 Book 3. Canto Tin, The Legend of Brito Martis This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please go to LibriVox.org The Fairy Queen by Edmund Spencer Book 3. Canto Tin, The Legend of Brito Martis Paradell Rapeth Hellenor Malbecco, her pursues Fines amongst satyrs, wince with him to turn, she doth refuse. The morrow next, so soon as Phoebus' lamp berayed, had the world with early light, and fresh aurora had the shady damp, out of the goodly heaven a movid quite. Fair Brito Mart, into that same fairy night, up rose, forth on their journey far to wind, but Paradell complained, that his late fight with Brito Mart so sore did him offend, that ride he could not, till his hurts he did mend. So forth they fared, but he, behind them stayed, malgray his host who grudged grievously, to house a guest that would be needs obeyed, and of his own him left not liberty. Might wanting measure moveth circuitry, two things he feared, but the third was death, that fierce young man's unruly mystery, his money which he loved as living breath, and his fair wife, whom honest long he kept uneath. But patience perforce he must abide, what fortune and his fate on him will lay. Found is the fear that finds no remedy, yet wherely he watcheth every way, by which he feareth evil happen may, and so the evil thinks by watching to prevent. Nay, doth he suffer her, nor night, nor day, out of his sight herself once too absent. So doth he punish her, and ache himself torment. But Paradell kept better watch than he, and fit occasion for his turn to find. False love, why do men say thou canst not see, and in their foolish fancy feign thee blind, that with thy charms the sharpest sight dost bind, and to thy will abuse. Thou who walkest free, and seeest every secret of the mind, thou seeest all, yet none at all sees thee, all that is by the working of thy deity. So perfect in that art was Paradell, that he, Malbecco's half an eye, did wild. His half an eye he wild wondrous well, and Hellenor's both eyes did ache beguile, both eyes and heart at once, during the while that he there so germed his wounds to heal. That cupid's self at seeing, close did smile, to wheat how he her love away did steal, and bad that none their joyous treason should reveal. The learned lover lost no time, nor tide, that least avantage moat to him afford, yet bore so fair a sail, that none aspired his secret drift, till he her laid aboard. When so in open place, and commune bored, he fortune'd her to meet, with commune's speech, he courted her, yet baited every word, that his un-gentle host note him a peach, a vile un-gentleness, or hospitages breach. But when apart, if ever her apart, he found, then his false engines fast he plied, and all the slights unbosomed in his heart, he sighed, he sobbed, he swoon'd, he paired, he died, and cast himself on ground, her fast beside. Though when again he him bethought to live, he wept, and wailed, and false laments belied, saying, but if she mercy would him give, that moat all gates die, yet did his death forgive. And other wiles with amorous delights, and pleasing toys he would her entertain, now singing sweetly to surprise her sprites, now making lays of love and lover's pain. Bransils, ballads, viriles, and verses vain, oft purposes, oft riddles he devised, and thousands like which flow'd in his brain, with which he fed her fancy and enticed, to his new love, and leave her old despised. And everywhere he might, and every while, he did her service dutiful, and sow'd at hand with humble pride, and pleasing guile, so closely yet that none but she it viewed, who well perceived it all, and all endued. Thus finally did he, his false nets, disbred, with which he many weak hearts had subdued, of yore and many had elike mislead. What wonder then if she were likewise carried? No fort so fincable, no walls so strong, but that the continual battery will writhe, or daily siege through disproveyance long, and lack of rescues will to parlay drive, and peace that unto parlay ear will give, will short lay yield itself, and will be made the vassal of the victors will be live. That stratagem had often times assaid, this crafty paramour, and now it plain displayed, for through his trains he her entrap it hath, that she her love and heart hath wholly sold to him, without regard of gain or scath, or care of credit, or of husband old, whom she hath vowed to dub a fair cacold, not once but time and place, which shortly she devised it hath, and to her lover told, it pleas it well, so well they both agree, so ready ripe to ill, ill women's councils be. Dark was the evening, fit for lover's stealth, and since Malbeco busy be elsewhere, she to his closet went, where all his wealth lay hid, thereof she countless sums did rear, the which she meant away with her to bear. The rest she fired for sport, or for despite, as Helen when she saw aloft appear the Trojan flames, and reach to heaven's height did clap her hands, and hide at that doleful sight. This second Helen, fair dame, Helenore, the while her husband ran with sorry haste, to quench the flames which she had timed before, laughed at his foolish labor spent in waste, and ran into her lover's arms right fast, where straight embraced she to him did cry, and call aloud for help, ere help were passed, for aloh that guest would bear her forcibly and meant to ravish her that rather had to die. The wretched man hearing her call for aid, and ready seeing him with her to fly, in his disquiet mind was much dismayed, but when again he backward cast his eye, and saw the wicked fire so furiously consume his heart, and scorch his idol's face, he was there with distressive diversely, and I wished he how to turn nor to what place, was never wretched man in such a woeful case. I went to him, she cried, to her he turned, and left the fire, love money overcame, but when he marked how his money burned, he left his wife, money did love disclaim, both was he loathed to lose his lovable dame, and loathed to leave his leafest pelf behind, yet Sithi note save both, he saved that same which was the dearest to his dunghill mind, the god of his desire, the joy of miser's blind. Thus, whilst all things in trouble's uproar were, and all men busy to suppress the flame, the loving couple need no rescue fear, but leisure had and liberty to frame their purposed flight, free from all men's reclaim, and a knight, the patroness of love-stealth fair, gave them safe conduct till to end they came, so being they gone of fear, a wanton pair of lovers loosely knit, were lest them to repair. Soon as the cruel flames he slaked were, Malbeco seeing how his loss did lie, out of the flames which he had quenched quite ear, into huge waves of grief and jealousy, full deep in plunge it was, and drown it nigh. Twixed inward duel and felonous despite, he raided, he wept, he stamped, he loud did cry, and all the passions that in man may light, did him at once oppress and vex his cative sprite. Long thus he charred the cud of inward grief, and did consume his gall with anguish sore, still when he mused on his late mischief, then still the smart thereof increased it more, and seemed more grievous than it was before. At last, when sorrow he saw booted not, nay grief might not his love to him restore. He again devised how her he rescue moat, ten thousand ways he cast in his confused thought, at last resolving like a pilgrim poor, to search her forth, where so she might be found, and bearing with him treasure in close store, the rest he leaves in ground. So takes in hunt to seek her end long, both by sea and land, long he her sought. He sought her far and near, and everywhere that he moat understand, what nights and ladies any meetings were, and of each one he met, he tidings did inquire. But all in vain his woman was too wise ever to come into his clouch again, and he too simple ever to surprise the jolly peridale for all his pain. One day as he forepassed by the plain with weary pace, he far away aspired a couple, seeming well to be his twain, which hope it close under a forest side, as if they lay in wait or else themselves did hide. Where we need he that those the same moat be, and as he better did their shape of eyes, him seem it more their manner did agree, for the one was arm it all in war likewise, whom to be peridale he did devise, and the other all eclad in garments light, discolored like to womanish disguise. He did resemble to his lady bright, and ever his faint heart much earn in at the sight. And ever feign he towards them would go, but he had to durst not for dread approaching nigh, but stood aloof, unwitting what to do. Till that pricked forth with love's extremity, that is the father of foul jealousy, he closely nearer crept the truth to wheat, but as he nigher drew he easily might cern, that it was not his sweetest sweet, nigh yet her belemore the partner of his sheet. But it was scornful braggadocio, that with his servant trumpet hovered there, sith late he fled from his two earnest foe, whom such when Esmael Beko spied clear, he turned it back and would have fled a rear, till trumpet, running hastily, him did stay, in the bed before his sovereign lord appear. That was him loathe, yet to durst he not gain say, and coming him before, lo, louted on the lay. The boaster at him sternly bent his brow, as if he could have killed him with his look, that to the ground him meekly made to bow, and awful terror deep into him strook, that ever remember of his body cook. Said he, thou man of nought, what durst thou here, unfitly furnished with thy bag and book, where I expected one with shield and spear to prove some deeds of arms upon an equal pier. The wretched man at his imperious speech was all abashed and lo, prostrating said, Good sir, let not my rudeness be no breach hung to your patience, may be eerily paid, for I unwares this way by fortune strayed. A silly pilgrim driven to distress, let's seek a lady, there he suddenly stayed, and did the rest with grievous sighs suppress, while tears stood in his eyes, few drops of bitterness. What lady man, said trumpet, take good heart and tell thy grief if any hidden lie, was never better time to shoe thy smart than now that noble sucker is thee by, that is the whole world's commune remedy, that cheerful word his weak heart much did cheer, and with vain hope his spirits faint supply, that bold he said, O most redoubted pier, vouchsafe with mild regard a wretched case to hear. Then sighing soar, it is not long, said he, since I enjoyed the gentlest dame alive, of human night, no night at all, pierdy, but shame of all that to do for honour strive. By treacherous deceit did me deprive, through open outrage he her bore away, and with foul force unto his will did drive, which all good nights, that arms do bear this day, are bound far to revenge, and punish if they may. And you, most noble lord that can and dare redress the wrong of miserable white, cannot implore your most victorious spear in better quarrel than defence of right, and for a lady against a faithless night, so shall your glory be advanced much, and all fair ladies magnify your might. Indeek myself, albeit I simple such, your worthy pain, shall well reward with garedon rich. With that out of his budget forth he drew great store of treasure there with him to tempt, but he, on it looked scornfully askew, as much disdaining to be so misdamped, or a warmonger to be basely nempt, and said, thy offer's base I greatly loathe, and eek thy words uncurtious and unkempt, I tread in dust thee and thy money both, that would it not for shame, so turned him from wroth. But trumpet, that his master's humour knew, in lofty looks to hide an humble mind, was inlay tickled with that golden view, and in his ear him rounded close behind, yet stooped he not, but lay still in the wind, waiting advantage on the prey to seize. Till trumpet lowly to the ground inclined, besought him his great courage to appease, and pardon, simple man, that rash did him displease. Big looking, like a dowty deuce-pair, at last he thus, thou clawed of vilest clay, I pardon yield, and with thy rudeness bear, but wheat, henceforth, that all, that golden prey, and all that else the vain, world vaunt and may, I loathe as dung. Nadine, mind you reward, fame is my mead, and glory virtue's prey, but minds of mortal men are muchle-marred, and moved amiss with massy muck's unmeat regard. And more, I grant to thy great misery gracious respect, thy wife shall back be sent, and that vile knight, whoever that he be, which hath thy lady reft, and knighthood shant, by Sanglamort my sword, whose deadly dent the blood hath of so many thousands shed, I swear, ere long shall dearly it repent. Nay, he twixt heaven and earth shall hide his head, but soon he shall be found, and shortly durn be dead. The foolish man there at walk's wondrous blithe, as if the word so spoken were half done, and humbly thanked him a thousand sith, that had from death to life him newly won. The fourth, the boaster marching, brave, begun his stolen steed to thunder furiously, as if he heaven and hell would overrun, and all the world confound with cruelty, that much Malbeco joyed in his jollity. Thus long they three together traveled, through many a wood and many an uncouth way, to seek his wife that was far wander'red, but to those two sought not, but the present prey, to wheat the treasure which he did beray, on which their eyes and hearts were wholly set, with purpose how they might it best betray. For sith the hour that first he did them let the same behold, therewith their king desires were quet. For sith the hour that first he did them let the same behold, therewith their king desires were quet. It fortunate, as they together fared, they spied where peridale came pricking fast, upon the plain, the which himself prepared to juist with that brave, stronger knight a cast, as on adventure by the way he passed. Alone he rode without his paragon, for having filched her bells, her up he cast to the wide world, and let her fly alone. He not be clogged, so had he served many one. The gentle lady loose at random left, the green wood long did walk, and wonder-wide at wild adventure, like a forlorn weft, till on a day the satyrs her aspied, straying alone without in groom or guide, her up they took, and with them home her led, with them as housewife ever to abide, to milk their goats and make them cheese and bread, and every one is common good her handling. That shortly she, Malbeco, has forgot, and aches her peridale, all were he dear, who from her went to seek another lot, and now by fortune was arrived here, where those two-guilers with Malbeco were. Soon as the old man saw Sir Peridale, he fainted, and was almost dead with fear, near word he had to speak, his grief to tell, but to him lauded low, and greeted goodly well. And after asked him for Hellenor, I take no keep of her, said Peridale, she wandeth in the forest there before, so forth he rode as his adventure fell. The wiles the boaster from his lofty cell feigned to a light, something amiss to mend, but the fresh swaying would not his leisure dwell, but went his way, whom when he pass it canned, he up remounted light, and after feigned to end. Peridale said Malbeco, shall ye not, but let him pass as lightly as he came, for little good of him is to be got, and a nickel-peril to be put to shame, but let us go to seek, my dearest Dame, whom he hath left in yonder forest wild, for of her safety, in great doubt I am. Least salvage beasts her person have despoiled, then all the world is lost, and we in vain have toiled. They all agree, and forward them addressed, ah, but, said crafty trumpet, weety well that yonder, in that wasteful wilderness, huge monsters haunt, and many dangers dwell, dragons and minotaurs and fiends of hell, and many wild woodmen, which rob and rind all travelers, therefore advise ye well, before ye enterprise that way to end. One may his journey bring too soon to evil end. Malbeco stopped in great astonishment, and with pale eyes, fast fixed on the rest, their council craved in danger imminent. Said a trumpet, you that are the most oppressed with burden of great treasure, I think best here for to stay in safety behind. My Lord, and I will search the wide forest. That council, please it not, Malbeco's mind, for he was much afraid, himself alone, to find. Then is it best, he said, that ye do leave your treasure here in some security, either fast, close it in some hollow grieve, or buried in the ground, from jeopardy, till we return again in safety. As for us two, least doubt of us ye have, hence far away we will blindfolded lie, nay privy be unto your treasure's grave. It pleased it, so he did. Then they marched forward brave. Now when amid the thickest woods they were, they heard a noise of many bagpipes shrill, and shrieking hubbub's them approaching near, which all the forest did with horror fill, that dreadful sound the boaster's heart did thrill, with such amazement that in haste he fled, nay ever look it back for good or ill, and after him a fearful trumpet sped. The old man could not fly, but fell to ground half dead. Yet afterwards, close creeping as he might, he in a bush did hide his fearful head. The jolly satyrs full of fresh delight came dancing forth, and with them nimbly led fair Hellenor, with girlens all bespread, whom their may lady they had newly made. She, proud of that new honour which they read, and of their lovely fellowship full-glade, danced lively, and her face did with a laurel shade. The silly man that in the thicket lay saw all this goodly sport, in grieve it soar, yet to durst he not against it do or say, but it did his heart with bitter thoughts in gore, to see the unkindness of his Hellenor. All day they danced it with great lusty head, and with their hornet feet the green grass wore, the wiles their goats upon the browses fed, till drooping Phoebus began to hide his golden head. Though up they began their merry pipes to truss, and all their goodly herds did gather round, but every satyr first did give a bus to Hellenor, so buses did abound. Now again the humid vapour shed the ground, with pearly dew, and the earth's gloomy shade did dim the brightness of the welkin round, that every bird and a beast a warnet made to shroud themselves while sleep their senses did invade. Which when Malbeco saw out of his bush upon his hands and feet he crept full light, and like a goat amongst the goats did rush that through the help of his fair horns on height, and misty damp of misconceiving night in the ache through likeness of his goatish beard he did the better counterfeit a right. So home he marched amongst the hornet herd that none of all the satyrs him aspired or heard. At night when all they went to sleep he viewed, whereas his lovely wife amongst them lay, embraced it of a satyr rough and rude who all the night did mind his joyous play. Nine times he heard him come aloft ere day that all his heart with jealousy did swell, but yet that night's ensemble did beret that not for not his wife them loved so well, when one so often night did ring his maiden's bell. So closely as he could he to them crept when weary of their sport to sleep they fell, and to his wife that now full soundly slept he whispered in her ear and did her tell that it was he which by her side did dwell and therefore prayed her wake to hear him plain as one out of a dream not wake it well. She turned her and returned it back again, yet her for to awake he did the more constrain. It last with irksome trouble she abrade and then perceiving that it was indeed her old malbecco which did her up braid. With looseness of her love and loathly deed she was astonished with exceeding dreed and would have waked the satyr by her side. But he her prayed for mercy or for mead to save his life, nay let him be described but hearken to his lore and all his counsel hide. Though again he her persuade to leave that lewd and loathsome life of God and man abhorred and home return where all should be renewed with perfect peace and silence of fresh accord. And she received again to bed and bored as if no trespass ever had been done. But she it all refused it at one word and by no means would to his will be one but chose amongst the jolly satyrs still to one. He wooed her till day spring he aspired but all in vain and then turned to the herd with horns on every side and trod down in the dirt where his whore beard was fouley-dite and he of death afeared early before the heavens fairest light out of the ruddy east was fully reared the herds out of their foals were lucid quite and he amongst the rest crept forth in sorry plight. So soon as he the prison door did pass he ran as fast as both his feet could bear and never look at who behind him was ne scarcely who before like is a bear that creeping close amongst the hives to rear and honeycomb the wakeful dogs espy and him assaying and him assailing soar his carcass tear that hardly he with life away does fly ne stays till safe himself he see from jeopardy ne stayed he till he came unto the place where late his treasure he entomb it had where when he found it not for trumpet base had it poor-lined for his master bad with extreme fury he became quite mad and ran away ran with himself away that who so strangely had him seen bestowed with upstart hair and staring eyes dismay from limbo lake him late escape it sure would say high over hills and over dales he fled as if the wind him on his wings had a born ne bank nor bush could stay him when he sped his nimble feet as treading still on thorn grief and a despite and a jealousy and scorn did all the way him follow hard behind and he himself himself loath so forlorn so shamefully forlorn of woman kind that as a snake still lurk it in his wounded mind still fled he forward looking backward still ne stayed his flight nor fearful agonies till that he came unto a rocky hill over the sea suspended dreadfully that living creature it would terrify to look a down or upward to the height from since he threw himself dispitiously all desperate of his four damned sprite that seemed no help for him was left in living sight but through long anguish and self-murdering thought he was so wasted and four-pinded quite that all his substance was consumed to not and nothing left but like an airy sprite that on the rocks he fell so flit and light that he thereby received no hurt at all but chanted on a craggy cliff to light when he with crooked claws so long did crawl that at the last he found a cave with entrance small into the same he creeps and thenceforth there resolved to build his baleful mansion in dreary darkness and continual fear of that rock's fall which ever in the non-threats with huge ruin him to fall upon that he dare never sleep but that one eye still hope he keeps for that occasion nay ever rests he in tranquility the roaring billows beat his bower so boisterously nay ever is he want on ought to feed but toads and frogs his pasture poisonous which in his cold complexion do breed a filthy blood or humor rancorous matter of doubt into dread suspicious that doth with cureless care consume the heart corrupts the stomach with gall vicious cross-cuts the liver with internal smart and doth transfix the soul with death's eternal dart yet can he never die but dying lives and doth himself with sorrow new sustain that death and life at once unto him gives and painful pleasure turns to pleasing pain there dwells he ever miserable swain hateful both to himself and every white where he through privy grief and horror vain is Waxon so deformed that he has quite forgot he was a man and jealousy his height End of Canto 10 Book 3 Canto 11 The Legend of Brito Martis 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 3 The Legend of Brito Martis Canto 11 Brito Marte Chaseth Olyphant finds Scudamore distressed assays the house of Bucerain where loves spoils are expressed O hateful hellish snake what fury first brought thee from baleful house of prosopine where in her bosom she thee long had nursed and fostered up with bitter milk of time foul jealousy that turnest love divine to joyless dread and makes the loving heart with hateful thoughts to languish and to pine and feed itself with self-consuming smart of all the passions in the mind thou vilest art O let him far be banished away and in his stead let love forever dwell sweet love that doth his golden wings imbay in blessed nectar and pure pleasures well untroubled of vile fear or bitter fell and ye fair ladies that your kingdoms make in the hearts of men them govern wisely well and of fair Britomart in sample take that was as true in love as turtle to her make who with sir Satterain as erst ye read forth riding from Malbecco's hostless house far off aspired a young man that which fled from an huge jant that with hideous and hateful outrage long him chasted thus that olefant the brother dear of that Argante vile and vicious from whom the squire of dames was ref twilere this all is bad as she and worse if worse ought were for as the sister did infeminine and filthy lust exceed all womankind so he surpassed his sex masculine in beastly use that I did ever find whom when is Britomart beheld behind the fearful boy so greedily pursue she was in movid in her noble mind to employ her puissance to his rescue and prick it fiercely forward where she him did view there was sir Satterain her far behind but with like fierceness did ensue the chase whom when the giant saw he soon rescind his former suit and from them fled apace they after both and boldly bad him base and each did strive the other to out go but he them both out ran a wondrous space for he was long in swift as any row and now made better speed to escape his fear at foe it was not Satterain whom he did fear but Britomart the flower of chastity for he the power of chased hands might not bear but always did their dread encounter fly and now so fast his feet he did apply that he has gotten to a forest near where he is shrouded in security the wood they enter and search every where they search it diversely both divided were fear Britomart so long him followed that she at last came to a fountain sheer by which there lay a night all wallow it upon the grassy ground and by him near his haberdian his helmet and his spear a little off his shield was rudely thrown on which the winged boy in colors clear depainted was full easy to be known and he thereby wherever it in field was shown his face upon the ground did groveling lie as if he had been slumbering in the shade that the brave maid would not for courtesy out of his quiet slumber him a braid nor seen too suddenly him to invade still as she stood she heard with grievous throb him groan if his heart were pieces made and with most painful pangs to sigh and sob that pity did the virgin's heart of patients rob at last forth breaking into bitter plains he said oh sovereign lord that sits on high and reigns in bliss amongst thy blessed saints how sufferst thou such shameful cruelty so long unrequited of thine enemy or hest thou lord of good men's cause no heed or doth thy justice sleep and silent lie what booteth in the good and righteous deed if goodness find no grace nor righteousness no mead if good find grace and righteousness reward why then is amaret in cative band sith that more bounteous creature never fared on foot upon the face of living land or if that heavenly justice may withstand the wrongful outrage of unrighteous men why then is Bucerain with wicked hand suffered the seven months day in secret din my lady and my love so cruelly to pen my lady and my love is cruelly penned doleful darkness from the view of day whilst deadly torments do her chaste breast rend and of the sharp steel doth writhe her heart in a tway all for she Scudamore will not denay yet a thou vile man vile Scudamore art sound neck hence her aid, neck hence her foe dismay unworthy wretch to tread upon the ground for whom so fair a lady feels so sore a wound there an huge heap of singleths did oppress his struggling soul and swelling throbs impeach his faltering tongue with pangs of dreary nests choking the remnant of his plaintive speech as if his days were come to their last reach which when she heard and saw the ghastly fit threatening into his life to make a breach both with great ruth and terror she was smit fearing least from her cage the weary soul would flit though stooping down she him a movid light who therewith somewhat starting up again look and seeing him behind a stranger night whereas no living creature he mistook with great indignance he that sight foresook and a down again himself disdainfully objecting the earth with his fair forehead struck which the bold virgin seeing again apply fit medicine to his grief and spake thus courtesely our gentle night whose deep conceivate grief well seems to exceed the power of patience yet if that heavenly grace some good relief you send submit you to high providence and ever in your noble heart pre-pence that all the sorrow in the world is less than virtue's might and value's confidence for who nil bide the burden of distress must not hear think to live for life is wretchedness therefore fair sir do comfort to you take and freely read what wicked felons so hath outraged you enthralled your gentle make perhaps this hand may help to ease your woe and wreak your sorrow on your cruel foe at least it fair endeavor will apply those feeling words so near the quick did go that up his head he rear it easily in leaning on his elbow these few words let fly what boots it plain that cannot be redressed so vain sorrow in a fruitless ear sith power of hand nor skill of learned breast nor worldly price cannot redeem my dear out of her thrall the men continual fear for he the tyrant which her hath in ward by strong enchantments and black magic leer hath in a dungeon deep her close embard dreadful fiends hath pointed to her guard there he tormenteth her most terribly and a day and night afflicts with mortal pain because to yield him love she doth deny wants to me old not to be old again but yet by torture he would her constrain love to conceive in her disdainful breast though she do she must in duel remain ne may by living means be thins relest what boots it thin to plain that cannot be redressed with this sad hersel of his heavy stress the warlike damsel was impassioned sore and said sir knight your cause is nothing less than is your sorrow sirties if not more for nothing so much pity doth implore this gentle ladies helpless misery but yet if please ye listen to my lore I will with proof of last extremity deliver her fro thence or with her for you die ah chitless knight alive said skudinor what huge heroic magnanimity dwells in that bountious breast what couldst thou more if she were thine what couldst thou as now am I oh spare thy happy days and them apply to better boot but let me die that ought more is more loss one is enough to die life is not lost said she for which is bought endless renown that more than death is to be sought thus she at length persuaded him to rise and with her wind to see what new success would fall upon new enterprise his arms which he had vowed to disprofess she gathered up and did about him dress and his forewandered steed unto him got so forth they both if fear make their progress and march not past the mountainous of a shot till they arrived whereas their purpose they did plot there they dismounting drew their weapons bold and stoutly came unto the castle gate whereas no gate they found them to withhold nor ward to wait at morn and evening late but in the porch that it did them saw a mate a flaming fire imixed with smoldery smoke and stinking sulphure that with grisly hate and dreadful horror did all entrance choke enforced them their forward footing to revoke greatly there it was britain art dismayed nay in that stound wist how herself to bear for danger vain it were to have assayed that cruel element which all things fear nay none can suffer to approach in near and turning back to skudamore thus said what monstrous enmity provoke we hear foolhardy as the earth's children the witch made battle against the gods so we are god invade donger with discretion to attempt in glorious and beast like is therefore sir knight I'll read what course of you is safest damped and how we with our foe may come to fight this is quote he the dolorous despite which first to you I played for neither may this fire be quenched by any wit or might nay yet by any means removed away so mighty be the enchantments which the same do stay what else is there but cease these fruitless pains and leave me to my former languishing fair amaret must dwell in wicked chains and skudamore here die with sorrowing pardinat so said she for shameful thing it were to abandon noble chevisons for sure peril without venturing rather let tri extremities of chance then enterprise it praise for dread to disavance therewith resolved to prove her utmost might her apple shield she threw before her face and her swords point directing forward right assailed the flame the witch effed soons gave place and it did itself divide with equal space that through she pass it as a thunderbolt pierced the yielding air and thus displaced the soaring clouds into sad showers emult so to her yold the flames and it did their force revolt whom winners skudamore saw past the fire safe and untouched he likewise can I say with greedy will and envious desire and bad the stubborn flames to yield him way but cruel mulsiver would not obey his threatful pride but it did the more augment his mighty rage and with imperious sway him forced more gray his fierceness to relent and back retire all scorched and pitifully Brent with huge impatience he innately swelled more for great sorrow that he could not pass then for the burning torment which he felt that with fell woodness he effusive was and willfully him throwing on the grass did beat and bounce his head and breast full sore the wiles the champion s now entered has the utmost room and past the foremost door the utmost room abounding with all precious store for round about the walls the clothed were with a goodly eras of great majesty woven with gold and silk so close and near that the rich metal lurk in privilege as feigning to be hid from envious eye yet here and there and everywhere unwares it should itself and shone unwillingly like a discolored snake who's hidden snares through the green grass his long bright burnished back declares and in those tapets were fashioned many fair portraits and many are fair feet and all of love and all of lusty head is seamed by their semblance didn't treat in the all cupid's wars they did repeat and cruel battles which he will on fought against all the gods to make his empire great besides the huge massacres which he brought on mighty kings and casers into thrall them brought therein was writ how often thundering jove had felt the point of his heart piercing dart and leaving heaven's kingdom here did rove in strong disguise to slake his scalding smart now like a ram fair heli to provide now like a bull Europa to withdraw how the fearful ladies tinder heart did lively seem to tremble when she saw the huge seas under her to obey her servants law soon after that into a golden shower himself he changed fair Danny to view and through the roof of her strong brazen tower did rain into her lap on honey do you the while's her foolish guard that little knew of such deceit kept the iron door fast barred and watched that a none should enter nor issue vain was the watch and bootless all the ward when as the god to golden you himself transferred then was he turned into a snowy swan to win fair leader to his lovely trade a wondrous skill and sweet wit of the man that her indefinitely sleeping made from scorching heat her dainty limbs to shade while as the proud bird roughing his feathers wide and brushing his fair breast did her invade she slept yet to twist her eyelids closely spied how towards her he rushed and smiled at his pride ensured it how the Theban semily deceived of jealous Juno did require to see him in his sovereign majesty armed with his thunderbolts and lightning fire whence dearly she with death brought her desire but fair alchemy and better match did make joying his love in likeness more entire three nights in one they say that for her sake he then did put her pleasures longer to partake twice was he seen in soaring eagles shape and with wide wings to beat the Buxom air once when he with Astery did scape again when as the Trojan boy so fair he snatched from Ida Hill and with him bear wondrous delight it was there to behold how the rude shepherds after him did stare trembling through fear least down he fallen should it often to him calling to take sure her home in satyr's shape and Taiopah he snatched and like a fire when he Ejin assayed a shepherd when many massany he catch and like a serpent to the Thracian maid whilst thus on earth great Joe these pageants played the winged boy did thrust into his throne and scoffing thus unto his mother said low how the heavens obey to me alone and to me for their Joe whilst Joe to earth is gone and thou fair Phoebus in thy colors bright was there in woven and the sad distress in which that boy the plunged for despite that thou berates his mother's wantoness when she with Mars was meant for joyfulness for thy he thrilled thee with it leaden dart to love fair Daphne which but less less she the loved then was thy just desired yet was thy love her death and her death was thy smart so loves thou the lusty hyacinth so loves thou the fair Coronis dear yet both are of thy hapless hand extinct yet both in flowers do live and love the bear the one uponce the other a sweet brayer for grief whereof you might have lightly seen the God himself rending his golden hair and breaking quite his girl and evergreen with other signs of sorrow and impatient team both for those two and for his own dear son the son of clemeny he did repent who bold to guide the chariot of the son himself in thousand pieces fondly rent and all the world with flashing fire Brent so like that all the walls did seem to flame yet cruel Cupid not here with content forced him as soon as to follow at the game and love a shepherd's daughter for his dearest dame he loved issa for his dearest dame and for her sake her cattle fed a while and for her sake a cowherd vile became the servant of admittus cowherd vile while that from heaven he suffered exile long would tell each other lovely fit now like a lion hunting after spoil now like a hag now like a falcon flit all which in that fair eras was most lively writ next unto him was Neptune picture in his divine resemblance wondrous like his face was rugged and his hoary head drop it with brackish dew his three forked pike he sternly shook and therewith fierce did strike the raging billows that on every side they trembling stood and made a long broad dike that his swift chariot might have passage wide which for great hippodames did a draw in a team wise tide his sea horses did seem to snort a mane and from their nostrils blow the briny stream that made the sparkling waves to smoke again and flame with gold but the white foamy cream did shine with silver and shoot forth his beam the god himself did pensive seem and sad and hung a down his head as he did dream for privy love his breast impusive had nay ought but a dear besaltis I could make him glad he love it a key for media dear any of his fair daughter are knee height for whom he turned himself into a steer and fed on fodder to beguile her sight also to win ducalians daughter bright he turned himself into a dolphin fair and like a winged horse he took his flight to snaggy lock medusa to repair on whom he got fair pegasus that in the air next saturn was but who had ever ween that sullen saturn ever ween to love yet love is sullen and saturn like seen as he did for a rigony it prove that to a centaur did himself trans move so proved it eek that gracious god of wine went for to compass filiaris hard love he himself into a fruitful vine and into her fair bosom made his grapes decline long were to tell the amorous assays in gentle pangs with which he make it meek the mighty mars to learn his wanton plays how often for venus and how often eek for many other nymphs he sorted shriek with womanish tears and with unwar like smarts privilege moistening his horrid cheek there was he painted full of burning darts and many wide wounds launch it through his inner parts made it despair so cruel was the elf his own dear mother ah why should he so made it he spare some time to prick himself that he might taste the sweet consuming woe which he had wrought to many others moe but to declare the mournful tragedies and spoils where with he all the ground did stroll more eeth to number with how many eyes high heaven beholds sad lovers nightly thievery ease kings queens lords ladies knights and damsels gent were heaped together with the vulgar sort and minglet with the rascal rabblement without respect of persons or a port to shoo dan cupid's power and great effort and round about a border was entrailed of broken bows and arrows shivered short and a long bloody river through them railed so lively and so like that a living since it failed and at the upper end of that fair room there was an altar built of precious stone of passing value and of great renown on which there stood an image all alone of messy gold which with his own light shone and wings it had with sundry colors died more sundry colors than the proud pavone bears in his boasted fan or iris bright when her discolored bow she spreads through heaven bright blindfold he was and in his cruel fist a mortal bow and arrows keen did hold with which he shot at random when him list some headed with sad lead some with pure gold ah man beware how thou those darts behold a wounded dragon under him did lie whose hideous tale his left foot didn't fold and with a shaft was shot through either eye that no man forth might draw from ramadai and underneath his feet was written thus unto the victor of the gods this be and all the people in that ample house did to that image bow their humble knee and oft committed foul idolatry that wondrous sight fair britain art amazed may seeing could her wonder satisfy but ever more and more upon it gaze it the wiles the passing brightness her frail senses days it though as she backward cast her busy eye to search each secret of that goodly stead over the door thus written she did spy be bold she often off it over read yet could not find what since it figured but what so were therein or it or meant she was no wit thereby discouraged from the prosecuting of her first intent but forward with bold steps into the next room went much fairer than the former was that room and richlier by many parts arrayed for not with eras made and painful loom but with pure gold it all was overlaid wrought with wild antiques which their follies played in the rich metal as they living were a thousand monstrous forms therein were made such as false love doth off upon him where for love in thousand monstrous forms doth off appear and all about the glistering walls were hung with warlike spoils and with victorious praise of mighty conquerors and captains strong which were will own captive it in their days to cruel own decays their swords and spears were broke and hoburks rent and their proud garlands of triumphant bays trodden in dust with fury insolent to show the victors might and merciless intent the warlike made beholding earnestly the goodly ordinance of this rich place did greatly wonder may could satisfy her greedy eyes with gazing along space but more she marveled that no footings trace nor white appeared but wasteful emptiness and solemn silence over all that place strange thing it seemed that none was to possess so rich purveillance may them keep with carefulness and as she looked about she did behold that over that same door was likewise writ be bold be bold and everywhere be bold that much she mused yet could not construe it by any riddling skill for commune wit at last she spied at that room's upper end another iron door on which was writ be not too bold where too though she did bend her earnest mind yet was not what it might intend thus she there waited until even tied yet a living creature none she saw appear and now sad shadows gain the world to hide from mortal view and rapid darkness drear yet a nude she daught her weary arms for fear of secret danger now let sleep oppress her heavy eyes with nature's burden dear but to drew herself aside in sickerness and her well pointed weapons did about her dress end of canto eleven book three the legend of britain martis book three canto twelve the legend of britain martis this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information are to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org the fairy queen by Edmund Spencer book three the legend of britain martis canto twelve the mask of cupid and the enchanted chamber are displayed whence britain mart redeems fair amorette through charms decayed though when as cheerless night he covered had fair heaven with an universal cloud white dismayed with darkness sad in silence and in sleep themselves did shroud she heard a shrilling trumpet sound allowed sign of nigh battle or got victory not therewith daunted was her courage proud but rather stirred to cruel enmity expecting ever when some foe she might describe with that the hideous storm of wind arose with dreadful thunder and lightning atwixt and an earthquake as if it straight would lose the world's foundations from his center fixed a direful stench of smoke and sulfur mixed ensued whose annoyance filled the fearful stead from the fourth hour of night until the sixth yet the bold britanness was not a dread so much in moved but steadfast still persevering all suddenly a stormy whirlwind blew throughout the house that clappered every door with which that iron wicket open flew as it with mighty levers had been tore and forth issued as on the ready floor of some theater a grave personage that in his hand a branch of laurel bore with sliver and countenance sage he clad in costly garments git for tragic stage proceeding to the midst he still did stand as if in mind he somewhat had to say into the vulgar beckoning with his hand in sign of silence as to hear a play by lively actions he can beray some argument of matter passionate which done he back it soft away and passing by his name discovered ease on his robe in golden letters ciphered the noble maid still standing this view at marvel strange intendiment with that a joyous fellowship issued of minstrels making goodly merriment with wanton bards and rimers impudent all which together sung a lay of love's delight with sweet consent, after whom marched a jolly company in manner of a mask, enraged orderly. The wiles' most delicious harmony in full-strange notes was sweetly heard to sound, that the rare sweetness of the melody the feeble senses wholly did confound, and that the frail soul in deep delight nigh drowned. But when it ceased, shrill trumpets loud did bray, that their report did far away rebound, and when they ceased it again and again to play, the wiles' the maskers' marched forth in trim array. The first was fancy, like a lovely boy of rare aspect and beauty without peer, matchable either to that imp of Troy, whom Jove did love, and chose his cup to bear, or that same dainty lad which was so dear to great alcides, that when, as he died, he wail'd at woman-like with many a tear, and every wood, and every valley-wide he filled with highless name. The nymph's egg highless cried. His garment neither was of silk nor say, but painted plumes in goodly order-dite, like as the sun-burned Indians do array their tawny bodies in their proudest plight. As those same plumes so seemed he vain and light, that by his gait might easily appear, for still he fared as dancing in delight. And in his hand a windy fan did bear, that in the idle air he moved still here and there, and him beside marched amorous desire, who seemed of riper years than rather swaying, yet was that other swaying this elder's sire, and gave him being common to them twain. His garment was disguised very vain, and his embroidered bonnet set awry, twist both his hands, few sparks he close did strain, which still he blew, and kindled busily, that soon they life conceived, and forth in flames did fly. Next after him went doubt, who was he clad in a discolored coat of strong disguise, that at his back a brode capuchio had, and sleeves dependent albinese-wise. He looked askew with his mistrustful eyes, and nicely trod as thorns lay in his way, or that the floor to shrink he did of eyes, and on a broken reed he still did stay his feeble steps, which shrunk when hard thereon he lay. With him went donger, clothed in ragged weed, made of bear's skin, that him more dreadful made, yet his own face was dreadful, made it need strong horror to deform his greasely shade. A net in the one hand, and a rusty blade in the other was, this mischief, that mishap, with the one his foes he threatened to invade, with the other he his friends meant to unwrap, for whom he could not kill he practised to entrap. Next to him was fear, all armed from top to toe, yet thought himself not safe enough thereby, but feared each shadow moving to and fro, and his own arms, when glittering he did spy, or clashing herd he fast awaited fly. As ashes, pale of hue, and winged healed, and evermore on donger fixed his eye, his whom he always bent a brazen shield, which his right hand, an armid, fearfully did wield. With him went hope in rank, a handsome maid of cheerful look and lovely to behold. In silken same-ight she was light arrayed, and her fair locks were woven up in gold. She always smiled, and in her hand did hold an holy water sprinkle, dipped in dew, with which she sprinkled favours manifold, on whom she list, and did great liking show, great liking unto many, but true love to few. And after them disemblance and suspect marched in one rank, yet an unequal pair, for she was gentle and of mild aspect, courteous to all, and seeming debonair, goodly adorned and exceeding fair, yet was that all but painted and purloined, and her bright brows were decked with borrowed hair, her deeds were forged into words false coined, and always in her hand two clues of silk she twined. But he was foul, ill-favoured and grim, under his eyebrows looking stillest counts, and ever as disemblance laughed on him. He lowered on her with dangerous eye-glance, shooing his nature in his countenance. His rolling eyes did never rest in place, but walked each where, for fear of hid mischance, holding a lattice still before his face, through which he still did peep, as forward he did pace. But him went grief, and fury matched the fear, grief, all in sable, sorrowfully clad, downhanging his dull head with heavy cheer, yet inly being more than seeming sad. A pair of pincers in his hand he had, with which he pinched people to the heart, that from thinceforth of wretched life they lad, in willful languor and consuming smart, lying each day with inward wounds of duller stard. But fury was full ill apparelid, in rags that in naked nigh she did appear, with ghastly looks into dreadful dreary head, for from her back her garments she did tear, and from her head oft rent her snarled hair. In her right hand, a firebrand, she did toss about her head, still roaming here and there, as a dismayed deer, in chase embossed, forgetful of his safety hath his right way lost. After them went displeasure and pleasantce, he looking lumpish and full sullen sad, and hanging down his heavy countenance, she, cheerful, fresh and full of joy and glad, as if no sorrow she ne' felt, ne' dread, that evil-matched pair they seemed to be. An angry wasp the one in a vial had, the other in hers a honey-lady be. Thus marcheth these six couples forth in fair degree. After all these there marched the most fair dame, led of two gricy villains, the one despite, the other creeped cruelty by name. She, doleful lady, like a dreary sprite, called by strong charms out of eternal night, had death's own image figured in her face, full of sad signs, fearful to living sight, yet in that horror shewed a seemly grace, and with her feeble feet did move a comely pace. Her breast all naked as net ivory, without adorn of gold or silver bright, wherewith the craftsmen wants it beautify, of her due honor was despoiled quite. And a wide wound therein, o' rueful sight, entrenched deep with knife, accursed keen, yet freshly bleeding forth her fainting sprite. The work of cruel hand was to be seen, that it died in sanguine red her skin, all snowy clean. At that wide orifice her trembling heart was drawn forth, and in silver basin laid, quite through transfixed with a deadly dart, and in her blood yet steaming fresh imbade, for those two villains, which her steps upstayed, when her weak feet could scarcely her sustain, and fading vital powers down to fade, her farward still with torture did constrain, and evermore increased her consuming pain. Next, after her, the winged god himself came riding on a lion ravenous, taught to obey the menage of that elf, that man and beast with power imperious subdueth to his kingdom tyrannous. His blindfold eyes he bade a while unbind, that his proud spoil of that same, dullerous, fair dame he might behold in perfect kind, which, seen, he much rejoiced it in his cruel mind, of which fool proud, himself uprearing high, he looked round about with stern disdain, and did survey his goodly company, and marshalling the evil order in train, with that the darts which his right hand did strain, full dreadfully he shook, that all did quake, and clapped on high his colored wings, twain, that all his many it afraid did make, though blinding him again his way he forth did take. Behind him was reproach, repentance, shame, reproach the first, shame next, repent behind, repentance feeble, sorrowful, and lame, reproach despiteful, careless, and unkind, shame most ill-favored, bestial, and blind, shame lowered, repentance sighed, reproach did scold, reproach sharp stings, repentance whips entwined, shame burning bronze irons in her hand did hold, all three to each unlike, yet all made in one mold, and after them a rude confused route of persons flocked whose names is hard to read, amongst them was stern strife and anger stout, unquiet care and fond unthrifty head, lewd loss of time and sorrow seeming dead, inconstant change and false disloyalty, consuming riot eyes and guilty dread of heavenly vengeance, faint infirmity, vile poverty, and lastly death with infamy. There were full mini-moe like maladies whose names and natures I note reading well, so mini-moe as there be fantasies in wavering women's wit that none can tell, or pains in love or punishments in hell, all which disguised it marched in masking wise about the chamber with that damoiselle, and then returned it, having marched thrice into the inner room from whence they first did rise, so soon as they were in, the door straight away fast-locked, driven with that stormy blast which first it opened, and bore all away. Then the brave maid, which, all this while was plast, in secret shade, and saw both first and last, ischewed forth, and went unto the door to enter in, but found it locket fast. It vain she thought with rigorous uproar for to a force when charms had closed it afore, where force might not avail their slights and art she cast to use, both fit for hard and prize, for thy, from that same room not to depart, till morrow next, she did herself of eyes, when that same mask again should forth arise. The morrow next appeared with joyous cheer, calling men to their daily exercise. Then she, as morrow fresh, herself did rear, out of her secret stand, that day far to outwear. All that day she outwore, in wandering, into gazing on that chamber's ornament, till that again the second evening her covered with her sable vestiment, where with the world's fair beauty she hath blent. Then, when the second watch was almost past, that brazen door flew open, and in went bold Britomart, as she had late forecast, neither of idle shoes nor of false charms aghast. So soon as she was entred round about she cast her eyes to see what was become of all those persons which she saw without. But lo, they straight were vanished, all and some. Nay, living white she saw, in all that room, save that same woeful lady, both whose hands were bound and fast, that did her ill-become, and her small waist gird round with iron bands, unto a brazen pillar, by the which she stands. And her before the vile enchanter's sate, figuring strong characters of his art, with living blood he those characters rate, dreadfully dropping from her dying heart, seeming transfix it with a cruel dart, and all perforce to make her hymn to love. Ah, who can love the worker of her smart? A thousand charms he formerly did prove, yet a thousand charms could not her steadfast heart remove. Soon as that virgin night he saw in place, his wicked books enhazed he overthrew, not carrying his long labours to deface, and fiercely running to that lady true. A murderous knife out of his pocket drew, the which he thought for villainous despite, in her tormented body, to him brew. But the stout damsel, to him leaping light, his cursed hand withheld and mastered his might. From her to whom his fury first he meant, the wicked weapon rashly he digressed, and turning to herself his foul intent, unwares it struck into her snowy chest, that little drops in purpleid her fair breast. In broth therewith the virgin grew, albeit the wound was nothing deep impressed, and fiercely forth her mortal blade she drew, to give him the reward for such vile, outraged you. So mightily she smote him that to ground he fell half-dead, next stroke him should have slain, had not the lady, which by him stood bound, durnily unto her collie to abstain from doing him to die. For else her pain should be remedy-less, sift none but he which wrought it, could the same recure again. Therewith she stayed her hand, loath state to be, for life she him envied, and long revenged to see. And to him said thou wicked man whose mead for so huge mischief, and vile villainy is death, or if that ought do death exceed, be sure that not may save thee from to die. But if that thou this dame do presently restore unto her health, and former state, this do and live else die undoubtedly he glad of life that looked for death but late, did yield himself right willing to prolong his date. And rising up again straight to overlook those cursed leaves, his charms back to reverse, full dreadful things, out of that baleful book he read, and a measured many a sad verse, that horror again the virgin's heart to purse, and her fair locks upstairs stiff on end. Hearing him, those same bloody lines rehearse, and all the while he read, she did extend her sword high over him, if ought he did offend. And none she again perceived the house to quake, and all the doors to rattle round about, yet all that did not her dismayed make, nor slacker-threatful hand for dangerous doubt. But still with steadfast eye and courage stout, abode to wheat what end would come of all, at last that mighty chain which round about her tender waist was wound, a down again fall, and that great brazen pillar broke in pieces small. The cruel steel which thrilled her dying heart fell softly forth as of his own accord, and the wide wound which lately did dispart her bleeding breast, and ribbon-bowls' gourd was closed up as it had not been bored. And every part to safetyful sound, as she was never hurt, was soon restored, though when she felt herself to be unbound, and perfect whole prostrate, she fell unto the ground. Before fair Britomart she fell prostrate, saying, Our noble knight, what worthy mead can wretched lady, quit from woeful state yield you in lieu of this your gracious deed. Your virtue sell for own reward shall breed even immortal praise and glory wide, which I, your vassal, by your prowess freed, shall through the world make to be notified, and goodly well advance that goodly well was tried. But Britomart, uprearing her from ground, said gentle bane, reward enough I wean, for many labours more than I have found, this, that in safety now I have you seen, and mean of your deliverance have been. Henceforth fair lady, comfort to you take, and put away remembrance of late teen. Instead thereof I know that your loving make hath no less grief endured for your gentle sake. She much was cheered to hear him mentioned, whom of all living whites she loved best, then laid the noble championess strong hand upon the enchanter, who had her distressed so sore, and with foul outrageous oppressed, with that great chain, where with not long ago he bound that piteous lady prisoner, now released, himself she bound, more worthy to be so, and captive with her lead to wretchedness and woe. Returning back those goodly rooms which heirs she saw so rich and royally arrayed, now vanished utterly and clean, subversed she found, and all their glory quite a decade. That sight of such a change her much dismayed, henceforth descending to that purless porch, those dreadful flames she also found delayed, and quenched quite like a consumid torch, that heirs all entrers want so cruelly to scorch. More easy is she now than entrance laid, she found, for now that fainted dreadful flame, which choked the porch of that enchanted gate, and passage-barred to all, that thither came, was vanished quite, as it were not the same, and gave her leave at pleasure forth to pass, the enchanter self, which all that fraud did frame, to have enforced the love of that fair lass, seeing his work now wasted deep in grief it was. But when the victorists arrived there, where late she left the pensive Skudamore with her own trusty squire, both full of fear, neither of them she found, where she them lore. There at her noble heart was astonished sore, but most fair Amoret, whose gentle sprite, now again to feed on hope, which she before conceived had, to see her own dear knight, being thereof beguiled, was filled with new affright. But he, sad man, when he had long in dread awaited there for Britomart's return, yet saw her not, nor sign of her good speed, his expectation to despair to turn, misdeeming sure that her those flames did burn, and therefore again advise with her old squire, who her dear nursing's loss no less did mourn, since to depart for further aid to inquire, where let them wind it will, whilst here I do respire. Note stanzas in fifteen ninety replaced in fifteen ninety six with others. At last she came unto the place where late she left Sir Skudamore in great distress, twix dollar and despite half desperate, of his love succor, of his own redress, in of the hardy Britomart's success, there on the cold earth him now throne, she found, in willful anguish, into dead heaviness, and to him called, whose voices know and sound soon as he heard, himself he reared, light from ground. There did he see that most on earth him joy'd, his dearest love, the comfort of his days, whose too long absence him had sore annoyed, and wearied his life with dull delays, strength he upstarted from the loathe'd lays, and to her ran with hasty eagerness, like as a deer that greedily embeze in cool soil after long thirstiness, which he in chase endured hath, now nigh breathless. Lightly he clipped her, twix'd his arms twain, and straightly did embrace her body bright. Her body, late the prison of sad pain, now the sweet lodge of love and dear delight, but she, fair lady, overcome in quite, of huge affection, did in pleasure melt, and in sweet ravishment poured out her sprite, no word they spake, nor earthly thing they felt, but like two senseless stalks, in long embracement dwelt. Had he them seen, he would have surely thought that they had been that fair hermaphrodite, which that rich Roman of white marble wrought, and in his costly bath caused to be sight. So seemed those two, as grown together quite, that Britomart hath, in being their bless, was much impassioned in her gentle sprite, and to herself oft wished like happiness, in vain she wished that fate would let her yet possess. Thus do those lovers with sweet counter veil, each other of love's bitter fruit to despoil. But now my term begins to faint and fail, all wocks and weary of their journal toil. Therefore I will, their sweaty yolks, assoil, at the same furrows end till a new day. And ye fair swains, after your long turmoil, now cease your work, and at your pleasure play. Now cease your work, to-morrow, is an holy day. Is an holy day. End of canto twel, end of book three, the legend of Britomartis.