Frandabio then this Chief replyes Whether in Man or Tree thy Soul now lyes He oft finds ease who sorrow do's impart Whilst grief Conceal'd adds grief unto the Heart The source says he kind Sir of all my smarts Proceeds from false Duessa's Magick Arts When in my Prime of Youth and Valor 's Fire A Gentle Lady's Love was my desire Next me she stands converted to a Tree And would bleed too if pluck'd as you did me With whom as once I rode I did behold An armed man who seem'd a Champion bold A Lady fair did next him likened ride Whose outward Looks did foul Duessa hide He Hector-like for his feign'd Beauty stood While I defended mine with loss of Blood Mine that more bright than Morning-Star appear'd Or Nymph with figur'd Venus best compar'd For whose defence by Arms I did compell That bold Man's force as he in Combat fell And by this Martial chance of him bereft His Lady was to me his Victor left Who now possest of Beauties unlike fair One seeming such t'other so above compare A time there was within my thoughts I cast Which of their Forms in Beauty most surpast And had a rosie Chaplet then decreed As I held either brightest did exceed Whilst I their beauteous Competition found Enough to stagger Love to neither bound Frelissa matchless fair appear'd to me When false Duessa seem'd as fair as she The wicked Witch perceiving all the while My dubious Thoughts resolv'd me to beguile And by her hellish Science did convey A Mist that wrapt in dark the shining day And sadly blasting my Frelissa's Face The monstrous Hag seem'd beauteous in her place Who next bids me behold the deform'd sight Of her so late did human Eyes delight Terming her beauteous Charms vile Witchcraft Art For which Death ought to end her wicked part Provoked thus Frelissa's Blood I 'ad spilt Had not the Witch restrain'd me from that guilt So leaving her where now she stands a Tree Duessa in her stead I took with me Which cursed Hag I courted as my Dame Judging her outward Form deserv'd my Flame Till on a day that was for wonder prime VVhen VVitches suffer Penance for their Crime I chanc'd to see her in her proper hew Filthy and old as loathing Eye could view Her monstrous secret parts in water hid Yet not by it inspection was forbid As through that Medium I beheld her more Deform'd than I thought VVoman e're before Thenceforth from her I did intend to fly As Heaven admitted opportunity VVhen she mistrusting of my laid design Her Magick Powers against me worse did joyn VVho to my sleeping Person next apply'd Enchanted Oils my Body so depriv'd That when I wak'd my Senses me forsook At which advantage me her VVitchcrafts took Bringing me wretched to this desart Ground And next my hapless Lady compass'd round By VValls of VVood as you behold us here In Trees to pine which our sad Fates declare Wâ— how long said the mighty Chief must you Inclosed thus your destin'd Sorrows show To which the Voice reply'd that they must dwell Chang'd as they stood till in a living Well Their Limbs were bath'd which only cou'd restor Them to their pristine Shapes and vital Power Happy were I said he if for your sakes My search cou'd find the Well such Life partakes The false Duessa now Fidessa feign'd Heard how in vain Fradubio had complain'd Whilst the great Hero full of ghastly fear As from this Tree he human Speech did hear The bleeding Bow he thrust into the Ground And clos'd with Clay the former wooden VVound That he no guilty mark from thence might bear VVhose Pity most would hapless Lovers spare VVhich done he to his Lady did return VVho lifeless seem'd those Accidents to mourn Pale was her Face and dim appear'd her Eyes Like one that faints in sounding-Fits or dyes VVhen this great Cavalier with careful Pain Her Body rais'd and Temples rubb'd in vain Next to her Lips imploys his amorous Charms Kissing her oft incompass'd by his Arms. And as if Love cou'd only her revive She by degrees from Kisses seem'd to live VVhich when the Red-Cross Chief with Joy espy'd He lifts her to her Steed and on they ride CANTO III The Argument Best Truth her long sought Love bewails And makes the Lyon mild Spoils blind Devotion 's Trade and falls To power of Leacher vile VVHat can of human things afflict the Mind Like Fortune that to Beauty proves unkind And I whom her bright Virtues do compell VVou'd for her sake in mournful Verse excell â—o which soft impulse my Muse aspires That splendors most in Woman-kind admires And now the Passion of my Soul 's so deep For fairest Una that my Eyes cou'd steep Each Line I write of her distress in Tears By cruel means expos'd to endless Cares Soul'd more than great tho Daughter of a King And clear her truth as light from Heaven does spring Love fill'd her Breast yet by his love forlorn Whose Loss she wandring does in Desarts mourn Yet him alas too impiously betray'd By Archimago's Spells and conjuring Aid She poor distressed Virgin far had sought Where none wish'd Tidings of her Lover brought And now full weary of her irksome way From her slow Beast she lights and down did lay Her weary Limbs where Trees their shadows spread Untying first her Fillet from her Head And taking off her Stole her Angel-face Like Sun-shine did illuminate the place Thus she repos'd when from th' adjacent Wood A Lyon rush'd that hunted after Blood And as he did the Royal Virgin spy With gaping Mouth at her run greedily But when he near his beauteous Prey arriv'd Noble remorse his hungry flame deny'd Instead of which he kiss'd her weary Feet And with kind licks her snow-white hands did greet O force of Beauty that cou'd him command Whom nothing living cou'd by strength withstand Which seen her Heart in Tears began to melt As for his sake sh 'ad now affection felt Saying What Pity does this mighty Lord Of the World's Creatures to my Grief afford Whilst my Love 's Soveraign whom I did adore Leaves me thus lost his hatred to deplore Which words their Eccho's from the Wood did find Till Tears staid further utterance of her Mind And closing in her Breast her Sorrows Pain She on her Snow-white Palfrey got again Resolâ—â—d her far stray'd Champion to pursue Whilst for her guard the Lyon marched too And when she toil'd with Travel sleep wou'd take He watch'd her rest and gladly saw her wake And if by looks she her Intent design'd Her looks he waited to obey her mind Long she thus journy'd through Desarts wide Before she Path or living thing espy'd Until at length she found where trodden Grass Under a hoary Mountain's bottom was Where she beheld a Damsel slowly tread Bearing a Pale of water on her head To whom approach'd she kindly did enquire If place were near to which she might retire Yet nothing wou'd this home-bred Maid
that your Vertues aptly may admire ERRATA PAge 32. lin 9 and lin 13. for Frandabio read Fradubio p. 81. l. 13. for sight r. light p. 203. l. 6. for away r. way p. 208. l. 5. for vast r. huge p. 209. l. 5. for had defil'd r. them defil'd p. 214. l. 1. for could eat r. could feed CANTO I. The Argument The Patron of true Piety Foul Error doth Defeat But Snares of vile Hipocrisy His Virtue next do Cheat. A Worthy Knight was Riding on the Plain In Armour Clad which richly did Contain The Gallant Marks of many Battels fought Tho' he before no Martial Habit sought How Warlike ere his Person seem'd to Sit On a Bold Steed that scarce obey'd the Bit Upon his Breast a Bloody Cross display'd The Precious drops for him his Saviour paid And on his Mighty Shield the same did bear To shew his Faith was made his Valours Care. Yet with his Comely Looks appeared sad Without the sign of Fear or being bad Whom now a high Adventure did Command Which Great Gloriana Queen of Fairy Land To Honour him by her especial Grace Did on his Worth and trusty Merit place Like which his Soul no Earthly Glory deem'd If by her Virtue his might be esteem'd Wishing each step his Courser made to Try His Prowess with the Stoutest Enemy Near to his side an Ass more white than Snow A Lovely Lady's weight did undergo Whose Form far whiter then the Beast she rid Under a Mournful Vail was fully hid Which shew'd the Secret Care in Heart she had And in a Line a Milk white Lamb she led Behind her did a Dwarfe at distance lag That wearied seem'd with bearing of her Bag Whilst in this Posture as they forward past The Day with Clouds was suddenly o'recast And pouring forth a horrid Storm of Rain To shelter did this Beauteous pair Constrain A shady Grove not far from them they spy'd Whose lofty Trees adorn'd with Summers Pride So broad did spread that no Coelestial Light Was there perceivable to Human Sight And all within were Paths and Alleys strange With Footing worn and inward far did Range The Covert lik'd with Pleasure they past on Joying to hear the Birds Harmonious Song Which therein shelter'd gratefully declare By Songs their safety from Tempestuous Air Or seem'd in Notes to praise Trees straight and high The sayling Pine or Cedar tall as Sky The Building Oak and Elme the Love of Vines The Poplar least for want of Moisture Pines Whilst here in unknown Tracts their Persons stray Allur'd by pleasing steps till lost their way And when the blustring Storm was over blown Wandred to find the Path which first was known So many Intricacies and Turnings seen As which to take or leave their doubt was then At last advanc'd they forward did descrye A Track that seem'd most beaten to the Eye Which tho' amidst this Labyrinth 't was found They hop'd might lead to safe and open Ground Untill arriv'd unto a Caves deep sight When from his Steed this Hero did alight And fearless to his Dwarf commits the Care Both of his Courser and his shining Spear Whose fair Companion soon him Caution gave As boldly he was moving toward this Cave Fearing that peril vainly he provok'd Or might find hidden Fire before it smoak'd Adding whithal how her Soul boded then That wandring steps led them to Error 's Den. A Monster God and Man presum's to hate From which 't is wisest timely to retreat Your worth preserv'd as you Attempts restrain Where Men the Authors rashness may arraign These words thus say'd her fearful Dwarf apace With Timorous looks and voice bemoan'd their Case Begging that Instant they 'd for safety fly Since his Soul tho' in his small Bulk cou'd spy Vast Mischiefs did within that Cave abscond And must if sought best Human strength confound Whilst with a res'lute Brow and hardy Flame The Youthful Knight unto this Dungeon came And looking in his glistring Armour made Some streaks of Light within the dismal Shade By which he saw the ugly Monster lay'd Half way a Serpent horribly display'd Whos 's other Moyety did shape retain Of Woman loath'd or fit for worst disdain And as she in her filthy Den did lye Prodigious Knots with strange Deformity Her Monstrous form did variously surround Whilst for her Tail and deadly Sting the Ground Too narrow seem'd whose spurious Body bred A thousand Monsters by her Dugs were fed And when that unquoth Light she had espy'd She Gap'd that down her Throat her Brood might glide Which done this Monster leaves her Den afraid And round her cursed Head her Tail display'd Tho' when she had perceiv'd this Champion bold She wou'd have turn'd unto her safer Hold Declining Light as her most foul digrace Whose Fals-hood fear'd Truth 's plain and open Face Which as this Hero saw he forward went Fierce as a Lyon on his Prey is Bent And with his Brandish'd Sword the Monster stay'd At which enrag'd she yaun'd and lowdly bray'd Her deadly Sting and Tail 'gainst him advanc'd Whilst from her Head his strong blow downwarâ— glanc'd And passing thus her hardy Sence amaz'd Till rage recruited she more dreadful rais'd Her ugly Bulk and Circling it around With her vast Stern prodigiously from Ground A leap she took and on his Shield did light When more his steady Temper to affright Her weight and various Form she round him cast That to stir Limb his mighty Strength seem'd past Whose pittying Lady as she did behold This ugly Fiend like mighty Thongs enfold The Comely Person of her Famous chief From Heaven she begg'd with Tears his soon relief Next urg'd him howe're suffring sad Constraint That in no force or vigour he should faint But choak the Fiend ere she his Life should seize And from his Flesh his Soul with Torment sqeeze Which Heroin speech his Heart to Fury wrought Who striving one Arm free'd and with that caught The Monsters Throat by which enforc'd she spew'd Prodigious Poison horribly Embru'd With blackest Blood and lumps of Gobbets raw Besides Books Paper from her Cursed Maw She then disgorg'd with Frogs Toads wanting Eyes Numerous as Spawns of Monsters that arise From Slimy Nile and with their stench much more Afflicted him then all her Bodies power So nauceously by it his sence annoy'd As his fierce Courage seem'd more weak employ'd Which when the Serpent saw her inward Sink Dicharged sholes of Creatures black as Ink That round his Legs deform'dly soon did crawll Tho' in that Plight he felt no hurt at all Like to some Man whom sworms of Flyes infest And with their Buzzing noise disturb his Rest Until his Hands do interrupt their Course Or they with weary'd Wings remove their Force Whilst thus enrag'd and conscious of worse shame With renew'd Fury to his Foe he came And striking her with more than human strength Her Head he sever'd from her Body's length Whence her Infernal Life flow'd from her Veins In Blood that
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
reply Who Lady thought strange Vision to her Eye And seeing by her side the Lyon staid Threw down her Pot and ran far more afraid Nor did she cease her utmost speed till come In sad amaze to her blind Mother's home To whom arriv'd fear took her Speech away Instead of which she trembling hands did lay On her dark Parent who tho wanting Sight By feeling understood her strange Affright And cou'd by use tho sightless shut her Door Hoping that might from danger them secure Soon to the Wicket beauteous Una came And gently did her refus'd entrance blame But when her mighty Page perceiv'd that none The Door wou'd open his rude Claws alone The Wicket into many shivers rent At which so great was their Astonishment That both unto a secret Corner made Where the dark Mother her Devotion pay'd By numerous Pater Nosters every day And Ave Maries which she us'd to say And to augment her painful Penance more She fasted oft and coursest Sackcloth wore But now her Beads she had forgot for fear Which to remove kind Una's Words did chear Her tim'rous Soul when she at length did pray That in her House the time of Night she 'd stay Down lies sad Una less to rest than weep Whilst at her Feet the Lyon watch does keep Till she in Groans and Tears the Night had spent Like one her Hero's Loss cou'd still lament And now the nightly Stars were mounted high And sleep's Repose most clos'd the drouzy Eye When veh'mently one knocked at the Door Yet knock'd not louder than he curst and swore Who boldly his bad entrance did command Loaded with Goods stole by his impious Hand Giving what e're he any time purloyn'd Unto the Daughter of this Woman blind With whom he long had secret Whordom us'd And for Lust's Bribe no evil Theft refus'd His violent Tongue and knocking at the Door The Women knew accustom'd to 't before But durst not give him entrance as then lay The watchful Lyon staring in their way At which the sturdy Thief impatient grew And next by force the Wicket open threw Which when the noble Beast with scorn beheld The bold Intruder in his Paws he held Whom to resist 't was vain or help to call So soon he tore the man in pieces small Spilling his impious Blood upon the Floor VVhere he had acted heinous Crimes before VVhose fearful Friends as they wore out the night Durst not shed Tears or own their bloody Fright Lest the same Fate shou'd on their Persons fall By him for Una's sake durst kill 'em all And now day's streaks adorn'd the Eastern Skies VVhen up this Beauty and her Lyon rise Fully resolv'd her wandring Chief to seek Tho with more pains than the Heroick Greek Compass'd the Earth yet by her search despairs T' oblige his love that caus'd her restless Cares VVith such Disasters her soft Soul complies To follow him that from her farthest flies She being gone out went the old blind Dame And her lov'd Daughter full of wrathful Flame VVho finding Kirkrapine there dead to lie They tore their Hair for Grief and loud did cry And when they both had rag'd and wept their fill Half mad through Malice and revengeful VVill They overtook best Una on her way 'Gainst whom they railing lewdest things did say Terming her worse than impious bloody VVhore And wish'd that endless Plagues she might deplore But when they saw their Curses nought prevail'd They back returning their dead Thief bewail'd And meeting Archimago clad in Arms He bids them stay if he might know their Harms VVho now fair Una sought in vile disguise And Author first of her worst Miseries Bidding the blind old Woman to him say If she had Lady known who pass'd that way VVhich heard she soon her Passion did renew Telling how lately she a Harlot knew That Caus'd her to shed many bitter Tears And next relates the Story of her fears Much he appear'd to pitty her Mishap Whilst in his inward Mind his Soul did laugh In hope these Tydings might him soon direct To find the Lady and more Ills effect Whom to pursue he forward did advance His fair enchanted Steed and Charmed Lance. Not long he rid till Una he descry'd And that wild Champion marching by her Side Surpriz'd at which he next consults his fear Nor durst with all his Spels approach too near But turning to one Hand a Hill he took By which she passing might upon him look And from his seeming Shield and Person feign'd Think she had her Lov'd Hero's sight regain'd Soon her quick Eye beheld his Likeness there And next approaching with humble fear Weeping thus said to her supposed Lord Wretched is Una if by you abhorr'd Unknown to her whence your displeasure's rise Or why she lost the Comfort of your Eyes Tho' much I griev'd for fear you thought amiss And now to welcom you rejoyce no less To whom he answer'd think not dearest Dame That e're neglect of you shall Brand my Name Since you best Princess did my Love renowne Above all Chiefs that serv'd your Fathers Throne Sooner the Earth may cease her fruitful skill Then your desert my Soul not amplest fill True 't is from you a while depart I did To Court your Beauty by more deeds atchiev'd And might perhaps had you discern'd my Aim Have grievous seem'd unto your softer flame Well you remember Archimago told Me of a Felon that with Courage bold Had many Gallant Men despoy'ld and kill'd For which his Blood I their Avenger spill'd Let this brave Story your Complaint appease And bid me next serve you on Land or Seas Much did these words her sad Complaint remove As what so soon do's Cure Love's grief as Love. Forgetting next that ever she repin'd Her self deserted or thought him unkind Whilst by her Sight the happy Object found Whom she so far had sought on pathless Ground Or as the long Toyl'd Marriner espies The Port for which his fullest Sails he plyes His chearful Voice doâ—s then expel the fear Of Storms and Oceans once his restless Care. Thus Una did whilst more to mock her Toyls The vile Enchanter welcoms her with Smiles And pittying of her dreadful late distress Seem'd in her Eyes beheld his own to bless Next ask'd her how the Lyon came to be So fond a Guardian of her Inn'cency Gladly her Story unto him she told VVhen not far riding they a Man behold VVho on a Courser fiercely them did Meet That rageing seem'd his Iron Bit to eat As his Stern Ryder spurr'd his Foaming side On whose strong Shield in Bloody Lines was dy'd Sans-Loy's bold Name who near approach'd this pair And seeing a Chief the Red-Cross seem'd to bear Resolv'd by force of Arms with him to trye Which shou'd be most renown'd for Chivaldry Whilst t'other to adventure Life was Loath Till Una's Virtue had Condemn'd his sloath At whose encouragement his tim'rous Soul Ignoble fear adventur'd to Controwl And spurring of his Steed with bold intent
they wou'd her obey Their rough Knees bend and her soft duty pay The doubtful Lady dares not yet commit Her person to their barbarous Truth or Wit Nor does forget her too late hasty Trust Or what she'ad heard of Satyrs and their Lust. Whilst they more Signs to her of sorrow show And to her as some rural Goddess bow Next prostrate lie and humbly kiss her Feet To shew they 'd her with gentlest Service greet Their speechless meaning she begins to guess And thinks 'em kind from Tokens they express When from the ground she fearless does arise And with calm looks beholds their wildest Eyes They glad as Birds that do perceive the Spring About her dance and their best measures sing Then shouting strow green Branches on the ground And own her Queen with Olive Garlands crown'd Thus they in joyful Triumph forward move Enforcing Eccho's from each Stream and Grove And with their horned Feet the earth do wear Leaping like wanton Kids when Summer's near So they her towards their old Sylvanus bring Who wak'd with noise and tunes they shrilly sing To know the cause in haste he does arise And round his VVaste his Ivy Girdle ties A Cyprus staff his aged Limbs supports And walks in fear lest some licentious Sports Or Juice of Vines his Sylvan Nation fir'd And them without his leave to Mirth inspir'd Being near approach'd they her to him present For Truth and Beauty more than excellent Their ancient God admiring stood a space As he beheld the wonders of her Face His Cyparissus and most lovely Boy Whom oft he'ad pleas'd with Tales more old than Troy. And for his long lost life had Ages pin'd Her blooming looks him of that youth remind The rural Nymphs invited by the noise In leafy Mantles came to mingle Joys But having well beheld her comely Face Like Rivals fear'd lest hers wou'd theirs disgrace And flying from her sight with nimblest speed No footsteps left on Grass or yielding Reed Whilst Herds of Satyrs of the ruffest kind Hop'd that instead of them she 'd stay behind And so devoted did around her stand As they watch'd Precepts from her Eye or Hand Confirmed thus this most distressed Maid To please their rustick Eyes long time here staid Judging it gave her Sorrows some redress To live where human kind had least access And to requite their kindness to her shown She full declares best Truth to them unknown Teaching how vain their Worship to her seem'd That had her person for their Idol deem'd But when she would this Zeal of theirs restrain Her Ass instead of her they 'd worship fain Whilst she their brutish Ignorance does oppose And to immortal things their Minds dispose In which conjuncture to this Forrest came A war-like Knight of far reputed Fame Who here by bold Adventure hop'd to see The strange Allyance of his Pedigree Plain just and brave was he howe're begot And without Lust sometimes the Hero's Spot In no vain-glorious Lists did he delight Yet fiercest wou'd for injur'd Woman fight 'T was said his Sire prodigious was by Blood And him begot on Lady in this Wood. Who for some Enterprize unknown to Fame A lovely Wand'rer to these Wood-lands came Where on a Swain instead of Guide she lights And by constraint to him her Beauty plights He rudely bred and fill'd with her embrace Delights her softness less than hardy chace Of Boar or Wolf and thus both night and day Too long presum'd from her smooth Lips to stay The forlorn Lady burning with desire To find her Swain and quench Love's earnest Fire Through vastest Coverts like a Wood-Nymph flies And where the tread of Dog or Beast she spies With utmost speed she that way next does run Hoping to find him e're his Chase was done When a brisk Satyr chanc'd his Horn to wind Who in that Art excell'd above his kind The amorous Lady hearken'd to the sound And hop'd by it her lov'd Swain to have found Panting with haste she towards the Goblin flies Scarce hiding by her loose Attire her Thighs The inflam'd Satyr glad of her mistake Within his lustful Clutches her does take And captive in a secret Cabin held Till Time a Boy whom he begot compell'd To quit her Womb then lets the Mother know That leaving him the Child she home might go This Ransom left she quits his wild abode And in Groves wanders far from beaten Road. The Boy he careful kept and as he grew Taught him his Nation 's Manners well to know But most instructed him to banish fear Whether the Lyon he assail'd or Bear. Wild roaring Bulls he learnt him how to tame Or kill them baited as his furious Game And that his heels the nimblest haste might make He shew'd him how swift Roes to overtake Or fiercest Beast from him would yield to flie Whether his Face by day or night they spie So terrible to Creatures he appear'd As his fierce Sire at last his Visage fear'd And trembling wish'd he'ad ne're him shown his Art Or in his fierce begetting had a part Advising him not to slight Beasts of prey Nor rashly to engage them to obey VVhilst Panthers Libbards he wou'd often yoak And drive them in a Team like Colts new broke And had their stubborn Hearts so fearless quell'd That they him as their Nature's Tyrant held His lovely Mother found him on a day As he from Dens of Beasts return'd that way VVhen after him a Lyoness did roar For her curst Whelps which in his Arms he bore The fearful Dame amazed at this sight From him had fled had not Love staid her flight Yet did from highest horror doubt a while VVhether 't was safe for her to blame his Toil. At last she these indulgent words did say Ah Satyran if thou lov'st me find Play Far gentler for thy youthful years than this And mildly look if thou'dst thy Mother kiss More she had said but found no words cou'd bend His hardy mind inured to contend VVith fiercest Creatures VVoods or Desarts range Till manly years and Glory wrought his change VVhen 't was his manner still as Fortune's smiles VVon by Atchievements had indulg'd his Toils Unto this Forrest calmly to retire And there pay duty to his wondrous Sire And now on like intent was thither come Pleas'd to behold his native VVood-land home Remembring there each Den and covert Place VVhence his wild Courage forc'd the fiercest Chace But when accomplished his Manhood year He soon resolv'd that him bad men shou'd fear Passing thus on he saw a Plain's wide Green In which by him around were Satyrs seen Amidst whose numbers beauteous Una stood Divinely teaching everlasting Good. Much he admir'd her Features VVit and Meen Like which in VVoman he had never seen Nor wonders less by what Fate she arriv'd To Woods where cruel Beasts and Satyrs liv'd And more than wonderful had there reclaim'd Creatures by Lust most sensually inslam'd And next to her his Courtship does apply Vowing to serve her
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