The Poetical Works of Edmund Spenser. With memoir and critical dissertations, by the Rev. G. Gilfillan

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THE POETICAL WORKS OF EDMUND SPENSER. EDINBURGH ." PRINTED BY BALLANTYNE AND COMPANT, THE POETICAL WORKS OF EDMUND SPENSER. taitj) JHemoir anti Critical Dfesertations, ET THE EEV. GEORGE GILFILLAN. IN FIVE VOLUMES. VOL. III. EDINBURGH: JAMES NICHOL, 104 HIGH STREET. LONDON : JAMES NISBET & CO. DUBLIN : W. ROBERTSON. M.DCCC.LLX. The four greatest of England's poets are undoubtedly Chaucer, Spenser, Shakspeare, and Milton. Hundreds and thousands of luminaries have since their time arisen in the poetical heaven ; hut still these four old stars shine on undimmed, clustering close together in the very zenith of fame, and seeming to become brighter and larger as the ages roll on. And yet, although they outshine all others, and stand near each other in their proud position, they are exceedingly diverse.

Chaucer excels in fresh ness and raciness, in sunniness of spirit, in simple sinewy strength, in brawny masculine muscle, combined with child-like simplicity — not of " imagination all compact," he can, nevertheless, like his own Cambuscan, mount at times a horse of brass, and career through the firmament of fancy ; his real home, however, is the dewy greensward of England, and his great strength lieth in depicting the manners and the men of a primitive age, and the rough picturesque features of a half-cultivated nature. Shak speare was the universal man transfigured into the universal poet ; nay, he was, as has elsewhere been said, an Englishman by accident, a man by condescension, a cosmopolitan by courtesy, while by nature he belonged to the universe, in the broad est sense of that term.

Milton's power and mission chiefly was to cut out, in colossal statuary, high moral and theological truth ; he appears to many a "giant-angel" rather than a man, and his sympathies were more with " Hell, Hades, Heaven, the eternal How and Where, The glory of the dead and their despair," THE GENIUS AND POETRY OF SPENSEE. VI than with earth. Whereas to Spenser was given all power over the fairy lands of imagination— to satisfy that " thirst for a wilder beauty than earth supplies," which has been called the essence of poetry — to " lay us on the lap of a lovelier nature, by stiller streams and greener meadows " — to change all substances into shadows, and all realities into dreams — to create, by the sheer force of his fancy, ideal wildernesses and worlds grander and richer than all the mythologies of the past, or than all the fan tasies of the combined Arabian genius in the " Thousand and One Nights " — to plant and nourish to maturity a great forest of poetry, in which all men have since delighted to lose themselves, and as they plunged into its divine darkness, chequered with gleams of intense light, have forgot earth, their own identity, everything, wandering on in sweet bewilderment, and wishing that they might awake and return to common life no more for ever !

Canto II

Blandamour wins false Florimell; Paridell for her strives : They are accorded : * Agape Doth lengthen her sons' lives. I. Firebrand of hell, first tin'd2 in Phlegethon By thousand Furies, and from thence out-thrown Into this world to work confusion And set it all on sire by force unknown, Is wicked Discord; whose small sparks once blown None but a god or godlike man can slake : Such as was Orpheus, that, when strife was grown Amongst those famous imps of Greece,8 did take His silver harp in hand and shortly friends them make : VOL. III. A b. IV. II. Or such as that celestial Psalmist was, That, when the wicked fiend his lord tormented, With heavenly notes, that did all other pass, The outrage of his furious fit relented. Such music is wise words with time concented,1 To moderate stiff minds dispos'd to strive : Such as that prudent Koman* well invented; What time his people into parts did rive,2 Them reconcil'd again, and to their homes did drive, 1 Harmonised. - Divide. in.

Such us'd wise Glauce to that wrathful knight, To calm the tempest of his troubled thought : Yet Blandamour, with terms of foul despite, And Paridell her scorn'd, and set at nought, As old and crooked and not good for ought. Both they unwise, and wareless3 of the evil 3 Unaware. That by themselves unto themselves is wrought, Through that false witch, and that foul aged drivel;4 4 Driveller. The one a fiend, the other an incarnate devil. IV. With whom as they thus rode accompanied, They were encounter 'd of 5 a lusty knight That had a goodly lady by his side, To whom he made great dalliance and delight : It was, to wit, the bold Sir Ferraugh hight,6 He that from Braggadocchio whilome7 reft8 The snowy Florimell, whose beauty bright Made him seem happy for so glorious theft; sBy. 6 Called. 'Formerly. 8 Took.

Yet was it in due trial9 but a wand'ring weft.10 9 When duly tried. 10 Waif. * ' Roman : ' Menenius Agrippa, who, when the Roman populace had withdrawn to Mons Sacer, persuaded them to return by the well-known fable of the Belly and the Members. C. II. THE FAERIE QUEENE. 3 1 Immediately. 2 Addressed. 3 Eecent. t 4 4 Turn. 5 Easily 6 Upbraid. Befriends. 8 Companion. v. Which whenas Blandamour, whose fancy light Was always flitting as the wavering wind After each beauty that appear'd in sight, Beheld, eftsoons1 it prick'd his wanton mind With sting of lust that reason's eye did blind, That to Sir Paridell these words he sent ; 2 ' Sir Knight, why ride ye dumpish thus behind, Since so good fortune doth to you present So fair a spoil, to make you joyous merriment . ' VI. But Paridell, that had too late3 a trial Of the bad issue of his counsel vain, List not to hark, but made this fair denial ; 'Last turn was mine, well proved to my pain r This now be yours ; God send you better gain! > Whose scoffed words he taking half in scorn,.

Fiercely forth prick'd his steed as in dis'dain Against that knight, ere he him well could torn By means whereof he hath him lightly5 overborne. VII. Who, with the sudden stroke astonish'd sore, Upon the ground awhile in slumber lay; The whiles his love away the other bore, And, showing her, did Paridell upbray,6 'Lo! sluggish knight, the victor's happy prey! So fortune friends7 the bold.' Whom Paridell Seeing so fair indeed, as he did say, His heart with secret envy gan to swell, And inly grudge at him that he had sped so well. VIII. Nathless proud man himself the other deemed, Having so peerless paragon8 ygot: For sure the fairest Florimell him seemed Might. 2 Surpass. 3 Attraction. 4 Bereft. Moulded. To him was fallen for his happy lot, Whose like alive on earth he weened not : Therefore he her did court, did serve, did woo, With humblest suit that he imagine mot,1 And all things did devise, and all things do, That might her love prepare, and liking win thereto, IX.

She, in regard thereof, him recompens'd With golden words and goodly countenance, And such fond favours sparingly dispens'd : Sometimes him blessing with a light eye-glance, And coy looks temp'ring with loose dalliance ; Sometimes estranging; him in sterner wise : That, having cast him in a foolish trance, He seemed brought to bed in Paradise, And prov'd himself most fool in what he seem'd most wise. x. So great a mistress of her art she was, And perfectly practis'd in woman's craft, That though therein himself he thought to pass,2 And by his false allurements' wily draft3 Had thousand women of their love beraft,4 Yet now he was surpris'd : for that false sprite, Which that same witch had in this form eno-raft,5 Was so expert in every subtle sleight, That it could overreach the wisest earthly wight.

XI. Yet he to her did daily service more, And daily more deceived was thereby ; Yet Paridell him envied therefore, As seeming plac'd in sole felicity : So blind is lust false colours to descry. But Ate soon discovering his desire, Journey ed. 2 Quivering. C. II. THE FAERIE QUEENE. And finding now fit opportunity To stir up strife twixt love and spite and ire, Did privily put coals unto his secret fire. XII. By sundry means thereto she prick'd him forth ; Now with remembrance of those spiteful speeches. Now with opinion of his own more worth, Now with recounting of like former breaches Made in their friendship, as that hag him teaches And ever, when his passion is allay'd, She it revives, and new occasion reaches : That, on a time as they together way'd,1 He made him open challenge, and thus boldly said; XIII. 'Too boastful Blandamour! too long I bear The open wrongs thou doest me day by day: Well know'st thou, when we friendship first did swear, The covenant was, that every spoil or prey Should equally be shar'd betwixt us tway : Where is my part then of this lady bright, Whom to thyself thou takest quite away .

Render therefore therein to me my right, Or answer for thy wrong as shall fall out in fight.' XIV. Exceeding wroth thereat was Blandamour, And gan this bitter answer to him make; 'Too foolish Paridell! that fairest flower [take Wouldst gather fain, and yet no pains wouldst But not so easy will I her forsake ; This hand her won, this hand shall her defend.' With that they gan then shivering2 spears to shake, Armour covering the chest. 2 Encounter. z Danger. •Run against. 5 Hack. And deadly points at either's breast to bend, Forgetful each to have been ever other's friend. xv. Their fiery steeds with so untamed force Did bear them both to fell avenge's end, That both their spears with pitiless remorse Through shield and mail and haberjeon1 did wend, And in their flesh a grisly passage rend, That with the fury of their own affret2 Each other horse and man to ground did send ; Where, lying still awhile, both did forget The perilous present stound3 in which their lives were set.

XVI. As when two warlike brigantines at sea, With murd'rous weapons arm'd to cruel fight, Do meet together on the wat'ry lea, They stem4 each other with so fell despite, That with the shock of their own heedless might Their wooden ribs are shaken nigh asunder; They which from shore behold the dreadful sight Of flashing fire, and hear the ordnance thunder, Do greatly stand amaz'd at such unwonted wonder. XVII. At length they both upstarted in amaze, As men awaked rashly out of dream, And round about themselves a while did gaze ; Till seeing her, that Florimell did seem, In doubt to whom she victory should deem, Therewith their dulled sprites they edg'd anew, And, drawing both their swords with rage extreme, Like two mad mastiffs each on other flew, And shields did shear, and mails did rash,5 and helms did hew. 0.

II. THE FAERIE QUEENE. 1 Flow. 2 Sprinkled. 3 Becoming. * To stop. 5 Give up. 6 Chance. 7 Learn. XVIII. So furiously each other did assail, As if their souls they would at once have rent Out of their breasts, that streams of blood did raile1 Adown, as if their springs of life were spent; That all the ground with purple blood was sprent,2 And all their armours stain'd with bloody gore ; Yet scarcely once to breathe would they relent, So mortal was their malice and so sore Become, of feigned friendship which they vow'd afore. XIX. And that which is for ladies most besitting,3 To stint all strife, and foster friendly peace, Was from those dames so far and so unfitting, As that, instead of praying them surcease 4 They did much more their cruelty increase; Bidding them fight for honour of their love, And rather die than lady's cause release:5 [move, With which vain terms so much they did them That both resolv'd the last extremities to prove. xx.

There they, I ween, would fight until this day, Had not a squire, even he the Squire of Dames,""" By great adventure6 travelled that way; Who seeing both bent to so bloody games, And both of old well knowing by their names, Drew nigh, to weet7 the cause of their debate : And first laid on those ladies thousand blames, That did not seek t' appease their deadly hate, But gazed on their harms, not pitying then estate : XXI. And then those knights he humbly did beseech * ' Squire of Dames : ' see Book III., Canto s 1 Revenged. 2 Foolish. 3 Regarding. 4 Bowing. 6 Addressed. 6 Treat politely spenser's poetical works. b. IV. To stay their hands, till he awhile had spoken : Who look'd a little up at that his speech, Yet would not let their battle so be broken, Both greedy fierce on other to be wroken.1 Yet he to them so earnestly did call, And them conjur'd by some well knowen token, That they at last their wrothful hands let fall, Content to hear him speak, and glad to rest withal.

XXII. First he desir'd their cause of strife to see : They said, it was for love of Florimell. ' Ah ! gentle knights,' quoth he, ' how may that be, And she so far astray, as none can tell?' ' Fond2 Squire,' full angry then said Paridell, 'Seesfnot the lady there before thy face.' He looked back, and, her avising3 well, Ween'd, as he said, by that her outward grace That fairest Florimell was present there in place. XXIII. Glad man was he to see that joyous sight, For none alive but joy'd in Florimell, And lowly to her louting4 thus behight;5 ' Fairest of fair, that fairness dost excel, This happy day I have to greet you well, In which you safe I see, whom thousand late Misdoubted lost through mischief that befell; Long may you live in health and happy state!' She little answer'd him, but lightly did aggrate.6 XXIV.

Then, turning to those knights, he gan anew; ' And you, Sir Blandamour, and Paridell, That for this lady present in your view Have rais'd this cruel war and outrage fell, Certes, me seems, been not advised well ; s) 1 Declare. 2 Alike. 3 Secret. Prefer red. 5 Claim, C. II. THE FAERIE QUEENE. But rather ought in friendship for her sake To join your force, then forces to repel That seek perforce her from you both to take, And of your gotten spoil their own triumph to make.' XXV. Thereat Sir Blandamour, with countenance stern All full of wrath, thus fiercely him bespake ; ' Aread,1 thou squire, that I the man may learn, That dare from me think Florimell to take!' ' Not one/ quoth he, ' but many do partake Herein ; as thus : It lately so befell, That Satyrane a girdle did uptake Well known to appertain to Florimell, Which for her sake he wore, as him beseemed well.

XXVI. ' But whenas she herself was lost and gone, Full many knights, that loved her like2 dear, Thereat did greatly grudge, that he alone That lost fair lady's ornament should wear, And gan therefore close3 spite to him to bear; Which he to shun, and stop vile envy's sting, Hath lately caus'd to be proclaim'd each where A solemn feast, with public tourneying, To which all knights with them their ladies are to bring: XXVII. ' And of them all she, that is fairest found, Shall have that golden girdle for reward; And of those knights, who is most stout on ground. Shall to that fairest lady be prefard.4 Since therefore she herself is now your ward, To you that ornament of hers pertains, Against all those that challenge5 it, to guard, b. IV. 1 Foes. 2 Practise. 3 Loving. 4 Companion, "Discourse.

And save her honour with your vent'rous pains; That shall you win more glory, than ye here find gains.' XXVIII. When they the reason of his words had heard, They gan abate the rancour of their rage, And with their honour's and their love's regard The furious flames of malice to assuage. Then each to other did his faith engage, Like faithful friends thenceforth to join in one With all their force, and battle strong to wage 'Gainst all those knights, as their professed fone,1 That challeng'd ought in Florimell, save they alone. XXIX. So, well accorded, forth they rode together In friendly sort, that lasted but a while ; And of all old dislikes they made fair weather: Yet all was forg'd and spread with golden foil, That under it hid hate and hollow guile. Ne certes can that friendship long endure, However gay and goodly be the style, That doth ill cause or evil end enure:2 For virtue is the band that bindeth hearts most sure.

XXX. Thus as they marched all in close disguise Of feigned love, they chanc'd to overtake Two knights that linked rode in lovely3 wise, As if they secret counsels did partake ; And each not far behind him had his make,4 To wit, two ladies of most goodly hue, That twixt themselves did gentle purpose5 make, Unmindful both of that discordful crew, The which with speedy pace did after them pursue. C. II. 11 the faerie queene. 1 Valiant. Bravest. 3 Former- Iv. 4 Fellest. 5 List. 6 Antiquity- 7 Since. XXXI. Who, as they now approached nigh at hand, Deeming them doughty1 as they did appear, They sent that squire afore, to understand What might they be : who, viewing them more near, Returned ready news, that those same were Two of the pro west2 knights in Faery Lond; And those two ladies their two lovers dear ; Courageous Cambell, and stout Triamond, With Canacee and Cambine link'd in lovely bond.

XXXII. Whilome,3 as antique stories tellen us, Those two were foes the fellonest4 on ground, And battle made the dreadest dangerous That ever shrilling trumpet did resound ; Though now their acts be nowhere to be found, As that renowned poet them compiled With warlike numbers and heroic sound, Dan Chaucer, Well of English undefiled, On fame's eternal beadroll5 worthy to be filed. XXXIII. But wicked Time, that all good thoughts doth waste, And works of noblest wits to nought outwear, That famous monument hath quite defac'd, And robb'd the world of treasure endless dear, The which might have enriched all us here. 0 cursed eld,& the canker-worm of writs! How may these rhymes, so rude as doth appear, Hope to endure, sith7 works of heavenly wits Are quite devour'd, and brought to nought by little bits!

Skilled. ! xxxiv. Then pardon, 0 most sacred happy spirit, That I thy labours lost may thus revive, And steal from thee the meed of thy due merit, That none durst ever whilst thou wast alive, And, being dead, in vain yet many strive : Ne dare I like ; but, through infusion sweet Of thine own spirit which doth in me survive, I follow here the footing of thy feet, That with thy meaning so I may the rather meet. XXXV. Cambello's sister was fair Canacee, That was the learnedst lady in her days, Well seen1 in every science that might be, And every secret work of nature's ways; In witty riddles ; and in wise soothsays ; In power of herbs ; and tunes of beasts and birds ; And, that augmented all her other praise, She modest was in all her deeds and words, And wondrous chaste of life, yet lov'd of knights and lords.

XXXVI. Full many lords and many knights her loved, Yet she to none of them her likina' lent, Ne ever was with fond affection moved, But rul'd her thoughts with goodly government, For dread of blame and honour's blemishment ; And eke unto her looks a law she made, That none of them once out of order went, But, like to wary sentinels well stay'd, Still watch'd on every side, of secret foes afraid. XXXVII. So much the more as she refus'd to love, So much the more she loved was and sought C II. THE FAERIE QUEENE. 1 Learn. 2 Doers of daring deeds. 3 Bravery. That oftentimes unquiet strife did move Amongst her lovers, and great quarrels wrought ; That oft for her in bloody arms they fought. Which whenas Cambell, that was stout and wise, Perceiv'dwouldbreed great mischief, he bethought How to prevent the peril that might rise, And turn both him and her to honour in this wise.

XXXVIII. One day, when all that troop of warlike wooers Assembled were, to weet1 whose she should be, All mighty men and dreadful derring-doers,2 (The harder it to make them well agree,) Amongst them all this end he did decree; That, of them all which love to her did make, They by consent should choose the stoutest three That with himself should combat for her sake, And of them all the victor should his sister take. XXXIX. Bold was the challenge, as himself was bold, And courage full of haughty hardiment,3 Approved oft in perils manifold, Which he achiev'd to his great ornament : But yet his sister's skill unto him lent Most confidence and hope of happy speed, Conceived by a ring which she him sent, That, 'mongst the many virtues which we read, Had power to staunch all wounds that mortally did bleed.

XL. Well was that ring's great virtue known to all ; That dread thereof, and his redoubted might, Did all that youthly rout so much appal, That none of them durst undertake the fight : More wise they ween'd to make of love delight Endure. 2 Were. * Called. 4 Brave. 5 Cutlass. Than life to hazard for fair lady's look : And yet uncertain by such outward sight, Though for her sake they all that peril took, Whether she would them love, or in her liking brook.1 XLI. Amongst those knights there were three brethren Three bolder brethren never were yborn, [bold, Born of one mother in one happy mould, Born at one burden in one happy morn; Thrice happy mother, and thrice happy morn, That bore three such, three such not to be found! Her name was Agape, whose children wern2 All three as one; the first hight3 Priamond, The second Diamond, the youngest Triamond.

XLII. Stout4 Priamond, but not so strong to strike; Strong Diamond, but not so stout a knight ; But Triamond was stout and strong alike : On horseback used Triamond to fight, And Priamond on foot had more delight ; But horse and foot knew Diamond to wield: With curtaxe5 used Diamond to smite, And Triamond to handle spear and shield, But spear and curtaxe both us'd Priamond in field. XLIII. These three did love each other dearly well, And with so firm affection were allied, As if but one soul in them all did dwell, Which did her power into three parts divide ; Like three fair branches budding far and wide, That from one root deriv'd then vital sap : And, like that root that doth her life divide, Their mother was; and had full blessed hap These three so noble babes to bring forth at one clap.

C. II. THE FAERIE QUEENE. 15 I 1 Character. 2 Besides. 3 Chose to. 4 Roam. 5 Follow. XLIV. Their mother was a Fay, and had the skill Of secret things, and all the powers of nature, Which she by art could use unto her will, And to her service bind each living creature, Through secret understanding of their feature.1 Thereto2 she was right fair, whenso her face She list3 discover, and of goodly stature; But she, as Fays are wont, in privy place [space.4 Did spend her days, and lov'd in forests wild to XLV. There on a day a noble youthly knight, Seeking adventures in the savage wood, Did by great fortune get of her the sight, As she sat careless by a crystal flood Combing her golden locks, as seem'd her good ; And unawares upon her laying hold, That strove in vain him long to have withstood, Oppressed her, and there (as it is told) Got these three lovely babes, that prov'd three champions bold : XLVI.

Which she with her long foster'd in that wood, Till that to ripeness of man's state they grew : Then, showing forth signs of their father's blood, They loved arms, and knighthood did ensue,5 Seeking adventures where they any knew. Which when their mother saw, she gan to doubt Their safety; lest by searching dangers new, And rash provoking perils all about, [stout. Their days might be abridged through their courage XLVII. Therefore desirous th' end of all their days To know, and them t' enlarge with long extent, The Destinies. 2 Distaff. 3 Thread, 4 Immediately. By wondrous skill and many hidden ways To the three Fatal Sisters'1 house she went. Far under ground from track of living went, Down in the bottom of the deep Abyss, Where Demogorgon in dull darkness pent Far from the view of gods and heaven's bliss The hideous Chaos keeps, their dreadful dwelling is.

XL VIII. There she them found all sitting round about The direful distaff standing in the mid, And with unwearied fingers drawing out The lines of life, from living knowledge hid. Sad Clotho held the rock,2 the whiles the thrid3 By grisly Lachesis was spun with pain, That cruel Atropos eftsoons4 undid, With cursed knife cutting the twist in twain : Most wretched men, whose days depend on threads so vain! XLIX. She, them saluting there, by them sat still Beholding how the threads of life they span : And when at last she had beheld her fill, Trembling in heart, and looking pale and wan, Her cause of coming; she to tell besran. To whom fierce Atropos; 'Bold Fay, that durst Come see the secret of the life of man, Well worthy thou to be of Jove accurst, And eke thy children's threads to be asunder burst!' L. Whereat she sore afraid yet her besouo-ht To grant her boon, and rigour to abate, That she might see her children's threads forth brought, And know the measure of their utmost date C. II.

THE FAERIE QUEENE. 17 1 Overcome. 2 Foolish. 3 Sons. * Immediately. sincreased. 8 Nature. 7 Connected. To them ordained by eternal Fate : Which Clotho granting showed her the same ; That when she saw, it did her much amate1 To see their threads so thin, as spiders frame, And eke so short, that seem'd their ends out shortly came. LI. She then began them humbly to entreat To draw them longer out, and better twine, That so their lives might be prolonged late : But Lachesis thereat gan to repine, [divine And said; 'Fond2 dame! that deem'st of things As of human, that they may alter'd be, And chang'd at pleasure for those imps3 of thine: Not so; for what the Fates do once decree, Not all the gods can change, nor Jove himself can free!' LII. ' Then since,' quoth she, ' the term of each man's For nought may lessen'd nor enlarged be ; [life Grant this, that when ye shred with fatal knife His line, which is the eldest of the three, Which is of them the shortest, as I see, Eftsoons4 his life may pass into the next; And, when the next shall likewise ended be, That both their lives may likewise be annext Unto the third, that his may be so trebly wext.5' LIII.

They granted it ; and then that careful Fay Departed thence with full contented mind; And, coming home, in warlike fresh array Them found all three according to their kind;6 But unto them what desthiy was assigned, Or how their lives were ek'd,7 she did not tell; VOL. III. B ■Com plain. 2 Foolish. But evermore, when she fit time could find, She warned them to tend their safeties well, And love each other dear, whatever them befell. LIV. So did they surely during all their days, And never discord did amongst them fall; Which much augmented all their other praise : And now, t' increase affection natural, In love of Canacee they joined all: Upon which ground this same great battle grew, (Great matter growing of beginning small,) The which, for length, I will not here pursue, But rather will reserve it for a canto new.

Canto III

The battle 'twixt three brethren with Cambell for Canacee : Cambina with true friendship's bond Doth their long strife agree. I. 0! why do wretched men so much desire To draw their days unto the utmost date, And do not rather wish them soon expire ; Knowing the misery of their estate, And thousand perils which them still await, Tossing them like a boat amid the main, That every hour they knock at Deathes gate! And he that happy seems and least in pain, Yet is as nigh his end as he that most doth plaine.1 II. Therefore this Fay I hold but fond2 and vain, The which, in seeking for her children three Long life, thereby did more prolong their pain : Shining. 2 Decide. 3 Judge. 1 Reward. 5 Knew. c Carriage. Yet whilst they lived none did ever see More happy creatures than they seem'd to be ; Nor more ennobled for their courtesy, That made them dearly lov'd of each degree; Ne more renowned for their chivalry, [nigh.

That made them dreaded much of all men far and hi. These three that hardy challenge took in hand, For Canacee with Cambell for to fight : The day was set, that all might understand, And pledges pawn'd the same to keep aright : That day, (the dreadest day that living wight Did ever see upon this world to shine,) So soon as heaven's window showed light, These warlike champions, all in armour shine,1 Assembled were in field the challenge to define.2 IV. The field with lists was all about enclos'd, To bar the press of people far away ; And at th' one side six judges were dispos'd, To view and deem3 the deeds of arms that day; And on the other side in fresh array Fair Canacee upon a stately stage Was set, to see the fortune of that fray, And to be seen, as his most worthy wage4 [gage. That could her purchase with his life's adventur'cl v. Then enter'd Cambell first into the list, With stately steps and fearless countenance, As if the conquest his he surely wist.5 Soon after did the Brethren three advance In brave array and goodly amenance,6 With scutcheons gilt, and banners broad display 'd; And, marching thrice in warlike ordinance, Bowed. 2 Completely. 3 Maintain. * Onset. 5 Given beforehand. e Practised. 7 Directed. a Lower.