The Faerie Queene : Quotations
The Faerie Queene is a notable literary work by Edmund Spenser. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of The Faerie Queene.
Quotations
“But on his brest a bloudie Crosse he bore”
Explanation: The knight wore a red cross on his chest. It was a symbol of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice. It also showed that the knight was on a holy mission.
“So pure an innocent, as that same lambe.”
Explanation: Lady Una is compared to a little lamb. Like a lamb, she is pure, gentle, and without any sin.
“A monster vile, whom God and man does hate:”
Explanation: The monster Error is hated by both God and humans. She is a symbol of sin, lies, and false religion.
“And all the way he [Archimago] prayed, as he went
And often knockt his brest, as one that did repent.”
Explanation: Archimago pretended to be a holy man. He prayed and beat his chest like someone sorry for his sins. But he was actually a wicked magician.
“A little lowly Hermitage it was.”
Explanation: Archimago’s home looked like a poor and humble hermit’s house. It gave the feeling that a holy person lived there.
“He seekes out mighty charmes, to trouble sleepy mindes.”
Explanation: Archimago used powerful spells to disturb the minds of sleeping people. He wanted to create confusion and evil through dreams.
“He thought have slaine her in his fierce despight:”
Explanation: The knight became so angry at the fake Una that he almost killed her. He believed she had lost her purity.
“A lovely Ladie rode him faire beside”
Explanation: Lady Una was riding beside the knight. She looked gentle, graceful, and full of dignity.
“So pure an innocent, as that same lambe
She was in life and every vertuous lore.”
Explanation: Lady Una was not only innocent like a lamb, but she also lived a life full of virtue and moral wisdom.
“O helpe thou my weake wit, and sharpen my dull tong.”
Explanation: The poet asks for help from the Muse to impart wisdom and powerful words that will enable him to tell his story well.
“A Gentle Knight was pricking on the plaine.”
Explanation: A brave and noble knight was riding forward across a large plain at the start of his journey.
“Add faith unto your force, and be not faint:”
Explanation: Lady Una tells the knight to add faith to his strength and not give up in battle. Faith gives true power.
“Wrapt in eternall silence farre from enemyes.”
Explanation: Morpheus, the god of sleep, lives in a place covered in silence, far away from any noise or enemies.
“And wakefull dogges before them farre do lye”
Explanation: Watchful dogs guard the gates of Morpheus’s dream palace. They protect him from disturbances.