Sir John
Mandeville
repeats the story.
Spenser - Faerie Queene - 1
89. AND SLUGGISH GERMAN, etc. , and sluggish brother dost relax thy strength
to send his (Sansfoy's) foe after him, that he may overtake him. In ll.
86-88 Sansjoy addresses his brother, in ll. 89-90 himself. _German_ is any
blood relation.
100. The Knight supposed that Duessa's encouraging words were addressed to
him.
114. Spenser here, with fine dramatic effect, imitates Homer, who saves
Paris and AEneas by a similar device. _Iliad_, iii, 380, and v, 345.
159. TEARES. This mention of the man-eating crocodile's tears is based on
an old Latin proverb.
Sir John Mandeville repeats the story.
172. GRIESLY NIGHT. According to mythology (Hesiod's _Theog_. , 123), one of
the first things created, the daughter of Chaos, and mother of AEther (sky)
and Hemera (day); also of Deceit, Strife, Old Age, and Vengeance. See xxii
and xxvii.
202. ON GRONING BEARE, on a bier with groaning friends around.
204. O WHAT OF GODS, etc. , O what is it to be born of gods, if old
Aveugle's (the father of the three Saracens) sons are so ill treated.
219. AND GOOD SUCCESSES, etc. , and good results which follow their foes.
221. OR BREAKE THE CHAYNE, refers to Jove's proposition to fasten a golden
chain to the earth by which to test his strength.