Part 16 (1/2)

'74'

This formal opening of Ariel's address to his followers is a parody of a pa.s.sage in 'Paradise Lost', V, 600-601.

'75 spheres':

either ”worlds” or in a more general sense ”regions.”

'79'

What are the ”wandering orbs,” and how do they differ from planets in l.

80?

'97 a wash':

a lotion for the complexion.

'105'

Diana, the virgin huntress, was in a peculiar sense the G.o.ddess of chast.i.ty.

'106 China jar':

the taste for collecting old china was comparatively new in England at this time. It had been introduced from Holland by Queen Anne's sister, Queen Mary, and was eagerly caught up by fas.h.i.+onable society.

'113 The drops':

the diamond earrings.

'118 the Petticoat':

the huge hoop skirt which had recently become fas.h.i.+onable. Addison, in a humorous paper in the 'Tatler' (No. 116), describes one as about twenty-four yards in circ.u.mference.

'128 bodkin':

a large needle.

'133 rivel'd':

an obsolete raiment of ”obrivelled.”