675. ~that Nepenthes~, etc. The allusion is explained by the following
lines of the _Odyssey_: "Then Helen, daughter of Zeus, turned to new
thoughts. Presently she cast a drug into the wine whereof they drank, a
drug to lull all pain and anger, and bring forgetfulness of every
sorrow. Whoso should drink a draught thereof, when it is mingled in the
bowl, on that day he would let no tear fall down his cheeks, not though
his father and his mother died ... Medicines of such virtue and so
helpful had the daughter of Zeus, which Polydamna, the wife of Thon, had
given her, a woman of Egypt, where earth the grain-giver yields herbs in
greatest plenty, many that are healing in the cup, and many baneful"
(_Butcher and Lang's translation_, iv. 219-230). 'Nepenthes,' a Greek
adj. = sorrow-dispelling (+nê+, privative; +penthos+, grief). It is here
used by Milton as the name of an opiate and it is now occasionally used
as a general name for drugs that relieve pain.
677. ~Is of such power~, etc.: see note, l. 155. The construction is,
'That Nepenthes is not of such power to stir up joy as this (julep is,
nor is it) so friendly to life (nor) so cool to thirst.'
679. ~Why ... to yourself~. Comp. Shakespeare, _Son._ i. 8, "Thyself thy
foe, to thy sweet self too cruel."
680. 'Nature gave you your beautiful person to be held in trust on
certain conditions, of which the most obligatory is that the body should
have refreshment after toil, ease after pain. Yet this very condition
you disregard, and deal harshly with yourself by refusing my proferred
glass at a time when you are in need of food and rest.' Comp.
Shakespeare, _Son._ iv. "Unthrifty loveliness, why dost thou spend Upon
thyself thy beauty's legacy," etc.
685. ~unexempt condition~, _i.e._ a condition binding on all and at all
times, a law of human nature.