TO THE MAYDENS, to the
accompaniment
of the maidens' timbrels.
Spenser - Faerie Queene - 1
It is embarrassed by the unexpected
appearance of the consequences of its past sins, but makes a manly
confession. In spite of hypocritical intrigues (Archimago) and false
slanders (Duessa), Holiness is united to Truth, thus forming a perfect
character. The champion of the church militant responds cheerfully to the
calls of duty and honor.
2. Reformed England, having destroyed the brutal power of Rome, is firmly
united to the truth in spite of the intrigues of the Pope to win it back to
allegiance. It then goes forth against the King of Spain in obedience to
the command of Queen Elizabeth.
3. VERE THE MAINE SHETE, shift the mainsail, BEARE UP WITH THE LAND, direct
the ship toward land.
25. OUT OF HOND, at once.
43. OF TALL YOUNG MEN. An allusion to Queen Elizabeth's Pensioners, a band
of the tallest and handsomest young men, of the best families and fortunes,
that could be found (Warton). ALL HABLE ARMES TO SOWND, all proper to wield
armes.
57.
TO THE MAYDENS, to the accompaniment of the maidens' timbrels.
71. IN HER SELF-RESEMBLANCE WELL BESEENE, looking well in her resemblance
to her proper self, i. e. a king's daughter.
73. THE RASKALL MANY, the crowd of common people.
116. OF GREAT NAME, of great celebrity, i. e. value.
117. FITTING PURPOSE FRAME, held fitting conversation.
xiv. Kitchin and Percival think this whole passage a clever compliment to
the parsimony of the Queen's court.
161.
appearance of the consequences of its past sins, but makes a manly
confession. In spite of hypocritical intrigues (Archimago) and false
slanders (Duessa), Holiness is united to Truth, thus forming a perfect
character. The champion of the church militant responds cheerfully to the
calls of duty and honor.
2. Reformed England, having destroyed the brutal power of Rome, is firmly
united to the truth in spite of the intrigues of the Pope to win it back to
allegiance. It then goes forth against the King of Spain in obedience to
the command of Queen Elizabeth.
3. VERE THE MAINE SHETE, shift the mainsail, BEARE UP WITH THE LAND, direct
the ship toward land.
25. OUT OF HOND, at once.
43. OF TALL YOUNG MEN. An allusion to Queen Elizabeth's Pensioners, a band
of the tallest and handsomest young men, of the best families and fortunes,
that could be found (Warton). ALL HABLE ARMES TO SOWND, all proper to wield
armes.
57.
TO THE MAYDENS, to the accompaniment of the maidens' timbrels.
71. IN HER SELF-RESEMBLANCE WELL BESEENE, looking well in her resemblance
to her proper self, i. e. a king's daughter.
73. THE RASKALL MANY, the crowd of common people.
116. OF GREAT NAME, of great celebrity, i. e. value.
117. FITTING PURPOSE FRAME, held fitting conversation.
xiv. Kitchin and Percival think this whole passage a clever compliment to
the parsimony of the Queen's court.
161.
