The Spenserian stanza contains nine lines total, the first eight are in iambic pentameter, and the final line is iambic hexameter. The rhyme scheme follows a pattern of ABABBCBCC. Iambic pentameter is a pattern of stress where an unstressed syllable is followed by a stressed syllable, which can be expressed or read as: da DUM. The final line is made up of rhyme feet called spondees and dactyls, represented respectively by – –, and – u u. The fifth foot of the line is always a dactyl, and the last is a spondee.
In book three of the Faerie Queene the narrator praises love as a powerful tool for both shaping and destroying one’s character. This is particularly true of cantos iv where Marinell is warned to stay away from love, although it is not love in the end that is his undoing. In canto v, we again hear the praises of love, this time for its ability to make men noble and gentle; which is also true of the introduction of canto iii. Third, in a continuation of the metaphors and strength of love we read about Venus and the search for her son cupid. Based on the trials and tribulations of love in the cantos generally listed above, below is an original stanza written with the intention of focusing on one such scene and providing a different approach (as a sort of writing exercise). The writing from Spencer comes first, followed by the original piece. Spencer’s stanza is number two from canto III, book III. In canto III we have Elizabeth lineage related to Britomarts. This passage speaks to the intentions of heroes and praises Elizabeth through Britomart for their deeds to England. This is not a direct continuation of the theme of love, but it does speak to the intention of the characters and the author as noble, and to the love in marriage/matrimony that bore such heroes.
Author’s note: I have not written poetry for years, and there may be many errors, however it was fun to give it a go.
Spencer Stanza 2, Canto III, Book III
“Well did Antiquitie a God thee deeme,
That ouer mortall minds hast so great might,
To order them, as best to thee doth seeme,
And all their actions to direct aright;
The fatall purpose of diuine foresight,
Thou doest effect in destined descents,”
“Through deepe impression of thy secret might,
And stirredst vp th’Heroes high intents,
Which the late world admyres for wondrous moniments.”
Hannah, Untitled stanza
In lands where ancient myths and legends dwell (A)
And rivers dance with sunlights golden glow (B)
The stories of the past foretell (A)
We wander through the woods where shadows grow (B)
To find the peace that people long to know (B)
And seek the light that lies beyond the blind (C)
One soul emerged, a beacon in the night, aglow (B)
With heroes goal, and courage intertwined (C)
A hero born, a legacy defined (C)
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