[204. Yet nought but single darkness do I find.] The darkness is unbroken by any ray of light.
[210. may startle well, but not astound.] Astound is a strong word. See Par. Lost I 281.
[212. a strong siding champion:] a champion who sides with the virtuous mind.
[222. her silver lining.] Note Milton’s avoidance of the possessive its. In all his verse he uses its but three times.
[231. Within thy airy shell.] The airy shell in which Echo lives must be the “hollow round” of the atmosphere. Compare [Hymn on the Nativity 100-103].
[232.] The Meander is the river of Asia Minor, famous for its windings.
[233-237.] The mention of the nightingale and Narcissus in this passage suggests that it may be a reminiscence of the chorus in the Oedipus Coloneus,—“Of this land of goodly steeds, O stranger.”
[237.] Echo’s passion for the beautiful Narcissus was not requited, and she pined away till she became a mere voice, which she could not utter till she was spoken to.
[241. Daughter of the Sphere:] daughter of the air, which forms a hollow sphere about the earth.
[243. And give resounding grace to all Heaven’s harmonies:] by echoing back the music of the spheres.