Note 475 — RAPE OF THE LOCK. (continued 2)
Reading edition
The disease was probably named from the atmospheric vapours which were reputed to be a principal cause of English melancholy. Cowper says of England in his Task, Bk. v. ver. 462,
Thy clime is rude, Replete with vapours, and disposes much All hearts to sadness, and none more than mine.