But by the way, there is a great Quicksand,
2 And a whirlepoole of hidden ieopardy,
Therefore, Sir Palmer, keepe an euen hand;
4 For twixt them both the narrow way doth ly.
Scarse had he said, when hard at hand they spy
6 That quicksand nigh with water couered;
But by the checked waue they did descry
8 It plaine, and by the sea discoloured:
It called was the quicksand of Vnthriftyhed.

1 "But by the way, there is a great quicksand,

by > beside way > passage, course

2 And a whirlpool of hidden jeopardy; 3 Therefore, sir palmer, keep an even hand:

even > straight, direct (the palmer is steering)

4 For 'twixt them both the narrow way does lie." 5 Scarce had he said, when hard at hand they spy

said > spoken

6 That quicksand nigh with water covered; 7 But by the checked wave they did descry

by > by means of; or perhaps: through checked > chequered, patterned (because of contrary currents and the shallowness of the water)

8 It plain, and by the sea discoloured: 9 It called was the quicksand of Unthriftihead.