{ "id": "edmund-spenser/the-legend-of-artegall-or-of-justice", "title": "The Legend of Artegall, or of Justice", "ordinal": "Book V", "subtitle": null, "poet": "Edmund Spenser", "poet_slug": "edmund-spenser", "language": "en", "book": "The Faerie Queene", "book_slug": "the-faerie-queene", "book_kind": "volume", "sequence": 6, "container": null, "epigraph": null, "first_published": { "year": 1596, "venue": "The Faerie Queene (1596)", "note": "First located printing is this volume; an earlier periodical printing has not been established.", "uncertain": false, "sources": [ "https://archive.org/details/spensersfaeriequ01spenuoft", "https://archive.org/details/spensersfaeriequ02spenuoft", "https://archive.org/details/spensersfaeriequ03spenuoft", "https://archive.org/details/spensersfaeriequ04spenuoft", "https://archive.org/details/spensersfaeriequ05spenuoft", "https://archive.org/details/spensersfaeriequ06spenuoft", "https://github.com/standardebooks/edmund-spenser_the-faerie-queene" ] }, "source": { "kind": "standard-ebooks", "repo": "standardebooks/edmund-spenser_the-faerie-queene", "file": "book-5.xhtml", "upstream": [ "https://archive.org/details/spensersfaeriequ01spenuoft", "https://archive.org/details/spensersfaeriequ02spenuoft", "https://archive.org/details/spensersfaeriequ03spenuoft", "https://archive.org/details/spensersfaeriequ04spenuoft", "https://archive.org/details/spensersfaeriequ05spenuoft", "https://archive.org/details/spensersfaeriequ06spenuoft" ], "rights": "public domain (SE dedication; underlying text pre-1931)" }, "verification": { "level": "structural-only", "last_checked": "2026-08-20" }, "stats": { "n_lines": 5184, "n_stanzas": 576, "n_parts": 0, "longest_line_chars": 66, "max_indent": 1 }, "site_ready": true, "parts": [], "stanzas": [ [ { "text": "So oft as I with state of present time", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The image of the antique world compare,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "When as mans age was in his freshest prime,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And the first blossome of faire vertue bare;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Such oddes I finde twixt those, and these which are,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "As that, through long continuance of his course,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Me seemes the world is runne quite out of square", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "From the first point of his appointed sourse;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And being once amisse growes daily wourse and wourse:", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "For from the golden age, that first was named,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "It’s now at earst become a stonie one;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And men themselves, the which at first were framed", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Of earthly mould, and form’d of flesh and bone,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Are now transformed into hardest stone;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Such as behind their backs (so backward bred)", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Were throwne by Pyrrha and Deucalione:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And if then those may any worse be red,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "They into that ere long will be degendered.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Let none then blame me, if in discipline", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Of vertue and of civill uses lore,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "I doe not forme them to the common line", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Of present dayes, which are corrupted sore,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But to the antique use which was of yore,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "When good was onely for it selfe desyred,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And all men sought their owne, and none no more;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "When Justice was not for most meed out-hyred,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But simple Truth did rayne, and was of all admyred.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "For that which all men then did vertue call,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Is now cald vice; and that which vice was hight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Is now hight vertue, and so us’d of all:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Right now is wrong, and wrong that was is right;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "As all things else in time are chaunged quight:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Ne wonder; for the heavens revolution", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Is wandred farre from where it first was pight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And so doe make contrarie constitution", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Of all this lower world, toward his dissolution.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "For who so list into the heavens looke,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And search the courses of the rowling spheares,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Shall find that from the point where they first tooke", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Their setting forth, in these few thousand yeares", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "They all are wandred much; that plaine appeares:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For that same golden fleecy Ram, which bore", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Phrixus and Helle from their stepdames feares,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Hath now forgot where he was plast of yore,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And shouldred hath the Bull which fayre Europa bore:", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "And eke the Bull hath with his bow-bent horne", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "So hardly butted those two twins of Jove,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That they have crusht the Crab, and quite him borne", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Into the great Nemæan lions grove.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So now all range, and doe at randon rove", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Out of their proper places farre away,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And all this world with them amisse doe move,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And all his creatures from their course astray,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Till they arrive at their last ruinous decay.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Ne is that same great glorious lampe of light,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "That doth enlumine all these lesser fyres,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "In better case, ne keepes his course more right,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But is miscaried with the other Spheres:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For since the terme of fourteene hundred yeres,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That learned Ptolomæe his hight did take,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He is declyned from that marke of theirs", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Nigh thirtie minutes to the Southerne lake;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That makes me feare in time he will us quite forsake.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "And if to those Ægyptian wisards old,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Which in Star-read were wont have best insight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Faith may be given, it is by them told", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That since the time they first tooke the Sunnes hight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Foure times his place he shifted hath in sight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And twice hath risen where he now doth West,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And wested twice where he ought rise aright:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But most is Mars amisse of all the rest,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And next to him old Saturne, that was wont be best.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "For during Saturnes ancient raigne it’s sayd", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "That all the world with goodnesse did abound:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "All loved vertue, no man was affrayd", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Of force, ne fraud in wight was to be found:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "No warre was knowne, no dreadfull trompets sound;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Peace universall rayn’d mongst men and beasts,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And all things freely grew out of the ground:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Justice sate high ador’d with solemne feasts,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And to all people did divide her dred beheasts:", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Most sacred vertue she of all the rest,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Resembling God in his imperiall might;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Whose soveraine powre is herein most exprest,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That both to good and bad he dealeth right,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And all his workes with Justice hath bedight.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That powre he also doth to Princes lend,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And makes them like himselfe in glorious sight", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To sit in his own seate, his cause to end,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And rule his people right, as he doth recommend.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Dread Soverayne Goddesse, that doest highest sit", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "In seate of judgement in th’Almighties stead,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And with magnificke might and wondrous wit", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Doest to thy people righteous doome aread,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That furthest Nations filles with awful dread,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Pardon the boldnesse of thy basest thrall,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That dare discourse of so divine a read", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "As thy great justice, praysed over-all;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The instrument whereof loe! here thy Artegall.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Though vertue then were held in highest price,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "In those old times of which I doe entreat,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Yet then likewise the wicked seede of vice", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Began to spring; which shortly grew full great,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And with their boughes the gentle plants did beat:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But evermore some of the vertuous race", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Rose up, inspired with heroicke heat,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That cropt the branches of the sient base,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And with strong hand their fruitful rancknes did deface.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Such first was Bacchus, that with furious might", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "All th’East, before untam’d, did overronne,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And wrong repressed, and establisht right,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Which lawlesse men had formerly fordonne:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "There Justice first her princely rule begonne.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Next Hercules his like ensample shewed,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Who all the West with equall conquest wonne,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And monstrous tyrants with his club subdewed:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The club of Justice dread with kingly powre endewed.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "And such was he of whom I have to tell,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The Champion of true Justice, Artegall:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Whom (as ye lately mote remember well)", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "An hard adventure, which did then befall,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Into redoubted perill forth did call;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That was to succour a distressed Dame", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Whom a strong tyrant did unjustly thrall,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And from the heritage, which she did clame,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Did with strong hand withhold; Grantorto was his name.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Wherefore the Lady, which Irena hight,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Did to the Faery Queene her way addresse,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To whom complayning her afflicted plight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "She her besought of gratious redresse.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That soveraine Queene, that mightie Emperesse,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Whose glorie is to aide all suppliants pore,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And of weake Princes to be Patronesse,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Chose Artegall to right her to restore;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For that to her he seem’d best skild in righteous lore.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "For Artegall injustice was upbrought", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Even from the cradle of his infancie,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And all the depth of rightfull doome was taught", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "By faire Astræa with great industrie,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Whilest here on earth she lived mortallie:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For till the world from his perfection fell", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Into all filth and foule iniquitie,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Astræa here mongst earthly men did dwell,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And in the rules of justice them instructed well.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Whiles through the world she walked in this sort,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Upon a day she found this gentle childe", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Amongst his peres playing his childish sport;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Whom seeing fit, and with no crime defilde,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "She did allure with gifts and speaches milde", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To wend with her. So thence him farre she brought", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Into a cave from companie exilde,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "In which she noursled him till yeares he raught,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And all the discipline of justice there him taught.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "There she him taught to weigh both right and wrong", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "In equal ballance with due recompence,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And equitie to measure out along", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "According to the line of conscience,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "When so it needs with rigour to dispence:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Of all the which, for want there of mankind,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "She caused him to make experience", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Upon wyld beasts, which she in woods did find", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With wrongfull powre oppressing others of their kind.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Thus she him trayned, and thus she him taught", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "In all the skill of deeming wrong and right,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Untill the ripenesse of mans yeares he raught;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That even wilde beasts did feare his awfull sight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And men admyr’d his over-ruling might;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Ne any liv’d on ground that durst withstand", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "His dreadfull heast, much lesse him match in fight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Or bide the horror of his wreakfull hand,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "When so he list in wrath lift up his steely brand.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Which steely brand, to make him dreaded more,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "She gave unto him, gotten by her slight", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And earnest search, where it was kept in store", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "In Joves eternall house, unwist of wight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Since he himselfe it us’d in that great fight", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Against the Titans, that whylome rebelled", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Gainst highest heaven: Chrysaor it was hight;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Chrysaor, that all other swords excelled,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Well prov’d in that same day when Jove those Gyants quelled:", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "For of most perfect metall it was made,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Tempred with Adamant amongst the same,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And garnisht all with gold upon the blade", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "In goodly wise, whereof it tooke his name,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And was of no lesse vertue then of fame;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For there no substance was so firme and hard,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But it would pierce or cleave, where so it came,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Ne any armour could his dint outward;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But wheresoever it did light, it throughly shard.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Now, when the world with sinne gan to abound,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Astræa loathing lenger here to space", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Mongst wicked men, in whom no truth she found,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Return’d to heaven, whence she deriv’d her race;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Where she hath now an everlasting place", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Mongst those twelve signes, which nightly we doe see", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The heavens bright-shining baudricke to enchace;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And is the Virgin, sixt in her degree,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And next her selfe her righteous ballance hanging bee.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "But when she parted hence she left her groome,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "An yron man, which did on her attend", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Alwayes to execute her stedfast doome,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And willed him with Artegall to wend,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And doe what ever thing he did intend:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "His name was Talus, made of yron mould,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Immoveable, resistlesse, without end;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Who in his hand a yron flale did hould,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With which he thresht out falshood, and did truth unfould.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "He now went with him in this new inquest,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Him for to aide, if aide he chaunst to neede,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Against that cruell Tyrant, which opprest", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The faire Irena with his foule misdeede,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And kept the crowne in which she should succeed:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And now together on their way they bin,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "When as they saw a Squire in squallid weed", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Lamenting sore his sorrowfull sad tyne,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With many bitter teares shed from his blubbred eyne.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "To whom as they approched, they espide", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "A sorie sight as ever seene with eye,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "An headlesse Ladie lying him beside", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "In her owne blood all wallow’d wofully,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That her gay clothes did in discolour die.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Much was he moved at that ruefull sight;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And flam’d with zeale of vengeance inwardly,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He askt who had that Dame so fouly dight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Or whether his owne hand, or whether other wight?", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“Ah! woe is me, and wellaway!” (quoth hee,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Bursting forth teares like springs out of a banke),", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "“That ever I this dismall day did see!", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Full farre was I from thinking such a pranke;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Yet litle losse it were, and mickle thanke,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "If I should graunt that I have doen the same,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That I mote drinke the cup whereof she dranke,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But that I should die guiltie of the blame", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The which another did, who now is fled with shame.”", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“Who was it then,” (sayd Artegall) “that wrought?", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And why? doe it declare unto me trew.”", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "“A knight,” (said he) “if knight he may be thought", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That did his hand in Ladies bloud embrew,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And for no cause, but as I shall you shew.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "This day as I in solace sate hereby", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With a fayre love, whose losse I now do rew,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "There came this knight, having in companie", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "This lucklesse Ladie which now here doth headlesse lie.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“He, whether mine seem’d fayrer in his eye,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Or that he wexed weary of his owne,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Would change with me, but I did it denye;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So did the Ladies both, as may be knowne:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But he, whose spirit was with pride upblowne,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Would not so rest contented with his right;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But, having from his courser her downe throwne,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Fro me reft mine away by lawlesse might,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And on his steed her set to beare her out of sight.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“Which when his Ladie saw, she follow’d fast,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And on him catching hold gan loud to crie", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Not so to leave her, nor away to cast,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But rather of his hand besought to die.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With that his sword he drew all wrathfully,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And at one stroke cropt off her head with scorne,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "In that same place whereas it now doth lie.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So he my love away with him hath borne,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And left me here both his and mine owne love to morne.”", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“Aread” (sayd he) “which way then did he make?", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And by what markes may he be knowne againe?”", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "“To hope” (quoth he) “him soone to overtake", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That hence so long departed, is but vaine;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But yet he pricked over yonder plaine,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And, as I marked, bore upon his shield,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "By which it’s easie him to know againe,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "A broken sword within a bloodie field;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Expressing well his nature which the same did wield.”", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "No sooner sayd, but streight he after sent", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "His yron page, who him pursew’d so light,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "As that it seem’d above the ground he went;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For he was swift as swallow in her flight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And strong as Lyon in his lordly might.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "It was not long before he overtooke", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Sir Sanglier, (so cleeped was that Knight)", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Whom at the first he ghessed by his looke,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And by the other markes which of his shield he tooke.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "He bad him stay, and backe with him retire;", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Who, full of scorne to be commaunded so,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The Lady to alight did eft require,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Whilest he reformed that uncivill fo,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And streight at him with all his force did go;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Who mov’d no more therewith, then when a rocke", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Is lightly stricken with some stones throw;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But to him leaping lent him such a knocke,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That on the ground he layd him like a sencelesse blocke.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "But, ere he could him selfe recure againe,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Him in his iron paw he seized had;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That when he wak’t out of his warelesse paine,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He found him selfe unwist so ill bestad,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That lim he could not wag: Thence he him lad,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Bound like a beast appointed to the stall:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The sight whereof the Lady sore adrad,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And fain’d to fly for feare of being thrall;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But he her quickly stayd, and forst to wend withall.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "When to the place they came, where Artegall", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "By that same carefull Squire did then abide,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He gently gan him to demaund of all", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That did betwixt him and that Squire betide:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Who with sterne countenance and indignant pride", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Did aunswere, that of all he guiltlesse stood,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And his accuser thereuppon deride;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For neither he did shed that Ladies bloud,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Nor tooke away his love, but his owne proper good.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Well did the Squire perceive him selfe too weake", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "To aunswere his defiaunce in the field,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And rather chose his challenge off to breake,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Then to approve his right with speare and shield,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And rather guilty chose himselfe to yield:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But Artegall by signes perceiving plaine", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That he it was not which that Lady kild,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But that strange Knight, the fairer love to gaine,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Did cast about by sleight the truth thereout to straine;", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "And sayd; “Now sure this doubtfull causes right", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Can hardly but by Sacrament be tride,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Or else by ordele, or by blooddy fight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That ill perhaps mote fall to either side;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But if ye please that I your cause decide,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Perhaps I may all further quarrell end,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So ye will sweare my judgement to abide.”", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Thereto they both did franckly condiscend,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And to his doome with listfull eares did both attend.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“Sith then,” (sayd he) “ye both the dead deny,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And both the living Lady claime your right,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Let both the dead and living equally", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Devided be betwixt you here in sight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And each of either take his share aright:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But looke, who does dissent from this my read,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He for a twelve moneths day shall in despight", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Beare for his penaunce that same Ladies head,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To witnesse to the world that she by him is dead.”", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Well pleased with that doome was Sangliere,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And offred streight the Lady to be slaine;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But that same Squire, to whom she was more dere,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "When as he saw she should be cut in twaine,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Did yield she rather should with him remaine", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Alive, then to him selfe be shared dead;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And rather then his love should suffer paine,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He chose with shame to beare that Ladies head:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "True love despiseth shame, when life is cald in dread.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Whom when so willing Artegall perceaved;", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "“Not so, thou Squire,” (he sayd) “but thine I deeme", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The living Lady, which from thee he reaved,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For worthy thou of her doest rightly seeme.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And you, Sir Knight, that love so light esteeme,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "As that ye would for little leave the same,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Take here your owne, that doth you best beseeme,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And with it beare the burden of defame,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Your owne dead Ladies head, to tell abrode your shame.”", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "But Sangliere disdained much his doome,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And sternly gan repine at his beheast;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Ne would for ought obay, as did become,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To beare that Ladies head before his breast,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Until that Talus had his pride represt,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And forced him, maulgre, it up to reare.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Who when he saw it bootelesse to resist,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He tooke it up, and thence with him did beare,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "As rated Spaniell takes his burden up for feare.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Much did that Squire Sir Artegall adore", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "For his great justice, held in high regard,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And as his Squire him offred evermore", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To serve, for want of other meete reward,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And wend with him on his adventure hard;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But he thereto would by no meanes consent,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But leaving him forth on his journey far’d:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Ne wight with him but onely Talus went;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "They two enough t’encounter an whole Regiment.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Nought is more honorable to a knight,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Ne better doth beseeme brave chevalry,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Then to defend the feeble in their right,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And wrong redresse in such as wend awry:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Whilome those great Heroes got thereby", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Their greatest glory for their rightfull deedes,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And place deserved with the Gods on hy.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Herein the noblesse of this knight exceedes,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Who now to perils great for justice sake proceedes.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "To which as he now was uppon the way,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "He chaunst to meet a Dwarfe in hasty course,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Whom he requir’d his forward hast to stay,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Till he of tidings mote with him discourse.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Loth was the Dwarfe, yet did he stay perforse,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And gan of sundry newes his store to tell,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "As to his memory they had recourse;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But chiefly of the fairest Florimell,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "How she was found againe, and spousde to Marinell.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "For this was Dony, Florimels owne Dwarfe,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Whom having lost, (as ye have heard whyleare)", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And finding in the way the scattred scarfe,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The fortune of her life long time did feare:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But of her health when Artegall did heare,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And safe returne, he was full inly glad,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And askt him where and when her bridale cheare", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Should be solemniz’d; for, if time he had,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He would be there, and honor to her spousall ad.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“Within three daies,” (quoth he) “as I do here,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "It will be at the Castle of the Strond;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "What time, if naught me let, I will be there", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To doe her service so as I am bond:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But in my way, a little here beyond,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "A cursed cruell Sarazin doth wonne,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That keepes a Bridges passage by strong hond,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And many errant Knights hath there fordonne;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That makes all men for feare that passage for to shonne.”", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“What mister wight,” (quoth he) “and how far hence", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Is he, that doth to travellers such harmes?”", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "“He is” (said he) “a man of great defence,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Expert in battell and in deedes of armes;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And more emboldned by the wicked charmes,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With which his daughter doth him still support;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Having great Lordships got and goodly farmes,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Through strong oppression of his powre extort,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "By which he stil them holds, and keepes with strong effort.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“And dayly he his wrongs encreaseth more;", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "For never wight he lets to passe that way", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Over his Bridge, albee he rich or poore,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But he him makes his passage-penny pay:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Else he doth hold him backe or beat away.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Thereto he hath a groome of evill guize,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Whose scalp is bare, that bondage doth bewray,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Which pols and pils the poore in piteous wize;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But he him selfe uppon the rich doth tyrannize.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“His name is hight Pollentè, rightly so,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "For that he is so puissant and strong,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That with his powre he all doth overgo,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And makes them subject to his mighty wrong;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And some by sleight he eke doth underfong.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For on a Bridge he custometh to fight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Which is but narrow, but exceeding long;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And in the same are many trap-fals pight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Through which the rider downe doth fall through oversight.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“And underneath the same a river flowes", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "That is both swift and dangerous deepe withall;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Into the which whom so he overthrowes,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "All destitute of helpe doth headlong fall;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But he him selfe through practise usuall,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Leapes forth into the floud, and there assaies", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "His foe confused through his sodaine fall,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That horse and man he equally dismaies,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And either both them drownes, or trayterously slaies.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“Then doth he take the spoile of them at will,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And to his daughter brings, that dwels thereby;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Who all that comes doth take, and therewith fill", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The coffers of her wicked threasury,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Which she with wrongs hath heaped up so hy", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That many Princes she in wealth exceedes,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And purchast all the countrey lying ny", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With the revenue of her plenteous meedes:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Her name is Munera, agreeing with her deedes.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“Thereto she is full faire, and rich attired,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "With golden hands and silver feete beside,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That manv Lords have her to wife desired,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But she them all despiseth for great pride.”", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "“Now by my life,” (sayd he) “and God to guide,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "None other way will I this day betake,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But by that Bridge whereas he doth abide:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Therefore me thither lead.” No more he spake,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But thitherward forthright his ready way did make.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Unto the place he came within a while,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Where on the Bridge he ready armed saw", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The Sarazin, awayting for some spoile:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "When as they to the passage gan to draw,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "A villaine to them came with scull all raw,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That passage money did of them require,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "According to the custome of their law:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To whom he aunswerd wroth, “Loe! there thy hire;”", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And with that word him strooke, that streight he did expire.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Which when the Pagan saw he wexed wroth,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And streight him selfe unto the fight addrest,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Ne was Sir Artegall behinde: so both", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Together ran with ready speares in rest.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Right in the midst, whereas they brest to brest", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Should meete, a trap was letten downe to fall", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Into the floud: streight leapt the Carle unblest,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Well weening that his foe was falne withall;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But he was well aware, and leapt before his fall.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "There being both together in the floud,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "They each at other tyrannously flew;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Ne ought the water cooled their whot bloud,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But rather in them kindled choler new:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But there the Paynim, who that use well knew", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To fight in water, great advantage had,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That oftentimes him nigh he overthrew:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And eke the courser whereuppon he rad", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Could swim like to a fish, whiles he his backe bestrad.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Which oddes when as Sir Artegall espide,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "He saw no way but close with him in hast;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And to him driving strongly downe the tide", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Uppon his iron coller griped fast,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That with the straint his wesand nigh he brast.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "There they together strove and struggled long", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Either the other from his steede to cast;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Ne ever Artegall his griple strong", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For any thing wold slacke, but still upon him hong.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "As when a Dolphin and a Sele are met", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "In the wide champian of the Ocean plaine,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With cruell chaufe their courages they whet,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The maysterdome of each by force to gaine,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And dreadfull battaile twixt them do darraine:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "They snuf, they snort, they bounce, they rage, they rore,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That all the sea, disturbed with their traine,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Doth frie with fome above the surges hore.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Such was betwixt these two the troublesome uprore.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "So Artegall at length him forst forsake", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "His horses backe for dread of being drownd,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And to his handy swimming him betake.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Eftsoones him selfe he from his hold unbownd,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And then no ods at all in him he fownd;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For Artegall in swimming skilfull was,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And durst the depth of any water sownd.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So ought each Knight, that use of perill has,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "In swimming be expert, through waters force to pas.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Then very doubtfull was the warres event,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Uncertaine whether had the better side;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For both were skild in that experiment,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And both in armes well traind, and throughly tride:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But Artegall was better breath’d beside,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And towards th’end grew greater in his might,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That his faint foe no longer could abide", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "His puissance, ne beare him selfe upright;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But from the water to the land betooke his flight.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "But Artegall pursewd him still so neare", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "With bright Chrysaor in his cruell hand,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That as his head he gan a litle reare", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Above the brincke to tread upon the land,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He smote it off, that tumbling on the strand", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "It bit the earth for very fell despight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And gnashed with his teeth, as if he band", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "High God, whose goodnesse he despaired quight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Or curst the hand which did that vengeance on him dight.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "His corps was carried downe along the Lee,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Whose waters with his filthy bloud it stayned;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But his blasphemous head, that all might see,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He pitcht upon a pole on high ordayned;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Where many years it afterwards remayned,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To be a mirrour to all mighty men,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "In whose right hands great power is contayned,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That none of them the feeble over-ren,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But alwaies doe their powre within just compasse pen.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "That done, unto the Castle he did wend,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "In which the Paynims daughter did abide,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Guarded of many which did her defend:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Of whom he entrance sought, but was denide,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And with reprochfull blasphemy defide,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Beaten with stones downe from the battilment,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That he was forced to withdraw aside,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And bad his servant Talus to invent", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Which way he enter might without endangerment.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Eftsoones his Page drew to the Castle gate,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And with his iron flale at it let flie,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That all the warders it did sore amate,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The which erewhile spake so reprochfully,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And made them stoupe that looked earst so hie.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Yet still he bet and bounst uppon the dore,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And thundred strokes thereon so hideouslie,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That all the peece he shaked from the flore,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And filled all the house with feare and great uprore.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "With noise whereof the Lady forth appeared", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Uppon the Castle wall; and, when she saw", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The daungerous state in which she stood, she feared", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The sad effect of her neare overthrow;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And gan entreat that iron man below", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To cease his outrage, and him faire besought;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Sith neither force of stones which they did throw,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Nor powr of charms, which she against him wrought,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Might otherwise prevaile, or make him cease for ought.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "But, when as yet she saw him to proceede", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Unmov’d with praiers or with piteous thought,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "She ment him to corrupt with goodly meede;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And causde great sackes with endlesse riches fraught", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Unto the battilment to be upbrought,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And powred forth over the Castle wall,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That she might win some time, though dearly bought,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Whilest he to gathering of the gold did fall:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But he was nothing mov’d nor tempted therewithall:", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "But still continu’d his assault the more,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And layd on load with his huge yron flaile,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That at the length he has yrent the dore,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And made way for his maister to assaile;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Who being entred, nought did then availe", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For wight against his powre them selves to reare.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Each one did flie; their hearts began to faile,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And hid them selves in corners here and there;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And eke their dame halfe dead did hide her self for feare.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Long they her sought, yet no where could they finde her,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "That sure they ween’d she was escapt away;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But Talus, that could like a lime-hound winde her,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And all things secrete wisely could bewray,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "At length found out whereas she hidden lay", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Under an heape of gold. Thence he her drew", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "By the faire lockes, and fowly did array", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Withouten pitty of her goodly hew,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That Artegall him selfe her seemelesse plight did rew.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Yet for no pitty would he change the course", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Of Justice, which in Talus hand did lye;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Who rudely hayld her forth without remorse,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Still holding up her suppliant hands on hye,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And kneeling at his feete submissively:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But he her suppliant hands, those hands of gold,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And eke her feete, those feete of silver trye,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Which sought unrighteousnesse, and justice sold,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Chopt off, and nayld on high that all might them behold.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Her selfe then tooke he by the sclender wast,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "In vaine loud crying, and into the flood", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Over the Castle wall adowne her cast,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And there her drowned in the durty mud;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But the streame washt away her guilty blood.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Thereafter all that mucky pelfe he tooke,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The spoile of peoples evil gotten good,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The which her sire had scrap’t by hooke and crooke,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And burning all to ashes powr’d it downe the brooke.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "And lastly all that Castle quite he raced,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Even from the sole of his foundation,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And all the hewen stones thereof defaced,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That there mote be no hope of reparation,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Nor memory thereof to any nation.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "All which when Talus throughly had perfourmed,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Sir Artegall undid the evill fashion,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And wicked customes of that Bridge refourmed;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Which done, unto his former journey he retourned:", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "In which they measur’d mickle weary way,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Till that at length nigh to the sea they drew;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "By which as they did travell on a day,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "They saw before them, far as they could vew,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Full many people gathered in a crew;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Whose great assembly they did much admire,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For never there the like resort they knew.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So towardes them they coasted, to enquire", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "What thing so many nations met did there desire.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "There they beheld a mighty Gyant stand", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Upon a rocke, and holding forth on hie", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "An huge great paire of ballance in his hand,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With which he boasted, in his surquedrie,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That all the world he would weigh equallie,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "If ought he had the same to counterpoys;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For want whereof he weighed vanity,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And fild his ballaunce full of idle toys:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Yet was admired much of fooles, women, and boys.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "He sayd that he would all the earth uptake", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And all the sea, divided each from either:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So would he of the fire one ballaunce make,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And one of th’ayre, without or wind or wether:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Then would he ballaunce heaven and hell together,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And all that did within them all containe,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Of all whose weight he would not misse a fether:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And looke what surplus did of each remaine,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He would to his owne part restore the same againe:", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "For-why, he sayd, they all unequall were,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And had encroched upon others share;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Like as the sea (which plaine he shewed there)", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Had worne the earth; so did the fire the aire;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So all the rest did others parts empaire,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And so were realmes and nations run awry.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "All which he undertooke for to repaire,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "In sort as they were formed aunciently,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And all things would reduce unto equality.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Therefore the vulgar did about him flocke,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And cluster thicke unto his leasings vaine,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Like foolish flies about an hony-crocke;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "In hope by him great benefite to gaine,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And uncontrolled freedome to obtaine.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "All which when Artegall did see and heare,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "How he misled the simple peoples traine,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "In sdeignfull wize he drew unto him neare,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And thus unto him spake, without regard or feare.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“Thou that presum’st to weigh the world anew,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And all things to an equall to restore,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Instead of right me seemes great wrong dost shew,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And far above thy forces pitch to sore;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For ere thou limit what is lesse or more", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "In every thing, thou oughtest first to know", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "What was the poyse of every part of yore:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And looke then how much it doth overflow", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Or faile thereof, so much is more then just to trow.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“For at the first they all created were", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "In goodly measure by their Makers might;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And weighed out in ballaunces so nere,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That not a dram was missing of their right:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The earth was in the middle centre pight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "In which it doth immoveable abide,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Hemd in with waters like a wall in sight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And they with aire, that not a drop can slide:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Al which the heavens containe, and in their courses guide.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“Such heavenly justice doth among them raine,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "That every one doe know their certaine bound,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "In which they doe these many yeares remaine,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And mongst them al no change hath yet beene found;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But if thou now shouldst weigh them new in pound,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "We are not sure they would so long remaine:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "All change is perillous, and all chaunce unsound.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Therefore leave off to weigh them all againe,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Till we may be assur’d they shall their course retaine.”", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“Thou foolishe Elfe,” (said then the Gyant wroth)", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "“Seest not how badly all things present bee,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And each estate quite out of order goth?", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The sea it selfe doest thou not plainely see", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Encroch uppon the land there under thee?", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And th’earth it selfe how daily its encreast", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "By all that dying to it turned be:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Were it not good that wrong were then surceast,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And from the most that some were given to the least?", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“Therefore I will throw downe these mountaines hie,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And make them levell with the lowly plaine;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "These towring rocks, which reach unto the skie,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "I will thrust downe into the deepest maine,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And, as they were, them equalize againe.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Tyrants, that make men subject to their law,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "I will suppresse, that they no more may raine;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And Lordings curbe that commons over-aw,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And all the wealth of rich men to the poore will draw.”", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“Of things unseene how canst thou deeme aright,”", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Then answered the righteous Artegall,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "“Sith thou misdeem’st so much of things in sight?", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "What though the sea with waves continuall", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Doe eate the earth, it is no more at all;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Ne is the earth the lesse, or loseth ought,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For whatsoever from one place doth fall", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Is with the tide unto another brought:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For there is nothing lost, that may be found if sought.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“Likewise the earth is not augmented more", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "By all that dying into it doe fade;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For of the earth they formed were of yore:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "How ever gay their blossome or their blade", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Doe flourish now, they into dust shall vade.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "What wrong then is it, if that when they die", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "They turne to that whereof they first were made?", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "All in the powre of their great Maker lie:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "All creatures must obey the voice of the Most Hie.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“They live, they die, like as he doth ordaine,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Ne ever any asketh reason why.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The hils doe not the lowly dales disdaine,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The dales doe not the lofty hils envy.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He maketh Kings to sit in soverainty;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He maketh subjects to their powre obay;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He pulleth downe, he setteth up on hy;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He gives to this, from that he takes away,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For all we have is his: what he list doe, he may.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“What ever thing is done by him is donne,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Ne any may his mighty will withstand;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Ne any may his soveraine power shonne,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Ne loose that he hath bound with stedfast band.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "In vaine therefore doest thou now take in hand", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To call to count, or weigh his workes anew,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Whose counsels depth thou canst not understand;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Sith of things subject to thy daily vew", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Thou doest not know the causes, nor their courses dew.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“For take thy ballaunce, if thou be so wise,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And weigh the winde that under heaven doth blow;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Or weigh the light that in the East doth rise;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Or weigh the thought that from mans mind doth flow", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But if the weight of these thou canst not show,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Weigh but one word which from thy lips doth fall:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For how canst thou those greater secrets know,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That doest not know the least thing of them all?", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Ill can he rule the great that cannot reach the small.”", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Therewith the Gyant much abashed sayd,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "That he of little things made reckoning light;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Yet the least word that ever could be layd", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Within his ballaunce he could way aright.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "“Which is” (sayd he) “more heavy then in weight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The right or wrong, the false or else the trew?”", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He answered that he would try it streight;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So he the words into his ballaunce threw,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But streight the winged words out of his ballaunce flew.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Wroth wcxt he then, and sayd that words were light,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Ne would within his ballaunce well abide:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But he could justly weigh the wrong or right.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "“Well then,” sayd Artegall, “let it be tride:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "First in one ballance set the true aside.”", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He did so first, and then the false he layd", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "In th’other scale; but still it downe did slide,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And by no meane could in the weight be stayd;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For by no meanes the false will with the truth be wayd.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“Now take the right likewise,” sayd Artegale,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "“And counterpeise the same with so much wrong.”", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So first the right he put into one scale,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And then the Gyant strove with puissance strong", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To fill the other scale with so much wrong;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But all the wrongs that he therein could lay", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Might not it peise; yet did he labour long,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And swat, and chauf d, and proved every way:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Yet all the wrongs could not a litle right downe way.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Which when he saw he greatly grew in rage,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And almost would his balances have broken;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But Artegall him fairely gan asswage,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And said, “Be not upon thy balance wroken,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For they doe nought but right or wrong betoken;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But in the mind the doome of right must bee:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And so likewise of words, the which be spoken,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The eare must be the ballance, to decree", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And judge, whether with truth or falshood they agree.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“But set the truth and set the right aside,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "For they with wrong or falshood will not fare,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And put two wrongs together to be tnde,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Or else two falses, of each equall share,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And then together doe them both compare;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For truth is one, and right is ever one.”", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So did he; and then plaine it did appeare,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Whether of them the greater were attone;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But right sate in the middest of the beame alone.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "But he the fight from thence did thrust away,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "For it was not the right which he did seeke,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But rather strove extremities to way,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Th’one to diminish, th’other for to eeke;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For of the meane he greatly did misleeke.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Whom when so lewdly minded Talus found,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Approching nigh unto him, cheeke by cheeke,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He shouldered him from off the higher ground,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And, down the rock him throwing, in the sea him dround.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Like as a ship, whom cruell tempest drives", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Upon a rocke with horrible dismay,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Her shattered ribs in thousand peeces rives,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And spoyling all her geares and goodly ray", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Does make her selfe misfortunes piteous pray.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So downe the cliffe the wretched Gyant tumbled;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "His battred ballances in peeces lay,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "His timbered bones all broken rudely rumbled:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So was the high-aspyring with huge ruine humbled.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "That when the people, which had there about", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Long wayted, saw his sudden desolation,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "They gan to gather in tumultuous rout,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And mutining to stirre up civill faction", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For certaine losse of so great expectation:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For well they hoped to have got great good,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And wondrous riches by his innovation.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Therefore resolving to revenge his blood", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "They rose in armes, and all in battell order stood.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Which lawlesse multitude him comming too", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "In warlike wise when Artegall did vew,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He much was troubled, ne wist what to doo:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For loth he was his noble hands t’embrew", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "In the base blood of such a rascall crew;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And otherwise, if that he should retire,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He fear’d least they with shame would him pursew;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Therefore he Talus to them sent t’inquire", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The cause of their array, and truce for to desire.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "But soone as they him nigh approching spide,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "They gan with all their weapons him assay,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And rudely stroke at him on every side;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Yet nought they could him hurt, ne ought dismay:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But when at them he with his flaile gan lay,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He like a swarme of flyes them overthrew;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Ne any of them durst come in his way,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But here and there before his presence flew,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And hid themselves in holes and bushes from his vew.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "As when a Faulcon hath with nimble flight", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Flowne at a flush of Ducks foreby the brooke,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The trembling foule dismayd with dreadfull sight", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Of death, the which them almost overtooke,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Doe hide themselves from her astonying looke", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Amongst the flags and covert round about.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "When Talus saw they all the field forsooke,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And none appeared of all that raskall rout,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To Artegall he turn’d and went with him throughout.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "After long stormes and tempests overblowne", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The sunne at length his joyous face doth cleare:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So when as fortune all her spight hath showne,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Some blisfull houres at last must needes appeare;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Else should afflicted wights oftimes despeire:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So comes it now to Florimell by tourne,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "After long sorrowes suffered whyleare,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "In which captiv’d she many moneths did mourne,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To tast of joy, and to wont pleasures to retourne.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Who being freed from Proteus cruell band", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "By Marinell was unto him affide,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And by him brought againe to Faerie land,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Where he her spous’d, and made his joyous bride.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The time and place was blazed farre and wide,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And solemne feasts and giusts ordain’d therefore:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To which there did resort from every side", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Of Lords and Ladies infinite great store;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Ne any Knight was absent that brave courage bore.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "To tell the glorie of the feast that day,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The goodly service, the devicefull sights,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The bridegromes state, the brides most rich aray,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The pride of Ladies, and the worth of knights,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The royall banquets, and the rare delights,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Were worke fit for an Herauld, not for me:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But for so much as to my lot here lights,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That with this present treatise doth agree,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "True vertue to advance, shall here recounted bee.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "When all men had with full satietie", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Of meates and drinkes their appetites suffiz’d,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To deedes of armes and proofe of chevalrie", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "They gan themselves addresse, full rich aguiz’d", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "As each one had his furnitures deviz’d.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And first of all issu’d Sir Marinell,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And with him sixe knights more, which enterpriz’d", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To chalenge all in right of Florimell,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And to maintaine that she all others did excell.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "The first of them was hight Sir Orimont,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "A noble Knight, and tride in hard assayes;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The second had to name Sir Bellisont,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But second unto none in prowesse prayse;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The third was Brunell, famous in his dayes;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The fourth Ecastor, of exceeding might;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The fift Armeddan, skild in lovely layes;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The sixt was Lansack, a redoubted Knight;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "All sixe well-seene in armes, and prov’d in many a fight.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "And them against came all that list to giust,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "From every coast and countrie under sunne:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "None was debard, but all had leave that lust.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The trompets sound, then all together ronne.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Full many deeds of armes that day were donne,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And many knights unhorst, and many wounded,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "As fortune fell; yet little lost or wonne:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But all that day the greatest prayse redounded", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To Marinell, whose name the Heralds loud resounded.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "The second day, so soone as morrow light", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Appear’d in heaven, into the field they came,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And there all day continew’d cruell fight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With divers fortune fit for such a game,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "In which all strove with perill to winne fame;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Yet whether side was viclor note be ghest:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But at the last the trompets did proclame", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That Marinell that day deserved best.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So they disparted were, and all men went to rest.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "The third day came, that should due tryall lend", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Of all the rest; and then this warlike crew", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Together met of all to make an end.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "There Marinell great deeds of armes did shew,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And through the thickest like a Lyon flew,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Rashing off helmes, and ry ving plates asonder,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That every one his daunger did eschew:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So terribly his dreadfull strokes did thonder,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That all men stood amaz’d, and at his might did wonder.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "But what on earth can alwayes happie stand?", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The greater prowesse greater perils find.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So farre he past amongst his enemies band,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That they have him enclosed so behind,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "As by no meanes he can himselfe outwind:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And now perforce they have him prisoner taken;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And now they doe with captive bands him bind;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And now they lead him thence, of all forsaken,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Unlesse some succour had in time him overtaken.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "It fortun’d, whylest they were thus ill beset,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Sir Artegall into the Tilt-yard came,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With Braggadochio, whom he lately met", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Upon the way with that his snowy Dame:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Where when he understood by common fame", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "What evil hap to Marinell betid,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He much was mov’d at so unworthie shame,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And streight that boaster prayd, with whom he rid,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To change his shield with him, to be the better hid.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "So forth he went, and soone them overhent,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Where they were leading Marinell away;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Whom he assayld with dreadlesse hardiment,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And forst the burden of their prize to stay.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "They were an hundred knights of that array,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Of which th’one halfe upon himselfe did set,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The other stayd behind to gard the pray:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But he ere long the former fiftie bet,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And from the other fiftie soone the prisoner fet.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "So backe he brought Sir Marinell againe;", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Whom having quickly arm’d againe anew,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "They both together joyned might and maine,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To set afresh on all the other crew:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Whom with sore havocke soone they overthrew,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And chaced quite out of the field, that none", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Against them durst his head to perill shew.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So were they left Lords of the field alone:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So Marinell by him was rescu’d from his fone.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Which when he had perform’d, then backe againe", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "To Braggadochio did his shield restore;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Who all this while behind him did remaine,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Keeping there close with him in pretious store", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That his false Ladie, as ye heard afore.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Then did the trompets sound, and Judges rose,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And all these knights, which that day armour bore,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Came to the open hall to listen whose", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The honour of the prize should be adjudg’d by those.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "And thether also came in open sight", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Fayre Florimell, into the common hall,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To greet his guerdon unto every knight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And best to him to whom the best should fall.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Then for that stranger knight they loud did call,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To whom that day they should the girlond yield,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Who came not forth; but for Sir Artegall", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Came Braggadochio, and did shew his shield,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Which bore the Sunne brode blazed in a golden field.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "The sight whereof did all with gladnesse fill:", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "So unto him they did addeeme the prise", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Of all that Tryumph. Then the trompets shrill", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Don Braggadochios name resounded thrise:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So courage lent a cloke to cowardise.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And then to him came fayrest Florimell,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And goodly gan to greet his brave emprise,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And thousand thankes him yeeld, that had so well", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Approv’d that day that she all others did excell.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "To whom the boaster, that all knights did blot,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "With proud disdaine did scornefull answere make,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That what he did that day, he did it not", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For her, but for his owne deare Ladies sake,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Whom on his perill he did undertake", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Both her and eke all others to excell:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And further did uncomely speaches crake.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Much did his words the gentle Ladie quell,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And turn’d aside for shame to heare what he did tell.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Then forth he brought his snowy Florimele,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Whom Trompart had in keeping there beside,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Covered from peoples gazement with a vele:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Whom when discovered they had throughly eide,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With great amazement they were stupefide;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And said, that surely Florimell it was,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Or if it were not Florimell so tride,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That Florimell her selfe she then did pas.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So feeble skill of perfect things the vulgar has.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Which when as Marinell beheld likewise,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "He was therewith exceedingly dismayd,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Ne wist he what to thinke, or to devise;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But, like as one whom feends had made affrayd,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He long astonisht stood, ne ought he sayd,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Ne ought he did, but with fast fixed eies", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He gazed still upon that snowy mayd;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Whom ever as he did the more avize,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The more to be true Florimell he did surmize.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "As when two sunnes appeare in the asure skye,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Mounted in Phœbus charet fierie bright,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Both darting forth faire beames to each mans eye,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And both adorn’d with lampes of flaming light;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "All that behold so strange prodigious sight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Not knowing natures worke, nor what to weene,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Are rapt with wonder and with rare affright.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So stood Sir Marinell, when he had seene", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The semblant of this false by his faire beauties Queene.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "All which when Artegall, who all this while", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Stood in the preasse close covered, well advewed,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And saw that boasters pride and gracelesse guile,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He could no longer beare, but forth issewed,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And unto all himselfe there open shewed,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And to the boaster said; “Thou losell base,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That hast with borrowed plumes thy selfe endewed,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And others worth with leasings doest deface,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "When they are all restor’d thou shalt rest in disgrace.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“That shield, which thou doest beare, was it indeed", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Which this dayes honour sav’d to Marinell:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But not that arme, nor thou the man, I reed,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Which didst that service unto Florimell.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For proofe shew forth thy sword, and let it tell", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "What strokes, what dreadfull stoure, it stird this day;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Or shew the wounds which unto thee befell;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Or shew the sweat with which thou diddest sway", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So sharpe a battell, that so many did dismay.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“But this the sword which wrought those cruell stounds,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And this the arme the which that shield did beare,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And these the signs” (so shewed forth his wounds)", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "“By which that glorie gotten doth appeare.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "As for this Ladie, which he sheweth here,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Is not (I wager) Florimell at all;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But some fayre Franion, fit for such a fere,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That by misfortune in his hand did fall.”", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For proofe whereof he bad them Florimell forth call.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "So forth the noble Ladie was ybrought,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Adorn’d with honor and all comely grace:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Whereto her bashful shamefastnesse ywrought", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "A great increase in her faire blushing face,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "As roses did with lilies interlace;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For of those words, the which that boaster threw,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "She inly yet conceived great disgrace:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Whom when as all the people such did vew,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "They shouted loud, and signes of gladnesse all did shew.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Then did he set her by that snowy one,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Like the true saint beside the image set,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Of both their beauties to make paragone", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And triall, whether should the honor get.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Streightway, so soone as both together met,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Th’enchaunted Damzell vanisht into nought:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Her snowy substance melted as with heat,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Ne of that goodly hew remayned ought,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But th’emptie girdle which about her wast was wrought.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "As when the daughter of Thaumantes faire", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Hath in a watry cloud displayed wide", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Her goodly bow, which paints the liquid ayre,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That all men wonder at her colours pride;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "All suddenly, ere one can looke aside,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The glorious picture vanisheth away,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Ne any token doth thereof abide:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So did this Ladies goodly form decay,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And into nothing goe, ere one could it bewray.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Which when as all that present were beheld,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "They stricken were with great astonishment,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And their faint harts with senselesse horrour queld,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To see the thing, that seem’d so excellent,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So stolen from their fancies wonderment", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That what of it became none understood:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And Braggadochio selfe with dreriment", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So daunted was in his despeyring mood,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That like a lifelesse corse immoveable he stood.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "But Artegall that golden belt uptooke,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The which of all her spoyle was onely left;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Which was not hers, as many it mistooke,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But Florimells owne girdle, from her reft", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "While she was flying, like a weary weft,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "From that foule monster which did her compell", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To perils great; which he unbuckling eft", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Presented to the fayrest Florimell,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Who round about her tender wast it fitted well.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Full many Ladies often had assayd", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "About their middles that faire belt to knit;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And many a one suppos’d to be a mayd:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Yet it to none of all their loynes would fit,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Till Florimell about her fastned it.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Such power it had, that to no womans wast", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "By any skill or labour it would sit,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Unlesse that she were continent and chast,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But it would lose or breake, that many had disgrast.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Whilest thus they busied were bout Florimell,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And boastfull Braggadochio, to defame,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Sir Guyon, as by fortune then befell,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Forth from the thickest preasse of people came,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "His owne good steed, which he had stolne, to clame;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And th’one hand seizing on his golden bit,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With th’other drew his sword; for with the same", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He ment the thiefe there deadly to have smit:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And, had he not bene held, he nought had fayld of it.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Thereof great hurly-burly moved was", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Throughout the hall for that same warlike horse;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For Braggadochio would not let him pas,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And Guyon would him algates have perforse,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Or it approve upon his carrion corse.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Which troublous stirre when Artegall perceived,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He nigh them drew to stay th’avengers forse,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And gan inquire how was that steed bereaved,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Whether by might extort, or else by slight deceaved?", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Who all that piteous storie, which befell", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "About that wofull couple which were slaine,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And their young bloodie babe to him gan tell;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With whom whiles he did in the wood remaine,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "His horse purloyned was by subtill traine,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For which he chalenged the thiefe to fight:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But he for nought could him thereto constraine;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For as the death he hated such despight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And rather had to lose then trie in armes his right.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Which Artegall well hearing, (though no more", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "By law of armes there neede ones right to trie,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "As was the wont of warlike knights of yore,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Then that his foe should him the field denie,)", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Yet, further right by tokens to descrie,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He askt what privie tokens he did beare?", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "“If that” (said Guyon) “may you satisfie,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Within his mouth a blacke spot doth appeare,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Shapt like a horses shoe, who list to seeke it there.”", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Whereof to make due tryall, one did take", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The horse in hand within his mouth to looke:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But with his heeles so sorely he him strake,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That all his ribs he quite in peeces broke,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That never word from that day forth he spoke.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Another, that would seeme to have more wit,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Him by the bright embrodered hed-stall tooke;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But by the shoulder him so sore he bit,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That he him maymed quite, and all his shoulder split.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Ne he his mouth would open unto wight,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Untill that Guyon selfe unto him spake,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And called Brigadore, (so was he hight,)", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Whose voice so soone as he did undertake,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Eftsoones he stood as still as any stake,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And suffred all his secret marke to see:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And, when as he him nam’d, for joy he brake", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "His bands, and follow’d him with gladfull glee,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And friskt, and flong aloft, and louted low on knee.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Thereby Sir Artegall did plaine areed", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "That unto him the horse belong’d, and sayd;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "“Lo there! Sir Guyon, take to you the steed,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "As he with golden saddle is arayd,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And let that losell, plainely now displayd,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Hence fare on foot, till he an horse have gayned.”", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But the proud boaster gan his doome upbrayd,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And him revil’d, and rated, and disdayned,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That judgement so unjust against him had ordayned.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Much was the knight incenst with his lewd word", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "To have revenged that his villeny;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And thrise did lay his hand upon his sword,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To have him slaine, or dearely doen aby:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But Guyon did his choler pacify,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Saying, “Sir knight, it would dishonour bee", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To you that are our judge of equity,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To wreake your wrath on such a carle as hee:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "It’s punishment enough that all his shame doe see.”", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "So did he mitigate Sir Artegall;", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "But Talus by the backe the boaster hent,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And drawing him out of the open hall", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Upon him did inflict this punishment:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "First he his beard did shave, and fowly shent,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Then from him reft his shield, and it renverst,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And blotted out his armes with falshood blent,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And himselfe baffuld, and his armes unherst,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And broke his sword in twaine, and all his armour sperst.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "The whiles his guilefull groome was fled away,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "But vaine it was to thinke from him to flie;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Who overtaking him did disaray,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And all his face deform’d with infamie,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And out of court him scourged openly.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So ought all faytours that true knighthood shame,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And armes dishonour with base villanie,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "From all brave knights be banisht with defame;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For oft their lewdnes blotteth good deserts with blame.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Now when these counterfeits were thus uncased", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Out of the fore-side of their forgerie,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And in the sight of all men cleane disgraced,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "All gan to jest and gibe full merilie", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "At the remembrance of their knaverie:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Ladies can laugh at Ladies, Knights at Knights,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To thinke with how great vaunt of braverie", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He them abused through his subtill slights,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And what a glorious shew he made in all their sights.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "There leave we them in pleasure and repast,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Spending their joyous dayes and gladfull nights,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And taking usurie of time forepast,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With all deare delices and rare delights,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Fit for such Ladies and such lovely knights;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And turne we here to this faire furrowes end", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Our wearie yokes, to gather fresher sprights,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That, when as time to Artegall shall tend,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "We on his first adventure may him forward send.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Whoso upon him selfe will take the skill", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "True Justice unto people to divide,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Had neede have mightie hands for to fulfill", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That which he doth with righteous doome decide,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And for to maister wrong and puissant pride:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For vaine it is to deeme of things aright,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And makes wrong doers justice to deride,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Unlesse it be perform’d with dreadlesse might;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For powre is the right hand of Justice truely hight.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Therefore whylome to knights of great emprise", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The charge of Justice given was in trust,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That they might execute her judgements wise,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And with their might beat downe licentious lust,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Which proudly did impugne her sentence just:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Whereof no braver president this day", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Remaines on earth, preserv’d from yron rust", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Of rude oblivion and long times decay,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Then this of Artegall, which here we have to say.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Who having lately left that lovely payre,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Enlincked fast in wedlockes loyall bond,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Bold Marinell with Florimell the fayre,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With whom great feast and goodly glee he fond,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Departed from the Castle of the Strond", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To follow his adventures first intent,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Which long agoe he taken had in hond:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Ne wight with him for his assistance went,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But that great yron groome, his gard and government.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "With whom, as he did passe by the sea shore,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "He chaunst to come whereas two comely Squires,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Both brethren, whom one wombe together bore,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But stirred up with different desires,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Together strove, and kindled wrathfull fires:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And them beside two seemely damzells stood,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "By all meanes seeking to asswage their ires;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Now with faire words, but words did little good,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Now with sharpe threats, but threats the more increast their mood.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "And there before them stood a Coffer strong", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Fast bound on every side with iron bands,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But seeming to have suffred mickle wrong,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Either by being wreckt uppon the sands,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Or being carried farre from forraine lands.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Seem’d that for it these Squires at ods did fall,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And bent against them selves their cruell hands;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But evermore those Damzells did forestall", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Their furious encounter, and their fiercenesse pall.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "But firmely fixt they were with dint of sword", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And battailes doubtfull proofe their rights to try,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Ne other end their fury would afford,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But what to them Fortune would justify:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So stood they both in readinesse thereby", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To joyne the combate with cruell intent,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "When Artegall, arriving happily,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Did stay a while their greedy bickerment,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Till he had questioned the cause of their dissent.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "To whom the elder did this aunswere frame:", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "“Then weete ye, Sir, that we two brethren be,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To whom our sire, Milesio by name,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Did equally bequeath his lands in fee,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Two Hands, which ye there before you see", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Not farre in sea; of which the one appeares", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But like a little Mount of small degree,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Yet was as great and wide, ere many yeares,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "As that same other Isle, that greater bredth now beares.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“But tract of time, that all things doth decay,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And this devouring Sea, that naught doth spare,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The most part of my land hath washt away,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And throwne it up unto my brothers share:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So his encreased, but mine did empaire.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Before which time I lov’d, as was my lot,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That further mayd, hight Philtera the faire,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With whom a goodly doure I should have got,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And should have joyned bene to her in wedlocks knot.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“Then did my younger brother, Amidas,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Love that same other Damzell, Lucy bright,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To whom but little dowre allotted was:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Her vertue was the dowre that did delight.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "What better dowre can to a dame be hight?", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But now, when Philtra saw my lands decay", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And former livelod fayle, she left me quight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And to my brother did ellope streight way,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Who, taking her from me, his owne love left astray.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“She, seeing then her selfe forsaken so,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Through dolorous despaire which she conceyved,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Into the Sea her selfe did headlong throw,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Thinking to have her griefe by death bereaved:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But see how much her purpose was deceaved!", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Whilest thus, amidst the billowes beating of her,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Twixt life and death long to and fro she weaved,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "She chaunst unwares to light uppon this coffer,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Which to her in that daunger hope of life did offer.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“The wretched mayd, that earst desir’d to die,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "When as the paine of death she tasted had,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And but halfe seene his ugly visnomie,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Gan to repent that she had beene so mad", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For any death to chaunge life, though most bad:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And catching hold of this Sea-beaten chest,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "(The lucky Pylot of her passage sad,)", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "After long tossing in the seas distrest,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Her weary barke at last uppon mine Isle did rest.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“Where I by chaunce then wandring on the shore", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Did her espy, and through my good endevour", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "From dreadfull mouth of death, which threatned sore", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Her to have swallow’d up, did helpe to save her.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "She then, in recompence of that great favour", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Which I on her bestowed, bestowed on me", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The portion of that good which Fortune gave her,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Together with her selfe in dowry free;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Both goodly portions, but of both the better she.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“Yet in this coffer which she with her brought", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Great threasure sithence we did finde contained,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Which as our owne we tooke, and so it thought;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But this same other Damzell since hath fained", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That to her selfe that threasure appertained;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And that she did transport the same by sea,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To bring it to her husband new ordained,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But suffred cruell shipwracke by the way:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But whether it be so or no, I can not say.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“But, whether it indeede be so or no,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "This doe I say, that what so good or ill", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Or God or Fortune unto me did throw,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Not wronging any other by my will,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "I hold mine owne, and so will hold it still.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And though my land he first did winne away,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And then my love, (though now it little skill)", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Yet my good lucke he shall not likewise pray,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But I will it defend whilst ever that I may.”", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "So having sayd, the younger did ensew:", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "“Full true it is what so about our land", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "My brother here declared hath to you:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But not for it this ods twixt us doth stand.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But for this threasure throwne uppon his strand;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Which well I prove, as shall appeare by triall,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To be this maides with whom I fastned hand,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Known by good markes and perfect good espiall:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Therefore it ought be rendred her without deniall.”", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "When they thus ended had, the Knight began:", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "“Certes, your strife were easie to accord,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Would ye remit it to some righteous man.”", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "“Unto yourselfe,” said they, “we give our word,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To bide that judgement ye shall us afford.”", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "“Then for assurance to my doome to stand,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Under my foote let each lay downe his sword;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And then you shall my sentence understand.”", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So each of them layd downe his sword out of his hand.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Then Artegall thus to the younger sayd:", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "“Now tell me, Amidas, if that ye may,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Your brothers land the which the sea hath layd", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Unto your part, and pluckt from his away,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "By what good right doe you withhold this day?”", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "“What other right,” (quoth he) “should you esteeme,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But that the sea it to my share did lay?”", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "“Your right is good,” (sayd he) “and so I deeme,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That what the sea unto you sent your own should seeme.”", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Then turning to the elder thus he sayd:", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "“Now, Bracidas, let this likewise be showne;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Your brothers threasure, which from him is strayd,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Being the dowry of his wife well knowne,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "By what right doe you claime to be your owne?”", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "“What other right,” (quoth he) “should you esteeme,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But that the sea hath it unto me throwne?”", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "“Your right is good,” (sayd he) “and so I deeme,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That what the sea unto you sent your own should seeme.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“For equall right in equall things doth stand;", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "For what the mighty Sea hath once possest,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And plucked quite from all possessors hand,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Whether by rage of waves that never rest,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Or else by wracke that wretches hath distrest,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He may dispose by his imperiall might,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "As thing at randon left, to whom he list.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So, Amidas, the land was yours first hight;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And so the threasure yours is, Bracidas, by right.”", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "When he his sentence thus pronounced had,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Both Amidas and Philtra were displeased;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But Bracidas and Lucy were right glad,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And on the threasure by that judgement seased.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So was their discord by this doome appeased,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And each one had his right. Then Artegall,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "When as their sharpe contention he had ceased,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Departed on his way, as did befall,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To follow his old quest, the which him forth did call.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "So as he travelled uppon the way,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "He chaunst to come, where happily he spide", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "A rout of many people farre away;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To whom his course he hastily applide,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To weete the cause of their assemblaunce wide:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To whom when he approched neare in sight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "(An uncouth sight) he plainely then descride", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To be a troupe of women, warlike dight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With weapons in their hands as ready for to fight.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "And in the midst of them he saw a Knight,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "With both his hands behinde him pinnoed hard,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And round about his necke an halter tight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And ready for the gallow-tree prepard:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "His face was covered, and his head was bar’d,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That who he was uneath was to descry;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And with full heavy heart with them he far’d,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Griev’d to the soule, and groning inwardly,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That he of womens hands so base a death should dy.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "But they, like tyrants mercilesse, the more", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Rejoyced at his miserable case,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And him reviled, and reproched sore", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With bitter taunts and termes of vile disgrace.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Now when as Artegall, arriv’d in place,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Did aske what cause brought that man to decay,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "They round about him gan to swarme apace,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Meaning on him their cruell hands to lay,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And to have wrought unwares some villanous assay.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "But he was soone aware of their ill minde,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And drawing backe deceived their intent:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Yet, though him selfe did shame on womankinde", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "His mighty hand to shend, he Talus sent", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To wrecke on them their follies hardyment:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Who with few sowces of his yron flale", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Dispersed all their troupe incontinent,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And sent them home to tell a piteous tale", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Of their vaine prowesse turned to their proper bale.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "But that same wretched man, ordayned to die,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "They left behind them, glad to be so quit:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Him Talus tooke out of perplexitie,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And horrour of fowle death for Knight unfit,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Who more then losse of life ydreaded it;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And, him restoring unto living light,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So brought unto his Lord, where he did sit", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Beholding all that womanish weake fight;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Whom soone as he beheld he knew, and thus behight:", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“Sir Turpine! haplesse man, what make you here?", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Or have you lost your selfe and your discretion,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That ever in this wretched case ye were?", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Or have ye yeelded you to proude oppression", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Of womens powre, that boast of mens subjection?", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Or else what other deadly dismall day", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Is falne on you by heavens hard direction", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That ye were runne so fondly far astray", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "As for to lead your selfe unto your owne decay?”", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Much was the man confounded in his mind,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Partly with shame, and partly with dismay,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That all astonisht he him selfe did find,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And little had for his excuse to say,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But onely thus: “Most haplesse well ye may", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Me justly terme, that to this shame am brought,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And made the scorne of Knighthod this same day:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But who can scape what his owne fate hath wrought?", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The worke of heavens will surpasseth humaine thought.”", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“Right true: but faulty men use oftentimes", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "To attribute their folly unto fate,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And lay on heaven the guilt of their owne crimes.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But tell, Sir Terpin, ne let you amate", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Your misery, how fell ye in this state?”", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "“Then sith ye needs” (quoth he) “will know my shame,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And all the ill which chaunst to me of late,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "I shortly will to you rehearse the same,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "In hope ye will not turne misfortune to my blame.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“Being desirous (as all Knights are woont)", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Through hard adventures deedes of armes to try,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And after fame and honour for to hunt,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "I heard report that farre abrode did fly,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That a proud Amazon did late defy", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "All the brave Knights that hold of Maidenhead,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And unto them wrought all the villany", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That she could forge in her malicious head,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Which some hath put to shame, and many done be dead.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“The cause, they say, of this her cruell hate", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Is for the sake of Bellodant the bold,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To whom she bore most fervent love of late,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And wooed him by all the waies she could:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But when she saw at last that he ne would", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For ought or nought be wonne unto her will,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "She turn’d her love to hatred manifold,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And for his sake vow’d to doe all the ill", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Which she could doe to Knights; which now she doth fulfill.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“For all those Knights, the which by force or guile", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "She doth subdue, she fowly doth entreate.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "First, she doth them of warlike armes despoile,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And cloth in womens weedes: And then with threat", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Doth them compell to worke, to earne their meat,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To spin, to card, to sew, to wash, to wring;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Ne doth she give them other thing to eat", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But bread and water or like feeble thing,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Them to disable from revenge adventuring.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“But if through stout disdaine of manly mind", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Any her proud observaunce will withstand,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Uppon that gibbet, which is there behind,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "She causeth them be hang’d up out of hand;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "In which condition I right now did stand:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For, being overcome by her in fight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And put to that base service of her band,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "I rather chose to die in lives despight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Then lead that shamefull life, unworthy of a Knight.”", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“How hight that Amazon?” (said Artegall)", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "“And where and how far hence does she abide?”", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "“Her name” (quoth he) “they Radigund doe call,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "A Princesse of great powre and greater pride,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And Queene of Amazons, in armes well tride", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And sundry battels, which she hath atchieved", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With great successe, that her hath glorifide,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And made her famous, more then is believed;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Ne would I it have ween’d, had I not late it prieved.”", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“Now sure,” (said he) “and by the faith that I", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "To Maydenhead and noble knighthood owe,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "I will not rest till I her might doe trie,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And venge the shame that she to Knights doth show.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Therefore, Sir Terpin, from you lightly throw", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "This squalid weede, the patterne of dispaire,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And wend with me, that ye may see and know", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "How Fortune will your ruin’d name repaire", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And knights of Maidenhead, whose praise she would empaire.”", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "With that, like one that hopelesse was depryv’d", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "From deathes dore at which he lately lay,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Those yron fetters wherewith he was gyv’d,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The badges of reproch, he threw away,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And nimbly did him dight to guide the way", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Unto the dwelling of that Amazone:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Which was from thence not past a mile or tway,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "A goodly citty and a mighty one,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The which, of her owne name, she called Radegone.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Where they arriving by the watchman were", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Descried streight; who all the city warned", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "How that three warlike persons did appeare,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Of which the one him seem’d a Knight all armed,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And th’other two well likely to have harmed.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Eftsoones the people all to harnesse ran,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And like a sort of Bees in clusters swarmed:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Ere long their Queene her selfe, halfe like a man,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Came forth into the rout, and them t’array began.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "And now the Knights, being arrived neare,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Did beat uppon the gates to enter in;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And at the Porter, skorning them so few,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Threw many threats, if they the towne did win,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To teare his flesh in peeces for his sin:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Which when as Radigund there comming heard,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Her heart for rage did grate, and teeth did grin.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "She bad that streight the gates should be unbard,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And to them way to make with weapons well prepard.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Soone as the gates were open to them set,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "They pressed forward, entraunce to have made;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But in the middle way they were ymet", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With a sharpe showre of arrowes, which them staid,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And better bad advise, ere they assaid", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Unknowen perill of bold womens pride.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Then all that rout uppon them rudely laid,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And heaped strokes so fast on every side,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And arrowes haild so thicke, that they could not abide.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "But Radigund her selfe, when she espide", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Sir Terpin, from her direfull doome acquit,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So cruell doale amongst her maides divide", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "T’avenge that shame they did on him commit,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "All sodainely enflam’d with furious fit", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Like a fell Lionesse at him she flew,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And on his headpeece him so fiercely smit,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That to the ground him quite she overthrew,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Dismayd so with the stroke that he no colours knew.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Soone as she saw him on the ground to grovell,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "She lightly to him leapt; and in his necke", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Her proud foote setting, at his head did levell,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Weening at once her wrath on him to wreake", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And his contempt, that did her judg’ment breake.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "As when a Beare hath seiz’d her cruell clawes", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Uppon the carkasse of some beast too weake,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Proudly stands over, and a while doth pause", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To heare the piteous beast pleading her plaintiffe cause.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Whom when as Artegall in that distresse", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "By chaunce beheld, he left the bloudy slaughter", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "In which he swam, and ranne to his redresse:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "There her assayling fiercely fresh, he raught her", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Such an huge stroke, that it of sence distraught her;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And had she not it warded warily,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "It had depriv’d her mother of a daughter:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Nathlesse for all the powre she did apply", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "It made her stagger oft, and stare with ghastly eye.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Like to an Eagle, in his kingly pride", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Soring through his wide Empire of the aire", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To weather his brode sailes, by chaunce hath spide", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "A Goshauke, which hath seized for her share", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Uppon some fowle that should her feast prepare;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With dreadfull force he flies at her bylive,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That with his souce, which none enduren dare,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Her from the quarrey he away doth drive,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And from her griping pounce the greedy prey doth rive.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "But, soone as she her sence recover’d had,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "She fiercely towards him her selfe gan dight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Through vengeful wrath and sdeignfull pride half mad;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For never had she suffred such despight:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But ere she could joyne hand with him to fight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Her warlike maides about her flockt so fast,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That they disparted them, maugre their might,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And with their troupes did far asunder cast;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But mongst the rest the fight did untill evening last.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "And every while that mighty yron man", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "With his strange weapon, never wont in warre,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Them sorely vext, and courst, and overran,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And broke their bowes, and did their shooting marre,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That none of all the many once did darre", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Him to assault, nor once approach him nie;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But like a sort of sheepe dispersed farre", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For dread of their devouring enemie,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Through all the fields and vallies did before him flie.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "But when as dales faire shinie-beame, yclowded", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "With fearefull shadowes of deformed night,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Warn’d man and beast in quiet rest be shrowded,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Bold Radigund with sound of trumpe on hight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Causd all her people to surcease from fight;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And gathering them unto her citties gate,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Made them all enter in before her sight;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And all the wounded, and the weake in state,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To be convayed in, ere she would once retrate.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "When thus the field was voided all away,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And all things quieted, the Elfin Knight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Weary of toile and travell of that day,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Causd his pavilion to be richly pight", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Before the city gate, in open sight;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Where he him selfe did rest in safëty", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Together with Sir Terpin all that night:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But Talus usde, in times of jeopardy,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To keepe a nightly watch for dread of treachery.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "But Radigund, full of heart-gnawing griefe", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "For the rebuke which she sustain’d that day,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Could take no rest, ne would receive reliefe;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But tossed in her troublous minde what way", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "She mote revenge that blot which on her lay.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "There she resolv’d her selfe in single fight", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To try her Fortune, and his force assay,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Rather then see her people spoiled quight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "As she had seene that day, a disaventerous sight.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "She called forth to her a trusty mayd,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Whom she thought fittest for that businesse;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Her name was Clarin, and thus to her sayd:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "“Goe, damzell, quickly, doe thy selfe addresse", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To doe the message which I shall expresse.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Goe thou unto that stranger Faery Knight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Who yeester day drove us to such distresse:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Tell, that to morrow I with him wil fight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And try in equall field whether hath greater might.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“But these conditions doe to him propound:", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "That if I vanquishe him, he shall obay", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "My law, and ever to my lore be bound;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And so will I, if me he vanquish may,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "What ever he shall like to doe or say.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Goe streight, and take with thee to witnesse it", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Sixe of thy fellowes of the best array,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And beare with you both wine and juncates fit,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And bid him eate: henceforth he oft shall hungry sit.”", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "The Damzell streight obayd, and putting all", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "In readinesse, forth to the Towne-gate went;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Where, sounding loud a Trumpet from the wall,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Unto those warlike Knights she warning sent.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Then Talus forth issuing from the tent", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Unto the wall his way did fearelesse take,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To weeten what that trumpets sounding ment:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Where that same Damzell lowdly him bespake,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And shew’d that with his Lord she would emparlaunce make.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "So he them streight conducted to his Lord;", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Who, as he could, them goodly well did greete,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Till they had told their message word by word:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Which he accepting well, as he could weete,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Them fairely entertaynd with curt’sies meete,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And gave them gifts and things of deare delight.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So backe againe they homeward turnd their feete;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But Artegall him selfe to rest did dight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That he mote fresher be against the next daies fight.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "So soone as day forth dawning from the East", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Nights humid curtaine from the heavens withdrew,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And earely calling forth both man and beast", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Comaunded them their daily workes renew,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "These noble warriors, mindefull to pursew", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The last daies purpose of their vowed fight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Them selves thereto preparde in order dew;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The Knight, as best was seeming for a Knight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And th’Amazon, as best it likt her selfe to dight.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "All in a Camis light of purple silke", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Woven uppon with silver, subtly wrought,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And quilted uppon sattin white as milke;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Trayled with ribbands diversly distraught,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Like as the workeman had their courses taught;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Which was short tucked for light motion", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Up to her ham; but, when she list, it raught", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Downe to her lowest heele; and thereuppon", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "She wore for her defence a mayled habergeon.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "And on her legs she painted buskins wore,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Basted with bends of gold on every side,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And mailes betweene, and laced close afore;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Uppon her thigh her Cemitare was tide", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With an embrodered belt of mickell pride;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And on her shoulder hung her shield, bedeckt", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Uppon the bosse with stones that shined wide,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "As the faire Moone in her most full aspect,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That to the Moone it mote be like in each respect.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "So forth she came out of the citty gate", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "With stately port and proud magnificence,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Guarded with many Damzels that did waite", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Uppon her person for her sure defence,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Playing on shaumes and trumpets, that from hence", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Their sound did reach unto the heavens hight:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So forth into the field she marched thence,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Where was a rich Pavilion ready pight", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Her to receive, till time they should begin the fight.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Then forth came Artegall out of his tent,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "All arm’d to point, and first the Lists did enter:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Soone after eke came she, with fell intent", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And countenaunce fierce, as having fully bent her", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That battells utmost triall to adventer.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The Lists were closed fast, to barrc the rout", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "From rudely pressing to the middle center;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Which in great heapes them circled all about,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Wayting how Fortune would resolve that daungerous dout.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "The Trumpets sounded, and the field began;", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "With bitter strokes it both began and ended.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "She at the first encounter on him ran", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With furious rage, as if she had intended", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Out of his breast the very heart have rended:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But he, that had like tempests often tride,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "From that first flaw him selfe right well defended.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The more she rag’d, the more he did abide;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "She hewd, she foynd, she lasht, she laid on every side.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Yet still her blowes he bore, and her forbore,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Weening at last to win advantage new;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Yet still her crueltie increased more,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And, though powre faild, her courage did accrew;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Which fayling, he gan fiercely her pursew.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Like as a Smith that to his cunning feat", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The stubborne mettall seeketh to subdew,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Soone as he feeles it mollifide with heat,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With his great yron sledge doth strongly on it beat.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "So did Sir Artegall upon her lay,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "As if she had an yron andvile beene,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That flakes of fire, bright as the sunny ray,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Out of her steely armes were flashing seene,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That all on fire ye would her surely weene;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But with her shield so well her selfe she warded", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "From the dread daunger of his weapon keene,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That all that while her life she safely garded;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But he that helpe from her against her will discarded.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "For with his trenchant blade at the next blow", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Halfe of her shield he shared quite away,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That halfe her side it selfe did naked show,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And thenceforth unto daunger opened way.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Much was she moved with the mightie sway", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Of that sad stroke, that halfe enrag’d she grew,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And, like a greedie Beare unto her pray,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With her sharpe Cemitare at him she flew,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That glauncing downe his thigh the purple bloud forth drew.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Thereat she gan to triumph with great boast,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And to upbrayd that chaunce which him misfell,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "As if the prize she gotten had almost,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With spightfull speaches, fitting with her well;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That his great hart gan inwardly to swell", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With indignation at her vaunting vaine,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And at her strooke with puissaunce fearefull fell:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Yet with her shield she warded it againe,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That shattered all to peeces round about the plaine.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Having her thus disarmed of her shield,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Upon her helmet he againe her strooke,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That downe she fell upon the grassie field", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "In sencelesse swoune, as if her life forsooke,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And pangs of death her spirit overtooke.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Whom when he saw before his foote prostrated,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He to her lept with deadly dreadfull looke,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And her sunshynie helmet soone unlaced,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Thinking at once both head and helmet to have raced.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "But, when as he discovered had her face,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "He saw, his senses straunge astonishment,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "A miracle of natures goodly grace", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "In her faire visage voide of ornament,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But bath’d in bloud and sweat together ment;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Which in the rudenesse of that evill plight", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Bewrayd the signes of feature excellent:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Like as the Moone in foggie winters night", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Doth seeme to be her selfe, though darkned be her light.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "At sight thereof his cruell minded hart", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Empierced was with pittifull regard,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That his sharpe sword he threw from him apart,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Cursing his hand that had that visage mard:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "No hand so cruell, nor no hart so hard,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But ruth of beautie will it mollifie.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "By this, upstarting from her swoune, she star’d", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "A while about her with confused eye;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Like one that from his dreame is waked suddenlye.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Soone as the knight she there by her did spy", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Standing with emptie hands all weaponlesse,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With fresh assault upon him she did fly,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And gan renew her former cruelnesse:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And though he still retyr’d, yet nathelesse", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With huge redoubled strokes she on him layd;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And more increast her outrage mercilesse,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The more that he with meeke intreatie prayd", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Her wrathful hand from greedy vengeance to have stayd.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Like as a Puttocke having spyde in sight", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "A gentle Faulcon sitting on an hill,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Whose other wing, now made unmeete for flight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Was lately broken by some fortune ill;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The foolish Kyte, led with licentious will,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Doth beat upon the gentle bird in vaine,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With many idle stoups her troubling still:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Even so did Radigund with bootlesse paine", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Annoy this noble Knight, and sorely him constraine.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Nought could he do but shun the dred despight", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Of her fierce wrath, and backward still retyre;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And with his single shield, well as he might,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Beare off the burden of her raging yre:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And evermore he gently did desyre", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To stay Her stroks, and he himselfe would yield;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Yet nould she hearke, ne let him once respyre,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Till he to her delivered had his shield,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And to her mercie him submitted in plaine field.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "So was he overcome; not overcome,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "But to her yeelded of his owne accord;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Yet was he justly damned by the doome", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Of his owne mouth, that spake so warelesse word,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To be her thrall and service her afford:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For though that he first victorie obtayned,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Yet after, by abandoning his sword,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He wilfull lost that he before attayned:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "No fayrer conquest then that with goodwill is gayned.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Tho with her sword on him she flatling strooke,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "In signe of true subjection to her powre,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And as her vassall him to thraldome tooke:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But Terpine, borne to’ a more unhappy howre,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "As he on whom the lucklesse stars did lowre,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "She caused to be attacht, and forthwith led", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Unto the crooke, t’abide the balefull stowre", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "From which he lately had through reskew fled:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Where he full shamefully was hanged by the hed.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "But when they thought on Talus hands to lay,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "He with his yron flaile amongst them thondred,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That they were fayne to let him scape away,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Glad from his companie to be so sondred;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Whose presence all their troups so much encombred,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That th’ heapes of those which he did wound and slay,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Besides the rest dismayd, might not be nombred:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Yet all that while he would not once assay", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To reskew his owne Lord, but thought it just t’obay.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Then tooke the Amazon this noble knight,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Left to her will by his owne wilfull blame,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And caused him to be disarmed quight", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Of all the ornaments of knightly name,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With which whylome he gotten had great fame:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Instead whereof she made him to be dight", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "In womans weedes, that is to manhood shame,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And put before his lap a napron white,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Instead of Curiets and bases fit for fight.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "So being clad she brought him from the field,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "In which he had bene trayned many a day,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Into a long large chamber, which was sield", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With moniments of many Knights decay,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "By her subdewed in victorious fray:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Amongst the which she causd his warlike armes", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Be hang’d on high, that mote his shame bewray;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And broke his sword, for feare of further harmes,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With which he wont to stirre up battailous alarmes.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "There entred in he round about him saw", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Many brave knights, whose names right well he knew,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "There bound t’obay that Amazons proud law,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Spinning and carding all in comely rew,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That his bigge hart loth’d so uncomely vew:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But they were forst, through penurie and pyne,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To doe those workes to them appointed dew;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For nought was given them to sup or dyne,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But what their hands could earne by twisting linnen twyne.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Amongst them all she placed him most low,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And in his hand a distaffe to him gave,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That he thereon should spin both flax and tow;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "A sordid office for a mind so brave:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So hard it is to be a womans slave.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Yet he it tooke in his owne selfes despight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And thereto did himselfe right well behave", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Her to obay, sith he his faith had plight", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Her vassall to become, if she him wonne in fight.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Who had him seene imagine mote thereby", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "That whylome hath of Hercules bene told,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "How for lolas sake he did apply", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "His mightie hands the distaffe vile to hold", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For his huge club, which had subdew’d of old", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So many monsters which the world annoyed,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "His Lyons skin chaungd to a pall of gold,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "In which, forgetting warres, he onely joyed", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "In combats of sweet love, and with his mistresse toyed.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Such is the crueltie of womenkynd,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "When they have shaken off the shamefast band,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With which wise Nature did them strongly bynd", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "T’obay the heasts of mans well-ruling hand,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That then all rule and reason they withstand", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To purchase a licentious libertie:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But vertuous women wisely understand,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That they were borne to base humilitie,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Unlesse the heavens them lift to lawfull soveraintie.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Thus there long while continu’d Artegall,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Serving proud Radigund with true subjection,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "How ever it his noble heart did gall", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "T’obay a womans tyrannous direction,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That might have had of life or death election:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But, having chosen, now he might not chaunge.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "During which time the warlike Amazon,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Whose wandring fancie after lust did raunge,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Gan cast a secret liking to this captive straunge.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Which long concealing in her covert brest,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "She chaw’d the cud of lovers carefull plight;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Yet could it not so thoroughly digest,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Being fast fixed in her wounded spright,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But it tormented her both day and night:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Yet would she not thereto yeeld free accord", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To serve the lowly vassall of her might,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And of her servant make her soverayne Lord:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So great her pride that she such basenesse much abhord.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "So much the greater still her anguish grew,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Through stubborne handling of her love-sicke hart;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And still the more she strove it to subdew,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The more she still augmented her owne smart,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And wyder made the wound of th’ hidden dart.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "At last, when long she struggled had in vaine,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "She gan to stoupe, and her proud mind convert", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To meeke obeysance of loves mightie raine,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And him entreat for grace that had procur’d her paine.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Unto her selfe in secret she did call", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Her nearest handmayd, whom she most did trust,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And to her said: “Clarinda, whom of all", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "I trust alive, sith I thee fostred first,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Now is the time that I untimely must", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Thereof make tryall in my greatest need.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "It is so hapned that the heavens unjust,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Spighting my happie freedome, have agreed", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To thrall my looser life, or my last bale to breed.”", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "With that she turn’d her head, as halfe abashed,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "To hide the blush which in her visage rose", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And through her eyes like sudden lightning flashed,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Decking her cheeke with a vermilion rose;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But soone she did her countenance compose,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And to her turning thus began againe:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "“This griefes deepe wound I would to thee disclose,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Thereto compelled through hart-murdring paine;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But dread of shame my doubtfull lips doth still restraine.”", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“Ah! my deare dread,” (said then the faithfull Mayd)", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "“Can dread of ought your dreadlesse hart withhold,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That many hath with dread of death dismayd,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And dare even deathes most dreadfull face behold?", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Say on, my soverayne Ladie, and be bold:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Doth not your handmayds life at your foot lie?”", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Therewith much comforted she gan unfold", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The cause of her conceived maladie,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "As one that would confesse, yet faine would it denie.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“Clarin,” (said she) “thou seest yond Fayry Knight,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Whom not my valour, but his owne brave mind", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Subjected hath to my unequall might.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "What right is it, that he should thraldome find", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For lending life to me, a wretch unkind,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That for such good him recompence with ill?", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Therefore I cast how I may him unbind,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And by his freedome get his free goodwill;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Yet so, as bound to me he may continue still:", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“Bound unto me but not with such hard bands", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Of strong compulsion and streight violence,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "As now in miserable state he stands;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But with sweet love and sure benevolence,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Voide of malitious mind or foule offence:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To which if thou canst win him any way", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Without discoverie of my thoughts pretence,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Both goodly meede of him it purchase may,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And eke with gratefull service me right well apay.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“Which that thou mayst the better bring to pas,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Loe! here this ring, which shall thy warrant bee,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And token true to old Eumenias,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "From time to time, when thou it best shah see,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That in and out thou mayst have passage free.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Goe now, Clarinda; well thy wits advise,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And all thy forces gather unto thee,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Armies of lovely lookes, and speeches wise,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With which thou canst even Jove himselfe to love entise.”", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "The trustie Mayd, conceiving her intent,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Did with sure promise of her good endevour", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Give her great comfort and some harts content.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So, from her parting, she thenceforth did labour", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "By all the meanes she might to curry favour", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With th’Elfin Knight, her Ladies best beloved:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With daily shew of courteous kind behaviour,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Even at the marke-white of his hart she roved,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And with wide-glauncing words one day she thus him proved.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“Unhappie Knight! upon whose hopelesse state", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Fortune, envying good, hath felly frowned,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And cruell heavens have heapt an heavy fate;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "I rew that thus thy better dayes are drowned", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "In sad despaire, and all thy senses swowned", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "In stupid sorow, sith thy juster merit", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Might else have with felicitie bene crowned:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Looke up at last, and wake thy dulled spirit", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To thinke how this long death thou mightest disinherit.”", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Much did he marvell at her uncouth speach,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Whose hidden drift he could not well perceive;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And gan to doubt least she him sought t’appeach", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Of treason, or some guilefull traine did weave,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Through which she might his wretched life bereave.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Both which to barre he with this answere met her:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "“Faire Damzell, that with ruth (as I perceave)", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Of my mishaps art mov’d to wish me better,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For such your kind regard I can but rest your detter.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“Yet, weet ye well, that to a courage great", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "It is no lesse beseeming well to beare", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The storme of fortunes frowne or heavens threat,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Then in the sunshine of her countenance cleare", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Timely to joy and carrie comely cheare:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For though this cloud have now me overcast,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Yet doe I not of better times despeyre;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And though (unlike) they should for ever last,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Yet in my truthes assurance I rest fixed fast.”", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“But what so stonie minde,” (she then replyde)", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "“But if in his owne powre occasion lay,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Would to his hope a windowe open wyde,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And to his fortunes helpe make readie way?”", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "“Unworthy sure” (quoth he) “of better day,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That will not take the offer of good hope,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And eke pursew, if he attaine it may.”", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Which speaches she applying to the scope", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Of her intent, this further purpose to him shope.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“Then why doest not, thou ill advized man,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Make meanes to win thy libertie forlorne,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And try if thou by faire entreatie can", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Move Radigund? who, though she still have worne", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Her dayes in warre, yet (weet thou) was not borne", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Of Beares and Tygres, nor so salvage mynded", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "As that, albe all love of men she scorne,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "She yet forgets that she of men was kynded:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And sooth oft seene, that proudest harts base love hath blynded.”", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“Certes, Clarinda, not of cancred will,”", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "(Sayd he) “nor obstinate disdainefull mind,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "I have forbore this duetie to fulfill;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For well I may this weene by that I fynd,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That she a Queene, and come of Princely kynd,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Both worthie is for to be sewd unto,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Chiefely by him whose life her law doth bynd,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And eke of powre her owne doome to undo,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And als’ of princely grace to be inclyn’d thereto.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“But want of meanes hath bene mine onely let", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "From seeking favour where it doth abound;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Which if I might by your good office get,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "I to your selfe should rest for ever bound,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And readie to deserve what grace I found.”", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "She feeling him thus bite upon the bayt,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Yet doubting least his hold was but unsound", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And not well fastened, would not strike him strayt,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But drew him on with hope fit leasure to awayt.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "But, foolish Mayd! whyles heedlesse of the hooke", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "She thus oft times was beating off and on,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Through slipperie footing fell into the brooke,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And there was caught to her confusion:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For, seeking thus to salve the Amazon,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "She wounded was with her deceipts owne dart,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And gan thenceforth to cast affection,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Conceived close in her beguiled hart,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To Artegall, through pittie of his causelesse smart.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Yet durst she not disclose her fancies wound,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Ne to himselfe, for doubt of being sdayned,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Ne yet to any other wight on ground,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For feare her mistresse shold have knowledge gayned;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But to her selfe it secretly retayned", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Within the closet of her covert brest,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The more thereby her tender hart was payned;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Yet to awayt fit time she weened best,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And fairely did dissemble her sad thoughts unrest.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "One day her Ladle, calling her apart,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Gan to demaund of her some tydings good,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Touching her loves successe, her lingring smart.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Therewith she gan at first to change her mood,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "As one adaw’d, and halfe confused stood;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But quickly she it overpast, so soone", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "As she her face had wypt to fresh her blood:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Tho gan she tell her all that she had donne,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And all the wayes she sought his love for to have wonne:", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "But sayd that he was obstinate and sterne,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Scorning her offers and conditions vaine;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Ne would be taught with any termes to lerne", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So fond a lesson as to love againe:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Die rather would he in penurious paine,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And his abridged dayes in dolour wast,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Then his foes love or liking entertaine.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "His resolution was, both first and last,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "His bodie was her thrall, his hart was freely plast.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Which when the cruell Amazon perceived,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "She gan to storme, and rage, and rend her gall,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For very fell despight which she conceived,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To be so scorned of a base-borne thrall,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Whose life did lie in her least eyelids fall;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Of which she vow’d, with many a cursed threat,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That she therefore would him ere long forstall.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Nathlesse, when calmed was her furious heat,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "She chang’d that threatfull mood, and mildly gan entreat:", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“What now is left, Clarinda? what remaines,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "That we may compasse this our enterprize?", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Great shame to lose so long employed paines,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And greater shame t’abide so great misprize,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With which he dares our offers thus despize:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Yet that his guilt the greater may appeare,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And more my gratious mercie by this wize,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "I will a while with his first folly beare,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Till thou have tride againe, and tempted him more neare.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“Say and do all that may thereto prevaile;", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Leave nought unpromist that may him perswade,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Life, freedome, grace, and gifts of great availe,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With which the Gods themselves are mylder made:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Thereto adde art, even womens witty trade,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The art of mightie words that men can charme;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With which in case thou canst him not invade,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Let him feele hardnesse of thy heavie arme:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Who will not stoupe with good shall be made stoupe with harme.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“Some of his diet doe from him withdraw,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "For I him find to be too proudly fed:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Give him more labour, and with streighter law,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That he with worke may be forwearied:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Let him lodge hard, and lie in strawen bed,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That may pull downe the courage of his pride;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And lay upon him, for his greater dread,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Cold yron chaines with which let him be tide;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And let what ever he desires be him denide.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“When thou hast all this doen, then bring me newes", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Of his demeane: thenceforth not like a lover,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But like a rebell stout, I will him use;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For I resolve this siege not to give over,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Till I the conquest of my will recover.”", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So she departed full of griefe and sdaine,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Which inly did to great impatience move her:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But the false mayden shortly turn’d againe", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Unto the prison, where her hart did thrall remaine.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "There all her subtill nets she did unfold,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And all the engins of her wit display;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "In which she meant him warelesse to enfold,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And of his innocence to make her pray.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So cunningly she wrought her crafts assay,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That both her Ladie, and her selfe withall,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And eke the knight attonce she did betray;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But most the knight, whom she with guilefull call", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Did cast for to allure into her trap to fall.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "As a bad Nurse, which, fayning to receive", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "In her owne mouth the food ment for her chyld,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Withholdes it to her selfe, and doeth deceive", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The infant, so for want of nourture spoyld;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Even so Clarinda her owne Dame beguyld,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And turn’d the trust which was in her affyde,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To feeding of her private fire, which boyld", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Her inward brest, and in her entrayles fryde,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The more that she it sought to cover and to hyde.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "For, comming to this knight, she purpose fayned,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "How earnest suit she earst for him had made", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Unto her Queene, his freedome to have gayned,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But by no meanes could her thereto perswade;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But that instead thereof she sternely bade", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "His miserie to be augmented more,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And many yron bands on him to lade:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "All which nathlesse she for his love forebore;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So praying him t’accept her service evermore.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "And, more then that, she promist that she would,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "In case she might finde favour in his eye,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Devize how to enlarge him out of hould.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The Fayrie, glad to gaine his libertie,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Can yeeld great thankes for such her curtesie;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And with faire words, fit for the time and place,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To feede the humour of her maladie,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Promist, if she would free him from that case,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He wold, by all good means he might, deserve such grace.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "So daily he faire semblant did her shew,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Yet never meant he in his noble mind", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To his owne absent love to be untrew:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Ne ever did deceiptfull Clarin find", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "In her false hart his bondage to unbind,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But rather how she mote him faster tye.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Therefore unto her mistresse most unkind", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "She daily told her love he did defye;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And him she told her Dame his freedome did denye.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Yet thus much friendship she to him did show,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "That his scarse diet somewhat was amended,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And his worke lessened, that his love mote grow:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Yet to her Dame him still she discommended,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That she with him mote be the more offended.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Thus he long while in thraldome there remayned,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Of both beloved well, but litle frended,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Untill his owne true love his freedome gayned:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Which in an other Canto will be best contayned.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Some men, I wote, will deeme in Artegall", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Great weaknesse, and report of him much ill,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For yeelding so himselfe a wretched thrall", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To th’insolent commaund of womens will;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That all his former praise doth fowly spill:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But he the man, that say or doe so dare,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Be well adviz’d that he stand stedfast still;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For never yet was wight so well aware,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But he, at first or last, was trapt in womens snare.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Yet in the streightnesse of that captive state", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "This gentle knight himselfe so well behaved,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That notwithstanding all the subtill bait", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With which those Amazons his love still craved,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To his owne love his loialtie he saved:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Whose character in th’Adamantine mould", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Of his true hart so firmely was engraved,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That no new loves impression ever could", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Bereave it thence: such blot his honour blemish should.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Yet his owne love, the noble Britomart,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Scarse so conceived in her jealous thought,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "What time sad tydings of his balefull smart", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "In womans bondage Talus to her brought;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Brought in untimely houre, ere it was sought:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For, after that the utmost date assynde", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For his returne she waited had for nought,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "She gan to cast in her misdoubtfull mynde", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "A thousand feares, that love-sicke fancies faine to fynde.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Sometime she feared least some hard mishap", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Had him misfalne in his adventurous quest;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Sometime least his false foe did him entrap", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "In traytrous traine, or had unwares opprest;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But most she did her troubled mynd molest,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And secretly afflict with jealous feare,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Least some new love had him from her possest:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Yet loth she was, since she no ill did heare,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To thinke of him so ill; yet could she not forbeare.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "One while she blam’d her selfe; another whyle", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "She him condemn’d as trustlesse and untrew;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And then, her griefe with errour to beguyle,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "She fayn’d to count the time againe anew,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "As if before she had not counted trew:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For houres, but daycs; for weekes that passed were,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "She told but moneths, to make them seeme more few;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Yet when she reckned them, still drawing neare,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Each hour did seeme a moneth, and every moneth a yeare.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "But when as yet she saw him not returne,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "She thought to send some one to seeke him out;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But none she found so fit to serve that turne,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "As her owne selfe, to ease her selfe of dout.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Now she deviz’d, amongst the warlike rout", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Of errant Knights, to seeke her errant Knight;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And then againe resolv’d to hunt him out", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Amongst loose Ladies lapped in delight:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And then both Knights envide, and Ladies eke did spight.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "One day when as she long had sought for ease", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "In every place, and every place thought best,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Yet found no place that could her liking please,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "She to a window came that opened West,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Towards which coast her love his way addrest:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "There looking forth, shee in her heart did find", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Many vaine fancies working her unrest;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And sent her winged thoughts, more swift then wind,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To beare unto her love the message of her mind.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "There as she looked long, at last she spide", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "One comming towards her with hasty speede.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Well weend she then, ere him she plaine descride,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That it was one sent from her love indeede;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Who when he nigh approcht, shee mote arede", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That it was Talus, Artegall his groome:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Whereat her heart was fild with hope and drede;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Ne would she stay till he in place could come,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But ran to meete him forth to know his tidings somme.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Even in the done him meeting, she begun:", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "“And where is he thy Lord, and how far hence?", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Declare at once: and hath he lost or wun?”", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The yron man, albe he wanted sence", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And sorrowes feeling, yet, with conscience", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Of his ill newes, did inly chill and quake,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And stood still mute, as one in great suspence;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "As if that by his silence he would make", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Her rather reade his meaning then him selfe it spake.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Till she againe thus sayd: “Talus, be bold,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And tell what ever it be, good or bad,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That from thy tongue thy hearts intent doth hold.”", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To whom he thus at length: “The tidings sad,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That I would hide, will needs, I see, be rad.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "My Lord, your love, by hard mishap doth lie", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "In wretched bondage, wofully bestad.”", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "“Ay me,” (quoth she) “what wicked destinie!", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And is he vanquisht by his tyrant enemy?”", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“Not by that Tyrant, his intended foe,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "But by a Tyrantesse,” (he then replide)", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "“That him captived hath in haplesse woe.”", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "“Cease, thou bad newes-man! badly doest thou hide", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Thy maisters shame, in harlots bondage tide:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The rest my selfe too readily can spell.”", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With that in rage she turn’d from him aside,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Forcing in vaine the rest to her to tell;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And to her chamber went like solitary cell.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "There she began to make her monefull plaint", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Against her Knight for being so untrew;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And him to touch with falshoods fowle attaint,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That all his other honour overthrew.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Oft did she blame her selfe, and often rew,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For yeelding to a straungers love so light,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Whose life and manners straunge she never knew;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And evermore she did him sharpely twight", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For breach of faith to her, which he had firmely plight.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "And then she in her wrathfull will did cast", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "How to revenge that blot of honour blent,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To fight with him, and goodly die her last:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And then againe she did her selfe torment,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Inflicting on her selfe his punishment.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "A while she walkt, and chauft; a while she threw", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Her selfe uppon her bed, and did lament:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Yet did she not lament with loude alew,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "As women wont, but with deepe sighes and singults few.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Like as a wayward childe, whose sounder sleepe", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Is broken with some fearefull dreames affright,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With froward will doth set him selfe to weepe,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Ne can be stild for all his nurses might,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But kicks, and squals, and shriekes for fell despight:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Now scratching her, and her loose locks misusing,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Now seeking darkenesse, and now seeking light,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Then craving sucke, and then the sucke refusing:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Such was this Ladies fit in her loves fond accusing.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "But when she had with such unquiet fits", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Her selfe there close afflicted long in vaine,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Yet found no easement in her troubled wits,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "She unto Talus forth return’d againe,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "By change of place seeking to ease her paine;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And gan enquire of him with mylder mood", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The certaine cause of Artegals detaine,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And what he did, and in what state he stood,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And whether he did woo, or whether he were woo’d?", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“Ah wellaway!” (sayd then the yron man)", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "“That he is not the while in state to woo;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But lies in wretched thraldome, weake and wan,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Not by strong hand compelled thereunto,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But his owne doome, that none can now undoo.”", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "“Sayd I not then” (quoth shee), “erwhile aright,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That this is things compacte betwixt you two,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Me to deceive of faith unto me plight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Since that he was not forst, nor overcome in fight?”", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "With that he gan at large to her dilate", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The whole discourse of his captivance sad,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "In sort as ye have heard the same of late:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "All which when she with hard enduraunce had", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Heard to the end, she was right sore bestad,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With sodaine stounds of wrath and griefe attone;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Ne would abide, till she had aunswere made,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But streight her selfe did dight, and armor don,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And mounting to her steede bad Talus guide her on.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "So forth she rode uppon her ready way,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "To seeke her Knight, as Talus her did guide.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Sadly she rode, and never word did say", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Nor good nor bad, ne ever lookt aside,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But still right downe; and in her thought did hide", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The felnesse of her heart, right fully bent", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To fierce avengement of that womans pride,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Which had her Lord in her base prison pent,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And so great honour with so fowle reproch had blent.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "So as she thus melancholicke did ride,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Chawing the cud of griefe and inward paine,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "She chaunst to meete, toward the eventide,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "A Knight that softly paced on the plaine,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "As if him selfe to solace he were faine:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Well shot in yeares he seem’d, and rather bent", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To peace then needlesse trouble to constraine,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "As well by view of that his vestiment,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "As by his modest semblant that no evill ment.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "He comming neare gan gently her salute", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "With curteous words, in the most comely wize;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Who though desirous rather to rest mute,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Then termes to entertaine of common guize,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Yet rather then she kindnesse would despize,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "She would her selfe displease; so him requite.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Then gan the other further to devize", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Of things abrode, as next to hand did light,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And many things demaund, to which she answer’d light.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "For little lust had she to talke of ought,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Or ought to heare that mote delightfull bee:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Her minde was whole possessed of one thought,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That gave none other place. Which when as hee", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "By outward signes (as well he might) did see,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He list no lenger to use lothfull speach,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But her besought to take it well in gree,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Sith shady dampe had dimd the heavens reach,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To lodge with him that night, unles good cause empeach.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "The Championesse, now seeing night at dore,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Was glad to yeeld unto his good request,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And with him went without gaine-saying more.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Not farre away, but little wide by West,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "His dwelling was, to which he him addrest:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Where soone arriving they received were", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "In seemely wise, as them beseemed best;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For he, their host, them goodly well did cheare,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And talk’t of pleasant things the night away to weare.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Thus passing th’evening well, till time of rest,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Then Britomart unto a bowre was brought,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Where groomes awayted her to have undrest;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But she ne would undressed be for ought,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Ne doffe her armes, though he her much besought:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For she had vow’d, she sayd, not to forgo", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Those warlike weedes, till she revenge had wrought", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Of a late wrong uppon a mortall foe;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Which she would sure performe, betide her wele or wo.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Which when their Host perceiv’d, right discontent", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "In minde he grew, for feare least by that art", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He should his purpose misse, which close he ment:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Yet taking leave of her he did depart.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "There all that night remained Britomart,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Restlesse, recomfortlesse, with heart deepe grieved,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Nor suffering the least twinckling sleepe to start", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Into her eye, which th’ heart mote have relieved;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But if the least appear’d, her eyes she streight reprieved:", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“Ye guilty eyes,” (sayd she) “the which with guyle", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "My heart at first betrayd, will ye betray", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "My life now too, for which a little whyle", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Ye will not watch? false watches, wellaway!", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "I wote when ye did watch both night and day", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Unto your losse; and now needes will ye sleepe?", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Now ye have made my heart to wake alway,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Now will ye sleepe? ah! wake, and rather weepe", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To thinke of your night’s want, that should yee waking keepe.”", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Thus did she watch, and weare the weary night", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "In waylfull plaints that none was to appease;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Now walking soft, now sitting still upright,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "As sundry chaunge her seemed best to ease.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Ne lesse did Talus suffer sleepe to seaze", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "His eyelids sad, but watcht continually,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Lying without her dore in great disease:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Like to a Spaniell wayting carefully", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Least any should betray his Lady treacherously.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "What time the native Belman of the night,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The bird that warned Peter of his fall,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "First rings his silver Bell t’each sleepy wight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That should their mindes up to devotion call,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "She heard a wondrous noise below the hall:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "All sodainely the bed, where she should lie,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "By a false trap was let adowne to fall", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Into a lower roome, and by and by", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The loft was raysd againe, that no man could it spie.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "With sight whereof she was dismayd right sore,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Perceiving well the treason which was ment;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Yet stirred not at all for doubt of more,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But kept her place with courage confident,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Wayting what would ensue of that event.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "It was not long before she heard the sound", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Of armed men comming with close intent", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Towards her chamber; at which dreadfull stound", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "She quickly caught her sword, and shield about her bound.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "With that there came unto her chamber dore", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Two Knights all armed ready for to fight;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And after them full many other more,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "A raskall rout, with weapons rudely dight:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Whom soone as Talus spide by glims of night,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He started up, there where on ground he lay,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And in his hand his thresher ready keight.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "They seeing that let drive at him streightway,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And round about him preace in riotous aray.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "But, soone as he began to lay about", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "With his rude yron flaile, they gan to flie,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Both armed Knights and eke unarmed rout;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Yet Talus after them apace did plie,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Where ever in the darke he could them spie,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That here and there like scattred sheepe they lay:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Then, backe returning where his Dame did lie,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He to her told the story of that fray,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And all that treason there intended did bewray.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Wherewith though wondrous wroth, and inly burning", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "To be avenged for so fowle a deede,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Yet being forst to abide the daies returning,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "She there remain’d; but with right wary heede,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Least any more such practise should proceede.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Now mote ye know (that which to Britomart", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Unknowen was) whence all this did proceede;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And for what cause so great mischievous smart", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Was meant to her that never evill ment in hart.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "The goodman of this house was Dolon hight;", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "A man of subtill wit and wicked minde,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That whilome in his youth had bene a Knight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And armes had borne, but little good could finde,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And much lesse honour by that warlike kinde", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Of life: for he was nothing valorous,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But with slie shiftes and wiles did underminde", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "All noble Knights, which were adventurous,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And many brought to shame by treason treacherous.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "He had three sonnes, all three like fathers sonnes,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Like treacherous, like full of fraud and guile,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Of all that on this earthly compasse wonnes;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The eldest of the which was slaine erewhile", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "By Artegall, through his owne guilty wile:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "His name was Guizor; whose untimely fate", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For to avenge, full many treasons vile", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "His father Dolon had deviz’d of late", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With these his wicked sons, and shewd his cankred hate.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "For sure he weend that this his present guest", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Was Artegall, by many tokens plaine;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But chiefly by that yron page he ghest,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Which still was wont with Artegall remaine;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And therefore ment him surely to have slaine:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But by Gods grace, and her good heedinesse,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "She was preserved from their traytrous traine.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Thus she all night wore out in watchfulnesse,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Ne suffred slothfull sleepe her eyelids to oppresse.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "The morrow next, so soone as dawning houre", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Discovered had the light to living eye,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "She forth yssew’d out of her loathed bowre,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With full intent t’avenge that villany", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "On that vilde man and all his family;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And, comming down to seeke them where they wond,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Nor sire, nor sonnes, not any could she spie:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Each rowme she sought, but them all empty fond.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "They all were fled for feare; but whether, nether kond.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "She saw it vaine to make there lenger stay,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "But tooke her steede; and thereon mounting light", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Gan her addresse unto her former way.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "She had not rid the mountenance of a flight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But that she saw there present in her sight", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Those two false brethren on that perillous Bridge,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "On which Pollente with Artegall did fight.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Streight was the passage, like a ploughed ridge,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That, if two met, the one mote needes fall over the lidge.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "There they did thinke them selves on her to wreake;", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Who as she nigh unto them drew, the one", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "These vile reproches gan unto her speake:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "“Thou recreant false traytor, that with lone", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Of armes hast knighthood stolne, yet Knight art none,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "No more shall now the darkenesse of the night", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Defend thee from the vengeance of thy fone;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But with thy bloud thou shalt appease the spright", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Of Guizor by thee slaine, and murdred by thy slight.”", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Strange were the words in Britomartis eare,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Yet stayd she not for them, but forward fared,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Till to the perillous Bridge she came; and there", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Talus desir’d that he might have prepared", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The way to her, and those two losels scared;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But she thereat was wroth, that for despight", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The glauncing sparkles through her bever glared,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And from her eies did flash out fiery light,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Like coles that through a silver Censer sparkle bright.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "She stayd not to advise which way to take,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "But putting spurres unto her fiery beast,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Thorough the midst of them she way did make.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The one of them, which most her wrath increast,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Uppon her speare she bore before her breast,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Till to the Bridges further end she past;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Where falling downe his challenge he releast:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The other over side the Bridge she cast", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Into the river, where he drunke his deadly last.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "As when the flashing Levin haps to light", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Uppon two stubborne oakes, which stand so neare", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That way betwixt them none appeares in sight;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The Engin, fiercely flying forth, doth teare", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Th’one from the earth, and through the aire doth beare;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The other it with force doth overthrow", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Uppon one side, and from his rootes doth reare:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So did the Championesse those two there strow,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And to their sire their carcasses left to bestow.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Nought is on earth more sacred or divine,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "That Gods and men doe equally adore,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Then this same vertue that doth right define:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For th’hevens themselves, whence mortal men implore", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Right in their wrongs, are rul’d by righteous lore", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Of highest Jove, who doth true justice deale", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To his inferiour Gods, and evermore", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Therewith containes his heavenly Common-weale:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The skill whereof to Princes hearts he doth reveale.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Well therefore did the antique world invent", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "That Justice was a God of soveraine grace,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And altars unto him and temples lent,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And heavenly honours in the highest place;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Calling him great Osyris, of the race", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Of th’old Ægyptian Kings that whylome were,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With fayned colours shading a true case;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For that Osyris, whilest he lived here,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The justest man alive and truest did appeare.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "His wife was Isis; whom they likewise made", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "A Goddesse of great powre and soverainty,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And in her person cunningly did shade", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That part of Justice which is Equity,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Whereof I have to treat here presently:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Unto whose temple when as Britomart", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Arrived, shee with great humility", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Did enter in, ne would that night depart;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But Talus mote not be admitted to her part.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "There she received was in goodly wize", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Of many Priests, which duely did attend", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Uppon the rites and daily sacrifize,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "All clad in linnen robes with silver hemd;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And on their heads, with long locks comely kemd,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "They wore rich Mitres shaped like the Moone,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To shew that Isis doth the Moone portend;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Like as Osyris signifies the Sunne:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For that they both like race in equall justice runne.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "The Championesse them greeting, as she could,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Was thence by them into the Temple led;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Whose goodly building when she did behould,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Borne uppon stately pillours, all dispred", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With shining gold, and arched over hed,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "She wondred at the workemans passing skill,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Whose like before she never saw nor red;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And thereuppon long while stood gazing still,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But thought that she thereon could never gaze her fill.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Thence forth unto the Idoll they her brought;", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The which was framed all of silver fine,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So well as could with cunning hand be wrought,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And clothed all in garments made of line,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Hemd all about with fringe of silver twine:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Uppon her head she wore a Crowne of gold;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To shew that she had powre in things divine:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And at her feete a Crocodile was rold,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That with her wreathed taile her middle did enfold.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "One foote was set uppon the Crocodile,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And on the ground the other fast did stand;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So meaning to suppresse both forged guile", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And open force: and in her other hand", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "She stretched forth a long white sclender wand.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Such was the Goddesse; whom when Britomart", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Had long beheld, her selfe uppon the land", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "She did prostrate, and with right humble hart", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Unto her selfe her silent prayers did impart.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "To which the Idoll, as it were inclining,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Her wand did move with amiable looke,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "By outward shew her inward sence desining:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Who well perceiving how her wand she shooke,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "It as a token of good fortune tooke.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "By this the day with dampe was overcast,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And joyous light the house of Jove forsooke;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Which when she saw her helmet she unlaste,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And by the altars side her selfe to slumber plaste.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "For other beds the Priests there used none,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "But on their mother Earths deare lap did lie,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And bake their sides uppon the cold hard stone,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "T’enure them selves to sufferaunce thereby,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And proud rebellious flesh to mortify:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For by the vow of their religion,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "They tied were to stedfast chastity", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And continence of life, that, all forgon,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "They mote the better tend to their devotion.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Therefore they mote not taste of fleshly food,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Ne feed on ought the which doth bloud containe,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Ne drinke of wine; for wine, they say, is blood,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Even the bloud of Gyants, which were slaine", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "By thundring Jove in the Phlegrean plaine:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For which the earth (as they the story tell)", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Wroth with the Gods, which to perpetuall paine", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Had damn’d her sonnes which gainst them did rebell,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With inward griefe and malice did against them swell:", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "And of their vitall bloud, the which was shed", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Into her pregnant bosome, forth she brought", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The fruitfull vine; whose liquor blouddy red,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Having the mindes of men with fury fraught,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Mote in them stirre up old rebellious thought", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To make new warre against the Gods againe.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Such is the powre of that same fruit, that nought", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The fell contagion may thereof restraine,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Ne within reasons rule her madding mood containe.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "There did the warlike Maide her selfe repose,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Under the wings of Isis all that night;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And with sweete rest her heavy eyes did close,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "After that long daies toile and weary plight:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Where whilest her earthly parts with soft delight", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Of sencelesse sleepe did deeply drowned lie,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "There did appeare unto her heavenly spright", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "A wondrous vision, which did close implie", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The course of all her fortune and posteritie.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Her seem’d, as she was doing sacrifize", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "To Isis, deckt with Mitre on her hed", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And linnen stole after those Priestes guize,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "All sodainely she saw transfigured", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Her linnen stole to robe of scarlet red,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And Moone-like Mitre to a Crowne of gold;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That even she her selfe much wondered", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "At such a chaunge, and joyed to behold", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Her selfe adorn’d with gems and jewels manifold.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "And, in the midst of her felicity,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "An hideous tempest seemed from below", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To rise through all the Temple sodainely,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That from the Altar all about did blow", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The holy fire, and all the embers strow", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Uppon the ground; which, kindled privily,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Into outragious flames unwares did grow,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That all the Temple put in jeopardy", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Of flaming, and her selfe in great perplexity.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "With that the Crocodile, which sleeping lay", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Under the Idols feete in fearelesse bowre,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Seem’d to awake in horrible dismay,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "As being troubled with that stormy stowre;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And gaping greedy wide did streight devoure", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Both flames and tempest: with which growen great,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And swolne with pride of his owne peerelesse powre,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He gan to threaten her likewise to eat,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But that the Goddesse with her rod him backe did beat.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Tho turning all his pride to humblesse meeke,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Him selfe before her feete he lowly threw,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And gan for grace and love of her to seeke;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Which she accepting, he so neare her drew", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That of his game she soone enwombed grew,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And forth did bring a Lion of great might,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That shortly did all other beasts subdew.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With that she waked full of fearefull fright,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And doubtfully dismayd through that so uncouth sight.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "So thereuppon long while she musing lay,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "With thousand thoughts feeding her fantasie,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Untill she spide the lampe of lightsome day", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Uplifted in the porch of heaven hie:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Then up she rose fraught with melancholy,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And forth into the lower parts did pas,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Whereas the Priestes she found full busily", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "About their holy things for morrow Mas;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Whom she saluting faire, faire resaluted was:", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "But by the change of her unchearefull looke,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "They might perceive she was not well in plight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Or that some pensivenesse to heart she tooke:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Therefore thus one of them, who seem’d in sight", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To be the greatest and the gravest wight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To her bespake: “Sir Knight, it seemes to me", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That, thorough evill rest of this last night,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Or ill apayd or much dismayd ye be;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That by your change of cheare is easie for to see.”", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“Certes,” (sayd she) “sith ye so well have spide", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The troublous passion of my pensive mind,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "I will not seeke the same from you to hide;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But will my cares unfolde, in hope to find", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Your aide to guide me out of errour blind.”", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "“Say on” (quoth he) “the secret of your hart;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For, by the holy vow which me doth bind,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "I am adjur’d best counsell to impart", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To all that shall require my comfort in their smart.”", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Then gan she to declare the whole discourse", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Of all that vision which to her appeard,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "As well as to her minde it had recourse.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "All which when he unto the end had heard,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Like to a weake faint-hearted man he fared", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Through great astonishment of that strange sight;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And, with long locks upstanding, stifly stared", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Like one adawed with some dreadfull spright:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So, fild with heavenly fury, thus he her benight.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“Magnificke Virgin, that in queint disguise", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "British armes doest maske thy royall blood,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "S to pursue a perillous emprize,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "How couldst thou weene, through that disguized hood,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To hide thy state from being understood?", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Can from th’immortall Gods ought hidden bee?", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "They doe thy linage, and thy Lordly brood,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "They doe thy sire lamenting sore for thee,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "They doe thy love forlorne in womens thraldome see.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“The end whereof, and all the long event,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "They do to thee in this same dreame discover;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For that same Crocodile doth represent", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The righteous Knight that is thy faithfull lover,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Like to Osyris in all just endever:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For that same Crocodile Osyris is,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That under Isis feete doth sleepe for ever;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To shew that clemence oft, in things amis,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Restraines those sterne behests and cruell doomes of his.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“That Knight shall all the troublous stormes asswage", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And raging flames, that many foes shall reare", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To hinder thee from the just heritage", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Of thy sires Crowne, and from thy countrey deare:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Then shalt thou take him to thy loved fere,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And joyne in equall portion of thy realme;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And afterwards a sonne to him shalt beare,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That Lion-like shall shew his powre extreame.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So blesse thee God, and give thee joyance of thy dreame!”", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "All which when she unto the end had heard,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "She much was eased in her troublous thought,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And on those Priests bestowed rich reward;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And royall gifts of gold and silver wrought", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "She for a present to their Goddesse brought.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Then taking leave of them, she forward went", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To seeke her love, where he was to be sought;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Ne rested till she came without relent", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Unto the land of Amazons, as she was bent.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Whereof when newes to Radigund was brought,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Not with amaze, as women wonted bee,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "She was confused in her troublous thought;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But fild with courage and with joyous glee,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "As glad to heare of armes, the which now she", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Had long surceast, she bad to open bold,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That she the face of her new foe might see:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But when they of that yron man had told,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Which late her folke had slaine, she bad them forth to hold.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "So there without the gate, (as seemed best)", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "She caused her Pavilion be pight;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "In which stout Britomart her selfe did rest,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Whiles Talus watched at the dore all night.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "All night likewise they of the towne in fright", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Uppon their wall good watch and ward did keepe.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The morrow next, so soone as dawning light", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Bad doe away the dampe of drouzie sleepe,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The warlike Amazon out of her bowre did peepe.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "And caused streight a Trumpet loud to shrill", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "To warne her foe to battell soone be prest:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Who, long before awoke, (for she ful ill", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Could sleepe all night, that in unquiet brest", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Did closely harbour such a jealous guest)", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Was to the battell whilome ready dight.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Eftsoones that warriouresse with haughty crest", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Did forth issue all ready for the fight:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "On th’other side her foe appeared soone in sight.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "But ere they reared hand the Amazone", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Began the streight conditions to propound,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With which she used still to tye her fone,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To serve her so as she the rest had bound:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Which when the other heard, she sternly frownd", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For high disdaine of such indignity,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And would no lenger treat, but bad them sound;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For her no other termes should ever tie", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Then what prescribed were by lawes of chevalrie.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "The Trumpets sound, and they together run", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "With greedy rage, and with their faulchins smot;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Ne either sought the others strokes to shun,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But through great fury both their skill forgot,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And practicke use in armes; ne spared not", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Their dainty parts, which nature had created", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So faire and tender without staine or spot", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For other uses then they them translated;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Which they now hackt and hewd as if such use they hated.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "As when a Tygre and a Lionesse", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Are met at spoyling of some hungry pray,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Both challenge it with equall greedinesse:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But first the Tygre clawes thereon did lay,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And therefore, loth to loose her right away,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Doth in defence thereof full stoutly stond:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To which the Lion strongly doth gainesay,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That she to hunt the beast first tooke in hond;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And therefore ought it have where ever she it fond.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Full fiercely layde the Amazon about,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And dealt her blowes unmercifully sore;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Which Britomart withstood with courage stout,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And them repaide againe with double more.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So long they fought, that all the grassie flore", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Was fild with bloud which from their sides did flow,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And gushed through their armes, that all in gore", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "They trode, and on the ground their lives did strow,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Like fruitles seede, of which untimely death should grow.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "At last proud Radigund, with fell despight,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Having by chaunce espide advantage neare,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Let drive at her with all her dreadfull might,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And thus upbrayding said: “This token beare", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Unto the man whom thou doest love so deare;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And tell him for his sake thy life thou gavest.”", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Which spitefull words she, sore engriev’d to heare,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Thus answer’d: “Lewdly thou my love depravest,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Who shortly must repent that now so vainely bravest.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Nath’lesse that stroke so cruell passage found,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "That glauncing on her shoulder-plate it bit", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Unto the bone, and made a griesly wound,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That she her shield, through raging smart of it,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Could scarse uphold: yet soone she it requit;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For, having force increast through furious paine,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "She her so rudely on the helmet smit", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That it empierced to the very braine,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And her proud person low prostrated on the plaine.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Where being layd, the wrothfull Britonesse", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Stayd not till she came to her selfe againe,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But in revenge both of her loves distresse", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And her late vile reproch though vaunted vaine,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And also of her wound which sore did paine,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "She with one stroke both head and helmet cleft.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Which dreadfull sight when all her warlike traine", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "There present saw, each one of sence bereft", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Fled fast into the towne, and her sole victor left.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "But yet so fast they could not home retrate,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "But that swift Talus did the formost win;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And, pressing through the preace unto the gate,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Pelmell with them attonce did enter in.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "There then a piteous slaughter did begin;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For all that ever came within his reach", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He with his yron flale did thresh so thin,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That he no worke at all left for the leach:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Like to an hideous storme, which nothing may empeach.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "And now by this the noble Conqueresse", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Her selfe came in, her glory to partake;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Where, though revengefull vow she did professe,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Yet when she saw the heapes which he did make", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Of slaughtred carkasses, her heart did quake", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For very ruth, which did it almost rive,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That she his fury willed him to slake:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For else he sure had left not one alive,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But all, in his revenge, of spirite would deprive.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Tho, when she had his execution stayd,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "She for that yron prison did enquire,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "In which her wretched love was captive layd:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Which breaking open with indignant ire,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "She entred into all the partes entire:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Where when she saw that lothly uncouth sight", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Of men disguiz’d in womanishe attire,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Her heart gan grudge for very deepe despight", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Of so unmanly maske in misery misdight.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "At last when as to her owne Love she came,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Whom like disguize no lesse deformed had,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "At sight thereof abasht with secrete shame", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "She turnd her head aside, as nothing glad", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To have beheld a spectacle so bad;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And then too well believ’d that which tofore", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Jealous suspect as true untruely drad:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Which vaine conceipt now nourishing no more,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "She sought with ruth to salve his sad misfortunes sore.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Not so great wonder and astonishment", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Did the most chast Penelope possesse", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To see her Lord, that was reported drent", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And dead long since in dolorous distresse,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Come home to her in piteous wretchednesse,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "After long travell of full twenty yeares,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That she knew not his favours likelynesse,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For many scarres and many hoary heares,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But stood long staring on him mongst uncertaine feares.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“Ah, my deare Lord! what sight is this?” quoth she,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "“What May-game hath misfortune made of you?", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Where is that dreadfull manly looke? where be", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Those mighty palmes, the which ye wont t’embrew", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "In bloud of Kings, and great hoastes to subdew?", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Could ought on earth so wondrous change have wrought,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "As to have robde you of that manly hew?", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Could so great courage stouped have to ought?", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Then, farewell fleshly force! I see thy pride is nought.”", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Thenceforth she streight into a bowre him brought,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And causd him those uncomely weedes undight;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And in their steede for other rayment sought,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Whereof there was great store, and armors bright,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Which had bene reft from many a noble Knight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Whom that proud Amazon subdewed had,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Whilest Fortune favourd her successe in fight:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "In which when as she him anew had clad,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "She was reviv’d, and joyd much in his semblance glad.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "So there a while they afterwards remained,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Him to refresh, and her late wounds to heale:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "During which space she there as Princess rained,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And changing all that forme of common-weale", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The liberty of women did repeale,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Which they had long usurpt; and, them restoring", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To mens subjection, did true Justice deale,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That all they, as a Goddesse her adoring,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Her wisedome did admire, and hearkned to her loring.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "For all those Knights, which long in captive shade", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Had shrowded bene, she did from thraldome free,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And magistrates of all that city made,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And gave to them great living and large fee:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And that they should for ever faithfull bee,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Made them sweare fealty to Artegall;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Who when him selfe now well recur’d did see,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He purposd to proceed, what so befall,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Uppon his first adventure which him forth did call.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Full sad and sorrowfull was Britomart", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "For his departure, her new cause of griefe;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Yet wisely moderated her owne smart,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Seeing his honor, which she tendred chiefe,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Consisted much in that adventures priefe:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The care whereof, and hope of his successe,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Gave unto her great comfort and reliefe;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That womanish complaints she did represse,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And tempred for the time her present heavinesse.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "There she continu’d for a certaine space,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Till through his want her woe did more increase:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Then hoping that the change of aire and place", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Would change her paine, and sorrow somewhat ease,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "She parted thence her anguish to appease.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Meane-while her noble Lord, sir Artegall,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Went on his way; ne ever howre did cease", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Till he redeemed had that Lady thrall:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That for another Canto will more fitly fall.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Nought under heaven so strongly doth allure", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The sence of man, and all his minde possesse,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "As beauties lovely baite, that doth procure", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Great warriours oft their rigour to represse,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And mighty hands forget their manlinesse;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Drawne with the powre of an heart-robbing eye,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And wrapt in fetters of a golden tresse,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That can with melting pleasaunce mollifye", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Their hardned hearts, enur’d to bloud and cruelty.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "So whylome learnd that mighty Jewish swaine,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Each of whose lockes did match a man in might,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To lay his spoiles before his lemans traine:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So also did that great Oetean Knight", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For his loves sake his Lions skin undight;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And so did warlike Antony neglect", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The worlds whole rule for Cleopatras sight.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Such wondrous powre hath wemens faire aspect", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To captive men, and make them all the world reject.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Yet could it not sterne Artegall retaine,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Nor hold from suite of his avowed quest,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Which he had undertane to Gloriane;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But left his love, albe her strong request,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Faire Britomart in languor and unrest,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And rode him selfe uppon his first intent,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Ne day nor night did ever idly rest;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Ne wight but onely Talus with him went,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The true guide of his way and vertuous government.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "So travelling, he chaunst far off to heed", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "A Damzell, flying on a palfrey fast", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Before two Knights that after her did speed", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With all their powre, and her full fiercely chast", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "In hope to have her overhent at last:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Yet fled she fast, and both them farre outwent,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Carried with wings of feare, like fowle aghast,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With locks all loose, and rayment all to-rent;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And ever as she rode her eye was backeward bent.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Soone after these he saw another Knight,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "That after those two former rode apace", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With speare in rest, and prickt with all his might:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So ran they all, as they had bene at bace,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "They being chased that did others chase.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "At length he saw the hindmost overtake", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "One of those two, and force him turne his face;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "However loth he were his way to slake,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Yet mote he algates now abide, and answere make.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "But th’other still pursu’d the fearefull Mayd;", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Who still from him as fast away did flie,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Ne once for ought her speedy passage stayd,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Till that at length she did before her spie", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Sir Artegall; to whom she straight did hie", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With gladfull hast, in hope of him to get", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Succour against her greedy enimy:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Who seeing her approch gan forward set", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To save her from her feare, and him from force to let.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "But he, like hound full greedy of his pray,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Being impatient of impediment,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Continu’d still his course, and by the way", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Thought with his speare him quight have overwent.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So both together, ylike felly bent,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Like fiercely met. But Artegall was stronger,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And better skild in Tilt and Turnament,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And bore him quite out of his saddle, longer", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Then two speares length: So mischiefe overmatcht the wronger.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "And in his fall misfortune him mistooke;", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "For on his head unhappily he pight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That his owne waight his necke asunder broke,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And left there dead. Meane-while the other Knight", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Defeated had the other faytour quight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And all his bowels in his body brast:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Whom leaving there in that dispiteous plight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He ran still on, thinking to follow fast", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "His other fellow Pagan which before him past.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Instead of whom finding there ready prest", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Sir Artegall, without discretion", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He at him ran with ready speare in rest;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Who, seeing him come still so fiercely on,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Against him made againe. So both anon", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Together met, and strongly either strooke", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And broke their speares; yet neither has forgon", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "His horses backe, yet to and fro long shooke", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And tottred, like two towres which through a tempest quooke.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "But, when againe they had recovered sence,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "They drew their swords, in mind to make amends", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For what their speares had fayld of their pretence:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Which when the Damzell, who those deadly ends", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Of both her foes had seene, and now her frends", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For her beginning a more fearefull fray,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "She to them runnes in hast, and her haire rends,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Crying to them their cruell hands to stay,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Untill they both doe heare what she to them will say.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "They stayd their hands, when she thus gan to speake:", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "“Ah gentle Knights! what meane ye thus unwise", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Upon your selves anothers wrong to wreake?", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "I am the wrong’d, whom ye did enterprise", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Both to redresse, and both redrest likewise:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Witnesse the Paynims both, whom ye may see", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "There dead on ground. What doe ye then devise", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Of more revenge? if more, then I am shee", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Which was the roote of all: end your revenge on mee.”", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Whom when they heard so say, they lookt about", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "To weete if it were true as she had told;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Where when they saw their foes dead out of doubt,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Eftsoones they gan their wrothfull hands to hold,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And Ventailes reare each other to behold.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Tho when as Artegall did Arthure vew,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So faire a creature and so wondrous bold,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He much admired both his heart and hew,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And touched with intire affection nigh him drew;", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Saying, “Sir Knight, of pardon I you pray,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "That all unweeting have you wrong’d thus sore,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Suffring my hand against my heart to stray;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Which if ye please forgive, I will therefore", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Yeeld for amends my selfe yours evermore,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Or what so penaunce shall by you be red.”", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To whom the Prince: “Certes me needeth more", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To crave the same; whom errour so misled,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "As that I did mistake the living for the ded.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“But, sith ye please that both our blames shall die,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Amends may for the trespasse soone be made,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Since neither is endamadg’d much thereby.”", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So can they both them selves full eath perswade", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To faire accordaunce, and both faults to shade,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Either embracing other lovingly,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And swearing faith to either on his blade,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Never thenceforth to nourish enmity,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But either others cause to maintaine mutually.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Then Artegall gan of the Prince enquire,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "What were those knights which there on ground were layd,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And had receiv’d their follies worthy hire,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And for what cause they chased so that Mayd?", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "“Certes I wote not well,” (the Prince then sayd)", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "“But by adventure found them faring so,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "As by the way unweetingly I strayd:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And lo! the Damzell selfe, whence all did grow,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Of whom we may at will the whole occasion know.”", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Then they that Damzell called to them nie,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And asked her what were those two her fone,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "From whom she earst so fast away did flie:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And what was she her selfe so woe-begone,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And for what cause pursu’d of them attone.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To whom she thus: “Then wote ye well, that I", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Doe serve a Queene that not far hence doth wone,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "A Princesse of great powre and majestie,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Famous through all the world, and honor’d far and nie.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“Her name Mercilla most men use to call;", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "That is a mayden Queene of high renowne,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For her great bounty knowen over all", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And soveraine grace, with which her royall crowne", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "She doth support, and strongly beateth downe", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The malice of her foes, which her envy", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And at her happinesse do fret and frowne;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Yet she her selfe the more doth magnify,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And even to her foes her mercies multiply.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“Mongst many which maligne her happy state,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "There is a mighty man, which wonnes hereby,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That with most fell despight and deadly hate", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Seekes to subvert her Crowne and dignity,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And all his powre doth thereunto apply:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And her good Knights, of which so brave a band", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Serves her as any Princesse under sky,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He either spoiles, if they against him stand,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Or to his part allures, and bribeth under hand.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“Ne him sufficeth all the wrong and ill,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Which he unto her people does each day;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But that he seekes by traytrous traines to spill", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Her person, and her sacred selfe to slay:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That, O ye Heavens, defend! and turne away", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "From her unto the miscreant him selfe;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That neither hath religion nor fay,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But makes his God of his ungodly pelfe,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And Idols serves: so let his Idols serve the Elfe!", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“To all which cruell tyranny, they say,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "He is provokt, and stird up day and night", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "By his bad wife that hight Adicia;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Who counsels him, through confidence of might,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To breake all bonds of law and rules of right:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For she her selfe professeth mortall foe", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To Justice, and against her still doth fight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Working to all that love her deadly woe,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And making all her Knights and people to doe so.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“Which my liege Lady seeing, thought it best", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "With that his wife in friendly wise to deale,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For stint of strife and stablishment of rest", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Both to her selfe and to her common-weale,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And all forepast displeasures to repeale.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So me in message unto her she sent,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To treat with her, by way of enterdeale,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Of finall peace and faire attonement", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Which might concluded be by mutuall consent.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“All times have wont safe passage to afford", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "To messengers that come for causes just:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But this proude Dame, disdayning all accord,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Not onely into bitter termes forth brust,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Reviling me and rayling as she lust,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But lastly, to make proofe of utmost shame,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Me like a dog she out of dores did thrust,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Miscalling me by many a bitter name,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That never did her ill, ne once deserved blame.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“And lastly, that no shame might wanting be,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "When I was gone, soone after me she sent", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "These two false Knights, whom there ye lying see,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To be by them dishonoured and shent:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But, thankt be God, and your good hardiment,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "They have the price of their owne folly payd.”", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So said this Damzell, that hight Samient;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And to those knights for their so noble ayd", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Her selfe most gratefull shew’d, and heaped thanks repayd.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "But they now having throughly heard and seene", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Al those great wrongs, the which that mayd complained", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To have bene done against her Lady Queene", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "By that proud dame which her so much disdained,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Were moved much thereat; and twixt them fained", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With all their force to worke avengement strong", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Uppon the Souldan selfe, which it mayntained,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And on his Lady, th’author of that wrong,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And uppon all those Knights that did to her belong.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "But, thinking best by counterfet disguise", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "To their deseigne to make the easier way,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "They did this complot twixt them selves devise:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "First, that Sir Artegall should him array", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Like one of those two Knights which dead there lay;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And then that Damzell, the sad Samient,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Should as his purchast prize with him convay", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Unto the Souldans court, her to present", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Unto his scornefull Lady that for her had sent.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "So as they had deviz’d, Sir Artegall", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Him clad in th’armour of a Pagan knight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And taking with him, as his vanquisht thrall,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That Damzell, led her to the Souldans right:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Where soone as his proud wife of her had sight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Forth of her window as she looking lay,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "She weened streight it was her Paynim Knight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Which brought that Damzell as his purchast pray;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And sent to him a Page that mote direct his way.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Who bringing them to their appointed place,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Offred his service to disarme the Knight;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But he refusing him to let unlace,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For doubt to be discovered by his sight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Kept himselfe still in his straunge armour dight:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Soone after whom the Prince arrived there,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And sending to the Souldan in despight", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "A bold defyance, did of him requere", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That Damsell whom he held as wrongfull prisonere.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Wherewith the Souldan all with furie fraught,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Swearing and banning most blasphemously,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Commaunded straight his armour to be brought;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And, mounting straight upon a charret hye,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "(With yron wheeles and hookes arm’d dreadfully,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And drawne of cruell steedes which he had fed", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With flesh of men, whom through fell tyranny", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He slaughtred had, and ere they were halfe ded", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Their bodies to his beastes for provender did spred,)", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "So forth he came, all in a cote of plate", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Burnisht with bloudie rust; whiles on the greene", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The Briton Prince him readie did awayte,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "In glistering armes right goodly well-beseene,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That shone as bright as doth the heaven sheene:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And by his stirrup Talus did attend,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Playing his pages part, as he had beene", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Before directed by his Lord; to th’end", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He should his flale to final execution bend.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Thus goe they both together to their geare,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "With like fierce minds, but meanings different;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For the proud Souldan, with presumpteous cheare", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And countenance sublime and insolent,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Sought onely slaughter and avengement;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But the brave Prince for honour and for right,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Gainst tortious powre and lawlesse regiment,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "In the behalfe of wronged weake did fight:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "More in his causes truth he trusted then in might.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Like to the Thracian Tyrant, who they say", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Unto his horses gave his guests for meat,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Till he himselfe was made their greedie pray,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And torne in pieces by Alcides great;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So thought the Souldan, in his follies threat,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Either the Prince in peeces to have torne", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With his sharp wheeles, in his first rages heat,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Or under his fierce horses feet have borne,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And trampled downe in dust his thoughts disdained scorne.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "But the bold child that perill well espying,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "If he too rashly to his charet drew,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Gave way unto his horses speedie flying,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And their resistlesse rigour did eschew:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Yet, as he passed by, the Pagan threw", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "A shivering dart with so impetuous force,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That had he not it shun’d with heedfull vew,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "It had himselfe transfixed or his horse,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Or made them both one masse withouten more remorse.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Oft drew the Prince unto his charret nigh,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "In hope some stroke to fasten on him neare,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But he was mounted in his seat so high,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And his wingfooted coursers him did beare", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So fast away that, ere his readie speare", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He could advance, he farre was gone and past:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Yet still he him did follow every where,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And followed was of him likewise full fast,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So long as in his steedes the flaming breath did last.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Againe the Pagan threw another dart,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Of which he had with him abundant store", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "On every side of his embatteld cart,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And of all other weapons lesse or more,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Which warlike uses had deviz’d of yore:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The wicked shaft, guyded through th’ayrie wyde", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "By some bad spirit that it to mischiefe bore,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Stayd not, till through his curat it did glyde,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And made a griesly wound in his enriven side.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Much was he grieved with that haplesse throe,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "That opened had the welspring of his blood;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But much the more, that to his hatefull foe", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He mote not come to wreake his wrathfull mood:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That made him rave, like to a Lyon wood,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Which being wounded of the huntsmans hand", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Cannot come neare him in the covert wood,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Where he with boughes hath built his shady stand,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And fenst himselfe about with many a flaming brand.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Still when he sought t’approch unto him ny", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "His charret wheeles about him whirled round,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And made him backe againe as fast to fly;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And eke his steedes, like to an hungry hound", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That hunting after game hath carrion found,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So cruelly did him pursew and chace,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That his good steed, all were he much renound", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For noble courage and for hardie race,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Durst not endure their sight, but fled from place to place.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Thus long they trast and traverst to and fro,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Seeking by every way to make some breach;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Yet could the Prince not nigh unto him goe,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That one sure stroke he might unto him reach,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Whereby his strengthes assay he might him teach.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "At last from his victorious shield he drew", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The vaile, which did his powrefull light empeach,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And comming full before his horses vew,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "As they upon him prest, it plaine to them did shew.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Like lightening flash that hath the gazer burned,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "So did the sight thereof their sense dismay,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That backe againe upon themselves they turned,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And with their ryder ranne perforce away:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Ne could the Souldan them from flying stay", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With raynes or wonted rule, as well he knew:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Nought feared they what he could do or say,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But th’onely feare that was before their vew,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "From which like mazed deare dismayfully they flew.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Fast did they fly as them their feete could beare", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "High over hilles, and lowly over dales,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "As they were follow’d of their former feare.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "In vaine the Pagan bannes, and sweares, and rayles,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And backe with both his hands unto him hayles", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The resty raynes, regarded now no more:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He to them calles and speakes, yet nought avayles;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "They heare him not, they have forgot his lore,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But go which way they list, their guide they have forlore.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "As when the fine-mouthed steedes, which drew", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The Sunnes bright wayne to Phaëtons decay,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Soone as they did the monstrous Scorpion vew", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With ugly craples crawling in their way,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The dreadfull sight did them so sore affray,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That their well-knowen courses they forwent;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And, leading th’ever-burning lampe astray,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "This lower world nigh all to ashes brent,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And left their scorched path yet in the firmament.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Such was the furie of these head-strong steeds,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Soone as the infants sunlike shield they saw,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That all obedience both to words and deeds", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "They quite forgot, and scornd all former law:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Through woods, and rocks, and mountaines they did draw", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The yron charet, and the wheeles did teare,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And tost the Paynim without feare or awe;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "From side to side they tost him here and there,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Crying to them in vaine that nould his crying heare.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Yet still the Prince pursew’d him close behind,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Oft making offer him to smite, but found", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "No easie meanes according to his mind:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "At last they have all overthrowne to ground", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Quite topside turvey, and the Pagan hound", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Amongst the yron hookes and graples keene", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Torne all to rags, and rent with many a wound;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That no whole peece of him was to be seene,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But scattred all about, and strow’d upon the greene.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Like as the cursed son of Thesëus,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "That following his chace in dewy morne,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To fly his stepdames loves outrageous,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Of his owne steedes was all to peeces torne,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And his faire limbs left in the woods forlorne;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That for his sake Diana did lament,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And all the wooddy Nymphes did wayle and mourne:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So was this Souldan rapt and all to-rent,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That of his shape appear’d no litle moniment.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Onely his shield and armour, which there lay,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Though nothing whole, but all to-brusd and broken,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He up did take, and with him brought away,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That mote remaine for an eternall token", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To all mongst whom this storie should be spoken,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "How worthily, by heavens high decree,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Justice that day of wrong her selfe had wroken;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That all men, which that spectacle did see,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "By like ensample mote for ever warned bee.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "So on a tree before the Tyrants dore", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "He caused them be hung in all mens sight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To be a moniment for evermore.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Which when his Ladie from the castles hight", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Beheld, it much appald her troubled spright:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Yet not, as women wont, in dolefull fit", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "She was dismayd, or faynted through affright,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But gathered unto her her troubled wit,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And gan eftsoones devize to be aveng’d for it.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Streight downe she ranne, like an enraged cow", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "That is berobbed of her youngling dere,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With knife in hand, and fatally did vow", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To wreake her on that mayden messengere,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Whom she had causd be kept as prisonere", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "By Artegall, misween’d for her owne Knight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That brought her backe: And, comming present there,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "She at her ran with all her force and might,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "All flaming with revenge and furious despight.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Like raging Ino, when with knife in hand", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "She threw her husbands murdred infant out;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Or fell Medea, when on Colchicke strand", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Her brothers bones she scattered all about;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Or as that madding mother, mongst the rout", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Of Bacchus Priests, her owne deare flesh did teare:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Yet neither Ino, nor Medea stout,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Nor all the Mœnades so furious were,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "As this bold woman when she saw that Damzell there.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "But Artegall, being thereof aware,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Did stay her cruell hand ere she her raught;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And, as she did her selfe to strike prepare,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Out of her fist the wicked weapon caught:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With that, like one enfelon’d or distraught,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "She forth did rome whether her rage her bore,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With franticke passion and with furie fraught;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And, breaking forth out at a posterne dore,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Unto the wyld wood ranne, her dolours to deplore.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "As a mad bytch, when as the franticke fit", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Her burning tongue with rage inflamed hath,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Doth runne at randon, and with furious bit", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Snatching at every thing doth wreake her wrath", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "On man and beast that commeth in her path.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "There they doe say that she transformed was", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Into a Tygre, and that Tygres scath", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "In crueltie and outrage she did pas,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To prove her surname true, that she imposed has.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Then Artegall, himselfe discovering plaine,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Did issue forth gainst all that warlike rout", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Of knights and armed men, which did maintaine", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That Ladies part, and to the Souldan lout:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "All which he did assault with courage stout,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "All were they nigh an hundred knights of name,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And like wyld Goates them chaced all about,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Flying from place to place with cowheard shame;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So that with finall force them all he overcame.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Then caused he the gates be opened wyde;", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And there the Prince, as victour of that day,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With tryumph entertayn’d and glorifyde,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Presenting him with all the rich array", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And roiall pompe, which there long hidden lay,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Purchast through lawlesse powre and tortious wrong", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Of that proud Souldan whom he earst did slay.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So both, for rest, there having stayd not long,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Marcht with that mayd; fit matter for another song.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "What Tygre, or what other salvage wight,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Is so exceeding furious and fell", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "As wrong, when it hath arm’d it selfe with might?", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Not fit mongst men that doe with reason mell,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But mongst wyld beasts, and salvage woods, to dwell;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Where still the stronger doth the weake devoure,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And they that most in boldnesse doe excell", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Are dreadded most, and feared for their powre;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Fit for Adicia there to build her wicked bowre.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "There let her wonne, farre from resort of men,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Where righteous Artegall her late exyled;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "There let her ever keepe her damned den,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Where none may be with her lewd parts defyled,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Nor none but beasts may be of her despoyled;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And turne we to the noble Prince, where late", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "We did him leave, after that he had foyled", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The cruell Souldan, and with dreadfull fate", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Had utterly subverted his unrighteous state.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Where having with Sir Artegall a space", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Well solast in that Souldans late delight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "They both, resolving now to leave the place,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Both it and all the wealth therein behight", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Unto that Damzell in her Ladies right,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And so would have departed on their way;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But she them woo’d, by all the meanes she might,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And earnestly besought to wend that day", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With her, to see her Ladie thence not farre away.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "By whose entreatie both they overcommen", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Agree to goe with her; and by the way,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "(As often falles) of sundry things did commen:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Mongst which that Damzell did to them bewray", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "A straunge adventure, which not farre thence lay;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To weet, a wicked villaine, bold and stout,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Which wonned in a rocke not farre away,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That robbed all the countrie there about,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And brought the pillage home, whence none could get it out.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Thereto both his owne wylie wit, (she sayd)", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And eke the fastnesse of his dwelling place,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Both unassaylable, gave him great ayde:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For he so crafty was to forge and face,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So light of hand, and nymble of his pace,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So smooth of tongue, and subtile in his tale,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That could deceive one looking in his face:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Therefore by name Malengin they him call,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Well knowen by his feates, and famous over all.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Through these his slights he many doth confound:", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And eke the rocke, in which he wonts to dwell,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Is wondrous strong and hewen farre under ground,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "A dreadfull depth; how deepe no man can tell,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But some doe say it goeth downe to hell:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And all within it full of wyndings is", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And hidden wayes, that scarse an hound by smell", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Can follow out those false footsteps of his,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Ne none can backe returne that once are gone amis.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Which when those knights had heard, their harts gan earne", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "To understand that villeins dwelling place,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And greatly it desir’d of her to learne,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And by which way they towards it should trace.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "“Were not” (sayd she) “that it should let your pace", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Towards my Ladies presence, by you ment,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "I would you guyde directly to the place.”", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "“Then let not that” (said they) “stay your intent;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For neither will one foot, till we that carle have hent.”", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "So forth they past, till they approched ny", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Unto the rocke where was the villains won:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Which when the Damzell neare at hand did spy,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "She warn’d the knights thereof; who thereupon", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Gan to advize what best were to be done.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So both agreed to send that mayd afore,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Where she might sit nigh to the den alone,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Wayling, and raysing pittifull uprore,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "As if she did some great calamitie deplore.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "With noyse whereof when as the caytive carle", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Should issue forth, in hope to find some spoyle,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "They in awayt would closely him ensnarle,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Ere to his den he backward could recoyle,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And so would hope him easily to foyle.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The Damzell straight went, as she was directed,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Unto the rocke; and there, upon the soyle", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Having her selfe in wretched wize abjected,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Gan weepe and wayle, as if great griefe had her affected.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "The cry whereof entring the hollow cave", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Eftsoones brought forth the villaine, as they ment,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With hope of her some wishfull boot to have.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Full dreadfull wight he was as ever went", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Upon the earth, with hollow eyes deepe pent,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And long curld locks that downe his shoulders shagged;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And on his backe an uncouth vestiment", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Made of straunge stuffe, but all to-worne and ragged,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And underneath, his breech was all to-torne and jagged.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "And in his hand an huge long staffe he held,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Whose top was arm’d with many an yron hboke,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Fit to catch hold of all that he could weld,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Or in the compasse of his douches tooke;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And ever round about he cast his looke:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Als at his backe a great wyde net he bore,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With which he seldome fished at the brooke,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But usd to fish for fooles on the dry shore,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Of which he in faire weather wont to take great store.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Him when the damzell saw fast by her side,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "So ugly creature, she was nigh dismayd,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And now for helpe aloud in earnest cride:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But when the villame saw her so affrayd,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He gan with guilefull words her to perswade", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To banish feare; and, with Sardonian smyle", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Laughing on her, his false intent to shade,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Gan forth to lay his bayte her to beguyle,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That from her self unwares he might her steale the whyle.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Like as the fouler on his guilefull pype", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Charmes to the birds full many a pleasant lay,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That they the whiles may take lesse heedie keepe", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "How he his nets doth for their ruine lay:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So did the villaine to her prate and play,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And many pleasant trickes before her show,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To turne her eyes from his intent away;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For he in slights and jugling feates did flow,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And of legierdemayne the mysteries did know.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "To which whilest she lent her intentive mind,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "He suddenly his net upon her threw,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That oversprad her like a puffe of wind;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And snatching her soone up, ere well she knew,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Ran with her fast away unto his mew,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Crying for helpe aloud: But when as ny", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He came unto his cave, and there did vew", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The armed knights stopping his passage by,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He threw his burden downe, and fast away did fly.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "But Artegall him after did pursew,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The whiles the Prince there kept the entrance still.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Up to the rocke he ran, and thereon flew", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Like a wyld Gote, leaping from hill to hill,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And dauncing on the craggy cliffes at will;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That deadly daunger seem’d in all mens sight", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To tempt such steps, where footing was so ill;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Ne ought avayled for the armed knight", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To thinke to follow him that was so swift and light.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Which when he saw, his yron man he sent", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "To follow him; for he was swift in chace.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He him pursewd where ever that he went;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Both over rockes, and hilles, and every place", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Where so he fled, he followd him apace;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So that he shortly forst him to forsake", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The hight, and downe descend unto the base:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "There he him courst afresh, and soone did make", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To leave his proper forme, and other shape to take.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Into a Foxe himselfe he first did tourne;", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "But he him hunted like a Foxe full fast:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Then to a bush himselfe he did transforme;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But he the bush did beat, till that at last", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Into a bird it chaung’d, and from him past,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Flying from tree to tree, from wand to wand;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But he then stones at it so long did cast,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That like a stone it fell upon the land;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But he then tooke it up, and held fast in his hand.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "So he it brought with him unto the knights,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And to his Lord Sir Artegall it lent,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Warning him hold it fast for feare of slights:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Who whilest in hand it gryping hard he hent,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Into a Hedgehogge all unwares it went,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And prickt him so that he away it threw:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Then ganne it runne away incontinent,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Being returned to his former hew;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But Talus soone him overtooke, and backward drew,", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "But, when as he would to a snake againe", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Have turn’d himselfe, he with his yron flayle", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Gan drive at him with so huge might and maine,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That all his bones as small as sandy grayle", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He broke, and did his bowels disentrayle,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Crying in vaine for helpe, when helpe was past:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So did deceipt the selfe-deceiver fayle.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "There they him left a carrion outcast", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For beasts and foules to feede upon for their repast.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Thence forth they passed with that gentle Mayd", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "To see her Ladie, as they did agree;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To which when she approched, thus she sayd:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "“Loe! now, right noble knights, arriv’d ye bee", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Nigh to the place which ye desir’d to see:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "There shall ye see my soverayne Lady Queene,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Most sacred wight, most debonayre and free,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That ever yet upon this earth was seene,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Or that with Diademe hath ever crowned beene.”", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "The gentle knights rejoyced much to heare", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The prayses of that Prince so manifold;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And, passing litle further, commen were", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Where they a stately pallace did behold", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Of pompous show, much more then she had told;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With many towres, and tarras mounted hye,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And all their tops bright glistering with gold,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That seemed to outshine the dimmed skye,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And with their brightnesse daz’d the straunge beholders eye.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "There they alighting by that Damzell were", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Directed in, and shewed all the sight;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Whose porch, that most magnificke did appeare,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Stood open wyde to all men day and night;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Yet warded well by one of mickle might", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That sate thereby, with gyantlike resemblance,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To keepe out guyle, and malice, and despight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That under shew oftimes of fayned semblance", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Are wont in Princes courts to worke great scath and hindrance:", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "His name was Awe; by whom they passing in", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Went up the hall, that was a large wyde roome,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And full of people making troublous din", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And wondrous noyse, as if that there were some", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Which unto them was dealing righteous doome:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "By whom they passing through the thickest preasse,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The marshall of the hall to them did come,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "His name hight Order; who, commaunding peace,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Them guyded through the throng, that did their clamors ceasse.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "They ceast their clamors upon them to gaze;", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Whom seeing all in armour bright as day,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Straunge there to see, it did them much amaze,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And with unwonted terror halfe affray,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For never saw they there the like array;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Ne ever was the name of warre there spoken,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But joyous peace and quietnesse alway", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Dealing just judgements, that mote not be broken", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For any brybes, or threates of any to be wroken.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "There, as they entred at the Scriene, they saw", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Some one whose tongue was for his trespasse vyle", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Nayld to a post, adjudged so by law;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For that therewith he falsely did revyle", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And foule blaspheme that Queene for forged guyle,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Both with bold speaches which he blazed had,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And with lewd poems which he did compyle;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For the bold title of a poet bad", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He on himselfe had ta’en, and rayling rymes had sprad.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Thus there he stood, whylest high over his head", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "There written was the purport of his sin,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "In cyphers strange, that few could rightly read,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Bon Font; but Bon, that once had written bin,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Was raced out, and Mal was now put in:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So now Malfont was plainely to be red,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Eyther for th’evill which he did therein,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Or that he likened was to a welhed", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Of evill words, and wicked sclaunders by him shed.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "They, passing by, were guyded by degree", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Unto the presence of that gratious Queene;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Who sate on high, that she might all men see", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And might of all men royally be seene,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Upon a throne of gold full bright and sheene,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Adorned all with gemmes of endlesse price,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "As either might for wealth have gotten bene,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Or could be fram’d by workmans rare device;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And all embost with Lyons and with Flour-delice.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "All over her a cloth of state was spred,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Not of rich tissew, nor of cloth of gold,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Nor of ought else that may be richest red,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But like a cloud, as likest may be told,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That her brode-spreading wings did wyde unfold;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Whose skirts were bordred with bright sunny beames,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Glistring like gold amongst the plights enrold,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And here and there shooting forth silver streames,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Mongst which crept litle Angels through the glittering gleames.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Seemed those litle Angels did uphold", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The cloth of state, and on their purpled wings", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Did beare the pendants through their nimblesse bold:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Besides, a thousand more of such as sings", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Hymns to high God, and carols heavenly things,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Encompassed the throne on which she sate⁠—", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "She, Angel-like, the heyre of ancient kings", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And mightie Conquerors, in royall state,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Whylest kings and kesars at her feet did them prostrate.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Thus she did sit in soverayne Majestie,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Holding a Scepter in her royall hand,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The sacred pledge of peace and clemencie,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With which high God had blest her happie land,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Maugre so many foes which did withstand:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But at her feet her sword was likewise layde,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Whose long rest rusted the bright steely brand;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Yet when as foes enforst, or friends sought ayde,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "She could it sternely draw, that all the world dismayde.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "And round about before her feet there sate", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "A bevie of faire Virgins clad in white,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That goodly seem’d t’adorne her royall state;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "All lovely daughters of high Jove, that hight", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Litse, by him begot in loves delight", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Upon the righteous Themis; those, they say,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Upon Joves judgement-seat wayt day and night;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And, when in wrath he threats the worlds decay,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "They doe his anger calme, and cruell vengeance stay.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "They also doe, by his divine permission,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Upon the thrones of mortall Princes tend,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And often treat for pardon and remission", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To suppliants, through frayltie which offend:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Those did upon Mercillaes throne attend,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Just Dice, wise Eunomie, myld Eirene;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And them amongst, her glorie to commend,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Sate goodly Temperance in garments clene,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And sacred Reverence yborne of heavenly strene.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Thus did she sit in royall rich estate,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Admyr’d of many, honoured of all;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Whylest underneath her feete, there as she sate,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "An huge great Lyon lay, that mote appall", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "An hardie courage, like captived thrall", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With a strong yron chaine and coller bound,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That once he could not move, nor quich at all;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Yet did he murmure with rebellious sound,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And softly royne, when salvage choler gan redound.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "So sitting high in dreaded soverayntie,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Those two strange knights were to her presence brought;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Who, bowing low before her Majestic,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Did to her myld obeysance, as they ought,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And meekest boone that they imagine mought;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To whom she eke inclyning her withall,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "As a faire stoupe of her high soaring thought,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "A chearefull countenance on them let fall,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Yet tempred with some majestic imperiall.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "As the bright sunne, what time his fierie teme", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Towards the westerne brim begins to draw,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Gins to abate the brightnesse of his beme,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And fervour of his flames somewhat adaw;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So did this mightie Ladie, when she saw", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Those two strange knights such homage to her make,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Bate somewhat of that Majestie and awe", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That whylome wont to doe so many quake,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And with more myld aspect those two to entertake.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Now at that instant, as occasion fell,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "When these two stranger knights arriv’d in place,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "She was about affaires of common-wele,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Dealing with Justice with indifferent grace,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And hearing pleas of people meane and base:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Mongst which, as then, there was for to be heard", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The tryall of a great and weightie case,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Which on both sides was then debating hard;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But at the sight of these those were awhile debard.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "But, after all her princely entertayne,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "To th’ hearing of that former cause in hand", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Her selfe eftsoones she gan convert againe:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Which that those knights likewise mote understand,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And witnesse forth aright in forrain land,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Taking them up unto her stately throne,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Where they mote heare the matter throughly scand", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "On either part, she placed th’one on th’one,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The other on the other side, and neare them none.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Then was there brought, as prisoner to the barre,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "A Ladie of great countenance and place,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But that she it with foule abuse did marre;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Yet did appeare rare beautie in her face,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But blotted with condition vile and base,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That all her other honour did obscure,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And titles of nobilitie deface:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Yet in that wretched semblant she did sure", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The peoples great compassion unto her allure.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Then up arose a person of deepe reach,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And rare insight hard matters to revele;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That well could charme his tongue, and time his speach", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To all assayes; his name was called Zele.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He gan that Ladie strongly to appele", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Of many haynous crymes by her enured;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And with sharp reasons rang her such a pele,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That those, whom she to pitie had allured,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He now t’abhorre and loath her person had procured.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "First gan he tell how this, that seem’d so faire", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And royally arayd, Duessa hight;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That false Duessa, which had wrought great care", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And mickle mischiefe unto many a knight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "By her beguyled and confounded quight:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But not for those she now in question came,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Though also those mote question’d be aright,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But for vyld treasons and outrageous shame,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Which she against the dred Mercilla oft did frame.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "For she whylome (as ye mote yet right well", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Remember) had her counsels false conspyred", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With faithlesse Blandamour and Paridell,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "(Both two her paramours, both by her hyred,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And both with hope of shadowes vaine inspyred)", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And with them practiz’d, how for to depryve", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Mercilla of her crowne, by her aspyred,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That she might it unto her selfe deryve,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And tryumph in their blood whom she to death did dryve.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "But through high heavens grace, which favour not", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The wicked driftes of trayterous desynes", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Gainst loiall Princes, all this cursed plot,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Ere proofe it tooke, discovered was betymes,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And th’actours won the meede meet for their crymes.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Such be the meede of all that by such mene", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Unto the type of kingdomes title clymes!", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But false Duessa, now untitled Queene,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Was brought to her sad doome, as here was to be seene.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Strongly did Zele her haynous fact enforce,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And many other crimes of foule defame", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Against her brought, to banish all remorse,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And aggravate the horror of her blame:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And with him, to make part against her, came", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Many grave persons that against her pled.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "First was a sage old Syre, that had to name", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The Kingdomes Care, with a white silver hed,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That many high regards and reasons gainst her red.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Then gan Authority her to appose", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "With peremptorie powre, that made all mute;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And then the Law of Nations gainst her rose,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And reasons brought that no man could refute:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Next gan Religion gainst her to impute", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "High Gods beheast, and powre of holy lawes;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Then gan the Peoples cry and Commons sute", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Importune care of their owne publicke cause;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And lastly Justice charged her with breach of lawes.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "But then, for her, on the contrarie part,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Rose many advocates for her to plead:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "First there came Pittie with full tender hart,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And with her joyn’d Regard of womanhead;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And then came Daunger, threatning hidden dread", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And high alliance unto forren powre;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Then came Nobilitie of birth, that bread", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Great ruth through her misfortunes tragicke stowre;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And lastly Griefe did plead, and many teares forth powre.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "With the neare touch whereof in tender hart", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The Briton Prince was sore empassionate,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And woxe inclined much unto her part,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Through the sad terror of so dreadfull fate,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And wretched ruine of so high estate;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That for great ruth his courage gan relent:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Which when as Zele perceived to abate,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He gan his earnest fervour to augment,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And many fearefull objects to them to present.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "He gan t’efforce the evidence anew,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And new accusements to produce in place:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He brought forth that old hag of hellish hew,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The cursed Atè, brought her face to face,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Who privie was and partie in the case:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "She, glad of spoyle and ruinous decay,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Did her appeach; and, to her more disgrace,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The plot of all her practise did display,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And all her traynes and all her treasons forth did lay.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Then brought he forth with griesly grim aspect", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Abhorred Murder, who, with bloudie knyfe", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Yet dropping fresh in hand, did her detect,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And there with guiltie bloudshed charged ryfe:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Then brought he forth Sedition, breeding stryfe", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "In troublous wits, and mutinous uprore;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Then brought he forth Incontinence of lyfe,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Even foule Adulterie her face before,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And lewd Impietie, that her accused sore.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "All which when as the Prince had heard and seene,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "His former fancies ruth he gan repent,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And from her partie eftsoones was drawen cleene:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But Artegall, with constant firme intent", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For zeale of Justice, was against her bent:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So was she guiltie deemed of them all.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Then Zele began to urge her punishment,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And to their Queene for judgement loudly call,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Unto Mercilla myld, for Justice gainst the thrall.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "But she, whose Princely brest was touched nere", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "With piteous ruth of her so wretched plight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Though plaine she saw, by all that she did heare,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That she of death was guiltie found by right,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Yet would not let just vengeance on her light;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But rather let, instead thereof, to fall", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Few perling drops from her faire lampes of light;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The which she covering with her purple pall", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Would have the passion hid, and up arose withall.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Some Clarkes doe doubt in their devicefull art", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Whether this heavenly thing whereof I treat,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To weeten Mercie, be of Justice part,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Or drawne forth from her by divine extreate:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "This well I wote, that sure she is as great,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And meriteth to have as high a place,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Sith in th’Almighties everlasting seat", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "She first was bred, and borne of heavenly race,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "From thence pour’d down on men by influence of grace.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "For if that Vertue be of so great might", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Which from just verdict will for nothing start,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But to preserve inviolated right", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Oft spilles the principall to save the part;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So much more, then, is that of powre and art", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That seekes to save the subject of her skill,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Yet never doth from doome of right depart,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "As it is greater prayse to save then spill,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And better to reforme then to cut off the ill.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Who then can thee, Mercilla, throughly prayse,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "That herein doest all earthly Princes pas?", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "What heavenly Muse shall thy great honour rayse", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Up to the skies, whence first deriv’d it was,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And now on earth it selfe enlarged has", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "From th’utmost brinke of the Armericke shore", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Unto the margent of the Molucas?", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Those Nations farre thy justice doe adore;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But thine owne people do thy mercy prayse much more.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Much more it praysed was of those two knights,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The noble Prince and righteous Artegall,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "When they had seene and heard her doome a-rights", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Against Duessa, damned by them all;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But by her tempred without griefe or gall,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Till strong constraint did her thereto enforce:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And yet even then ruing her wilfull fall", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With more then needfull naturall remorse,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And yeelding the last honour to her wretched corse.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "During all which, those knights continu’d there", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Both doing and receiving curtesies", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Of that great Ladie, who with goodly chere", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Them entertayn’d, fit for their dignities,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Approving dayly to their noble eyes", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Royall examples of her mercies rare", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And worthie paterns of her clemencies;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Which till this day mongst many living are,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Who them to their posterities doe still declare.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Amongst the rest, which in that space befell,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "There came two Springals of full tender yeares,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Farre thence from forrein land where they did dwell,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To seeke for succour of her and her Peares,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With humble prayers and intreatfull teares;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Sent by their mother, who, a widow, was", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Wrapt in great dolours and in deadly feares", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "By a strong Tyrant, who invaded has", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Her land, and slaine her children ruefully, alas!", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Her name was Belgæ; who in former age", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "A Ladie of great worth and wealth had beene,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And mother of a frutefull heritage,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Even seventeene goodly sonnes; which who had seene", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "In their first flowre, before this fatall teene", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Them overtooke and their faire blossomes blasted,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "More happie mother would her surely weene", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Then famous Niobe, before she tasted", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Latonaes childrens wrath that all her issue wasted,", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "But this fell Tyrant, through his tortious powre,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Had left her now but five of all that brood:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For twelve of them he did by times devoure,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And to his Idols sacrifice their blood,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Whylest he of none was stopped nor withstood:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For soothly he was one of matchlesse might,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Of horrible aspect and dreadfull mood,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And had three bodies in one wast empight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And th’armes and legs of three to succour him in fight.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "And sooth they say that he was borne and bred", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Of Gyants race, the sonne of Geryon;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He that whylome in Spaine so sore was dred", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For his huge powre and great oppression,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Which brought that land to his subjection,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Through his three bodies powre in one combynd;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And eke all strangers, in that region", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Arry ving, to his kyne for food assynd;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The fayrest kyne alive, but of the fiercest kynd:", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "For they were all, they say, of purple hew,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Kept by a cowheard, hight Eurytion,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "A cruell carle, the which all strangers slew,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Ne day nor night did sleepe t’attend them on,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But walkt about them ever and anone", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With his two-headed dogge that Orthrus hight;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Orthrus begotten by great Typhaon", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And foule Echidna in the house of night:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But Hercules them all did overcome in fight.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "His sonne was this Geryoneo hight;", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Who, after that his monstrous father fell", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Under Alcides club, streight tooke his flight", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "From that sad land where he his syre did quell,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And came to this, where Belgè then did dwell", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And flourish in all wealth and happinesse,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Being then new made widow (as befell)", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "After her Noble husbands late decesse;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Which gave beginning to her woe and wretchednesse.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Then this bold Tyrant, of her widowhed", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Taking advantage, and her yet fresh woes,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Himselfe and service to her offered,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Her to defend against all forrein foes", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That should their powre against her right oppose:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Whereof she glad, now needing strong defence,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Him entertayn’d and did her champion chose;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Which long he usd with carefull diligence,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The better to confirme her fearelesse confidence.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "By meanes whereof she did at last commit", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "All to his hands, and gave him soveraine powre", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To doe whatever he thought good or fit:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Which having got, he gan forth from that howre", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To stirre up strife and many a tragicke stowre;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Giving her dearest children one by one", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Unto a dreadfull Monster to devoure,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And setting up an Idole of his owne,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The image of his monstrous parent Geryone.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "So tyrannizing and oppressing all,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The woefull widow had no meanes now left,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But unto gratious great Mercilla call", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For ayde against that cruell Tyrants theft,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Ere all her children he from her had reft:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Therefore these two, her eldest sonnes, she sent", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To seeke for succour of this Ladies gieft;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To whom their sute they humbly did present", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "In th’ hearing of full many Knights and Ladies gent.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Amongst the which then fortuned to bee", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The noble Briton Prince with his brave Peare;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Who when he none of all those knights did see", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Hastily bent that enterprise to heare,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Nor undertake the same for cowheard feare,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He stepped forth with courage bold and great,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Admyr’d of all the rest in presence there,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And humbly gan that mightie Queene entreat", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To graunt him that adventure for his former feat.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "She gladly graunted it: then he straightway", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Himselfe unto his journey gan prepare,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And all his armours readie dight that day,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That nought the morrow next mote stay his fare.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The morrow next appeared with purple hayre", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Yet dropping fresh out of the Indian fount,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And bringing light into the heavens fayre,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "When he was readie to his steede to mount", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Unto his way, which now was all his care and count.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Then taking humble leave of that great Queene,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Who gave him roiall giftes and riches rare,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "As tokens of her thankefull mind beseene,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And leaving Artegall to his owne care,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Upon his voyage forth he gan to fare", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With those two gentle youthes, which him did guide", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And all his way before him still prepare.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Ne after him did Artigall abide,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But on his first adventure forward forth did ride.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "It was not long till that the Prince arrived", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Within the land where dwelt that Ladie sad;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Whereof that Tyrant had her now deprived,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And into moores and marshes banisht had,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Out of the pleasant soyle and cities glad,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "In which she wont to harbour happily:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But now his cruelty so sore she drad,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That to those fennes for fastnesse she did fly,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And there her selfe did hyde from his hard tyranny.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "There he her found in sorrow and dismay,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "All solitarie without living wight;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For all her other children, through affray,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Had hid themselves, or taken further flight:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And eke her selfe, through sudden strange affright", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "When one in armes she saw, began to fly;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But, when her owne two sonnes she had in sight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "She gan take hart and looke up joyfully;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For well she wist this knight came succour to supply.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "And, running unto them with greedy joyes,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Fell straight about their neckes as they did kneele,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And bursting forth in teares, “Ah! my sweet boyes,”", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "(Sayd she) “yet now I gin new life to feele;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And feeble spirits, that gan faint and reele,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Now rise againe at this your joyous sight.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Alreadie seemes that fortunes headlong wheele", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Begins to turne, and sunne to shine more bright", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Then it was wont, through comfort of this noble knight.”", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Then turning unto him; “And you, Sir knight,”", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "(Said she) “that taken have this toylesome paine", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For wretched woman, miserable wight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "May you in heaven immortall guerdon gaine", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For so great travell as you doe sustaine!", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For other meede may hope for none of mee,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To whom nought else but bare life doth remaine;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And that so wretched one, as ye do see,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Is liker lingring death then loathed life to bee.”", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Much was he moved with her piteous plight,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And low dismounting from his loftie steede", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Gan to recomfort her all that he might,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Seeking to drive away deepe-rooted dreede", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With hope of helpe in that her greatest neede.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So thence he wished her with him to wend", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Unto some place where they mote rest and feede,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And she take comfort which God now did send:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Good hart in evils doth the evils much amend.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“Ay me!” (sayd she) “and whether shall I goe?", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Are not all places full of forraine powres?", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "My pallaces possessed of my foe,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "My cities sackt, and their sky-threating towres", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Raced and made smooth fields now full of flowres?", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Onely these marishes and myrie bogs,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "In which the fearefull ewftes do build their bowres,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Yeeld me an hostry mongst the croking frogs,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And harbour here in safety from those ravenous dogs.”", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“Nathlesse,” (said he) “deare Ladie, with me goe;", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Some place shall us receive and harbour yield;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "If not, we will it force, maugre your foe,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And purchase it to us with speare and shield:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And if all fayle, yet farewell open field;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The earth to all her creatures lodging lends.”", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With such his chearefull speaches he doth wield", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Her mind so well, that to his will she bends;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And, bynding up her locks and weeds, forth with him wends.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "They came unto a Citie farre up land,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The which whylome that Ladies owne had bene;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But now by force extort out of her hand", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "By her strong foe, who had defaced cleene", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Her stately towres and buildings sunny sheene,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Shut up her haven, mard her marchants trade,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Robbed her people that full rich had beene,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And in her necke a Castle huge had made,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The which did her commaund without needing perswade.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "That Castle was the strength of all that state,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Untill that state by strength was pulled downe;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And that same citie, so now ruinate,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Had bene the keye of all that kingdomes crowne;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Both goodly Castle, and both goodly Towne,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Till that th’offended heavens list to lowre", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Upon their blisse, and balefull fortune frowne:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "When those gainst states and kingdomes do conjure,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Who then can thinke their hedlong ruine to recure?", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "But he had brought it now in servile bond,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And made it beare the yoke of Inquisition,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Stryving long time in vaine it to withstond;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Yet glad at last to make most base submission,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And life enjoy for any composition:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So now he hath new lawes and orders new", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Imposd on it with many a hard condition,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And forced it, the honour that is dew", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To God, to doe unto his Idole most untrew.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "To him he hath before this Castle greene", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Built a faire Chappell, and an Altar framed", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Of costly Ivory full rich beseene,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "On which that cursed Idole, farre proclamed,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He hath set up, and him his God hath named;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Ofrring to him in sinfull sacrifice", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The flesh of men, to Gods owne likenesse framed,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And powring forth their bloud in brutishe wize,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That any yron eyes to see it would agrize.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "And, for more horror and more crueltie,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Under that cursed Idols altar-stone", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "An hideous monster doth in darknesse lie,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Whose dreadfull shape was never seene of none", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That lives on earth; but unto those alone", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The which unto him sacrificed bee:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Those he devoures, they say, both flesh and bone.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "What else they have is all the Tyrants fee;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So that no whit of them remayning one may see.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "There eke he placed a strong garrisone,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And set a Seneschall of dreaded might,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That by his powre oppressed every one,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And vanquished all ventrous knights in fight;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To whom he wont shew all the shame he might,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "After that them in battell he had wonne:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To which when now they gan approch in sight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The Ladie counseld him the place to shonne,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Where as so many knights had fouly bene fordonne.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Her fearefull speaches nought he did regard,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "But, ryding streight under the Castle wall,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Called aloud unto the watchfull ward", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Which there did wayte, willing them forth to call", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Into the field their Tyrants Seneschall:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To whom when tydings thereof came, he streight", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Cals for his armes, and arming him withall", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Eftsoones forth pricked proudly in his might,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And gan with courage fierce addresse him to the fight.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "They both encounter in the middle plaine,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And their sharpe speares doe both together smite", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Amid their shields, with so huge might and maine", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That seem’d their soules they wold have ryven quight", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Out of their breasts with furious despight:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Yet could the Seneschals no entrance find", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Into the Princes shield where it empight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "(So pure the metall was and well refynd,)", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But shivered all about, and scattered in the wynd:", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Not so the Princes, but with restlesse force", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Into his shield it readie passage found,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Both through his haberjeon and eke his corse;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Which tombling downe upon the senselesse ground", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Gave leave unto his ghost from thraldome bound", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To wander in the griesly shades of night.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "There did the Prince him leave in deadly swound,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And thence unto the castle marched right,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To see if entrance there as yet obtaine he might.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "But, as he nigher drew, three knights he spyde,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "All arm’d to point, issuing forth apace,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Which towards him with all their powre did ryde,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And meeting him right in the middle race", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Did all their speares attonce on him enchace.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "As three great Culverings for battrie bent,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And leveld all against one certaine place,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Doe all attonce their thunders rage forth rent,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That makes the wals to stagger with astonishment:", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "So all attonce they on the Prince did thonder,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Who from his saddle swarved nought asyde,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Ne to their force gave way, that was great wonder;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But like a bulwarke firmely did abyde,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Rebutting him, which in the midst did ryde,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With so huge rigour, that his mortall speare", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Past through his shield and pierst through either syde;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That downe he fell uppon his mother deare,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And powred forth his wretched life in deadly dreare.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Whom when his other fellowes saw, they fled", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "As fast as feete could carry them away;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And after them the Prince as swiftly sped,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To be aveng’d of their unknightly play.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "There, whilest they entring th’one did th’other stay,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The hindmost in the gate he overhent,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And, as he pressed in, him there did slay:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "His carkasse, tumbling on the threshold, sent", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "His groning soule unto her place of punishment.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "The other which was entred laboured fast", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "To sperre the gate; but that same lumpe of clay,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Whose grudging ghost was thereout fled and past,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Right in the middest of the threshold lay,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That it the Posterne did from closing stay:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The whiles the Prince hard preased in betweene,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And entraunce wonne: Streight th’other fled away,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And ran into the Hall, where he did weene", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Him selfe to save; but he there slew him at the skreene.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Then all the rest which in that Castle were,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Seeing that sad ensample them before,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Durst not abide, but fled away for feare,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And them convayd out at a Posterne dore.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Long sought the Prince; but when he found no more", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "T’oppose against his powre he forth issued", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Unto that Lady, where he her had lore,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And her gan cheare with what she there had vewed,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And what she had not seene within unto her shewed:", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Who with right humble thankes him goodly greeting", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "For so great prowesse as he there had proved,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Much greater then was ever in her weeting,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With great admiraunce inwardly was moved,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And honourd him with all that her behoved.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Thenceforth into that Castle he her led", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With her two sonnes, right deare of her beloved,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Where all that night them selves they cherished,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And from her balefull minde all care he banished.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "It often fals, in course of common life,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "That right long time is overborne of wrong", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Through avarice, or powre, or guile, or strife,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That weakens her, and makes her party strong;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But Justice, though her dome she doe prolong,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Yet at the last she will her owne cause right:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "As by sad Beigè seemes; whose wrongs though long", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "She suffred, yet at length she did requight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And sent redresse thereof by this brave Briton Knight.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Whereof when newes was to that Tyrant brought,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "How that the Lady Belgè now had found", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "A Champion, that had with his Champion fought,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And laid his Seneschall low on the ground,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And eke him selfe did threaten to confound;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He gan to burne in rage, and friese in feare,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Doubting sad end of principle unsound:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Yet, sith he heard but one that did appeare,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He did him selfe encourage and take better cheare.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Nathelesse him selfe he armed all in hast,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And forth he far’d with all his many bad,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Ne stayed step, till that he came at last", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Unto the Castle which they conquerd had:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "There with huge terrour, to be more ydrad,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He sternely marcht before the Castle gate,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And, with bold vaunts and ydle threatning, bad", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Deliver him his owne, ere yet too late,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To which they had no right, nor any wrongfull state.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "The Prince staid not his aunswere to devize,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "But, opening streight the Sparre, forth to him came,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Full nobly mounted in right warlike wize;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And asked him, if that he were the same,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Who all that wrong unto that wofull Dame", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So long had done, and from her native land", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Exiled her, that all the world spake shame.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He boldly aunswerd him, He there did stand", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That would his doings justifie with his owne hand.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "With that so furiously at him he flew,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "As if he would have overrun him streight;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And with his huge great yron axe gan hew", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So hideously uppon his armour bright,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "As he to peeces would have chopt it quight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That the bold Prince was forced foote to give", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To his first rage, and yeeld to his despight;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The whilest at him so dreadfully he drive,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That seem’d a marble rocke asunder could have rive.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Thereto a great advauntage eke he has", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Through his three double hands thrise multiplyde,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Besides the double strength which in them was:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For stil, when fit occasion did betyde,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He could his weapon shift from side to syde,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "From hand to hand; and with such nimblesse sly", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Could wield about, that, ere it were espide,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The wicked stroke did wound his enemy", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Behinde, beside, before, as he it list apply.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Which uncouth use when as the Prince perceived,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "He gan to watch the wielding of his hand,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Least by such slight he were unwares deceived;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And ever, ere he saw the stroke to land,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He would it meete and warily withstand.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "One time when he his weapon faynd to shift,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "As he was wont, and chang’d from hand to hand,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He met him with a counterstroke so swift,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That quite smit off his arme as he it up did lift.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Therewith all fraught with fury and disdaine,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "He brayd aloud for very fell despight;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And sodainely, t’avenge him selfe againe", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Gan into one assemble all the might", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Of all his hands, and heaved them on hight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Thinking to pay him with that one for all:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But the sad steele seizd not, where it was hight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Uppon the childe, but somewhat short did fall,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And lighting on his horses head him quite did mall.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Downe streight to ground fell his astonisht steed,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And eke to th’earth his burden with him bare;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But he him selfe full lightly from him freed,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And gan him selfe to fight on foote prepare:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Whereof when as the Gyant was aware,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He wox right blyth, as he had got thereby,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And laught so loud, that all his teeth wide bare", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "One might have seene enraung’d disorderly,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Like to a rancke of piles that pitched are awry.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Eftsoones againe his axe he raught on hie,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Ere he were throughly buckled to his geare,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And can let drive at him so dreadfullie,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That had he chaunced not his shield to reare,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Ere that huge stroke arrived on him neare,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He had him surely cloven quite in twaine:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But th’Adamantine shield which he did beare", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So well was tempred, that for all his maine", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "It would no passage yeeld unto his purpose vaine.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Yet was the stroke so forcibly applide,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "That made him stagger with uncertaine sway,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "As if he would have tottered to one side:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Wherewith full wroth he fiercely gan assay", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That curt’sie with like kindnesse to repay,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And smote at him with so importune might,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That two more of his armes did fall away,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Like fruitlesse braunches, which the hatchets slight", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Hath pruned from the native tree, and cropped quight.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "With that all mad and furious he grew,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Like a fell mastiffe through enraging heat,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And curst, and band, and blasphemies forth threw", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Against his Gods, and fire to them did threat,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And hell unto him selfe with horrour great.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Thenceforth he car’d no more which way he strooke,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Nor where it light; but gan to chaufe and sweat,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And gnasht his teeth, and his head at him shooke,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And sternely him beheld with grim and ghastly looke.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Nought fear’d the childe his lookes, ne yet his threats,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "But onely wexed now the more aware", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To save him selfe from those his furious heats,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And watch advauntage how to worke his care,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The which good Fortune to him offred faire;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For as he in his rage him overstrooke,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He, ere he could his weapon backe repaire,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "His side all bare and naked overtooke,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And with his mortal steel quite through the body strooke.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Through all three bodies he him strooke attonce,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "That all the three attonce fell on the plaine,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Else should he thrise have needed for the nonce", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Them to have stricken, and thrise to have slaine.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So now all three one sencelesse lumpe remaine,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Enwallow’d in his owne blacke bloudy gore,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And byting th’earth for very deaths disdaine;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Who, with a cloud of night him covering, bore", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Downe to the house of dole, his daies there to deplore.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Which when the Lady from the Castle saw,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Where she with her two sonnes did looking stand,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "She towards him in hast her selfe did draw", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To greet him the good fortune of his hand:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And all the people, both of towne and land,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Which there stood gazing from the Citties wall", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Uppon these warriours, greedy t’understand", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To whether should the victory befall,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Now when they saw it falne, they eke him greeted all.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "But Belgè, with her sonnes, prostrated low", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Before his feete in all that peoples sight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Mongst joyes mixing some tears, mongst wele some wo,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Him thus bespake: “O most redoubted Knight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The which hast me, of all most wretched wight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That earst was dead, restor’d to life againe,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And these weake impes replanted by thy might,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "What guerdon can I give thee for thy paine,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But even that which thou savedst thine still to remaine?”", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "He tooke her up forby the lilly hand,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And her recomforted the best he might,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Saying; “Deare Lady, deedes ought not be scand", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "By th’authors manhood, nor the doers might,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But by their trueth and by the causes right:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That same is it which fought for you this day.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "What other meed, then, need me to requight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But that which yeeldeth vertues meed alway?", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That is, the vertue selfe, which her reward doth pay.”", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "She humbly thankt him for that wondrous grace,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And further sayd: “Ah! Sir, but mote ye please,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Sith ye thus farre have tendred my poore case,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "As from my chiefest foe me to release,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That your victorious arme will not yet cease,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Till ye have rooted all the relickes out", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Of that vilde race, and stablished my peace.”", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "“What is there else” (sayd he) “left of their rout?", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Declare it boldly, Dame, and doe not stand in dout.”", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“Then wote you, Sir, that in this Church hereby", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "There stands an Idole of great note and name,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The which this Gyant reared first on hie,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And of his owne vaine fancies thought did frame:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To whom, for endlesse horrour of his shame,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He offred up for daily sacrifize", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "My children and my people, burnt in flame", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With all the tortures that he could devize,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The more t’aggrate his God with such his blouddy guize.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“And underneath this Idoll there doth lie", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "An hideous monster that doth it defend,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And feedes on all the carkasses that die", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "In sacrifize unto that cursed feend;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Whose ugly shape none ever saw, nor kend,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That ever scap’d: for of a man, they say,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "It has the voice, that speaches forth doth send,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Even blasphemous words, which she doth bray", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Out of her poysnous entrails fraught with dire decay.”", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Which when the Prince heard tell, his heart gan earne", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "For great desire that Monster to assay,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And prayd the place of her abode to learne;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Which being shew’d, he gan him selfe streightway", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Thereto addresse, and his bright shield display.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So to the Church he came, where it was told", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The Monster underneath the Altar lay:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "There he that Idoll saw of massy gold", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Most richly made, but there no Monster did behold.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Upon the Image with his naked blade", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Three times, as in defiance, there he strooke;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And the third time out of an hidden shade", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "There forth issewd from under th’Altars smooke", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "A dreadfull feend with fowle deformed looke,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That stretcht it selfe as it had long lyen still;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And her long taile and fethers strongly shooke,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That all the Temple did with terrour fill;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Yet him nought terrified that feared nothing ill.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "An huge great Beast it was, when it in length", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Was stretched forth, that nigh fild all the place,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And seem’d to be of infinite great strength:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Horrible, hideous, and of hellish race,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Borne of the brooding of Echidna base,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Or other like infernall furies kinde;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For of a Mayd she had the outward face,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To hide the horrour which did lurke behinde,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The better to beguile whom she so fond did finde.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Thereto the body of a dog she had,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Full of fell ravin and fierce greedinesse;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "A Lions clawes, with powre and rigour clad,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To rend and teare what so she can oppresse;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "A Dragons taile, whose sting without redresse", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Full deadly wounds where so it is empight;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And Eagles wings, for scope and speedinesse,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That nothing may escape her reaching might,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Whereto she ever list to make her hardy flight.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Much like in foulnesse and deformity", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Unto that Monster, whom the Theban Knight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The father of that fatall progeny,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Made kill her selfe for very hearts despight", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That he had red her Riddle, which no wight", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Could ever loose but suffred deadly doole:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So also did this Monster use like slight", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To many a one which came unto her schoole,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Whom she did put to death, deceived like a foole.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "She comming forth, when as she first beheld", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The armed Prince with shield so blazing bright", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Her ready to assaile, was greatly queld,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And much dismayd with that dismayfull sight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That backe she would have turnd for great affright:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But he gan her with courage fierce assay,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That forst her turne againe in her despight", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To save her selfe, least that he did her slay;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And sure he had her slaine, had she not turnd her way.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Tho, when she saw that she was forst to fight,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "She flew at him like to an hellish feend,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And on his shield tooke hold with all her might,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "As if that it she would in peeces rend,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Or reave out of the hand that did it hend:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Strongly he strove out of her greedy gripe", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To loose his shield, and long while did contend;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But, when he could not quite it, with one stripe", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Her Lions clawes he from her feete away did wipe.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "With that aloude she gan to bray and yell,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And fowle blasphemous speaches forth did cast,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And bitter curses, horrible to tell;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That even the Temple, wherein she was plast,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Did quake to heare, and nigh asunder brast:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Tho with her huge long taile she at him strooke,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That made him stagger and stand halfe agast,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With trembling joynts, as he for terrour shooke;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Who nought was terrifide, but greater courage tooke.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "As when the Mast of some well-timbred hulke", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Is with the blast of some outragious storme", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Blowne downe, it shakes the bottome of the bulke,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And makes her ribs to cracke as they were torne;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Whilest still she stands, as stonisht and forlorne:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So was he stound with stroke of her huge taile;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But, ere that it she backe againe had borne,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He with his sword it strooke, that without faile", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He jointed it, and mard the swinging of her flaile.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Then gan she cry much louder then afore,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "That all the people there without it heard,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And Beige selfe was therewith stonied sore,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "As if the onely sound thereof she feard.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But then the feend her selfe more fiercely reard", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Uppon her wide great wings, and strongly flew", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With all her body at his head and beard,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That had he not foreseene with heedfull vew,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And thrown his shield atween, she had him done to rew.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "But, as she prest on him with heavy sway,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Under her wombe his fatall sword he thrust,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And for her entrailes made an open way", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To issue forth; the which, once being brust,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Like to a great Mill-damb forth fiercely gusht,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And powred out of her infernall sinke", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Most ugly filth; and poyson therewith rusht,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That him nigh choked with the deadly stinke.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Such loathly matter were small lust to speake or thinke.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Then downe to ground fell that deformed Masse,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Breathing out clouds of sulphure fowle and blacke,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "In which a puddle of contagion was,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "More loathd then Lerna, or then Stygian lake,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That any man would nigh awhaped make:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Whom when he saw on ground, he was full glad,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And streight went forth his gladnesse to partake", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With Belgè, who watcht all this while full sad,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Wayting what end would be of that same daunger drad.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Whom when she saw so joyously come forth,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "She gan rejoyce and shew triumphant chere,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Lauding and praysing his renowmed worth", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "By all the names that honorable were.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Then in he brought her, and her shewed there", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The present of his paines, that Monsters spoyle,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And eke that Idoll deem’d so costly dere,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Whom he did all to peeces breake, and foyle", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "In filthy durt, and left so in the loathely soyle.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Then all the people which beheld that day", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Gan shout aloud, that unto heaven it rong;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And all the damzels of that towne in ray", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Come dauncing forth, and joyous carrols song:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So him they led through all their streetes along", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Crowned with girlonds of immortall baies;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And all the vulgar did about them throng", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To see the man, whose everlasting praise", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "They all were bound to all posterities to raise.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "There he with Belgæ did awhile remaine", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Making great feast and joyous merriment,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Untill he had her settled in her raine", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With safe assuraunce and establishment:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Then to his first emprize his mind he lent,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Full loath to Belgæ and to all the rest;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Of whom yet taking leave thence forth he went,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And to his former journey him addrest;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "On which long way he rode, ne ever day did rest.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "But turne we now to noble Artegall;", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Who, having left Mercilla, streight way went", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "On his first quest, the which him forth did call,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To weet, to worke Irenaes franchisement,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And eke Grantortoes worthy punishment.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So forth he fared, as his manner was,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With onely Talus wayting diligent,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Through many perils; and much way did pas,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Till nigh unto the place at length approcht he has.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "There as he traveld by the way, he met", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "An aged wight wayfaring all alone,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Who through his yeares long since aside had set", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The use of armes, and battell quite forgone:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To whom as he approcht, he knew anone", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That it was he which whilome did attend", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "On faire Irene in her affliction,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "When first to Faery court he saw her wend,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Unto his soveraine Queene her suite for to commend.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Whom by his name saluting, thus he gan:", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "“Haile, good Sir Sergis, truest Knight alive,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Well tride in all thy Ladies troubles than", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "When her that Tyrant did of Crowne deprive;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "What new occasion doth thee hither drive,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Whiles she alone is left, and thou here found?", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Or is she thrall, or doth she not survive?”", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To whom he thus: “She liveth sure and sound,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But by that Tyrant is in wretched thraldome bound:", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“For she presuming on th’appointed tyde,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "In which ye promist, as ye were a Knight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To meete her at the salvage Hands syde,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And then and there for triall of her right", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With her unrighteous enemy to fight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Did thither come; where she, afrayd of nought,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "By guilefull treason and by subtill slight", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Surprized was, and to Grantorto brought,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Who her imprisond hath, and her life often sought.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“And now he hath to her prefixt a day,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "By which if that no champion doe appeare,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Which will her cause in battailous array", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Against him justifie, and prove her cleare", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Of all those crimes that he gainst her doth reare,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "She death shall sure aby.” Those tidings sad", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Did much abash Sir Artegall to heare,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And grieved sore that through his fault she had", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Fallen into that Tyrants hand and usage bad.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Then thus replide: “Now sure and by my life,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Too much am I to blame for that faire Maide,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That have her drawne to all this troublous strife,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Through promise to afford her timely aide,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Which by default I have not yet defraide:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But witnesse unto me, ye heavens! that know", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "How cleare I am from blame of this upbraide;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For ye into like thraldome me did throw,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And kept from complishing the faith which I did owe.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“But now aread, Sir Sergis, how long space", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Hath he her lent a Champion to provide?”", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "“Ten daies,” (quoth he) “he graunted hath of grace,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For that he weeneth well before that tide", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "None can have tidings to assist her side:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For all the shores, which to the sea accoste,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He day and night doth ward both farre and wide,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That none can there arrive without an hoste:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So her he deemes already but a damned ghoste.”", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“Now turne againe,” (Sir Artegall then sayd)", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "“For, if I live till those ten daies have end,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Assure your selfe, Sir Knight, she shall have ayd,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Though I this dearest life for her doe spend.”", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So backeward he attone with him did wend:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Tho, as they rode together on their way,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "A rout of people they before them kend,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Flocking together in confusde array;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "As if that there were some tumultuous affray.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "To which as they approcht the cause to know,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "They saw a Knight in daungerous distresse", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Of a rude rout him chasing to and fro,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That sought with lawlesse powre him to oppresse,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And bring in bondage of their brutishnesse:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And farre away, amid their rakehell bands,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "They spide a Lady left all succourlesse,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Crying, and holding up her wretched hands", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To him for aide, who long in vaine their rage withstands.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Yet still he strives, ne any perill spares,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "To reskue her from their rude violence;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And like a Lion wood amongst them fares,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Dealing his dreadfull blowes with large dispence,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Gainst which the pallid death findes no defence;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But all in vaine: their numbers are so great,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That naught may boot to banishe them from thence;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For soone as he their outrage backe doth beat,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "They turne afresh, and oft renew their former threat.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "And now they doe so sharpely him assay,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "That they his shield in peeces battred have,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And forced him to throw it quite away,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Fro dangers dread his doubtfull life to save;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Albe that it most safety to him gave,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And much did magnifie his noble name:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For, from the day that he thus did it leave,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Amongst all Knights he blotted was with blame,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And counted but a recreant Knight with endles shame.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Whom when they thus distressed did behold,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "They drew unto his aide; but that rude rout", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Them also gan assaile with outrage bold,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And forced them, how ever strong and stout", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "They were, as well approv’d in many a doubt,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Backe to recule; untill that yron man", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With his huge flaile began to lay about;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "From whose sterne presence they diffused ran,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Like scattred chaffe the which the wind away doth fan.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "So when that Knight from perill cleare was freed,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "He drawing neare began to greete them faire,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And yeeld great thankes for their so goodly deed,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "In saving him from daungerous despaire", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Of those which sought his life for to empaire:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Of whom Sir Artegall gan then enquire", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The whole occasion of his late misfare,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And who he was, and what those villaines were,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The which with mortall malice him pursu’d so nere.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "To whom he thus: “My name is Burbon hight,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Well knowne, and far renowmed heretofore,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Untill late mischiefe did uppon me light,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That all my former praise hath blemisht sore:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And that faire Lady, which in that uprore", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Ye with those caytives saw, Flourdelis hight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Is mine owne love, though me she have forlore,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Whether withheld from me by wrongfull might,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Or with her owne good will, I cannot read aright.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“But sure to me her faith she first did plight", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "To be my love, and take me for her Lord;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Till that a Tyrant, which Grandtorto hight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With golden giftes and many a guilefull word", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Entyced her to him for to accord.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "O! who may not with gifts and words be tempted?", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Sith which she hath me ever since abhord,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And to my foe hath guilefully consented:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Ay me, that ever guyle in wemen was invented!", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“And now he hath this troupe of villains sent", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "By open force to fetch her quite away:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Gainst whom my selfe I long in vaine have bent", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To rescue her, and daily meanes assay;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Yet rescue her thence by no meanes I may,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For they doe me with multitude oppresse,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And with unequall might doe overlay,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That oft I driven am to great distresse,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And forced to forgoe th’attempt remedilesse.”", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“But why have ye” (said Artegall) “forborne", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Your owne good shield in daungerous dismay?", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That is the greatest shame and foulest scorne,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Which unto any knight behappen may,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To loose the badge that should his deedes display.”", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To whom Sir Burbon, blushing halfe for shame:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "“That shall I unto you” (quoth he) “bewray,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Least ye therefore mote happily me blame,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And deeme it doen of will, that through inforcement came.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“True is that I at first was dubbed knight", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "By a good knight, the knight of the Redcrosse;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Who, when he gave me armes in field to fight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Gave me a shield, in which he did endosse", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "His deare Redeemers badge upon the bosse:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The same long while I bore, and therewithall", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Fought many battels without wound or losse;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Therewith Grandtorto selfe I did appall,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And made him oftentimes in field before me fall.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“But for that many did that shield envie,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And cruell enemies increased more,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To stint all strife and troublous enmitie,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That bloudie scutchin, being battered sore,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "I layd aside, and have of late forbore,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Hoping thereby to have my love obtayned;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Yet can I not my love have nathemore,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For she by force is still fro me detayned,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And with corruptfull brybes is to untruth mis-trayned.”", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "To whom thus Artegall: “Certes, Sir knight,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Hard is the case the which ye doe complaine?", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Yet not so hard (for nought so hard may light", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That it to such a streight mote you constraine)", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "As to abandon that which doth containe", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Your honours stile, that is, your warlike shield.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "All perill ought be lesse, and lesse all paine", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Then losse of fame in disaventrous field:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Dye, rather then doe ought that mote dishonour yield.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“Not so,” (quoth he) “for yet, when time doth serve,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "My former shield I may resume againe:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To temporize is not from truth to swerve,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Ne for advantage terme to entertaine,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "When as necessitie doth it constraine.”", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "“Fie on such forgerie!” (sayd Artegall)", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "“Under one hood to shadow faces twaine:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Knights ought be true, and truth is one in all:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Of all things, to dissemble, fouly may befall!”", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“Yet let me you of courtesie request”", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "(Said Burbon) “to assist me now at need", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Against these pesants which have me opprest,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And forced me to so infamous deed,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That yet my love may from their hands be freed.”", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Sir Artegall, albe he earst did wyte", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "His wavering mind, yet to his aide agreed,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And, buckling him eftsoones unto the fight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Did set upon those troupes with all his powre and might.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Who flocking round about them, as a swarme", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Of flyes upon a birchen bough doth cluster,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Did them assault with terrible allarme;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And over all the fields themselves did muster,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With bils and glayves making a dreadfull luster,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That forst at first those knights backe to retyre:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "As when the wrathfull Boreas doth bluster,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Nought may abide the tempest of his yre;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Both man and beast doe fly, and succour doe inquyre.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "But, when as overblowen was that brunt,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Those knights began afresh them to assayle,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And all about the fields like Squirrels hunt;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But chiefly Talus with his yron flayle,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Gainst which no flight nor rescue mote avayle,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Made cruell havocke of the baser crew,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And chaced them both over hill and dale.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The raskall manie soone they overthrew;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But the two knights themselves their captains did subdew.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "At last they came whereas that Ladie bode,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Whom now her keepers had forsaken quight", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To save themselves, and scattered were abrode.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Her halfe dismayd they found in doubtfull plight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "As neither glad nor sorie for their sight;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Yet wondrous faire she was, and richly clad", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "In roiall robes, and many jewels dight;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But that those villens through their usage bad", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Them fouly rent, and shamefully defaced had.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "But Burbon, streight dismounting from his steed,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Unto her ran with greedie great desyre,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And catching her fast by her ragged weed", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Would have embraced her with hart entyre;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But she backstarting with disdainefull yre", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Bad him avaunt, ne would unto his lore", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Allured be for prayer nor for meed:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Whom when those knights so froward and forlore", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Beheld, they her rebuked and upbrayded sore.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Sayd Artegall: “What foule disgrace is this", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "To so faire Ladie, as ye seeme in sight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To blot your beautie, that unblemisht is,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With so foule blame as breach of faith once plight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Or change of love for any worlds delight!", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Is ought on earth so pretious or deare", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "As prayse and honour? Or is ought so bright", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And beautifull as glories beames appeare,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Whose goodly light then Phœbus lampe doth shine more cleare?", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“Why then will ye, fond Dame, attempted bee", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Unto a strangers love, so lightly placed,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For guiftes of gold or any worldly glee,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To leave the love that ye before embraced,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And let your fame with falshood be defaced?", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Fie on the pelfe for which good name is sold,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And honour with indignitie debased!", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Dearer is love then life, and fame then gold;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But dearer then them both your faith once plighted hold.”", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Much was the Ladie in her gentle mind", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Abasht at his rebuke, that bit her neare,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Ne ought to answere thereunto did find;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But, hanging down her head with heavie cheare,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Stood long amaz’d as she amated weare:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Which Burbon seeing her againe assayd;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And, clasping twixt his armes, her up did reare", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Upon his steede, whiles she no whit gainesayd:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So bore her quite away, nor well nor ill apayd.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Nathlesse the yron man did still pursew", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "That raskall many with unpitied spoyle;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Ne ceassed not, till all their scattred crew", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Into the sea he drove quite from that soyle,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The which they troubled had with great turmoyle.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But Artegall, seeing his cruell deed,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Commaunded him from slaughter to recoyle,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And to his voyage gan againe proceed;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For that the terme, approching fast, required speed.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "O sacred hunger of ambitious mindes,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And impotent desire of men to raine!", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Whom neither dread of God, that devils bindes,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Nor lawes of men, that common-weales containe,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Nor bands of nature, that wilde beastes restraine,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Can keepe from outrage and from doing wrong,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Where they may hope a kingdome to obtaine:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "No faith so firme, no trust can be so strong,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "No love so lasting then, that may enduren long.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Witnesse may Burbon be; whom all the bands", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Which may a Knight assure had surely bound,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Untill the love of Lordship and of lands", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Made him become most faithless and unsound:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And witnesse be Gerioneo found,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Who for like cause faire Belgè did oppresse,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And right and wrong most cruelly confound:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And so be now Grantorto, who no lesse", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Then all the rest burst out to all outragiousnesse.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Gainst whom Sir Artegall, long having since", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Taken in hand th’exploit, (being theretoo", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Appointed by that mightie Faerie Prince,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Great Gloriane, that Tyrant to fordoo,)", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Through other great adventures hethertoo", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Had it forslackt: But now time drawing ny", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To him assynd her high beheast to doo,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To the sea-shore he gan his way apply,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To weete if shipping readie he mote there descry.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Tho when they came to the sea coast they found", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "A ship all readie (as good fortune fell)", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To put to sea, with whom they did compound", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To passe them over where them list to tell.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The winde and weather served them so well,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That in one day they with the coast did fall;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Whereas they readie found, them to rep ell,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Great hostes of men in order martiall,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Which them forbad to land, and footing did forstall.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "But nathemore would they from land refraine:", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "But, when as nigh unto the shore they drew", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That foot of man might sound the bottome plaine,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Talus into the sea did forth issew", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Though darts from shore and stones they at him threw;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And wading through the waves with stedfast sway,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Maugre the might of all those troupes in vew,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Did win the shore; whence he them chast away,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And made to fly like doves whom the Eagle doth affray.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "The whyles Sir Artegall with that old knight", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Did forth descend, there being none them neare,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And forward marched to a towne in sight.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "By this came tydings to the Tyrants eare,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "By those which earst did fly away for feare,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Of their arrival: wherewith troubled sore", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He all his forces streight to him did reare,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And forth issuing with his scouts afore,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Meant them to have encountred ere they left the shore:", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "But ere he marched farre he with them met,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And fiercely charged them with all his force:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But Talus sternely did upon them set,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And brusht and battred them without remorse,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That on the ground he left full many a corse;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Ne any able was him to withstand,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But he them overthrew both man and horse,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That they lay scattred over all the land,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "As thicke as doth the seede after the sowers hand:", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Till Artegall him seeing so to rage", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Willd him to stay, and signe of truce did make:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To which all harkning did a while asswage", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Their forces furie, and their terror slake;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Till he an Herauld cald, and to him spake,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Willing him wend unto the Tyrant streight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And tell him that not for such slaughters sake", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He thether came, but for to trie the right", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Of fayre Irenaes cause with him in single fight:", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "And willed him for to reclayme with speed", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "His scattred people, ere they all were slaine,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And time and place convenient to areed,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "In which they two the combat might darraine.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Which message when Grantorto heard, full fayne", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And glad he was the slaughter so to stay;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And pointed for the combat twixt them twayne", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The morrow next, ne gave him longer day:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So sounded the retraite, and drew his folke away.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "That night Sir Artegall did cause his tent", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "There to be pitched on the open plaine;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For he had given streight commaundement", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That none should dare him once to entertaine;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Which none durst breake, though many would right faine", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For faire Irena, whom they loved deare:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But yet old Sergis did so well him paine,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That from close friends, that dar’d not to appeare,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He all things did purvay which for them needfull weare.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "The morrow next, that was the dismall day", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Appointed for Irenas death before,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So soone as it did to the world display", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "His chearefull face, and light to men restore,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The heavy Mayd, to whom none tydings bore", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Of Artegals arryvall her to free,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Lookt up with eyes full sad and hart full sore,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Weening her lifes last howre then neare to bee,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Sith no redemption nigh she did not heare nor see.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Then up she rose, and on her selfe did dight", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Most squalid garments, fit for such a day;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And with dull countenance and with doleful spright", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "She forth was brought in sorrowfull dismay", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For to receive the doome of her decay:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But comming to the place, and finding there", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Sir Artegall, in battailous array", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Wayting his foe, it did her dead hart cheare,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And new life to her lent in midst of deadly feare.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Like as a tender Rose in open plaine,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "That with untimely drought nigh withered was,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And hung the head, soone as few drops of raine", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Thereon distill and deaw her daintie face,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Gins to looke up, and with fresh wonted grace", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Dispreds the glorie of her leaves gay;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Such was Irenas countenance, such her case,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "When Artegall she saw in that array,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "There wayting for the Tyrant till it was farre day.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Who came at length with proud presumpteous gate", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Into the field, as if he fearelesse were,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "All armed in a cote of yron plate", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Of great defence to ward the deadly feare;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And on his head a steele-cap he did weare", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Of colour rustie-browne, but sure and strong;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And in his hand an huge Polaxe did beare,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Whose steale was yron-studded, but not long,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With which he wont to fight to justifie his wrong:", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Of stature huge and hideous he was,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Like to a Giant for his monstrous hight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And did in strength most sorts of men surpas,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Ne ever any found his match in might;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Thereto he had great skill in single fight:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "His face was ugly and his countenance sterne,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That could have frayd one with the very sight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And gaped like a gulfe when he did gerne;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That whether man or monster one could scarse discerne.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Soone as he did within the listes appeare,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "With dreadfull looke he Artegall beheld,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "As if he would have daunted him with feare;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And, grinning griesly, did against him weld", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "His deadly weapon which in hand he held:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But th’Elfin swayne, that oft had seene like sight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Was with his ghastly count’nance nothing queld;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But gan him streight to buckle to the fight,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And cast his shield about to be in readie plight.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "The trompets sound, and they together goe", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "With dreadfull terror and with fell intent;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And their huge strokes full daungerously bestow,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To doe most dammage where as most they ment:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But with such force and furie violent", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The Tyrant thundred his thicke blowes so fast,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That through the yron walles their way they rent,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And even to the vitall parts they past,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Ne ought could them endure, but all they cleft or brast.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Which cruell outrage when as Artegall", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Did well avize, thenceforth with warie heed", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He shund his strokes, where ever they did fall,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And way did give unto their gracelesse speed:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "As when a skilfull Marriner doth reed", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "A storme approching that doth perill threat,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He will not bide the daunger of such dread,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But strikes his sayles, and vereth his mainsheat,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And lends unto it leave the emptie ayre to beat.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "So did the Faerie knight himselfe abeare,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And stouped oft his head from shame to shield:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "No shame to stoupe, ones head more high to reare;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And, much to gaine, alitle for to yield:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So stoutest knights doen oftentimes in field.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But still the tyrant sternely at him layd,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And did his yron axe so nimbly wield,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That many wounds into his flesh it made,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And with his burdenous blowes him sore did overlade.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Yet when as fit advantage he did spy,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The whiles the cursed felon high did reare", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "His cruell hand to smite him mortally,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Under his stroke he to him stepping neare", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Right in the flanke him strooke with deadly dreare,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That the gore-bloud thence gushing grievously", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Did underneath him like a pond appeare,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And all his armour did with purple dye:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Thereat he brayed loud, and yelled dreadfully.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Yet the huge stroke, which he before intended,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Kept on his course as he did it direct,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And with such monstrous poise adowne descended,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That seemed nought could him from death protect;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But he it well did ward with wise respect,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And twixt him and the blow his shield did cast,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Which thereon seizing tooke no great effect;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But, byting deepe therein did sticke so fast", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That by no meanes it backe againe he forth could wrast.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Long while he tug’d and strove to get it out,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And all his powre applyed thereunto,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That he therewith the knight drew all about:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Nathlesse, for all that ever he could doe,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "His axe he could not from his shield undoe;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Which Artegall perceiving strooke no more,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But loosing soone his shield did it forgoe;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And, whiles he combred was therewith so sore,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He gan at him let drive more fiercely then afore.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "So well he him pursew’d, that at the last", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "He stroke him with Chrysaor on the hed,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That with the souse thereof full sore aghast", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He staggered to and fro in doubtfull sted.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Againe, whiles he him saw so ill bested,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He did him smite with all his might and maine,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That, falling, on his mother earth he fed:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Whom when he saw prostrated on the plaine,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He lightly reft his head to ease him of his paine.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Which when the people round about him saw,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "They shouted all for joy of his successe,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Glad to be quit from that proud Tyrants awe,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Which with strong powre did them long time oppresse;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And, running all with greedie joyfulnesse", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To faire Irena, at her feet did fall,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And her adored with due humblenesse", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "As their true Liege and Princesse naturall;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And eke her champions glorie sounded over all.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Who streight her leading with meete majestie", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Unto the pallace where their kings did rayne,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Did her therein establish peaceablie,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And to her kingdomes seat restore agayne:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And all such persons, as did late maintayne", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That Tyrants part with close or open ayde,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He sorely punished with heavie payne;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That in short space, whiles there with her he stayd,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Not one was left that durst her once have disobayd.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "During which time that he did there remayne,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "His studie was true Justice how to deale,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And day and night employ’d his busie paine", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "How to reforme that ragged common-weale:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And that same yron man, which could reveale", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "All hidden crimes, through all that realme he sent", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To search out those that usd to rob and steale,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Or did rebell gainst lawfull government;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "On whom he did inflict most grievous punishment.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "But, ere he coulde reforme it thoroughly,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "He through occasion called was away", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To Faerie Court, that of necessity", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "His course of Justice he was forst to stay,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And Talus to revoke from the right way", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "In which he was that Realme for to redresse:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But envies cloud still dimmeth vertues ray.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So, having freed Irena from distresse,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He tooke his leave of her there left in heavinesse.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Tho, as he backe returned from that land,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And there arriv’d againe whence forth he set,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He had not passed farre upon the strand,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "When as two old ill favour’d Hags he met,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "By the way side being together set;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Two griesly creatures: and, to that their faces", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Most foule and filthie were, their garments yet,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Being all rag’d and tatter’d, their disgraces", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Did much the more augment, and made most ugly cases.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "The one of them, that elder did appeare,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "With her dull eyes did seeme to looke askew,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That her mis-shape much helpt; and her foule heare", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Hung loose and loathsomely: Thereto her hew", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Was wan and leane, that all her teeth arew,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And all her bones might through her cheekes be red:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Her lips were, like raw lether, pale and blew:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And as she spake therewith she slavered;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Yet spake she seldom, but thought more the lesse she sed.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Her hands were foule and durtie, never washt", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "In all her life, with long nayles over-raught,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Like puttocks clawes; with th’one of which she scracht", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Her cursed head, although it itched naught:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The other held a snake with venime fraught,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "On which she fed and gnawed hungrily,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "As if that long she had not eaten ought;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That round about her jawes one might descry", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The bloudie gore and poyson dropping lothsomely.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Her name was Envie, knowen well thereby,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Whose nature is to grieve and grudge at all", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That ever she sees doen prays-worthily;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Whose sight to her is greatest crosse may fall,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And vexeth so that makes her eat her gall;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For, when she wanteth other thing to eat,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "She feedes on her owne maw unnaturall,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And of her owne foule entrayles makes her meat;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Meat fit for such a monsters monsterous dyeat:", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "And if she hapt of any good to heare,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "That had to any happily betid,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Then would she inly fret, and grieve, and teare", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Her flesh for felnesse, which she inward hid:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But if she heard of ill that any did,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Or harme that any had, then would she make", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Great cheare, like one unto a banquet bid,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And in anothers losse great pleasure take,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "As she had got thereby and gayned a great stake.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "The other nothing better was then shee,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Agreeing in bad will and cancred kynd;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But in bad maner they did disagree,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For what so Envie good or bad did fynd", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "She did conceale, and murder her owne mynd;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But this, what ever evill she conceived,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Did spred abroad and throw in th’open wynd:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Yet this in all her words might be perceived,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That all she sought was mens good name to have bereaved.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "For, whatsoever good by any sayd", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Or doen she heard, she would streightwayes invent", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "How to deprave or slaunderously upbrayd,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Or to misconstrue of a mans intent,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And turne to ill the thing that well was ment:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Therefore she used often to resort", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To common haunts, and companies frequent,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To hearke what any one did good report,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To blot the same with blame, or wrest in wicked sort.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "And if that any ill she heard of any,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "She would it eeke, and make much worse by telling,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And take great joy to publish it to many,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That every matter worse was for her melling:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Her name was hight Detraction, and her dwelling", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Was neare to Envie, even her neighbour next;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "A wicked hag, and Envy selfe excelling", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "In mischiefe; for her selfe she onely vext,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But this same both her selfe and others eke perplext.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Her face was ugly, and her mouth distort,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Foming with poyson round about her gils,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "In which her cursed tongue, full sharpe and short,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Appear’d like Aspis sting that closely kils,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Or cruelly does wound whom so she wils:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "A distaffe in her other hand she had,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Upon the which she litle spinnes, but spils;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And faynes to weave false tales and leasings bad,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To throw amongst the good which others had disprad.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "These two now had themselves combynd in one,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And linckt together gainst Sir Artegall;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For whom they wayted as his mortall fone,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "How they might make him into mischiefe fall,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For freeing from their snares Irena thrall:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Besides, unto themselves they gotten had", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "A monster, which the Blatant Beast men call,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "A dreadfull feend, of gods and men ydrad,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Whom they by slights allur’d, and to their purpose lad.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Such were these Hags, and so unhandsome drest:", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Who when they nigh approching had espyde", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Sir Artegall, return’d from his late quest,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "They both arose, and at him loudly cryde,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "As it had bene two shepheards curres had scryde", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "A ravenous Wolfe amongst the scattered flockes:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And Envie first, as she that first him eyde,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Towardes him runs, and, with rude flaring lockes", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "About her eares, does beat her brest and forhead knockes.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Then from her mouth the gobbet she does take,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The which whyleare she was so greedily", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Devouring, even that halfe-gnawen snake,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And at him throwes it most despightfully:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The cursed Serpent, though she hungrily", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Earst chawd thereon, yet was not all so dead", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But that some life remayned secretly;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And, as he past afore withouten dread,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Bit him behind, that long the marke was to be read.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Then th’other comming neare gan him revile,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And fouly rayle with all she could invent;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Saying that he had, with unmanly guile", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And foule abusion, both his honour blent,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And that bright sword, the sword of Justice lent,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Had stayned with reprochfull crueltie", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "In guiltlesse blood of many an innocent:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "As for Grandtorto, him with treacherie", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And traynes having surpriz’d, he fouly did to die.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Thereto the Blatant Beast, by them set on,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "At him began aloud to barke and bay", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With bitter rage and fell contention,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That all the woods and rockes nigh to that way", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Began to quake and tremble with dismay;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And all the aire rebellowed againe,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So dreadfully his hundred tongues did bray:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And evermore those hags them selves did paine", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To sharpen him, and their owne cursed tongs did straine.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "And still among most bitter wordes they spake,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Most shamefull, most unrighteous, most untrew,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That they the mildest man alive would make", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Forget his patience, and yeeld vengeaunce dew", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To her, that so false sclaunders at him threw:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And more, to make them pierce and wound more deepe,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "She with the sting which in her vile tongue grew", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Did sharpen them, and in fresh poyson steepe:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Yet he past on, and seem’d of them to take no keepe.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "But Talus, hearing her so lewdly raile,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And speake so ill of him that well deserved,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Would her have chastiz’d with his yron flaile,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "If her Sir Artegall had not preserved,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And him forbidden, who his heast observed:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So much the more at him still did she scold,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And stones did cast; yet he for nought would swerve", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "From his right course, but still the way did hold", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To Faerie Court; where what him fell shall else be told.", "indent": 0 } ] ] }