[392] “Hard as a diamond.”
[393] The Spina Ariana is mentioned in B. xii. c. 18.
[394] See B. xx. c. 65, where a plant is mentioned by this name.
[395] Dalechamps thinks that an Euphorbia is meant under this name.
[396] “Serpent-plant.” Fée thinks that a hemlock may possibly be meant, or perhaps the Arum serpentaria; see c. 93 of this Book.
[397] “Brightness of the sea.” A narcotic plant, Fée thinks, probably a night-shade.
[398] Hardouin suggests “potamitis,” river-plant.
[399] It is not impossible that this may in reality be an allusion to the effects of opium, or of hasheesh.
[400] “Messenger of the gods,” apparently.
[401] “Laughing leaves.” Possibly, Fée thinks, the Ranunculus philonotis, the Herba Sardoa or Sardonic plant of Virgil, known by some authorities as the Apium risus, or “laughing parsley.” Desfontaines suggests that hemp (prepared in the form of hasheesh) is meant.