[206]. Ver. 15. Hydrostatics—Water has been supposed, by several of our philosophers, to be capable of the passion of love. Some later experiments appear to favour this idea. Water, when pressed by a moderate degree of heat, has been observed to simper, or simmer, as it is more usually called. The same does not hold true of any other element.
[207]. Ver. 17. Acoustics—The doctrine or theory of sound.
[208]. Ver. 18. Euclid and Algebra—The loves and nuptials of these two interesting personages, forming a considerable episode in the third canto, are purposely omitted here.
[209]. Ver. 19. Pulley—So called from our Saxon word to PULL, signifying to pull or draw.
[210]. Ver. 23. Fair sylphish forms—Vide modern prints of nymphs and shepherds dancing to nothing at all.
[211]. Ver. 27. Such rich confusion—Imitated from the following genteel and sprightly lines in the first canto of the “Loves of the Plants”:
“So bright its folding canopy withdrawn,
Glides the gilt landau o’er the velvet lawn,
Of beaux and belles displays the glittering throng,
And soft airs fan them as they glide along”.