ΤΟ THE MOST HIGH, MIGHTIE, AND MAGNIFICENT EMPERESSE RENOWNED FOR PIETIE, VERTVE, AND ALL GRATIOVS GOVERNMENT ELIZABETH BY THE GRACE OF GOD Queene of England, Frabnce, and Ireland, and of Virginia Befender of the Faith etc. HER MOST HUMBLE SERVAUNT EDM VND SPENSER DOTH IN ALL HUMILITIE DEDICATE, PRESENT, AND CONSECRATE THESE HIS LABOVRS TO LIVE WITH THE ETERNITIE OF HER FAME. THE FIRST BOOKE OF THE FAERY QUEENE CONTAYNING The Legend of the Knight of the Red Crosse, 1 Lo I the man, whose Muse whilome did maske, As time her taught, in lowly Shepheards weeds, Am now enforst, a far unfitter taske, For trumpets sterne to chaunge mine oaten reeds, 2 Helpe then, O holy virgin chiefe of nine, Sought through the world, and suffered so much ill, O helpe thou my weake wit, and sharpen my dull tong. B 3 And thou most dreaded impe of highest Jove, And with thy mother milde come to mine ayde; After his murdrous spoiles and bloudy rage allayd. 4 And with them eke, O Goddesse heavenly bright, Mirrour of grace and majestie divine, Great Lady of the greatest isle, whose light Like Phoebus lampe throughout the world doth shine, And raise my thoughts, too humble and too vile, The which to heare, vouchsafe, O dearest dread, a while. CANTO I. The patron of true Holinesse I A GENTLE Knight was pricking on the plaine, 2 And on his brest a bloudie crosse he bore, For whose sweete sake that glorious badge he wore, And dead as living ever him ador'd: Upon his shield the like was also scor❜d, For soveraine hope, which in his helpe he had: But of his cheere did seeme too solemne sad; 3 Upon a great adventure he was bond, That greatest Gloriana to him gave, That greatest glorious Queene of Faerie lond, 3 |