B—Intensive Reading

Explain the following passages:

aAnd Cæsar's spirit, ranging for revenge,
With Ate by his side come hot from hell,
Shall in these confines with a monarch's voice
Cry "Havoc."
Julius Cæsar.

Who speaks, and when?

bYou shall digest the venom of your spleen,
Though it do split you;...
I'll use you for my ... laughter,
When you are waspish.
Julius Cæsar.
cPhilomel will deign a song,
In her sweetest, saddest plight,
Smoothing the rugged brow of Night
While Cynthia checks her dragon yoke
Gently o'er the accustomed oak.
Il Penseroso.
dAlas, what boots it with incessant care
To tend the homely slighted shepherd's trade,
And strictly meditate the thankless Muse?
Lycidas.