How we cite our quotes: Book, canto, stanza
Quote #4
Of all Gods workes, which do this world adorne/ There is no one more faire and excellent,/ Then is mans body both for powre and forme,/ Whiles it is kept in sober gouernment. (II.ix.1)
Check out our narrator using government metaphors to describe a well-functioning body. We told you politics were everywhere!
Quote #5
Which that [Queen Elizabeth] may the better deigne to heare,/ Do thou dred infant, Venus dearling doue,/ From her high spirit chase imperious feare,/ And vse of awfull Maiestie remoue;/ In sted thereof with drops of melting loue. (IV.proem.5)
While love and politics have often been linked in the Faerie Queene, here we see Spenser asking the queen to temporarily replace her political perspective with one of love so that she can truly appreciate his poem… suggesting the politics and love are somehow incompatible.
Quote #6
Dread Souerayne Goddesse, that doest highest sit/ In seate of iudgement, in th'Almighties stead,/ And with magnificke might and wondrous wit/ Doest to thy people righteous doome aread,/ That furthest Nations filles with awfull dread. (V.proem.11)
Now addressing the queen as a goddess (though still "sovereign," you'll notice) our narrator praises her political power by making her sound like a deity. Effective? Your call, Shmooper.