[277-290.] These fourteen lines are an instance of “stichomythia, or conversation in alternate lines, which was always popular on the Attic stage. This scheme of versification is used chiefly in excited discussions, where the speakers are hurried along by the eagerness of their feelings.”—Haigh, The Tragic Drama of the Greeks.
[292. An ox in traces] would now be a rare sight.
[294. a green mantling vine.] See Par. Lost IV 258.
[299. gay creatures of the element:] creatures of the air,—supernatural beings.
[301. And play i’ the plighted clouds.] Probably the poet means the plaited, or pleated, clouds, conceiving the clouds as appearing folded together. I was awe-strook. See [Hymn on the Nativity 95].
[316. Or shroud within these limits.] Shroud as a noun we saw above, [line 147].
[318. From her thatched pallet rouse.] The lark builds on the ground, seeking a spot protected by overarching stems of grass or grain, which may be called a natural thatch; and if this protection is destroyed by mowers or reapers, the bird will at once take pains to build a roof or thatch over the nest, completely covering it, and for a door will make an opening on the side.
[325. where it first was named.] The derivation of the words courteous and courtesy from court is obvious.
[327. Less warranted than this, or less secure.] The lady says that she cannot be in any place less guaranteed than this against evil, and that she cannot anywhere be less free from anxiety. Her situation she conceives to be as bad as it can be.
[329. square my trial To my proportioned strength:] make my trial proportionate to my strength.