto him hayles The resty raynes , regarded now no more : He to them calles and speakes , yet nought auayles ; They heare him not , they haue forgot his lore , But go , which way they list , their guide they haue forlore . As when the firie-mouthed steeds , which drew The Sunnes bright wayne to Phaetons decay , Soone as they did the monstrous Scorpion vew , With vgly craples crawling in their way , The dreadfull sight did them so sore affray , That their well knowne courses they forwent , And leading th' euer-burning lampe astray , This lower world nigh all to ashes brent , And left their scorched path yet in the firmament . Such was the furie of these head-strong steeds , Soone as the infants sunlike shield they saw , That all obedience both to words and deeds They quite forgot , and scornd all former law ; Through woods , and rocks , and mountaines they did draw The yron charet , and the wheeles did teare , And tost the Paynim , without feare or awe ; From side to side they tost him here and there , Crying to them in vaine , that nould his crying heare . Yet still the Prince pursew'd him close behind , Oft making offer him to smite , but found No easie meanes according to his mind . At last they haue all ouerthrowne to ground Quite topside turuey , and the pagan hound Amongst the yron hookes and graples keene , Torne all to rags , and rent with many a wound , That no whole peece of him was to be seene , But scattred all about , and strow'd vpon the greene . Like as the cursed sonne of Theseus , That following his chace in dewy morne , To fly his stepdames loues outrageous , Of his owne steedes was all to peeces torne , And his faire limbs left in the woods forlorne ; That for his sake Diana did lament , And all the wooddy Nymphes did wayle and mourne . So was this Souldan rapt and all to rent , That of his shape appear'd no litle moniment . Onely his shield and armour , which there lay , Though nothing whole , but all to brusd and broken , He vp did take , and with him brought away , That mote remaine for an eternall token To all , mongst whom this storie should be spoken , How worthily , by heauens high decree , Iustice that day of wrong her selfe had wroken , That all men which that spectacle did see , By like ensample mote for euer warned bee . So on a tree , before the Tyrants dore , He caused them be hung in all mens sight , To be a moniment for euermore . Which when his Ladie from the castles hight Beheld , it much appald her troubled spright : Yet not , as women wont in dolefull fit , She was dismayd , or faynted through affright , But gathered vnto her her troubled wit , And gan eftsoones deuize to be aueng'd for it . Streight downe she ranne , like an enraged cow , That is berobbed of her youngling dere , With knife in hand , and fatally did vow , To wreake her on that mayden messengere , Whom she had causd be kept as prisonere , By Artegall , misween'd for her owne Knight , That brought her backe . And comming present there , She at her ran with all her force and might , All flaming with reuenge and furious despight . Like raging Ino , when with knife in hand She threw her husbands murdred infant out , Or fell Medea , when on Colchicke strand Her brothers bones she scattered all about ; Or as that madding mother , mongst the rout Of Bacchus Priests her owne deare flesh did teare . Yet neither Ino , nor Medea stout , Nor all the Moenades so furious were , As this bold woman , when she saw that Damzell there . But Artegall being thereof aware , Did stay her cruell hand , ere she her raught , And as she did her selfe to strike prepare , Out of her fist the wicked weapon caught : With that like one enfelon'd or distraught , She forth did rome , whether her rage her bore , With franticke passion , and with furie fraught ; And breaking forth out at a posterne dore , Vnto the wyld wood ranne , her dolours to deplore . As a mad bytch , when as the franticke fit Her burning tongue with rage inflamed hath , Doth runne at randon , and with furious bit Snatching at euery thing , doth wreake her wrath On man and beast , that commeth in her path . There they doe say , that she transformed was Into a Tygre , and that Tygres scath In crueltie and outrage she did pas , To proue her surname true , that she imposed has . Then Artegall himselfe discouering plaine , Did issue forth gainst all that warlike rout Of knights and armed men , which did maintaine That Ladies part , and to the Souldan lout : All which he did assault with courage stout , All were they nigh an hundred knights of name , And like wyld Goates them chaced all about , Flying from place to place with cowheard shame , So that with finall force them all he ouercame . Then caused he the gates be opened wyde , And there the Prince , as victour of that day , With tryumph entertayn'd and glorifyde , Presenting him with all the rich array , And roiall pompe , which there long hidden lay , Purchast through lawlesse powre and tortious wrong Of that proud Souldan , whom he earst did slay . So both for rest there hauing stayd not long , Marcht with that mayd , fit matter for another song .

Cant. IX . Arthur and Artegall catch Guyle whom Talus doth dismay , They to Mercillaes pallace come , and see her rich array . WHat Tygre , or what other saluage wight Is so exceeding furious and fell , As wrong , when it hath arm'd it selfe with might ? Not fit mongst men , that doe with reason mell , But mongst wyld beasts and saluage woods to dwell ; Where still the stronger doth the weake deuoure , And they that most in boldnesse doe excell , Are dreadded most , and feared for their powre : Fit for Adicia , there to build her wicked bowre . There let her wonne farre from resort of men , Where righteous Artegall her late exyled ; There let her euer keepe her damned den , Where none may be with her lewd parts defyled , Nor none but beasts may be of her despoyled : And turne we to the noble Prince , where late We did him leaue , after that he had foyled The cruell Souldan , and with dreadfull fate Had vtterly subuerted his vnrighteous state . Where hauing with Sir Artegall a space Well solast in that Souldans late delight , They both resoluing now to leaue the place , Both it and all the wealth therein behight Vnto that Damzell in her Ladies right , And so would haue departed on their way . But she them woo'd by all the meanes she might , And earnestly besought , to wend that day With her , to see her Ladie thence not farre away . By whose entreatie both they ouercommen , Agree to goe with her , and by the way , ( As often falles ) of sundry things did commen . Mongst which that Damzell did to them bewray A straunge aduenture , which not farre thence lay ; To weet a wicked villaine , bold and stout , Which wonned in a rocke not farre away , That robbed all the countrie there about , And brought the pillage home , whence none could get it out , Thereto both his owne wylie wit , ( she sayd ) And eke the fastnesse of his dwelling place , Both vnassaylable , gaue him great ayde : For he so crafty was to forge and face , So light of hand , and nymble of his pace , So smooth of tongue , and subtile in his tale , That could deceiue one looking in his face ; Therefore by name Malengin they him call , Well knowen by his feates , and famous ouer all . Through these his slights he many doth confound , And eke the rocke , in which he wonts to dwell , Is wondrous strong , and hewen farre vnder ground A dreadfull depth , how deepe no man can tell ; But some doe say , it goeth downe to hell . And all within , it full of wyndings is , And hidden wayes , that scarse an hound by smell Can follow out those false footsteps of his , Ne none can backe returne , that once are gone amis . Which when those knights had heard , their harts gan earne , To vnderstand that villeins dwelling place , And greatly it desir'd of her to learne , And by which way they towards it should trace . Were not ( sayd she ) that it should let your pace Towards my Ladies presence by you ment , I would you guyde directly to the place . Then let not that ( said they ) stay your intent ; For neither will one foot , till we that carle haue hent . So forth they past , till they approched ny Vnto the rocke , where was the villains won , Which when the Damzell neare at hand did spy , She warn'd the knights thereof : who thereupon Gan to aduize , what best were to be done . So both agreed , to send that mayd afore , Where she might sit nigh to the den alone , Wayling , and raysing pittifull vprore , As if she did some great calamitie deplore . With noyse whereof when as the caytiue carle Should issue forth , in hope to find some spoyle , They in awayt would closely him ensnarle , Ere to his den he backward could recoyle , And so would hope him easily to foyle . The Damzell straight went , as she was directed , Vnto the rocke , and there vpon the soyle Hauing her selfe in wretched wize abiected , Gan weepe and wayle , as if great griefe had her affected . The cry whereof entring the hollow caue , Eftsoones brought forth the villaine , as they ment , With hope of her some wishfull boot to haue . Full dreadfull wight he was , as euer went Vpon the earth , with hollow eyes deepe pent , And long curld locks , that downe his shoulders shagged , And on his backe an vncouth vestiment Made of straunge stuffe , but all to worne and ragged , And vnderneath his breech was all to torne and iagged . And in his hand an huge long staffe he held , Whose top was arm'd with many an yron hooke , Fit to catch hold of all that he could weld , Or in the compasse of his clouches tooke ; And euer round about he cast his looke . Als at his backe a great wyde net he bore , With which he seldome fished at the brooke , But vsd to fish for fooles on the dry shore , Of which he in faire weather wont to take great store . Him when the damzell saw fast by her side , So vgly creature , she was nigh dismayd , And now for helpe aloud in earnest cride . But when the villaine saw her so affrayd , He gan with guilefull words her to perswade , To banish feare , and with Sardonian smyle Laughing on her , his false intent to shade , Gan forth to lay his bayte her to beguyle , That from her self vnwares he might her steale the whyle . Like as the fouler on his guilefull pype Charmes to the birds full many a pleasant lay , That they the whiles may take lesse heedie keepe , How he his nets doth for their ruine lay : So did the villaine to her prate and play , And many pleasant trickes before her show , To turne her eyes from his intent away : For he in slights and iugling feates did flow , And of legierdemayne the mysteries did know . To which whilest she lent her intentiue mind , He suddenly his net vpon her threw , That ouersprad her like a puffe of wind ; And snatching her soone vp , ere well she knew , Ran with her fast away vnto his mew , Crying for helpe aloud . But when as ny He came vnto his caue , and there did vew The armed knights stopping his passage by , He threw his burden downe , and fast away did fly . But Artegall him after did pursew , The whiles the Prince there kept the entrance still : Vp to the rocke he ran , and thereon flew Like a wyld Gote , leaping from hill to hill , And dauncing on the craggy cliffes at will ; That deadly daunger seem'd in all mens sight , To tempt such steps , where footing was so ill : Ne ought auayled for the armed knight , To thinke to follow him , that was so swift and light . Which when he saw , his yron man he sent , To follow him ; for he was swift in chace . He him pursewd , where euer that he went , Both ouer rockes , and hilles , and euery place , Where so he fled , he followd him apace : So that he shortly forst him to forsake The hight , and downe descend vnto the base . There he him courst a fresh , and soone did make To leaue his proper forme , and other shape to take . Into a Foxe himselfe he first did tourne ; But he him hunted like a Foxe full fast : Then to a bush himselfe he did transforme , But he the bush did beat , till that at last Into a bird it chaung'd , and from him past , Flying from tree to tree , from wand to wand : But he then stones at it so long did cast , That like a stone it fell vpon the land , But he then tooke it vp , and held fast in his hand . So he it brought with him vnto the knights , And to his Lord Sir Artegall it lent , Warning him hold it fast , for feare of slights . Who whilest in hand it gryping hart he hent , Into a Hedgehogge all vnwares it went , And prickt him so , that he away it threw . Then gan it runne away incontinent , Being returned to his former hew : But Talus soone him ouertooke , and backward drew . But when as he would to a snake againe Haue turn'd himselfe , he with his yron flayle Gan driue at him , with so huge might and maine , That all his bones , as small as sandy grayle He broke , and did his bowels disentrayle ; Crying in vaine for helpe , when helpe was past . So did deceipt the selfe deceiuer fayle , There they him left a carrion outcast ; For beasts and foules to feede vpon for their repast . Thence forth they passed with that gentle Mayd , To see her Ladie , as they did agree . To which when she approched , thus she sayd ; Loe now , right noble knights , arriu'd ye bee Nigh to the place , which ye desir'd to see : There shall ye see my souerayne Lady Queene Most sacred wight , most debonayre and free , That euer yet vpon this earth was seene , Or that with Diademe hath euer crowned beene . The gentle knights reioyced much to heare The prayses of that Prince so manifold , And passing litle further , commen were , Where they a stately pallace did behold , Of pompous show , much more then she had told ; With many towres , and tarras mounted hye , And all their tops bright glittering with gold , That seemed to out shine the dimmed skye , And with their brightnesse daz'd the straunge beholders eye . There they alighting , by that Damzell were Directed in , and shewed all the sight : Whose porch , that most magnificke did appeare , Stood open wyde to all men day and night ; Yet warded well by one of mickle might , That sate thereby , with gyantlike resemblance , To keepe out guyle , and malice , and despight , That vnder shew oftimes of fayned semblance , Are wont in Princes courts to worke great scath and hindrance . His name was Awe ; by whom they passing in Went vp the hall , that was a large wyde roome , All full of people making troublous din , And wondrous noyse , as if that there were some , Which vnto them was dealing righteous doome . By whom they passing , through the thickest preasse , The marshall of the hall to them did come ; His name hight Order , who commaunding peace , Them guyded through the throng , that did their clamors ceasse . They ceast their clamors vpon them to gaze ; Whom seeing all in armour bright as day , Straunge there to see , it did them much amaze , And with vnwonted terror halfe affray . For neuer saw they there the like array . Ne euer was the name of warre there spoken , But ioyous peace and quietnesse alway , Dealing iust iudgements , that mote not be broken For any brybes , or threates of any to be wroken . There as they entred at the Scriene , they saw Some one , whose tongue was for his trespasse vyle Nayld to a post , adiudged so by law : For that therewith he falsely did reuyle , And foule blaspheme that Queene for forged guyle , Both with bold speaches , which he blazed had , And with lewd poems , which he did compyle ; For the bold title of a Poet bad He on himselfe had ta'en , and rayling rymes had sprad . Thus there he stood , whylest high ouer his head , There written was the purport of his sin , In cyphers strange , that few could rightly read , BON FONS : but bon that once had written bin , Was raced out , and Mal was now put in . So now Malfont was plainely to be red ; Eyther for th' euill , which he did therein , Or that he likened was to a welhed Of euill words , and wicked sclaunders by him shed . They passing by , were guyded by degree Vnto the presence of that gratious Queene : Who sate on high , that she might all men see , And might of all men royally be seene , Vpon a throne of gold full bright and sheene , Adorned all with gemmes of endlesse price , As either might for wealth haue gotten bene , Or could be fram'd by workmans rare deuice ; And all embost with Lyons and with Flourdelice . All ouer her a cloth of state was spred , Not of rich tissew , nor of cloth of gold , Nor of ought else , that may be richest red , But like a cloud , as likest may be told , That her brode spreading wings did wyde vnfold ; Whose skirts were bordred with bright sunny beams , Glistring like gold , amongst the plights enrold , And here and there shooting forth siluer streames , Mongst which crept litle Angels through the glittering gleames . Seemed those litle Angels did vphold The cloth of state , and on their purpled wings Did beare the pendants , through their nimblesse bold : Besides a thousand more of such , as sings Hymnes to high God , and carols heauenly things , Encompassed the throne , on which she sate : She Angel-like , the heyre of ancient kings And mightie Conquerors , in royall state , Whylest kings and kesars at her feet did them prostrate . Thus she did fit in souerayne Maiestie , Holding a Scepter in her royall hand , The sacred pledge of peace and clemencie , With which high God had blest her happie land , Maugre so many foes , which did withstand . But at her feet her sword was likewise layde , Whose long rest rusted the bright steely brand ; Yet when as foes enforst , or friends sought ayde , She could it sternely draw , that all the world dismayde . And round about , before her feet there sate A beuie of faire Virgins clad in white , That goodly seem'd t' adorne her royall state , All louely daughters of high Ioue , that hight , Litae by him begot in loues delight , Vpon the righteous Themis : those they say Vpon Ioues iudgement seat wayt day and night , And when in wrath he threats the worlds decay , They doe his anger calme , and cruell vengeance stay . They also doe by his diuine permission Vpon the thrones of mortall Princes tend , And often treat for pardon and remission To suppliants , through frayltie which offend . Those did vpon Mercillaes throne attend : Iust Dice , wise Eunomie , myld Eirene , And them amongst , her glorie to commend , Sate goodly Temperance in garments clene , And sacred Reuerence , yborne of heauenly strene . Thus did she sit in royall rich estate , Admyr'd of many , honoured of all , Whylest vnderneath her feete , there as she sate , An huge great Lyon lay , that mote appall An hardie courage , like captiued thrall , With a strong yron chaine and coller bound , That once he could not moue , nor quich at all ; Yet did he murmure with rebellions sound , And softly royne , when saluage choler gan redound . So sitting high in dreaded souerayntie , Those two strange knights were to her presence brought ; Who bowing low before her Maiestie , Did to her myld obeysance , as they ought , And meekest boone , that they imagine mought . To whom she eke inclyning her withall , As a faire stoupe of her high soaring thought , A chearefull countenance on them let fall , Yet tempred with some maiestie imperiall . As the bright sunne , what time his fierie teme Towards the westerne brim begins to draw , Gins to abate the brightnesse of his beme , And feruour of his flames somewhat adaw : So did this mightie Ladie , when she saw Those two strange knights such homage to her make , Bate somewhat of that Maiestie and awe , That whylome wont to doe so many quake , And with more myld aspect those two to entertake . Now at that instant , as occasion fell , When these two stranger knights arriu'd in place , She was about affaires of common wele , Dealing of Iustice with indifferent grace , And hearing pleas of people meane and base . Mongst which as then , there was for to be heard The tryall of a great and weightie case , Which on both sides was then debating hard : But at the sight of these , those were a while debard . But after all her princely entertayne , To th' hearing of that former cause in hand , Her selfe eftsoones she gan conuert againe ; Which that those knights likewise mote vnderstand , And witnesse forth aright in forrain land , Taking them vp vnto her stately throne , Where they mote heare the matter throughly scand On either part , she placed th' one on th' one , The other on the other side , and neare them none . Then was there brought , as prisoner to the barre , A Ladie of great countenance and place , But that she it with foule abuse did marre ; Yet did appeare rare beautie in her face , But blotted with condition vile and base , That all her other honour did obscure , And titles of nobilitie deface : Yet in that wretched semblant , she did sure The peoples great compassion vnto her allure . Then vp arose a person of deepe reach , And rare in-sight , hard matters to reuele ; That well could charme his tongue , & time his speach To all assayes ; his name was called Zele : He gan that Ladie strongly to appele Of many haynous crymes , by her enured , And with sharpe reasons rang her such a pele , That those , whom she to pitie had allured , He now t' abhorre and loath her person had procured . First gan he tell , how this that seem'd so faire And royally arayd , Duessa hight That false Duessa , which had wrought great care , And mickle mischiefe vnto many a knight , By her beguyled , and confounded quight : But not for those she now in question came , Though also those mote question'd be aright , But for vyld treasons , and outrageous shame , Which she against the dred Mercilla oft did frame . For she whylome ( as ye mote yet right well Remember ) had her counsels false conspyred , With faithlesse Blandamour and Paridell , ( Both two her paramours , both by her hyred , And both with hope of shadowes vaine inspyred . ) And with them practiz'd , how for to depryue Mercilla of her crowne , by her aspyred , That she might it vnto her selfe deryue , And tryumph in their blood , whom she to death did dryue . But through high heauens grace , which fauour not The wicked driftes of trayterous desynes , Gainst loiall Princes , all this cursed plot , Ere proofe it tooke , discouered was betymes , And th' actours won the meede meet for their crymes . Such be the meede of all , that by such mene Vnto the type of kingdomes title clymes . But false Duessa now vntitled Queene , Was brought to her sad doome , as here was to be seene . Strongly did Zele her haynous fact enforce , And many other crimes of foule defame Against her brought , to banish all remorse , And aggrauate the horror of her blame . And with him to make part against her , came Many graue persons , that against her pled ; First was a sage old Syre , that had to name The Kingdomes care , with a white siluer hed , That many high regards and reasons gainst her red . Then gan Authority her to appose With peremptorie powre , that made all mute ; And then the law of Nations gainst her rose , And reasons brought , that no man could refute ; Next gan Religion gainst her to impute High Gods beheast , and powre of holy lawes ; Then gan the Peoples cry and Commons sute , Importune care of their owne publicke cause ; And lastly Iustice charged her with breach of lawes . But then for her , on the contrarie part , Rose many aduocates for her to plead : First : there came Pittie , with full tender hart , And with her ioyn'd Regard of womanhead ; And then came Daunger threatning hidden dread , And high alliance vnto forren powre ; Then came Nobilitie of birth , that bread Great ruth through her misfortunes tragicke stowre ; And lastly Griefe did plead , & many teares forth powre . With the neare touch whereof in tender hart The Briton Prince was sore empassionate , And woxe inclined much vnto her part , Through the sad terror of so dreadfull fate , And wretched ruine of so high estate , That for great ruth his courage gan relent . Which when as Zele perceiued to abate , He gan his earnest feruour to augment , And many fearefull obiects to them to present . He gan t'efforce the euidence anew , And new accusements to produce in place : He brought forth that old hag of hellish hew , The cursed Ate , brought her face to face , Who priuie was , and partie in the case : She , glad of spoyle and ruinous decay , Did her appeach , and to her more disgrace , The plot of all her practise did display , And all her traynes , and all her treasons forth did lay . Then brought he forth , with griesly grim aspect , Abhorred Murder , who with bloudie knyfe Yet dropping fresh in hand did her detect , And there with guiltie bloudshed charged ryfe : Then brought he forth Sedition , breeding stryfe In troublous wits , and mutinous vprore : Then brought he forth Incontinence of lyfe , Euen foule Adulterie her face before , And lewd Impietie , that her accused sore . All which when as the Prince had heard and seene , His former fancies ruth he gan repent , And from her partie eftsoones was drawen cleene . But Artegall with constant firme intent , For zeale of Iustice was against her bent . So was she guiltie deemed of them all . Then Zele began to vrge her punishment , And to their Queene for iudgement loudly call , Vnto Mercilla myld for Iustice gainst the thrall . But she , whose Princely breast was touched nere With piteous ruth of her so wretched plight , Though plaine she saw by all , that she did heare , That she of death was guiltie found by right , Yet would not let iust vengeance on her light ; But rather let in stead thereof to fall Few perling drops from her faire lampes of light ; The which she couering with her purple pall Would haue the passion hid , and vp arose withall .

Cant. X. Prince Arthur takes the enterprize for Belgee for to fight , Gerioneos Seneschall he slayes in Belges right . SOme Clarkes doe doubt in their deuicefull art , Whether this heauenly thing , whereof I treat , To weeten Mercie be of Iustice part , Or drawne forth from her by diuine extreate . This well I wote , that sure she is as great , And meriteth to haue as high a place , Sith in th' Almighties euerlasting seat She first was bred , and borne of heauenly race ; From thence pour'd down on men , by influence of grace . For if that Vertue be of so great might , Which from iust verdict will for nothing start , But to preserue inuiolated right , Oft spilles the principall , to saue the part ; So much more then is that of powre and art , That seekes to saue the subiect of her skill , Yet neuer doth from doome of right depart : As it is greater prayse to saue , then spill , And better to reforme , then to cut off the ill . Who then can thee , Mercilla , throughly prayse , That herein doest all earthly Princes pas ? What heauenly Muse shall thy great honour rayse Vp to the skies , whence first deriu'd it was , And now on earth it selfe enlarged has , From th' vtmost brinke of the Armericke shore , Vnto the margent of the Molucas ? Those Nations farre thy iustice doe adore : But thine owne people do thy mercy prayse much more . Much more it praysed was of those two knights ; The noble Prince , and righteous Artegall , When they had seene and heard her doome a rights Against Duessa , damned by them all ; But by her tempred without griefe or gall , Till strong constraint did her thereto enforce . And yet euen then ruing her wilfull fall , With more then needfull naturall remorse , And yeelding the last honour to her wretched corse . During all which , those knights continu'd there , Both doing and receiuing curtesies , Of that great Ladie , who with goodly chere Them entertayn'd , fit for their dignities , Approuing dayly to their noble eyes Royall examples of her mercies rare , And worthie paterns of her clemencies ; Which till this day mongst many liuing are , Who them to their posterities doe still declare . Amongst the rest , which in that space befell , There came two Springals of full tender yeares , Farre thence from forrein land , where they did dwell , To seeke for succour of her and of her Peares , With humble prayers and intreatfull teares ; Sent by their mother , who a widow was , Wrapt in great dolours and in deadly feares , By a strong Tyrant , who inuaded has Her land , and slaine her children ruefully alas . Her name was Belgae , who in former age A Ladie of great worth and wealth had beene , And mother of a frutefull heritage , Euen seuenteene goodly sonnes ; which who had seene In their first flowre , before this fatall teene Them ouertooke , and their faire blossomes blasted , More happie mother would her surely weene , Then famous Niobe , before she tasted Latonaes childrens wrath , that all her issue wasted . But this fell Tyrant , through his tortious powre , Had left her now but fiue of all that brood : For twelue of them he did by times deuoure , And to his Idols sacrifice their blood , Whylest he of none was stopped , nor withstood . For soothly he was one of matchlesse might , Of horrible aspect , and dreadfull mood , And had three bodies in one wast empight , And th' armes and legs of three , to succour him in fight . And sooth they say , that he was borne and bred Of Gyants race , the sonne of Geryon , He that whylome in Spaine so sore was dred , For his huge powre and great oppression , Which brought that land to his subiection , Through his three bodies powre , in one combynd ; And eke all strangers in that region Arryuing , to his kyne for food assynd ; The fayrest kyne aliue , but of the fiercest kynd . For they were all , they say , of purple hew , Kept by a cowheard , hight Eurytion , A cruell carle , the which all strangers slew , Ne day nor night did sleepe , t' attend them on , But walkt about them euer and anone , With his two headed dogge , that Orthrus hight ; Orthrus begotten by great Typhaon , And foule Echidna , in the house of night ; But Hercules them all did ouercome in fight . His sonne was this , Geryoneo hight ; Who after that his monstrous father fell Vnder Alcides club , streight tooke his flight From that sad land , where he his syre did quell , And came to this , where Belge then did dwell , And flourish in all wealth and happinesse , Being then new made widow ( as befell ) After her Noble husbands late decesse ; Which gaue beginning to her woe and wretchednesse . Then this bold Tyrant , of her widowhed Taking aduantage , and her yet fresh woes , Himselfe and seruice to her offered , Her to defend against all forrein foes , That should their powre against her right oppose . Whereof she glad , now needing strong defence , Him entertayn'd , and did her champion chose : Which long he vsd with carefull diligence , The better to confirme her fearelesse confidence . By meanes whereof , she did at last commit All to his hands , and gaue him soueraine powre To doe , what euer he thought good or fit . Which hauing got , he gan forth from that howre To stirre vp strife , and many a Tragicke stowre , Giuing her dearest children one by one Vnto a dreadfull Monster to deuoure , And setting vp an Idole of his owne , The image of his monstrous parent Geryone . So tyrannizing , and oppressing all , The woefull widow had no meanes now left , But vnto gratious great Mercilla call For ayde , against that cruell Tyrants theft , Ere all her children he from her had reft . Therefore these two , her eldest sonnes she sent , To seeke for succour of this Ladies gieft : To whom their sute they humbly did present , In th' hearing of full many Knights and Ladies gent. Amongst the which then fortuned to bee The noble Briton Prince , with his braue Peare ; Who when he none of all those knights did see Hastily bent , that enterprise to heare , Nor vndertake the same , for cowheard feare , He stepped forth with courage bold and great , Admyr'd of all the rest in presence there , And humbly gan that mightie Queene entreat , To graunt him that aduenture for his former feat . She gladly graunted it : then he straight way Himselfe vnto his iourney gan prepare , And all his armours readie dight that day , That nought the morrow next mote stay his fare . The morrow next appear'd , with purple hayre Yet dropping fresh out of the Indian fount , And bringing light into the heauens fayre , When he was readie to his steede to mount ; Vnto his way , which now was all his care and count . Then taking humble leaue of that great Queene , Who gaue him roiall giftes and riches rare , As tokens of her thankefull mind beseene , And leauing Artegall to his owne care ; Vpon his voyage forth he gan to fare , With those two gentle youthes , which him did guide , And all his way before him still prepare . Ne after him did Artigall abide , But on his first aduenture forward forth did ride . It was not long , till that the Prince arriued Within the land , where dwelt that Ladie sad , Whereof that Tyrant had her now depriued , And into moores and marshes banisht had , Out of the pleasant soyle , and citties glad , In which she wont to harbour happily : But now his cruelty so sore she drad , That to those fennes for fastnesse she did fly , And there her selfe did hyde from his hard tyranny . There he her found in sorrow and dismay , All solitarie without liuing wight ; For all her other children , through affray , Had hid themselues , or taken further flight : And eke her selfe through sudden strange affright , When one in armes she saw , began to fly ; But when her owne two sonnes she had in sight , She gan take hart , and looke vp ioyfully : For well she wist this knight came , succour to supply . And running vnto them with greedy ioyes , Fell straight about their neckes , as they did kneele , And bursting forth in teares ; Ah my sweet boyes , ( Sayd she ) yet now I gin new life to feele , And feeble spirits , that gan faint and reele , Now rise againe , at this your ioyous sight . Alreadie seemes that fortunes headlong wheele Begins to turne , and sunne to shine more bright , Then it was wont , through comfort of this noble knight . Then turning vnto him ; And you Sir knight ( Said she ) that taken haue this toylesome paine For wretched woman , miserable wight , May you in heauen immortall guerdon gaine For so great trauell , as you doe sustaine : For other meede may hope for none of mee , To whom nought else , but bare life doth remaine , And that so wretched one , as ye do see Is liker lingring death , then loathed life to bee . Much was he moued with her piteous plight , And low dismounting from his loftie steede , Gan to recomfort her all that he might , Seeking to driue away deepe rooted dreede , With hope of helpe in that her greatest neede . So thence he wished her with him to wend , Vnto some place , where they mote rest and feede , And she take comfort , which God now did send : Good hart in euils doth the euils much amend . Ay me ( sayd she ) and whether shall I goe ? Are not all places full of forraine powres ? My pallaces possessed of my foe , My cities sackt , and their sky-threating towres Raced , and made smooth fields now full of flowres ? Onely these marishes , and myrie bogs , In which the fearefull ewftes do build their bowres , Yeeld me an hostry mongst the croking frogs , And harbour here in safety from those rauenous dogs . Nathlesse ( said he ) deare Ladie with me goe , Some place shall vs receiue , and harbour yield ; If not , we will it force , maugre your foe , And purchase it to vs with speare and shield : And if all fayle , yet farewell open field : The earth to all her creatures lodging lends . With such his chearefull speaches he doth wield Her mind so well , that to his will she bends And bynding vp her locks and weeds , forth with him wends . They came vnto a Citie farre vp land , The which whylome that Ladies owne had bene ; But now by force extort out of her hand , By her strong foe , who had defaced cleene Her stately towres , and buildings sunny sheene ; Shut vp her hauen , mard her marchants trade , Robbed her people , that full rich had beene , And in her necke a Castle huge had made , The which did her commaund , without needing perswade . That Castle was the strength of all that state , Vntill that state by strength was pulled downe , And that same citie , so now ruinate , Had bene the keye of all that kingdomes crowne ; Both goodly Castle , and both goodly Towne , Till that th' offended heauens list to lowre Vpon their blisse , and balefull fortune frowne . When those gainst states and kingdomes do coniure , Who then can thinke their hedlong ruine to recure . But he had brought it now in seruile bond , And made it beare the yoke of inquisition , Stryuing long time in vaine it to withstond ; Yet glad at last to make most base submission , And life enioy for any composition . So now he hath new lawes and orders new Imposd on it , with many a hard condition , And forced it , the honour that is dew To God , to doe vnto his Idole most vntrew . To him he hath , before this Castle greene , Built a faire Chappell , and an Altar framed Of costly Iuory , full rich beseene , On which that cursed Idole farre proclamed , He hath set vp , and him his God hath named , Offring to him in sinfull sacrifice The flesh of men , to Gods owne likenesse framed , And powring forth their bloud in brutishe wize , That any yron eyes , to see it would agrize . And for more horror and more crueltie , Vnder that cursed Idols altar stone ; An hideous monster doth in darknesse lie , Whose dreadfull shape was neuer seene of none That liues on earth ; but vnto those alone The which vnto him sacrificed bee . Those he deuoures , they say , both flesh and bone : What else they haue , is all the Tyrants fee ; So that no whit of them remayning one may see . There eke he placed a strong garrisone , And set a Seneschall of dreaded might , That by his powre oppressed euery one , And vanquished all ventrous knights in fight ; To whom he wont shew all the shame he might , After that them in battell he had wonne . To which when now they gan approch in sight , The Ladie counseld him the place to shonne , Whereas so many knights had fouly bene fordonne . Her fearefull speaches nought he did regard , But ryding streight vnder the Castle wall , Called aloud vnto the watchfull ward , Which there did wayte , willing them forth to call Into the field their Tyrants Seneschall . To whom when tydings thereof came , he streight Cals for his armes , and arming him withall , Eftsoones forth pricked proudly in his might , And gan with courage fierce addresse him to the fight . They both encounter in the middle plaine , And their sharpe speares doe both together smite Amid their shields , with so huge might and maine , That seem'd their soules they wold haue ryuen quight Out of their breasts , with furious despight . Yet could the Seneschals no entrance find Into the Princes shield , where it empight ; So pure the mettall was , and well refynd , But shiuered all about , and scattered in the wynd . Not so the Princes , but with restlesse force , Into his shield it readie passage found , Both through his haberieon , and eke his corse : Which tombling downe vpon the senselesse ground , Gaue leaue vnto his ghost from thraldome bound , To wander in the griesly shades of night . There did the Prince him leaue in deadly swound , And thence vnto the castle marched right , To see if entrance there as yet obtaine he might . But as he nigher drew , three knights he spyde , All arm'd to point , issuing forth a pace , Which towards him with all their powre did ryde , And meeting him right in the middle race , Did all their speares attonce on him enchace . As three great Culuerings for battrie bent , And leueld all against one certaine place , Doe all attonce their thunders rage forth rent , That makes the wals to stagger with astonishment . So all attonce they on the Prince did thonder ; Who from his saddle swarued nought asyde , Ne to their force gaue way , that was great wonder , But like a bulwarke , firmely did abyde , Rebutting him , which in the midst did ryde , With so huge rigour , that his mortall speare Past through his shield , & pierst through either syde , That downe he fell vppon his mother deare , And powred forth his wretched life in deadly dreare . Whom when his other fellowes saw , they fled As fast as feete could carry them away ; And after them the Prince as swiftly sped , To be aueng'd of their vnknightly play . There whilest they entring , th' one did th' other stay , The hindmost in the gate he ouerhent , And as he pressed in , him there did slay : His carkasse tumbling on the threshold , sent His groning soule vnto her place of punishment . The other which was entred , laboured fast To sperre the gate ; but that same lumpe of clay , Whose grudging ghost was thereout fled and past ; Right in the middest of the threshold lay , That it the Posterne did from closing stay : The whiles the Prince hard preased in betweene , And entraunce wonne . Streight th' other fled away , And ran into the Hall , where he did weene Him selfe to saue : but he there slew him at the skreene . Then all the rest which in that Castle were , Seeing that sad ensample them before , Durst not abide , but fled away for feare , And them conuayd out at a Posterne dore . Long sought the Prince , but when he found no more T' oppose against his powre , he forth issued Vnto that Lady , where he her had lore , And her gan cheare , with what she there had vewed , And what she had not seene , within vnto her shewed . Who with right humble thankes him goodly greeting , For so great prowesse , as he there had proued , Much greater then was euer in her weeting , With great admiraunce inwardly was moued , And honourd him , with all that her behoued . Thenceforth into that Castle he her led , With her two sonnes , right deare of her beloued , Where all that night them selues they cherished , And from her balefull minde all care he banished .

Cant. XI Prince Arthure ouercomes the great Gerioneo in fight : Doth slay the Monster , and restore Belge vnto her right . IT often fals in course of common life , That right long time is ouerborne of wrong , Through auarice , or powre , or guile , or strife , That weakens her , and makes her party strong : But Iustice , though her dome she doe prolong , Yet at the last she will her owne cause right . As by sad Belge seemes , whose wrongs though long She suffred , yet at length she did requight , And sent redresse thereof by this braue Briton Knight . Whereof when newes was to that Tyrant brought , How that the Lady Belge now had found A Champion , that had with his Champion fought , And laid his Seneschall low on the ground , And eke him selfe did threaten to confound , He gan to burne in rage , and friese in feare , Doubting sad end of principle vnsound : Yet sith he heard but one , that did appeare , He did him selfe encourage , and take better cheare . Nathelesse him selfe he armed all in hast , And forth he far'd with all his many bad , Ne stayed step , till that he came at last Vnto the Castle , which they conquerd had . There with huge terrour , to be more ydrad , He sternely marcht before the Castle gate , And with bold vaunts , and ydle threatning bad Deliuer him his owne , ere yet too late , To which they had no right , nor any wrongfull state . The Prince staid not his aunswere to deuize , But opening streight the Sparre , forth to him came , Full nobly mounted in right warlike wize ; And asked him , if that he were the same , Who all that wrong vnto that wofull Dame So long had done , and from her natiue land Exiled her , that all the world spake shame . He boldly aunswerd him , he there did stand That would his doings iustifie with his owne hand . With that so furiously at him he flew , As if he would haue ouerrun him streight , And with his huge great yron axe gan hew So hideously vppon his armour bright , As he to peeces would haue chopt it quight : That the bold Prince was forced foote to giue To his first rage , and yeeld to his despight ; The whilest at him so dreadfully he driue , That seem'd a marble rocke asunder could haue riue . Thereto a great aduauntage eke he has Through his three double hands thrise multiplyde , Besides the double strength , which in them was : For stil when fit occasion did betyde , He could his weapon shift from side to syde , From hand to hand , and with such nimblesse sly Could wield about , that ere it were espide , The wicked stroke did wound his enemy , Behinde , beside , before , as he it list apply . Which vncouth vse when as the Prince perceiued , He gan to watch the wielding of his hand , Least by such slight he were vnwares deceiued ; And euer ere he saw the stroke to land , He would it meete , and warily withstand . One time , when he his weapon faynd to shift , As he was wont , and chang'd from hand to hand , He met him with a counterstroke so swift , That quite smit off his arme , as he it vp did lift . Therewith , all fraught with fury and disdaine , He brayd aloud for very fell despight , And sodainely t' auenge him selfe againe , Gan into one assemble all the might Of all his hands , and heaued them on hight , Thinking to pay him with that one for all : But the sad steele seizd not , where it was hight , Vppon the childe , but somewhat short did fall , And lighting on his horses head , him quite did mall . Downe streight to ground fell his astonisht steed , And eke to th' earth his burden with him bare : But he him selfe full lightly from him freed , And gan him selfe to fight on foote prepare . Whereof when as the Gyant was aware , He wox right blyth , as he had got thereby , And laught so loud , that all his teeth wide bare One might haue seene enraung'd disorderly , Like to a rancke of piles , that pitched are awry . Eftsoones againe his axe he raught on hie , Ere he were throughly buckled to his geare , And can let driue at him so dreadfullie , That had he chaunced not his shield to reare , Ere that huge stroke arriued on him neare , He had him surely clouen quite in twaine . But th' Adamantine shield , which he did beare , So well was tempred , that for all his maine , It would no passage yeeld vnto his purpose vaine . Yet was the stroke so forcibly applide , That made him stagger with vncertaine sway , As if he would haue tottered to one side . Wherewith full wroth , he fiercely gan assay , That curt'sie with like kindnesse to repay ; And smote at him with so importune might , That two more of his armes did fall away , Like fruitlesse braunches , which the hatchets slight Hath pruned from the natiue tree , and cropped quight . With that all mad and furious he grew , Like a fell mastiffe through enraging heat , And curst , and band , and blasphemies forth threw , Against his Gods , and fire to them did threat , And hell vnto him selfe with horrour great . Thenceforth he car'd no more , which way he strooke , Nor where it light , but gan to chaufe and sweat , And gnasht his teeth , and his head at him shooke , And sternely him beheld with grim and ghastly looke . Nought fear'd the childe his lookes , ne yet his threats , But onely wexed now the more aware , To saue him selfe from those his furious heats , And watch aduauntage , how to worke his care : The which good Fortune to him offred faire . For as he in his rage him ouerstrooke , He ere he could his weapon backe repaire , His side all bare and naked ouertooke , And with his mortal steel quite throgh the body strooke . Through all three bodies he him strooke attonce ; That all the three attonce fell on the plaine : Else should he thrise haue needed , for the nonce Them to haue stricken , and thrise to haue slaine . So now all three one sencelesse lumpe remaine , Enwallow'd in his owne blacke bloudy gore , And byting th' earth for very deaths disdaine ; Who with a cloud of night him couering , bore Downe to the house of dole , his daies there to deplore . Which when the Lady from the Castle saw , Where she with her two sonnes did looking stand , She towards him in hast her selfe did draw , To greet him the good fortune of his hand : And all the people both of towne and land , Which there stood gazing from the Citties wall Vppon these warriours , greedy t' vnderstand , To whether should the victory befall , Now when they saw it falne , they eke him greeted all . But Belge with her sonnes prostrated low Before his feete , in all that peoples sight ; Mongst ioyes mixing some tears , mongst wele , some wo , Him thus bespake ; O most redoubted Knight , The which hast me , of all most wretched wight , That earst was dead , restor'd to life againe , And these weake impes replanted by thy might ; What guerdon can I giue thee for thy paine , But euen that which thou sauedst , thine still to remaine ? He tooke her vp for by the lilly hand , And her recomforted the best he might , Saying ; Deare Lady , deedes ought not be scand By th' authors manhood , nor the doers might , But by their trueth and by the causes right : That same is it , which fought for you this day . What other meed then need me to requight , But that which yeeldeth vertues meed alway ? That is the vertue selfe , which her reward doth pay . She humbly thankt him for that wondrous grace , And further sayd ; Ah Sir , but mote ye please , Sith ye thus farre haue tendred my poore case , As from my chiefest foe me to release , That your victorious arme will not yet cease , Till ye haue rooted all the relickes out Of that vilde race , and stablished my peace . What is there else ( sayd he ) left of their rout ? Declare it boldly Dame , and doe not stand in dout . Then wote you , Sir , that in this Church hereby , There stands an Idole of great note and name , The which this Gyant reared first on hie , And of his owne vaine fancies thought did frame : To whom for endlesse horrour of his shame , He offred vp for daily sacrifize My children and my people , burnt in flame ; With all the tortures , that he could deuize , The more t'aggrate his God with such his blouddy guize . And vnderneath this Idoll there doth lie An hideous monster , that doth it defend , And feedes on all the carkasses , that die In sacrifize vnto that cursed feend : Whose vgly shape none euer saw , nor kend , That euer scap'd : for of a man they say It has the voice , that speaches forth doth send , Euen blasphemous words , which she doth bray Out of her poysnous entrails , fraught with dire decay . Which when the Prince heard tell , his heart gan earne For great desire , that Monster to assay , And prayd the place of her abode to learne . Which being shew'd , he gan him selfe streight way Thereto addresse , and his bright shield display . So to the Church he came , where it was told , The Monster vnderneath the Altar lay ; There he that Idoll saw of massy gold Most richly made , but there no Monster did behold . Vpon the Image with his naked blade Three times , as in defiance , there he strooke ; And the third time out of an hidden shade , There forth issewd , from vnder th' Altars smooke , A dreadfull feend , with fowle deformed looke , That stretcht it selfe , as it had long lyen still ; And her long taile and fethers strongly shooke , That all the Temple did with terrour fill ; Yet him nought terrifide , that feared nothing ill . An huge great Beast it was , when it in length Was stretched forth , that nigh fild all the place , And seem'd to be of infinite great strength ; Horrible , hideous , and of hellish race , Borne of the brooding of Echidna base , Or other like infernall furies kinde : For of a Mayd she had the outward face , To hide the horrour , which did lurke behinde , The better to beguile , whom she so fond did finde . Thereto the body of a dog she had , Full of fell rauin and fierce greedinesse ; A Lions clawes , with powre and rigour clad , To rend and teare , what so she can oppresse ; A Dragons taile , whose sting without redresse Full deadly wounds , where so it is empight ; And Eagles wings , for scope and speedinesse , That nothing may escape her reaching might , Whereto she euer list to make her hardy flight . Much like in foulnesse and deformity Vnto that Monster , whom the Theban Knight , The father of that fatall progeny , Made kill her selfe for very hearts despight , That he had red her Riddle , which no wight Could euer loose , but suffred deadly doole . So also did this Monster vse like slight To many a one , which came vnto her schoole , Whom she did put to death , deceiued like a foole . She comming forth , when as she first beheld The armed Prince , with shield so blazing bright , Her ready to assaile , was greatly queld , And much dismayd with that dismayfull sight , That backe she would haue turnd for great affright . But he gan her with courage fierce assay , That forst her turne againe in her despight , To saue her selfe , least that he did her slay : And sure he had her slaine , had she not turnd her way . Tho when she saw , that she was forst to fight , She flew at him , like to an hellish feend , And on his shield tooke hold with all her might , As if that it she would in peeces rend , Or reaue out of the hand , that did it hend . Strongly he stroue out of her greedy gripe To loose his shield , and long while did contend : But when he could not quite it , with one stripe Her Lions clawes he from her feete away did wipe . With that aloude she gan to bray and yell , And fowle blasphemous speaches forth did cast , And bitter curses , horrible to tell , That euen the Temple , wherein she was plast , Did quake to heare , and nigh asunder brast . Tho with her huge long taile she at him strooke , That made him stagger , and stand halfe agast With trembling ioynts , as he for terrour shooke ; Who nought was terrifide , but greater courage tooke . As when the Mast of some well timbred hulke Is with the blast of some outragious storme Blowne downe , it shakes the bottome of the bulke , And makes her ribs to cracke , as they were torne , Whilest still she stands as stonisht and forlorne : So was he stound with stroke of her huge taile . But ere that it she backe againe had borne , He with his sword it strooke , that without faile He ioynted it , and mard the swinging of her flaile . Then gan she cry much louder then afore , That all the people there without it heard , And Belge selfe was therewith stonied sore , As if the onely sound thereof she feard . But then the feend her selfe more fiercely reard Vppon her wide great wings , and strongly flew With all her body at his head and beard , That had he not foreseene with heedfull vew , And thrown his shield atween , she had him done to rew . But as she prest on him with heauy sway , Vnder her wombe his fatall sword he thrust , And for her entrailes made an open way , To issue forth ; the which once being brust , Like to a great Mill damb forth fiercely gusht , And powred out of her infernall sinke Most vgly filth , and poyson therewith rusht , That him nigh choked with the deadly stinke : Such loathly matter were small lust to speake , or thinke . Then downe to ground fell that deformed Masse , Breathing out clouds of sulphure fowle and blacke , In which a puddle of contagion was , More loathd then Lerna , or then Stygian lake , That any man would nigh awhaped make . Whom when he saw on ground , he was full glad , And streight went forth his gladnesse to partake With Belge , who watcht all this while full sad , Wayting what end would be of that same daunger drad . Whom when she saw so ioyously come forth , She gan reioyce , and shew triumphant chere , Lauding and praysing his renowmed worth , By all the names that honorable were . Then in he brought her , and her shewed there The present of his paines , that Monsters spoyle , And eke that Idoll deem'd so costly dere ; Whom he did all to peeces breake and foyle In filthy durt , and left so in the loathely soyle . Then all the people , which beheld that day , Gan shout aloud , that vnto heauen it rong ; And all the damzels of that towne in ray , Came dauncing forth , and ioyous carrols song : So him they led through all their streetes along , Crowned with girlonds of immortall baies , And all the vulgar did about them throng , To see the man , whose euerlasting praise They all were bound to all posterities to raise . There he with Belgae did a while remaine , Making great feast and ioyous merriment , Vntill he had her settled in her raine , With safe assuraunce and establishment . Then to his first emprize his mind he lent , Full loath to Belgae , and to all the rest : Of whom yet taking leaue , thenceforth he went And to his former iourney him addrest , On which long way he rode , ne euer day did rest . But turne we now to noble Artegall ; Who hauing left Mercilla , streight way went On his first quest , the which him forth did call , To weet to worke Irenaes franchisement , And eke Grantortoes worthy punishment . So forth he fared as his manner was , With onely Talus wayting diligent , Through many perils and much way did pas , Till nigh vnto the place at length approcht he has . There as he traueld by the way , he met An aged wight , wayfaring all alone , Who through his yeares long since aside had set The vse of armes , and battell quite forgone : To whom as he approcht , he knew anone , That it was he which whilome did attend On faire Irene in her affliction , When first to Faery court he saw her wend , Vnto his soueraine Queene her suite for to commend . Whom by his name saluting , thus he gan ; Haile good Sir Sergis , truest Knight aliue , Well tride in all thy Ladies troubles than , When her that Tyrant did of Crowne depriue ; What new ocasion doth thee hither driue , Whiles she alone is left , and thou here found ? Or is she thrall , or doth she not suruiue ? To whom he thus ; She liueth sure and sound ; But by that Tyrant is in wretched thraldome bound . For she presuming on th' appointed tyde , In which ye promist , as ye were a Knight , To meete her at the saluage Ilands syde , And then and there for triall of her right With her vnrigteous enemy to fight , Did thither come , where she afrayd of nought , By guilefull treason and by subtill slight Surprized was , and to Grantorto brought , Who her imprisond hath , and her life often sought . And now he hath to her prefixt a day , By which if that no champion doe appeare , Which will her cause in battailous array Against him iustifie , and proue her cleare Of all those crimes , that he gainst her doth reare She death shall by . Those tidings sad Did much abash Sir Artegall to heare , And grieued sore , that through his fault she had Fallen into that Tyrants hand and vsage bad . Then thus replide ; Now sure and by my life , Too much am I too blame for that faire Maide , That haue her drawne to all this troublous strife , Through promise to afford her timely aide , Which by default I haue not yet defraide . But witnesse vnto me , ye heauens , that knew How cleare I am from blame of this vpbraide : For ye into like thraldome me did throw , And kept from complishing the faith , which I did owe. But now aread , Sir Sergis , how long space , Hath he her lent , a Champion to prouide : Ten daies ( quoth he ) he graunted hath of grace , For that he weeneth well , before that tide None can haue tidings to assist her side . For all the shores , which to the sea accoste , He day and night doth ward both far and wide , That none can there arriue without an hoste : So her he deemes already but a damned ghoste . Now turne againe ( Sir Artegall then sayd ) For if I liue till those ten daies haue end , Assure your selfe , Sir Knight , she shall haue ayd , Though I this dearest life for her doe spend ; So backeward he attone with him did wend. Tho as they rode together on their way , A rout of people they before them kend , Flocking together in confusde array , As if that there were some tumultuous affray . To which as they approcht , the cause to know , They saw a Knight in daungerous distresse Of a rude rout him chasing to and fro , That sought with lawlesse powre him to oppresse , And bring in bondage of their brutishnesse : And farre away , amid their rakehell bands , They spide a Lady left all succourlesse , Crying , and holding vp her wretched hands To him for aide , who long in vaine their rage withstands . Yet still he striues , ne any perill spares , To reskue her from their rude violence , And like a Lion wood amongst them fares , Dealing his dreadfull blowes with large dispence , Gainst which the pallid death findes no defence . But all in vaine , their numbers are so great , That naught may boot to banishe them from thence : For soone as he their outrage backe doth beat , They turne afresh , and oft renew their former threat . And now they doe so sharpely him assay , That they his shield in peeces battred haue , And forced him to throw it quite away , Fro dangers dread his doubtfull life to saue ; Albe that it most safety to him gaue , And much did magnifie his noble name . For from the day that he thus did it leaue , Amongst all Knights he blotted was with blame , And counted but a recreant Knight , with endles shame . Whom when they thus distressed did behold , They drew vnto his aide ; but that rude rout Them also gan assaile with outrage bold , And forced them , how euer strong and stout They were , as well approu'd in many a doubt , Backe to recule ; vntill that yron man With his huge flaile began to lay about , From whose sterne presence they diffused ran , Like scattred chaffe , the which the wind away doth fan . So when that Knight from perill cleare was freed , He drawing neare , began to greete them faire , And yeeld great thankes for their so goodly deed , In sauing him from daungerous despaire Of those , which sought his life for to empaire . Of whom Sir Artegall gan then enquire The whole occasion of his late misfare , And who he was , and what those villaines were , The which with mortall malice him pursu'd so nere . To whom he thus ; My name is Burbon hight , Well knowne , and far renowmed heretofore , Vntill late mischiefe did vppon me light , That all my former praise hath blemisht sore ; And that faire Lady , which in that vprore Ye with those caytiues saw , Flourdelis hight , Is mine owne loue , though me she haue forlore , Whether withheld from me by wrongfull might , Or with her owne good will , I cannot read aright . But sure to me her faith she first did plight , To be my loue , and take me for her Lord , Till that a Tyrant , which Grandtorto hight , With golden giftes and many a guilefull word Entyced her , to him for to accord . O who may not with gifts and words be tempted ? Sith which she hath me euer since abhord , And to my foe hath guilefully consented : Ay me , that euer guyle in wemen was inuented . And now he hath this troupe of villains sent , By open force to fetch her quite away : Gainst whom my selfe I long in vaine haue bent , To rescue her , and daily meanes assay , Yet rescue her thence by no meanes I may : For they doe me with multitude oppresse , And with vnequall might doe ouerlay , That oft I driuen am to great distresse , And forced to forgoe th' attempt remedilesse . But why haue ye ( said Artegall ) forborne Your owne good shield in daungerous dismay ? That is the greatest shame and foulest scorne , Which vnto any knight behappen may To loose the badge , that should his deedes display . To whom Sir Burbon , blushing halfe for shame , That shall I vnto you ( quoth he ) bewray ; Least ye therefore mote happily me blame , And deeme it doen of will , that through inforcement came . True is , that I at first was dubbed knight By a good knight , the knight of the Redcrosse ; Who when he gaue me armes , in field to fight , Gaue me a shield , in which he did endosse His deare Redeemers badge vpon the bosse : The same long while I bore , and therewithall Fought many battels without wound or losse ; Therewith Grandtorto selfe I did appall , And made him oftentimes in field before me fall . But for that many did that shield enuie , And cruell enemies increased more ; To stint all strife and troublous enmitie , That bloudie scutchin being battered sore , I layd aside , and haue of late forbore , Hoping thereby to haue my loue obtayned : Yet can I not my loue haue nathemore ; For she by force is still fro me detayned , And with corruptfull brybes is to vntruth mis-trayned . To whom thus Artegall ; Certes Sir knight , Hard is the case , the which ye doe complaine ; Yet not so hard ( for nought so hard may light , That it to such a streight mote you constraine ) As to abandon , that which doth containe Your honours stile , that is your warlike shield . All perill ought be lesse , and lesse all paine Then losse of fame in disauentrous field ; Dye rather , then doe ought , that mote dishonour yield . Not so ; ( quoth he ) for yet when time doth serue , My former shield I may resume againe : To temporize is not from truth to swerue , Ne for aduantage terme to entertaine , When as necessitie doth it constraine . Fie on such forgerie ( said Artegall ) Vnder one hood to shadow faces twaine . Knights ought be true , and truth is one in all : Of all things to dissemble fouly may befall . Yet let me you of courtesie request , ( Said Burbon ) to assist me now at need Against these pesants , which haue me opprest , And forced me to so infamous deed , That yet my loue may from their hands be freed . Sir Artegall , albe he earst did wyte His wauering mind , yet to his aide agreed , And buckling him eftsoones vnto the fight , Did set vpon those troupes withall his powre and might . Who flocking round about them , as a swarme Of flyes vpon a birchen bough doth cluster , Did them assault with terrible allarme , And ouer all the fields themselues did muster , With bils and glayues making a dreadfull luster ; That forst at first those knights backe to retyre : As when the wrathfull Boreas doth bluster , Nought may abide the tempest of his yre , Both man and beast doe fly , and succour doe inquyre . But when as ouerblowen was that brunt , Those knights began a fresh them to assayle , And all about the fields like Squirrels hunt ; But chiefly Talus with his yron flayle , Gainst which no flight nor rescue mote auayle , Made cruell hauocke of the baser crew , And chaced them both ouer hill and dale : The raskall manie soone they ouerthrew , But the two knights themselues their captains did subdew . At last they came whereas that Ladie bode , Whom now her keepers had forsaken quight , To saue themselues , and scattered were abrode : Her halfe dismayd they found in doubtfull plight , As neither glad nor sorie for their sight ; Yet wondrous faire she was , and richly clad In roiall robes , and many Iewels dight , But that those villens through their vsage bad Them fouly rent , and shamefully defaced had . But Burbon streight dismounting from his steed , Vnto her ran with greedie great desyre , And catching her fast by her ragged weed , Would haue embraced her with hart entyre . But she backstarting with disdainefull yre , Bad him auaunt , ne would vnto his lore Allured be , for prayer nor for meed . Whom when those knights so forward and forlore Beheld , they her rebuked and vpbrayded sore . Sayd Artegall ; what foule disgrace is this , To so faire Ladie , as ye seeme in sight , To blot your beautie , that vnblemisht is , With so foule blame , as breach of faith once plight , Or change of loue for any worlds delight ? Is ought on earth so pretious or deare , As prayse and honour ? Or is ought so bright And beautifull , as glories beames appeare , Whose goodly light then Phebus lampe doth shine more cleare ? Why then will ye , fond Dame , attempted bee Vnto a strangers loue , so lightly placed , For guiftes of gold , or any worldly glee , To leaue the loue , that ye before embraced , And let your fame with falshood be defaced . Fie on the pelfe , for which good name is sold , And honour with indignitie debased : Dearer is loue then life , and fame then gold ; But dearer than them both , your faith once plighted hold ; Much was the Ladie in her gentle mind Abasht at his rebuke , that bit her neare , Ne ought to answere thereunto did find ; But hanging downe her head with heauie cheare , Stood long amaz'd , as she amated weare . Which Burbon seeing , her againe assayd , And clasping twixt his armes , her vp did reare Vpon his steede , whiles she no whit gainesayd , So bore her quite away , nor well nor ill apayd . Nathlesse the yron man did still pursew That raskall many with vnpittied spoyle , Ne ceassed not , till all their scattred crew Into the sea he droue quite from that soyle , The which they troubled had with great turmoyle . But Artegall seeing his cruell deed , Commaunded him from slaughter to recoyle , And to his voyage gan againe proceed : For that the terme approching fast , required speed .

Cant. XII . Artegall doth Sir Burbon aide , And blames for changing shield : He with the great Grantorto fights , And slaieth him in field . O Sacred hunger of ambitious mindes , And impotent desire of men to raine , Whom neither dread of God , that deuils bindes , Nor lawes of men , that common weales containe , Nor bands of nature , that wilde beastes restraine , Can keepe from outrage , and from doing wrong , Where they may hope a kingdome to obtaine . No faith so firme , no trust can be so strong , No loue so lasting then , that may endure long . Witnesse may Burbon be , whom all the bands , Which may a Knight assure , had surely bound , Vntill the loue of Lordship and of lands Made him become most faithlesse and vnsound : And witnesse be Gerioneo found , Who for like cause faire Belge did oppresse , And right and wrong most cruelly confound : And so be now Grantorto , who no lesse Then all the rest burst out to all outragiousnesse . Gainst whom Sir Artegall , long hauing since Taken in hand th' exploit , being theretoo Appointed by that mightie Faerie Prince , Great Gloriane , that Tyrant to fordoo , Through other great aduentures hethertoo Had it forslackt . But now time drawing ny , To him assynd , her high beheast to doo , To the sea shore he gan his way apply , To weete if shipping readie he mote there descry . Tho when they came to the sea coast , they found A ship all readie ( as good fortune fell ) To put to sea , with whom they did compound , To passe them ouer , where them list to tell : The winde and weather serued them so well , That in one day they with the coast did fall ; Whereas they readie found them to repell , Great hostes of men in order martiall , Which them forbad to land , and footing did forstall . But nathemore would they from land refraine , But when as nigh vnto the shore they drew , That foot of man might sound the bottome plaine , Talus into the sea did forth issew , Though darts from shore & stones they at him threw ; And wading through the waues with stedfast sway , Maugre the might of all those troupes in vew , Did win the shore , whence he them chast away , And made to fly , like doues , whom the Eagle doth affray . The whyles Sir Artegall , with that old knight Did forth descend , there being none them neare , And forward marched to a towne in sight . By this came tydings to the Tyrants eare , By those , which earst did fly away for feare Of their arriuall : wherewith troubled sore , He all his forces streight to him did reare , And forth issuing with his scouts afore , Meant them to haue incountred , ere they left the shore . But ere he marched farre , he with them met , And fiercely charged them with all his force ; But Talus sternely did vpon them set , And brusht , and battred them without remorse , That on the ground he left full many a corse ; Ne any able was him to withstand , But he them ouerthrew both man and horse , That they lay scattred ouer all the land , As thicke as doth the seede after the sowers hand . Till Artegall him seeing so to rage , Willd him to stay , and signe of truce did make : To which all harkning , did a while asswage Their forces furie , and their terror slake ; Till he an Herauld cald , and to him spake , Willing him wend vnto the Tyrant streight , And tell him that not for such slaughters sake He thether came , but for to trie the right Of fayre Irenaes cause with him in single fight . And willed him for to reclayme with speed His scattred people , ere they all were slaine , And time and place conuenient to areed , In which they two the combat might darraine . Which message when Grantorto heard , full fayne And glad he was the slaughter so to stay , And pointed for the combat twixt them twayne The morrow next , ne gaue him longer day . So sounded the retraite , and drew his folke away . That night Sir Artegall did cause his tent There to be pitched on the open plaine ; For he had giuen streight commaundement , That none should dare him once to entertaine : Which none durst breake , though many would right faine For fayre Irena , whom they loued deare . But yet old Sergis did so well him paine , That from close friends , that dar'd not to appeare , He all things did puruay , which for them needfull weare . The morrow next , that was the dismall day , Appointed for Irenas death before , So soone as it did to the world display His chearefull face , and light to men restore , The heauy Mayd , to whom none tydings bore Of Artegals arryuall , her to free , Lookt vp with eyes full sad and hart full sore ; Weening her lifes last howre then neare to bee , Sith no redemption nigh she did nor heare nor see . Then vp she rose , and on her selfe did dight Most squalid garments , fit for such a day , And with dull countenance , and with doleful spright , She forth was brought in sorrowfull dismay , For to receiue the doome of her decay . But comming to the place , and finding there Sir Artegall , in battailous array Wayting his foe , it did her dead hart cheare , And new life to her lent , in midst of deadly feare . Like as a tender Rose in open plaine , That with vntimely drought nigh withered was , And hung the head , soone as few drops of raine Thereon distill , and deaw her daintie face , Gins to looke vp , and with fresh wonted grace Dispreds the glorie of her leaues gay ; Such was Irenas countenance , such her case , When Artegall she saw in that array , There wayting for the Tyrant , till it was farre day . Who came at length , with proud presumpteous gate , Into the field , as if he fearelesse were , All armed in a cote of yron plate , Of great defence to ward the deadly feare , And on his head a steele cap he did weare Of colour rustie browne , but sure and strong ; And in his hand an huge Polaxe did beare , Whose steale was yron studded , but not long , With which he wont to fight , to iustifie his wrong . Of stature huge and hideous he was , Like to a Giant for his monstrous hight , And did in strength most sorts of men surpas , Ne euer any found his match in might ; Thereto he had great skill in single fight : His face was vgly , and his countenance sterne , That could haue frayd one with the very sight , And gaped like a gulfe , when he did gerne , That whether man or monster one could scarse discerne . Soone as he did within the listes appeare , With dreadfull looke he Artegall beheld , As if he would haue daunted him with feare , And grinning griesly , did against him weld His deadly weapon , which in hand he held . But th' Elfin swayne , that oft had seene like fight , Was with his ghastly count'nance nothing queld , But gan him streight to buckle to the fight , And cast his shield about , to be in readie plight . The trompets sound , and they together goe , With dreadfull terror , and with fell intent ; And their huge strokes full daungerously bestow , To doe most dammage , where as most they ment . But with such force and furie violent , The tyrant thundred his thicke blowes so fast , That through the yron walles their way they rent , And euen to the vitall parts they past , Ne ought could them endure , but all they cleft or brast . Which cruell outrage when as Artegall Did well auize , thenceforth with warie heed He shund his strokes , where euer they did fall , And way did giue vnto their gracelesse speed : As when a skilfull Marriner doth reed A storme approching , that doth perill threat , He will not bide the daunger of such dread , But strikes his sayles , and vereth his mainsheat , And lends vnto it leaue the emptie ayre to beat . So did the Faerie knight himselfe abeare , And stouped oft his head from shame to shield ; No shame to stoupe , ones head more high to reare , And much to gaine , a litle for to yield ; So stoutest knights doen oftentimes infield . But still the tyrant sternely at him layd , And did his yron axe so nimbly wield , That many wounds into his flesh it made , And with his burdenous blowes him sore did ouerlade . Yet when as fit aduantage he did spy , The whiles the cursed felon high did reare His cruell hand , to smite him mortally , Vnder his stroke he to him stepping neare , Right in the flanke him strooke with deadly dreare , That the gore bloud thence gushing grieuously , Did vnderneath him like a pond appeare , And all his armour did with purple dye ; Thereat he brayed loud , and yelled dreadfully . Yet the huge stroke , which he before intended , Kept on his course , as he did it direct , And with such monstrous poise adowne descended , That seemed nought could him from death protect : But he it well did ward with wise respect , And twixt him and the blow his shield did cast , Which thereon seizing , tooke no great effect , But byting deepe therein did sticke so fast , That by no meanes it backe againe he forth could wrast . Long while he tug'd and stroue , to get it out , And all his powre applyed thereunto , That he therewith the knight drew all about : Nathlesse , for all that euer he could doe , His axe he could not from his shield vndoe . Which Artegall perceiuing , strooke no more , But loosing soone his shield , did it forgoe , And whiles he combred was therewith so sore , He gan at him let driue more fiercely then afore . So well he him pursew'd , that at the last , He stroke him with Chrysaor on the hed , That with the souse thereof full sore aghast , He staggered to and fro in doubtfull sted . Againe whiles he him saw so ill bested , He did him smite with all his might and maine , That falling on his mother earth he fed : Whom when he saw prostrated on the plaine , He lightly reft his head , to ease him of his paine . Which when the people round about him saw , They shouted all for ioy of his successe , Glad to be quit from that proud Tyrants awe , Which with strong powre did then long time oppresse ; And running all with greedie ioyfulnesse To faire Irena , at her feet did fall , And her adored with due humblenesse , As their true Liege and Princesse naturall ; And eke her champions glorie sounded ouer all . Who streight her leading with meete maiestie Vnto the pallace , where their kings did rayne , Did her therein establish peaceablie , And to her kingdomes seat restore agayne ; And all such persons , as did late maintayne That Tyrants part , with close or open ayde , He sorely punished with heauie payne ; That in short space , whiles there with her he stayd , Not one was left , that durst her once haue disobayd . During which time , that he did there remaine , His studie was true Iustice how to deale , And day and night employ'd his busie paine How to reforme that ragged common-weale : And that same yron man which could reueale All hidden crimes , through all that realme he sent , To search out those , that vsd to rob and steale , Or did rebell gainst lawfull gouernment ; On whom he did inflict most grieuous punishment . But ere he could reforme it thoroughly , He through occasion called was away , To Faerie Court , that of necessity His course of Iustice he was forst to stay , And Talus to reuoke from the right way , In which he was that Realme for to redresse . But enuies cloud still dimmeth vertues ray . So hauing freed Irena from distresse , He tooke his leaue of her , there left in heauinesse . Tho as he backe returned from that land , And there arriu'd againe , whence forth he set , He had not passed farre vpon the strand , When as two old ill fauour'd Hags he met , By the way side being together set , Two griesly creatures ; and , to that their faces Most foule and filthie were , their garments yet Being all rag'd and tatter'd , their disgraces Did much the more augment , and made most vgly cases . The one of them , that elder did appeare , With her dull eyes did seeme to looke askew , That her mis-shape much helpt ; and her foule heare Hung loose and loathsomely : Thereto her hew Was wan and leane , that all her teeth arew , And all her bones might through her cheekes be red ; Her lips were like raw lether , pale and blew , And as she spake , therewith she slauered ; Yet spake she seldom , but thought more , the lesse she sed . Her hands were foule and durtie , neuer washt In all her life , with long nayles ouer raught , Like puttocks clawes : with th' one of which she scracht Her cursed head , although it itched naught ; The other held a snake with venime fraught , On which she fed , and gnawed hungrily , As if that long she had not eaten ought ; That round about her iawes one might descry The bloudie gore and poyson dropping lothsomely . Her name was Enuie , knowen well thereby ; Whose nature is to grieue , and grudge at all , That euer she sees doen prays-worthily , Whose sight to her is greatest crosse , may fall , And vexeth so , that makes her eat her gall . For when she wanteth other thing to eat , She feedes on her owne maw vnnaturall , And of her owne foule entrayles makes her meat ; Meat fit for such a monsters monsterous dyeat . And if she hapt of any good to heare , That had to any happily betid , Then would she inly fret , and grieue , and teare Her flesh for felnesse , which she inward hid : But if she heard of ill , that any did , Or harme , that any had , then would she make Great cheare , like one vnto a banquet bid ; And in anothers losse great pleasure take , As she had got thereby , and gayned a great stake . The other nothing better was , then shee ; Agreeing in bad will and cancred kynd , But in bad maner they did disagree : For what so Enuie good or bad did fynd , She did conceale , and murder her owne mynd ; But this , what euer euill she conceiued , Did spred abroad , and throw in th' open wynd . Yet this in all her words might be perceiued , That all she sought , was mens good name to haue bereaued . For whatsoeuer good by any sayd , Or doen she heard , she would streightwayes inuent , How to depraue , or slaunderously vpbrayd , Or to misconstrue of a mans intent , And turne to ill the thing , that well was ment . Therefore she vsed often to resort , To common haunts , and companies frequent , To hearke what any one did good report , To blot the same with blame , or wrest in wicked sort . And if that any ill she heard of any , She would it eeke , and make much worse by telling , And take great ioy to publish it to many , That euery matter worse was for her melling . Her name was hight Detraction , and her dwelling Was neare to Enuie , euen her neighbour next ; A wicked hag , and Enuy selfe excelling In mischiefe : for her selfe she onely vext ; But this same both her selfe , and others eke perplext . Her face was vgly , and her mouth distort , Foming with poyson round about her gils , In which her cursed tongue full sharpe and short Appear'd like Aspis sting , that closely kils , Or cruelly does wound , whom so she wils : A distaffe in her other hand she had , Vpon the which she litle spinnes , but spils , And faynes to weaue false tales and leasings bad , To throw amongst the good , which others had disprad . These two now had themselues combynd in one , And linckt together gainst Sir Artegall , For whom they wayted as his mortall fone , How they might make him into mischiefe fall , For freeing from their snares Irena thrall , Besides vnto themselues they gotten had A monster , which the Blatant beast men call , A dreadfull feend of gods and men ydrad , Whom they by slights allur'd , and to their purpose lad . Such were these Hags , and so vnhandsome drest : Who when they nigh approching , had espyde Sir Artegall return'd from his late quest , They both arose , and at him loudly cryde , As it had bene two shepheards curres , had scryde A rauenous Wolfe amongst the scattered flockes . And Enuie first , as she that first him eyde , Towardes him runs , and with rude flaring lockes About her eares , does beat her brest , & forhead knockes . Then from her mouth the gobbet she does take , The which whyleare she was so greedily Deuouring , euen that halfe-gnawen snake , And at him throwes it most despightfully . The cursed Serpent , though she hungrily Earst chawd thereon , yet was not all so dead , But that some life remayned secretly , And as he past afore withouten dread , Bit him behind , that long the marke was to be read . Then th' other comming neare , gan him reuile , And fouly rayle , with all she could inuent ; Saying , that he had with vnmanly guile , And foule abusion both his honour blent , And that bright sword the sword , of Iustice lent Had stayned with reprochfull crueltie , In guiltlesse blood of many an innocent : As for Grandtorto , him with treacherie And traynes hauing surpriz'd , he fouly did to die . Thereto the Blatant beast by them set on At him began aloud to barke and bay , With bitter rage and fell contention , That all the woods and rockes nigh to that way , Began to quake and tremble with dismay ; And all the aire rebellowed againe . So dreadfully his hundred tongues did bray , And euermore those hags them selues did paine , To sharpen him , and their owne cursed tongs did straine . And still among most bitter wordes they spake , Most shamefull , most vnrighteous , most vntrew , That they the mildest man aliue would make Forget his patience , and yeeld vengeaunce dew To her , that so false sclaunders at him threw . And more to make than pierce & wound more deepe , She with the sting , which in her vile tongue grew , Did sharpen them , and in fresh poyson steepe : Ye the past on , and seem'd of them to take no keepe . But Talus hearing her so lewdly raile , And speake so ill of him , that well deserued , Would her haue chastiz'd with his yron flaile , If her Sir Artegall had not preserued , And him forbidden , who his heast obserued . So much the more at him still did she scold , And stones did cast , yet he for nought would swerue From his right course , but still the way did hold To Faery Court , where what him fell shall else be told .

THE SIXTE BOOKE OF THE FAERIE QVEENE . Contayning THE LEGEND OF S. CALIDORE OR OF COVRTESIE .

THe waies , through which my weary steps I guyde , In this delightfull land of Faery , Are so exceeding spacious and wyde , And sprinckled with such sweet variety , Of all that pleasant is to eare or eye , That I nigh rauisht with rare thoughts delight , My tedious trauell doe forget thereby ; And when I gin to feele decay of might , tI strength to me supplies , & chears my dulled spright . Such secret comfort , and such heauenly pleasures , Ye sacred imps , that on Parnasso dwell , And there the keeping haue of learnings threasures , Which doe all worldly riches farre excell , Into the mindes of mortall men doe well , And goodly fury into them infuse ; Guyde ye my footing , and conduct me well In these strange waies , where neuer foote did vse , Ne none can find , but who was taught them by the Muse . Reuele to me the sacred noursery Of vertue , which with you doth there remaine , Where it in siluer bowre does hidden ly From view of men , and wicked worlds disdaine . Since it at first was by the Gods with paine Planted in earth , being deriu'd at furst From heauenly seedes of bounty soueraine , And by them long with carefull labour nurst , Till it to ripenesse grew , and forth to honour burst . Amongst them all growes not a fayrer flowre , Then is the bloosme of comely courtesie , Which though it on a lowly stalke doe bowre , Yet brancheth forth in braue nobilitie , And spreds it selfe through all ciuilitie : Of which though present age doe plenteous seeme , Yet being matcht with plaine Antiquitie , Ye will them all but fayned showes esteeme , Which carry colours faire , that feeble eies misdeeme . But in the triall of true curtesie , It s now so farre from that , which then it was , That it indeed is nought but forgerie , Fashion'd to please the eies of them , that pas , Which see not perfect things but in a glas : Yet is that glasse so gay , that it can blynd The wisest sight , to thinke gold that is bras . But vertues seat is deepe within the mynd , And not in outward shows , but inward thoughts defynd . But where shall I in all Antiquity So faire a patterne finde , where may be seene The goodly praise of Princely curtesie , As in your selfe , O soueraine Lady Queene , In whose pure minde , as in a mirrour sheene , It showes , and with her brightnesse doth inflame The eyes of all , which thereon fixed beene ; But meriteth indeede an higher name : Yet so from low to high vplifted is your name . Then pardon me , most dreaded Soueraine , That from your selfe I doe this vertue bring , And to your selfe doe it returne againe : So from the Ocean all riuers spring , And tribute backe repay as to their King . Right so from you all goodly vertues well Into the rest , which round about you ring , Faire Lords and Ladies , which about you dwell , And doe adorne your Court , where courtesies excell .

Cant. I. Calidore saues from Maleffort , A Damzell vsed vylde : Doth vanquish Crudor , and doth make Briana wexe more mylde . OF Court it seemes , men Courtesie doe call , For that it there most vseth to abound ; And well beseemeth that in Princes hall That vertue should be plentifully found , Which of all goodly manners is the ground , And roote of ciuill conuersation . Right so in Faery court it did redound , Where curteous Knights and Ladies most did won Of all on earth , and made a matchlesse paragon . But mongst them all was none more courteous Knight , Then Calidore , beloued ouer all , In whom it seemes , that gentlenesse of spright And manners mylde were planted naturall ; To which he adding comely guize withall , And gracious speach , did steale mens hearts away . Nathlesse thereto he was full stout and tall , And well approu'd in batteilous affray , That him did much renowme , and far his fame display . Ne was there Knight , ne was there Lady found In Faery court , but him did deare embrace , For his faire vsage and conditions sound , The which in all mens liking gayned place , And with the greatest purchast greatest grace : Which he could wisely vse , and well apply , To please the best , and th' euill to embase . For he loathd leasing , and base flattery , And loued simple truth and stedfast houesty . And now he was in trauell on his way , Vppon an hard aduenture sore bestad , Whenas by chaunce he met vppon a day With Artegall , returning yet halfe sad From his late conquest , which he gotten had . Who whenas each of other had a sight , They knew them selues , and both their persons rad: When Calidore thus first ; Haile noblest Knight Of all this day on ground , that breathen liuing spright . Now tell , if please you , of the good successe , Which ye haue had in your late enterprize . To whom Sir Artegall gan to expresse His whole exploite , and valorous emprize , In order as it did to him arize . Now happy man ( sayd then Sir Calidore ) Which haue so goodly , as ye can deuize , Atchieu'd so hard a quest , as few before ; That shall you most renowmed make for euermore . But where ye ended haue , now I begin To tread an endlesse trace , withouten guyde , Or good direction , how to enter in , Or how to issue forth in waies vntryde , In perils strange , in labours long and wide , In which although good Fortune me befall , Yet shall it not by none be testifyde . What is that quest ( quoth then Sir Artegall ) That you into such perils presently doth call ? The Blattant Beast ( quoth he ) I doe pursew , And through the world incessantly doe chase , Till I him ouertake , or else subdew : Yet know I not or how , or in what place To find him out , yet still I forward trace . What is that Blattant Beast ? ( then he replide ) It is a Monster bred of hellishe race , ( Then answerd he ) which often hath annoyd Good Knights and Ladies true , and many else destroyd . Of Cerberus whilome he was begot , And fell Chimaera in her darkesome den , Through fowle commixture of his filthy blot ; Where he was fostred long in Stygian fen , Till he to perfect ripenesse grew , and then Into this wicked world he forth was sent , To be the plague and scourge of wretched men : Whom with vile tongue and venemous intent He sore doth wound , and bite , and cruelly torment . Then since the saluage Island I did leaue Sayd Artegall , I such a Beast did see , The which did seeme a thousand tongues to haue , That all in spight and malice did agree , With which he bayd and loudly barkt at mee , As if that he attonce would me deuoure . But I that knew my selfe from perill free , Did nought regard his malice nor his powre , But he the more his wicked poyson forth did poure . That surely is that Beast ( saide Calidore ) Which I pursue , of whom I am right glad To heare these tidings , which of none afore Through all my weary trauell I haue had : Yet now some hope your words vnto me add . Now God you speed ( quoth then Sir Artegall ) And keepe your body from the daunger drad : For ye haue much adoe to deale withall , So both tooke goodly leaue , and parted seuerall . Sir Calidore thence trauelled not long , When as by chaunce a comely Squire he found , That thorough some more mighty enemies wrong , Both hand and foote vnto a tree was bound : Who seeing him from farre , with piteous sound Of his shrill cries him called to his aide . To whom approching , in that painefull stound When he him saw , for no demaunds he staide , But first him losde , and afterwards thus to him saide . Vnhappy Squire , what hard mishap thee brought Into this bay of perill and disgrace ? What cruell hand thy wretched thraldome wrought , And thee captyued in this shamefull place ? To whom he answerd thus ; My haplesse case Is not occasiond through my misdesert , But through misfortune , which did me abase Vnto this shame , and my young hope subuert , Ere that I in her guilefull traines was well expert . Not farre from hence , vppon yond rocky hill , Hard by a streight there stands a castle strong , Which doth obserue a custome lewd and ill , And it hath long mayntaind with mighty wrong : For may no Knight nor Lady passe along That way , ( and yet they needs must passe that way , ) By reason of the streight , and rocks among , But they that Ladies lockes doe shaue away , And that knights berd for toll , which they for passage pay A shamefull vse as euer I did heare , Sayd Calidore , and to be ouerthrowne . But by what meanes did they at first it reare , And for what cause , tell if thou haue it knowne . Sayd then that Squire : The Lady which doth owne This Castle , is by name Briana hight . Then which a prouder Lady liueth none : She long time hath deare lou'd a doughty Knight , And sought to win his loue by all the meanes she might . His name is Crudor , who through high disdaine And proud despight of his selfe pleasing mynd , Refused hath to yeeld her loue againe , Vntill a Mantle she for him doe fynd , With beards of Knights and locks of Ladies lynd . Which to prouide , she hath this Castle dight , And therein hath a Seneschall assynd , Cald Maleffort , a man of mickle might , Who executes her wicked will , with worse despight . He this same day , as I that way did come With a faire Damzell , my beloued deare , In execution of her lawlesse doome , Did set vppon vs flying both for feare : For little bootes against him hand to reare . Me first he tooke , vnhable to withstond ; And whiles he her pursued euery where , Till his returne vnto this tree he bond : Ne wote I surely , whether her he yet haue fond . Thus whiles they spake , they heard a ruefull shrieke Of one loud crying , which they streight way ghest , That it was she , the which for helpe did seeke . Tho looking vp vnto the cry to lest , They saw that Carle from farre , with hand vnblest Hayling that mayden by the yellow heare , That all her garments from her snowy brest , And from her head her lockes he nigh did teare , Ne would he spare for pitty , nor refraine for feare . Which haynous sight when Calidore beheld , Eftsoones he loosd that Squire , and so him left , With hearts dismay and inward dolour queld , For to pursue that villaine , which had reft That piteous spoile by so iniurious theft . Whom ouertaking , loude to him he cryde ; Leaue faytor quickely that misgotten weft To him , that hath it better iustifyde , And turne thee soone to him , of whom thou art defyde . Who hearkning to that voice , him selfe vpreard , And seeing him so fiercely towardes make , Against him stoutly ran , as nought afeard , But rather more enrag'd for those words sake ; And with sterne count'naunce thus vnto him spake . Art thou the caytiue , that defyest me , And for this Mayd , whose party thou doest take , Wilt giue thy beard , though it but little bee ? Yet shall it not her lockes for raunsome fro me free . With that he fiercely at him flew , and layd On hideous strokes with most importune might , That oft he made him stagger as vnstayd , And oft recuile to shunne his sharpe despight . But Calidore , that was well skild in fight , Him long forbore , and still his spirite spar'd , Lying in waite , how him he damadge might . But when he felt him shrinke , and come to ward , He greater grew , and gan to driue at him more hard . Like as a water streame , whose swelling sourse Shall driue a Mill , within strong bancks is pent , And long restrayned of his ready course ; So soone as passage is vnto him lent , Breakes forth , and makes his way more violent . Such was the fury of Sir Calidore , When once he felt his foeman to relent ; He fiercely him pursu'd , and pressed sore , Who as he still decayd , so he encreased more . The heauy burden of whose dreadfull might When as the Carle no longer could sustaine , His heart gan faint , and streight he tooke his flight Toward the Castle , where if need constraine , His hope of refuge vsed to remaine . Whom Calidore perceiuing fast to flie , He him pursu'd and chaced through the plaine , That he for dread of death gan loude to crie Vnto the ward , to open to him hastilie . They from the wall him seeing so aghast , The gate soone opened to receiue him in , But Calidore did follow him so fast , That euen in the Porch he him did win , And cleft his head asunder to his chin . The carkarsse tumbling downe within the dore , Did choke the entraunce with a lumpe of sin , That it could not be shut , whilest Calidore Did enter in , and slew the Porter on the flore . With that the rest , the which the Castle kept , About him flockt , and hard at him did lay ; But he them all from him full lightly swept , As doth a Steare , in heat of sommers day . With his long taile the bryzes brush away . Thence passing forth , into the hall he came , Where of the Lady selfe in sad dismay He was ymett , who with vncomely shame Gan him salute , and fowle vpbrayd with faulty blame . False traytor Knight , ( sayd she ) no Knight at all , But scorne of armes that hast with guilty hand Murdred my men , and slaine my Seneschall ; Now comest thou to rob my house vnmand , And spoile my selfe , that can not thee withstand ? Yet doubt thou not , but that some better Knight Then thou , that shall thy treason vnderstand , Will it auenge , and pay thee with thy right : And if none do , yet shame shal thee with shame requight Much was the Knight abashed at that word ; Yet answerd thus ; Not vnto me the shame , But to the shamefull doer it afford . Bloud is no blemish ; for it is no blame To punish those , that doe deserue the same ; But they that breake bands of ciuilitie , And wicked customes make , those doe defame Both noble armes and gentle curtesie . No greater shame to man then inhumanitie . Then doe your selfe , for dread of shame , forgoe This euill manner , which ye here maintaine , And doe in stead thereof mild curt'sie showe To all , that passe . That shall you glory gaine More then his loue , which thus ye seeke t' obtaine . Wherewith all full of wrath , she thus replyde ; Vile recreant , know that I doe much disdaine Thy courteous lore , that doest my loue deride , Who scornes thy ydle scoffe , and bids thee be defyde . To take defiaunce at a Ladies word ( Quoth he ) I hold it no indignity ; But were he here , that would it with his sword Abett , perhaps he mote it deare aby . Cowherd ( quoth she ) were not , that thou wouldst fly , Ere thou doe come , he should be soone in place . If I doe so , ( sayd he ) then liberty I leaue to you , for aye me to disgrace With all those shames , that erst ye spake me to deface . With that a Dwarfe she cald to her in hast , And taking from her hand a ring of gould , A priuy token , which betweene them past , Bad him to flie with all the speed he could , To Crudor , and desire him that he would Vouchsafe to reskue her against a Knight , Who through strong powre had now her self in hould , Hauing late slaine her Seneschall in fight , And all her people murdred with outragious might . The Dwarfe his way did hast , and went all night ; But Calidore did with her there abyde The comming of that so much threatned Knight , Where that discourteous Dame with scornfull pryde , And fowle entreaty him indignifyde , That yron heart it hardly could sustaine : Yet he , that could his wrath full wisely guyde , Did well endure her womanish disdaine , And did him selfe from fraile impatience refraine . The morrow next , before the lampe of light , Aboue the earth vpreard his flaming head , The Dwarfe , which bore that message to her knight , Brought aunswere backe , that ere he tasted bread , He would her succour , and aliue or dead Her foe deliuer vp into her hand : Therefore he wild her doe away all dread ; And that of him she mote assured stand , He sent to her his basenet , as a faithfull band . Thereof full blyth the Lady streight became , And gan t' augment her bitternesse much more : Yet no whit more appalled for the same , Ne ought dismayed was Sir Calidore , But rather did more chearefull seeme therefore . And hauing soone his armes about him dight , Did issue forth , to meete his foe afore ; Where long he stayed not , when as a Knight He spide come pricking on with al his powre and might . Well weend he streight , that he should be the same , Which tooke in hand her quarrell to maintaine ; Ne stayd to aske if it were he by name , But coucht his speare , and ran at him amaine . They bene ymett in middest of the plaine , With so fell fury , and dispiteous forse , That neither could the others stroke sustaine , But rudely rowld to ground both man and horse , Neither of other taking pitty nor remorse . But Calidore vprose againe full light , Whiles yet his foe lay fast in sencelesse sound , Yet would he not him hurt , although he might : For shame he weend a sleeping wight to wound . But when Briana saw that drery stound , There where she stood vppon the Castle wall , She deem'd him sure to haue bene dead on ground , And made such piteous mourning therewithall , That from the battlements she ready seem'd to fall . Nathlesse at length him selfe he did vpreare In lustlesse wise , as if against his will , Ere he had slept his fill , he wakened were , And gan to stretch his limbs ; which feeling ill Of his late fall , a while he rested still : But when he saw his foe before in vew , He shooke off luskishnesse , and courage chill Kindling a fresh , gan battell to renew , To proue if better foote then horsebacke would ensew . There then began a fearefull cruell fray Betwixt them two , for maystery of might . For both were wondrous practicke in that play , And passing well expert in single fight , And both inflam'd with furious despight : Which as it still encreast , so still increast Their cruell strokes and terrible affright ; Ne once for ruth their rigour they releast , Ne once to breath a while their angers tempest ceast . Thus long they trac'd and trauerst to and fro , And tryde all waies , how each mote entrance make Into the life of his malignant foe ; They hew'd their helmes , and plates asunder brake , As they had potshares bene ; for nought mote slake Their greedy vengeaunces , but goary blood , That at the last like to a purple lake Of bloudy gore congeal'd about them stood , Which from their riuen sides forth gushed like a flood . At length it chaunst , that both their hands on hie , At once did heaue , with all their powre and might , Thinking the vtmost of their force to trie , And proue the finall fortune of the fight : But Calidore , that was more quicke of sight , And nimbler handed , then his enemie , Preuented him before his stroke could light , And on the helmet smote him formerlie , That made him stoupe to ground with meeke humilitie . And ere he could recouer foot againe , He following that faire aduantage fast , His stroke redoubled with such might and maine , That him vpon the ground he groueling cast ; And leaping to him light , would haue vnlast His Helme , to make vnto his vengeance way . Who seeing , in what daunger he was plast , Cryde out , Ah mercie Sir , doe me not slay , But saue my life , which lot before your foot doth lay . With that his mortall hand a while he stayd , And hauing somewhat calm'd his wrathfull heat With goodly patience , thus he to him sayd ; And is the boast of that proud Ladies threat , That menaced me from the field to beat , Now brought to this ? By this now may ye learne , Strangers no more so rudely to intreat , But put away proud looke , and vsage sterne , The which shal nought to you but foule dishonor yearne . For nothing is more blamefull to a knight , That court'sie doth as well as armes professe , How euer strong and fortunate in fight , Then the reproch of pride and cruelnesse . In vaine he seeketh others to suppresse , Who hath not learnd him selfe first to subdew : All flesh is frayle , and full of ficklenesse , Subiect to fortunes chance , still chaunging new ; What haps to day to me , to morrow may to you . Who will not mercie vnto others shew , How can he mercy euer hope to haue ? To pay each with his owne is right and dew . Yet since ye mercie now doe need to craue , I will it graunt , your hopelesse life to saue ; With these conditions , which I will propound : First , that ye better shall your selfe behaue Vnto all errant knights , whereso on ground ; Next that ye Ladies ayde in euery stead and stound . The wretched man , that all this while did dwell In dread of death , his heasts did gladly heare , And promist to performe his precept well , And whatsoeuer else he would requere . So suffring him to rise , he made him sweare By his owne sword , and by the crosse thereon , To take Briana for his louing fere , Withouten dowre or composition ; But to release his former foule condition . All which accepting , and with faithfull oth Bynding himselfe most firmely to obay , He vp arose , how euer liefe or loth , And swore to him true fealtie for aye . Then forth he cald from sorrowfull dismay The sad Briana , which all this beheld : Who comming forth yet full of late affray , Sir Calidore vpcheard , and to her teld All this accord , to which he Crudor had compeld . Whereof she now more glad , then sory earst , All ouercome with infinite affect , For his exceeding courtesie , that pearst Her stubborne hart with inward deepe effect , Before his feet her selfe she did proiect , And him adoring as her liues deare Lord , With all due thankes , and dutifull respect , Her selfe acknowledg'd bound for that accord , By which he had to her both life and loue restord . So all returning to the Castle glad , Most ioyfully she them did entertaine , Where goodly glee and feast to them she made , To shew her thankefull mind and meaning faine , By all the meanes she mote it best explaine : And after all , vnto Sir Calidore She freely gaue that Castle for his paine , And her selfe bound to him for euermore ; So wondrously now chaung'd , from that she was afore . But Calidore himselfe would not retaine Nor land nor fee , for hyre of his good deede , But gaue them streight vnto that Squire againe , Whom from her Seneschall he lately freed , And to his damzell as their rightfull meed , For recompence of all their former wrong : There he remaind with them right well agreed , Till of his wounds he wexed hole and strong , And then to his first quest he passed forth along .

Cant. II. Calidore sees young Tristram slay A proud discourteous knight , He makes him Squire , and of him learnes his state and present plight . WHat vertue is so fitting for a knight , Or for a Ladie , whom a knight should loue , As Curtesie , to beare themselues aright To all of each degree , as doth behoue ? For whether they be placed high aboue , Or low beneath , yet ought they well to know Their good , that none them rightly may reproue Of rudenesse , for not yeelding what they owe : Great skill it is such duties timely to bestow . Thereto great helpe dame Nature selfe doth lend : For some so goodly gratious are by kind , That euery action doth them much commend , And in the eyes of men great liking find ; Which others , that haue greater skill in mind , Though they enforce themselues , cannot attaine . For euerie thing , to which one is inclin'd , Doth best become , and greatest grace doth gaine : Yet praise likewise deserue good thewes , enforst with paine . That well in courteous Calidore appeares , Whose euery act and deed , that he did say , Was like enchantment , that through both the eyes , And both the eares did steale the hart away . He now againe is on his former way , To follow his first quest , when as he spyde A tall young man from thence not farre away , Fighting on foot , as well he him descryde , Against an armed knight , that did on horsebacke ryde . And them beside a Ladie faire he saw , Standing alone on foot , in foule array : To whom himselfe he hastily did draw , To weet the cause of so vncomely fray , And to depart them , if so be he may . But ere he came in place , that youth had kild That armed knight , that low on ground he lay ; Which when he saw , his hart was inly child With great amazement , & his thought with wonder fild . Him stedfastly he markt , and saw to bee A goodly youth of amiable grace , Yet but a slender slip , that scarse did see Yet seuenteene yeares , but tall and faire of face That sure he deem'd him borne of noble race . All in a woodmans iacket he was clad Of lincolne greene , belayd with siluer lace ; And on his head an hood with aglets sprad , And by his side his hunters horne he hanging had . Buskins he wore of costliest cordwayne , Pinckt vpon gold , and paled part per part , As then the guize was for each gentle swayne ; In his right hand he held a trembling dart , Whose fellow he before had sent apart ; And in his left he held a sharpe borespeare , With which he wont to launch the saluage hart Of many a Lyon , and of many a Beare That first vnto his hand in chase did happen neare . Whom Calidore a while well hauing vewed , At length bespake ; what meanes this , gentle swaine ? Why hath thy hand too bold it selfe embrewed In blood of knight , the which by thee is slaine , By thee no knight ; which armes impugneth plaine ? Certes ( said he ) loth were I to haue broken The law of armes ; yet breake it should againe , Rather then let my selfe of wight be stroken , So long as these two armes were able to be wroken . For not I him as this his Ladie here May witnesse well , did offer first to wrong , Ne surely thus vnarm'd I likely were ; But he me first , through pride and puissance strong Assayld , not knowing what to armes doth long . Perdie great blame , ( then said Sir Calidore ) For armed knight a wight vnarm'd to wrong . But then aread , thou gentle chyld , wherefore Betwixt you two began this strife and sterne vprore . That shall I sooth ( said he ) to you declare . I whose vnryper yeares are yet vnfit For thing of weight , or worke of greater care , Doe spend my dayes , and bend my carelesse wit To saluage chace , where I thereon may hit In all this forrest , and wyld wooddie raine : Where , as this day I was enraunging it , I chaunst to meete this knight , who there lyes slaine , Together with this Ladie , passing on the plaine . The knight , as ye did see , on horsebacke was , And this his Ladie , ( that him ill became , ) On her faire feet by his horse side did pas Through thicke and thin , vnfit for any Dame . Yet not content , more to increase his shame , When so she lagged , as she needs mote so , He with his speare , that was to him great blame , Would thumpe her forward , and inforce to goe , Weeping to him in vaine , and making piteous woe . Which when I saw , as they me passed by , Much was I moued in indignant mind , And gan to blame him for such cruelty Towards a Ladie , whom with vsage kind He rather should haue taken vp behind . Wherewith he wroth , and full of proud disdaine , Tooke in foule scorne , that I such fault did find , And me in lieu thereof reuil'd againe , Threatning to chastize me , as doth t' a chyld pertaine . Which I no lesse disdayning , backe returned His scornefull taunts vnto his teeth againe , That he streight way with haughtie choler burned , And with his speare strooke me one stroke or twaine ; Which I enforst to beare though to my paine , Cast to requite , and with a slender dart , Fellow of this I beare , throwne not in vaine , Strooke him , as seemeth , vnderneath the hart , That through the wound his spirit shortly did depart . Much did Sir Calidore admyre his speach Tempred so well , but more admyr'd the stroke That through the mayles had made so strong a breach Into his hart , and had so sternely wroke His wrath on him , that first occasion broke . Yet rested not , but further gan inquire Of that same Ladie , whether what he spoke , Were soothly so , and that th' vnrighteous ire Of her owne knight , had giuen him his owne due hire . Of all which , when as she could nought deny , But cleard that stripling of th' imputed blame , Sayd then Sir Calidore ; neither will I Him charge with guilt , but rather doe quite clame : For what he spake , for you he spake it , Dame ; And what he did , he did him selfe to saue : Against both which that knight wrought knightlesse shame . For knights and all men this by nature haue , Towards all womenkind them kindly to behaue . But sith that he is gone irreuocable , Please it you Ladie , to vs to aread , What cause could make him so dishonourable , To driue you so on foot vnfit to tread , And lackey by him , gainst all womanhead ? Certes Sir knight ( sayd she ) full loth I were To rayse a lyuing blame against the dead : But since it me concernes , my selfe to clere , I will the truth discouer , as it chaunst whylere . This day , as he and I together roade Vpon our way , to which we weren bent , We chaunst to come foreby a couert glade Within a wood , whereas a Ladie gent Sate with a knight in ioyous iolliment , Of their franke loues , free from all gealous spyes : Faire was the Ladie sure , that mote content An hart , not carried with too curious eyes , And vnto him did shew all louely courtesyes . Whom when my knight did see so louely faire , He inly gan her louer to enuy , And wish , that he part of his spoyle might share . Whereto when as my presence he did spy To be a let , he bad me by and by For to alight : but when as I was loth , My loues owne part to leaue so suddenly , He with strong hand down from his steed me throw'th , And with presumpteous powre against that knight streight go'th . Vnarm'd all was the knight , as then more meete For Ladies seruice , and for loues delight , Then fearing any foeman there to meete : Whereof he taking oddes , streight bids him dight Himselfe to yeeld his loue , or else to fight . Whereat the other starting vp dismayd , Yet boldly answer'd , as he rightly might ; To leaue his loue he should be ill apayd , In which he had good right gaynst all , that it gainesayd . Yet since he was not presently in plight Her to defend , or his to iustifie , He him requested , as he was a knight , To lend him day his better right to trie , Or stay till he his armes , which were thereby , Might lightly fetch . But he was fierce and whot , Ne time would giue , nor any termes aby , But at him flew , and with his speare him smot ; From which to thinke to saue himselfe , it booted not . Meane while his Ladie , which this outrage saw , Whilest they together for the quarrey stroue , Into the couert did her selfe withdraw , And closely hid her selfe within the groue . My knight hers soone , as seemes , to daunger droue And left sore wounded : but when her he mist , He woxe halfe mad , and in that rape gan roue And range through all the wood , where so he wist She hidden was , and sought her so long , as him list . But when as her he by no meanes could find , After long search and chauff , he turned backe Vnto the place , where me he left behind : There gan he me to curse and ban , for lacke Of that faire bootie , and with bitter wracke To wreake on me the guilt of his owne wrong . Of all which I yet glad to beare the packe , Stroue to appease him , and perswaded long : But still his passion grew more violent and strong . Then as it were t' auenge his wrath on mee , When forward we should fare , he flat refused To take me vp ( as this young man did see ) Vpon his steed , for no iust cause accused , But forst to trot on foot , and foule misused , Pounching me with the butt end of his speare , In vaine complayning , to be so abused . For he regarded neither playnt nor teare , But more enforst my paine , the more my plaints to heare . So passed we , till this young man vs met , And being moou'd with pittie of my plight , Spake , as was meet , for ease of my regret : Whereof befell , what now is in your sight . Now sure ( then said Sir Calidore ) and right Me seemes , that him befell by his owne fault : Or through support of count'nance proud and hault To wrong the weaker , oft falles in his owne assault . Then turning backe vnto that gentle boy , Which had himselfe so stoutly well acquit ; Seeing his face so louely sterne and coy , And hearing th' answeres of his pregnant wit , He praysd it much , and much admyred it ; That sure he weend him borne of noble blood , With whom those graces did so goodly fit : And when he long had him beholding stood , He burst into these words , as to him seemed good . Faire gentle swayne , and yet as stout as fayre , That in these woods amongst the Nymphs dost wonne , Which daily may to thy sweete lookes repayre , As they are wont vnto Latonaes sonne , After his chace on woodie Cynthus donne : Well may I certes such an one thee read , As by thy worth thou worthily hast wonne , Or surely borne of some Heroicke sead , That in thy face appeares and gratious goodly head . But should it not displease thee it to tell ; ( Vnlesse thou in these woods thy selfe conceale , For loue amongst the woodie Gods to dwell ; ) I would thy selfe require thee to reueale , For deare affection and vnfayned zeale , Which to thy noble personage I beare , And wish thee grow in worship and great weale . For since the day that armes I first did reare , I neuer saw in any greater hope appeare . To whom then thus the noble youth ; may be Sir knight , that by discouering my estate , Harme may arise vnweeting vnto me ; Nathelesse , sith ye so courteous seemed late , To you I will not feare it to relate . Then wote ye that I am a Briton borne , Sonne of a King , how euer thorough fate Or fortune I my countrie haue forlorne , And lost the crowne , which should my head by right adorne . And Tristram is my name , the onely heire Of good king Meliogras which did rayne In Cornewale , till that he through liues despeire Vntimely dyde , before I did attaine Ripe yeares of reason , my right to maintaine . After whose death , his brother seeing mee An infant , weake a kingdome to sustaine , Vpon him tooke the roiall high degree , And sent me , where him list , instructed for to bee . The widow Queene my mother , which then hight Faire Emiline , conceiuing then great feare Of my fraile safetie , resting in the might Of him , that did the kingly Scepter beare , Whose gealous dread induring not a peare , Is wont to cut off all , that doubt may breed , Thought best away me to remoue somewhere Into some forrein land , where as no need Of dreaded daunger might his doubtfull humor feed . So taking counsell of a wise man red , She was by him aduiz'd , to send me quight Out of the countrie , wherein I was bred , The which the fertile Lionesse is hight , Into the land of Faerie , where no wight Should weet of me , nor worke me any wrong To whose wise read she hearkning , sent me streight Into this land , where I haue wond thus long , Since I was ten yeares old , now growen to stature strong . All which my daies I haue not lewdly spent , Nor spilt the blossome of my tender yeares In ydlesse , but as was conuenient , Haue trayned bene with many noble feres In gentle thewes , and such like seemely leres . Mongst which my most delight hath alwaies been , To hunt the saluage chace amongst my peres , Of all that raungeth in the forrest greene ; Of which none is to me vnknowne , that eu'r was seene . Ne is there hauke , which mantleth her on pearch , Whether high towring , or accoasting low , But I the measure of her flight doe search , And all her pray , and all her diet know . Such be our ioyes , which in these forrests grow : Onely the vse of armes , which most I ioy , And fitteth most for noble swayne to know , I haue not tasted yet , yet past a boy , And being now high time these strong ioynts to imploy . Therefore , good Sir , sith now occasion fit Doth fall , whose like hereafter seldome may , Let me this craue , vnworthy though of it , That ye will make me Squire without delay , That from henceforth in batteilous array I may beare armes , and learne to vse them right ; The rather since that fortune hath this day Giuen to me the spoile of this dead knight , These goodly gilden armes , which I haue won in fight . All which when well Sir Calidore had heard , Him much more now , then earst he gan admire , For the rare hope which in his yeares appear'd , And thus replide ; faire chyld , the high desire To loue of armes , which in you doth aspire , I may not certes without blame denie ; But rather wish , that some more noble hire , ( Though none more noble then is cheualrie , ) I had , you to reward with greater dignitie . There him he causd to kneele , and made to sweare Faith to his knight , and truth to Ladies all , And neuer to be recreant , for feare Of perill , or of ought that might befall : So he him dubbed , and his Squire did call . Full glad and ioyous then young Tristram grew , Like as a flowre , whose silken leaues small , Long shut vp in the bud from heauens vew , At length breakes forth , and brode displayes his smyling hew . Thus when they long had treated to and fro , And Calidore betooke him to depart , Chyld Tristram prayd , that he with him might goe On his aduenture , vowing not to start , But wayt on him in euery place and part . Whereat Sir Calidore did much delight , And greatly ioy'd at his so noble hart , In hope he sure would proue a doughtie knight : Yet for the time this answere he to him behight . Glad would I surely be , thou courteous Squire , To haue thy presence in my present quest , That mote thy kindled courage set on fire , And flame forth honour in thy noble brest : But I am bound by vow , which I profest To my dread Soueraine , when I it assayd , That in atchieuement of her high behest , I should no creature ioyne vnto mine ayde , For thy I may not graunt , that ye so greatly prayde . But since this Ladie is all desolate , And needeth safegard now vpon her way , Ye may doe well in this her needfull state To succour her , from daunger of dismay ; That thankfull guerdon may to you repay . The noble ympe of such new seruice fayne , It gladly did accept , as he did say . So taking courteous leaue , they parted twayne , And Calidore forth passed to his former payne . But Tristram then despoyling that dead knight Of all those goodly implements of prayse , Long fed his greedie eyes with the faire sight Of the bright mettall , shyning like Sunne rayes ; Handling and turning them a thousand wayes . And after hauing them vpon him dight , He tooke that Ladie , and her vp did rayse Vpon the steed of her owne late dead knight , So with her marched forth , as she did him behight . There to their fortune leaue we them awhile , And turne we backe to good Sir Calidore ; Who ere he thence had traueild many a mile , Came to the place , whereas ye heard afore This knight , whom Tristram slew , had wounded sore Another knight in his despiteous pryde ; There he that knight found lying on the flore , With many wounds full perilous and wyde , That all his garments , and the grasse in vermeill dyde . And there beside him sate vpon the ground His wofull Ladie , piteously complayning With loud laments that most vnluckie stound , And her sad selfe with carefull hand constrayning To wype his wounds , and ease their bitter payning . Which sorie sight when Calidore did vew With heauie eyne , from teares vneath refrayning , His mightie hart their mournefull case can rew , And for their better comfort to them nigher drew . Then speaking to the Ladie , thus he sayd : Ye dolefull Dame , let not your griefe empeach To tell , what cruell hand hath thus arayd This knight vnarm'd , with so vnknightly breach Of armes , that if I yet him nigh may reach , I may auenge him of so foule despight . The Ladie hearing his so courteous speach , Gan reare her eyes as to the chearefull light , And from her sory hart few heauie words forth sight . In which she shew'd , how that discourteous knight ( Whom Tristram slew ) them in that shadow found , Ioying together in vnblam'd delight , And him vnarm'd , as now he lay on ground , Charg'd with his speare and mortally did wound , Withouten cause , but onely her to reaue From him , to whom she was for euer bound : Yet when she fled into that couert greaue , He her not finding , both them thus nigh dead did leaue . When Calidore this ruefull storie had Well vnderstood , he gan of her demand , What manner wight he was , and how yclad , Which had this outrage wrought with wicked hand . She then , like as she best could vnderstand , Him thus describ'd , to be of stature large , Clad all in gilden armes , with azure band Quartred athwart , and bearing in his targe A Ladie on rough waues , row'd in a sommer barge . Then gan Sir Calidore to ghesse streight way By many signes , which she described had , That this was he , whom Tristram earst did slay , And to her said ; Dame be no longer sad : For he , that hath your Knight so ill bestad , Is now him selfe in much more wretched plight ; These eyes him saw vpon the cold earth sprad , The meede of his desert for that despight , Which to your selfe he wrought , & to your loued knight . Therefore faire Lady lay aside this griefe , Which ye haue gathered to your gentle hart , For that displeasure ; and thinke what reliefe Were best deuise for this your louers smart , And how ye may him hence , and to what part Conuay to be recur'd . She thankt him deare , Both for that newes he did to her impart , And for the courteous care , which he did beare Both to her loue ; and to her selfe in that sad dreare . Yet could she not deuise by any wit , How thence she might conuay him to some place . For him to trouble she it thought vnfit , That was a straunger to her wretched case ; And him to beare , she thought it thing too base . Which when as he perceiu'd , he thus bespake ; Faire Lady let it not you seeme disgrace , To beare this burden on your dainty backe ; My selfe will beare a part , coportion of your packe . So off he did his shield , and downeward layd Vpon the ground , like to an hollow beare ; And powring balme , which he had long puruayd , Into his wounds , him vp thereon did reare , And twixt them both with parted paines did beare , Twixt life and death , not knowing what was donne . Thence they him carried to a Castle neare , In which a worthy auncient Knight did wonne : Where what ensu'd , shall in next Canto be begonne .

Cant. III. Calidore brings Priscilla home , Pursues the Blatant Beast : Saues Serena whilest Calepine By Turpine is opprest . TRue is , that whiLome that good Poet sayd , The gentle minde by gentle deeds is knowne . For a man by nothing is so well bewrayd , As by his manners , in which plaine is showne Of what degree and what race he is growne . For seldome seene , a trotting Stalion get An ambling Colt , that is his proper owne : So seldome seene , that one in basenesse set Doth noble courage shew , with curteous manners met . But euermore contrary hath bene tryde , That gentle bloud will gentle manners breed ; As well may be in Calidore descryde , By late ensample of that courteous deed , Done to that wounded Knight in his great need , Whom on his backe he bore , till he him brought Vnto the Castle where they had decreed . There of the Knight , the which that Castle ought , To make abode that night he greatly was besought . He was to weete a man of full ripe yeares , That in his youth had beene of mickle might , And borne great sway in armes amongst his peares : But now weake age had dimd his candle light . Yet was he courteous still to euery wight , And loued all that did to armes incline . And was the father of that wounded Knight , Whom Calidore thus carried on his chine , And Aldus was his name , and his sonnes Aladine . Who when he saw his sonne so ill bedight , With bleeding wounds , brought home vpon a Beare , By a faire Lady , and a straunger Knight , Was inly touched with compassion deare , And deare affection of so dolefull dreare , That he these words burst forth ; Ah sory boy , Is this the hope that to my hoary heare Thou brings ? aie me , is this the timely ioy , Which I expected long , now turnd to sad annoy ? Such is the weakenesse of all mortall hope ; So tickle is the state of earthly things , That ere they come vnto their aymed scope , They fall too short of our fraile reckonings , And bring vs bale and bitter sorrowings , In stead of comfort , which we should embrace : This is the state of Keasars and of Kings . Let none therefore , that is in meaner place , Too greatly grieue at any his vnlucky case . So well and wisely did that good old Knight Temper his griefe , and turned it to cheare , To cheare his guests , whom he had stayd that night , And make their welcome to them well appeare : That to Sir Calidore was easie geare ; But that faire Lady would be cheard for nought , But sigh'd and sorrow'd for her louer deare , And inly did afflict her pensiue thought , With thinking to what case her name should now be brought . For she was daughter to a noble Lord , Which dwelt thereby , who sought her to affy To a great pere ; but she did disaccord , Ne could her liking to his loue apply , But lou'd this fresh young Knight , who dwelt her ny , The lusty Aladine , though meaner borne , And of lesse liuelood and hability , Yet full of valour , the which did adorne His meanesse much , & make her th 'others riches scorne . So hauing both found fit occasion , They met together in that luckelesse glade ; Where that proud Knight in his presumption The gentle Aladine did earst inuade , Being vnarm'd , and set in secret shade . Whereof she now bethinking , gan t'aduize , How great a hazard she at earst had made Of her good fame , and further gan deuize , How she the blame might salue with coloured disguize . But Calidore with all good courtesie Fain'd her to frolicke , and to put away The pensiue fit of her melancholie ; And that old Knight by all meanes did assay , To make them both as merry as he may . So they the euening past , till time of rest , When Calidore in seemly good array Vnto his bowre was brought , and there vndrest , Did sleepe all night through weary trauell of his quest. But faire Priscilla ( so that Lady hight ) Would to no bed , nor take no kindely sleepe , But by her wounded loue did watch all night , And all the night for bitter anguish weepe , And with her teares his wounds did wash and steepe . So well she washt them , and so well she wacht him , That of the deadly swound , in which full deepe He drenched was , she at the length dispacht him , And droue away the stound , which mortally attacht him . The morrow next , when day gan to vplooke , He also gan vplooke with drery eye , Like one that out of deadly dreame awooke : Where when he saw his faire Priscilla by , He deepely sigh'd , and groaned inwardly , To thinke of this ill state , in which she stood , To which she for his sake had weetingly Now brought her selfe , and blam'd her noble blood : For first , next after life , he tendered her good . Which she perceiuing , did with plenteous teares His care more then her owne compassionate , Forgetfull of her owne , to minde his feares : So both conspiring , gan to intimate Each others griefe with zeale affectionate , And twixt them twaine with equall care to cast , How to saue hole her hazarded estate ; For which the onely helpe now left them last Seem'd to be Calidore : all other helpes were past . Him they did deeme , as sure to them he seemed , A courteous Knight , and full of faithfull trust : Therefore to him their cause they best esteemed Whole to commit , and to his dealing iust . Earely , so soone as Titans beames forth brust Through the thicke clouds , in which they steeped lay All night in darkenesse , duld with yron rust . Calidore rising vp as fresh as day , Gan freshly him addresse vnto his former way . But first him seemed fit , that wounded Knight To visite , after this nights perillous passe , And to salute him , if he were in plight , And eke that Lady his faire louely lasse . There he him found much better then he was , And moued speach to him of things of course , The anguish of his paine to ouerpasse : Mongst which he namely did to him discourse , Of former daies mishap , his sorrowes wicked sourse . Of which occasion Aldine taking hold , Gan breake to him the fortunes of his loue , And all his disaduentures to vnfold ; That Calidore it dearly deepe did moue . In th' end his kyndly courtesie to proue , He him by all the bands of loue besought , And as it mote a faithfull friend behoue , To safeconduct his loue , and not for ought To leaue , till to her fathers house he had her brought . Sir Calidore his faith thereto did plight , It to performe : so after little stay , That she her selfe had to the iourney dight , He passed forth with her in faire array , Fearelesse , who ought did thinke , or ought did say , Sith his own thought he knew most cleare from wite . So as they past together on their way , He can deuize this counter-cast of slight , To giue faire colour to that Ladies cause in sight . Streight to the carkasse of that Knight he went , The cause of all this euill , who was slaine The day before by iust auengement Of noble Tristram , where it did remaine : There he the necke thereof did cut in twaine , And tooke with him the head , the signe of shame . So forth he passed thorough that daies paine , Till to that Ladies fathers house he came , Most pensiue man , through feare , what of his childe became . There he arriuing boldly , did present The fearefull Lady to her father deare , Most perfect pure , and guiltlesse innocent Of blame , as he did on his Knighthood sweare , Since first he saw her , and did free from feare Of a discourteous Knight , who her had reft , And by outragious force away did beare : Witnesse thereof he shew'd his head there left , And wretched life forlorne for vengement of his theft . Most ioyfull man her sire was her to see , And heare th' aduenture of her late mischaunce ; And thousand thankes to Calidore for fee Of his large paines in her deliueraunce Did yeeld ; Ne lesse the Lady did aduaunce . Thus hauing her restored trustily , As he had vow'd , some small continuaunce He there did make , and then most carefully Vnto his first exploite he did him selfe apply . So as he was pursuing of his quest He chaunst to come whereas a iolly Knight , In couert shade him selfe did safely rest , To solace with his Lady in delight : His warlike armes he had from him vndight ; For that him selfe he thought from daunger free , And far from enuious eyes that mote him spight . And eke the Lady was full faire to see , And courteous withall , becomming her degree . To whom Sir Calidore approaching nye , Ere they were well aware of liuing wight , Them much abasht , but more him selfe thereby , That he so rudely did vppon them light , And troubled had their quiet loues delight . Yet since it was his fortune , not his fault , Him selfe thereof he labour'd to acquite , And pardon crau'd for his so rash default , That he gainst courtesie so fowly did default . With which his gentle words and goodly wit He soone allayd that Knights conceiu'd displeasure , That he besought him downe by him to sit , That they mote treat of things abrode at leasure ; And of aduentures , which had in his measure Of so long waies to him befallen late . So downe he sate , and with delightfull pleasure His long aduentures gan to him relate , Which he endured had through daungerous debate . Of which whilest they discoursed both together , The faire Serena ( so his Lady hight ) Allur'd with myldnesse of the gentle wether , And pleasaunce of the place , the which was dight With diuers flowres distinct with rare delight ; Wandred about the fields , as liking led Her wauering lust after her wandring sight , To make a garland to adorne her hed , Without suspect of ill or daungers hidden dred . All sodainely out of the forrest nere The Blatant Beast forth rushing vnaware , Caught her thus loosely wandring here and there , And in his wide great mouth away her bare . Crying aloud in vaine , to shew her sad misfare Vnto the Knights , and calling oft for ayde , Who with the horrour of her haplesse care Hastily starting vp , like men dismayde , Ran after fast to reskue the distressed mayde . The Beast with their pursuit incited more , Into the wood was bearing her apace For to haue spoyled her , when Calidore Who was more light of foote and swift in chace , Him ouertooke in middest of his race : And fiercely charging him with all his might , Forst to forgoe his pray there in the place , And to betake him selfe to fearefull flight ; For he durst not abide with Calidore to fight . Who nathelesse , when he the Lady saw There left on ground , though in full euill plight , Yet knowing that her Knight now neare did draw , Staide not to succour her in that affright , But follow'd fast the Monster in his flight : Through woods and hils he follow'd him so fast , That he nould let him breath nor gather spright , But forst him gape and gaspe , with dread aghast , As if his lungs and lites were nigh a sunder brast . And now by this Sir Calepine ( so hight ) Came to the place , where he his Lady found In dolorous dismay and deadly plight , All in gore bloud there tumbled on the ground , Hauing both sides through grypt with griesly wound . His weapons soone from him he threw away , And stouping downe to her in drery swound , Vprear'd her from the ground , whereon she lay , And in his tender armes her forced vp to stay . So well he did his busie paines apply , That the faint sprite he did reuoke againe , To her fraile mansion of mortality . Then vp he tooke her twixt his armes twaine , And setting on his steede , her did sustaine With carefull hands softing foot her beside , Till to some place of rest they mote attaine , Where she in safe assuraunce mote abide , Till she recured were of those her woundes wide . Now when as Phoebus with his fiery waine Vnto his Inne began to draw apace ; Tho wexing weary of that toylesome paine , In trauelling on foote so long a space , Not wont on foote with heauy armes to trace , Downe in a dale forby a riuers syde , He chaunst to spie a faire and stately place , To which he meant his weary steps to guyde , In hope there for his loue some succour to prouyde . But comming to the riuers side , he found That hardly passable on foote it was : Therefore there still he stood as in a stound , Ne wist which way he through the foord mote pas . Thus whilest he was in this distressed case , Deuising what to doe , he nigh espyde An armed Knight approaching to the place , With a faire Lady lincked by his syde , The which themselues prepard through the foord to ride Whom Calepine saluting ( as became ) Besought of courtesie in that his neede , For safe conducting of his sickely Dame , Through that same perillous foord with better heede , To take him vp behinde vpon his steed , To whom that other did this taunt returne . Perdy thou peasant Knight , mightst rightly reed Me then to be full base and euill borne , If I would beare behinde a burden of such scorne . But as thou hast thy steed forlorne with shame , So fare on foote till thou another gayne , And let thy Lady likewise doe the same , Or beare her on thy backe with pleasing payne , And proue thy manhood on the billowes vayne . With which rude speach his Lady much displeased , Did him reproue , yet could him not restrayne , And would on her owne Palfrey him haue eased , For pitty of his Dame , whom she saw so diseased . Sir Calepine her thanckt , yet inly wroth Against her Knight , her gentlenesse refused , And carelesly into the riuer goth , As in despight to be so fowle abused Of a rude churle , whom often he accused Of fowle discourtesie , vnfit for Knight And strongly wading through the waues vnused , With speare in th' one hand , stayd him selfe vpright , With th' other staide his Lady vp with steddy might . And all the while , that same discourteous Knight , Stood on the further bancke beholding him , At whose calamity , for more despight He laught , and mockt to see him like to swim . But when as Calepine came to the brim , And saw his carriage past that perill well , Looking at that same Carle with count'nance grim , His heart with vengeaunce inwardly did swell , And forth at last did breake in speaches sharpe and fell . Vnknightly Knight , the blemish of that name , And blot of all that armes vppon them take , Which is the badge of honour and of fame , Loe I defie thee , and here challenge make , That thou for euer doe those armes forsake ; And be for euer held a recreant Knight , Vnlesse thou dare for thy deare Ladies sake , And for thine owne defence on foote alight , To iustifie thy fault gainst me in equall fight . The dastard , that did heare him selfe defyde , Seem'd not to weigh his threatfull words at all , But laught them out , as if his greater pryde , Did scorne the challenge of so base a thrall : Or had no courage , or else had no gall . So much the more was Calepine offended , That him to no reuenge he forth could call , But both his challenge and him selfe contemned , Ne cared as a coward so to be condemned . But he nought weighing what he sayd or did , Turned his steede about another way , And with his Lady to the Castle rid , Where was his won ; ne did the other stay , But after went directly as he may , For his sicke charge some harbour there to seeke ; Where he arriuing with the fall of day , Drew to the gate , and there with prayers meeke , And myld entreaty lodging did for her beseeke . But the rude Porter that no manners had , Did shut the gate against him in his face , And entraunce boldly vnto him forbad . Nathelesse the Knight now in so needy case , Gan him entreat euen with submission base , And humbly praid to let them in that night : Who to him aunswer'd , that there was no place Of lodging fit for any errant Knight , Vnlesse that with his Lord he formerly did fight . Full loth am I ( quoth he ) as now at earst , When day is spent , and rest vs needeth most , And that this Lady , both whose sides are pearst With wounds , is ready to forgo the ghost : Ne would I gladly combate with mine host , That should to me such curtesie afford , Vnlesse that I were thereunto enforst . But yet aread to me , how hight thy Lord , That doth thus strongly ward the Castle of the ford . His name ( quoth he ) if that thou list to learne , Is hight Sir Turpine , one of mickle might , And manhood rare , but terrible and stearne In all assaies to euery errant Knight , Because of one , that wrought him fowle despight . Ill seemes ( sayd he ) if he so valiaunt be , That he should be so sterne to stranger wight : For seldome yet did liuing creature see , That curtesie and manhood euer disagree . But go thy waies to him , and fro me say , That here is at his gate an errant Knight , That house-rome craues , yet would be loth t' assay The proofe of battell , now in doubtfull night , Or curtesie with rudenesse to requite : Yet if he needes will fight , craue leaue till morne , And tell with all , the lamentable plight , In which this Lady languisheth forlorne , That pitty craues , as he of woman was yborne . The groome went streight way in , and to his Lord Declar'd the message , which that Knight did moue ; Who sitting with his Lady then at bord , Not onely did not his demaund reproue , But both himselfe reuil'd , and eke his loue ; Albe his Lady , that Blandina hight , Him of vngentle vsage did approue And earnestly entreated that they might Finde fauour to be lodged there for that same night . Yet would he not perswaded be for ought , Ne from his currish will awhit reclame . Which answer when the groome returning , brought To Calepine , his heart did inly flame With wrathfull fury for so foule a shame , That he could not thereof auenged bee : But most for pitty of his dearest Dame , Whom now in deadly dannger he did see ; Yet had no meanes to comfort , nor procure her glee . But all in vaine ; for why , no remedy He saw , the present mischiefe to redresse , But th' vtmost end perforce for to aby , Which that nights fortune would for him addresse . So downe he tooke his Lady in distresse , And layd her vnderneath a bush to sleepe , Couer'd with cold , and wrapt in wretchednesse , Whiles he him selfe all night did nought but weepe , And wary watch about her for her safegard keepe . The morrow next , so soone as ioyous day Did shew it selfe in sunny beames bedight , Serena full of dolorous dismay , Twixt darkenesse dread , and hope of liuing light , Vprear'd her head to see that chearefull sight . Then Calepine , how euer inly wroth , And greedy to auenge that vile despight , Yet for the feeble Ladies sake , full loth To make there lenger stay , forth on his iourney goth . He goth on foote all armed by her side , Vpstaying still her selfe vppon her steede , Being vnhable else alone to ride ; So sore her sides , so much her wounds did bleede : Till that at length , in his extreamest neede , He chaunst far off an armed Knight to spy , Pursuing him apace with greedy speede , Whom well he wist to be some enemy , That meant to make aduantage of his misery . Wherefore he stayd , till that he nearer drew , To weet what issue would thereof betyde , Tho whenas he approched nigh in vew , By certaine signes he plainely him descryde , To be the man , that with such scornefull pryde Had him abusde , and shamed yesterday ; Therefore misdoubting , least he should misguyde His former malice to some new assay , He cast to keepe him selfe so safely as he may . By this the other came in place likewise , And couching close his speare and all his powre , As bent to some malicious enterprise , He bad him stand , t' abide the bitter auoure Of his sore vengeaunce , or to make auoure Of the lewd words and deedes , which he had done : With that ran at him , as he would deuoure His life attonce ; who nought could do , but shun The perill of his pride , or else be ouerrun . Yet he him still pursew'd from place to place , With full intent him cruelly to kill , And like a wilde goate round about did chace , Flying the fury of his bloudy will . But his best succour and refuge was still Behinde his Ladies backe , who to him cryde , And called oft with prayers loud and shrill , As euer he to Lady was affyde , To spare her Knight , and rest with reason pacifyde . But he the more thereby enraged was , And with more eager felnesse him pursew'd , So that at length , after long weary chace , Hauing by chaunce a close aduantage vew'd , He ouer raught him , hauing long eschew'd His violence in vaine , and with his spere Strooke through his shoulder , that the blood ensew'd In great aboundance , as a well it were , That forth out of an hill fresh gushing did appere . Yet ceast he not for all that cruell wound , But chaste him still , for all his Ladies cry , Not satisfyde till on the fatall ground He saw his life powrd forth dispiteously : The which was certes in great ieopardy , Had not a wondrous chaunce his reskue wrought , And saued from his cruell villany . Such chaunces oft exceed all humaine thought : That in another Canto shall to end be brought .

Cant. IIII. Calepine by a saluage man from Turpine reskewed is , And whylest an Infant from a Beare he saues , his loue doth misse . LIke as a ship with dreadfull storme long tost , Hauing spent all her mastes and her ground-hold , Now farre from harbour likely to be lost , At last some fisher barke doth neare behold , That giueth comfort to her courage cold . Such was the state of this most courteous knight Being oppressed by that faytour bold , That he remayned in most perilous plight , And his sad Ladie left in pitifull affright . Till that by fortune , passing all foresight , A saluage man , which in those woods did wonne , Drawne with that Ladies loud and piteous shright , Toward the same incessantly did ronne , To vnderstand what there was to be donne . There he this most discourteous crauen found , As fiercely yet , as when he first begonne , Chasing the gentle Calepine around , Ne sparing him the more for all his grieuous wound . The saluage man , that neuer till this houre Did taste of pittie , neither gentlesse knew , Seeing his sharpe assault and cruell stoure Was much emmoued at his perils vew , That euen his ruder hart began to rew , And feele compassion of his euill plight , Against his foe that did him so pursew : From whom he meant to free him , if he might , And him auenge of that so villenous despight . Yet armes or weapon had he none to fight , Ne knew the vse of warlike instruments , Saue such as sudden rage him lent to smite , But naked without needfull vestiments , To clad his corpse with meete habiliments , He cared not for dint of sword nor speere , No more then for the stroke of strawes or bents : For from his mothers wombe , which him did beare He was invulnerable made by Magicke leare . He stayed not t'aduize , which way were best His foe t' assayle , or how himselfe to gard , But with fierce fury and with force infest Vpon him ran ; who being well prepard , His first assault full warily did ward , And with the push of his sharp-pointed speare Full on the breast him strooke , so strong and hard , That forst him backe recoyle , and reele areare ; Yet in his bodie made no wound nor bloud appeare . With that the wyld man more enraged grew , Like to a Tygre that hath mist his pray , And with mad mood againe vpon him flew , Regarding neither speare , that mote him slay , Nor his fierce steed , that mote him much dismay . The saluage nation doth all dread despize : Tho on his shield he griple hold did lay , And held the same so hard , that by no wize He could him force to loose , or leaue his enterprize . Long did he wrest and wring it to and fro , And euery way did try , but all in vaine : For he would not his greedie grype forgoe , But hayld and puld with all his might and maine , That from his steed him nigh he drew againe . Who hauing now no vse of his long speare , So nigh at hand , nor force his shield to straine , Both speare and shield , as things that needlesse were ▪ He quite forsooke , and fled himselfe away for feare . But after him the wyld man ran apace , And him pursewed with importune speed , ( For he was swift as any Bucke in chace ) And had he not in his extreamest need , Bene helped through the swiftnesse of his steed , He had him ouertaken in his flight . Who euer , as he saw him nigh succeed , Gan cry aloud with horrible affright , And shrieked out , a thing vncomely for a knight . But when the Saluage saw his labour vaine , In following of him , that fled so fast , He wearie woxe , and backe return'd againe With speede vnto the place , whereas he last Had left that couple , nere their vtmost cast . There he that knight full sorely bleeding found , And eke the Ladie fearefully aghast , Both for the perill of the present stound , And also for the sharpnesse of her rankling wound . For though she were right glad , so rid to bee From that vile lozell , which her late offended , Yet now no lesse encombrance she did see , And perill by this saluage man pretended ; Gainst whom she saw no meanes to be defended , By reason that her knight was wounded sore . Therefore her selfe she wholy recommended To Gods sole grace , whom she did oft implore , To send her succour , being of all hope forlore . But the wyld man , contrarie to her feare , Came to her creeping like a fawning hound , And by rude tokens made to her appeare His deepe compassion of her dolefull stound , Kissing his hands , and crouching to the ground ; For other language had he none nor speach , But a soft murmure , and confused sound Of senselesse words , which nature did him teach , T' expresse his passions , which his reason did empeach . And comming likewise to the wounded knight , When he beheld the streames of purple blood Yet flowing fresh , as moued with the sight , He made great mone after his saluage mood , And running streight into the thickest wood , A certaine herbe from thence vnto him brought , Whose vertue he by vse well vnderstood : The iuyce whereof into his wound he wrought , And stopt the bleeding straight , ere he it staunched thought . Then taking vp that Recreants shield and speare , Which earst he left , he signes vnto them made , With him to wend vnto his wonning neare : To which he easily did them perswade Farre in the forrest by a hollow glade , Couered with mossie shrubs , which spredding brode Did vnderneath them make a gloomy shade ; There foot of liuing creature neuer trode , Ne scarse wyld beasts durst come , there was this wights abode . Thether he brought these vnacquainted guests ; To whom faire semblance , as he could , he shewed By signes , by lookes , and all his other gests . But the bare ground , with hoarie mosse bestrowed , Must be their bed , their pillow was vnsowed , And the frutes of the forrest was their feast : For their bad Stuard neither plough'd nor sowed , Ne fed on flesh , ne euer of wyld beast Did taste the bloud , obaying natures first beheast . Yet howsoeuer base and meane it were , They tooke it well , and thanked God for all , Which had them freed from that deadly feare , And sau'd from being to that caytiue thrall . Here they of force ( as fortune now did fall ) Compelled were themselues a while to rest , Glad of that easement , though it were but small ; That hauing there their wounds awhile redrest , They mote the abler be to passe vnto the rest . During which time , that wyld man did apply His best endeuour , and his daily paine , In seeking all the woods both farre and nye For herbes to dresse their wounds ; still seeming faine , When ought he did , that did their lyking gaine . So as ere long he had that knightes wound Recured well , and made him whole againe : But that same Ladies hurts no herbe he found , Which could redresse , for it was inwardly vnsound . Now when as Calepine was woxen strong , Vpon a day he cast abrode to wend , To take the ayre , and heare the thrushes song , Vnarm'd , as fearing neither foe nor frend , And without sword his person to defend . There him befell , vnlooked for before , An hard aduenture with vnhappie end , A cruell Beare , the which an infant bore Betwixt his bloodie iawes , besprinckled all with gore . The litle babe did loudly scrike and squall , And all the woods with piteous plaints did fill , As if his cry did meane for helpe to call To Calepine , whose eares those shrieches shrill Percing his hart with pities point did thrill ; That after him , he ran with zealous haste , To rescue th' infant , ere he did him kill : Whom though he saw now somewhat ouerpast , Yet by the cry he follow'd , and pursewed fast . Well then him chaunst his heauy armes to want , Whose burden mote empeach his needfull speed , And hinder him from libertie to pant : For hauing long time , as his daily weed , Them wont to weare , and wend on foot for need , Now wanting them he felt himselfe so light , That like an Hauke , which feeling her selfe freed From bels and iesses , which did let her flight , Him seem'd his feet did fly , and in their speed delight . So well he sped him , that the wearie Beare Ere long he ouertooke , and forst to stay , And without weapon him assayling neare , Compeld him soone the spoyle adowne to lay . Wherewith the beast enrag'd to loose his pray , Vpon him turned , and with greedie force And furie , to be crossed in his way , Gaping full wyde , did thinke without remorse To be aueng'd on him , and to deuoure his corse . But the bold knight no whit thereat dismayd , But catching vp in hand a ragged stone , Which lay thereby ( so fortune him did ayde ) Vpon him ran , and thrust it all attone Into his gaping throte , that made him grone And gaspe for breath , that he nigh choked was , Being vnable to digest that bone ; Ne could it vpward come , nor downward passe , Ne could he brooke the coldnesse of the stony masse . Whom when as he thus combred did behold , Stryuing in vaine that nigh his bowels brast , He with him closd , and laying mightie hold Vpon his throte , did gripe his gorge so fast , That wanting breath , him downe to ground he cast ; And then oppressing him with vrgent paine , Ere long enforst to breath his vtmost blast , Gnashing his cruell teeth at him in vaine , And threatning his sharpe clawes , now wanting powre to straine . Then tooke he vp betwixt his armes twaine The litle babe , sweet relickes of his pray ; Whom pitying to heare so sore complaine , From his soft eyes the teares he wypt away , And from his face the filth that did it ray , And euery litle limbe he searcht around , And euery part , that vnder sweathbands lay , Least that the beasts sharpe teeth had any wound Made in his tender flesh , but whole them all he found . So hauing all his bands againe vptyde , He with him thought backe to returne againe : But when he lookt about on euery syde , To weet which way were best to entertaine , To bring him to the place , where he would faine , He could no path nor tract of foot descry , Ne by inquirie learne , nor ghesse by ayme . For nought but woods and forrests farre and nye , That all about did close the compasse of his eye . Much was he then encombred , ne could tell Which way to take : now West he went a while , Then North ; then neither , but as fortune fell . So vp and downe he wandred many a mile , With wearie trauell and vncertaine toile , Yet nought the nearer to his iourneys end ; And euermore his louely litle spoile Crying for food , did greatly him offend . So all that day in wandring vainely he did spend . At last about the setting of the Sunne , Him selfe out of the forest he did wynd , And by good fortune the plaine champion wonne : Where looking all about , where he mote fynd Some place of succour to content his mynd , At length he heard vnder the forrests syde A voice , that seemed of some woman kynd , Which to her selfe lamenting loudly cryde , And oft complayn'd of fate , and fortune oft defyde . To whom approching , when as she perceiued A stranger wight in place , her plaint she stayd , As if she doubted to haue bene deceiued , Or loth to let her sorrowes be bewrayd . Whom when as Calepine saw so dismayd , He to her drew , and with faire blandishment Her chearing vp , thus gently to her sayd ; What be you wofull Dame , which thus lament , And for what cause declare , so mote ye not repent . To whom she thus , what need me Sir to tell , That which your selfe haue earst ared so right ? A wofull dame ye haue me termed well ; So much more wofull , as my wofull plight Cannot redressed be by liuing wight . Nathlesse ( quoth he ) if need doe not you bynd , Doe it disclose , to ease your grieued spright : Oftimes it haps , that sorrowes of the mynd Find remedie vnsought , which seeking cannot fynd . Then thus began the lamentable Dame ; Sith then ye needs will know the griefe I hoord , I am th' vnfortunate Matilde by name , The wife of bold Sir Bruin , who is Lord Of all this land , late conquer'd by his sword From a great Gyant , called Cormoraunt ; Whom he did ouerthrow by yonder foord , And in three battailes did so deadly daunt , That he dare not returne for all his daily vaunt . So is my Lord now seiz'd of all the land , As in his fee , with peaceable estate , And quietly doth hold it in his hand , Ne any dares with him for it debate . But to these happie fortunes , cruell fate Hath ioyn'd one euill , which doth overthrow All these our ioyes , and all our blisse abate ; And like in time to further ill to grow , And all this land with endlesse losse to ouerflow . For th' heauens enuying our prosperitie , Haue not vouchsaft to graunt vnto vs twaine The gladfull blessing of posteritie , Which we might see after our selues remaine In th' heritage of our vnhappie paine : So that for want of heires it to defend , All is in time like to returne againe To that foule feend , who dayly doth attend To leape into the same after our liues end . But most my Lord is grieued herewithall , And makes exceeding mone , when he does thinke That all this land vnto his foe shall fall , For which he long in vaine did sweat and swinke , That now the same he greatly doth forthinke . Yet was it sayd , there should to him a sonne Be gotten , not begotten , which should drinke And dry vp all the water , which doth ronne In the next brooke , by whom that feend shold be fordonne . Well hop't he then , when this was propheside , That from his sides some noble chyld should rize , The which through fame should farre be magnifide , And this proud gyant should with braue emprize Quite ouerthrow , who now ginnes to despize The good Sir Bruin , growing farre in yeares ; Who thinkes from me his sorrow all doth rize . Lo this my cause of griefe to you appeares ; For which I thus doe mourne , and poure forth ceaselesse teares . Which when he heard , he inly touched was With tender ruth for her vnworthy griefe , And when he had deuized of her case , He gan in mind conceiue a fit reliefe For all her paine , if please her make the priefe . And hauing cheared her , thus said ; faire Dame , In euils counsell is the comfort chiefe , Which though I be not wise enough to frame , Yet as I well it meane , vouchsafe it without blame . If that the cause of this your languishment Be lacke of children , to supply your place , Low how good fortune doth to you present This litle babe , of sweete and louely face , And spotlesse spirit , in which ye may enchace What euer formes ye list thereto apply , Being now soft and fit them to embrace ; Whether ye list him traine in cheualry , Or noursle vp in lore of learn'd Philosophy . And certes it hath oftentimes bene seene , That of the like , whose linage was vnknowne , More braue and noble knights haue raysed beene , As their victorious deedes haue often showen , Being with fame through many Nations blowen , Then those , which haue bene dandled in the lap . Therefore some thought , that those braue imps were sowen Here by the Gods , and fed with heauenly sap , That made them grow so high t' all honorable hap . The Ladie hearkning to his sensefull speach , Found nothing that he said , vnmeet nor geason , Hauing oft seene it tryde , as he did teach . Therefore inclyning to his goodly reason , Agreeing well both with the place and season , She gladly did of that same babe accept , As of her owne by liuerey and seisin , And hauing ouer it a litle wept , She bore it thence , and euer as her owne it kept . Right glad was Calepine to be so rid Of his young charge , whereof he skilled nought : Ne she lesse glad ; for she so wisely did , And with her husband vnder hand so wrought , That when that infant vnto him she brought , She made him thinke it surely was his owne , And it in goodly thewes so well vpbrought , That it became a famous knight well knowne And did right noble deedes , the which elswhere are showne . But Calepine , now being left alone Vnder the greenewoods side in sorie plight , Withouten armes or steede to ride vpon , Or house to hide his head from heauens spight , Albe that Dame by all the meanes she might , Him oft desired home with her to wend , And offred him , his courtesie to requite , Both horse and armes , and what so else to lend , Yet he them all refusd , though thankt her as a frend . And for exceeding griefe which inly grew , That he his loue so lucklesse now had lost , On the cold ground , maugre himselfe he threw , For fell despight , to be so sorely crost ; And there all night himselfe in anguish tost , Vowing , that neuer he in bed againe His limbes would rest , ne lig in ease embost , Till that his Ladies sight he mote attaine , Or vnderstand , that she in safetie did remaine .

Cant. V. The saluage serues Matilda well till she Prince Arthure fynd , Who her together with his Squyre with th' Hermit leaues behynd . O What an easie thing is to descry The gentle bloud , how euer it bewrapt In sad misfortunes foule deformity , And wretched sorrowes , which haue often hapt ? For howsoeuer it may grow mis-shapt , Like this wyld man , being vndisciplynd , That to all vertue it may seeme vnapt , Yet will it shew some sparkes of gentle mynd , And at the last breake forth in his owne proper kynd . That plainely may in this wyld man be red , Who though he were still in this desert wood , Mongst saluage beasts , both rudely borne and bred , Ne euer saw faire guize , ne learned good , Yet shewd some token of his gentle blood , By gentle vsage of that wretched Dame . For certes he was borne of noble blood , How euer by hard hap he hether came ; As ye may know , when time shall be to tell the same . Who when as now long time he lacked had The good Sir Calepine , that farre was strayd , Did wexe exceeding sorrowfull and sad , As he of some misfortune were afrayd : And leauing there this Ladie all dismayd , Went forth streightway into the forrest wyde , To seeke , if he perchance a sleepe were layd , Or what so else were vnto him betyde : He sought him farre & neare , yet him no where he spyde . Tho backe returning to that sorie Dame , He shewed semblant of exceeding mone , By speaking signes , as he them best could frame ; Now wringing both his wretched hands in one , Now beating his hard head vpon a stone , That ruth it was to see him so lament . By which she well perceiuing , what was done , Gan teare her hayre , and all her garments rent , And beat her breast , and piteously her selfe torment . Vpon the ground her selfe she fiercely threw , Regardlesse of her wounds , yet bleeding rife , That with their bloud did all the flore imbrew , As if her breast new launcht with murdrous knife , Would streight dislodge the wretched wearie life . There she long groueling , and deepe groning lay , As if her vitall powers were at strife With stronger death , and feared their decay , Such were this Ladies pangs and dolorous assay . Whom when the Saluage saw so sore distrest , He reared her vp from the bloudie ground , And sought by all the meanes , that he could best Her to recure out of that stony swound , And staunch the bleeding of her dreary wound . Yet nould she be recomforted for nought , Ne cease her sorrow and impatient stound , But day and night did vexe her carefull thought , And euer more and more her owne affliction wrought . At length , when as no hope of his retourne She saw now left , she cast to leaue the place , And wend abrode , though feeble and forlorne , To seeke some comfort in that sorie case . His steede now strong through rest so long a space , Well as she could , she got , and did bedight , And being thereon mounted , forth did pace , Withouten guide , her to conduct aright , Or gard her to defend from bold oppressors might . Whom when her Host saw readie to depart , He would not suffer her alone to fare , But gan himselfe addresse to take her part . Those warlike armes , which Calepine whyleare Had left behind , he gan eftsoones prepare , And put them all about himselfe vnfit , His shield , his helmet , and his curats bare . But without sword vpon his thigh to sit : Sir Calepine himselfe away had hidden it . So forth they traueld an vneuen payre , That mote to all men seeme an vncouth sight ; A saluage man matcht with a Ladie fayre , That rather seem'd the conquest of his might , Gotten by spoyle , then purchaced aright . But he did her attend most carefully , And faithfully did serue both day and night , Withouten thought of shame or villeny , Ne euer shewed signe of foule disloyalty . Vpon a day as on their way they went , It chaunst some furniture about her steed To be disordred by some accident : Which to redresse , she did th' assistance need Of this her groome , which he by signes did reede , And streight his combrous armes aside did lay Vpon the ground , withouten doubt or dreed , And in his homely wize began to assay T' amend what was amisse , and put in right aray . Bout which whilest he was busied thus hard , Lo where a knight together with his squire , All arm'd to point came ryding thetherward , Which seemed by their portance and attire , To be two errant knights , that did inquire After aduentures , where they mote them get . Those were to weet ( if that ye it requre ) Prince Arthur and young Timias , which met By straunge occasion , that here needs forth be set . After that Timias had againe recured The fauour of Belphebe , ( as ye heard ) And of her grace did stand againe assured , To happie blisse he was full high vprear'd , Nether of enuy , nor of chaunge afeard , Though many foes did him maligne therefore , And with vniust detraction him did beard ; Yet he himselfe so well and wisely bore , That in her soueraine lyking he dwelt euermore . But of them all , which did his ruine seeke Three mightie enemies did him most despight , Three mightie ones , and cruell minded eeke , That him not onely sought by open might To ouerthrow , but to supplant by slight . The first of them by name was cald Despetto , Exceeding all the rest in powre and hight ; The second not so strong but wise , Decetto ; The third nor strong nor wise , but spightfullest Defetto . Oftimes their sundry powres they did employ , And seuerall deceipts , but all in vaine : For neither they by force could him destroy , Ne yet entrap in treasons subtill traine . Therefore conspiring all together plaine , They did their counsels now in one compound ; Where singled forces faile , conioynd may gaine . The Blatant Beast the fittest meanes they found , To worke his vtter shame , and throughly him confound . Vpon a day as they the time did waite , When he did raunge the wood for saluage game , They sent that Blatant Beast to be a baite , To draw him from his deare beloued dame , Vnwares into the daunger of defame . For well they wist , that Squire to be so bold , That no one beast in forrest wylde or tame , Met him in chase , but he it challenge would , And plucke the pray oftimes out of their greedy hould . The hardy boy , as they deuised had , Seeing the vgly Monster passing by , Vpon him set , of perill nought adrad , Ne skilfull of the vncouth ieopardy ; And charged him so fierce and furiously , That his great force vnable to endure , He forced was to turne from him and fly : Yet ere he fled , he with his tooth impure Him heedlesse bit , the whiles he was thereof secure . Securely he did after him pursew , Thinking by speed to ouertake his flight ; Who through thicke woods and brakes & briers him drew , To weary him the more , and waste his spight , So that he now has almost spent his spright . Till that at length vnto a woody glade He came , whose couert stopt his further sight , There his three foes shrowded in guilefull shade , Out of their ambush broke , and gan him to inuade . Sharpely they all attonce did him assaile , Burning with inward rancour and despight , And heaped strokes did round about him haile With so huge force , that seemed nothing might Beare off their blowes , from percing thorough quite . Yet he them all so warily did ward , That none of them in his soft flesh did bite , And all the while his backe for best safegard , He lent against a tree , that backeward onset bard . Like a wylde Bull , that being at a bay , Is bayted of a mastiffe , and a hound , And a curre-dog ; that doe him sharpe assay On euery side , and beat about him round ; But most that curre barking with bitter sownd , And creeping still behinde , doth him incomber , That in his chauffe he digs the trampled ground , And threats his horns , and bellowes like the thonder , So did that Squire his foes disperse , and driue asonder . Him well behoued so ; for his three foes Sought to encompasse him on euery side , And dangerously did round about enclose . But most of all Defetto him annoyde , Creeping behinde him still to haue destroyde : So did Decetto eke him circumuent , But stout Despetto in his greater pryde , Did front him face to face against him bent , Yet he them all withstood , and often made relent . Till that at length nigh tyrd with former chace , And weary now with carefull keeping ward , He gan to shrinke , and somewhat to giue place , Full like ere long to haue escaped hard ; When as vnwares he in the forrest heard A trampling steede , that with his neighing fast Did warne his rider be vppon his gard ; With noise whereof the Squire now nigh aghast , Reuiued was , and sad dispaire away did cast . Eftsoones he spide a Knight approching nye , Who seeing one in so great daunger set Mongst many foes , him selfe did faster hye ; To reskue him , and his weake part abet , For pitty so to see him ouerset . Whom soone as his three enemies did vew , They fled , and fast into the wood did get : Him booted not to thinke them to pursew , The couert was so thicke , that did no passage shew . Then turning to that swaine , him well he knew To be his Timias , his owne true Squire , Whereof exceeding glad , he to him drew , And him embracing twixt his armes entire , Him thus bespake ; My liefe , my lifes desire , Why haue ye me alone thus long yleft ? Tell me what worlds despight , or heauens yre Hath you thus long away from me bereft ? Where haue ye all this while bin wandring , where bene weft ? With that he sighed deepe for inward tyne : To whom the Squire nought aunswered againe , But shedding few soft teares from tender eyne , His deare affect with silence did restraine , And shut vp all his plaint in priuy paine . There they awhile some gracious speaches spent , As to them seemed fit time to entertaine . After all which vp to their steedes they went , And forth together rode a comely couplement . So now they be arriued both in sight Of this wyld man , whom they full busie found About the sad Serena things to dight , With those braue armours lying on the ground , That seem'd the spoile of some right well renownd . Which when that Squire beheld , he to them stept , Thinking to take them from that hylding hound : But he it seeing , lightly to him lept , And sternely with strong hand it from his handling kept . Gnashing his grinded teeth with griesly looke , And sparkling fire out of his furious eyne , Him with his fist vnwares on th' head he strooke , That made him downe vnto the earth encline ; Whence soone vpstarting much he gan repine , And laying hand vpon his wrathfull blade , Thought therewithall forthwith him to haue slaine , Who it perceiuing , hand vpon him layd , And greedily him griping , his auengement stayd . With that aloude the faire Serena cryde Vnto the Knight , them to dispart in twaine : Who to them stepping did them soone diuide , And did from further violence restraine , Albe the wyld-man hardly would refraine . Then gan the Prince , of her for to demand , What and from whence she was , and by what traine She fell into that saluage villaines hand , And whether free with him she now were , or in band . To whom she thus ; I am , as now ye see , The wretchedst Dame , that liue this day on ground , Who both in minde , the which most grieueth me , And body haue receiu'd a mortall wound , That hath me driuen to this drery stound . I was erewhile , the loue of Calepine , Who whether he aliue be to be found , Or by some deadly chaunce be done to pine , Since I him lately lost , vneath is to define . In saluage forrest I him lost of late , Where I had surely long ere this bene dead , Or else remained in most wretched state , Had not this wylde man in that wofull stead Kept , and deliuered me from deadly dread . In such a saluage wight , of brutish kynd , Amongst wilde beastes in desert forrests bred , It is most straunge and wonderfull to fynd So milde humanity , and perfect gentle mynd . Let me therefore this fauour for him finde , That ye will not your wrath vpon him wreake , Sith he cannot expresse his simple minde , Ne yours conceiue , ne but by tokens speake : Small praise to proue your powre on wight so weake . With such faire words she did their heate asswage , And the strong course of their displeasure breake , That they to pitty turnd their former rage , And each sought to supply the office of her page . So hauing all things well about her dight , She on her way cast forward to proceede , And they her forth conducted , where they might Finde harbour fit to comfort her great neede . For now her wounds corruption gan to breed ; And eke this Squire , who likewise wounded was Of that same Monster late , for lacke of heed , Now gan to faint , and further could not pas Through feeblenesse , which all his limbes oppressed has . So forth they rode together all in troupe , To seeke some place , the which mote yeeld some ease To these sicke twaine , that now began to droupe , And all the way the Prince sought to appease The bitter anguish of their sharpe disease , By all the courteous meanes he could inuent , Somewhile with merry purpose fit to please , And otherwhile with good encouragement , To make them to endure the pains , did them torment . Mongst which , Serena did to him relate The foule discourt'sies and vnknightly parts , Which Turpine had vnto her shewed late , Without compassion of her cruell smarts , Although Blandina did with all her arts Him otherwise perswade , all that she might ; Yet he of malice , without her desarts , Not onely her excluded late at night , But also trayterously did wound her weary Knight . Wherewith the Prince sore moued , there auoud , That soone as he returned backe againe , He would auenge th' abuses of that proud And shamefull Knight , of whom she did complaine . This wize did they each other entertaine , To passe the tedious trauell of the way ; Till towards night they came vnto a plaine , By which a little Hermitage there lay , Far from all neighbourhoood , the which annoy it may . And nigh thereto a little Chappell stoode , Which being all with Yuy ouerspred , Deckt all the roofe , and shadowing the roode , Seem'd like a groue faire braunched ouer hed : Therein the Hermite , which his life here led In streight obseruaunce of religious vow , Was wont his howres and holy things to bed ; And therein he likewise was praying now , Whenas these Knights arriu'd , they wist not where nor how . They stayd not there , but streight way in did pas . Whom when the Hermite present saw in place , From his deuotion streight he troubled was ; Which breaking of he toward them did pace , With stayed steps , and graue beseeming grace : For well it seem'd , that whilome he had beene Soome goodly person , and of gentle race , That could his good to all , and well did weene , How each to entertaine with curt'sie well beseene . And soothly it was sayd by common fame , So long as age enabled him thereto , That he had bene a man of mickle name , Renowmed much in armes and derring doe : But being aged now and weary to Of warres delight , and worlds contentious toyle , The name of knighthood he did disauow , And hanging vp his armes and warlike spoyle , From all this worlds incombraunce did himselfe assoyle . He thence them led into his Hermitage , Letting their steedes to graze vpon the greene : Small was his house , and like a little cage , For his owne turne , yet inly neate and clene , Deckt with greene boughes , and flowers gay beseene . Therein he them full faire did entertaine Not with such forged showes , as fitter beene For courting fooles , that curtesies would faine , But with entire affection and appearaunce plaine . Yet was their fare but homely , such as hee Did vse , his feeble body to sustaine ; The which full gladly they did take in glee , Such as it was , ne did of want complaine , But being well suffiz'd , them rested faine . But faire Serene all night could take no rest , Ne yet that gentle Squire for grieuous paine Of their late woundes , the which the Blatant Beast Had giuen them , whose griefe through suffraunce sore increast . So all that night they past in great disease , Till that the morning , bringing earely light To guide mens labours , brought them also ease , And some asswagement of their painefull plight . Then vp they rose , and gan them selues to dight Vnto their iourney ; but that Squire and Dame So faint and feeble were , that they ne might Endure to trauell , nor one foote to frame : Their hearts were sicke , their sides were sore , their feete were lame . Therefore the Prince , whom great affaires in mynd Would not permit , to make their lenger stay , Was forced there to leaue them both behynd , In that good Hermits charge , whom he did pray To tend them well . So forth he went his way , And with him eke the saluage , that whyleare Seeing his royall vsage and array , Was greatly growne in loue of that braue pere , Would needes depart , as shall declared be elsewhere .

Cant. VI. The Hermite heales both Squire and dame Of their sore maladies : He Turpine doth defeate , and shame For his late villanies . NO wound , which warlike hand of enemy Inflicts with dint of sword , so sore doth light , As doth the poysnous sting , which infamy Infixeth in the name of noble wight : For by no art , nor any leaches might It euer can recured be againe ; Ne all the skill , which that immortall spright Of Podalyrius did in it retaine , Can remedy such hurts ; such hurts are hellish paine . Such were the wounds , the which that Blatant Beast Made in the bodies of that Squire and Dame ; And being such , were now much more increast , For want of taking heede vnto the same , That now corrupt and curelesse they became . Howbe that carefull Hermite did his best , With many kindes of medicines meete , to tame The poysnous humour , which did most infest Their ranckling wounds , & euery day them duely drest . For he right well in Leaches craft was seene , And through the long experience of his dayes , Which had in many fortunes tossed beene , And past through many perillous assayes , He knew the diuerse went of mortall wayes , And in the mindes of men had great insight ; Which with sage counsell , when they went astray , He could enforme , and them reduce aright , And al the passions heale , which wound the weaker spright . For whylome he had bene a doughty Knight , As any one , that liued in his daies , And proued oft in many perillous fight , Of which he grace and glory wonne alwaies , And in all battels bore away the baies . But being now attacht with timely age , And weary of this worlds vnquiet waies , He tooke him selfe vnto this Hermitage , In which he liu'd alone , like carelesse bird in cage . One day , as he was searching of their wounds , He found that they had festred priuily , And ranckling inward with vnruly stounds , The inner parts now gan to putrify , That quite they seem'd past helpe of surgery , And rather needed to be disciplinde With holesome reede of sad sobriety , To rule the stubborne rage of passion blinde : Giue salues to euery sore , but counsell to the minde . So taking them apart into his cell , He to that point fit speaches gan to frame , As he the art of words knew wondrous well , And eke could doe , as well as say the same , And thus he to them sayd ; faire daughter Dame , And you faire sonne , which here thus long now lie In piteous languor , since ye hither came , In vaine of me ye hope for remedie , And I likewise in vaine doe salues to you applie . For in your selfe your onely helpe doth lie , To heale your selues , and must proceed alone From your owne will , to cure your maladie . Who can him cure , that will be cur'd of none ? If therefore health ye seeke , obserue this one . First learne your outward sences to refraine From things , that stirre vp fraile affection ; Your eies , your eares , your tongue , your talke restaine From that they most affect , and in due termes containe . For from those outward sences ill affected , The seede of all this euill first doth spring , Which at the first before it had infected , Mote easie be supprest with little thing : But being growen strong , it forth doth bring Sorrow , and anguish , and impatient paine In th' inner parts , and lastly scattering Contagious poyson close through euery vaine , It neuer rests , till it haue wrought his finall bane . For that beastes teeth , which wounded you tofore , Are so exceeding venemous and keene , Made all of rusty yron , ranckling sore , That where they bite , it booteth not to weene With salue , or antidote , or other mene It euer to amend : ne maruaile ought ; For that same beast was bred of hellish strene , And long in darksome Stygian den vpbrought , Begot of foule Echidna , as in bookes is taught . Echidna is a Monster direfull dred , Whom Gods doe hate , and heauens abhor to see ; So hideous is her shape , so huge her hed , That euen the hellish fiends affrighted bee At sight thereof , and from her presence flee : Yet did her face and former parts professe A faire young Mayden , full of comely glee ; But all her hinder parts did plaine expresse A monstrous Dragon , full of fearefull vglinesse . To her the Gods , for her so dreadfull face , In fearefull darkenesse , furthest from the skie , And from the earth , appointed haue her place , Mongst rocks and caues , where she enrold doth lie In hideous horrour and obscurity , Wasting the strength of her immortall age . There did Typhaon with her company , Cruell Typhaon , whose tempestuous rage Make th' heauens tremble oft , & him with vowes asswage . Of that commixtion they did then beget This hellish Dog , that hight the Blatant Beast ; A wicked Monster , that his tongue doth whet Gainst all , both good and bad , both most and least , And poures his poysnous gall forth to infest The noblest wights with notable defame : Ne euer Knight , that bore so lofty creast , Ne euer Lady of so honest name , But he them spotted with reproch , or secrete shame . In vaine therefore it were , with medicine To goe about to salue such kynd of sore , That rather needes wise read and discipline , Then outward salues , that may augment it more . Aye me ( sayd then Serena sighing sore ) What hope of helpe doth then for vs remaine , If that no salues may vs to health restore ? But sith we need good counsell ( sayd the swaine ) Aread good sire , some counsell , that may vs sustaine . The best ( sayd he ) that I can you aduize , Is to auoide the occasion of the ill : For when the cause , whence euill doth arize , Remoued is , th' effect surceaseth still . Abstaine from pleasure , and restraine your will , Subdue desire , and bridle loose delight , Vse scanted diet , and forbeare your fill , Shun secresie , and talke in open sight : So shall you soone repaire your present euill plight . Thus hauing sayd , his sickely patients Did gladly hearken to his graue beheast , And kept so well his wise commaundements , That in short space their malady was ceast , And eke the biting of that harmefull Beast Was throughly heal'd . Tho when they did perceaue Their wounds recur'd , and forces reincreast , Of that good Hermite both they tooke their leaue , And went both on their way , ne ech would other leaue . But each th' other vow'd t' accompany , The Lady , for that she was much in dred , Now left alone in great extremity , The Squire , for that he courteous was indeed , Would not her leaue alone in her great need . So both together traueld , till they met With a faire Mayden clad in mourning weed , Vpon a mangy iade vnmeetely set , And a lewd foole her leading thorough dry and wet . But by what meanes that shame to her befell , And how thereof her selfe she did acquite , I must a while forbeare to you to tell ; Till that , as comes by course , I doe recite , What fortune to the Briton Prince did lite , Pursuing that proud Knight , the which whileare Wrought to Sir Calidore so foule despight ; And eke his Lady , though she sickely were , So lewdly had abusde , as ye did lately heare . The Prince according to the former token , Which faire Serene to him deliuered had , Pursu'd him streight , in mynd to bene ywroken Of all the vile demeane , and vsage bad , With which he had those two so ill bestad : Ne wight with him on that aduenture went , But that wylde man , whom though he oft forbad , Yet for no bidding , nor for being shent , Would he restrayned be from his attendement . Arriuing there , as did by chaunce befall , He found the gate wyde ope , and in he rode , Ne stayd , till that he came into the hall : Where soft dismounting like a weary lode , Vpon the ground with feeble feete he trode , As he vnable were for very neede To moue one foote , but there must make abode ; The whiles the saluage man did take his steede , And in some stable neare did set him vp to feede . Ere long to him a homely groome there came , That in rude wise him asked , what he was , That durst so boldly , without let or shame , Into his Lords forbidden hall to passe . To whom the Prince , him fayning to embase , Mylde answer made ; he was an errant Knight , The which was fall'n into this feeble case , Through many wounds , which lately he in fight , Receiued had , and prayd to pitty his ill plight . But he , the more outrageous and bold , Sternely did bid him quickely thence auaunt , Or deare aby , for why his Lord of old Did hate all errant Knights , which there did haunt , Ne lodging would to any of them graunt , And therefore lightly bad him packe away , Not sparing him with bitter words to taunt ; And therewithall rude hand on him did lay , To thrust him out of dore , doing his worst assay . Which when the Saluage comming now in place , Beheld , eftsoones he all enraged grew , And running streight vpon that villaine base , Like a fell Lion at him fiercely flew , And with his teeth and nailes , in present vew , Him rudely rent , and all to peeces tore : So miserably him all helpelesse slew , That with the noise , whilest he did loudly rore , The people of the house rose forth in great vprore . Who when on ground they saw their fellow slaine , And that same Knight and Saluage standing by , Vpon them two they fell with might and maine , And on them layd so huge and horribly , As if they would haue slaine them presently . But the bold Prince defended him so well , And their assault withstood so mightily , That maugre all their might , he did repell , And beat them back , whilest many vnderneath him fell . Yet he them still so sharpely did pursew , That few of them he left aliue , which fled , Those euill tidings to their Lord to shew . Who hearing how his people badly sped , Came forth in hast : where when as with the dead He saw the ground all strow'd , and that same Knight And saluage with their bloud fresh steeming red , He woxe nigh mad with wrath and fell despight , And with reprochfull words him thus bespake on hight . Art thou he , traytor , that with treason vile , Hast slaine my men in this vnmanly maner , And now triumphest in the piteous spoile Of these poore folk , whose soules with black dishonor And foule defame doe decke thy bloudy baner ? The meede whereof shall shortly be thy shame , And wretched end , which still attendeth on her . With that him selfe to battell he did frame ; So did his forty yeomen , which there with him came . With dreadfull force they all did him assaile , And round about with boystrous strokes oppresse , That on his shield did rattle like to haile In a great tempest ; that in such distresse , He wist not to which side him to addresse . And euermore that crauen cowherd Knight , Was at his backe with heartlesse heedinesse , Wayting if he vnwares him murther might : For cowardize doth still in villany delight . Whereof whenas the Prince was well aware , He to him turnd with furious intent , And him against his powre gan to prepare ; Like a fierce Bull , that being busie bent To fight with many foes about him ment , Feeling some curre behinde his heeles to bite , Turnes him about with fell auengement ; So likewise turnde the Prince vpon the Knight , And layd at him amaine with all his will and might . Who when he once his dreadfull strokes had tasted , Durst not the furie of his force abyde , But turn'd abacke , and to retyre him hasted Through the thick prease , there thinking him to hyde . But when the Prince had once him plainely eyde , He foot by foot him followed alway , Ne would him suffer once to shrinke asyde But ioyning close , huge lode at him did lay : Who flying still did ward , and warding fly away . But when his foe he still so eger saw , Vnto his heeles himselfe he did betake , Hoping vnto some refuge to withdraw : Ne would the Prince him euer foot forsake , Where so he went , but after him did make . He fled from roome to roome , from place to place , Whylest euery ioynt for dread of death did quake , Still looking after him , that did him chace ; That made him euermore increase his speedie pace . At last he vp into the chamber came , Whereas his loue was sitting all alone , Wayting what tydings of her folke became . There did the Prince him ouertake anone , Crying in vaine to her , him to bemone ; And with his sword him on the head did smyte , That to the ground he fell in senselesse swone : Yet whether thwart or flatly it did lyte , The tempred steele did not into his braynepan byte . Which when the Ladie saw , with great affright She starting vp , began to shrieke aloud , And with her garment couering him from sight , Seem'd vnder her protection him to shroud ; And falling lowly at his feet , her bowd Vpon her knee , intreating him for grace , And often him besought , and prayd , and vowd ; That with the ruth of her so wretched case , He stayd his second strooke , and did his hand abase . Her weed she then withdrawing , did him discouer , Who now come to himselfe , yet would not rize , But still did lie as dead , and quake , and quiuer , That euen the Prince his basenesse did despize , And eke his Dame him seeing in such guize , Gan him recomfort , and from ground to reare . Who rising vp at last in ghastly wize , Like troubled ghost did dreadfully appeare , As one that had no life him left through former feare . Whom when the Prince so deadly saw dismayd , He for such basenesse shamefully him shent , And with sharpe words did bitterly vpbrayd ; Vile cowheard dogge , now doe I much repent , That euer I this life vnto thee lent , Whereof thou caytiue so vnworthie art ; That both thy loue , for lacke of hardiment , And eke thy selfe , for want of manly hart , And eke all knights hast shamed with this knightlesse part . Yet further hast thou heaped shame to shame , And crime to crime , by this thy cowheard feare . For first it was to thee reprochfull blame , To erect this wicked custome , which I heare , Gainst errant Knights and Ladies thou dost reare ; Whom when thou mayst , thou dost of arms despoile , Or of their vpper garment , which they weare : Yet doest thou not with manhood , but with guile Maintaine this euill vse , thy foes thereby to foile . And lastly in approuance of thy wrong , To shew such faintnesse and foule cowardize , Is greatest shame : for oft it falles , that strong And valiant knights doe rashly enterprize , Either for fame , or else for exercize , A wrongfull quarrell to maintaine by right ; Yet haue , through prowesse and their braue emprize , Gotten great worship in this worldes sight . For greater force there needs to maintaine wrong , then right . Yet since thy life vnto this Ladie fayre I giuen haue , liue in reproch and scorne ; Ne euer armes , ne euer knighthood dare Hence to professe : for shame is to adorne With so braue badges one so basely borne ; But onely breath sith that I did forgiue . So hauing from his crauen bodie torne Those goodly armes , he them away did giue And onely suffred him this wretched life to liue . There whilest he thus was setling things aboue , Atwene that Ladie myld and recreant knight , To whom his life he graunted for her loue , He gan bethinke him , in what perilous plight He had behynd him left that saluage wight , Amongst so many foes , whom sure he thought By this quite slaine in so vnequall fight : Therefore descending backe in haste , he sought If yet he were aliue , or to destruction brought . There he him found enuironed about With slaughtred bodies , which his hand had slaine , And laying yet a fresh with courage stout Vpon the rest , that did aliue remaine ; Whom he likewise right sorely did constraine , Like scattred sheepe , to seeke for safetie , After he gotten had with busie paine Some of their weapons , which thereby did lie , With which he layd about , and made them fast to flie . Whom when the Prince so felly saw to rage , Approching to him neare , his hand he stayd , And sought , by making signes , him to asswage : Who them perceiuing , streight to him obayd , As to his Lord , and downe his weapons layd , As if he long had to his heasts bene trayned . Thence he him brought away , and vp conuayd Into the chamber , where that Dame remayned With her vnworthy knight , who ill him entertayned . Whom when the Saluage saw from daunger free , Sitting beside his Ladie there at ease , He well remembred , that the same was hee , Which lately sought his Lord for to displease : Tho all in rage , he on him streight did seaze , As if he would in peeces him haue rent ; And were not , that the Prince did him appeaze , He had not left one limbe of him vnrent : But streight he held his hand at his commaundement . Thus hauing all things well in peace ordayned , The Prince himselfe there all that night did rest , Where him Blandina fayrely entertayned , With all the courteous glee and goodly feast , The which for him she could imagine best . For well she knew the wayes to win good will Of euery wight , that were not too infest , And how to please the minds of good and ill , Through tempering of her words & lookes by wondrous skill . Yet were her words and lookes but false and fayned , To some hid end to make more easie way , Or to allure such fondlings , whom she trayned Into her trap vnto their owne decay : Thereto , when needed , she could weepe and pray , And when her listed , she could fawne and flatter ; Now smyling smoothly , like to sommers day , Now glooming sadly , so to cloke her matter ; Yet were her words but wynd , & all her teares but water . Whether such grace were giuen her by kynd , As women wont their guilefull wits to guyde ; Or learn'd the art to please , I doe not fynd . This well I wote , that she so well applyde Her pleasing tongue , that soone she pacifyde The wrathfull Prince , & wrought her husbands peace . Who nathelesse not therewith satisfyde , His rancorous despight did not releasse , Ne secretly from thought of fell reuenge surceasse . For all that night , the whyles the Prince did rest In carelesse couch , not weeting what was ment , He watcht in close awayt with weapons prest , Willing to worke his villenous intent On him , that had so shamefully him shent : Yet durst he not for very cowardize Effect the same , whylest all the night was spent . The morrow next the Prince did early rize , And passed forth , to follow his first enterprize .

Cant. VII . Turpine is baffuld , his two knights doe gaine their treasons meed , Fayre Mirabellaes punishment for loues disdaine decreed . LIke as the gentle hart it selfe bewrayes , In doing gentle deedes with franke delight , Euen so the baser mind it selfe displayes , In cancred malice and reuengefull spight . For to maligne , t'enuie , t' vse shifting slight , Be arguments of a vile donghill mind , Which what it dare not doe by open might , To worke by wicked treason wayes doth find , By such discourteous deeds discouering his base kind . That well appeares in this discourteous knight , The coward Turpine , whereof now I treat ; Who notwithstanding that in former fight He of the Prince his life receiued late , Yet in his mind malitious and ingrate He gan denize , to be aueng'd anew For all that shame , which kindled inward hate . Therefore so soone as he was out of vew , Himselfe in hast he arm'd , and did him fast pursew . Well did he tract his steps , as he did ryde , Yet would not neare approch in daungers eye , But kept aloofe for dread to be descryde , Vntill fit time and place he mote espy , Where he mote worke him scath and villeny . At last he met two knights to him vnknowne , The which were arm'd both agreeably , And both combynd , what euer chaunce were blowne , Betwixt them to diuide , and each to make his owne . To whom false Turpine comming courteously , To cloke the mischiefe , which he inly ment , Gan to complaine of great discourtesie , Which a straunge knight , that neare afore him went , Had doen to him , and his deare Ladie shent : Which if they would afford him ayde at need For to auenge , in time conuenient , They should accomplish both a knightly deed , And for their paines obtaine of him a goodly meed . The knights beleeu'd , that all he sayd , was trew , And being fresh and full of youthly spright , Were glad to heare of that aduenture new , In which they mote make triall of their might , Which neuer yet they had approu'd in fight ; And eke desirous of the offred meed , Said then the one of them ; where is that wight , The which hath doen to thee this wrongfull deed , That we may it auenge , and punish him with speed ? He rides ( said Turpine ) there not farre afore , With a wyld man soft footing by his syde , That if ye list to haste a litle more , Ye may him ouertake in timely tyde : Eftsoones they pricked forth with forward pryde , And ere that litle while they ridden had , The gentle Prince not farre away they spyde , Ryding a softly pace with portance sad , Deuizing of his loue more , then of daunger drad . Then one of them aloud vnto him cryde , Bidding him turne againe , false traytour knight , Foule womanwronger , for he him defyde . With that they both at once with equall spight Did bend their speares , and both with equall might Against him ran ; but th' one did misse his marke , And being carried with his force forthright , Glaunst swiftly by ; like to that heauenly sparke , Which glyding through the ayre lights all the heauens darke . But th' other ayming better , did him smite Full in the shield , with so impetuous powre , That all his launce in peeces shiuered quite , And scattered all about , fell on the flowre . But the stout Prince , with much more steddy stowre Full on his beuer did him strike so sore , That the cold steele through piercing , did deuowre His vitall breath , and to the ground him bore , Where still he bathed lay in his owne bloody gore . As when a cast of Faulcons make their flight At an Herneshaw , that lyes aloft on wing , The whyles they strike at him with heedlesse might , The warie foule his bill doth backward wring ; On which the first , whose force her first doth bring , Her selfe quite through the bodie doth engore , And falleth downe to ground like senselesse thing , But th' other not so swift , as she before , Fayles of her souse , and passing by doth hurt no more . By this the other , which was passed by , Himselfe recouering , was return'd to fight ; Where when he saw his fellow lifelesse ly , He much was daunted with so dismall sight ; Yet nought abating of his former spight , Let driue at him with so malitious mynd , As if he would haue passed through him quight : But the steele-head no stedfast hold could fynd , But glauncing by , deceiu'd him of that he desynd . Not so the Prince : for his well learned speare Tooke surer hould , and from his horses backe Aboue a launces length him forth did beare , And gainst the cold hard earth so sore him strake , That all his bones in peeces nigh he brake . Where seeing him so lie , he left his steed , And to him leaping , vengeance thought to take Of him , for all his former follies meed , With flaming sword in hand his terror more to breed . The fearefull swayne beholding death so nie , Cryde out aloud for mercie him to saue ; In lieu whereof he would to him descrie , Great treason to him meant , his life to reaue . The Prince soone hearkned , and his life forgaue . Then thus said he , There is a straunger knight , The which for promise of great meed , vs draue To this attempt , to wreake his hid despight , For that himselfe thereto did want sufficient might . The Prince much mused at such villenie , And sayd ; Now sure ye well haue earn'd your meed , For th' one is dead , and th' other soone shall die , Vnlesse to me thou hether bring with speed The wretch , that hyr'd you to this wicked deed , He glad of life , and willing eke to wreake The guilt on him , which did this mischiefe breed , Swore by his sword , that neither day nor weeke He would surceasse , but him , where so he were , would seeke . So vp he rose , and forth streight way he went Backe to the place , where Turpine late he lore ; There he him found in great astonishment , To see him so bedight with bloodie gore , And griesly wounds that him appalled sore . Yet thus at length he said , how now Sir knight ? What meaneth this , which here I see before ? How fortuneth this foule vncomely plight , So different from that , which earst ye seem'd in sight ? Perdie ( said he ) in euill houre it fell , That euer I for meed did vndertake So hard a taske , as life for hyre to sell ; The which I earst aduentur'd for your sake . Witnesse the wounds , and this wyde bloudie lake , Which ye may see yet all about me steeme . Therefore now yeeld , as ye did promise make , My due reward , the which right well I deeme I yearned haue , that life so dearely did redeeme . But where then is ( quoth he halfe wrothfully ) Where is the bootie , which therefore I bought , That cursed caytiue , my strong enemy , That recreant knight , whose hated life I sought ? And where is eke your friend , which halfe it ought ? He lyes ( said he ) vpon the cold bare ground , Slayne of that errant knight , with whom he fought ; Whom afterwards my selfe with many a wound Did slay againe , as ye may see there in the stound . Thereof false Turpin was full glad and faine , And needs with him streight to the place would ryde , Where he himselfe might see his foeman slaine ; For else his feare could not be satisfyde . So as they rode , he saw the way all dyde With streames of bloud ; which tracting by the traile , Ere long they came , whereas in euill tyde That other swayne , like ashes deadly pale , Lay in the lap of death , rewing his wretched bale . Much did the Crauen seeme to mone his case , That for his sake his deare life had forgone ; And him bewayling with affection base , Did counterfeit kind pittie , where was none : For wheres no courage , there s no ruth nor mone . Thence passing forth , not farre away he found , Whereas the Prince himselfe lay all alone , Loosely displayd vpon the grassie ground , Possessed of sweete sleepe , that luld him soft in swound . Wearie of trauell in his former fight , He there in shade himselfe had layd to rest , Hauing his armes and warlike things vndight , Fearelesse of foes that mote his peace molest ; The whyles his saluage page , that wont be prest , Was wandred in the wood another way , To doe some thing , that seemed to him best , The whyles his Lord in siluer slomber lay , Like to the Euening starre adorn'd with deawy ray . Whom when as Turpin saw so loosely layd , He weened well , that he in deed was dead , Like as that other knight to him had sayd : But when he nigh approcht , he mote aread Plaine signes in him of life and liuelihead . Whereat much grieu'd against that straunger knight , That him too light of credence did mislead , He would haue backe retyred from that sight , That was to him on earth the deadliest despight . But that same knight would not once let him start , But plainely gan to him declare the case Of all his mischiefe , and late lucklesse smart ; How both he and his fellow there in place Were vanquished , and put to foule disgrace , And how that he in lieu of life him lent , Had vow'd vnto the victor , him to trace And follow through the world , where so he went , Till that he him deliuered to his punishment . He therewith much abashed and affrayd , Began to tremble euery limbe and vaine ; And softly whispering him , entyrely prayd , T'aduize him better , then by such a traine Him to betray vnto a straunger swaine : Yet rather counseld him contrarywize , Sith he likewise did wrong by him sustaine , To ioyne with him and vengeance to deuize , Whylest time did offer meanes him sleeping to surprize . Nathelesse for all his speach , the gentle knight Would not be tempted to such villenie , Regarding more his faith , which he did plight , All were it to his mortall enemie , Then to entrap him by false treacherie : Great shame in lieges blood to be embrew'd . Thus whylest they were debating diuerslie , The Saluage forth out of the wood issew'd Backe to the place , whereas his Lord he sleeping vew'd . There when he saw those two so neare him stand , He doubted much what mote their meaning bee , And throwing downe his load out of his hand , To weet great store of forrest frute , which hee Had for his food late gathered from the tree , Himselfe vnto his weapon he betooke , That was an oaken plant , which lately hee Rent by the root ; which he so sternely shooke , That like an hazell wand , it quiuered and quooke . Whereat the Prince awaking , when he spyde The traytour Turpin with that other knight , He started vp , and snatching neare his syde His trustie sword , the seruant of his might , Like a fell Lyon leaped to him light , And his left hand vpon his collar layd . Therewith the cowheard deaded with affright , Fell flat to ground , ne word vnto him sayd , But holding vp his hands , with silence mercie prayd . But he so full of indignation was , That to his prayer nought he would incline , But as he lay vpon the humbled gras , His foot he set on his vile necke , in signe Of seruile yoke , that nobler harts repine . Then letting him arise like abiect thrall , He gan to him obiect his haynous crime , And to reuile , and rate , and recreant call , And lastly to despoyle of knightly banner all . And after all , for greater infamie , He by the heeles him hung vpon a tree , And baffuld so , that all which passed by , The picture of his punishment might see , And by the like ensample warned bee , How euer they through treason doe trespasse . But turne we now backe to that Ladie free , Whom late we left ryding vpon an Asse , Led by a Carle and foole , which by her side did passe . She was a Ladie of great dignitie , And lifted vp to honorable place , Famous through all the land of Faerie , Though of meane parentage and kindred base , Yet deckt with wondrous giftes of natures grace , That all men did her person much admire , And praise the feature of her goodly face , The beames whereof did kindle louely fire In th' harts of many a knight , and many a gentle squire . But she thereof grew proud and insolent , That none she worthie thought to be her fere , But scornd them all , that loue vnto her ment ; Yet was she lou'd of many a worthy pere , Vnworthy she to be belou'd so dere , That could not weigh of worthinesse aright . For beautie is more glorious bright and clere , The more it is admir'd of many a wight , And noblest she , that serued is of noblest knight . But this coy Damzell thought contrariwize , That such proud looks would make her praysed more ; And that the more she did all loue despize , The more would wretched louers her adore . What cared she , who sighed for her sore , Or who did wayle or watch the wearie night ? Let them that list , their lucklesse lot deplore ; She was borne free , not bound to any wight , And so would euer liue , and loue her owne delight . Through such her stubborne stifnesse , and hard hart , Many a wretch , for want of remedie , Did languish long in life consuming smart , And at the last through dreary dolour die : Whylest she , the Ladie of her libertie , Did boast her beautie had such soueraine might , That with the onely twinckle of her eye , She could or saue , or spill , whom she would hight . What could the Gods doe more , but doe it more aright ? But loe the Gods , that mortall follies vew , Did worthily reuenge this maydens pride ; And nought regarding her so goodly hew , Did laugh at her , that many did deride , Whilest she did weepe , of no man mercifide . For on a day , when Cupid kept his court , As he is wont at each Saint Valentide , Vnto the which all louers doe resort , That of their loues successe they there may make report . It fortun'd then , that when the roules were red , In which the names of all loues folke were fyled , That many there were missing , which were ded , Or kept in bands , or from their loues exyled , Or by some other violence despoyled . Which when as Cupid heard , he wexed wroth , And doubting to be wronged , or beguyled , He bad his eyes to be vnblindfold both , That he might see his men , and muster them by oth . Then found he many missing of his crew , Which wont doe suit and seruice to his might ; Of whom what was becomen , no man knew . Therefore a Iurie was impaneld streight , T' enquire of them , whether by force , or sleight , Or their owne guilt , they were away conuayd . To whom foule Infamie , and fell Despight Gaue euidence , that they were all betrayd , And murdred cruelly by a rebellious Mayd . Fayre Mirabella was her name , whereby Of all those crymes she there indited was : All which when Cupid heard , he by and by In great displeasure , wild a Capias Should issue forth , t'attach that scornefull lasse . The warrant straight was made , and therewithall A Baylieffe errant forth in post did passe , Whom they by name there Portamore did call ; He which doth summon louers to loues iudgement hall . The damzell was attacht , and shortly brought Vnto the barre , whereas she was arrayned : But she thereto nould plead , nor answere ought Euen for stubborne pride , which her restrayned . So iudgement past , as is by law ordayned In cases like , which when at last she saw , Her stubborne hart , which loue before disdayned , Gan stoupe , and falling downe with humble awe , Cryde mercie , to abate the extremitie of law . The sonne of Venus who is myld by kynd , But where he is prouokt with peeuishnesse , Vnto her prayers piteously enclynd , And did the rigour of his doome represse ; Yet not so freely , but that nathelesse He vnto her a penance did impose , Which was , that through this worlds wyde wildernes She wander should in companie of those , Till she had sau'd so many loues , as she did lose . So now she had bene wandring two whole yeares Throughout the world , in this vncomely case , Wasting her goodly hew in heauie teares , And her good dayes in dolorous disgrace : Yet had she not in all these two yeares space , Saued but two , yet in two yeares before , Throgh her dispiteous pride , whilest loue lackt place , She had destroyed two and twenty more . Aie me , how could her loue make half amends therefore . And now she was vppon the weary way , When as the gentle Squire , with faire Serene , Met her in such misseeming foule array ; The whiles that mighty man did her demeane With all the euill termes and cruell meane , That he could make ; And eeke that angry foole Which follow'd her , with cursed hands vncleane Whipping her horse , did with his smarting toole Oft whip her dainty selfe , and much augment her doole . Ne ought it mote auaile her to entreat The one or th' other , better her to vse : For both so wilfull were and obstinate , That all her piteous plaint they did refuse , And rather did the more her beate and bruse . But most the former villaine , which did lead Her tyreling iade , was bent her to abuse ; Who though she were with wearinesse nigh dead , Yet would not let her lite , nor rest a little stead . For he was sterne , and terrible by nature , And eeke of person huge and hideous , Exceeding much the measure of mans stature , And rather like a Gyant monstruous . Forsooth he was descended of the hous Of those old Gyants , which did warres darraine Against the heauen in order battailous , And sib to great Orgolio , which was slaine By Arthure , when as Vnas Knight he did maintaine . His lookes were dreadfull , and his fiery eies Like two great Beacons , glared bright and wyde , Glauncing askew , as if his enemies He scorned in his ouerweening pryde ; And stalking stately like a Crane , did stryde At euery step vppon the tiptoes hie , And all the way he went , on euery syde He gaz'd about , and stared horriblie , As if he with his lookes would all men terrifie . He wore no armour , ne for none did care , As no whit dreading any liuing wight ; But in a Iacket quilted richly rare , Vpon checklaton he was straungely dight , And on his head a roll of linnen plight , Like to the Mores of Malaber he wore ; With which his locks , as blacke as pitchy night , Were bound about , and voyded from before , And in his hand a mighty yron club he bore . This was Disdaine , who led that Ladies horse Through thick & thin , through mountains & through plains , Compelling her , wher she would not by force Haling her palfrey by the hempen raines . But that same foole , which most increast her paines , Was Scorne , who hauing in his hand a whip , Her therewith yirks , and still when she complaines , The more he laughes , and does her closely quip , To see her sore lament , and bite her tender lip . Whose cruell handling when that Squire beheld , And saw those villaines her so vildely vse , His gentle heart with indignation sweld , And could no lenger beare so great abuse , As such a Lady so to beate and bruise ; But to him stepping , such a stroke him lent , That forst him th' halter from his hand to loose , And maugre all his might , backe to relent : Else had he surely there bene slaine , or fowly shent . The villaine wroth for greeting him so sore , Gathered him selfe together soone againe , And with his yron batton , which he bore , Let driue at him so dreadfully amaine , That for his safety he did him constraine To giue him ground , and shift to euery side , Rather then once his burden to sustaine : For bootelesse thing him seemed , to abide , So mighty blowes , or proue the puissaunce of his pride . Like as a Mastiffe hauing at a bay A saluage Bull , whose cruell hornes doe threat Desperate daunger , if he them assay , Traceth his ground , and round about doth beat , To spy where he may some aduauntage get ; The whiles the beast doth rage and loudly rore , So did the Squire , the whiles the Carle did fret , And fume in his disdainefull mynd the more , And oftentimes by Turmagant and Mahound swore . Nathelesse so sharpely still he him pursewd , That at aduantage him at last he tooke , When his foote slipt ( that slip he dearely rewd , ) And with his yron club to ground him strooke ; Where still he lay , ne out of swoune awooke , Till heauy hand the Carle vpon him layd , And bound him fast : Tho when he vp did looke , And saw him selfe captiu'd , he was dismayd , Ne powre had to withstand , ne hope of any ayd . Then vp he made himselfe , and forward fare , Led in a rope , which both his hands did bynd ; Ne ought that foole for pitty did him spare , But with his whip him following behynd , Him often scourg'd , and forst his feete to fynd : And other whiles with bitter mockes and mowes He would him scorne , that to his gentle mynd Was much more grieuous , then the others blowes : Words sharpely wound , but greatest griefe of scorning growes . The faire Serena , when she saw him fall Vnder that villaines club , then surely thought That slaine he was , or made a wretched thrall , And fled away with all the speede she mought , To seeke for safety , which long time she sought : And past through many perils by the way , Ere she againe to Calepine was brought ; The which discourse as now I must delay , Till Mirabellaes fortunes I doe further say .

Cant. VIII . Prince Arthure ouercomes Disdaine , Quites Mirabell from dreed : Serena found of Saluages , By Calepine is freed . YE gentle Ladies , in whose soueraine powre Loue hath the glory of his kingdome left , And th' hearts of men , as your eternall dowre , In yron chaines , of liberty bereft , Deliuered hath into your hands by gift ; Be well aware , how ye the same doe vse , That pride doe not to tyranny you lift ; Least if men you of cruelty accuse , He from you take that chiefedome , which ye doe abuse . And as ye soft and tender are by kynde , Adornd with goodly gifts of beauties grace , So be ye soft and tender eeke in mynde ; But cruelty and hardnesse from you chace , That all your other praises will deface , And from you turne the loue of men to hate . Ensample take of Mirabellaes case , Who from the high degree of happy state , Fell into wretched woes , which she repented late . Who after thraldome of the gentle Squire , Which she beheld with lamentable eye , Was touched with compassion entire , And much lamented his calamity , That for her sake fell into misery : Which booted nought for prayers , nor for threat To hope for to release or mollify ; For aye the more , that she did them entreat The more they him misust , and cruelly did beat . So as they forward on their way did pas , Him still reuiling and afflicting sore , They met Prince Arthure with Sir Enias , ( That was that courteous Knight , whom he before Hauing subdew'd , yet did to life restore , ) To whom as they approcht , they gan augment Their cruelty , and him to punish more , Scourging and haling him more vehement ; As if it them should grieue to see his punishment . The Squire him selfe when as he saw his Lord , The witnesse of his wretchednesse , in place , Was much asham'd , that with an hempen cord He like a dog was led in captiue case , And did his head for bashfulnesse abase , As loth to see , or to be seene at all : Shame would be hid . But whenas Enias Beheld two such , of two such villaines thrall , His manly mynde was much emmoued therewithall . And to the Prince thus sayd ; See you Sir Knight , The greatest shame that euer eye yet saw ? Yond Lady and her Squire with foule despight Abusde , against all reason and all law , Without regard of pitty or of awe . See how they doe that Squire beat and reuile ; See how they doe the Lady hale and draw . But if ye please to lend me leaue a while , I will them soone acquite , and both of blame assoile . The Prince assented , and then he streight way Dismounting light , his shield about him threw , With which approching , thus he gan to say ; Abide ye caytiue treachetours vntrew , That haue with treason thralled vnto you These two , vnworthy of your wretched bands ; And now your crime with cruelty pursew . Abide , and from them lay your loathly hands ; Or else abide the death , that hard before you stands . The villaine stayd not aunswer to inuent , But with his yron club preparing way , His mindes sad message backe vnto him sent ; The which descended with such dreadfull sway , That seemed nought the course thereof could stay : No more then lightening from the lofty sky . Ne list the Knight the powre thereof assay , Whose doome was death , but lightly slipping by , Vnwares defrauded his intended destiny . And to requite him with the like againe , With his sharpe sword he fiercely at him flew , And strooke so strongly , that the Carle with paine Saued him selfe , but that he there him slew : Yet sau'd not so , but that the bloud it drew , And gaue his foe good hope of victory . Who therewith flesht , vpon him set anew , And with the second stroke , thought certainely To haue supplyde the first , and paide the vsury . But Fortune aunswerd not vnto his call ; For as his hand was heaued vp on hight , The villaine met him in the middle fall , And with his club bet backe his brondyron bright So forcibly , that with his owne hands might Rebeaten backe vpon him selfe againe , He driuen was to ground in selfe despight ; From whence ere he recouery could gaine , He in his necke had set his foote with fell disdaine . With that the foole , which did that end awayte , Came running in , and whilest on ground he lay , Laide heauy hands on him , and held so strayte , That downe he kept him with his scornefull sway , So as he could not weld him any way . The whiles that other villaine went about Him to haue bound , and thrald without delay ; The whiles the foole did him reuile and flout , Threatning to yoke them tow & tame their corage stout . As when a sturdy ploughman with his hynde By strength haue ouerthrowne a stubborne steare , They downe him hold , and fast with cords do bynde , Till they him force the buxome yoke to beare : So did these two this Knight oft tug and teare . Which when the Prince beheld , there standing by , He left his lofty steede to aide him neare , And buckling soone him selfe , gan fiercely fly Vppon that Carle , to saue his friend from ieopardy . The villaine leauing him vnto his mate To be captiu'd , and handled as he list , Himselfe addrest vnto this new debate , And with his club him all about so blist , That he which way to turne him scarcely wist : Sometimes aloft he layd , sometimes alow ; Now here , now there , and oft him neare he mist ; So doubtfully , that hardly one could know Whether more wary were to giue or ward the blow . But yet the Prince so well enured was With such huge strokes , approued oft in fight , That way to them he gaue forth right to pas . Ne would endure the daunger of their might , But wayt aduantage , when they downe did light . At last the caytiue after long discourse , When all his strokes he saw auoyded quite , Resolued in one t' assemble all his force , And make one end of him without ruth or remorse . His dreadfull hand he heaued vp aloft , And with his dreadfull instrument of yre , Thought sure haue pownded him to powder soft , Or deepe emboweld in the earth entyre : But Fortune did not with his will conspire . For ere his stroke attayned his intent , The noble childe preuenting his desire , Vnder his club with wary boldnesse went , And smote him on the knee , that neuer yet was bent . It neuer yet was bent , ne bent it now , Albe the stroke so strong and puissant were , That seem'd a marble pillour it could bow , But all that leg , which did his body beare , It crackt throughout , yet did no bloud appeare ; So as it was vnable to support So huge a burden on such broken geare , But fell to ground , like to a lumpe of durt , Whence he assayd to rise , but could not for his hurt . Eftsoones the Prince to him full nimbly stept , And least he should recouer foote againe , His head meant from his shoulders to haue swept . Which when the Lady saw , she cryde amaine ; Stay stay , Sir Knight , for loue of God abstaine , For that vnwares ye weetlesse doe intend ; Slay not that Carle , though worthy to be slaine : For more on him doth then him selfe depend ; My life will by his death haue lamentable end . He staide his hand according her desire , Yet nathemore him suffred to arize ; But still suppressing gan of her inquire , What meaning mote those vncouth words comprize , That in that villaines health her safety lies : That , were no might in man , nor heart in Knights , Which durst her dreaded reskue enterprize , Yet heauens them selues , that fauour feeble rights , Would for it selfe redresse , and punish such despights . Then bursting forth in teares , which gushed fast Like many water streames , a while she stayd ; Till the sharpe passion being ouerpast , Her tongue to her restord , then thus she sayd ; Nor heauens , nor men can me most wretched mayd Deliuer from the doome of my desart , The which the God of loue hath on me layd , And damned to endure this direfull smart , For penaunce of my proud and hard rebellious hart . In prime of youthly yeares , when first the flowre Of beauty gan to bud , and bloosme delight , And nature me endu'd with plenteous dowre , Of all her gifts , that pleasde each liuing sight , I was belou'd of many a gentle Knight , And sude and sought with all the seruice dew : Full many a one for me deepe groand and sight , And to the dore of death for sorrow drew , Complayning out on me , that would not on them rew . But let them loue that list , or liue or die ; Me list not die for any louers doole : Ne list me leaue my loued libertie , To pitty him that list to play the foole : To loue my selfe I learned had in schoole . Thus I triumphed long in louers paine , And sitting carelesse on the scorners stoole , Did laugh at those that did lament and plaine : But all is now repayd with interest againe . For loe the winged God , that woundeth harts , Causde me be called to accompt therefore , And for reuengement of those wrongfull smarts , Which I to others did inflict afore , Addeem'd me to endure this penaunce sore ; That in this wize , and this vnmeete array , With these two lewd companions , and no more , Disdaine and Scorne , I through the world should stray , Till I haue sau'd so many , as I earst did slay . Certes ( sayd then the Prince ) the God is iust , That taketh vengeaunce of his peoples spoile . For were no law in loue , but all that lust , Might them oppresse , and painefully turmoile , His kingdome would continue but a while . But tell me Lady , wherefore doe you beare This bottle thus before you with such toile , And eeke this wallet at your backe arreare , That for these Carles to carry much more comely were ? Here in this bottle ( sayd the sory Mayd ) I put the teares of my contrition , Till to the brim I haue it full defrayd : And in this bag which I behinde me don , I put repentaunce for things past and gon . Yet is the bottle leake , and bag so torne , That all which I put in , fals out anon ; And is behinde me trodden downe of Scorne , Who mocketh all my paine , & laughs the more I mourn . The Infant hearkned wisely to her tale , And wondred much at Cupids iudg'ment wise , That could so meekly make proud hearts auale , And wreake him selfe on them , that him despise . Then suffred he Disdaine vp to arise , Who was not able vp him selfe to reare , By meanes his leg through his late luckelesse prise , Was crackt in twaine , but by his foolish feare Was holpen vp , who him supported standing neare . But being vp , he lookt againe aloft , As if he neuer had receiued fall ; And with sterne eye-browes stared at him oft , As if he would haue daunted him with all : And standing on his tiptoes , to seeme tall , Downe on his golden feete he often gazed , As if such pride the other could apall ; Who was so far from being ought amazed , That he his lookes despised , and his boast dispraized . Then turning backe vnto that captiue thrall , Who all this while stood there beside them bound , Vnwilling to be knowne , or seene at all , He from those bands weend him to haue vnwound . But when approching neare , he plainely found , It was his owne true groome , the gentle Squire , He thereat wext exceedingly astound , And him did oft embrace , and oft admire , Ne could with seeing satisfie his great desire . Meane while the Saluage man , when he beheld That huge great foole oppressing th' other Knight , Whom with his weight vnweldy downe he held , He flew vpon him , like a greedy kight Vnto some carrion offered to his sight , And downe him plucking , with his nayles and teeth Gan him to hale , and teare , and scratch , and bite ; And from him taking his owne whip , therewith So sore him scourgeth , that the bloud downe followeth . And sure I weene , had not the Ladies cry Procur'd the Prince his cruell hand to stay , He would with whipping , him haue done to dye : But being checkt , he did abstaine streight way , And let him rise . Then thus the Prince gan say ; Now Lady sith your fortunes thus dispose , That if ye list haue liberty , ye may , Vnto your selfe I freely leaue to chose , Whether I shall you leaue , or from these villaines lose . Ah nay Sir Knight ( sayd she ) it may not be , But that I needes must by all meanes fulfill This penaunce , which enioyned is to me , Least vnto me betide a greater ill ; Yet no lesse thankes to you for your good will . So humbly taking leaue , she turnd aside , But Arthure with the rest , went onward still On his first quest , in which did him betide A great aduenture , which did him from them deuide . But first it falleth me by course to tell Of faire Serena , who as earst you heard , When first the gentle Squire at variaunce fell With those two Carles , fled fast away , afeard Of villany to be to her inferd : So fresh the image of her former dread , Yet dwelling in her eye , to her appeard , That euery foote did tremble , which did tread , And euery body two , and two she foure did read . Through hils & dales , through bushes & through breres Long thus she fled , till that at last she thought Her selfe now past the perill of her feares . Then looking round about , and seeing nought . Which doubt of daunger to her offer mought , She from her palfrey lighted on the plaine , And sitting downe , her selfe a while bethought Of her long trauell and turmoyling paine ; And often did of loue , and oft of lucke complaine . And euermore she blamed Calepine , The good Sir Calepine , her owne true Knight , As th' onely author of her wofull tine : For being of his loue to her so light , As her to leaue in such a piteous plight . Yet neuer Turtle truer to his make , Then he was tride vnto his Lady bright : Who all this while endured for her sake , Great perill of his life , and restlesse paines did take . Tho when as all her plaints , she had displayd , And well disburdened her engrieued brest , Vpon the grasse her selfe adowne she layd ; Where being tyrde with trauell , and opprest With sorrow , she betooke her selfe to rest . There whilest in Morpheus bosome safe she lay , Fearelesse of ought , that mote her peace molest , False Fortune did her safety betray , Vnto a straunge mischaunce , that menac'd her decay . In these wylde deserts , where she now abode , There dwelt a saluage nation , which did liue Of stealth and spoile , and making nightly rode Into their neighbours borders ; ne did giue Them selues to any trade , as for to driue The painefull plough , or cattell for to breed , Or by aduentrous marchandize to thriue ; But on the labours of poore men to feed , And serue their owne necessities with others need . Thereto they vsde one most accursed order , To eate the flesh of men , whom they mote fynde , And straungers to deuoure , which on their border Were brought by errour , or by wreckfull wynde . A monstrous cruelty gainst course of kynde . They towards euening wandring euery way , To seeke for booty , came by fortune blynde , Whereas this Lady , like a sheepe astray , Now drowned in the depth of sleepe all fearelesse lay . Soone as they spide her , Lord what gladfull glee They made amongst them selues ; but when her face Like the faire yuory shining they did see , Each gan his fellow solace and embrace , For ioy of such good hap by heauenly grace . Then gan they to deuize what course to take : Whether to slay her there vpon the place , Or suffer her out of her sleepe to wake , And then her eate attonce ; or many meales to make . The best aduizement was of bad , to let her Sleepe out her fill , without encomberment : For sleepe they sayd would make her battill better . Then when she wakt , they all gaue one consent , That since by grace of God she there was sent , Vnto their God they would her sacrifize , Whose share , her guiltlesse bloud they would present , But of her dainty flesh they did deuize To make a common feast , & feed with gurmandize . So round about her they them selues did place Vpon the grasse , and diuersely dispose , As each thought best to spend the lingring space . Some with their eyes the daintest morsels chose ; Some praise her paps , some praise her lips and nose ; Some whet their kniues , and strip their elboes bare : The Priest him selfe a garland doth compose Of finest flowres , and with full busie care His bloudy vessels wash , and holy fire prepare . The Damzell wakes , then all attonce vpstart , And round about her flocke , like many flies , Whooping , and hallowing on euery part , As if they would haue rent the brasen skies . Which when she sees with ghastly griefful eies , Her heart does quake , and deadly pallid hew Benumbes her cheekes : Then out aloud she cries , Where none is nigh to heare , that will her rew , And rends her golden locks , and snowy brests embrew . But all bootes not : they hands vpon her lay ; And first they spoile her of her iewls deare , And afterwards of all her rich array ; The which amongst them they in peeces teare , And of the pray each one a part doth beare . Now being naked , to their sordid eyes The goodly threasures of nature appeare : Which as they view with lustfull fantasyes , Each wisheth to him selfe , and to the rest enuyes . Her yuorie necke , her alablaster brest , Her paps , which like white silken pillowes were , For loue in soft delight thereon to rest ; Her tender sides her bellie white and clere , Which like an Altar did it selfe vprere , To offer sacrifice diuine thereon ; Her goodly thighes , whose glorie did appeare Like a triumphall Arch , and thereupon The spoiles of Princes hang'd , which were in battel won . Those daintie parts , the dearlings of delight , Which mote not be prophan'd of common eyes , Those villeins vew'd with loose lasciuious sight , And closely tempted with their craftie spyes ; And some of them gan mongst themselues deuize , Thereof by force to take their beastly pleasure . But them the Priest rebuking , did aduize ▪ To dare not to pollute so sacred threasure , Vow'd to the gods : religion held euen theeues in measure . So being stayd , they her from thence directed Vnto a litle groue not farre asyde , In which an altar shortly they erected , To slay her on . And now the Euentyde His brode black wings had through the heauens wyde By this dispred , that was the tyme ordayned For such a dismall deed , their guilt to hyde : Of few greene turfes an altar soone they fayned , And deckt it all with flowres , which they nigh hand obtayned . Tho when as all things readie were aright , The Damzell was before the altar set , Being alreadie dead with fearefull fright . To whom the Priest with naked armes full net Approching nigh , and murdrous knife well whet , Gan mutter close a certaine secret charme , With other diuelish ceremonies met : Which doen he gan aloft t' aduance his arme , Whereat they shouted all , and made a loud alarme . Then gan the bagpypes and the hornes to shrill , And shrieke aloud , that with the peoples voyce Confused , did the ayre with terror fill , And made the wood to tremble at the noyce : The whyles she wayld , the more they did reioyce . Now mote ye vnderstand that to this groue Sir Calepine by chaunce , more then by choyce , The selfe same euening fortune hether droue , As he to seeke Serena through the woods did roue . Long had he sought her , and through many a soyle Had traueld still on foot in heauie armes , Ne ought was tyred with his endlesse toyles , Ne ought was feared of his certaine harmes : And now all weetlesse of the wretched stormes , In which his loue was lost , he slept full fast , Till being waked with these loud alarmes , He lightly started vp like one aghast , And catching vp his arms streight to the noise forth past . There by th' vncertaine glims of starry night , And by the twinkling of their sacred fire , He mote perceiue a litle dawning sight Of all , which there was doing in that quire : Mongst whom a woman spoyld of all attire He spyde , lamenting her vnluckie strife , And groning sore from grieued hart entire ; Eftsoones he saw one with a naked knife Readie to launch her brest , and let out loued life . With that he thrusts into the thickest throng , And euen as his right hand adowne descends , He him preuenting , layes on earth along , And sacrifizeth to th' infernall feends . Then to the rest his wrathfull hand he bends , Of whom he makes such hauocke and such hew , That swarmes of damned soules to hell he sends : The rest that scape his sword and death eschew , Fly like a flocke of doues before a Faulcons vew . From them returning to that Ladie backe , Whom by the Altar he doth sitting find , Yet fearing death , and next to death the lacke Of clothes to couer , what they ought by kind , He first her hands beginneth to vnbind ; And then to question of her present woe ; And afterwards to cheare with speaches kind . But she for nought that he could say or doe , One word durst speake , or answere him awhit thereto . So inward shame of her vncomely case She did conceiue , through care of womanhood , That though the night did couer her disgrace , Yet she in so vnwomanly a mood , Would not bewray the state in which she stood . So all that night to him vnknowen she past . But day , that doth discouer bad and good , Ensewing , made her knowen to him at last : The end whereof I le keepe vntill another cast .

Cant. IX . Calidore hostes with Meliboe And loues fayre Pastorell ; Coridon enuies him , yet he for ill rewards him well . NOw turne againe my teme thou iolly swayne , Backe to the furrow which I lately left ; I lately left a furrow , one or twayne Vnplough'd , the which my coulter hath not cleft : Yet seem'd the soyle both fayre and frutefull eft , As I it past , that were too great a shame , That so rich frute should be from vs bereft ; Besides the great dishonour and defame , Which should befall to Calidores immortall name . Great trauell hath the gentle Calidore And toyle endured , sith I left him last Sewing the Blatant beast , which I forbore To finish then , for other present hast . Full many pathes and perils he hath past , Through hils , through dales , throgh forests , & throgh plaines In that same quest which fortune on him cast , Which he atchieued to his owne great gaines , Reaping eternall glorie of his restlesse paines . So sharply he the Monster did pursew , That day nor night he suffred him to rest , Ne rested he himselfe but natures dew , For dread of daunger , not to be redrest , If he for slouth forslackt so famous quest. Him first from court he to the citties coursed , And from the citties to the townes him prest , And from the townes into the countrie forsed , And from the country back to priuate farmes he scorsed . From thence into the open fields he fled , Whereas the Heardes were keeping of their neat , And shepheards singing to their flockes , that fed , Layes of sweete loue and youthes delightfull heat : Him thether eke for all his fearefull threat He followed fast , and chaced him so nie , That to the folds , where sheepe at night doe seat , And to the litle cots , where shepherds lie In winters wrathfull time , he forced him to flie . There on a day as he pursew'd the chace , He chaunst to spy a sort of shepheard groomes , Playing on pypes , and caroling apace , The whyles their beasts there in the budded broomes Beside them fed , and nipt the tender bloomes : For other worldly wealth they cared nought . To whom Sir Calidore yet sweating comes , And them to tell him courteously besought , If such a beast they saw , which he had thether brought . They answer'd him , that no such beast they saw , Nor any wicked feend , that mote offend Their happie flockes , nor daunger to them draw : But if that such there were ( as none they kend ) They prayd high God them farre from them to send . Then one of them him seeing so to sweat , After his rusticke wise , that well he weend , Offred him drinke , to quench his thirstie heat , And if he hungry were , him offred eke to eat . The knight was nothing nice , where was no need , And tooke their gentle offer : so adowne They prayd him sit , and gaue him for to feed Such homely what , as serues the simple clowne , That doth despise the dainties of the towne . Tho hauing fed his fill , he there besyde Saw a faire damzell , which did weare a crowne Of sundry flowres , with silken ribbands tyde . Yclad in home-made greene that her owne hands had dyde . Vpon a litle hillocke she was placed Higher then all the rest , and round about Enuiron'd with a girland , goodly graced , Of louely lasses , and them all without The lustie shepheard swaynes sate in a rout , The which did pype and sing her prayses dew , And oft reioyce , and oft for wonder shout , As if some miracle of heauenly hew Were downe to them descended in that earthly vew . And soothly sure she was full fayre of face , And perfectly well shapt in euery lim , Which she did more augment with modest grace , And comely carriage of her count'nance trim , That all the rest like lesser lamps did dim : Who her admiring as some heauenly wight , Did for their soueraine goddesse her esteeme , And caroling her name both day and night , The fayrest Pastorella her by name did hight . Ne was there heard , ne was there shepheards swayne But her did honour , and eke many a one Burnt in her loue , and with sweet pleasing payne Full many a night for her did sigh and grone : But most of all the shepheard Coridon For her did languish , and his deare life spend ; Yet neither she for him , nor other none Did care a whit , ne any liking lend : Though meane her lot , yet higher did her mind ascend . Her whyles Sir Calidore there vewed well , And markt her rare demeanure , which him seemed So farre the meane of shepheards to excell , As that he in his mind her worthy deemed , To be a Princes Paragone esteemed , He was vnwares surprisd in subtile bands Of the blynd boy , ne thence could be redeemed By any skill out of his cruell hands , Caught like the bird , which gazing still on others stands . So stood he still long gazing thereupon , Ne any will had thence to moue away , Although his quest were farre afore him gon ; But after he had fed , yet did he stay , And sate there still , vntill the flying day Was farre forth spent , discoursing diuersly Of sundry things , as fell to worke delay ; And euermore his speach he did apply To th' heards , but meant them to the damzels fantazy . By this the moystie night approching fast , Her deawy humour gan on th' earth to shed , That warn'd the shepheards to their homes to hast Their tender flocks , now being fully fed , For feare of wetting them before their bed ; Then came to them a good old aged syre , Whose siluer lockes bedeckt his beard and hed , With shepheards hooke in hand , and fit attyre , That wild the damzell rise ; the day did now expyre . He was to weet by common voice esteemed The father of the fayrest Pastorell , And of her selfe in very deede so deemed ; Yet was not so , but as old stories tell Found her by fortune , which to him befell , In th' open fields an Infant left alone , And taking vp brought home , and noursed well As his owne chyld ; for other he had none , That she in tract of time accompted was his owne . She at his bidding meekely did arise , And streight vnto her litle flocke did fare : Then all the rest about her rose likewise , And each his sundrie sheepe with seuerall care Gathered together , and them homeward bare : Whylest euerie one with helping hands did striue Amongst themselues , and did their labours share , To helpe faire Pastorella , home to driue Her fleecie flocke ; but Coridon most helpe did giue . But Meliboee ( so hight that good old man ) Now seeing Calidore left all alone , And night arriued hard at hand , began Him to inuite vnto his simple home ; Which though it were a cottage clad with lome , And all things therein meane , yet better so To lodge , then in the saluage fields to rome . The knight full gladly soone agreed thereto , Being his harts owne wish , and home with him did go . There he was welcom'd of that honest syre , And of his aged Beldame homely well ; Who him besought himselfe to disattyre , And rest himselfe , till supper time befell . By which home came the fayrest Pastorell , After her flocke she in their fold had tyde , And supper readie dight , they to it fell With small adoe , and nature satisfyde , The which doth litle craue contented to abyde . Tho when they had their hunger slaked well , And the fayre mayd the table ta'ne away , The gentle knight , as he that did excell In courtesie , and well could doe and say , For so great kindnesse as he found that day , Gan greatly thanke his host and his good wife ; And drawing thence his speach another way , Gan highly to commend the happie life , Which Shepheards lead , without debate or bitter strife . How much ( sayd he ) more happie is the state , In which ye father here doe dwell at ease , Leading a life so free and fortunate , From all the tempests of these worldly seas , Which tosse the rest in daungerous disease ? Where warres , and wreckes , and wicked enmitie Doe them afflict , which no man can appease , That certes I your happinesse enuie , And wish my lot were plast in such felicitie . Surely my sonne ( then answer'd he againe ) If happie , then it is in this intent , That hauing small , yet doe I not complaine Of want , ne wish for more it to augment , But doe my selfe , with that I haue , content ; So taught of nature , which doth litle need Of forreine helpes to lifes due nourishment : The fields my food , my flocke my rayment breed ; No better doe I weare , no better doe I feed . Therefore I doe not any one enuy , Nor am enuyde of any one therefore ; They that haue much , feare much to loose thereby , And store of cares doth follow riches store . The litle that I haue , growes dayly more Without my care , but onely to attend it ; My lambes doe euery yeare increase their score , And my flockes father daily doth amend it . What haue I , but to praise th' Almighty , that doth send it ? To them , that list , the worlds gay showes I leaue , And to great ones such follies doe forgiue , Which oft through pride do their owne perill weaue , And through ambition downe themselues doe driue To sad decay , that might contented liue . Me no such cares nor combrous thoughts offend , Ne once my minds vnmoued quiet grieue , But all the night in siluer sleepe I spend , And all the day , to what I list , I doe attend . Sometimes I hunt the Fox , the vowed foe Vnto my Lambes , and him dislodge away ; Sometime the fawne I practise from the Doe , Or from the Goat her kidde how to conuay ; Another while I baytes and nets display , The birds to catch , or fishes to beguyle : And when I wearie am , I downe doe lay My limbes in euery shade , to rest from toyle , And drinke of euery brooke , when thirst my throte doth boyle . The time was once , in my first prime of yeares , When pride of youth forth pricked my desire , That I disdain'd amongst mine equall peares To follow sheepe , and shepheards base attire : For further fortune then I would inquire . And leauing home , to roiall court I sought ; Where I did sell my selfe for yearely hire , And in the Princes gardin daily wrought : There I beheld such vainenesse , as I neuer thought . With sight whereof soone cloyd , and long deluded With idle hopes , which them doe entertaine , After I had ten yeares my selfe excluded From natiue home , and spent my youth in vaine , I gan my follies to my selfe to plaine , And this sweet peace , whose lacke did then appeare . Tho backe returning to my sheepe againe , I from thenceforth haue learn'd to loue more deare This lowly quiet life , which I inherite here . Whylest thus he talkt , the knight with greedy eare Hong still vpon his melting mouth attent ; Whose sensefull words empierst his hart so neare , That he was rapt with double rauishment , Both of his speach that wrought him great content , And also of the obiect of his vew , On which his hungry eye was alwayes bent ; That twixt his pleasing tongue , and her faire hew , He lost himselfe , and like one halfe entraunced grew . Yet to occasion meanes , to worke his mind , And to insinuate his harts desire , He thus replyde ; Now surely syre , I find , That all this worlds gay showes , which we admire , Be but vaine shadowes to this safe retyre Of life , which here in lowlinesse ye lead , Fearelesse of foes , or fortunes wrackfull yre , Which tosseth states , and vnder foot doth tread The mightie ones , affrayd of euery chaunges dread . That euen I which daily doe behold The glorie of the great , mongst whom I won , And now haue prou'd , what happinesse ye hold In this small plot of your dominion , Now loath great Lordship and ambition ; And wish th' heauens so much had graced mee , As graunt me liue in like condition ; Or that my fortunes might transposed bee From pitch of higher place , vnto this low degree . In vaine ( said then old Meliboe ) doe men The heauens of their fortunes fault accuse , Sith they know best , what is the best for them : For they to each such fortune doe diffuse , As they doe know each can most aptly vse . For not that , which men couet most , is best , Nor that thing worst , which men do most refuse ; But fittest is , that all contented rest With that they hold : each hath his fortune in his brest . It is the mynd , that maketh good or ill , That maketh wretch or happie , rich or poore : For some , that hath abundance at his will , Hath not enough , but wants in greatest store ; And other , that hath litle , askes no more , But in that litle is both rich and wise . For wisedome is most riches ; fooles therefore They are , which fortunes doe by vowes deuize , Sith each vnto himselfe his life may fortunize . Since then in each mans self ( said Calidore ) It is , to fashion his owne lyfes estate , Giue leaue awhyle , good father , in this shore To rest my barcke , which hath bene beaten late With stormes of fortune and tempestuous fate , In seas of troubles and of toylesome paine , That whether quite from them for to retrate I shall resolue , or backe to turne againe , I may here with your selfe some small repose obtaine . Not that the burden of so bold a guest Shall chargefull be , or chaunge to you at all ; For your meane food shall be my daily feast , And this your cabin both my bowre and hall . Besides for recompence hereof , I shall You well reward , and golden guerdon giue , That may perhaps you better much withall , And in this quiet make you safer liue . So forth he drew much gold , and toward him it driue . But the good man , nought tempted with the offer Of his rich mould , did thrust it farre away , And thus bespake ; Sir knight , your bounteous proffer Be farre fro me , to whom ye ill display That mucky masse , the cause of mens decay , That mote empaire my peace with daungers dread . But if ye algates couet to assay This simple sort of life , that shepheards lead , Be it your owne : our rudenesse to your selfe aread . So there that night Sir Calidore did dwell , And long while after , whilest him list remaine , Dayly beholding the faire Pastorell , And feeding on the bayt of his owne bane . During which time he did her entertaine With all kind courtesies , he could inuent ; And euery day , her companie to gaine , When to the field she went , he with her went : So for to quench his fire , he did it more augment . But she that neuer had acquainted beene With such queint vsage , fit for Queenes and Kings , Ne euer had such knightly seruice seene , But being bred vnder base shepheards wings , Had euer learn'd to loue the lowly things , Did litle whit regard his courteous guize , But cared more for Colins carolings Then all that he could doe , or euer deuize : His layes , his loues , his lookes she did them all despize . Which Calidore perceiuing , thought it best To chaunge the manner of his loftie looke ; And doffing his bright armes , himselfe addrest In shepheards weed , and in his hand he tooke , In stead of steelehead speare , a shepheards hooke , That who had seene him then , would haue bethought On Phrygian Paris by Plexippus brooke , When he the loue of fayre Benone sought , What time the golden apple was vnto him brought . So being clad , vnto the fields he went With the faire Pastorella euery day , And kept her sheepe with diligent attent , Watching to driue the rauenous Wolfe away , The whylest at pleasure she mote sport and play ; And euery euening helping them to fold : And otherwhiles for need , he did assay In his strong hand their rugged teats to hold , And out of them to presse the milke : loue so much could . Which seeing Coridon , who her likewise Long time had lou'd , and hop'd her loue to gaine , He much was troubled at that straungers guize , And many gealous thoughts conceiu'd in vaine , That this of all his labour and long paine Should reap the haruest , ere it ripened were , That made him scoule , and pout , and oft complaine Of Pastorell to all the shepheards there , That she did loue a stranger swayne then him more dere . And euer when he came in companie , Where Calidore was present , he would loure , And byte his lip , and euen for gealousie Was readie oft his owne hart to deuoure , Impatient of any paramoure : Who on the other side did seeme so farre From malicing , or grudging his good houre , That all he could , he graced him with her , Ne euer shewed signe of rancour or of iarre . And oft , when Coridon vnto her brought Or litle sparrowes , stolen from their nest , Or wanton squirrels , in the woods farre sought , Or other daintie thing for her addrest , He would commend his guift , and make the best . Yet she no whit his presents did regard , Ne him could find to fancie in her brest : This newcome shepheard had his market mard . Old loue is litle worth when new is more prefard . One day when as the shepheard swaynes together Were met , to make their sports and merrie glee , As they are wont in faire sunshynie weather , The whiles their flockes in shadowes shrouded bee , They fell to daunce : then did they all agree , That Colin clout should pipe as one most fit ; And Calidore should lead the ring , as hee That most in Pastorellaes grace did sit . Thereat frown'd Coridon , and his lip closely bit . But Calidore of courteous inclination Tooke Coridon , and set him in his place , That he should lead the daunce , as was his fashion ; For Coridon could daunce , and trimly trace . And when as Pastorella , him to grace , Her flowry garlond tooke from her owne head , And plast on his , he did it soone displace , And did it put on Coridons in stead : Then Coridon woxe frollicke , that earst seemed dead . Another time , when as they did dispose To practise games , and maisteries to try , They for their Iudge did Pastorella chose ; A garland was the meed of victory . There Coridon forth stepping openly , Did chalenge Calidore to wrestling game : For he through long and perfect industry , Therein well practisd was , and in the same Thought sure t' auenge his grudge , & worke his foe great shame . But Calidore he greatly did mistake ; For he was strong and mightily stiffe pight , That with one fall his necke he almost brake , And had he not vpon him fallen light , His dearest ioynt he sure had broken quight . Then was the oaken crowne by Pastorell Giuen to Calidore , as his due right ; But he , that did in courtesie excell , Gaue it to Coridon , and said he wonne it well . Thus did the gentle knight himselfe abeare Amongst that rusticke rout in all his deeds , That euen they , the which his riuals were , Could not maligne him , but commend him needs : For courtesie amongst the rudest breeds : Good will and fauour . So it surely wrought With this faire Mayd , and in her mynde the seeds Of perfect loue did sow , that last forth brought The fruite of ioy and blisse , though long time dearely bought . Thus Calidore continu'd there long time , To winne the loue of the faire Pastorell ; Which hauing got , he vsed without crime Or blamefull blot , but menaged so well , That he of all the rest , which there did well , Was fauoured , and to her grace commended . But what straunge fortunes vnto him befell , Ere he attain'd the point by him intended , Shall more conueniently in other place be ended .

Cant. X. Calidore sees the Graces daunce , To Colins melody : The whiles his Pastorell is led , Into captiuity . WHo now does follow the foule Blatant Beast , Whilest Calidore does follow that faire Mayd , Vnmyndfull of his vow and high beheast , Which by the Faery Queene was on him layd , That he should neuer leaue , nor be delayd From chacing him , till he had it attchieued ? But now entrapt of loue , which him betrayd , He mindeth more , how he may be relieued With grace from her , whose loue his heart hath sore engrieued . That from henceforth he meanes no more to sew His former quest , so full of toile and paine ; Another quest , another game in vew He hath , the guerdon of his loue to gaine : With whom he myndes for euer to remaine , And set his rest amongst the rusticke sort , Rather then hunt still after shadowes vaine Of courtly fauour , fed with light report , Of euery blaste , and sayling alwaies on the port . Ne certes mote he greatly blamed be , From so high step to stoupe vnto so low . For who had tasted once ( as oft did he ) The happy peace , which there doth ouerflow , And prou'd the perfect pleasures , which doe grow Amongst poore hyndes , in hils , in woods , in dales , Would neuer more delight in painted show Of such false blisse , as there is set for stales , T' entrap vnwary fooles in their eternall bales . For what hath all that goodly glorious gaze Like to one sight , which Calidore did vew ? The glaunce whereof their dimmed eies would daze , That neuer more they should endure the shew Of that sunne-shine , that makes them looke askew . Ne ought in all that world of beauties rare , ( Saue onely Glorianaes heauenly hew To which what can compare ? ) can it compare ; The which as commeth now , by course I will declare . One day as he did raunge the fields abroad , Whilest his faire Pastorella was elsewhere , He chaunst to come , far from all peoples troad , Vnto a place , whose pleasaunce did appere To passe all others , on the earth which were : For all that euer was by natures skill Deuized to worke delight , was gathered there , And there by her were poured forth at fill , As if this to adorne , she all the rest did pill . It was an hill plaste in an open plaine , That round about was bordered with a wood Of matchlesse hight , that seem'd th' earth to disdaine , In which all trees of honour stately stood , And did all winter as in sommer bud , Spredding pauilions for the birds to bowre , Which in their lower braunches sung aloud ; And in their tops the soring hauke did towre , Sitting like King of fowles in maiesty and powre . And at the foote thereof , a gentle flud His siluer waues did softly tumble downe , Vnmard with ragged mosse or filthy mud , Ne mote wylde beastes , ne mote the ruder clowne Thereto approch , ne filth mote therein drowne : But Nymphes and Faeries by the bancks did sit , In the woods shade , which did the waters crowne , Keeping all noysome things away from it , And to the waters fall tuning their accents fit . And on the top thereof a spacious plaine Did spred it selfe , to serue to all delight , Either to daunce , when they to daunce would faine , Or else to course about their bases light ; Ne ought there wanted , which for pleasure might Desired be , or thence to banish bale : So pleasauntly the hill with equall hight , Did seeme to ouerlooke the lowly vale ; Therefore it rightly cleeped was mount Acidale . They say that Venus , when she did dispose Her selfe to pleasaunce , vsed to resort Vnto this place , and therein to repose And rest her selfe , as in a gladsome port , Or with the Graces there to play and sport ; That euen her owne Cytheron , though in it She vsed most to keepe her royall court , And in her soueraine Maiesty to sit , She in regard hereof refusde and thought vnfit . Vnto this place when as the Elfin Knight Approcht , him seemed that the merry sound Of a shrill pipe he playing heard on hight , And many feete fast thumping th' hollow ground , That through the woods their Eccho did rebound . He nigher drew , to weete what mote it be ; There he a troupe of Ladies dauncing found Full merrily , and making gladfull glee , And in the midst a Shepheard piping he did see . He durst not enter into th' open greene , For dread of them vnwares to be descryde , For breaking of their daunce , if he were seene ; But in the couert of the wood did byde , Beholding all , yet of them vnespyde . There he did see , that pleased much his sight , That euen he him selfe his eyes enuyde , An hundred naked maidens lilly white , All raunged in a ring , and dauncing in delight . All they without were raunged in a ring , And daunced round ; but in the midst of them Three other Ladies did both daunce and sing , The whilest the rest them round about did hemme , And like a girlond did in compasse stemme : And in the middest of those same three , was placed Another Damzell , as a precious gemme , Amidst a ring most richly well enchaced , That with her goodly presence all the rest much graced . Looke how the Crowne , which Ariadne wore Vpon her yuory forehead that same day , That Theseus her vnto his bridale bore , When the bold Centaures made that bloudy fray . With the fierce Lapithes , which did them dismay ; Being now placed in the firmament , Through the bright heauen doth her beams display , And is vnto the starres an ornament , Which round about her moue in order excellent . Such was the beauty of this goodly band , Whose sundry parts were here too long to tell : But she that in the midst of them did stand , Seem'd all the rest in beauty to excell , Crownd with a rosie girlond , that right well Did her beseeme . And euer , as the crew About her daunst , sweet flowres , that far did smell , And fragrant odours they vppon her threw ; But most of all , those three did her with gifts endew . Those were the Graces , daughters of delight , Handmaides of Venus , which are wont to haunt Vppon this hill , and daunce there day and night : Those three to men all gifts of grace do graunt , And all , that Venus in her selfe doth vaunt , Is borrowed of them . But that faire one , That in the midst was placed parauaunt , Was she to whom that shepheard pypt alone , That made him pipe so merrily , as neuer none . She was to weete that iolly Shepheards lasse , Which piped there vnto that merry rout , That iolly shepheard , which there piped , was Poore Colin Clout ( who knowes not Colin clout ? ) He pypt apace , whilest they him daunst about . Pype iolly shepheard , pype thou now apace Vnto thy loue , that made thee low to lout ; Thy loue is present there with thee in place , Thy loue is there aduaunst to be another Grace . Much wondred Calidore at this straunge sight , Whose like before his eye had neuer seene , And standing long astonished in spright , And rapt with pleasaunce , wist not what to weene ; Whether it were the traine of beauties Queene , Or Nymphes , or Faeries , or enchaunted show , With which his eyes mote haue deluded beene . Therefore resoluing , what it was , to know , Out of the wood he rose , and toward them did go . But soone as he appeared to their vew , They vanisht all away out of his sight , And cleane were gone , which way he neuer knew ; All saue the shepheard , who for fell despight Of that displeasure , broke his bag-pipe quight , And made great mone for that vnhappy turne . But Calidore , though no lesse sory wight , For that mishap , yet seeing him to mourne , Drew neare , that he the truth of all by him mote learne . And first him greeting , thus vnto him spake , Haile iolly shepheard , which thy ioyous dayes Here leadest in this goodly merry make , Frequented of these gentle Nymphes alwayes , Which to thee flocke , to heare thy louely layes ; Tell me , what mote these dainty Damzels be , Which here with thee doe make their pleasant playes ? Right happy thou , that mayst them freely see : But why when I them saw , fled they away from me ? Not I so happy answerd then that swaine , As thou vnhappy , which them thence didst chace , Whom by no meanes thou canst recall againe , For being gone , none can them bring in place , But whom they of them selues list so to grace . Right sory I , ( saide then Sir Calidore , ) That my ill fortune did them hence displace . But since things passed none may now restore , Tell me , what were they all , whose lacke thee grieues so sore . Tho gan that shepheard thus for to dilate ; Then wote thou shepheard , whatsoeuer thou bee , That all those Ladies , which thou sawest late , Are Venus Damzels , all with in her fee , But differing in honour and degree : They all are Graces , which on her depend , Besides a thousand more , which ready bee Her to adorne , when so she forth doth wend : But those three in the midst , doe chiefe on her attend . They are the daughters of sky-ruling Ioue , By him begot of faire Eurynome , The Oceans daughter , in this pleasant groue , As he this way comming from feastfull glee , Of Thetis wedding with AEcidee . In sommers shade him selfe here rested weary . The first of them hight mylde Euphrosyne , Next faire Aglaia , last Thalia merry : Sweete Goddesses all three which me in mirth do cherry . These three on men all gracious gifts bestow , Which decke the body or adorne the mynde , To make them louely or well fauoured show , As comely carriage , entertainement kynde , Sweete semblaunt , friendly offices that bynde , And all the complements of curtesie : They teach vs , how to each degree and kynde We should our selues demeane , to low , to hie ; To friends , to foes , which skill men call Ciuility . Therefore they alwaies smoothly seeme to smile , That we likewise should mylde and gentle be , And also naked are , that without guile Or false dissemblaunce all them plaine may see , Simple and true from couert malice free : And eeke them selues so in their daunce they bore , That two of them still forward seem'd to bee , But one still towards shew'd her selfe afore ; That good should from vs goe , then come in greater store . Such were those Goddesses , which ye did see ; But that fourth Mayd , which there amidst them traced , Who can aread , what creature mote she bee , Whether a creature , or a goddesse graced With heauenly gifts from heuen first enraced ? But what so sure she was , she worthy was , To be the fourth with those three other placed : Yet was she certes but a counrtey lasse , Yet she all other countrey lasses farre did passe . So farre as doth the daughter of the day , All other lesser lights in light excell , So farre doth she in beautyfull array , Aboue all other lasses beare the bell , Ne lesse in vertue that beseemes her well , Doth she exceede the rest of all her race , For which the Graces that here wont to dwell , Haue for more honor brought her to this place , And graced her so much to be another Grace . Another Grace she well deserues to be , In whom so many Graces gathered are , Excelling much the meane of her degree ; Diuine resemblaunce , beauty soueraine rare , Firme Chastity , that spight ne blemish dare ; All which she with such courtesie doth grace , That all her peres cannot with her compare , But quite are dimmed , when she is in place . She made me often pipe and now to pipe apace . Sunne of the world , great glory of the sky , That all the earth doest lighten with thy rayes , Great Gloriana , greatest Maiesty , Pardon thy shepheard , mongst so many layes , As he hath sung of thee in all his dayes , To make one minime of thy poore handmayd , And vnderneath thy feete to place her prayse , That when thy glory shall be farre displayd To future age of her this mention may be made . When thus that shepherd ended had his speach , Sayd Calidore ; Now sure it yrketh mee , That to thy blisse I made this luckelesse breach , As now the author of thy bale to be , Thus to bereaue thy loues deare sight from thee : But gentle Shepheard pardon thou my shame , Who rashly sought that , which I mote not see . Thus did the courteous Knight excuse his blame , And to recomfort him , all comely meanes did frame . In such discourses they together spent Long time , as fit occasion forth them led ; With which the Knight him selfe did much content , And with delight his greedy fancy fed , Both of his words , which he with reason red ; And also of the place , whose pleasures rare With such regard his sences rauished , That thence , he had no will away to fare , But wisht , that with that shepheard he mote dwelling share . But that enuenimd sting , the which of yore , His poysnous point deepe fixed in his hart Had left , now gan afresh to rancle sore , And to renue the rigour of his smart : Whch to recure , no skill of Leaches art Mote him auaile , but to returne againe To his wounds worker , that with louely dart Dinting his brest , had bred his restlesse paine , Like as the wounded Whale to shore flies from the maine . So taking leaue of that same gentle swaine , He backe returned to his rusticke wonne , Where his faire Pastorella did remaine : To whome in sort , as he at first begonne , He daily did apply him selfe to donne , All dewfull seruice voide of thoughts impare Ne any paines ne perill did he shonne , By which he might her to his loue allure , And liking in her yet vntamed heart procure . And euermore the shepheard Coridon , What euer thing he did her to aggrate , Did striue to match with strong contention , And all his paines did closely emulate ; Whether it were to caroll , as they sate Keeping their sheepe , or games to exercize , Or to present her with their labours late ; Through which if any grace chaunst to arize To him , the Shepheard streight with iealousie did frize . One day as they all three together went To the greene wood , to gather strawberies , There chaunst to them a dangerous accident ; A Tigre forth out of the wood did rise , That with fell clawes full of fierce gourmandize , And greedy mouth , wide gaping like hell gate , Did runne at Pastorell her to surprize : Whom she beholding , now all desolate Gan cry to them aloud , to helpe her all too late . Which Coridon first hearing , ran in hast To reskue her , but when he saw the feend , Through cowherd feare he fled away as fast , Ne durst abide the daunger of the end ; His life he steemed dearer then his frend . But Calidore soone comming to her ayde , When he the beast saw ready now to rend His loues deare spoile , in which his heart was prayde , He ran at him enraged in stead of being frayde . He had no weapon , but his shepheards hooke , To serue the vengeaunce of his wrathfull will , With which so sternely he the monster strooke , That to the ground astonished he fell ; Whence ere he could recour , he did him quell , And hewing off his head , it presented Before the feete of the faire Pastorell ; Who scarcely yet from former feare exempted , A thousand times him thankt , that had her death preuented . From that day forth she gan him to affect , And daily more her fauour to augment ; But Coridon for cowherdize reiect , Fit to keepe sheepe , vnfit for loues content : The gentle heart scornes base disparagement . Yet Calidore did not despise him quight , But vsde him friendly for further intent , That by his fellowship , he colour might Both his estate , and loue from skill of any wight . So well he wood her , and so well he wrought her , With humble seruice , and with daily sute , That at the last vnto his will he brought her ; Which he so wisely well did prosecute , That of his loue he reapt the timely frute , And ioyed long in close felicity : Till fortune fraught with malice , blinde , and brute , That enuies louers long prosperity , Blew vp a bitter storme of foule aduersity . It fortuned one day , when Calidore Was hunting in the woods ( as was his trade ) A lawlesse people , Brigants hight of yore , That neuer vsde to liue by plough nor spade , But fed on spoile and booty , which they made Vpon their neighbours , which did nigh them border , The dwelling of these shepheards did inuade , And spoyld their houses , and them selues did murder ; And droue away their flocks , with other much disorder . Amongst the rest , the which they then did pray , They spoyld old Melibee of all he had , And all his people captiue led away , Mongst which this lucklesse mayd away was lad , Faire Pastorella , sorrowfull and sad , Most sorrowfull , most sad , that euer sight , Now made the spoile of theeues and Brigants bad , Which was the conquest of the gentlest Knight , That euer liu'd , and th' onely glory of his might . With them also was taken Coridon , And carried captiue by those theeues away ; Who in the couert of the night , that none Mote them descry , nor reskue from their pray , Vnto their dwelling did them close conuay . Their dwelling in a little Island was , Couered with shrubby woods , in which no way Appeard for people in nor out to pas , Nor any footing fynde for ouergrowen gras . For vnderneath the ground their way was made , Through hollow caues , that no man mote discouer For the thicke shrubs , which did them alwaies shade From view of liuing wight , and couered ouer : But darkenesse dred and daily night did houer Through all the inner parts , wherein they dwelt . Ne ligntned was with window , nor with louer , But with continuall candlelight , which delt A doubtfull sense of things , not so well seene , as felt . Hither those Brigants brought their present pray , And kept them with continuall watch and ward , Meaning so soone , as they conuenient may , For slaues to sell them , for no small reward , To merchants , which them kept in bondage hard , Or sold againe . Now when faire Pastorell Into this place was brought , and kept with gard Of griesly theeues , she thought her self in hell , Where with such damned fiends she should in darknesse dwell . But for to tell the dolefull dreriment , And pittifull complaints , which there she made , Where day and night she nought did but lament Her wretched life , shut vp in deadly shade , And waste her goodly beauty , which did fade Like to a flowre , that feeles no heate of sunne , Which may her feeble leaues with comfort glade . But what befell her in that theeuish wonne , Will in an other Canto better be begonne .

Cant. XI . The theeues fall out for Pastorell , Whilest Melibee is slaine : Her Calidore from them redeemes , And bringeth backe againe . THe ioyes of loue , if they should euer last , Without affliction or disquietnesse , That worldly chaunces doe amongst them cast , Would be on earth too great a blessednesse , Liker to heauen , then mortall wretchednesse . Therefore the winged God , to let men weet , That here on earth is no sure happinesse , A thousand sowres hath tempred with one sweet , To make it seeme more deare and dainty , as is meet . Like as is now befalne to this faire Mayd , Faire Pastorell , of whom is now my song , Who being now in dreadfull darknesse layd , Amongst those theeues , which her in bondage strong Detaynd , yet Fortune not with all this wrong Contented , greater mischiefe on her threw , And sorrowes heapt on her in greater throng ; That who so heares her heauinesse , would rew And pitty her sad plight , so chang'd from pleasaunt hew . Whylest thus she in these hellish dens remayned , Wrapped in wretched cares and hearts vnrest , It so befell ( as Fortune had ordayned ) That he , which was their Capitaine profest , And had the chiefe commaund of all the rest , One day as he did all his prisoners vew , With lustfull eyes , beheld that louely guest , Faire Pastorella , whose sad mournefull hew Like the faire Morning clad in misty fog did shew . At sight whereof his barbarous heart was fired , And inly burnt with flames most raging whot , That her alone he for his part desired Of all the other pray , which they had got , And her in mynde did to him selfe allot . From that day forth he kyndnesse to her showed , And sought her loue , by all the meanes he mote ; With looks , with words , with gifts he oft her wowed ; And mixed threats among , and much vnto her vowed . But all that euer he could doe or say , Her constant mynd could not a whit remoue , Nor draw vnto the lure of his lewd lay , To graunt him fauour , or afford him loue . Yet ceast he not to sew and all waies proue , By which he mote accomplish his request , Saying and doing all that mote behoue ; Ne day nor night he suffred her to rest , But her all night did watch , and all the day molest . At last when him she so importune saw , Fearing least he at length the raines would lend Vnto his lust , and make his will his law , Sith in his powre she was to foe or frend , She thought it best , for shadow to pretend Some shew of fauour , by him gracing small , That she thereby mote either freely wend , Or at more ease continue there his thrall : A little well is lent , that gaineth more withall . So from thenceforth , when loue he to her made , With better tearmes she did him entertaine , Which gaue him hope , and did him halfe perswade , That he in time her ioyaunce should obtaine . But when she saw , through that small fauours gaine , That further , then she willing was , he prest , She found no meanes to barre him , but to faine A sodaine sickenesse , which her sore opprest , And made vnfit to serue his lawlesse mindes behest . By meanes whereof she would not him permit Once to approch to her in priuity , But onely mongst the rest by her to sit , Mourning the rigour of her malady , And seeking all things meete for remedy . But she resolu'd no remedy to fynde , Nor better cheare to shew in misery , Till Fortune would her captiue bonds vnbynde , Her sickenesse was not of the body but the mynde . During which space that she thus sicke did lie , It chaunst a sort of merchants , which were wount To skim those coastes , for bondmen there to buy , And by such trafficke after gaines to hunt , Arriued in this Isle though bare and blunt , T' inquire for slaues ; where being readie met By some of these same theeues at the instant brunt , Were brought vnto their Captaine , who was set By his faire patients side with sorrowfull regret . To whom they shewed , how those marchants were Arriu'd in place , their bondslaues for to buy , And therefore prayd , that those same captiues there Mote to them for their most commodity Be sold , and mongst them shared equally . This their request the Captaine much appalled ; Yet could he not their iust demaund deny , And willed streight the slaues should forth be called , And sold for most aduantage not to be forstalled . Then forth the good old Meliboe was brought , And Coridon , with many other moe , Whom they before in diuerse spoyles had caught : All which he to the marchants sale did showe . Till some , which did the sundry prisoners knowe , Gan to inquire for that faire shepherdesse , Which with the rest they tooke not long agoe , And gan her forme and feature to expresse , The more t' augment her price , through praise of comlinesse . To whom the Captaine in full angry wize Made answere , that the Mayd of whom they spake , Was his owne purchase and his onely prize , With which none had to doe , ne ought partake , But he himselfe , which did that conquest make ; Litle for him to haue one silly lasse : Besides through sicknesse now so wan and weake , That nothing meet in marchandise to passe . So shew'd them her , to proue how pale & weake she was . The sight of whom , though now decayd and mard , And eke but hardly seene by candle-light , Yet like a Diamond of rich regard , In doubtfull shadow of the darkesome night , With starrie beames about her shining bright , These marchants fixed eyes did so amaze , That what through wonder , & what through delight , A while on her they greedily did gaze , And did her greatly like , and did her greatly praize . At last when all the rest them offred were , And prises to them placed at their pleasure , They all refused in regard of her , Ne ought would buy , how euer prisd with measure , Withouten her , whose worth aboue all threasure They did esteeme , and offred store of gold . But then the Captaine fraught with more displeasure , Bad them be still , his loue should not be sold : The rest take if they would , he her to him would hold . Therewith some other of the chiefest theeues Boldly him bad such iniurie forbeare ; For that same mayd , how euer it him greeues , Should with the rest be sold before him theare , To make the prises of the rest more deare . That with great rage he stoutly doth denay ; And fiercely drawing forth his blade , doth sweare , That who so hardie hand on her doth lay , It dearely shall aby , and death for handsell pay . Thus as they words amongst them multiply , They fall to strokes , the frute of too much talke , And the mad steele about doth fiercely fly , Not sparing wight , ne leauing any balke , But making way for death at large to walke : Who in the horror of the griesly night , In thousand dreadful shapes doth mongst them stalke , And makes huge hauocke , whiles the candlelight Out quenched , leaues no skill nor difference of wight . Like as a sort of hungry dogs ymet About some carcase by the common way , Doe fall together , stryuing each to get The greatest portion of the greedie pray ; All on confused heapes themselues assay , And snatch , and byte , and rend , and tug , and teare ; That who them sees , would wonder at their fray , And who sees not , would be affrayd to heare . Such was the conflict of those cruell Brigants there . But first of all , their captiues they doe kill , Least they should ioyne against the weaker side , Or rise against the remnant at their will ; Old Meliboe is slaine , and him beside His aged wife , with many others wide , But Coridon escaping craftily , Creepes forth of dores , whilst darknes him doth hide , And flyes away as fast as he can hye , Ne stayeth leaue to take , before his friends doe dye . But Pastorella , wofull wretched Elfe , Was by the Captaine all this while defended , Who minding more her safety then himselfe , His target alwayes ouer her pretended ; By meanes whereof , that mote not be amended , He at the length was slaine , and layd on ground , Yet holding fast twixt both his armes extended Fayre Pastorell , who with the selfe same wound Launcht through the arme , fell down with him in drerie swound . There lay she couered with confused preasse Of carcases , which dying on her fell . Tho when as he was dead , the fray gan ceasse , And each to other calling , did compell To stay their cruell hands from slaughter fell , Sith they that were the cause of all , were gone . Thereto they all attonce agreed well , And lighting candles new , gan search anone , How many of their friends were slaine , how many sone . Their Captaine there they cruelly found kild , And in his armes the dreary dying mayd , Like a sweet Angell twixt two clouds vphild : Her louely light was dimmed and decayd , With cloud of death vpon her eyes displayd ; Yet did the cloud make euen that dimmed light Seeme much more louely in that darknesse layd , And twixt the twinckling of her eye-lids bright , To sparke out litle beames , like starres in foggie night . But when they mou'd the carcases aside , They found that life did yet in her remaine : Then all their helpes they busily applyde , To call the soule backe to her home againe ; And wrought so well with labour and long paine , That they to life recouered her at last . Who sighing sore , as if her hart in twaine Had riuen bene , and all her hart strings brast , With drearie drouping eyne lookt vp like one aghast . There she beheld , that sore her grieu'd to see , Her father and her friends about her lying , Her selfe sole left , a second spoyle to bee Of those , that hauing saued her from dying , Renew'd her death by timely death denying : What now is left her , but to wayle and weepe , Wringing her hands , and ruefully loud crying ? Ne cared she her wound in teares to steepe , Albe with all their might those Brigants her did keepe . But when they saw her now reliu'd againe , They left her so , in charge of one the best Of many worst , who with vnkind disdaine And cruell rigour her did much molest ; Scarse yeelding her due food , or timely rest , And scarsely suffring her infestred wound , That sore her payn'd , by any to be drest . So leaue we her in wretched thraldome bound , And turne we backe to Calidore , where we him found . Who when he backe returned from the wood , And saw his shepheards cottage spoyled quight , And his loue reft away , he wexed wood , And halfe enraged at that ruefull sight , That euen his hart for very fell despight , And his owne flesh he readie was to teare , He chauft , he grieu'd , he fretted , and he sight , And fared like a furious wyld Beare , Whose whelpes are stolne away , she being otherwhere . Ne wight he found , to whom he might complaine , Ne wight he found , of whom he might inquire ; That more increast the anguish of his paine . He sought the woods ; but no man could see there , He sought the plaines ; but could no tydings heare . The woods did nought but ecchoes vaine rebound ; The playnes all waste and emptie did appeare : Where wont the shepheards oft their pypes resound , And feed an hundred flocks , there now not one he found . At last as there he romed vp and downe , He chaunst one comming towards him to spy , That seem'd to be some sorie simple clowne , With ragged weedes , and lockes vpstaring hye , As if he did from some late daunger fly , And yet his feare did follow him behynd : Who as he vnto him approched nye , He mote perceiue by signes , which he did fynd , That Coridon it was , the silly shepherds hynd . Tho to him running fast , he did not stay To greet him first , but askt where were the rest ; Where Pastorell ? who full of fresh dismay , And gushing forth in teares , was so opprest , That he no word could speake , but smit his brest , And vp to heauen his eyes fast streming threw . Whereat the knight amaz'd , yet did not rest , But askt againe , what ment that rufull hew : Where was his Pastorell ? where all the other crew ? Ah well away ( sayd he then sighing sore ) That euer I did liue , this day to see , This dismall day , and was not dead before , Before I saw faire Pastorella dye . Die ? out alas then Calidore did cry : How could the death dare euer her to quell ? But read thou shepheard , read what destiny , Or other dyrefull hap from heauen or hell Hath wrought this wicked deed , doe feare away , and tell . Tho when the shepheard breathed had a whyle , He thus began : where shall I then commence This wofull tale ? or how those Brigants vyle , With cruell rage and dreadfull violence Spoyld all our cots , and caried vs from hence ? Or how faire Pastorell should haue bene sold To marchants , but was sau'd with strong defence ? Or how those theeues , whilest one sought her to hold , Fell all at ods , and fought through fury fierce and bold . In that same conflict ( woe is me ) befell This fatall chaunce , this dolefull accident , Whose heauy tydings now I haue to tell . First all the captiues , which they here had hent , Were by them slaine by generall consent ; Old Meliboe and his good wife withall These eyes saw die , and dearely did lament : But when the lot to Pastorell did fall , Their Captaine long withstood , & did her death forstall , But what could he gainst all them doe alone : It could not boot ; needs mote she die at last : I onely scapt through great confusione Of cryes and clamors , which amongst them past , In dreadfull darknesse dreadfully aghast ; That better were with them to haue bene dead , Then here to see all desolate and wast , Despoyled of those ioyes and iolly head , Which with those gentle shepherds here I wont to lead . When Calidore these ruefull newes had raught , His hart quite deaded was with anguish great , And all his wits with doole were nigh distraught , That he his face , his head , his brest did beat , And death it selfe vnto himselfe did threat ; Oft cursing th' heauens , that so cruell were To her , whose name he often did repeat ; And wishing oft , that he were present there , When she was slaine , or had bene to her succour nere . But after griefe awhile had had his course , And spent it selfe in mourning , he at last Began to mitigate his swelling sourse , And in his mind with better reason cast , How he might saue her life , if life did last ; Or if that dead , how he her death might wreake , Sith otherwise he could not mend thing past ; Or if it to reuenge he were too weake , Then for to die with her , and his liues threed to breake . Tho Coridon he prayd , sith he well knew The readie way vnto that theeuish wonne , To wend with him , and be his conduct trew Vnto the place , to see what should be donne . But he , whose hart through feare was late fordonne , Would not for ought be drawne to former drede , But by all meanes the daunger knowne did shonne : Yet Calidore so well him wrought with meed , And faire bespoke with words , that he at last agreed . So forth they goe together ( God before ) Both clad in shepheards weeds agreeably , And both with shepheards hookes : But Calidore Had vnderneath , him armed priuily . Tho to the place when they approched nye , They chaunst , vpon an hill not farre away , Some flockes of sheepe and shepheards to espy ; To whom they both agreed to take their way , In hope there newes to learne , how they mote best assay . There did they find , that which they did not feare , The selfe same flocks , the which those theeues had reft From Meliboe and from themseles whyleare , And certaine of the theeues there by them left , The which for want of heards themselues then kept . Right well knew Coridon his owne late sheepe , And seeing them , for tender pittie wept : But when he saw the theeues , which did them keepe His hart gan fayle , albe he saw them all asleepe . But Calidore recomforting his griefe , Though not his feare : for nought may feare disswade ; Him hardly forward drew , whereas the thiefe Lay sleeping soundly in the bushes shade , Whom Coridon him counseld to inuade Now all vnwares , and take the spoyle away ; But he , that in his mind had closely made A further purpose , would not so them slay , But gently waking them , gaue them the time of day . Tho sitting downe by them vpon the greene , Of sundrie things he purpose gan to faine ; That he by them might certaine tydings weene Of Pastorell , were she aliue or slaine . Mongst which the theeues them questioned againe , What mister men , and eke from whence they were . To whom they answer'd , as did appertaine , That they were poore heardgroomes , the which whylere Had from their maisters fled , & now sought hyre elswhere . Whereof right glad they seem'd , and offer made To hyre them well , if they their flockes would keepe : For they themselues were euill groomes , they sayd , Vnwont with heards to watch , or pasture sheepe , But to forray the land , or scoure the deepe . Thereto they soone agreed , and earnest tooke , To keepe their flockes for litle hyre and chepe : For they for better hyre did shortly looke , So there all day they bode , till light the sky forsooke . Tho when as towards darksome night it drew , Vnto their hellish dens those theeues them brought , Where shortly they in great acquaintance grew , And all the secrets of their entrayles sought . There did they find , contrarie to their thought , That Pastorell yet liu'd , but all the rest Were dead , right so as Coridon had taught : Whereof they both full glad and blyth did rest , But chiefly Calidore , whom griefe had most possest . At length when they occasion fittest found , In dead of night , when all the theeues did rest After a late forray , and slept full sound , Sir Calidore him arm'd , as he thought best , Hauing of late by diligent inquest , Prouided him a sword of meanest sort : With which he streight went to the Captaines nest . But Coridon durst not with him consort , Ne durst abide behind , for dread of worse effort . When to the Caue they came , they found it fast : But Calidore with huge resistlesse might , The dores assayled , and the locks vpbrast . With noyse whereof the theefe awaking light , Vnto the entrance ran : where the bold knight Encountring him with small resistance slew ; The whiles faire Pastorell through great affright Was almost dead , misdoubting least of new Some vprore were like that , which lately she did vew . But when as Calidore was comen in , And gan aloud for Pastorell to call , Knowing his voice although not heard long sin , She sudden was reuiued therewithall , And wondrous ioy felt in her spirits thrall : Like him that being long in tempest tost , Looking each houre into deathes mouth to fall , At length espyes at hand the happie cost , On which he safety hopes , that earst feard to be lost . Her gentle hart , that now long season past Had neuer ioyance felt , nor chearefull thought , Began some smacke of comfort new to tast , Like lyfull heat to nummed senses brought , And life to feele , that long for death had sought ; Ne lesse in hart reioyced Calidore , When he her found , but like to one distraught And robd of reason , towards her him bore , A thousand times embrast , and kist a thousand more . But now by this , with noyse of late vprore , The hue and cry was raysed all about ; And all the Brigants flocking in great store , Vnto the caue gan preasse , nought hauing dout Of that was doen , and entred in a rout . But Calidore in th' entry close did stand , And entertayning them with courage stout , Still slew the formost , that came first to hand , So long till all the entry was with bodies mand . Tho when no more could nigh to him approch , He breath'd his sword , and rested him till day : Which when he spyde vpon the earth t' encroch , Through the dead carcases he made his way , Mongst which he found a sword of better say , With which he forth went into th' open light : Where all the rest for him did readie stay , And fierce assayling him , with all their might Gan all vpon him lay : there gan a dreadfull fight . How many flyes in whottest sommers day Do seize vpon some beast , whose flesh is bare , That all the place with swarmes do ouerlay , And with their litle stings right felly fare ; So many theeues about him swarming are , All which do him assayle on euery side , And sore oppresse , ne any him doth spare : But he doth with his raging brond diuide Their thickest troups , & round about him scattreth wide . Like as a Lion mongst an heard of dere , Disperseth them to catch his choysest pray ; So did he fly amongst them here and there , And all that nere him came , did hew and slay , Till he had strowd with bodies all the way ; That none his daunger daring to abide , Fled from his wrath , and did themselues conuay Into their caues , their heads from death to hide , Ne any left , that victorie to him enuide . Then backe returning to his dearest deare , He her gan to recomfort , all he might , With gladfull speaches , and with louely cheare , And forth her bringing to the ioyous light , Whereof she long had lackt the wishfull sight , Deuiz'd all goodly meanes , from her to driue The sad remembrance of her wretched plight . So her vneath at last he did reuiue , That long had lyen dead , and made againe aliue . This doen , into those theeuish dens he went , And thence did all the spoyles and threasures take , Which they from many long had robd and rent , But fortune now the victors meed did make ; Of which the best he did his loue betake ; And also all those flockes , which they before Had reft from Meliboe and from his make , He did them all to Coridon restore . So droue them all away , and his loue with him bore .

Cant. XII . Fayre Pastorella by great hap her parents vnderstands , Calidore doth the Blatant beast subdew , and bynd in bands . LIke as a ship , that through the Ocean wyde Directs her course vnto one certaine cost , Is met of many a counter winde and tyde , With which her winged speed is let and crost , And she her selfe in stormie surges tost ; Yet making many a borde , and many a bay , Still winneth way , ne hath her compasse lost : Right so it fares with me in this long way , Whose course is often stayd , yet neuer is astray . For all that hetherto hath long delayd This gentle knight , from sewing his first quest , Though out of course , yet hath not bene mis-sayd , To shew the courtesie by him profest , Euen vnto the lowest and the least . But now I come into my course againe , To his atchieuement of the Blatant beast ; Who all this while at will did range and raine , Whilst none was him to stop , nor none him to restraine . Sir Calidore when thus he now had raught Faire Pastorella from those Brigants powre , Vnto the Castle of Belgard her brought , Whereof was Lord the good Sir Bellamoure ; Who whylome was in his youthes freshest flowre A lustie knight , as euer wielded speare , And had endured many a dreadfull stoure In bloudy battell for a Ladie deare , The fayrest Ladie then of all that liuing were . Her name was Claribell , whose father hight The Lord of Many Ilands , farre renound For his great riches and his greater might . He through the wealth , wherein he did abound , This daughter thought in wedlocke to haue bound Vnto the Prince of Picteland bordering nere , But she whose sides before with secret wound Of loue to Bellamoure empierced were , By all meanes shund to match with any forrein fere . And Bellamour againe so well her pleased , With dayly seruice and attendance dew , That of her loue he was entyrely seized , And closely did her wed , but knowne to few . Which when her father vnderstood , he grew In so great rage , that them in dongeon deepe Without compassion cruelly he threw ; Yet did so streightly them a sunder keepe , That neither could to company of th' other creepe . Nathlesse Sir Bellamour , whether through grace Or secret guifts so with his keepers wrought , That to his loue sometimes he came in place , Whereof her wombe vnwist to wight was fraught , And in dew time a mayden child forth brought . Which she streight way for dread least , if her syre Should know thereof , to slay he would haue sought , Deliuered to her handmayd , that for hyre She should it cause be fostred vnder straunge attyre . The trustie damzell bearing it abrode Into the emptie fields , where liuing wight Mote not bewray the secret of her lode , She forth gan lay vnto the open light The litle babe , to take thereof a sight . Whom whylest she did with watrie eyne behold , Vpon the litle brest like christall bright , She mote perceiue a litle purple mold , That like a rose her silken leaues did faire vnfold . Well she it markt , and pittied the more , Yet could not remedie her wretched case , But closing it againe like as before , Bedeaw'd with teares there left it in the place : Yet left not quite , but drew a litle space Behind the bushes , where she her did hyde , To weet what mortall hand , or heauens grace Would for the wretched infants helpe prouyde , For which it loudly cald , and pittifully cryde . At length a Shepheard , which there by did keepe His fleecie flocke vpon the playnes around , Led with the infants cry , that loud did weepe , Came to the place , where when he wrapped found Th' abandond spoyle , he softly it vnbound ; And seeing there , that did him pittie sore , He tooke it vp , and in his mantle wound ; So home vnto his honest wife it bore , Who as her owne it nurst , and named euermore . Thus long continu'd Claribell a thrall , And Bellamour in bands , till that her syre Departed life , and left vnto them all . Then all the stormes of fortunes former yre Were turnd , and they to freedome did retyre . Thenceforth they ioy'd in happinesse together , And liued long in peace and loue entyre , Without disquiet or dislike of ether , Till time that Calidore brought Pastorella thether . Both whom they goodly well did entertaine ; For Bellamour knew Calidore right well , And loued for his prowesse , sith they twaine Long since had fought in field . Als Claribell No lesse did tender the faire Pastorell , Seeing her weake and wan , through durance long . There they a while together thus did dwell In much delight , and many ioyes among , Vntill the damzell gan to wex more sound and strong . Tho gan Sir Calidore him to aduize Of his first quest , which he had long forlore , Asham'd to thinke , how he that enterprize , The which the Faery Queene had long afore Bequeath'd to him , forslacked had so sore ; That much he feared , least reprochfull blame With foule dishonour him mote blot therefore ; Besides the losse of so much loos and fame , As through the world thereby should glorifie his name . Therefore resoluing to returne in hast Vnto so great atchieuement , he bethought To leaue his loue , now perill being past , With Claribell , whylest he that monster sought Troughout the world , and to destruction brought . So taking leaue of his faire Pastorell , Whom to recomfort , all the meanes he wrought , With thanks to Bellamour and Claribell , He went forth on his quest , and did , that him befell . But first , ere I doe his aduentures tell , In this exploite , me needeth to declare , What did betide to the faire Pastorell , During his absence left in heauy care , Through daily mourning , and nightly misfare : Yet did that auncient matrone all she might , To cherish her with all things choice and rare ; And her owne handmayd , that Melissa hight , Appointed to attend her dewly day and night . Who in a morning , when this Mayden faire Was dighting her , hauing her snowy brest As yet not laced , nor her golden haire Into their comely tresses dewly drest , Chaunst to espy vpon her yuory chest The rosie marke , which she remembred well That litle Infant had , which forth she kest , The daughter of her Lady Claribell , The which she bore , the whiles i● prison she did dwell . Which well auizing , streight she gan to cast In her conceiptfull mynd , that this faire Mayd Was that same infant , which so long sith past She in the open fields had loosely layd To fortunes spoile , vnable it to ayd . So full of ioy , streight forth she ran in hast Vnto her mistresse , being halfe dismayd , To tell her , how the heauens had her graste , To saue her chylde , which in misfortunes mouth was plaste . The sober mother seeing such her mood , Yet knowing not , what meant that sodaine thro , Askt her , how mote her words be vnderstood , And what the matter was , that mou'd her so . My liefe ( sayd she ) ye know , that long ygo , Whilest ye in durance dwelt , ye to me gaue A little mayde , the which ye chylded tho ; The same againe if now ye list to haue , The same is yonder Lady , whom high God did saue . Much was the Lady troubled at that speach , And gan to question streight how she it knew . Most certaine markes , ( sayd she ) do me it teach , For on her brest I with these eyes did vew The litle purple rose , which thereon grew , Whereof her name ye then to her did giue . Besides her countenaunce , and her likely hew , Matched with equall yeares , do surely prieue That yond same is your daughter sure , which yet doth liue The matrone stayd no lenger to enquire , But forth in hast ran to the straunger Mayd ; Whom catching greedily for great desire , Rent vp her brest , and bosome open layd , In which that rose she plainely saw displayd . Then her embracing twixt her armes twaine , She long so held , and softly weeping sayd ; And liuest thou my daughter now againe ? And art thou yet aliue , whom dead I long did faine . Tho further asking her of sundry things , And times comparing with their accidents , She found at last by very certaine signes , And speaking markes of passed monuments , That this young Mayd , whom chance to her presents Is her owne daughter , her owne infant deare . Tho wondring long at those so straunge euents , A thousand times she her embraced nere , With many a ioyfull kisse , and many a melting teare . Who euer is the mother of one chylde , Which hauing thought long dead , she fyndes aliue , Let her by proofe of that , which she hath fylde In her owne breast , this mothers ioy descriue : For other none such passion can contriue In perfect forme , as this good Lady felt , When she so faire a daughter saw suruiue , As Pastorella was , that nigh she swelt For passing ioy , which did all into pitty melt . Thence running forth vnto her loued Lord , She vnto him recounted , all that fell : Who ioyning ioy with her in one accord , Acknowledg'd for his owne faire Pastorell . There leaue we them in ioy , and let vs tell Of Calidore , who seeking all this while That monstrous Beast by finall force to quell , Through euery place , with restlesse paine and toile Him follow'd , by the tract of his outragious spoile . Through all estates he found that he had past , In which he many massacres had left , And to the Clergy now was come at last ; In which such spoile , such hauocke , and such theft He wrought , that thence all goodnesse he bereft , That endlesse were to tell . The Elfin Knight , Who now no place besides vnsought had left , At length into a Monastere did light , Where he him found despoyling all with maine & might . Into their cloysters now he broken had , Through which the Monckes he chaced here & there , And them pursu'd into their dortours sad , And searched all their cels and secrets neare ; In which what filth and ordure did appeare , Were yrkesome to report ; yet that foule Beast Nought sparing them , the more did tosse and teare , And ransacke all their dennes from most to least , Regarding nought religion , nor their holy heast . From thence into the sacred Church he broke , And robd the Chancell , and the deskes downe threw , And Altars fouled , and blasphemy spoke , And th' Images for all their goodly hew , Did cast to ground , whilest none was them to rew ; So all confounded and disordered there . But seeing Calidore , away he flew , Knowing his fatall hand by former feare ; But he him fast pursuing , soone approched neare . Him in a narrow place he ouertooke , And fierce assailing forst him turne againe : Sternely he turnd againe , when he him strooke With his sharpe steele , and ran at him amaine With open mouth , that seemed to containe A full good pecke within the vtmost brim , All set with yron teeth in raunges twaine , That terrifide his foes , and armed him , Appearing like the mouth of Orcus griesly grim . And therein were a thousand tongs empight , Of sundry kindes , and sundry quality , Some were of dogs , that barked day and night , And some of cats , that wrawling still did cry . And some of Beares , that groynd continually , And some of Tygres , that did seeme to gren , And snar at all , that euer passed by : But most of them were tongues of mortall men , Which spake reprochfully , not caring where nor when . And them amongst were mingled here and there , The tongues of Serpents with three forked stings , That spat out poyson and gore bloudy gere At all , that came within his rauenings , And spake licentious words , and hatefull things Of good and bad alike , of low and hie ; Ne Kesars spared he a whit , nor Kings , But either blotted them with infamie , Or bit them with his banefull teeth of iniury . But Calidore thereof no whit afrayd , Rencountred him with so impetuous might , That th' outrage of his violence he stayd , And bet abacke , threatning in vaine to bite , And spitting forth the poyson of his spight , That fomed all about his bloody iawes . Tho rearing vp his former feete on hight , He rampt vpon him with his rauenous pawes , As if he would haue rent him with his cruell clawes . But he right well aware , his rage to ward , Did cast his shield atweene , and therewithall Putting his puissaunce forth , pursu'd so hard , That backeward he enforced him to fall , And being downe , ere he new helpe could call , His shield he on him threw , and fast downe held , Like as a bullocke , that in bloudy stall Of butchers balefull hand to ground is feld , Is forcibly kept downe , till he be throughly queld . Full cruelly the Beast did rage and rore , To be downe held , and maystred so with might , That he gan fret and fome out bloudy gore , Striuing in vaine to rere him selfe vpright . For still the more he stroue , the more the Knight Did him suppresse , and forcibly subdew ; That made him almost mad for fell despight . He grind , hee bit , he scratcht , he venim threw , And fared like a feend , right horrible in hew . Or like the hell-borne Hydra , which they faine That great Alcides whilome ouerthrew , After that he had labourd long in vaine , To crop his thousand heads , the which still new Forth budded , and in greater number grew . Such was the fury of this hellish Beast , Whilest Calidore him vnder him downe threw ; Who nathemore his heauy load releast , But aye the more he rag'd , the more his powre increast . Tho when the Beast saw , he mote nought auaile , By force , he gan his hundred tongues apply , And sharpely at him to reuile and raile , With bitter termes of shamefull infamy ; Oft interlacing many a forged lie , Whose like he neuer once did speake , nor heare , Nor euer thought thing so vnworthily : Yet did he nought for all that him forbeare , But strained him so streightly , that he chokt him neare . At last when as he found his force to shrincke , And rage to quaile , he tooke a muzzell strong Of surest yron , made with many a lincke ; Therewith he mured vp his mouth along , And therein shut vp his blasphemous tong , For neuer more defaming gentle Knight , Or vnto louely Lady doing wrong : And thereunto a great long chaine he tight , With which he drew him forth , euen in his own despight . Like as whylome that strong Tirynthian swaine , Brought forth with him the dreadfull dog of hell , Against his will fast bound in yron chaine , And roring horribly , did him compell To see the hatefull sunne , that he might tell To griesly Pluto , what on earth was donne , And to the other damned ghosts , which dwell For aye in darkenesse , which day light doth shonne . So led this Knight his captyue with like conquest wonne . Yet greatly did the Beast repine at those Straunge bands , whose like till then he neuer bore , Ne euer any durst till then impose , And chauffed inly , seeing now no more Him liberty was left aloud to rore : Yet durst he not draw backe ; nor once withstand The proued powre of noble Calidore , But trembled vnderneath his mighty hand , And like a fearefull dog him followed through the land . Him through all Faery land he follow'd so , As if he learned had obedience long , That all the people where so he did go , Out of their townes did round about him throng , To see him leade that Beast in bondage strong , And seeing it , much wondred at the sight ; And all such persons , as he earst did wrong , Reioyced much to see his captiue plight , And much admyr'd the Beast , but more admyr'd the Knight , Thus was this Monster by the maystring might Of doughty Calidore , supprest and tamed , That neuer more he mote endammadge wight With his vile tongue , which many had defamed , And many causelesse caused to be blamed : So did he eeke long after this remaine , Vntill that , whether wicked fate so framed , Or fault of men , he broke his yron chaine , And got into the world at liberty againe . Thenceforth more mischiefe and more scath he wrought To mortall men , then he had done before ; Ne euer could by any more be brought Into like bands , ne maystred any more : Albe that long time after Calidore , The good Sir Pelleas him tooke in hand , And after him Sir Lamoracke of yore , And all his brethren borne in Britaine land ; Yet none of them could euer bring him into band . So now he raungeth through the world againe , And rageth sore in each degree and state ; Ne any is , that may him now restraine , He growen is so great and strong of late , Barking and biting all that him doe bate , Albe they worthy blame , or cleare of crime : Ne spareth he most learned wits to rate , Ne spareth he the gentle Poets rime , But rends without regard of person or of time . Ne may this homely verse , of many meanest , Hope to escape his venemous despite , More then my former writs , all were they clearest From blamefull blot , and free from all that wite , With which some wicked tongues did it backebite , And bring into a mighty Peres displeasure , That neuer so deserued to endite . Therfore do you my rimes keep better measure , And seeke to please , that now is counted wisemens threasure .

FINIS .