The parenthesis in these lines contains a hit at the would-be omniscient politicians who haunted the coffee-houses of Queen Anne's day, and who professed their ability to see through all problems of state with their eyes half-shut. Pope jestingly attributes their wisdom to the inspiring power of coffee. '122 Scylla': the daughter of King Nisus in Grecian legends. Nisus had a purple hair and so long as it was untouched he was unconquerable. Scylla fell in love with one of his enemies and pulled out the hair while Nisus slept. For this crime she was turned into a bird. The story is told in full in Ovid's 'Metamorphoses', Bk. VIII. '127 Clarissa': it does not appear that Pope had any individual lady in mind. We do not know, at least, that any lady instigated or aided Lord Petre to cut off the lock. '144 An earthly Lover': we know nothing of any love affair of Miss Fermor's. Pope mentions the "earthly lover" here to account for Ariel's desertion of Belinda, for he could only protect her so long as she "rejected mankind"; compare Canto I, ll. 67-68. '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 identities of its characters, in the lady's library already mentioned ('Spectator', No. 37). '166 the small pillow': a richly decorated pillow which fashionable 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 gods': the walls of Troy built by Apollo and Neptune for King Laomedon. '178 unresisted': irresistible. CANTO IV '8 Cynthia': a fanciful name for any fashionable lady. No individual is meant. 'manteau': a loose upper garment for women. '16 Spleen': the word is used here as a personification of melancholy, or low spirits. It was not an uncommon affectation in England at this time. A letter to the 'Spectator', No. 53, calls it "the distemper of the great and the polite." '17 the Gnome': Umbriel, who in accordance with his nature now proceeds to stir up trouble. Compare Canto I, ll. 63-64. '20' The bitter east wind which put every one into a bad humor was supposed to be one of the main causes of the spleen. '23 She': the goddess of the spleen. Compare l. 79. '84 Megrim': headache. '29 store': a large supply. '38 night-dress':