calamus in English:

Traditional rice farmers carry their rice in large reed baskets.

Man is a thinking reed.

Heck, with oboe players there are those who, rather than search for a reed that suits them, find it faster to make their own.

I do plainly and ingenuously confess that I am guilty of corruption, and do renounce all defense. I beseech your Lordships to be merciful to a broken reed.