Duessa represents the Pope, who exercised
imperial authority in Rome, though the seat of the empire had been
transferred to
Constantinople
in 476.
Spenser - Faerie Queene - 1
160. WITH RIGOUR SO OUTRAGEOUS, with force so violent.
161. THAT A LARGE SHARE, etc., that a large piece it (the sword) hewed,
etc.
162. FROM BLAME HIM FAIRLY BLEST. 1, fairly preserved him from hurt; 2,
fairly acquitted him of blame. _Him_ in (1) refers to the knight, in (2) to
the Saracen. (1) is the better interpretation.
169. GRUDGING. Because reluctant to part from the flesh.
196. DAUGHTER OF AN EMPEROUR.
Duessa represents the Pope, who exercised
imperial authority in Rome, though the seat of the empire had been
transferred to
Constantinople
in 476.
200. THE ONLY HAIRE. The dauphin of France, the first husband of Mary Queen
of Scots, afterwards King Francis II, son of Henry II. Duessa's story is
full of falsehoods.
244. SO DAINTY THEY SAY MAKETH DERTH, coyness makes desire. The knight is
allured on by Duessa's assumed shyness.
251. NE WONT THERE SOUND, nor was accustomed to sound there.
254. COOL SHADE. The Reformed Church, weakened by Falsehood, is enticed by
doubt and skepticism.
262. FAIRE SEEMLY PLEASAUNCE, pleasant courtesies.
