An Introduction to the Prose and Poetical Works of John Milton / Comprising All the Autobiographic Passages in His Works, the More Explicit Presentations of His Ideas of True Liberty.

by John Milton

Fusaque erant toto languida membra toro.'

—Ovid, Ex Ponto, III. iii. 7, 8.

[122]. weeds: garments, clothes.

[128]. Who tore the lion: see Judges xiv. 5, 6.

[132]. hammered cuirass: the cuirass was originally of leather; here of metal, formed with the hammer.

[133]. Chalybean-tempered steel: having the temper of steel wrought by the Chalybes, an ancient Asiatic people dwelling south of the Black Sea, and famous as workers in iron; hence, Lat. chalybs, steel, Gr. χάλυψ. Dr. Masson accents 'Chalybean' on the third syllable; it seems rather to have the accent here on the second.

[134]. Adamantean proof: having the strength of adamant.

[136]. insupportably: irresistibly.

[139]. his lion ramp: his leap or spring as of a lion. In the description of the sixth day of the creation (P. L., vii. 463-466) it is said of the lion,

'now half appeared