brought and by its Charms instill'd Thoughts that the Hero's sleep with Lust had fill'd VVhose res'lute heart began to melt away As he conceiv'd his Lady by him lay And with her loosest Grace did him invite To foul Desires and wanton Love's delight And tho the Daughter of a mighty King Stain'd with the blackest guilt that Lust could bring Whom he before allow'd the chastest Flower That e're was beautify'd by Natures Power Whilst these sad Passions did his Soul affright Songs soft as Hymen's gave his Ear delight To which the Goddess Flora seem'd to dance With gayest Nymphs that welcom Spring 's advance Then up he starts when with amazed Eye He saw the beauteous Tempter next him lye Offr'ing to kiss him with a blushing Grace To liken more fair Una's modest Face Wounded in Soul at this distastful Shame He thought to kill her Body's lustful Frame And as he thus resolv'd with softest Grief And Tears constrain'd she courts her Love's relief Saying What Woman 's Breast can quench that fire Which Stars and Love resistless do conspire Tho I acknowledge from my wretched State Death due to me or what is worse your Hate Yet pity well my youthful Love's Effort And how for you I left my Father's Court To wander far as Fortune you should call At which she stopt whilst Tears did from her fall Then speaks and sighs and weeps as much again So like to Grief as none she seem'd to feign To which her Lover with Resentment said What makes your Virtue Madam now dismay'd That lately me incourag'd not to fear When worst of Monsters did my Foes appear Love of your self said she and dear Constraint Forc'd my Address to you and sad Complaint Who cou'd this tedious Night find no Repose Longing in your embrace my Eyes to close Whilst you imploy in careless sleep your Time That least should nourish Lovers slothful Crime What fascination e're like this did move The Soul of youthful Man inflam'd by Love Yet since in her no actual Ill he knew He wou'd not rashly censure her untrue But with advis'd deliberation saies If Love to me your softer Passion sways 'T is Una still in your bright Form I see To whom no Genius bad can liken'd be Let not then vain Distrust procure your smart But to your Rest this gloomy Night depart At which with Grief conceal'd the Fiend declin'd Further Attempts against his stedfast mind Seeming to yield her false Desires appeas'd Since 't was his will by words she should be pleas'd And moving from him with a feigned Grace Withdrew as if she 'd find her resting Place Long had he ponder'd the uneasie thought Of her Address resembling Woman nought For whose defence his life he wou'd expose Lying thus perplex'd till sleep his Eyes did close Prone unto ease o're-toil'd with former Fight Yet cou'd not rest for Dreams of frail Delight That seem'd to tantalize his drowzy Powers With sights of Beauties lying in Beds and Bowers And when all these had vanish'd from his Brain He thought the former Fiend he found again CANTO II. The Argument The guileful great Inchanter parts From Truth the Red-Cross Chief And in her stead by wicked Arts Fair Falshood works his Grief NOw had Boaetes Team far past behind The Northern Star when hours of night d clin And chearful Chanticlere with shrillest voice Exulting did day's near approach rejoyce When this profound Magician's hellish Sprights By no deluding Dreams or feigned Sights Cou'd tempt the steady Hero to embrace Pleasures that might induce his lapse from Grace VVhich as this furious Necromancer knew To search his cursed Books he soon withdrew And standing in a Magick posture read Words that his former Fiends imploy'd more bad Of one of which he makes a Youthful Squire Effeminate seem'd in Looks and vain Attire Whom with the other miscreated fair This wicked Artist meant his wanton pair Which done he wakes his Warlike Guest in hast Just as he had by sleep found some repast After his troublesome Dreams and Visions fled To whom his Cursed Hoast thus to him sed With words thick utter'd as if sudden fear His Sense surpriz'd or danger to him near Arise thou sloathful Man and see the stain Of her thy Love and Virtue hop'd to gain At which he starts and with a Furious look His naked Weapon in his Hand he took Following this Old Enchanter to the place Where the false Couple lay in vile Embrace And seeing his only Una as he thought By Lust to shameless Prostitution brought Resolv'd to kill both Reeking in their shame Had not his wicked Hoast withheld his Flame Who seem'd by Friendly dictates to advise How noble Minds should Passion most despise Since never great Man's Fame did higher stand From tender Woman's dying by his Hand Which words tho' subtil hardly did restrain His sudden Fury as his Eyes with pain Beheld her Virtue fallen whence opprest With Pangs and Horrours to his place of Rest Returns again wasting that doleful Night With thoughts that might revenge her vitious spigh And now the Morning Star of all most bright Foretold the near approach of dawning Light When up this Hero rose with troubled Breast Calling his Dwarf with an unusual hast To bring his Steed that both away might Fly From this Loath'd place of his Calamity When day ensuing the sole Virgin left Her place of rest next finds her self bereft Of her Brave Lover that unhappy hour Whilst she lamenting cou'd no Cause deplore Of his neglect her Dwarf too with him gone And she left thus distress'd to weep alone Yet him she grieving follow'd with what speed Her slow Beast's steps cou'd make to catch his Steed Passing of tedious Hills Dales Woods and Plains In fruitless search of him who her disdains But subtle Archimago when he saw His Guest's in such distraction to withdraw And Beauteous Una left to pass alone Through Deserts where her loss she 'd sadest mourn His Fiends he hug'd and prais'd his Impious Arts That to his wish had injur'd Virtuous Hearts Nor there do's rest but more accurs't devise How from their Grief his wicked Joy might rise T' accomplish which by his deluding Art He out-do's Proteus Counterfeiting part Changeing his shape unto Beasts Foul or Fish Or Dragon most enraged seem'd to Hiss That of himself for fear he often quakes As he by Spels his Metamorphoise makes Until his Magick spite the form did chuse That most might his late injur'd Guest abuse His Person liken'd to the Red-Cross Knight The Virtuous Una's safety and delight And by his Shield Steed Crest and outward Grace A Jolly Hero seem'd in t'other's place But he whose feign'd resemblance thus appear'd From jealous Mind his Lady false had fear'd Intending with impetuous haste to ride Far as his res'lute Grief his Steed cou'd guide Till as he wander'd meeting on the way A Faithless Sarazin clad in Armour gay Fiercely design'd all good Men to annoy And like his Soul by Name was call'd Sans-Foy
Mighty he shew'd in Limbs and every part Defying God and Man with his proud Heart With him a Lady did Companion ride Who comely cou'd her wanton Palfrey guide VVhose Bit with Golden Bells and Bosses rung Her Saddle Rich and with best Trappings hung Her Habit choisest Silk of Scarlet Red Purfl'd with Gold and Pearl and on her Head A Stately Persian Mitre studded o're VVith various figur'd Gem's she gayly wore Giv'n her by Lavish Lovers fond excess VVhilst goodly seem'd her Beauties Native dress And as this Amorous Couple forward went Their softest Gestures solac'd their intent But when he saw a Cavalier Advance And with his Spear oppose her dalliance She bade her Sarazin provide to Fight If his Arms durst oblige his Lady's sight At which on Spurs against his Foe he rides Whose stroaks drew streams of Blood from his Steeds sides Soon had the Red-Cross Chief his Fury spy'd VVho couching of his Spear did towards him ride VVhilst soon each other they so fierce assault That their Steeds stagger'd as their Riders fought Until astonish'd by the Blows they strook Their constrain'd Valours had some respite took As when two Ram's their pushing fury shew Striving to rule the Flock and fairest Ewe Amazed stand after their Horned shock And furious Brows 'gainst one another knock Thus stood these two until the Sarazin VVith his huge Sword do's fiercer Fight begin VVhose Foe not only did avoid the harm But Blows returns as if a Fury's Charm His Steel had guided or that some vast Oak He wou'd have hew'd to Shivers at each stroak Yet neither stirs tho' from their Blows each Shield Strikes Fire and wounds deep dye the verdant Field Curse said the Sarazin upon that Cross That saves from me thy Life 's designed Loss Dead else I 'm sure thou had'st been long ago And if thou canst stand safe from this rough blow I now thee give which forc'd against his Crest Hew'd part away and glanc'd upon the rest VVhich tho' the Red-Cross Chief had deeply felt Yet finding that of his no Blood was spilt To Heaven he first erects his thankful Eyes And next like Lightnings force by swift surprize His glittering Sword his Enemies Head does cleave And tumbling from his Horse him dead did leave VVho dying grudg'd to fall by human power That Mightiest Men had vanquish'd till that hour VVhose Bloody Mouth his Mother Earth next kiss'd VVhilst his Soul flew where Ghosts and Devils hiss'd The Lady when she saw her Champion's fall Like some vast remnant of a broken VVall Stay'd not to mourn his woful end with Tears But from his Victor hast's with busie fears VVhich by this Chief perceiv'd he bids his Dwarf Bring with him the vast Sarazin's Shield and Scarf As his won Trophies and next on his Steed He follows her and soon o'retakes her speed Inviting her by Courteous words to stay Since no Act he 'd attempt shou'd her dismay VVhen turning towards him with a sorrowful Brow ' She begg'd that Mercy he 'd vouchsafe to show Distressed VVoman of all aid bereft And to Implore his goodness solely left VVhich words deliver'd with an Humble Grace His Noble Soul grants pitty to her Case Saying your Fortune Madam I lament Nor was your Champion slain with my intent Your Tears shou'd follow wherefore let me know VVhat briefly may with yours his story show To whom she did Lamenting thus express Tho' low I am reduc'd by your Success And Fortune now commits me to your power The only Daughter of an Emperour VVhose Mighty Scepter the wide West do's Rule His Seat at Rome the VVorlds best Martial School But what avails my Birth alas to tell Or Fate that since on my Youth's flower befel Betroth'd unto a great Kings only Heir Of comely form and soul'd above compare Never lov'd VVoman Man more truly kind VVhen cruel Fate before our Marriage joyn'd Him by a Murderer's bloody Hand did slay For which I grieve to live until this Day His blessed Body spoyl'd of lively Breath From me conceal'd of whose most Innocent death VVhen Tydings came to me unhappy Maid VVith deepest sorrow then my Love assaid By search and Travel his dead Corps to find Feeling my wound as do's the striken Hind At last it chanc'd that in my wandring Course I was by this proud Sarazin seiz'd by force Yet never cou'd from me the Fort obtain VVhose vicious Loss giv's Virgin highest stain There lyes Sans-Foy and might my wish succeed His Impious Race as fatally should Bleed Two of his wicked Brothers yet remain Sans-Ioy one call'd Sans-Loy the tother's Name VVhilst I distress'd Fidessa truly tell The Casual Griefs my Love and Life befel May these your Pitty move and if not so Offer no harm if you no kindness show Deeply this Hero weigh'd what she had told Yet more desir'd her Feature to behold Saying that her concerns might surely find Compassion from a Soul then his less kind On which assurance she may safely rest Nay judge his Prowess for her Service Blest Which had defeated that vile Man's intent Whose rageing Lust design'd her ravishment What change then this cou'd more oblige her Eyes Or Man by Valour wou'd conspicuous rise Which sayd she downward cast her Blushing Face More to resemble Virgins Modest Grace Yet by her silence did enough Implye That her soft Genius least wou'd Love deny How coyly mingl'd e're her Looks did show As he did Courtly Mirth on her bestow And thus they forward rid till burning day Caus'd them to seek some shelter in their way When weary with long Travelling they found Two mighty Oaks whose Massy Limbs the Ground Far shaded tho' no fearful Shepherd there Durst with his merry Pipe rejoyce his Ear. Hither arriv'd they from their Steeds alight And with their best devoyres themselves delight Whilst this great Chief by his two kind mistake Thought Heaven of Mortals her did brightest make And as he thus Imploy'd his gentle Wit A Garland for her Brow resolv'd to fit With choicest Branches of these mighty Trees Which pluck'd from them like open'd Veins he sees Small drops of Blood to his amazement flow And next a dreadful Voice hears speak below Crying O Cease with guilty Hands to tear My tender sides much safer were your fear Of this sad place where Fate on me befel Who Lov'd a wretched Lady but too well Love truely dear since never death before Has Lovers cost the Change that we deplore Astonish'd at this Voice a while he stood Cold Horror having seiz'd his warmest Blood Or like to one that in a Trance do's speak Till by degrees his Soul is more awake Dubiously asks If Voice of Man or Ghost Did from that Tree his disturb'd Sense accost When with deep Groans the Voice reply'd again That no Fiend did within that Bark remain But me Frandabio turn'd into a Tree By a curst Witch my Fatal Enemye And standing thus Transform'd do suffer pains As hot and cold Extreams afflict my Veins Say on
brought Submit a while to his pretended claim Since you his beauteous Pris'ner hither came This till to morrow I require you do VVhen my Arms shall the Red-Cross Knight subdue Ah me she answer'd most unhappy Maid That must see him whose Looks make me afraid And tho by your Command I now retire My kindest thoughts shall for you still conspire CANTO V. The Argument The faithful Knight in Martial Field Subdues his faithless Foe Whom false Duessa help to yield For Cure to Hell does go WHat heart soe're doth nourish virtuous thought VVill seldom rest till forth the Features brought By glorious action and conspicuous fame That longest live upon Heroick Name Such noble Passion did imploy all night Th' illustrious Courage of the Red-Cross Knight Devising how he bravest might accost The bold Sans-Ioy who Prowess made his boast Until day open'd the bright Eastern Gate VVhence Phoebus like a Bridegroom to his Mate Came dancing forth and shook his dewy Hair Fitting his Beams to spread through Skies and Air. Which as the watchful Hero had beheld He started up and deck'd with Arms and Shield Like young Apollo shin'd when going to fight The Monster that Heaven's pow'r and his durst slight And thus walk'd down unto the Common Hall His gracious person there admir'd by all Where crowds did wait these stranger-Knights to see And what in Combat eithers Fate might be Arround this spacious Room did Consorts play That softest might drive saddest Time away Besides such Bards that to the tuneful String Could Lovers famous deeds divinest sing When in tough Mail and handing of his Spear The lofty Sarazen does next appear And sternly looked on the Red-Cross Knight Who scorn'd to flinch at Man's most daring sight To both by order lusty VVine was brought With best Spice mingl'd from far India sought And having drank by vig'rous Bacchus they Vow'd to observe the Law of Arms that day When forth does move the far renowned Queen In Pomp attended to a paled Green Where under a rich Canopy she sate T' observe these Hero's and each Martial Feat On t'other side was false Duessa plac'd Whose Splendors next the Queen's this presence grac'd Whilst on a Tree whose Branches spread the field To all their sights hung Sans-Foy's bloody Shield Which from these Lists the Conqueror's Sword might claim And what 's more priz'd a trophy'd Lovers fame Who with bold Right Duessa should enjoy Like Helen fought for by the Brave at Troy. To combat then a Trumpet calls on high Which heard their Shields above their Wrists they tye And looking upwards their bright Swords they wave ' For happy Omen e're the On-set's gave And next so home dispos'd each mighty Blow That deep Impressions on their Armour show Great was the Pagan's Strength and Skill in Arms And now inflam'd by fair Duessa's Charms His stroaks like Hammers seem'd on Steel to beat As he strove here his Rival to defeat Tho to requite him still the youthful Knight Gave Blows as loudly sounded in this Fight Thus stroak for stroak did Shields and Helmet shew When swift as Lightning flames around them flew Hardy alike the Combat both prolong Tho one Cause rightful was and t'other wrong As when a Griffon having seiz'd his Prey Meets with a Dragon it would rend away The furious Creatures one another smite VVhilst Southsayers Fate-foretel that see the sight And as thus here these mighty Champions fought Their piercing Steel such bloody passage wrought That sanguine streams from their deep wounds did flow And dy'd their Arms late Silver bright did show VVhich so great sorrow to beholders gave As they wish'd neither's force should Conquest have And now the haughty Sarazen beheld The Tree on which was hung his Brother's Shield VVhich seen his rage improv'd like spreading fire Saying O hapless Issue of brave Sire So mournful long to wait by Stygian Lake E're Death an impious Ghost thy Foe does make Know hated Knight thy Soul to him shall bear The wish'd Novel of his Revenger here And that by Prowess I redeem'd his Shield As by my hand thou dyest o'recome in field Therewith his Foes tough Crest so hard he strook That twice he reel'd as if life him forsook At which the forward Lookers on concede That in these Lists he bravest would succeed VVhilst his bold glory higher to Renown Duessa grants her self and day his own Like one from Trance the am'rous Red-Cross Knight Hearing those words his Soul does rouze to fight Far more disdaining by this bloody strife To yield his Lady than to lose his life And tho wounds had his body's strength made weak Love Shame and VVrath such reinforcements make That to his Foe so vast a blow he gave As on his Knee he stoop'd his life to save Then said Proud Miscreant let thy Spirit show Thy death unto thy Brother's Ghost below Tell him that from these Lists I 'le bear his Shield VVith his won Lady once again in field In shades he wanders wanting thee too long But why do I by Speech thy life prolong And at these words his Arm he raised high Resolv'd that blow should end his Enemy VVhen unto wonder such a mist did rise As hid the vanquish'd Sans-Ioy from his Eyes Prevented thus he summons him aloud Next strives to find him in this horrid Cloud In haste then moves Duessa from her place And with kind Beams his Valour seem'd to grace Telling this Knight 't was fruitless to imploy His search for him he could not now destroy VVhich Fate decreed and the Infernal Powers That had remov'd his Foe to Pluto's Bowers VVhilst this day's Glory I must yours avow And more my Love if that you value now Not all this beauteous Flatterer did say His res'lute search and fury could allay VVho in that darkness whisk'd his Sword around In hope to kill his Enemy e're found Till fully at his Foe 's escape amaz'd He Trumpets heard that him sole Victor blaz'd VVith which loud Glory he attends the Queen And falling low presents his Prowess seen To her acceptance which she kindly owns And by her glorious Praise his Deeds renowns Next with him moves unto her splendid Court VVhilst Crowds applaud his Valour 's high effort VVith Shouts and Clappings that ascend so high As they forc'd Eccho's from the concave Skie Thus to her Palace brought and laid in Bed Unto his wounds were Remedies apply'd By Balms that could most soveraign heal or stay Blood which from his pierc'd body sought its way And as his wounds were curing had his Ear With Musick fill'd to ease his Pains and Care. When vile Duessa to dissemble Tears Wept as if Love's soft Passion caus'd her Fears Or as the flatt'ring Crocodile does spill Drops to allure the man he means to kill Th' unwary Passenger endanger'd finds That Tears are but the Snares of cruel Minds And blames the foolish pity by him took From this false Creature 's cous'ning Drops and Look And thus Duessa with dissembling Eyes Wept
were many Eyes display'd And as he rode he hated to behold The covetous Man that next him Money told Bad Men he envy'd if by Ill they thriv'd And 'gainst the happy good no less contriv'd And when their Alms had hungry Bowels fed He Ostentation That interpreted VVell done or said or what best Poets writ He Critick-like design'd to blast by wit. Such Place had Envy in this wondrous Sight Yet this proud Queen and all with her durst spight The sixth and last was Wrath's revengeful Frame Who on a Lyon surly moving came Waving around his head a flaming Sword Fierce was his Soul his Deeds and every word Whose Eyes their furious Sparkles oft expell'd And sternly star'd on all that him beheld Yet was his Visage pale as person dead Trembling through rage when Choler in him spread One hasty hand his Dagger still did hold And in a Garment stain'd with Blood scarce cold He Ruffian-like appeared to the Eye Nor car'd how rashly by his force men dye But after his adviseless Anger past He could sometimes repent his guilty hast What can express the Mischief wrath attends The Bane of Manners and the loss of Friends Smoth'ring of Reason by its uncouth flame And Strength impairs throughout the Body's frame Th' internal Enemy of human Life And with it self or others still at strife Thus he appear'd and in the rear was seen Of vile Attendants on this impious Queen To drive these Satan Coachman-like did ride And his smart Whip to this slow Drift apply'd Whilst heedless Sloath that foremost led their course Stuck in the mire tho driv'n by Pluto's force And as he fruitless whipt or strain'd his Voice Vast Crowds of People shouting did rejoice But had they forward went none could descry The way for Foggs still thicking to the Eye Tho for this hellish Triumph all along Were scatter'd Sculs and Bones of bad men gone Thus far for solace mov'd this impious Court Instead of Hells Elisium here to sport Where next unto Lucifera's stately Chair Sate false Duessa yet appearing fair Whilst the good Hero did himself restrain From being associate with this wicked Train The haughty Queen diverted now abroad Returns as fast as through this cumber'd Road Hell 's Conduct could her different Cattel guide Till she arriv'd unto her Court of Pride Where all upon a solemn Champion gaz'd Whose dismal Shield in Purple Letters blaz'd The great Sans-Ioy who with resolved mind And fore-thought Malice had Revenge design'd When soon disdain improv'd his bitter spite As of the Red-Cross Hero he took sight And saw his Page bearing the vanquish'd Shield Of his great Pagan Brother slain in field To whom he sudden leapt and with bold hand That Trophy seiz'd as soon him to withstand The daring Red-Cross Knight apply'd his force And thus both struggl'd till in Martial Course Their brandish'd Swords and Armour clash'd so loud As struck amazement on the observing Crowd When the proud Queen upon severest Pain Commands that here their Fury they restrain Saying if either to the Shield had right They should have leave in Lists next day to fight Pardon great Queen the bold Sans-Ioy reply'd If powerful Passion did me rudely guide Beyond the steady strength of Reason's sway And before you whom least I 'de disobey VVhilst I beheld the treach'rous Man appear Who murder'd fam'd Sans-Foy my Brother dear Whose approv'd Prowess and successful Hand No Hero's force could ever yet withstand Tho his mean Foe my Brother's fame to spite Has here expos'd his Shield revers'd to sight And what adds nobler scorn unto my thought His Lady 's hither by him Captive brought Which in the fair Fidessa you behold Can friend thus griev'd for friend revenge withholâ— To this the Red-Cross Knight did nought reply Resolv'd by Arms his just defence to try And throwing his Gantlet as his Honours gage To next day's Combat both deferr'd their rage Till when in Rooms and Bowers of most delight They fill'd their Souls with revelling that Night And after lavish Viands them had cloy'd On stately Couches they with Ladies toy'd Yet could not this proud Court's alluring ease The Red-Cross Hero or Sans-Ioy appease Who in the midst of all their Passions thought How next day's Combat might be bravest fought Till drowzy Morphaeus with his Leaden Mace Had Eyes enclin'd to sleep within this place And both these Warriours were to Rooms retir'd For costly Beds and Ornaments admir'd VVhilst vile Duessa impiously arose And to the bold Sans-Ioy's Appartment goes VVhom waking found like one that did disdain His Body's rest till his Foe fought or slain She strives to quicken his revengeful Mind VVith subtlest Speech unto her Tears adjoyn'd Saying Behold Fidessa does appear By thy slain Brother fam'd Sans-Foy held dear Arms him renown'd and my Love for his sake Would Vengeance with a Woman's fury take But what needs this unto Sans-Ioy be told As fully great as his late Brother soul'd That were he living and your Rival now 'T would Honour pose which to prefer of you His likeness in you does renew my Grief Whilst Love for his sake from you hopes Relief Which said he gently yields himself to hear The weighty Grief which her Soul seem'd to bear Who softly sighing soon to him express'd Her sad distemper in her Love distress'd And how Fate mingled to her bitter smart A sowrer Grief than e're pierc'd tender Heart Which in my loss of dear Sans-Foy I found To mourn whose Fall my Soul is ever bound His many perils I concluded past And hop'd Love's quiet should bless both at last Whilst angry Stars the most unhappy way Decreed me wretched on his fatal Day When by a worthless Victor he was slain That me a harmless Virgin did detain And for denying his Love 's vile intent Made a dark Cave my sad Imprisonment This usage suffer'd he next yields to try If Courtship could my gentle Soul comply Or tempt me to forget my former flames Which now find Comfort from your gracious beams Your Brother's worth and lineage shines in you With all Attractions Love inviteth too Aid then his Lover e're his Ghost does call Your Valour to revenge his deplor'd Fall. Fairest said he let me your Grief disswade Which ought for Fate that 's past to be allay'd Nor present danger need you apprehend VVhilst in my Brother's stead I 'le you befriend His vital Pains in his past life are gone Howe're his Ghost his body's death bemoan Till I enforce his hated Foe to bleed And yield my Vengeance just of his black deed O but I fear says she the fickle chance VVhich Fortune oft unkindly does advance Besides 't is known he wears a charmed Shield Already prov'd impenitrable in Field Charm'd let him be with all that Magick can Bestow for safety upon tim'rous Man Trust your Sans-Ioy it shall not him defend Let this your VVomanish Fears for my sake end But fair Fidessa if by Fortune's fault Or power of Arms you late were Captive
subdu'd and Beauty made his Spoil And thus unto his lofty Castle come Plac'd the sad Knight in his worst Dungeon Room Soon did Duessa's charming Beams allure His haughty Soul t'elate her Glory more Giving her Gold and Purple Robes to wear And sees her in a Tripple-Crown appear And next with affluence of all things great He makes her Partner of his Love and State Nor ceases to advance her yet more high When for her wondrous terror to man's Eye A Beast he sets her on that had been bred In a dark Den and there most foully fed Such Fame assures was that prodigious Snake VVhich great Alcides kill'd by Lerna's Lake Tho that vast Serpent still could Heads renew That cost him endless Perils to subdue But this huge Monster uglier far does show As seven vast Fronts doe from his Body grow Steel was his Breast his Wings of scaly Brass And what then all yet more stupendious was His Eyes in Blood imbru'd no less did shine Than Chrystal that by Art men best refine His Tail to Heaven's high Concave reach'd in length And with extorted power and borrow'd strength The shining Lamps from thence it proudly sought Down to compel as things supreamly nought Whilst on this Beast rais'd to a seven-fold dread Sate false Duessa with her scept'red Head. The piteous Dwarf that watch'd his Master's Steed As on the boughs or grass h'was pleas'd to seed And saw his Knight a wretched Captive made Not guessing how the Springs his strength allay'd Took up the Vest he left and splendent Shield VVhich Fate not then allow'd him force to weild Nor yet his poynant Spear so oft had pierc'd The Arms of Foes and heavily distress'd Bears these sad Monuments in haste away But not long travels ere upon the way He woful Una met as passing on To find her dear lov'd Knight and what he'ad done Fast had she flew the Pagan's lustful sight Whilst Satyran 'gainst his fierce flames did fight And as her Eyes now on the Dwarf she cast Signs she beheld that hast'ned Grief too fast And falling down with harshest Sorrow struck Her Breath her faithful Bosom next forsook Nor in her vital parts did motion live But what her dying Heart by Throbs could give This trusty Messenger soon wish'd to die As he perceiv'd her saddest Misery Yet outwardly some little Comfort shews And to recall her Life his Strength does use Rubbing her Temples and her lovely Brow With every part from whence Life seem'd to flow That by his diligence her Soul he won To live in her who'ad beautify'd it long And as her doleful Spirit was restor'd Appear'd like one that most to live deplor'd And moving upwards her lamenting Eyes Repin'd that Heaven's bright Lamps throughout the Skies Were not close Mourners or Earth leave again Dark as in Chaos first it did remain Since Fate has now by its irreg'lar part Abruptly him disseised from my Heart Leaving me life more wish'd for Death to crave Till I like him obscurely have my Grave What time so fit as this my Breath to cease VVhen in my Soul Love finds no happy place VVhich words pronounc'd she fell into a Swoond Whilst soon the careful Dwarf lifts her from ground Thrice he reviv'd her by his busie pain And saw her Eyes their VVindows ope again So nimbly he apply'd his Strength and Skill As Death's cold leasure wanted time to kill And next with trembling veins and faultring tongue To speak with lowest Voice she had begun And finding now against her own desire That Stars for her continuance did conspire Go on saies she unto thy Story 's end Since nothing can my present grief extend Nor any parcel I expect to hear Abate or ease my future sad Despair The worst's already felt and left no more VVhate're thou utter'st for me to deplore Briefly he then discoursing to her told The sub'tle Deeds of Archimago old And false Duessa's fair bewithing Charms With how her Knight won her from Pagan arms Then mentious into Trees two Lovers chang'd The house of Pride and impious Vice there rang'd The Combat which her Red-Cross Hero fought With fam'd Sans-Ioy and how the Giant stout Her Knight surpriz'd and him a Captive made Whether to die or live 't is doubtful said All this she heard with patience to the end Striving to master Griefs that still contend And almost rent her tender Heart to find The Man she valu'd next to Heaven unkind Whose Virtue and Misfortunes pity mov'd And as she these recounts afresh she lov'd VVith torment still improving her sad cross As Sorrow did enhance her Lover's loss VVishing her Perils for his sake endur'd Had but his Life if not his Love secur'd Which thought again incites her stedfast mind Her Hero dead or living yet to find And calling to the Dwarf to guide her way Ore Hills and Dales she thus distress'd does stray Her tender Cheeks and Limbs enduring cold Like Blossoms in fierce Seasons do unfold At last it hapen'd by good Fortune's guide That towards her a goodly Knight did ride And for his bold attendant had a Squire Ready to aid him with his Martial Fire The Knight's bright armour shin'd like glancing rays Which Phoebus by reflection oft displays And was so firm array'd from Head to Feet That Steel to wound him could no passage get Athwart his Breast in clusters Gems he wore That twinkling shin'd like Stars of Heaven's best store Amidst thereof was plac'd a Stone most bright Which liken'd Lady's-head unto the sight His wounding Sword by his Side comely hung And in an Ivory carved Sheath seem'd long It s Hilts were Gold its hardy Handle made Of choicest Pearl and by a rich Belt stay'd His stately Helmet tho of purest Gold Did on its Crest a Dragon's shape enfold With horrid Paws and over all did spread His golden Wings whilst from his dreadful Head And flaming Mouth still sparkling Flames did glow And couch'd beneath his Back his Tail did show Upon the top of all his lofty Crest A bunch of various Hairs with Pearl was drest And mov'd by Air as jocund seem'd to dance As Branches which high Almond-trees advance But his fam'd Shield had closely cover'd been And rarely was by mortal ever seen No Brass or Steel best wrought did it compose And firm cou'd shine when Rust had eaten those Of clearest Diamond 't was by wondrous Art Hewn from its hardy Rock's transparent part No Hero's Spear could ere it pierce in field Or strongest Swords which vastest Giants weild This he to human wonder ne're disclos'd But when the worst of Monsters he oppos'd Or matchless Armies daunted rank'd in field Or Heaven's bright Lamps amaz'd when mov'd his shield Which so excessive did expand its Rays As if like t'other Sun 't would govern Dayes VVhilst Silver Cynthia with a paler Face In her quick Sphere admiring flies apace Nor Magick Arts through which the Moon some say Constraint has felt could to this Shield convey Blemish or change nor
'gainst its clearest Fame False men behold it and their Crimes not shame And if t' appall the headstrong rout he sought Stones it to dust transform'd and dust to nought But when he 'd prouder gazing Eyes subdue Its Rays them blind or turn their Person 's Hew Nor are these Deeds surpassing all belief Since this stupendious Shield of Artist's Chief Great Merlin did from Magick Skill produce And by his Spells inspir'd its wondrous use Which mighty Present to this Prince he brought When first his youthful Courage Battels sought After whose brave decease the Fairy Queen Within her Mansion kept it to be seen A gracious Youth whom he entirely lov'd Carrying his Heben Spear behind him mov'd Grac'd to attend as this brave Prince's Squire And bear his Steel thrice season'd by the Fire Whose gallant Person on a war-like Steed Sate and by comely Manage check'd his speed Whilst foaming he the Reins and Rowels bit As if he scorn'd best Man should on him sit This Knight unto fair Una thus arriv'd By Meen and Speech his best Address contriv'd But when he found her Accents few and slow He judg'd the cause arose from secret woe Which to appease or banish from her mind He does Pathetick Words on purpose find And kindly begs that she 'd to him relate By what means her fair worth endur'd this Fate This Speech so touching was it found a way To move her Sorrows where they deepest lay And now she sadly sighing yields to speak Then stays her Lips till Tears her Eyes forsake Letting him know how endless 't were to tell The Troubles in her Soul's discomfits dwell Each thought of which like Death's-cold seem'd to creep Into her Breast and there his pale Dart steep And could but entertain the kindest Ear With things that Pity would not wish to hear Better redresless Harms 't is to conceal Than with fresh bitter Pangs deeds past bewail Think not best Lady said this Hero bold That unto me your Story 's fruitless told Since for your sake my Soul 's with anguish struck As on the Person and Complaints I look But when particularly you shall impart Your Case and Suffrings to my ready Heart My Arms or Counsel happily may sind Some means to ease th' afflictions of your mind But Noblest Knight saies she the greatest Grief Not harder is to tell than find relief And when express'd does worse Intrigue despair If found surpassing humane Aid or Care. But Madam where choice worth refines the Soul Doubt like a flaw does then its mirrour foul And tho our outward Strength impar'd may seem Reason our inward Prop can that redeem His goodly words and well deliver'd Speech So graciously did her Afflictions reach As she resolves the bottom to disclose Where Love and Fate did complicate her VVoes Letting him know succinctly as she might How Stars design'd her Fortunes mock and spight Tho only Daughter of a King and Queen Whose Rule more far than Euphrates was seen Or Gebon's waves through mighty Regions glide And Sands enrich as flows their Golden Tide Thus great my Parent 's Scepter did command Till from loath'd Lakes in vilde Tartarian Land A mighty Dragon with a murderous hate Despoil'd by rav'nous power their Royal State. Whilst to their strongest Fortress they took flight And guarded its huge Towers against his might Where round the place he brazen out-works drew And by four years strict Siege afflicts them now Endless 't were to rehearse th' adventures great Or Armies led by Hero's to defeat This wondrous Monster whom no human Power Could ere attack but it Piece-meal he tore And by continual Victories was known Stronger than all the neighbouring World alone Whether from Unbelief or tim'rous Sin His vanquish'd Prey so many Great have been At last induc'd by full assured Praise Of war-like Knights whom Fairy Land does blaze The Virgin Queen's Gloriana's Court I found For her great Deeds and Beauty far renown'd When circling round her Throne I did behold Knights that from figur'd Stars did Honour hold Their Orders stately Cognizance which rose From Ladies Garter found as Story goes And here of Knighthoods I hop'd some to find Who would from brave adventures be inclin'd My Royal Parents valiantly to aid And kill the Dragon where his Leaguer's made At this fam'd Court I found a youthful Knight Whose early Vertue sought for hardy Fight Clean was his Heart and like his Heart his Arms Had ne're been stain'd by forcing guilty Harms Yet unto him was such high Prowess given As he seem'd for Truth 's Champion rais'd by Heav'n And I tho his sad Witness have beheld How his strength more than human Foes had quell'd Let these without all Episode assure The hardy Battels he did oft endure As here you from his piercing Sword and Spear Behold the Marks of Honour which they bear And which none like his Valour ere could weild Tho since his saddest Relicks left in field O! how is now my Red-Cross Knight distress'd That has lost these whose Valour us'd them best His Love I prov'd by fair beginnings had When nought mistrusting an Enchanter bad His Sense abus'd and vildly made him deem My Faith unworthy of his great esteem But judge you Heavens that all things know aright If I less lov'd him than with all my Might Death I oft wish'd tho Death I could not find As my Soul ponder'd on his deeds unkind And by wild wandrings as my Fortune led I Footsteps left where none before did tread Whilst his irregular Flight us more disjoyns As from one Point shew far extended Lines Thus too too long he weariless did stray Till meeting Witch Duessa in his way The Sorc'ress that against my Truth conspir'd And with her seeming Beauty his heart fir'd And next by subtle Charms his worth betray'd To Giant vaster than of old earth made Who having him disarm'd with his huge Mall Or stunn'd or dead compell'd his mighty fall Tho never Man or Monster could before Boast the success which sadly I deplore Not all she tells before her Spirits faint Whilst with apt words he softens her Complaint Letting her know tho great 's her cause of Grief That he 'd not rest till given her Knight Relief Which chearful words her drooping vitals raise And moving on the Dwarf well guides their wayes CANTO VIII The Argument Fair Una seeks her Lover still And Arthur brings to fight Who doth strange Beast and Giant kill And strips Duessa quite HOw from the World would best men harms receive Did not Celestial succours them relieve And by the Influence of divinest Grace Assist their weakness in each suff'ring Case When oft through human frailty they least see The Steps they take unto their Misery All which the captive Red-Cross Knight did feel Till this great Prince attempts his aid with Steel Who trav'ling with fair Una had arriv'd Unto a Castle high and strong contriv'd When saies the Dwarf see yonder is the place To which my Lord was carry'd
discloseth every thing That did from Faith's mysterious Records spring Letting him know the Wonders she had done On Death and Life by firm Belief alone And how her words the hasty Sun could stay Or turn him back from his Ecliptick way How Mountains from their Stations she could call And bid 'em Rubbidge-like in Seas to fall How Hosts of daring Men she could despise By Power from Heaven and them by Foes surprize These words improv'd the Knight in little space To such Perfection of Celestial Grace As he began to loath the World and Life And Sin that heretofore with him had strife Throughly confessing his Soul's deep dismay And how he wish'd to end his wretched day But wise Speranza softer Comfort gave Teaching him how on Hope his Trust to have And as he did her Silver Anchor see Not to despair of best Eternity Or from his Soul's discomfits to forget The Truth which before him her Sister set But Una as she saw her Knight distress'd From inward guilt that yet his mind oppress'd To divine Caelia sadly this imparts Who well knew how to discipline sinful Hearts And often did their Remedies assure By Patience her Physician for his Cure. A grave experienc'd Man he did appear And Doctor-like did reverend Habit wear The Knight's deep Wound he search'd and did apply From Salves and Medicines precious Remedy That soon asswag'd his body's painful plight And vigorous had restor'd him unto sight With his fam'd Physick words he did instill Of wondrous use to cure Man's spiritual Ill. But found his Patient's mind was fester'd sore By inward Griefs which hard were to explore Within a darksum Cave the Knight he laid Till his strong Corosives their search had made And with strict Diet all the while does tame The flesh that nourish'd had his vicious Flame Sackcloth and Ashes there he on him casts And for his Diet does appoint long Fasts With many Prayers early said and late That might his inward Rancors best abate And ever as superfluous Flesh did rot He pluck'd that forth by Pincers burning hot Instead of which Amendment did repair His Body till from all Corruption clear With these he bitter Penance oft did feel From his Physician 's Whip of hardest Steel Whilst his griev'd Heart so sharply felt remorse As from his Eyes it bloody drops did force In these Extreams he often loud does roar And Lion-like his flesh for anger tore Which as his Una heard by Shreeks and Groans His severe Suff'rings deeply she bemoans Tearing awhile her comely Vest and Hair Till calmer Thoughts advis'd her to sorbear For well she knew his Soul could ne're be clean Till Grief and Patience had his Curers been Now by degrees his mind of Guilt was eas'd And all his pers'nal Torments full appeas'd When lovely Una joyful of his Cures To cherish him her constant help assures And kissing him with kindest words besought That he 'd no more of bad deeds past take thought Mean while Charissa had recover'd well The Labours which in Child-bed her befell To whom illustrious Una now addrest And for more welcome makes her Knight a Guest She was a Woman in her Beauty's prime Equall'd for Grace and Bounty by no time Full of great Love but Cupid's wanton Skill As Hell she hated and all Actions ill Her Neck and plenteous Breasts were ever bare Whence her pleas'd Babes did suck their milky fare Of which a many round about her hung And sporting smil'd as joy'd she look'd or sung These still she fed whilst they were young and weak And when grown older care for them did take Upon her head she wore a Tire of Gold Adorn'd with Gems most precious to behold And by her side did sit of Doves a Pair As she was resting in her Ivory Chair The Knight and Una to her being come Congratulate her happy teeming Womb. Who them receives as courteously as kind Th' effects of her still chearful Meen and Mind Then Una her besought that since this Knight Had suffer'd much sharp Penance day and night That she 'd from her divine exceeding Grace Upon his Soul her glorious Precepts place Joyful at this Request Charissa seem'd Who good to do her chiefest pleasure deem'd An ancient Matron she to her does call Her Name was Mercy wise and liberal Unto whose careful Charge the Knight she gave That his Soul might from her best Comfort have This godly Person by the Hand him takes And taking leave this Presence so forsakes But soon a narrow way they were to pass Where bushy Thorns and ragged Bryers was Which kindly she remov'd from out his way That nothing might his ready Passage stay And if his Feet incumber'd were or swerv'd This careful Guide his steps soon right preserv'd Till in short time the Hero she does bring T' a Hospital devoted to Heaven's King. Where seven most holy Beadsmen long did dwell Spending their days in Prayer and doing well Their Gates to all stood open evermore At which one sate to feed the hungry Poor And did the wanting Traveller invite To be there full refresh'd both day and night The first of them more ancient than the rest Was for their holy Stewardship held best Who many years had in that Office spent Giving Relief to all that thither went. But none he entertain'd that could requite Or feast in turns as Epicures delight The second was an Almoner of the place Who for the Poor took care a work of Grace No Treasure he e're car'd to leave behind Other than Goodness issuing from his mind His Talent was enough and ask'd no more And were it less of that he 'd give the Poor The third the keeping of their Wardrobe had Whence all but the luxurious Man was clad Where fitting Raiment only he laid by For such no Cloaths to cover them could buy Glad when he naked Nature did array Since 't is God's Image stamp'd on earthly Clay And when no Garments he could others give With his own Coat cut out he 'd them relieve The fourth a goodly Officer was made Who Sums to discharge Prisoners daily paid With such by wicked power were captive held Or pin'd in Chains where Turkish Bashaws dwell'd And if they faulty were yet well he weigh'd That God had Mercy to bad men display'd And he that o're Hell triumph'd by his Power From thence Souls led unto his heavenly Bower The fifth had Charge sick Persons to attend And comfort them when nearest their Life's end And for their Souls such Cordials to prepare As might discharge all Symptoms of Despair When Sin and Death would most the mind dismay As Soul and Body feel their parting Day The sixth had handsome Care of Bodies dead Which he like Owners of a Nuptial Bed With Flowers adorned of the choicest sort And thus with them did to the Grave resort To shew that Man whom other Creatures fear Should dead be honour'd with a reverend care The seventh in Office after Burial done Did unto Widow's Orphans