Keats wants to make it clear that he is not trying
to surpass Boccaccio, but to give him
currency
amongst English-speaking
people.
Keats
Cf. l. 142.
l. 140. _Hot Egypt's pest_, the plague of Egypt.
ll. 145-52. As in _Lycidas_ Milton apologizes for the introduction of
his attack on the Church, so Keats apologizes for the introduction of
this outburst of indignation against cruel and dishonourable dealers,
which he feels is unsuited to the tender and pitiful story.
l. 150. _ghittern_, an instrument like a guitar, strung with wire.
PAGE 59. ll. 153-60.
Keats wants to make it clear that he is not trying
to surpass Boccaccio, but to give him
currency
amongst English-speaking
people.
l. 159. _stead thee_, do thee service.
l. 168. _olive-trees._ In which (through the oil they yield) a great
part of the wealth of the Italians lies.
PAGE 60. l. 174. _Cut . . . bone._ This is not only a vivid way of
describing the banishment of all their natural pity.
