6 On whoso comes nigh; yet nigh it draws
whoso > whoever draws > (Because Magnes stone was supposed to attract ships by their ironwork)
7 All passengers, that none from it can shift:
passengers > passers-by that > [so that]
8 For while they fly that gulf's devouring jaws,
fly > flee
9 They on this rock are rent, and sunk in helpless waves."
rent > torn, split helpless > {Affording no help}
212.5
Forward they passe, and strongly he them rowes,
2 Vntill they nigh vnto that Gulfe arriue,
Where streame more violent and greedy growes:
4 Then he with all his puissance doth striue
To strike his oares, and mightily doth driue
6 The hollow vessell through the threatfull waue,
Which gaping wide, to swallow them aliue,
8 In th'huge abysse of his engulfing graue,
Doth rore at them in vaine, and with great terror raue.