[112.] th' onely breath, the mere breath.
[119.] do him not to dye, slay him not; cf. "done to death."
[138.] A monstrous beast, on which the woman of Babylon sat; Revelation, xiii and xvii, 7.
[139.] This refers to the Romish policy of fostering ignorance among its members.
[140.] that renowmed Snake, the Lernæan Hydra, a monster with nine or more heads, offspring of Typhon and Echidna. It was slain by Hercules. Stremona is a name of Spenser's own invention.
[147.] The reference is to the cruelty and insensibility of the Romish Church.
[150.] Its tail reached to the stars. Revelation, xii, 4.
[155.] and holy heasts foretaught, and holy commands previously taught (them).
[161.] his forlorne weed, his abandoned clothing.
[165.] moniments, the sorrowful, mournful relics.