 Book 5. Canto IX. The Legend of Artigal. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. The Fairy Queen by Edmund Spencer. Book 5. The Legend of Artigal. Canto IX. Arthur and Artigal. Catch Gael, whom Talus doth dismay. They to Marcilla's palace come, and see her rich array. What a tiger, or what other salvage white, is so exceeding furious and fell, as wrong when it hath armed itself with might. Not fit amongst men that do with reason mel, but amongst wild beasts, and salvage woods to dwell, where still the stronger doth the weak devour, and they that most in boldness do excel, or dreaded most, and fear it for their power. Fit for Adicia, there to build her wicked bower. There let her one far from the resort of men, where righteous Artigal, her late exiled. There let her ever keep her damned den, where none may be with her lewd parts defiled, nor none but beasts, may be of her despoiled. And turn we to the noble prince, where late we did him leave, after that he had foiled the cruel Saldan, and with dreadful fate had utterly subverted his unrighteous state. Where having with Sir Artigal a space well solest in that Saldan's late delight, they both resolving now to leave the place, both it and all the wealth therein be height, to that damsel in her lady's right. And so would have departed on their way, but she then would, by all the means she might, and earnestly besought, to wind that day with her, to see her lady since not far away. By whose entreaty both they overcommon agree to go with her, and by the way, as often falls, of sundry things did comeon. Most which that damsel did to them beret a strong adventure, which not far thins lay, to wit a wicked villain, bold and stout, which won it in a rock not far away, that robid all the country there about, and brought the pillage home, whence none could get it out. There to both his own wily wit, she said, and eke the fastness of his dwelling place, both unassailable gave him great aid, for he so crafty was to forge and face, so light of hand, and nimble of his pace, so smooth of tongue, and subtle in his tail, that could deceive one looking in his face, therefore by name Malinjin they him call, well known by his feats, and famous over all. Through these his slights he many doth confound, and eke the rock in which he wants to dwell, is wondrous strong, and human far underground a dreadful depth, how deep no man can tell, but some do say it goeth down to hell, and all within it full of windings is, in hidden ways, that scarce unhound by smell, can follow out those false footsteps of his, nay none can back return that once are gone amiss. Which when those nights had heard their hearts again earn, to understand that villain's dwelling place, and greatly it desired of her to learn, and by which way they towards it should trace. For not, said she, that it should let your pace towards my lady's presence, by you meant, I would you guide directly to the place. Then let not that, said they, stay your intent, for neither will one foot, till we that carl have hint. So forth they passed till they approached nigh, unto the rock, where was the villain's one. Which when the damsel near at hand did spy, she warned the nights thereof, who thereupon again to advise what best were to be done. So both agreed to send that maid afore, where she might sit nigh to the din alone, wailing and raising pitiful uproar, as if she did some great calamity deplore. With noise, whereof when as the cative carl should issue forth, in hope to find some spoil, they in await would closely him ensnarl, ere to his din he backward could recoil, and so would hope him easily to foil. The damsel straight went, as she was directed, unto the rock and thereupon the soil, having herself in wretched wise abjected, ganweep and wail, as if great grief had her affected. The cry whereof entering the hollow cave, eft soon's brought forth the villain, as they meant, with hope of her some wishful boot to have, full dreadful white he was, as ever went upon the earth, with hollow eyes, deep pent, and long curled locks, that down his shoulders shagged, and on his back an uncouth vestiment made of strong stuff, but all to warn and ragged, and underneath his breech was all too torn and jagged, and in his hand an huge long staff he held, whose top was armed with many an iron hook, fit to catch hold of all that he could weld, or in the compass of his clouches took, and ever round about he cast his look, o'ers at his back a great wide net he bore, with which he seldom fished at the brook, but used to fish for fools on the dry shore, of which he in fair weather want to take great store. And when the damsel saw fast by her side, so ugly creature she was night is made, and now for help allowed, in earnest cried. But when the villain saw her so afraid, he again with guileful words her to persuade, to banish fear, and with sardonian smile, laughing on her his false intent to shade, and forth to lay his bait her to be guile, that from herself unwares he might her steal the wile. Like as the fowler on his guileful pipe charms to the bird's full many a pleasant lay, that are they the wiles may take less heady keep, how he his nets doth for their ruin lay. So did the villain to her prey and play, and many pleasant tricks before her show, to turn her eyes from his intent away. For he in slights and juggling feats did flow, and of ledger domain the mysteries did know. To which the wiles she let her intented mind, he suddenly his net upon her through, that overspread her like a puff of wind, and snatching her soon up ere well she knew, ran with her fast away unto his mew, crying for help aloud. But when as nigh he came unto his cave, and there did view the armid night stopping his passage by, he threw his burden down, and fast away did fly. But article him after did pursue, the wiles the prince there kept, the entrance still. Up to the rock he ran, and thereon flew, like a wild goat leaping from hill to hill, and dancing on the craggy cliffs at will. That deadly donger seemed, in all men's sight, to tempt such steps where footing was so ill. Nay ought availed for the armid night to think to follow him, that was so swift and light. Which when he saw his iron man he sent to follow him. For he was swift in chase, he him pursued, wherever that he went, both over rocks and hills and every place, where so he fled he followed him apace, so that he shortly forced him to forsake the height, and down descend unto the base. Where he him coursed afresh, and soon did make to leave his proper form, and other shape to take. Into a fox himself he first did turn, but he him hunted like a fox full fast, then to a bush himself he did transform. But he the bush did beat till that it last into a bird it charged, and from him passed, flying from tree to tree, from wand to wand. But he then stones at it so long did cast, that like a stone it fell upon the land, but he then took it up, and held fast in his hand. So he had brought with him unto the nights, and to his lord Sir Artigal it lent, warning him hold it fast, for fear of slights, who whilst in handed griping hard he hint, into a hedgehog all unwares it went, and pricked him so that he away it through, then again it run away, incontinent, being returned to his former hue. But Talos soon him overtook, and backward drew. But when, as he would to a snake again, have turned himself, he with his iron flail, again drive at him, and with so huge might and mane, that all his bones as small as sandy grail, he broke, and did his bowels disentrail, crying in vain for help, when help was passed. So did deceit the self-deceiver fail. There they him left a carrion outcast, for beasts and fowls to feed upon for their repast. Thinsforth they pass it with that gentle maid to see her lady, as they did a brie, to which when they approached it, thus she said, Lo now, right in noble nights, arrived ye be, nigh to the place where ye desired to see. Where shall ye see my sovereign, Lady Queen, most sacred white, most debonair and free, that ever yet upon this earth was seen, or that with diadem hath ever crowned been? The gentle nights rejoiced much to hear the praises of that prince so manifold, and passing little further common were, where they a stately palace did behold, of pompous show much more than she had told, with many towers and terrace mounted high, and all their tops bright glistering with gold, that seemed to outshine the dimmed sky, and with their brightness dazed the strong beholder's eye. There they alighting, by that damsel word directed in, ensued all the sight, whose porch, that most magnificent did appear, stood open wide to all men day and night, yet ward it well, by one of Mikkel might, that set thereby, with giant-like resemblance, to keep out guile, and malice, and despite, that under shoe, often times, of feigned semblance, were want in prince's courts to work great scath and hindrance. His name was awe, by whom they passing in went up the hall, that was a large wide room, all full of people making troublous din, and wondrous noise, as if that there were some, which unto them was dealing righteous doom, by whom they passing, through the thickest press, the marshal of the hall to them did come. His name height order, who commanding peace, them guided, through the throng, that it did their clamours cease. They ceased their clamours upon them to gaze, whom seeing all in armour bright as day, strong there to see, it did them much amaze, and with unwanted terror half afray, for never saw they there the like array, nay ever was the name of war there spoken, but joyous peace and quietness all way, dealing just judgements that moat not be broken, for any bribes or threats of any to be broken. There, as they entered at the screen, they saw some one, whose tongue was for his trespass vile, nailed to a post, a judged so by law. For that wherewith he falsely did revile, and foul blaspheme that queen for forged guile, both with bold speeches, which he blaze it had, and with lewd poems which he did compile, for the bold title of a poet, bad, he on himself had tame, and railing rhymes had spread. Thus there he stood, whilst high over his head, there written was the purport of his sin, in ciphers strange, that few could rightly read. Bond fawns, but Bond that once had written been, was raced out, and Mal was now put in, so now Malfont was plainly to be read, either for the evil which he did therein, or that he likened was to a wellhead of evil words, and wicked slanders by him shed. They passing by were guided by degree under the presence of that gracious queen, who set on high that she might all men see, and might of all men royally be seen, upon a throne of gold, full bright and sheen, adorn it all with gems of endless price, as either might for wealth have gotten been, or could be framed by workmen's rare device, and all embossed with lions and with fleur-de-lice. All over her a cloth of state was spread, not of rich tissue, nor of cloth of gold, nor of art else, that may be richest red, but like a cloud, as likeest may be told, that her broad-spreading wings did wide unfold, whose skirts were bordered with bright sunny beams, glistering like gold, amongst the plights enrolled, and here and there shooting forth silver streams, amongst which crept little angels through the glittering gleams. Seemed those little angels did uphold the cloth of state, and on their purpled wings did bear the pendants, through their nimblest bold, besides a thousand more of such, as sings hymns to high God, and carols heavenly things, encompassed the throne on which she set, she angel-like, the heir of ancient kings, and mighty conquerors, in royal state, whilst kings and casers at her feet did them prostrate. Thus she did sit, in sovereign majesty, holding a scepter in her royal hand, the sacred pledge of peace and clemency, with which high God had blessed her happy land. No gray so many foes, which did withstand, but at her feet her sword was likewise laid, whose long rest rusted the bright steely brand, yet when as foes enforced our friends sought aid, she could it sternly draw that all the world dismayed. And round about, before her feet there set a bevy of fair virgins, clad in white, yet goodly seemed to dawn her royal state, all lovely daughters of high Jove, that height lete I by him begot in love's delight, upon the righteous Themis. Those they say, upon Jove's judgment seat wait day and night, and when in wrath he threats the world's decay, they do his anger calm and cruel vengeance stay. They also do by his divine permission, upon the thrones of mortal princes tend, and often treat for pardon and remission to suppliance, through frailty which offend. Those did, upon Mercilli's throne attend, just, dicey, wise, you know me, mild Irene, and them amongst her glory to commend. Yet goodly temperance in garments clean, and sacred reverence, a born of heavenly stream. Thus did she sit in royal-rich estate admired of many, honoured of all, whilst underneath her feet there as she sat, and huge greater lion lay, that motopall and hardy courage, like captive it thrall, with a strong iron chain and collar bound, that once he could not move nor quitch it off. Yet did he murmur with bellions sound, and softly roin, when salvage collar again redound. So sitting high in dreaded sovereignty those two strange knights were to her presence brought, who bowing low before her majesty did to her mild obeisance, as they art, and meekest boon that they imagined mot, to whom she eek inclining her with all, is a fair stoop of her high soaring thought, a cheerful countenance on them let fall, yet tempered with some majesty imperial. As the bright sun, what time his fiery teen, towards the western brim begins to draw, begins to abate the brightness of his beam, and fervor of his flames somewhat a-daw. So did this mighty lady, when she saw those two strange knights, such homage to her make, bait somewhat of that majesty and awe, that while alone want to do so many quake, and with more mild aspect those two to intertake. Now at that instant, as occasion fell, when these two stranger knights arrived in place, she was about affairs of common will, dealing of justice with indifferent grace, and hearing pleas of people mean and base, amongst which is then there was far to be heard the trial of a great and weighty case, which on both sides was then debating hard, but at the sight of these those were a while debarred. But after all, her princely entertain, to the hearing of that former cause in hand, herself effed soonce she again convert again, which that those knights likewise moat understand, and witness forth a right in foreign land, taking them up unto her stately throne, where they moat hear the matter thoroughly scanned, on either part she placed the one on the one, the other on the other side, and near them none. Then was there brought, as prisoner to the bar, a lady of great countenance and place, but that she it with foul abuse did mar, yet did appear rare beauty in her face, but blotted with condition, vile, and base, that all her other honour did obscure, and titles of nobility deface, yet in that wretched semblant she did sure the people's great compassion unto her allure. Then up arose a person of deep reach, and rare insight, hard matters to reveal, that well could charm his tongue and time his speech to all assays. His name was called Zeal. He gained that lady strongly to appeal, of many heinous crimes, by her in Nurid, and with sharp reasons rang her such appeal, that those whom she to pity had a Nurid, he now tabhoor and loathe her person had procured. First again he tell how this that seemed so fair, and royally arrayed, deuesa height, that false deuesa, which had wrought great care and nickel mischief unto many a night, by her beguilid, and confounded quite, but not for those she now in question came, though also those moat questioned be a right. But for vile treasons, and outrageous shame, which she against the dread Marcella oft did frame. For she, while alone, as ye might write well remember, had her counsel's false conspired, with faithless Blandemore and Peridel, both to her paramours, both by her hyred, and both with hope of shadow's vain inspired, and with them practised, how for to deprive Marcella of her crown by her aspired, that she might it unto herself derive, and triumph in their blood, whom she to death did drive. But through high heaven's grace, which favour not the wicked drifts of traitorous designs, most loyal princes, all this cursed plot, air-proof it took, discovered was betimes, and the actors won the mead meat for their crimes. Such be the mead of all, that by such mean unto the type of kingdom's title climbs, but false deuesa, now untitled queen, was brought to her sad doom, as here was to be seen. Strongly did zeal her heinous fact enforce, and many other crimes of foul defame against her brought to banish all remorse, and aggravate the horror of her blame, and with him, to make part against her, came many grave persons that against her pled. First was a sage old sire, that had to name the kingdom's care, with the white silver head, that many high regards and reasons against her read. Then gan authority her to oppose, with peremptory power, that made all mute, and then the law of nations, against her rose, and reasons brought, that no man could refute. Next gan religion against her to impute, high gods be heast, and power of holy laws. Then gan the people's cry, and common suit, importune care of their own public cause, and lastly justice, charge it her with breach of laws. But then for her, on the contrary part, rose many advocates for her to plead. First there came pity, with full tender heart, and with her joined regard of woman-head, and then came donger, threatening, hidden dread, and high alliance unto foreign power. Then came nobility of birth, that bred great ruth through her misfortune's tragic stour, and lastly grief did plead, and many tears forthpour. With the near touch whereof in tender heart the Britain Prince was sore in passionate, and walks incline'd much unto her part, through the sad terror of so dreadful fate, and wretched ruin of so high a state, that for great ruth his courage gan relent, which when, as zeal perceived it to evade, he gan his earnest fervor to augment, and many fearful objects to them to present. Hegan to efforce the evidence anew, and anew accusements to produce in place, he brought forth that old hag of hellish hue, the cursed ate, brought her face to face, who privy was, and party in the case. She glad of spoil and ruinous decay did her a peach, and to her more disgrace the plot of all her practice did display, and all her trains, and all her treasons forth did lay. Then brought he forth with grizzly grim aspect of horrid murder, who with bloody knife, yet dropping fresh in hand, did her detect, and there with guilty blood shed charged rife. Then brought he forth sedition, breeding strife in troublous wits, and mutinous uproar. Then brought he forth incontinence of life, even foul adultery her face before, and lewd impiety that her accuset soar. All which, when as the prince had heard and seen, his former fancies Ruth he gan repent, and from her party effed soonce was drawn clean, but article with constant firm intent, for zeal of justice was against her bent. So was she guilty deemed of them all. Then zeal began to urge her punishment, and to their queen for judgment loudly call, unto Marcella mild for justice against the thrall. But she, whose princely breast was touched near, with piteous Ruth of her so wretched plight, though plain she saw by all, that she did hear, that she of death was guilty found by right, yet would not let just vengeance on her light, but rather let instead thereof to fall, few pearling drops from her fair lamps of light, the which she covering with her purple paw, would have the passion hid, and up arose with all. THE LEGEND OF ARTAGAL BOOK V, CANTO X, THE LEGEND OF ARTAGAL BOOK V, CANTO X, THE LEGEND OF ARTAGAL Prince Arthur takes the enterprise for Belgi fortified, Geronio's Seneschal he slays in Belgi's right. Some clerks do doubt in their divisful art, whether this heavenly thing whereof I treat, to wheat and mercy, be of justice part, or drawn forth from her by divine extreat. This well I wote, that sure she is as great, and merited to have as high a place, sit in the Almighty's everlasting seat, she first was bred, and born of heavenly race, from thence poured down on men by influence of grace. Or if that virtue be of so great might, which from just verdict will for nothing start, but to preserve inviolated right, oft spills the principle to save the part, so much more than is that of power and art, that seeks to save the subject of her skill, yet never doth from doom of right depart, as it is greater praise to save than spill, and better to reform, than to cut off the ill. Who then can thee, Marcilla, truly praise, that herein dost all earthly princes pass? What heavenly muse shall thy great honour raise, up to the skies, whence first derived it was, and now on earth itself enlarge it has, from the utmost brink of the americ shore, unto the margin of the millicas? Those nations far thy justice do adore, but thine own people do thy mercy praise much more. Much more it praised was of those two knights, the noble prince and righteous article, when they had seen and heard her doom arise, against Duesa, damned by the mole. But by her tempered without grief or gull, till strong constraint did her there to enforce, and yet even then, ruin her willful fall, with more than needful natural remorse, and yielding the last honour to her wretched course. During all which those knights continued there, both doing and receiving courtesies, of that great lady who with goodly cheer them entertained fit for their dignities, approving daily to their noble eyes, royal examples of her mercies rare, and worthy patterns of her clemencies, which till this day, amongst many living are, who them, to their posterities, do still declare. Amongst the rest, which in that space befell, there came two sprinkles of full tender years, far thence from foreign land, where they did dwell, to seek for succour of her and her peers, with humble prayers and entreatful tears, sent by their mother, who a widow was, wrapped in great dullers and in deadly fears, by a strong tyrant who invaded her land and slain her children roofily alas. Her name was Belgue, who in former age a lady of great worth and wealth had been, and mother of a fruitful heritage, even seventeen goodly sons, which who had seen in their first flower, before this fatal teen them overtook, and their fair blossoms blasted. More happy mother would her surely wean, than famous Naiobah, before she tasted Leitone's children's wrath, that all her issue wasted. But this fell tyrant, through his tortious power, had left her now but five of old up-brewed, for twelve of them he did by time's devour, and to his idols sacrificed their blood. But as he of none was stopped, nor withstood, for soothly he was one of matchless might, of horrible aspect and dreadful mood, and had three bodies in one vast impight, and arms and legs of three to succour him in fight. And sooth they say, that he was born and bred of giants' race, the son of Geryon. He that willow in Spain so sore was dread, for his huge power and great oppression, which brought that land to his subjection, through his three bodies' power in one combined, and eek all strangers in that region, arriving to his kin for food assigned, the fairest kin alive but of the fiercest kind. For they were all, they say, of purple hue, kept by a covered height Eurytion, a cruel carl, the which all strangers slew, Nidane or night did sleep to tend them on, but he walked about them ever and on, with his two-headed dog, that Orthros height, Orthros begotten by great typhoon, and foul echidna in the house of night, but Hercules them all did overcome in fight. His son was this, Geryonio height, who after that his monstrous father fell under Alquides club, straight took his flight from that sad land where he hisire did quell, and came to this where Belge then did dwell, and flourish in all wealth and happiness, being then new maid widow, as befell, after her noble husband's late decease, which gave beginning to her woe and wretchedness. Then this bold tyrant of her widow head, taking advantage, and her yet fresh woes, himself and service to her offered, her to defend against all foreign foes, that should their power against her right oppose, whereof she glad, now needing strong defence, him entertained, and did her champion chose, which long he used with careful diligence, the better to confirm her fearless confidence. By means whereof she did at last commit all to his hands, and gave him sovereign power, to do whatever he thought good or fit, which having got, he gone forth from that hour to stir up strife, and many a tragic star, giving her dearest children, one by one, unto a dreadful monster to devour, and setting up an idol of his own, the image of his monstrous parent, Garyon. So tyrannizing and oppressing all, the woeful widow had no means now left, but unto gracious great Marcilla Cole for aid against the cruel tyrant's theft, ere all her children he from her had reft, therefore these two, her eldest son she sent, to seek for succour of this lady's gift, to whom their suit they homely did present, in the earing of full many knights and ladies gent. Amongst the which then fortune'd to be, the noble Britain Prince, with his brave peer, who when he none of all those knights did see hastily bent that enterprise to hear, or undertake the same for coward fear, he stepped forth with courage bold and great, admired of all the rest in presence there, and humbly gand that mighty queen entreat, to grant him that adventure for his former feet. She gladly granted it, then he straight away himself unto his journey-gan prepare, and all his armours ready died that day, that not the morrow next moat's day his fair, the morrow next appeared with purple hair yet dropping fresh out of the Indian fount, and bringing light into the heavens fair, when he was ready to his steed to mount unto his way, which now was all his care and count. Then taking humble leave of that great queen, who gave him royal gifts and riches rare, as tokens of her thankful mind be seen, and leaving article to his own care, upon his voyage forth he gand to fare, with those two gentle youths which him did guide, and all his way before him still prepare. Nay, after him did article abide, but on his first adventure forward forth did ride. It was not long till that the prince arrived within the land where dwelt that lady sad, whereof that tyrant had her now deprived, and into moors and marshes banished had, out of the pleasant soil and city's glad, in which she want to harbour happily, but now his cruelty so sore she draught, that to those fends for fastness she did flee, and there herself did hide from his hard tyranny. There he her found in sorrow and dismay, all solitary without living white, for all her other children through a fray had hid themselves or taken further flight, and eek herself through sudden strange of fright, when one in arms she saw began to flee, but when her own two sons she had in sight, she gand take heart, and look up joyfully, for while she wished this night came, succor to supply. And running unto them with greedy joys, fell straight about their necks as they did kneel, and bursting forth in tears, ah my sweet boys said she, yet now again new life to feel, and feeble spirits that gand faint and reel, now rise again at this your joyous sight, already seems that fortune's headlong wheel begins to turn, and some to shine more bright, than it was want, through comfort of this noble night. Then turning unto him, and use her night, said she, that take and have this toilsome pain for wretched woman, miserable white, may you in heaven immortal gird and gain, for so great travel as you do sustain, for other need may hope for none of me, to whom not else but bare life toth remain, and that so wretched one as ye do see, is like her lingering death than loaded life to be. Much was he moved with her piteous plight, and load his mountain from his lofty steed, gand to her comfort her all that he might, seeking to drive away deep-rooted dreed, with hope of help in that her greatest need. So then she wished her with him to wend, unto some place where they moat rest and feed, and she take comfort which God now did send, good heart in evils doth the evils much amend. I, me, said she, and whether shall I go, are not all places full of foreign powers? My palaces possess it of my foe, my cities sacked, and their sky-threatening towers raced and made smooth fields now full of flowers. See these marshes, and merry bogs, in which the fearful youths do build their boughs, yield me an Austria amongst these croken frogs, and harbour here in safety from those ravenous dogs. Nevertheless, said he, dear lady, with me go, some place shall us receive and harbour yield? If not, we will at force mugger your foe, and purchase it to us with spear and shield. And if all fail, yet farewell open field, the earth to all her creatures lodging lends, with such his cheerful speeches he doth wield her mind so well, that to his will she bends, and binding up her locks and weeds forth with him winds. They came unto a city far upland, though which, while on that lady's own had been, but now by force exhort out of her hand, by her strong foe, who had defaced clean her stately towers, and build in a sunny sheen, shut up her haven, marred her merchants' trade, robbed her people that full rich had been, and in her neck a castle huge had made, the which did her command without need in persuade. That castle was a strength of all that state, until that state by strength was pulled down, and that same city, so now ruinate, had been the key of all that kingdom's frown, both goodly castle, and both goodly town, till that the fended heavens list to lower upon their bliss and baleful fortune frown, when those against states and kingdoms to conjure, who then can think their headlong rule to recur. But he had brought it now, and servile bond, and made it bear the yoke of inquisition, striving long time in vain at two at stand, yet glad at last to make most base submission, and life and joy for any composition. So now he hath new laws and orders new, imposed on it, with many a hard condition, and forced it the honour that is due to God, to do unto his idol most untrue. To him he hath before this castle green, built a fair chapel, and an altar framed of costly ivory full rich be seen, on which that cursed idol far proclaimed. He hath set up, and him his God hath named, offering to him in sinful sacrifice the flesh of men, to God's own likeness framed, and pouring forth their blood and brutish wise, that any iron eyes to see it would arise. And for more horror, and more cruelty unto that cursed idol's alter-stone and hideous monster doth in darkness lie, whose dreadful shape was never seen of none that lives on earth, but unto those alone, the witch unto him sacrificed it be. Those he devours, they say, both flesh and bone, what else they have is all the tyrant's fee, so that no wit of them remaining one may see. There Eek he placed a strong garrison, and set a center-shot of dreaded night, that by his power presseth every one, and vanquished all ventrous nights in fight. To whom he won't show all the shame he might, after that them in battle he had won. To which, when now they got approach in sight, the lady counselled on the place to shun, whereas so many nights had foully been fordone. Her fearful speeches not did he regard, but riding straight unto the castle wall, called aloud unto the watchful ward, which there did wait, willing them forth to call unto the field their tyrant's seneschal. To whom, when tidings thereof came, he straight calls for his arms, and arming him with all, Eftsoon's forthpriced proudly in his might, and Ghan with courage fierce address him to the fight. They both encounter in the middle plain, and their sharp spears do both together smite amid their shields, with so huge might and mane, that seemed their souls they would have riven quite out of their breasts with furious despite. Yet could the seneschals no entrance find unto the prince's shield, where it impite, so pure the metal was, and well refined, but shivered all about, and scattered in the wind. Not so the princes, but with restless force into his shielded ready passage found, both through his harborean and ica's course, which tumbling down upon the senseless ground, gave leave unto his ghost from prodrum bound, to wander in the greasely shades of night. Where did the prince him leave, and deadly swooned, and thence unto the castle marched right to see if entrance there as yet obtain he might? But as he nire drew, three knights he spied, all armed to point, issuing forth a pace, which toward him with all their power did ride, and meeting him right in the middle race did all their spears at tons on him a chance. As three great coverings for battery bent, and levelled all against one certain place, to all atons their thunders rage forth rent, that makes the walls to stiver with astonishment. So all at once they on the prince's thunder, who from his saddle swerved not aside, neither their force gave way, that was great wonder, but like a bullock firmly did abide, rebutting him which in the midst did ride, with so huge rigor that his mortal spear passed through his shield, and pierced through either side, that down he fell upon his mother dear, and poured forth his wretched life in deadly drear. Who when his other fellows saw they fled, as fast as feet could carry them away, and after them the prince's swiftly sped to be avenged of their unnightly play. There whilst they entering, thundered others say, the hindmost in the gate he overhent, and as he pressed in, him there did slay, his cartless tumbling on the threshold, and his groaning soul onto her place of punishment. The other, which was entered, laboured fast to spear the gate, but that same lump of clay whose grudging ghost was thereout fled and passed, right in the midst of the threshold lay, that it the postern did from closing stay, and whilst the prince hurried, prized in between, and entrance one, straight the other fled away, and ran into the hall where he did wean himself to save, but he there slew him at the screen. Then all the rest, which in that castle were, seeing that sad and sampled them before, durced not a bite, but fled away for fear, and then conveyed out at a postern door, long sought the prince, but when he found no more to pose against his power he forth issued, unto that lady, where he her had lore, and her ganchere, with what she there had viewed, and what she had not seen, within unto her should. Who, with right humble thanks him goodly greeting, for so great prowess as he there had proved, much greater than was ever in her weeding, with great admyrance, inwardly was moved and honoured him, with all that her behooped. Thence forth into that castle he her led, with her two sons, right dear of her beloved, where all that knight themselves they cherished, and from her baleful mind all care he banished. Prince Arthur overcomes the great Garonneo in fight, doth slay the monster and restore Belge unto her right. It often falls in course of common life that right long time is overborn of wrong, through avarice or power or guile or strife that weakens her and makes her party strong. But justice though her doom she dupre long, yet at the last she will her own cause right. As by sad Belge seems, whose wrongs though long, she suffered, yet at length she did requite, and sent redress thereof by this brave Britain knight. Whereof when news was to that tyrant brought, how that the lady Belge now had found a champion that had with his champion fought, and laid his Sennacher low on the ground, and Eke himself did threaten to confound. He began to burn in rage and freeze in fear, doubting sad end of principle and sound. Yet Sithy heard but one that it appear, he did himself encourage and take better cheer. Nevertheless, himself he armed all in haste, and forth he fared with all his many bad, and he stayed stead till that he came at last unto the castle which they conquered had. There with huge terror to be more he dread, he sternly marched before the castle gate, and with bold vaunts and idle threatening bad, deliver him his own, ere yet too late, to which they had no right nor any wrongful state. The prince stayed not his answer to devise, but opening straight the spar forth to him came, full nobly mounted in right war like wise, and asked him, if that he were the same, who all that wrong unto that woeful dame, so long had done, and from her native land exiled her, that all the world spake shame. He boldly answered him, he there did stand, that what his doings justify with his own hand. With that so furiously at him he flew, as if he would have overrun him straight, and with his huge great iron axe gank you so hideously upon his armor bright, as he to pieces would have chopped it quite, that the bold prince was forced foot to give to his first rage, and yield to his despite, the wildest at him so dreadfully he drive, that seemed a marble rock asunder could arrive. There too a great advantage he has, through his three double hands thrice multiplied, besides the double strength which in them was, for still when fit occasion did betide, he could his weapon shift from side to side, from hand to hand, and with such nimblest sly could wield about, that ere it were spied, the wicked stroked it wound his enemy, behind, beside before, as he at least apply. Which uncouth use, when as the prince perceived, he gann to watch the wielding of his hand, leased by such slight he were unaware is deceived, and ever ear he saw the stroke to land, he would it meet, and warily withstand. One time when he his weapon feign to shift, as he was want and change from hand to hand, he met him with a counter stroke so swift, that quite smite off his arm, as he it up did lift. Their whip all fraught with fury and disdain, he braided aloud for very fell despite, and suddenly to avenge himself again, gann into one assemble all the might of all his hands, and heaved them on height, thinking to pay him with that one for all. But the sad steel seized not where it was height, upon the child but somewhat shorted full, and lighting on his horse's head, him quite did mow. Dan straight to ground fell his astonished steed, and eek to the earth his burden with him bear, but he himself full lightly from him freed, and gann himself to fight on foot prepare. Whereof, when as a giant was aware, he walks right blight as he had got thereby, and laughed so loud that all his teeth wide bear, one might have seen in range disorderly, like two a rank of piles that pitch it or awry. If soon again his axe he wrought on high, ere he were thoroughly buckled to his gear, and can let drive at him so dreadfully, that had he chance not a shield to rear, ere that huge stroke arrived on him near, he had him surely cloven quite entwain, but adamantine shield which he did bear, so well was tempered that for all his main it would no passage yield unto his purpose vain. Yet was the stroke so forcibly applied, that made him stagger with uncertain sway, as if he would have tottered to one side, wherewith full rot he fiercely ganna say, that curtsy with like kindness to repay, and smote at him what so importun might, that two more of his arms did fall away, like fruitless branches, which the hatchet slight, have pruned from the native tree, and cropped quite. With that all mad and furious he grew, like a fell mastiff through enraging heat, and cursed and banned and blasphemies forth through against his gods, and fire to them did threat, and hell unto himself with horror great. Thenceforth he cared no more of which way he stroke, no where at light, but gowned to chafe and sweat, and gnashed his teeth, and his head at him shook, and sternly him beheld with grim and ghastly look. Not feared the child his looks, me yet his threats, but only waxed now the more aware, to save himself from those his furious heats, and watch advantage how to work his care, the which good fortune to him offered fair, for as he in his rage him overstruck, he ere he could his weapon back repair, his side all bare and naked overtook, and with his mortal steel quite through the body struck. Through all three bodies he him struck at once, that all the three at once fell on the plane. Else should he thrice have needed for the nuns, them to have stricken, and thrice to have slain. So now all three once senseless lump remain, enwallowed in his own black bloody gore, and biting the earth for very death disdain, who with a cloud of night him covering bore down to the house of Doe, his days there to deplore. Which when the lady from the castle saw, where she with her two sons did looking stand, she towards him in her haste herself to draw, to greet him the good fortune of his hand. And all the people both of town and land, which there stood gazing from the city's wall, upon these warriors greedy to understand, to whether should the victory befall, now when they saw it form, they eek him greeted all. But Belge with her sons prostrated low before his feet in all that people's sight, amongst joys mixing some tears, amongst wheelsome woe, him thus bespeak, almost redoubted night, the witch hast me of almost wretched white, that erst was dead restored to life again, and these weak imps replanted by thy might. What girdon can I give thee for thy pain, but even that which thou savest thine still to remain? He took her up for by the lily hand, and her recompreted the best he might, saying, dear lady, deeds ought not be scanned by the author's manhood nor the doer's might, but by their trueth, and the cause is right. That same is it which fought for you this day. What other mead then need me to requite, but that which yielded virtues mead all way? That is the virtue self, which her reward doth pay. She humbly thanked him for that wondrous grace, and further said, as, sir, but moat he please, sit ye thus far have tendered my poor case, as from my chiefest foamy to release, that your victorious arm will not yet cease, till ye have routed all the relics out of that wild race and established my peace. What is there else, said he, left of the root, declare it boldly dame, and do not stand in debt. Then, woe to you, sir, that in this church hereby, there stands an idol of great note and name, the which this giant reared first on high, and of his own vain fancies thought to frame, to whom for endless horror of his shame, he offered up for daily sacrifice my children and my people burnt in flame, with all the tortures that he could devise, the more it aggrate his God with such his bloody guise. And, underneath this idol, there doth lie an idious monster, that doth it defend, and feeds on all the carcasses that die in sacrifice unto that cursed fiend, whose ugly shape none ever saw nor caned, that ever escaped, for of a man they say, it has the voice that speeches forth doth send, even blasphemous words, which she doth bray, out of her poisonous entrails, fraught with dire decay. Which, when the prince heard tell, his heart gann earn for great desire that monster to assay, and pray the place of her abode to learn, which being showed, he gann himself straightway, there to address, and his bright shield display. So to the church he came, where it was told, the monster underneath the altar lay, there he that idol saw, massy gold, most richly made, but there he was, massy gold, most richly made, but there no monster did behold. Upon the image with his naked blade, three times as in defiance there he struck, and the third time out of an hidden shade, therefore issued from under the altar smoke, a dreadful fiend with foul deformant look, that stretched itself, as it had long line still, and her long tail and feathers strongly shook, that all the temple did with terror fill. Yet him not terrified, that feared nothing ill. An huge great beast it was, when it in length was stretched forth, that nigh filled all the place, and seemed to be of infinite great strength, horrible, hideous, and of hellish race, born of the brooding of Echnida base, or other like infernal fury's kind, for of a maid she had the outward face, to hide the horror which should lurk behind, the better to be guile whom she so fond did find. There too the body of a dog she had, full of fell raven and fierce greediness, a lion's claws with power and rigor clad, to rend and tear what so she can oppress, a dragon's tail whose sting without redress full deadly wounds where so it is in bite, and eagle's wings for scope and speediness, that nothing may escape her reaching might, where too she ever lives to make her hardy flight. Much like in foulness and deformity, unto that monster whom the Theban knight, the father of that fatal progeny, made kill herself for very hearts despite, that he had read her riddle, which no white could ever lose, but suffer deadly duel. So also did this monster use like slight, to many a one which came unto her school, whom she did put to death, deceived like a fool. She coming forth, when as she first beheld the armoured prince with shields so blazing bright, her ready to assail was greatly quelled, and much dismayed with that dismayful sight, that back she would have turned for great fright, but he done her with courage fierce assay, that forced her turn again in her despite, to save herself, least that he did her slay, and sure he had her slain had she not turned her way. Though when she saw that she was forced to fight, she flew at him like to an elish fiend, and on his shield took hold with all her might, as if that itch she would in pieces rend, or weave out of the hand that it did attend. Strongly he strove out of her greedy grip, to lose his shield and long while did contend. But when he could not quite it, with one strip, her lion's claws he from her feet awaited whip. With that allowed she ghan to bray and yell, and foul blasphemous speeches forth did cast, and bitter curses horrible to tell, that even the temple wherein she was plastered, did quake to hear, and niasunder brust. Though with her huge long tail she at him struck, that made him stagger and stand half aghast, with trembling joints as he for terror shook, who not was terrified, but greater courage. As when the mast of some well-timbered hook, is with the blast of some outrageous storm blown down, it shakes the bottom of the bulk, and makes her ribs to crack as they were torn, while still she stands astonished and forlorn. So was he stood with stroke of her huge tail, but ear that itch she back again had borne, he with his sword it struck, that without fail he jointed it and marred the swinging of her flail. Then ghan she cry much louder than a four, that all the people therewith out it heard, and belge herself was therewith stoned its sore, as if the only sound thereof she feared. But then the fiend herself more fiercely reared, upon her wide great wings and strongly flew, with all her body at his head and beard, that had he not foreseen with heedful view, and thrown his shield at wean, she had him done to rue. But as she pressed on him with heavy sway, under her womb his fatal sword he thrust, and for her entrails made an open way to issue forth, the witch once being brushed, like to a great mill, dam forth fiercely gushed and powered out of her infernal sink, most ugly filth, and poison therewith rushed, that him night choked with the deadly stink, such loathly matter were small thus to speak or think. Then down to ground fell that deformed mass, breathing out clouds of sulfur foul and black, in which a puddle of contagion was, more loathed and learned, or then steed in lake, that any man would nigh of what would make. Whom when he saw on ground he was full glad, and straight went forth his gladness to partake, with Belger who watched all this while full sad, waiting what end would be of that same danger draught. Whom when she saw so joyously come forth, she gone rejoice, and shew triumphant cheer, lauding and praising his renownment worth, by all the names that honourable were. Then in he brought her, and shewed there the present of his pains, that monsters spoil, and eek that idle deems so costly dear, whom he all two pieces did break and foil, in filthy dirt, and left so in the loathly soil. Then all the people which beheld that day, gone shout aloud that unto heaven it run, and all the damsels of that town and ray, came dancing forth in joyous carols song. So him they led through all their streets along, crowned with girlens of immortal bays, and all the vulgar did about them throng, to see the man whose everlasting praise, they all were bound to all posterities to raise. There he with Belger did a while remain, making great feast and joyous merriment, until he had her settled in her reign, with safe assurance and establishment. Then to his first in prize his mind he lent, full loath to Belger and to all the rest, of whom yet taking leave, thenceforth he went, and to his former journey him addressed, on which long way he rode, and the ever day did rest. But turn we now to noble article, who having left Merciless straight way went, on his first quest, the which him forth did call, and week to work, ereign his franchisement, and eek grand tortoise worthy punishment, so forth he fared as his manner was, with one metallus waiting diligent, through many perils and much-weighted paths, to a knight unto the place at length approach he has. There as he travelled by the way, he met an aged white wayfaring all alone, who through his years long since aside had set the use of arms and battle quite foregone, to whom as he approached he knew a nun, that it was he which while on did attend, unfair Irene on her affliction, one first to fairy court he saw her wend, unto his sovereign queen her sweet tour to command. Whom by his name saluting Vossigan, Hale, good sur-surgis, truest knight alive, well-trived and all thy ladies' troubles then, when her that tyrant did of crown deprive. What new occasion doth thee hither drive, whilst she alone is left, and thou here found? Or is she enthralled, or doth she not survive? To whom he thus she liveth sure and sound, but by that tyrant is in wretched thrall done bound. For she presuming on the pointed tide, in which he promised, as ye were a knight, to meet her at the salvage island side, and then and there for trial of her right, with her unrighteous enemy to fight, did hither come, were she afraid of naught, by guileful treason, and by subtle slight, surprised was, and to grand-tortle brought, who her imprisoned ha, and her life often sought. And now he hath to her prefixed a day, by which, if that no champion do appear, which will her cause in battleous array against him justify, and prove her clear of all those crimes, that he against her doth rear she death shall buy. Those tidings sad, in much abash their article to hear, and grieve its sore that through his fault she had fallen into that tyrant's hand in usage bad. Then thus replied, now sure and by my life, to much am I to blame for that fair maid, that have her drawn to all this troubleous strife, through promise to afford her timely aid, which by default I have not yet afraid, but witness unto me ye heavens, that know how clear I am from blame of this upbraid, for ye into like throld on me did throw, and kept from accomplishing the faith which I did owe. But now arreads their surges how long space hath he her lent a champion to provide. Ten days, quote he, he granted hath of grace, for that he weeneth well before that tide, none can have tidings to assist her side, for all the shores which to the sea accost, he day and night doth ward both far and wide, that none can there arrive without an host. To her he deems already but a damned ghost. Now turn again, sir article, then said, for if I live till those ten days have end, assure yourself, sir knight, she shall have aid, though I this dearest life for her do spend. So backward he at one with him did wend, though as they rode together on their way, a rout of people they before them came, flocking together in confused array, as if that there were some tumultous affray. To which as they approached the cause to know, they saw a knight in dangerous distress, of a rude rout him chasing to and fro, that sought with lawless power him to oppress, and bring in bondage of their brutishness, and far away amid their wrackle bands, they spied a lady left all succourless, crying and holding up her wretched hands, to him for aid, who long in vain their rage withstands. Yet still he strives, near any peril spares, to rescue her from their rude violence, and like a lion would amongst some fares, dealing his dreadful blows with large dispense, against which the pallid death finds no defence, but all in vain their numbers are so great, that not may boot to banish them from thence. For soon as he their outrage back doth beat, they turn afresh, and oft renew their former threat. And now they do so sharply him assay, that they his shield and pieces battered have, and forced him to throw it quite away, for dangers dread his doubtful life to save, all be that it most safety to him gave, and much to magnify his noble name, for from the day that he thus did it leave, amongst all nights he blotted was with blame, and counted but a recurrent night with endless shame, whom when they thus distressed did behold, they drew unto his aid, but that rude rout, them also garner sail with outraged bold, and forced them however strong and stealth they were, as well approved in many a doubt, back to R'ku, until that iron man with his huge flail began to lay about, from whose stern presence they diffused ran, like scattered chaff, the which the wind away doth thumb. So when that night from peril clear was freed, he drawing near began to greet them fair, and yield great thanks for their so goodly deed, and saving him from dangerous despair, of those which sought his life for to impair. Of whom Sir Artigal gan then inquire, the whole occasion of his lateness fair, and who he was, and what those villains were, the which with mortal malice him pursued so near. To whom he thus my name is bourbon height, well known and far renamed here to fore, until late mischief did upon me light, that all my former praise had blemished soar, and that fair lady which in that of roar, ye with those cate of saw, Fleur-dellis height, is mine own love, though me she have forlore, whether withheld from me by wrongful might, or with her own good will, I cannot read or write. But sure to me her faith she first did plight, to be my love, and take me for her lord, till that a tyrant which grantorto height, with golden gifts and many a guileful word, enticed her to him for to accord. O who may not with gifts and words be tempted, sit which she hath me ever since aboard, and to my foe hath guilefully consented, I me that ever guile and women was invented. And now he hath this troop of villains sent, by open force to fetch her quite away, against whom myself by long in vain have bent, to rescue her and daily means assay, yet rescue her thence by no means I may, for they do me with multitude oppress, and with unequal might do overlay, that oft I driven am to great distress, and force to forgo the tempt remedulus. But why hath ye said article, for borne your own good shield in dangerous dismay, that is the greatest shame and foulest scorn, which unto any night behappen may, to lose the badge that should his deeds display, to whom sir bourbon blushing half for shame, that shall I unto you quote he beret, least ye therefore moat happily may blame, and deem it dune of will, but through enforcement came. True is that I at first was dubbed night, by a good night, the night of the Red Cross, who when he gave me arms in field to fight, gave me a shield in which he did endos, his dear redeemer's badge upon the boss. The same long while I bore, and therewithal, fought many battles without wound or loss, therewith grand torto self I did appall, and made him often times in field before me fall. But for that many did the shield envy, and cruel enemies increased more, to stint all strife and troubleous enmity, that bloody scotching being battered sore, I laid aside, and have of late forebore, hoping thereby to have my love obtained, yet can I not my love have neither more, for she by force is still for me detained, and with corruptful bribes is too untruth mistrained. To whom thus article, cert as sir night, hard is the case the which ye do complain, yet not so hard, for not so hard may light, that it to such a straight moat ye constrain, as to abandon that which doth contain your honour's style, that is your warlike shield. All peril ought be less, and less all pain, than loss of fame in disadvantageous field, die rather than do ought that moat dishonour yield. Not so, cookie, for yet when time doth serve, my former shield I may resume again, to temporise is not from truth to swerve, me for advantage term to entertain, when as necessity doth it constrain, fire on such forgery, said article, under one hood to shadow faces twain, nights ought be true, and truth is one in all, of all things to disemble fouly may befall. Yet let me you of courtesy requests, said bourbon, to assist me now at need, against these peasants which have me oppressed, and forced me to so infamous deed, that yet my love may from their hands be freed. Sir article, albeit he erstid white, his wavering mind, yet to his aid agreed, and buckling him eff soons unto the flight, did set upon those troops with all his power and might, who, flocking round about them, as a swarm of flies upon a birch and bow doth cluster, did them assault with terrible alarm, and over all the fields themselves did muster, with bills and glaives making a dreadful luster, that forced at first those nights back to retire, and when the wrathful boreus doth bluster, not may abide the tempest of his ire, both man and beast do fly, and succour do inquire. But when, as overblown was that brunt, those nights began afresh them to assail, and all about the fields like squirrels hunt, but chiefly talus with his iron flail, against which no flight nor rescue motiveil, made cruel havoc of the baser crew, and chased them both over hill and dale. The rascal manee soon they overthrew, but those two nights themselves their captains did subdue. At last they came, whereas that lady bowed, whom now her keepers had forsaken quite, to save themselves and scattered were abroad, her half dismayed they found in doubtful plight, as neither glad nor sorry for their sight. Yet wondrous fair she was, and richly poor she was, and richly clad in royal robes and many jewels died, but that those villains, through their usage bad, them foully rent and shamefully defaced had, but bourbon straight dismounting from his steed, unto her ran with greedy great desire, and catching her fast by her ragged weed, would have embraced her with heart and tire, but she, back starting with disdainful ire, bade him avant, me wooden to his lure allured be, for prayer nor for mead, whom when those nights so forward and for lure beheld, they her rebuked and the braids soar. Said article, what foul disgrace is this, to so fair lady as ye seem in sight, to blot your beauty that unblemished is, would so foul blame as breach of faith once plight, or change of love for any world's delight, is ought on earth so precious or so dear as praise and honour, or is ought so bright and beautiful as glories beams appear, whose goodly light then feebus lamp doth shine more clear. Why then will ye fond dame attempt to be, unto a stranger's love so lightly placed, for gifts of gold or any worldly glee, to leave the love that ye before embraced, and let your fame with falsehood be defaced, fire the pelf for which good name is sold, and honour with indignity debased, dearer is love than life and fame than gold, but dearer than them both your faith once plighted hold. Much was the lady in her gentle mind a bash to this rebuk that bit her near, nor ought to answer their untuited find, but hanging down her head with heavy cheer, stood long amazed as she amated weir, which bourbon seem her again assaid, and clasping twix his arms her opted rear upon his steed, while she no would gain say'd, so bore her quite away, nor well, nor ill a paid. Nevertheless, the iron man did still pursue that rascal many with unpitted spoil, knee-ceased not till all their scattered crew into the sea he drove quite from that soil, the which they troubled had with great turmoil, but Artigal, seeing his cruel deed, commanded him from slaughter to recoil, and to his voyage, gan again proceed, for that the term approaching fast required speed. End of The Fairy Queen by Edmund Spencer. Book 5, Canto 11. Book 5, Canto 12. The Legend of Artigal. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Morgan Scorpion. The Fairy Queen by Edmund Spencer. Book 5, The Legend of Artigal. Canto 12. Artigal doth suburban aid, and blames for changing shield. He with the great grand torto fights, and slayeth him in field. O sacred hunger of ambitious minds, an impotent desire of men to reign, whom neither dread of God that devils binds, nor laws of men that common wheels contain, nor bands of nature that wild beasts restrain, can keep from outrage, and from doing wrong, where they may hope a kingdom to obtain. No faith so firm, no trust can be so strong, no love so lasting then that may endure in long. Witness may bourbon be, whom all the bands which may a knight assure had surely bound, until the love of lordship and of lands made him become most faithless and unsound, and witness be Gary O'Neill found, who for like cause fair Belge did oppress, and right and wrong most cruelly confound, and so be now grand torto, who no less than all the rest burst out to all outrageousness. Against whom, Sir Artigal, long having since taken in hand the exploit, being there too appointed by that mighty fairy prince, great Gloria Anne, that tyrant two-for-do, through other great adventures Heather too had it foreslacked, but now time drawing nigh to him assigned, her high behest to do, to the seashore he gan his way apply, to wheat of shipping ready he moat there to scry. Though when they came to the sea coast, they found a ship already, as good fortune fell to put to sea, with whom they did compound, to pass them over, where them list to tell, the wind and weather served them so well, that in one day they with the coast did fall, whereas they already found them to repel, great hosts of men in order Martial, which them forbad to land, and footing did for store. But neither more would they from land refrain, but when as nigh unto the shore they drew, that foot of man might sound the bottom plain, tell us into the sea did forth assue. Though darts from shore and stones they at him through, and wading through the waves with steadfast sway, Morgoth the might of all those troops in view did win the shore, whence he them chased away, and made to fly like doves, whom the eagle doth affray. The wildster article, with that old knight did forth descend, there being none them near, and forward marched to a town in sight. By this came tidings to the tyrant's ear, by those which erst did fly away for fear of their arrival, where with troubled sore he all his forces straight to him did rear, and forth issuing with his scouts of four, meant them to have encountered ere they left the shore. But ere he marched far he with them met, and fiercely charged them with all his force, but talus sternly did upon them set, and brushed, and battered them without remorse, that on the ground he left full many a course, nor any able was to him withstand, but he them overthrew both man and horse, that they lay scattered over all the land, as thick as doth the seed out of the sore's hand. Till article, him seeing so to rage, willed him to stay, and sign of truth did make, to which all harkening did awhile assuage their forces fury, and their terraced lake, till he and herald called, and to him spake. Willing him went unto the tyrant's straight, and tell him that not for such slaughter's sake he thither came, but for to try the right, or fair Irenaeus calls with him in single fight, and willed him for to reclaim with speed his gutted people, ere they all were slain, and time and place convenient to a reed, in which they too the combat might derain, which message, when Grant Otto heard, full feign and glad was he the slaughter so to stay, and pointed for the combat tricks them twain, the morrow next, nor gave him longer day, so sounded the retreat, and drew his folk away. That night so article did cause his tent there to be pitched on the open plain, for he had given straight commandment, that none should dare him once to entertain, which none doth break, though many would write feign, for fair Irenae, whom they lov'd dear, but yet old Sergus did so well him pain, that from close friends that dared not to appear, he all things did pervay, which for them needful were. The morrow next, that was the dismal day appointed for Irenaeus' death before, so soon as it did to the world display his cheerful face, and light to men restore, the heavy maid, to whom none tidings bore of articles arrival, her to free, looked up with eyes full sad, and heart full sore, weaning her life's last hour then near to be, since no redemption nigh she did nor hear nor see. Then up she rose, and on herself did dite most squalid garments, fit for such a day, and with dull countenance, and with dullful spright, she forth was brought in sorrowful dismay, for to receive the doom of her decay. But coming to the place, and finding there so article, in battleous array, waiting his foe, it did her dead heart cheer, and new life to her lent, in midst of deadly fear. Like as a tender rose in open plain, that with untimely drought nigh withered was, and hung the head, soon as few drops of rain thereon distill, and due her dainty face begins to look up, and with fresh wanted grace, to spread the glory of her leaves gay, such was O'Rena's countenance, such her case, when article she saw in that array, there waiting for the tyrant till it was far day. Who came at length, with proud presumptuous gait, into the field, as if he fearless were, all armed in coat of iron plate, of great defence toward the deadly fear, and on his head a steel cap, he did wear, of colour rusty brown, but sure and strong, and in his hand a huge poleaxe did bear, who still was iron-studded, but not long, with which he want to fight, to justify his wrong. Of stature huge and hideous he was, like to a giant for his monstrous height, and did in strength most sorts of men so pass, nor ever any found his match in might, there too he had great skill in single fight, his face was ugly, and his countenance stern, that could have frayed one with the very sight, and gaped like a gulf, when he did gurn, that whether man or monster one could scarce discern. Soon as he did within the lists appear, with dreadful look he artigal beheld, as if he would have daunted him with fear, and grinning greasely did against him weld his deadly weapon, which in hand he held, but the elfin swain, that oft had seen like sight, was with his ghastly countenance nothing quelled, but gurn him straight to buckle to the fight, and cast his shield about to be in ready plight. The trumpets sound, and they together go with dreadful terror, and with fell intent, and their huge strokes full dangerously bestow to do most damage, where as most they meant. But with such force and fury violent, the tyrant thundered his thick blows so fast, that through the iron walls their way they rent, and even to the vital parts they passed, nor ought could them endure, but all they cleft or brassed. Which cruel outrage one as artig did well avise, thenceforth with weary heed he shunned his strokes wherever they did fall, and way did give unto their graceless speed, as when a skillful mariner doth read a storm approaching, that doth peril threat, he will not bide the danger of such dread, but strikes his sails, and veer with his mainsheet, and leads unto it leave the empty air to beat. So did the fairy knight himself a beer, and stooped off his head from shame to shield, no shame to stoop one's head more high to rear, and much to gain a little forty yield. So stout as knights do an often times infield, but still the tyrant sternly at him laid, and did his iron axe so nimbly wield, that many wounds into his flesh it made, and with his bird-ness blows him soared it overlaid. Yet when as fit advantage he did spy, though whilst the cursed felon high did rear his cruel hand to smite him mortally, under his stroke he to him stepping near, right in the flank him stook with deadly drear, that the gore blood then scushing grievously, did underneath him like a pond-appear, and all his armour did with purple dye. There at he braired loud, and yell'd dreadfully. Yet the huge stroke which he before intended kept on his course as he did it direct, and with such monstrous poise a down descended, that seem would not could him from death protect, but he had welded ward with wise respect, and twixed him and the blow his shield did cast, which there on seizing took no great effect, but biting deep therein did stick so fast, that by no means it back again he forth could rust. Long while he tugged and strove to get it out, and all his power applied thereon too. That he therewith the knight do all about, nevertheless for all that ever he could do, his axe he could not from his shield undo, which article perceiving struck no more, but loosing soon his shield did it forego, and while he comrade was therewith so sore, he gan at him let drive more fiercely than a foe. So well he him pursued, that at the last he stroke him with the quesero on the head, that with the south thereof full sore aghast he staggered to and fro in doubtful stead. Again whilst he him saw so ill-bested, he did him smite with all his might and main, that falling on his mother earth he fed, whom when he saw prostrated on the plain, he likely reft his head to ease him of his pain. Which when the people round about him saw, they shouted all for joy of his success, glad to be quit from that proud tyrant's awe, which with strong power did them long time oppress, and running all with greedy joyfulness to fair Irena at her feet did fall, and her adored with due humbleness, as their true liege and princess natural, and each her champion's glory sounded over all, who straight her leading with meat majesty unto the palace where their kings did reign, did her therein establish peaceably, and to her kingdom's seat restore again, and all such persons, as did late maintain, that that tyrant's part, with close or open aid, he sorely punished with heavy pain, that in short space whilst there with her he stayed, not one was left that does her once have disobeyed. During which time that he did there remain, his study was true justice how to deal, and day and night employed his busy pain how to reform that ragged common-wheel, and that same iron man which could reveal all hidden crimes, through all that realm he sent, to search out those that used to rob and steal, or did rebel against lawful government, on whom he did inflict most grievous punishment. But ere he could reform it thoroughly, he through occasion called it was away, to fairy court, that of necessity, his course of justice he was forced to say, and tell us to revoke from the right way, in which he was that realm for to redress, but Envy's cloud still dimeth virtue's way. So having freed Urena from distress, he took his leave of her, their left in heaviness. Though as he back returned from that land, and there arrived again, whence forth he set, he had not passed far upon the strand, when as two old ill-favored hags he met, by the wayside being together set, two greasely creatures, and to that their faces most foul and filthy were, their garments yet, being all ragged and tattered, their disgraces, did much the more augment, and made most ugly cases. For one of them, that elder did appear, with her dull eyes did seem to look askew, that her misshaped much helped, and her foul hair hung loose and lonesomely. There too her hue was won and lean, that all her teeth awoo, and all her bones might through her cheeks be red, her lips were like walled leather, pale and blue, and as she spake therewith she slavoured. Yet spake she seldom, but thought more, the less she said. Her hands were foul and dirty, never washed in all her life, with long nails overlought, like puttox-claws, with the one of which she scratched her cursed head, although it itch had nought. The other held a snake with venom-fought, on which she fed, and nought hungly, as if that long she had not eaten ought, that round about her jaws one might describe, the bloody gore and poison dripping lonesomely. Her name was Envy, no one well thereby whose nature is to grieve and grudge at all, that every she sees do in praise worthily, whose sight to her is greatest cross, may fall and vexeth so, that makes her eat her gull, for when she wanteth other thing to eat, she feeds on her own more unnatural, and of her own foul entrails makes her meat. Meat fit for such a monstrous diet. And if she hapt of any good to hear, that had to any happily betide, then would she inly fret, and grieve, and tear her flesh for felness, which she inward hid. But if she heard of ill, that any did, or harm, that any had, then would she make great cheer, like one unto a banquet bid, and in another's lost great pleasure-take, as she had got thereby, and gained a great stake. The other nothing better was than she, agreeing in bad will and cankerd kind, but in bad manner they did disagree. For what so envy good or bad did find, she did conceal, and murder her own mind. But this, whatever evil she conceived, did spread abroad, and throw in the open wind, yet this in all her words might be perceived, that all she sought was men's good name to have bereaved. For what so ever good by any said, or doing she heard, she would straight ways invent how to deprave, or sloundersly upgrade, or to construe of a man's intent, and turn to ill the thing that was well meant. Therefore she used often to resort to common haunts, and companies frequent, to harker what any one did good report, to blot the same with blame, or rest in wicked sort. And if that any ill she heard of any, she would it eke, and make much worse by telling, and take great joy to publish it to many, that every matter worse was for her melding, her name was height, detraction, and her dwelling was near to envy, even her neighbor next, a wicked hag, and envy self excelling in mischief. For herself she only vexed, but this same for herself she only vexed, but this same both herself and others eke perplexed. Her face was ugly, and her mouth distort, firming with poison round about her gills, in which her cursed tongue, full sharp and short, appeared like apis sting, that closely kills or cruelly does wound, from so she wills. A dist up in her other hand she had, upon the witch she little spins, but spills, and feigns to weave false tails, and leasings bad, to throw amongst the good, which others had disbred. These two now had themselves combined in one, and linked together against her artigal, for whom they waited as his mortal phone, how they might make him into mischief-fall, for freeing from their snare's arena-thrall. Besides unto themselves they gotten had a monster, which the blatant beastmen call, a dreadful fiend of gods and men, adred, whom they by slights allured, and to their purpose lad. Such were these hags, and so unhandsome dressed, who when they nigh approaching had aspired to artigal return from his late quest, they both arose, and at him loudly cried, as it had been to Shepard's curse had scry'd a ravenous wolf amongst the scattered flocks, and Envy first, as she that first him ey'd, towards him runs, and with rude flaring locks about her ears, does beat her breast and forehead knocks. Then from her mouth the gobbet she does take, the witch while here she was so greedily devouring, even that half-norn snake, and that him throws it most despitefully, the cursed serpent, though she hungrily erstatued thereon, yet was not all so dead, but that some life remained secretly, and as he passed a foe without and dread, bit him behind, that long the mark was to be read. Then the other, coming near, gan him revile and foul e' rail, with all she could invent, saying that he had with unmindly guile and foul abusion both his honor blent, and that bright sword, the sword of justice lent, had stained with reproachful cruelty, in guiltless blood of many an innocent. As for Gran Toto, him with treachery and trains having surprised, he foully did to die. There, too, the blatant beast by them set on, had him began a lout to bark and bay, with bitter rage and felc intention, that all the woods and rocks nigh to that way began to quake and tremble with dismay, and all the air rebellowed again, so dreadfully his hundred tongues did bray, and evermore those hags themselves did pain to sharpen him, and their own cursed tongues did strain. And still, amongst most bitter words they spake, most shameful, most unrightous, most untrue, that they the mildest man alive would make forget his patience, and yield vengeance due to her, that so false slanders at him through, and more to make them pierce and wound more deep, she with the sting which in her vile tongue grew did sharpen them, and in fresh poison steep, yet he passed on and seemed of them to take no keep. But Talas, hearing her so ludely rail and speak so ill of him, that well deserved, would her have chastised with his iron flail, if her so article had not preserved, and him forbidden, who his heast observed so much the more at him, still did she scold, and stones did cast, yet he for naught would swerve from his right course, but still the way did hold to very court, where what him fell shall else be told. End of canto 12, book 5, The Legend of Artigale End of book 5, The Legend of Artigale