[607]. purchase: acquisition; the word retains here much of its original meaning, i.e. what has been hunted down or stolen.
[610]. yet: notwithstanding; emprise: here, readiness for any dangerous undertaking.
[619]. a certain shepherd-lad: a supposed compliment to Milton's dearest friend, Charles Diodati.
[620]. to see to: to look upon.
[621]. virtuous: efficacious, potent.
[627]. simples: medicinal herbs.
[634]. and like esteemed: i.e. and (un)esteemed.
[635]. clouted shoon: patched shoes.
[636]. Moly: (Gk. μώλυ) a fabulous herb, 'that Hermes [Mercury] to wise Ulysses gave,' as a protection against the spells of Circe.—Od., x. 305. See Pope's note, in his translation, x. 361, Tennyson's 'Lotus Eaters,' 133.
[638]. Hæmony: supposed to be from Hæmonia, Thessaly, famous for its magic.