Part 18 (1/2)

'147 Forfex':

a Latin word meaning scissors.

'152'

Pope borrowed this idea from Milton, who represents the wound inflicted on Satan, by the Archangel Michael as healing immediately--

Th' ethereal substance closed Not long divisible.

--'Paradise Lost', VI, 330-331.

'165 Atalantis': 'The New Atalantis',

a four-volume ”cornucopia of scandal” involving almost every public character of the day, was published by a Mrs. Manley in 1709. It was very widely read. The Spectator found it, along with a key which revealed the ident.i.ties of its characters, in the lady's library already mentioned ('Spectator', No. 37).

'166 the small pillow':

a richly decorated pillow which fas.h.i.+onable ladies used to prop them up in bed when they received morning visits from gentlemen. Addison gives an account of such a visit in the 'Spectator', No. 45.

'167 solemn days':

days of marriage or mourning, on which at this time formal calls were paid.

'173 the labour of the G.o.ds':

the walls of Troy built by Apollo and Neptune for King Laomedon.

'178 unresisted':

irresistible.

CANTO IV

'8 Cynthia':

a fanciful name for any fas.h.i.+onable lady. No individual is meant.

'manteau':

a loose upper garment for women.