How we cite our quotes: Book, canto, stanza
Quote #7
For that which all men then did vertue call,/ Is now cald vice; and that which vice was hight,/ Is now hight vertue, and so vs'd of all:/ Right now is wrong, and wrong that was is right. (V.proem.4)
We can't say that Spenser has the most optimistic take on present day (16th Century) morality…We can't say that Spenser has the most optimistic take on present day (16th Century) morality…
Quote #8
Then brought he forth, with griesly grim aspect,/ Abhorred Murder, who with bloudie knife/ Yet dropping fresh in hand did [Duessa] detect,/ And there with guiltie bloudshed charged ryfe. (V.ix.48)
At the trial of Duessa, actual personifications of her crimes end up on the witness stand. Not the easiest thing to defend yourself against, huh?