In this stanza
the poet strangely mixes
Christian
doctrine and the classical belief in the
envy of the gods working the downfall of men.
Spenser - Faerie Queene - 1
Observe the antithetical structure of this stanza, both in the
_Stichomuthia_, or balance of line against line, and in the lines
themselves. In this rapid word-play Arthur wins his point by appealing to
Una's faith.
363. NO FAITH SO FAST, etc., no faith is so firm that human infirmity may
not injure it.
376. Una, Truth, is the sole daughter of Eden.
377. WHILEST EQUAL DESTINIES, etc., whilst their destinies (Fates) revolved
equally and undisturbed in their orbits. (Astronomical figure.)
381. PHISON AND EUPHRATES, etc., three of the four rivers that watered
Eden, the Hiddekel being omitted. See _Genesis_, ii, 11-14.
In this stanza
the poet strangely mixes
Christian
doctrine and the classical belief in the
envy of the gods working the downfall of men.
385. TARTARY, Tartarus (for the rhyme), the lowest circle of torment in the
infernal regions.
391. Has this obscure line any reference to prophecy? Cf. _Daniel_, vii,
25, _Revelation_, xii, 6, 14.
394. THAT HEAVEN WALKS ABOUT, under the sky.
404. THAT NOBLE ORDER, the Order of the Garter, of which the Maiden Queen
was head. The figure of St. George slaying the dragon appears on the oval
and pendant to the collar of this Order.
