The Faerie Queene · Chapter
Sonnet IX explained
The poet addresses the Lord of Hunsdon, praising his worthiness and noble deeds that have earned him a high place in the favor of Queen Elizabeth (the Faerie Queene).
What happens
The poet addresses the Lord of Hunsdon, praising his worthiness and noble deeds that have earned him a high place in the favor of Queen Elizabeth (the Faerie Queene). The Lord is commended for his role in pacifying the Northern rebels and quelling their disloyal power, an act that will be remembered forever through this verse.
Themes in this chapter
Virtue and Vice
The Lord of Hunsdon is praised for his worthiness and noble deeds, contrasting with the disloyalty of the Northern rebels.
Characters to notice
- Gloriana
Referenced as 'that Emperesse' and 'the worlds sole glory and her sexes grace', the Faerie Queene who favors the Lord of Hunsdon.
Key passages
“When that tumultuous rage and fearfull deene Of Northerne rebels ye did pacify, And their disloiall powre defaced clene”
When you calmed the violent uproar and terrifying noise of the Northern rebels and completely destroyed their treacherous power.
Describes the Lord of Hunsdon's military success against the Northern Rebellion.