How we cite our quotes: Book, canto, stanza
Quote #1
Upon a great adventure [Redcrosse] was bound,/ That greatest Gloriana to him gave… To winne him worship, and her grace to have,/ Which of all earthly thinges he most did crave. (I.i.3)
Gloriana's power over her subjects isn't only understood in terms of pure, political authority. As we can see with Redcrosse, she's also in his heart and he deeply wants to win her favor. The political and the personal collide!
Quote #2
Lo yonder is the same,/ In which my Lord [Redcrosse] my liege doth luckelesse ly,/ Thrall to that Gyaunts hatefull tyranny. (I.viii.2)
When Redcrosse is imprisoned by Orgoglio, Una describes his capture as being subject to Orgoglio's "tyranny." Any ideas why she might use such a clearly political term?
Quote #3
Who so in pompe of proud estate (quoth [Belphoebe])/ Does swim, and bathes himselfe in courtly blis, Does waste his dayes in darke obscuritee. (II.iii.40)
Explaining her choice not to participate in the overtly political world of the court, Belphoebe appeals to a common Renaissance idea that the court is full of "pompe" and unnecessary luxury. She prefers the simplicity of the natural world, suggesting that politics and nature do not go hand-in-hand.