Note 341 — PROLOGUE TO THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD, 1674. SPOKEN BY MR HART.
Reading edition
Its properties are thus described by Spenser:
It vertue had to show in perfect sight Whatever thing was in the world contained, Betwixt the lowest earth and heaven's height, So that it to the looker appertained. Whatever foe had wrought, or friend designed, Therein discovered was ne ought mote pass, Ne ought in secret from the same remained, Forthy it round, and hollow-shaped was, Like to the world itself, and seemed a world of glass. Such was the glassy globe that Merlin made, And gave unto King Ryence for his guard. Fairy Queen, Book iii. Canto 2.