# Sonnet VI explained — The Faerie Queene

> Chapter companion for The Faerie Queene by Edmund Spenser.

## What happens

The poet addresses the Earl of Essex, praising his excellent virtues and expressing that while the current poem is humble and unworthy of his greatness, it does not diminish his worth. The poet vows that in future, with bolder inspiration, he will sing the Earl's heroic deeds in the greater context of the Faery Queene, and for now asks for his noble countenance and support for these initial labors.

## Character check-ins

### Gloriana

Referenced as the Faery Queene, whose last praises the poet hopes to sing in a future, bolder work.

## Key lines

> Magnificke Lord, whose vertues excellent, Doe merit a most famous Poets witt To be thy living praises instrument

Noble Lord, your outstanding virtues deserve the skill of a renowned poet to serve as the instrument of your eternal praise.

_The poet humbly acknowledges the Earl's worthiness of greater poetic tribute._

> Yet doe not sdeigne to let thy name be writt In this base Poeme, for thee far unfitt: Nought is thy worth disparaged thereby

Do not disdain to have your name included in this humble poem, which is far beneath your dignity; your value is not lessened by it.

_The poet reassures the Earl that inclusion in a modest work does not tarnish his reputation._

> But when my Muse, whose fethers, nothing flitt, Doe yet but flagg, and lowly learne to fly, With bolder wing shall dare alofte to sty To the last praises of this Faery Queene

But when my Muse, whose feathers are not yet fully fledged, still falters and humbly learns to fly, she will dare with bolder wing to soar aloft to the final praises of this Faery Queene.

_The poet expresses hope that his poetic abilities will mature, enabling him to glorify the Faery Queene and the Earl's heroic deeds._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_faerie_queene_se/chapters/sonnet-vi
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_faerie_queene_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_faerie_queene_se/chapters