"wood aisle"--path of sun's rays in the woods at sunset.
"drunken the soul of the oak"--absorbed its strength.
"scythe of time"--symbol of death.
"trowel of trade"--symbol of industry.
"belief overmasters doubt"--inner confidence, faith takes the place of uncertainty.
"I know that I know"--become self-confident thro' a Power greater than self.
"My spirit grows to a lordly great compass within"--My soul becomes its own confident guide, relying on a Power greater than self.
"When length was fatigue"--tiresome to look at--he was unable to understand it.
"breadth was but bitterness sore"--so vast as to be disappointing and beyond his ability to know and control.
"drew over me out of the merciless miles of the plain"--The vastness of the marshes filled him with fear and awe.