GRYLL’S STATE

IN THE FAERIE QUEEN, book two, a number of men who have been turned into hogs by the enchantress Acrasia are turned back into men by me Knight of Temperance. Gryll is the one who makes clear his desire to become a hog again.

Gryll

Had his fill

Of aspiring, failing short, and wearing hats.

Gryll

Had his fill

Of avoiding fats.

Gryll

Had nil

in the way of an attitude of holier-than-thou.

Gryll

Still

Enjoyed a good sow.

Gryll

Until

He became a hog, was forever laying up everything he might need, and using everything he had laid up—or seeing that it was properly disposed of, or defended.

Gryll

Felt swill

Had things to recommend it.

Gryll

Felt ill

At the thought of returning to a state of mind in which he had to think of himself as a probable threat.

Gryll

Will

Be borne out by history yet.