35. sapwood: the new wood next the bark, which is not yet hardened.
37. Much of the value of an arrow lies in its being properly feathered. So when Fate chooses, she removes all valueless feathers which will hinder success.
40. In these ways her aim Would be injured.
43. butt's: target's.
52. frothy: trivial.
64. Leif, the son of Eric, near the end of the tenth century went from Greenland to Norway and was converted to Christianity. About 1000 he sailed southward and landed at what is perhaps now Newfoundland, then went on to some part of the New England coast and there spent the winter.
61. The coming of Leif Ericson with his brave ship to Vinland was the first happening in the story of America.
61. rune: a character in the ancient alphabet.
FLOWERS
"Flowers" is another very early poem, but it was included by Lowell in his first volume, "A Year's Life," in 1841. Compare this idea of a poet's duty and opportunity with that of other American writers.