What does "almost everything in this isle enjoys immunity to poison" - Bede mean? Does it have something to do with Ireland?
"Ireland is broader than Britain and has a much healthier and milder climate; for the snow scarcely
ever lies there above three days: no man makes hay in the summer for winter’s provision, or builds
stables for his beasts of burden. No reptiles are found there, and no snake can live there; for, though
snakes are often carried thither out of Britain, as soon as the ship comes near the shore, and the
scent of the air reaches them, they die. On the contrary, almost all things in the island are efficacious
against poison. In truth, we have known that when men have been bitten by serpents, the scrapings
of leaves of books that were brought out of Ireland, being put into water, and given them to drink,
have immediately absorbed the spreading poison, and assuaged the swelling.
"
Bede, p 17
Yes, he is speaking of Ireland.
The quote you mentioned, "almost everything in this isle enjoys immunity to poison," is actually from William Shakespeare's play "Cymbeline," specifically spoken by the character called Bede. It does not directly refer to Ireland but rather refers to an island within the context of the play. Bede is referring to the island where the story takes place.
To understand the meaning of this statement, it's helpful to consider the context. In "Cymbeline," Bede is describing the healing attributes of the island. The phrase suggests that the natural elements, plants, and possibly even the inhabitants of the island have a remarkable resilience or resistance to the harmful effects of poison.
To delve deeper into the significance, you may want to explore the theme of healing and the symbolic implications of the immunity to poison in "Cymbeline." Additionally, studying the character of Bede and the context in which this line is spoken can provide further insights into its specific meaning within the play.