[77.] sensual sty: see [note] on l. 52. To those who, “with low-thoughted care,” are “unmindful of the crown that Virtue gives,” the world becomes little better than a sensual sty. This line is adverbial to forget.
[78.] favoured: compare Lat. gratus = favoured (adj.).
[79.] adventurous, full of risks. The current sense of ‘adventurous,’ applied only to persons, is “enterprising.” See l. [61], [609]. glade: strictly, an open space in a wood, and hence applied (as here) to the wood itself. It is cognate with glow and glitter, and its fundamental sense is ‘a passage for light’ (Skeat).
[80.] glancing star, a shooting star. Comp. Par. Lost, iv. 556:
“Swift as a shooting star
In autumn thwarts the night.”
The rhythm of the line and the prevalence of sibilants suit the sense.
[81.] convoy: comp. Par. Lost, vi. 752, “convoyed By four cherubic shapes.” It is another form of convey (Lat. con = together, via = a way).
[83.] sky-robes: the “ambrosial weeds” of line [16]. Iris’ woof, material dyed in rainbow colours. The goddess Iris was a personification of the rainbow: comp. l. [992] and Par. Lost, xi. 244, “Iris had dipped the woof.” Etymologically, woof is connected with web and weave: it is short for on-wef = on-web, i.e. the cross threads laid on the warp of a loom.
[84.] weeds: see [note], l. 16.
[86.] That to the service, etc. The part of the Spirit was acted by Lawes, first in “sky-robes,” then in shepherd dress. In the dedication of Comus by Lawes to Lord Brackley (anonymous edition of 1637), he alludes to the favours that had been shown him by the Bridgewater family. In the above lines Milton compliments Lawes and enables Lawes to compliment the Earl (see Introduction).