[586. Shall be unsaid for me:] it is not necessary for me to make any change in my opinion to make it harmonize with this new aspect of affairs.
[595. Gathered like scum, and settled to itself.] The two metaphors thus combined make a rather strange mixture.
[598. The pillared firmament.] By the firmament is usually understood the sphere of the fixed stars. How to introduce the conception of pillars is not clear.
[604. Acheron.] See Par. Lost II 578.
[605.] The Harpies were monstrous birds with women’s heads. Their doings are described Æneid III. The Hydra was a monster serpent with a hundred heads.
[607. his purchase:] his acquisition.
[610. I love thy courage yet,] though thou hast spoken most unwisely.
[611. can do thee little stead:] can avail thee but little.
[617. utmost shifts:] most carefully devised precautions.
[620. Of small regard to see to:] of very insignificant appearance.