In
_Merlin_
Sir Antor is his foster-father.
Spenser - Faerie Queene - 1
This is the most powerful canto of Book I.
II. _The Allegory:_ 1. The moral allegory in Canto VII presents the
transition of the Soul (Redcross) from Pride to Sin (Duessa) through
distrust of Truth (Una), and it thus comes into the bondage of Carnal Pride
(Orgoglio). In Canto IX the Soul suffers a similar change from Sin to
Despair. Having escaped from actual sin, but with spiritual life weakened,
it almost falls a victim to Despair through excess of confidence and zeal
to perform some good action. The Soul is saved by Truth, by which it is
reminded to depend on the grace of God.
2. The allegory on its religious side seems to have some obscure reference
to the long and bitter controversies between Protestantism (Calvinism) and
Roman Catholicism allied with infidelity.
1. O GOODLY GOLDEN CHAINE, chivalry or knightly honor, the bond that unites
all the virtues.
18. THANKLESSE, because not knowing whom to thank.
26. In Malory's _Morte d'Arthur_, Arthur is taken from his mother, Ygerne,
at birth, and committed to the care of Sir Ector as his foster-father, i,
3.
In _Merlin_ Sir Antor is his foster-father.
33. RAURAN MOSSY HORE, Rauran white with moss. A "Rauran-vaur hill" in
Merionethshire is mentioned by Selden. Contrary to the older romancers,
Spenser makes Prince Arthur a Welshman, not a Cornishman.
34. THE RIVER DEE, which rises in Merionethshire and flows through Lake
Bala.
39. MY DISCIPLINE TO FRAME, etc. , to plan my course of instruction, and, as
my tutor, to supervise my bringing up.
45. IN HER JUST TERME, in due time.
57. OR THAT FRESH BLEEDING WOUND, i. e. his love for Gloriana.
II. _The Allegory:_ 1. The moral allegory in Canto VII presents the
transition of the Soul (Redcross) from Pride to Sin (Duessa) through
distrust of Truth (Una), and it thus comes into the bondage of Carnal Pride
(Orgoglio). In Canto IX the Soul suffers a similar change from Sin to
Despair. Having escaped from actual sin, but with spiritual life weakened,
it almost falls a victim to Despair through excess of confidence and zeal
to perform some good action. The Soul is saved by Truth, by which it is
reminded to depend on the grace of God.
2. The allegory on its religious side seems to have some obscure reference
to the long and bitter controversies between Protestantism (Calvinism) and
Roman Catholicism allied with infidelity.
1. O GOODLY GOLDEN CHAINE, chivalry or knightly honor, the bond that unites
all the virtues.
18. THANKLESSE, because not knowing whom to thank.
26. In Malory's _Morte d'Arthur_, Arthur is taken from his mother, Ygerne,
at birth, and committed to the care of Sir Ector as his foster-father, i,
3.
In _Merlin_ Sir Antor is his foster-father.
33. RAURAN MOSSY HORE, Rauran white with moss. A "Rauran-vaur hill" in
Merionethshire is mentioned by Selden. Contrary to the older romancers,
Spenser makes Prince Arthur a Welshman, not a Cornishman.
34. THE RIVER DEE, which rises in Merionethshire and flows through Lake
Bala.
39. MY DISCIPLINE TO FRAME, etc. , to plan my course of instruction, and, as
my tutor, to supervise my bringing up.
45. IN HER JUST TERME, in due time.
57. OR THAT FRESH BLEEDING WOUND, i. e. his love for Gloriana.
