most faire Lady, called Amoretta, whom he kept in most grievous torment. Whereupon Sir Scudamour, the lover of that Lady, presently tooke on him that adventure. But being unable to performe it by reason of the hard Enchauntments, after long sorrow, in the end met with Britomartis, who succoured him, and reskewed his love. But, by occasion hereof, many other adventures are intermedled; but rather as accidents then intendments. As the love of Britomart, the overthrow of Marinell, the misery of Florimell, the vertuousnes of Belphoebe; and many the like. Thus much, Sir, I have briefly overronne to direct your understanding to the wel-head of the History; that, from thence gathering the whole intention of the conceit, ye may as in a handfull gripe al the discourse, which otherwise may happily seem tedious and confused. So, humbly craving the continuance of your honorable favour towards me, and th' eternall establishment of your happines, I humbly take leave. Yours most humbly affectionate, ED. SPENSER. 23 Ianuary, 1589. To the Right Noble and Valorous Knight, SIR WALTER RALEIGH, Lord Wardein of the Stanneryes, and Lieftenaunt of Cornewaile. To thee, that art the sommers Nightingale, In whose high thoughts Pleasure hath built her bowre, To tast the streames, that, like a golden showre Whenso thee list thy lofty Muse to raise: Yet, till that thou thy poeme wilt make knowne, Let thy faire Cinthias praises be thus rudely showne. E. S. Queene of England Frabnce and Ireland and of Virginia Defendobr 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. I Lo I, the man whose Muse whylome did maske, For trumpets sterne to chaunge mine oaten reeds, Me, all too meane, the sacred Muse areeds To blazon broade emongst her learned throng: Fierce warres and faithfull loves shall moralize my song. 2 Help then, O holy virgin chiefe of nine, Thy weaker novice to performe thy will; The antique rolles, which there lye hidden still, Of Faery knights and fayrest Tanaquill, Sought through the world, and suffered so much ill, That I must rue his undeserved wrong: O, helpe thou my weake wit, and sharpen my dul tong. B |