NOTES ON THE THIRD CANTO.
[Page 106], l. 3, 4.
While round before th’ enlarging wind it falls,
‘Square fore and aft the yards,’ the master calls.
The wind is said to enlarge, when it veers from the side towards the stern. To square the yards is, in this place, to haul them directly across the ship’s length.
[Page 106], l. 7.
So, steady! meet her!
Steady! is an order to steer the ship according to the line on which she then advances, without deviating to the right or left.