THIS poem being writ in the manner of Spenfer, the obfolete words, and a fimplicity of diction in fome of the lines, which borders on the ludicrous, were necessary to make the imitation more perfect. And the Style of that admirable poet, as well as the measure in which he wrote, are, as it were, appropriated by cuftcm to all allegorical Poems writ in our language; just as in French the ftyle of Marot, who lived under Francis I. has been ufed in tales, and familiar epiftles, by the politeft writers of the age of Louis XIV. EXPLANATION of the OBSOLETE WORDS used in this POEM. ARchimage The chief, or greatest of magicians or enchanters. Gear or Geer-furniture, equipage, dress. Glaive-fword. (Fr.) Glee-joy, pleafure. 180 Explanation of the obfolete Words Han-have. Hight-named, called; and fometimes it is ufed for is called. See Stanza vii. Idlefs-idleness. Imp-child, or offspring; from the Saxon impan, to graft or plant. Prankt-coloured, adorned gayly. Perdie (Fr. par Dieu) an old oath. Prick'd thro' the foreft-rode thro' the foreft. Sear-dry, burnt up. |