[1.] Aonian springs. The fountain Aganippe, situated in Aonia, was much frequented by the Muses, who were therefore sometimes called "Aonides." They were also called Thespiades, because Mount Helicon, one of their favored resorts, was in the vicinity of Thespia, and was itself named "Thespia rupes."
[2.] Clarius. The name applied to the celebrated oracle of Apollo at Clarus, on the Ionian coast.
[3.] pies. Magpies, "who make sound without sense."
[4.] hence. For this reason.
[5.] virtue . . . her own applause. Compare:
"Virtue is her own reward."—Dryden, Tyrannic Love.
"Virtue, a reward to itself."—Walton, Compleat Angler.
"Virtue is its own reward."—Prior, Imitations of Horace.
[6.] Japhet's line. The line of Iapetus, the father of Prometheus, who stole fire from the chariot of the sun.
[7.] issue of Jove's brain. Athene, or Minerva.