P. 33. l. [1127] They say the trees that are near it, come to maturity in time, and bring forth fruit and thrive, but when their apples are ripe, fire-ashes one may see therein. fier-isles, fire-ashes. For the meaning of isle, see Gloss. to Allit. Poems, s.v. Vsle. [1131]-2 That land is called dale of salt, many a one taketh thereof little heed (account).
"Of thair schepe thai gif na tale,
Whether thai be seke or hale."—(MS. Harl. 4196, fol. 92.)
[1137] biggede, dwelt. It signifies more properly to build. [1139]-40 Here is an allusion to the destruction of the world by fire mentioned in lines [640]-644, p. 19. Those maidens erewhile heard some say that fire should all this world consume. [1140] forsweðen, to burn up entirely, from the O.E. swethe or swithe, to burn, scorch. See Ancren Riwle, p. 306 (footnote). Gloss. to Allit. Poems, s.v. swythe. [1142] fieres wreche, vengeance (plague) of fire. [1143]-4 The Cursor Mundi says that Lot's daughters seeing only their father, thought that all men had perished.
"Bot Loth him held þat cave wit-in,
He and his doghtres tuin;
For þai nan bot þair fadre sau,
Þai wend alle men war don odau,
Thoru þat ilk waful wrak;
Þe elder to þe yonger spak: