=2.= Whereon the feeders of the Moreau head—
Head waters of the Moreau. Locate the Moreau.
=3.= Scarce more than deep-carved runes of vernal rain.
The rune was a character in the ancient alphabet and ultimately
came to stand for poetry. Here the original meaning as a deep
cut is restored.
=6.= Defiant clumps of thirst embittered grass, etc.
Note how exactly the characteristics of an arid landscape are
set forth in such phrases as “thirst embittered grass,” “parched
earth,” “bared and fang-like roots,” “dwarf thickets,” “stunted
fruits.” The poet is shown by exactness, not inaccuracy.
=15.= And made the scabrous gulch appear to shake
The very sound of the word “scabrous” suggests dryness.
=20.= And where the mottled shadow dripped as ink etc.
The shadow of leaves on the yellow earth is black. The
description is absolutely accurate. “A poet is known by his
epithets.”