1 So forth they rowed, and that ferryman 2 With his stiff oars did brush the sea so strong
stiff > resolute, steadfast; strong
3 That the hoar waters from his frigate ran,
hoar > grey-white; hence: foamy frigate > (Light and swift boat; cf. 206.7:9)
4 And the light bubbles danced all along, 5 While the salt brine out of the billows sprang. 6 At last, far off, they many islands spy, 7 On every side floating the floods among:
floods > waters; hence: waves
8 Then said the knight, "Lo I the land descry, 9 Therefore, old sire, your course do thereto apply."
sire > {Father; term of respect accorded to an elderly man} apply > steer (as 207.1:8)
212.11
That may not be, said then the Ferryman
2 Least we vnweeting hap to be fordonne:
For those same Islands, seeming now and than,
4 Are not firme lande, nor any certein wonne,
But straggling plots, which to and fro do ronne
6 In the wide waters: therefore are they hight
The wandring Islands. Therefore doe them shonne;
8 For they haue oft drawne many a wandring wight
Into most deadly daunger and distressed plight.