[164]: 23. Fanatic. The term was frequently applied to the Puritans, and later to Dissenters.
XXIII. Sir Roger and the Gipsies
Motto. "They find their constant delight in gathering new spoils, and living upon plunder."—Virgil, Æneid, vii. 748.
[166]: 2. Set the heads of our servant-maids so agog, i.e. by telling their fortunes.
166: 6. Crosses their hands with a piece of silver. It was customary to make the sign of the cross upon the hand of the gipsy with the coin given him—probably with a view to avert any evil influence from such doubtful characters.
166: 23. A Cassandra of the crew. Cassandra, daughter of Priam, king of Troy, had been given by Apollo the gift of prophecy; but the god, afterward offended by her, rendered the gift futile by decreeing that she should never be believed.
XXIV. The Spectator decides to return to London
Motto. "Once more, ye woods, farewell."—Virgil, Eclogues, x. 63.
[171]: 2. Spring anything to my mind. The metaphors in this and the following lines are drawn from the chase. To "spring" is to rouse game from cover; to "put up" has much the same meaning.