Note 468 — 1827
Reading edition
Spenser wrote ninety-two sonnets. From the eightieth sonnet it would seem that the writing of them was a relaxation, after the labour spent upon the Faërie Queene. It is to this sonnet that Wordsworth alludes.
After so long a race as I have run Through Faery land, which these six books compile, Give leave to rest me, being half foredone, And gather to myself new breath awhile.—Ed.