Note 134 — Chapter II
J. S. (John Selby) Watson translation
The allusion is to Odyss. ix. 83, where the lotus-eaters are mentioned:
The trees around them all their food produce, Lotus the name, divine nectareous juice, (Thence called Lotophagi,) which whoso tastes, Insatiate riots in the sweet repasts, Nor other home, nor other care intends, But quits his house, his country, and his friends. Pope.