myrrh > (The aromatic resin of the gum myrrh tree (Commiphora myrrha) is used herbally as an antiseptic and disinfectant. But the reference also evokes (noted by Bayley (1966) 264-5) the story of Myrrha (Met. 10), whose incestuous desire for her own father led to her transformation into a myrrh tree: in that form she gave agonizing birth to Adonis. In Song Sol. 1.13, myrrh is mentioned in a celebration of sexual congress. The word "myrrh" itself is derived from an Arabic word meaning "bitter". Here in one line is a perfect example of the richness of Spenser's art)
7 The warlike beech; the ash for nothing ill;
warlike > (Because war-chariots in antiquity were reputedly made of beech)
8 The fruitful olive; and the platan round;
platan > plane-tree
9 The carver holm; the maple seldom inward sound.
holm > (Holm oak, Quercus ilex, whose wood is suitable for carving)
101.10
Led with delight, they thus beguile the way,
2 Vntill the blustring storme is ouerblowne;
When weening to returne, whence they did stray,
4 +They+ cannot finde that path, which first was showne,
But wander too and fro in wayes vnknowne,
6 Furthest from end then, when they neerest weene,
That makes them doubt, their wits be not their owne:
8 So many pathes, so many turnings seene,
That which of them to take, in diuerse doubt they been.
4 They > The 1596