# Sonnet XIII explained — The Faerie Queene

> Chapter companion for The Faerie Queene by Edmund Spenser.

## What happens

The poet praises Sir John Norris, a noble and valiant captain, for his martial prowess and his support of the Muses, celebrating his victories in Belgium, France, Ireland, and Portugal, and urging him to favor the poet who has immortalized his name.

## Key lines

> Who ever gave more honourable prize To the sweet Muse then did the Martiall crew, That their brave deeds she might immortalise In her shril tromp, and sound their praises dew?

No one has honored the Muse more than the company of warriors, so that she might immortalize their brave deeds with her clear trumpet and give them due praise.

_The poet argues that soldiers are the greatest patrons of poetry, as they seek lasting fame through verse._

> Whose warlike prowesse and manly courage, Tempred with reason and advizement sage, Hath fild sad Belgicke with victorious spoile; In Fraunce and Ireland left a famous gage; And lately shakt the Lusitanian soile.

Your military skill and bravery, balanced by wisdom and prudent counsel, have filled sorrowful Belgium with the spoils of victory, left a famous token in France and Ireland, and recently shaken the soil of Portugal.

_The poet enumerates Sir John Norris's campaigns across Europe, emphasizing both his valor and his strategic wisdom._

## Links

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