coloquintida > (The colocynth or bitter-apple, Citrullus colocynthis, a plant of the gourd family. The fruit has a very bitter pulp, producing a purgative drug. The colocynth is the gourd referred to in 2 Kings 4.38-41; see also Othello I iii 345) tetra > (The deadly nightshade, Atropa bella-donna)
5 Mortal samnitis, and cicuta bad,
Mortal > Lethal samnitis > (Conjectured by Upton to be the savin, Junipera sabina, the dried tops of which are abortifacient: hence "Mortall". Cf. 302.49:5) cicuta > hemlock (Conium maculatum, a deadly poison)
6 With which the unjust Athenians made to die 7 Wise Socrates who, thereof quaffing glad,
Socrates > (The Greek philosopher, c. 470-399, who was obliged to drink hemlock)
8 Poured out his life and last philosophy 9 To the fair Critias, his dearest belamy.
Critias > (Socrates's former pupil and enemy, one of the Thirty Tyrants. Perhaps an error for "Crito" on Spenser's part) belamy > fair friend, bosom-friend
207.53
The +Gardin+ of Proserpina this hight;
2 And in the midst thereof a siluer seat,
With a thicke Arber goodly ouer dight,
4 In which she often vsd from open heat
Her selfe to shroud, and pleasures to entreat.
6 Next thereunto did grow a goodly tree,
With braunches broad dispred and body great,
8 Clothed with leaues, that none the wood mote see
And loaden all with fruit as thicke as it might bee.
1 Gardin > Gordin 1596