[194] Alexandrian stanza. The Alexandrian line consists of twelve syllables (iambic hexameter). Neither the acrostic nor the Alexandrine has the property assigned to it here. A palindrame reads the same forward as backward, as:
"Madam, I'm Adam";
"Signa te signa; temere me tangis et angis";
Νίψον ἀνοήματα μὴ μόναν ὄψιν
[195] The reference is to sailing vessels, of course.
[196] Scorn eyes, scorn observers.
[197] Chatham, William Pitt, Earl of Chatham (1708-1778), this distinguished statesman and orator. He became very popular as a statesman and was known as "The Great Commoner."
[198] Adams. The reference is presumably to Samuel Adams (1722-1803), a popular leader and orator in the cause of American freedom. He was a member of the Continental Congress and a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Emerson may have in mind, however, John Adams (1735-1826), second president of the United States.
[199] Spartan. The ancient Spartans were noted for their courage and fortitude.
[200] Julius Cæsar (100-44 b.c.), the great Roman general, statesman, orator, and author.
[201] St. Anthony (251-356), Egyptian founder of monachism, the system of monastic seclusion.