The Faerie Queene · Chapter
Dedication to the Edition of 1596 explained
Edmund Spenser dedicates his work to Queen Elizabeth I, praising her piety, virtue, and gracious governance, and expressing his humble wish that his labors may live with the eternity of her fame.
What happens
Edmund Spenser dedicates his work to Queen Elizabeth I, praising her piety, virtue, and gracious governance, and expressing his humble wish that his labors may live with the eternity of her fame.
Themes in this chapter
Virtue and Vice
The dedication highlights the Queen's piety and virtue as central to her governance.
Justice and Government
Elizabeth is praised for her 'gratious government,' linking her rule to justice and order.
Characters to notice
- Gloriana
The Faery Queene, representing Queen Elizabeth I, is the dedicatee of the poem.
Key passages
“To the most high, mightie And magnificent Empresse renovvmed for pietie, vertve, and all gratiovs government Elizabeth by the grace of God Qveene of England Fravnce and Ireland and of Virginia, defendovr of the faith”
To the most high, mighty, and magnificent Empress, renowned for piety, virtue, and all gracious government, Elizabeth, by the grace of God Queen of England, France, and Ireland, and of Virginia, defender of the faith.
Spenser addresses Queen Elizabeth I with elaborate praise for her religious devotion, moral excellence, and wise rule.
“Her most hvmble servavnt Edmvnd spenser doth in all hvmitie dedicate, present and consecrate these his labovrs to live with the eternitie of her fame.”
Her most humble servant Edmund Spenser does in all humility dedicate, present, and consecrate these his labors to live with the eternity of her fame.
Spenser humbly offers his work to the Queen, hoping it will endure as long as her legendary reputation.