[331]Probably a church in Famagosta, which tradition makes Fortunatus’s native place, and which was at one time the chief port and fortress in Cyprus.[332]“A gardener” in the original, which does not tally with the description given by Fortune on p.300.q.v.[333]“A smith” in the original, which is again a confusion with the description in the text.[334]An allusion to the coxcomb, the invariable ornament to the fool’s cap, which Virtue wears on her head. See description,Scene III.[335]The description corresponds rather to Henry IV. of Germany, who died in 1106.[336]Frederick I. called Barbarossa, Emperor of Germany,i.e.Allemagne (Almaine), the grandson of Henry IV.[337]Alexander III.[338]Louis I. called Le Débonnaire, son of Charlemagne, d. 840.[339]Bajazet I. called Yilderim,i.e.Lightning, because of the rapidity of his movement in the field of war, first Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, who was humiliated by Timur (Tamburlaine). Compare Marlowe’sTamburlaine the Great.[340]Viriathus, a shepherd who became a famous Lusitanian chief in the 2nd centuryB.C., and long warred successfully against the Romans in Spain.[341]Primislaus, a country labourer, who became first Duke of Bohemia, having married the daughter of Croc who founded the city of Prague.[342]Gregory VII. (1013-1085).[343]Fortune here turns and addresses the four deposed kings again.[344]Tailor. SeeThe Devil’s Answer to Pierce Pennylesse(Dekker’s non-dramatic works, The Huth Library, edited by the Rev. A. B. Grosart, vol. ii. p. 147), “That botcher I preferred to be Lucifer’s tailor, because he works with a hot needle and burnt thread.”[345]John of Leyden (John Beccold), b. 1510, d. 1536, a tailor, who became a leader of the Anabaptists and at their head took extraordinary possession of the city of Munster, and ruled for a brief space as king there, before constitutional authority was restored and he was seized and put to death.[346]The Three Destinies, to whom Fortune herself was sometimes added as a fourth. Fortunatus here seems to be addressing Fortune and her two attendant nymphs, for no stage direction is specially given for the entrance of the Three Destinies, as inAct II. sc. ii.,q.v.[347]See an anonymous poem inTottel’s Miscellany, 1557, called “A praise of his Lady,” from which Dekker may have borrowed the fancy:—“In each of her two crystal eyesSmileth a naked boy.”[348]Dekker is not careful even to remember here that Cyprus is an island.[349]Compare Shakespeare’s “Crabbed Age and Youth.”[350]A corruption of “God’s heart.”[351]Hired witnesses.[352]One of the usual puns on the coin of that name.[353]Ensign-bearers.[354]A net the ends of which are drawn together with a string like a purse.[355]Kid leather (Fr.chevreau). Hence a very flexible conscience was often called a cheveril conscience.—Halliwell.[356]Mean or miserly persons.—Halliwell.[357]See noteante, p.306.[358]i.e.Gallantly attired.[359]Housings hung on horses and mules, and considered a mark of dignity.—Halliwell.[360]A stick with leather flap for killing flies.[361]One of the followers of Ogier the Dane into India, according to Mandeville, who was given sovereignty there, and is said by tradition to have had seventy tributary kings.[362]i.e.Khan.[363]Another reference to the gold coins so called.[364]i.e.The fool’s cap.[365]In the original story Fortunatus goes to Cairo, and Dekker is evidently here confusing Egypt with Assyria. Hence the Soldan’s court at Babylon.[366]The golden apple which Paris adjudged to Venus.[367]Alluding to Phaeton’s flight, and the fiery disruption of his chariot.[368]A martial term, probably of Spanish derivation, for the summons to battle.[369]“No does?” simply in the original, which is not intelligible. In full it would seem to imply “No, does it not?”[370]Poise, weigh. “Peise” is still in use in some parts of the north of England.[371]i.e.Gallantly attired.[372]In the original these words ate assigned to Ampedo, an evident error.[373]A Portuguese coin having a cross on one side and worth about 2s.3d., but varying in value at different times.[374]“Pies” in the original, an evident misprint.[375]A common reproach for the affectation of the courtiers in Elizabeth’s reign.[376]Seenoteante.p. 301. “The Parcae were generally represented as three old women with chaplets made with wool, and interwoven with the flowers of the narcissus. They were covered with a white robe, and fillet of the same colour, bound with chaplets. One of them held a distaff, another the spindle, and the third was armed with scissors with which she cut the thread which her sisters had spun.”—Lempriere.[377]Sempstresses, alluding to their spinning.[378]SeeThe Devil’s Answer to Pierce Pennylesse, p. 100, “that great Dego of Devils.”—Dekker’s Non-Dramatic Works.[379]Death, in original,—an evident misprint.[380]Swaggering mood.[381]Ital.Latta, tin-plate.[382]Succeed.[383]Farcy, a disease to which horses are subject, still sometimes miscalled “Fashions” by country farriers. Dekker puns on it again inThe Gull’s Horn-Book:—“Fashions then was counted a disease, and horses died of it: But now (thanks to folly) it is held the only rare physic, and the purest golden Asses live upon it.”[384]Bow.[385]Prostitutes.[386]Barded, or barbed:i.e.Adorned with trappings.[387]The mark was worth 13s.4d.[388]The angel varied from 6s.8d.to 10s.in value.[389]Skill.[390]“My heart is weighed down, my soul much tormented. No, by Heaven, the Spanish foot does not beat to music on English ground.”[391]“The truth, sir; the Spanish dance is full of state, majestic, and fit for monarchs: your English low, fantastic, and very humble.”[392]“I desire only to please you: your eye has conquered its prisoner. You shall hear the Spanish Pavan, let your music be grave and majestic: Page, give me tobacco; take my cloak and my sword. Higher, higher: Make way, make way friends, higher, higher.” The Pavan was a stately Spanish dance.[393]History does not record that Athelstane had either wife or daughter.[394]Your old mind (or, more literally, inclination) of cajoling.[395]Virtue.Greek.[396]In the English translation from the original story of Fortunatus, as published in the Dutch, Andelocia invents the name of Damascus, or Damasco, for his apples, on the spur of the moment, so as to give them an air of rarety, the name apparently not being one previously used for any special kind of apple. In an earlier English edition of the story, published about 1650, however, they are otherwise described. It says there:—“They were brought from Jerusalem, and were from the Holy Garden.”[397]A large sweet apple, full of juice [seeBailey’s Dictionary].[398]John apple, a good keeping apple, which long retains its freshness.[399]“That is too many, master.” Dekker’s Irish even surpasses his Dutch in unintelligibility, and it would need more space than mere footnotes can afford, to attempt any full elucidation.[400]Stockings probably, from the use of the term for bales of wool.[401]Dekker uses “Gallant,” as an equivalent inThe Gull’s Horn-Book, but he means something more opprobrious;—“Masher,” as we would say to-day, a fool of fashion.[402]An allusion to the comedyThe Wisdom of Dr. Dodipoll.[403]i.e.Grow jolly, at the spectacle.[404]A play upon “fool” and “foul.”[405]Elucidation of his jargon must be left to the discretion of the reader.[406]Seeante, “They mean to fall to their hey-pass and re-pass.”[407]A reference probably to a woman exhibited at some show in London, and transferred by Dekker, with his usual artistic liberty, to Cyprus.[408]This is an imaginative prevision on the part of Ampedo, as again in his next speech, “My want is famine.”[409]Virtue here evidently addressed Queen Elizabeth, as she sat in the audience; this direct recognition is kept up to the end of the play.[410]Seenoteto Prologue.[411]An allusion to the popular old play ofThe Merry Devil of Edmonton, written about twenty years previously.[412]i.e.Acquit.[413]This speech is very corrupt. Dyce suggested “lewdness” in place of the “laundress” of the old edition.[414]Assure.[415]Skeleton.[416]Persuaded.[417]A stalking-horse, cover.[418]Make over.[419]i.e.Blunt and honest. An old proverb.[420]Another term for “bewitch” commonly in use; the word probably implied the muttering or “forspeaking” of a spell.[421]A winding thoroughfare which led from Eastcheap to Fish-street-hill.[422]“An inner part between the tenor and the base.”Blount’s Glossographia, 1681. It was customary in the morris to adorn the dresses of the dancers, the trappings of the hobby-horse, &c., with bells of different pitch, but arranged to sound in harmony. Hence, “treble,” “mean,” &c.[423]Counter-tenor.[424]Coursing the hare.[425]The fore-man or fore-gallant of the morris led the other dancers, and was distinguished by a gayer dress.[426]Cuddy’s anger arises from the unlucky question asked by the third clown; “How shall we do for a good hobby-horse?”—as he apparently expected, from his former celebrity in that respectable character, to have been appointed by acclamation.—Gifford.[427]“Ka me, ka thee!” was an old proverb.[428]Bird-bolt, arrow; perhaps more correctly “But-bolt,” as emendated by Gifford.[429]Peas codlings; green peas.[430]There is a break here in the quarto. It is suggested that the printer was unable to decipher the first word of the line in the manuscript.[431]A children’s game, in which cherry-stones are pitched into a small hole. The suggestion was sometimes a less innocent one, however. Compare Herrick’s quatrain on “Cherry-pit.”[432]Thus Butler:“The soldier does it every day,Eight to the week, for sixpence pay.”—Gifford.[433]Coach, Fr.Carrosse.[434]Barking Church stood at the bottom of Seething Lane. It was destroyed in the great fire.—Gifford.[435]Crony, friend.[436]Abbreviation for “Mine ingle,” as above.[437]Or “neif,”i.e.fist.[438]The allusion is to Master Peter Fabel, who, as the prologue to the old comedy says, “was called, for his sleights and his magic, “The merry Devil of Edmonton.”—Gifford.[439]Frank alludes to the marriage portion which he had just received with Susan.—Gifford.[440]Cockchafer, beetle.[441]The dog is of course supposed invisible. Frank thanks Susan for telling him of the threatened arrival of Carter and Old Thorney which would lead to discovery.[442]An allusion to an old superstition in which the idea was that wounds were healed by the turning of the assailant’s weapon against himself so as to cover it with his blood.[443]i.e.Adorned with tufts, or tassels, dependent from the shoulders.—Gifford.[444]Array.[445]Maid Marian was always a prominent figure in the morris-dance. Robin Hood, Friar Tuck, and other characters were also added according to the humour of the dancers.[446]An outbuilding or yard in the rear of a house.[447]Penny. Lat.Denarius.[448]Paned hose were made of stripes (panels) of different-coloured stuff stitched together, and therefore liable to break or be seam-rent. Thus counterpane.[449]Farmer Banks is very familiar with the names of old plays (or rather of the supposed witches who gave names to the plays).Mother Bombieis the title of one of Lyly’s comedies, of which she is the heroine; as isGammer Gurtonof the farcical drama,Gammer Gurton’s Needle, to which Old Banks presently refers.[450]A breed of dogs, in great request for hunting ducks in the ponds at Islington and other outlying regions of London at this period.[451]A fierce kind of mastiff kept to bait bears. Paris garden, where these brutal sports were regularly exhibited, was situated on the Bankside in Southwark, close to the Globe Theatre.—Gifford.[452]There is a tract, in prose and verse, attributed to Luke Hatton, entitledThe Black Dog of Newgate; and we learn from Henslowe’sDiarythat there was a play by Hathway, Day, Smith, and another poet, with the same title.—Dyce.[453]i.e.Wandering.[454]A proverbial expression for more concealed mischief.—Gifford.[455]Literally, a bull-calf, sometimes used, as here, as an expression of kindness; but generally indicative of familiarity and contempt.—Gifford.[456]i.e.Destroy.[457]A notorious character of those days, whose real name was Mary Frith. She appears to have excelled in various professions, of which far the most honest and praiseworthy was that of picking pockets. By singular good fortune she escaped the gallows, and died, “in a ripe and rotten old age,” some time before the Restoration. Moll is the heroine ofThe Roaring Girl, a lively comedy by Middleton and Dekker, who have treated her with kindness.—Gifford.[458]Creep in.[459]Patronage, protection, responsibility.—Gifford.[460]Footcloths were the ornamental housings or trappings flung over the pads of state-horses. On these the great lawyers then rode to Westminster Hall, and, as our authors intimate, the great courtiers to St. James’s. They became common enough in aftertimes.—Gifford.Briareus, the hundred-handed giant. The allusion is obvious.[461]Compare “Revelation.” ch. xii.[462]The mark was worth 13s.4d.
[331]Probably a church in Famagosta, which tradition makes Fortunatus’s native place, and which was at one time the chief port and fortress in Cyprus.
[331]Probably a church in Famagosta, which tradition makes Fortunatus’s native place, and which was at one time the chief port and fortress in Cyprus.
[332]“A gardener” in the original, which does not tally with the description given by Fortune on p.300.q.v.
[332]“A gardener” in the original, which does not tally with the description given by Fortune on p.300.q.v.
[333]“A smith” in the original, which is again a confusion with the description in the text.
[333]“A smith” in the original, which is again a confusion with the description in the text.
[334]An allusion to the coxcomb, the invariable ornament to the fool’s cap, which Virtue wears on her head. See description,Scene III.
[334]An allusion to the coxcomb, the invariable ornament to the fool’s cap, which Virtue wears on her head. See description,Scene III.
[335]The description corresponds rather to Henry IV. of Germany, who died in 1106.
[335]The description corresponds rather to Henry IV. of Germany, who died in 1106.
[336]Frederick I. called Barbarossa, Emperor of Germany,i.e.Allemagne (Almaine), the grandson of Henry IV.
[336]Frederick I. called Barbarossa, Emperor of Germany,i.e.Allemagne (Almaine), the grandson of Henry IV.
[337]Alexander III.
[337]Alexander III.
[338]Louis I. called Le Débonnaire, son of Charlemagne, d. 840.
[338]Louis I. called Le Débonnaire, son of Charlemagne, d. 840.
[339]Bajazet I. called Yilderim,i.e.Lightning, because of the rapidity of his movement in the field of war, first Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, who was humiliated by Timur (Tamburlaine). Compare Marlowe’sTamburlaine the Great.
[339]Bajazet I. called Yilderim,i.e.Lightning, because of the rapidity of his movement in the field of war, first Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, who was humiliated by Timur (Tamburlaine). Compare Marlowe’sTamburlaine the Great.
[340]Viriathus, a shepherd who became a famous Lusitanian chief in the 2nd centuryB.C., and long warred successfully against the Romans in Spain.
[340]Viriathus, a shepherd who became a famous Lusitanian chief in the 2nd centuryB.C., and long warred successfully against the Romans in Spain.
[341]Primislaus, a country labourer, who became first Duke of Bohemia, having married the daughter of Croc who founded the city of Prague.
[341]Primislaus, a country labourer, who became first Duke of Bohemia, having married the daughter of Croc who founded the city of Prague.
[342]Gregory VII. (1013-1085).
[342]Gregory VII. (1013-1085).
[343]Fortune here turns and addresses the four deposed kings again.
[343]Fortune here turns and addresses the four deposed kings again.
[344]Tailor. SeeThe Devil’s Answer to Pierce Pennylesse(Dekker’s non-dramatic works, The Huth Library, edited by the Rev. A. B. Grosart, vol. ii. p. 147), “That botcher I preferred to be Lucifer’s tailor, because he works with a hot needle and burnt thread.”
[344]Tailor. SeeThe Devil’s Answer to Pierce Pennylesse(Dekker’s non-dramatic works, The Huth Library, edited by the Rev. A. B. Grosart, vol. ii. p. 147), “That botcher I preferred to be Lucifer’s tailor, because he works with a hot needle and burnt thread.”
[345]John of Leyden (John Beccold), b. 1510, d. 1536, a tailor, who became a leader of the Anabaptists and at their head took extraordinary possession of the city of Munster, and ruled for a brief space as king there, before constitutional authority was restored and he was seized and put to death.
[345]John of Leyden (John Beccold), b. 1510, d. 1536, a tailor, who became a leader of the Anabaptists and at their head took extraordinary possession of the city of Munster, and ruled for a brief space as king there, before constitutional authority was restored and he was seized and put to death.
[346]The Three Destinies, to whom Fortune herself was sometimes added as a fourth. Fortunatus here seems to be addressing Fortune and her two attendant nymphs, for no stage direction is specially given for the entrance of the Three Destinies, as inAct II. sc. ii.,q.v.
[346]The Three Destinies, to whom Fortune herself was sometimes added as a fourth. Fortunatus here seems to be addressing Fortune and her two attendant nymphs, for no stage direction is specially given for the entrance of the Three Destinies, as inAct II. sc. ii.,q.v.
[347]See an anonymous poem inTottel’s Miscellany, 1557, called “A praise of his Lady,” from which Dekker may have borrowed the fancy:—“In each of her two crystal eyesSmileth a naked boy.”
[347]See an anonymous poem inTottel’s Miscellany, 1557, called “A praise of his Lady,” from which Dekker may have borrowed the fancy:—
“In each of her two crystal eyesSmileth a naked boy.”
[348]Dekker is not careful even to remember here that Cyprus is an island.
[348]Dekker is not careful even to remember here that Cyprus is an island.
[349]Compare Shakespeare’s “Crabbed Age and Youth.”
[349]Compare Shakespeare’s “Crabbed Age and Youth.”
[350]A corruption of “God’s heart.”
[350]A corruption of “God’s heart.”
[351]Hired witnesses.
[351]Hired witnesses.
[352]One of the usual puns on the coin of that name.
[352]One of the usual puns on the coin of that name.
[353]Ensign-bearers.
[353]Ensign-bearers.
[354]A net the ends of which are drawn together with a string like a purse.
[354]A net the ends of which are drawn together with a string like a purse.
[355]Kid leather (Fr.chevreau). Hence a very flexible conscience was often called a cheveril conscience.—Halliwell.
[355]Kid leather (Fr.chevreau). Hence a very flexible conscience was often called a cheveril conscience.—Halliwell.
[356]Mean or miserly persons.—Halliwell.
[356]Mean or miserly persons.—Halliwell.
[357]See noteante, p.306.
[357]See noteante, p.306.
[358]i.e.Gallantly attired.
[358]i.e.Gallantly attired.
[359]Housings hung on horses and mules, and considered a mark of dignity.—Halliwell.
[359]Housings hung on horses and mules, and considered a mark of dignity.—Halliwell.
[360]A stick with leather flap for killing flies.
[360]A stick with leather flap for killing flies.
[361]One of the followers of Ogier the Dane into India, according to Mandeville, who was given sovereignty there, and is said by tradition to have had seventy tributary kings.
[361]One of the followers of Ogier the Dane into India, according to Mandeville, who was given sovereignty there, and is said by tradition to have had seventy tributary kings.
[362]i.e.Khan.
[362]i.e.Khan.
[363]Another reference to the gold coins so called.
[363]Another reference to the gold coins so called.
[364]i.e.The fool’s cap.
[364]i.e.The fool’s cap.
[365]In the original story Fortunatus goes to Cairo, and Dekker is evidently here confusing Egypt with Assyria. Hence the Soldan’s court at Babylon.
[365]In the original story Fortunatus goes to Cairo, and Dekker is evidently here confusing Egypt with Assyria. Hence the Soldan’s court at Babylon.
[366]The golden apple which Paris adjudged to Venus.
[366]The golden apple which Paris adjudged to Venus.
[367]Alluding to Phaeton’s flight, and the fiery disruption of his chariot.
[367]Alluding to Phaeton’s flight, and the fiery disruption of his chariot.
[368]A martial term, probably of Spanish derivation, for the summons to battle.
[368]A martial term, probably of Spanish derivation, for the summons to battle.
[369]“No does?” simply in the original, which is not intelligible. In full it would seem to imply “No, does it not?”
[369]“No does?” simply in the original, which is not intelligible. In full it would seem to imply “No, does it not?”
[370]Poise, weigh. “Peise” is still in use in some parts of the north of England.
[370]Poise, weigh. “Peise” is still in use in some parts of the north of England.
[371]i.e.Gallantly attired.
[371]i.e.Gallantly attired.
[372]In the original these words ate assigned to Ampedo, an evident error.
[372]In the original these words ate assigned to Ampedo, an evident error.
[373]A Portuguese coin having a cross on one side and worth about 2s.3d., but varying in value at different times.
[373]A Portuguese coin having a cross on one side and worth about 2s.3d., but varying in value at different times.
[374]“Pies” in the original, an evident misprint.
[374]“Pies” in the original, an evident misprint.
[375]A common reproach for the affectation of the courtiers in Elizabeth’s reign.
[375]A common reproach for the affectation of the courtiers in Elizabeth’s reign.
[376]Seenoteante.p. 301. “The Parcae were generally represented as three old women with chaplets made with wool, and interwoven with the flowers of the narcissus. They were covered with a white robe, and fillet of the same colour, bound with chaplets. One of them held a distaff, another the spindle, and the third was armed with scissors with which she cut the thread which her sisters had spun.”—Lempriere.
[376]Seenoteante.p. 301. “The Parcae were generally represented as three old women with chaplets made with wool, and interwoven with the flowers of the narcissus. They were covered with a white robe, and fillet of the same colour, bound with chaplets. One of them held a distaff, another the spindle, and the third was armed with scissors with which she cut the thread which her sisters had spun.”—Lempriere.
[377]Sempstresses, alluding to their spinning.
[377]Sempstresses, alluding to their spinning.
[378]SeeThe Devil’s Answer to Pierce Pennylesse, p. 100, “that great Dego of Devils.”—Dekker’s Non-Dramatic Works.
[378]SeeThe Devil’s Answer to Pierce Pennylesse, p. 100, “that great Dego of Devils.”—Dekker’s Non-Dramatic Works.
[379]Death, in original,—an evident misprint.
[379]Death, in original,—an evident misprint.
[380]Swaggering mood.
[380]Swaggering mood.
[381]Ital.Latta, tin-plate.
[381]Ital.Latta, tin-plate.
[382]Succeed.
[382]Succeed.
[383]Farcy, a disease to which horses are subject, still sometimes miscalled “Fashions” by country farriers. Dekker puns on it again inThe Gull’s Horn-Book:—“Fashions then was counted a disease, and horses died of it: But now (thanks to folly) it is held the only rare physic, and the purest golden Asses live upon it.”
[383]Farcy, a disease to which horses are subject, still sometimes miscalled “Fashions” by country farriers. Dekker puns on it again inThe Gull’s Horn-Book:—“Fashions then was counted a disease, and horses died of it: But now (thanks to folly) it is held the only rare physic, and the purest golden Asses live upon it.”
[384]Bow.
[384]Bow.
[385]Prostitutes.
[385]Prostitutes.
[386]Barded, or barbed:i.e.Adorned with trappings.
[386]Barded, or barbed:i.e.Adorned with trappings.
[387]The mark was worth 13s.4d.
[387]The mark was worth 13s.4d.
[388]The angel varied from 6s.8d.to 10s.in value.
[388]The angel varied from 6s.8d.to 10s.in value.
[389]Skill.
[389]Skill.
[390]“My heart is weighed down, my soul much tormented. No, by Heaven, the Spanish foot does not beat to music on English ground.”
[390]“My heart is weighed down, my soul much tormented. No, by Heaven, the Spanish foot does not beat to music on English ground.”
[391]“The truth, sir; the Spanish dance is full of state, majestic, and fit for monarchs: your English low, fantastic, and very humble.”
[391]“The truth, sir; the Spanish dance is full of state, majestic, and fit for monarchs: your English low, fantastic, and very humble.”
[392]“I desire only to please you: your eye has conquered its prisoner. You shall hear the Spanish Pavan, let your music be grave and majestic: Page, give me tobacco; take my cloak and my sword. Higher, higher: Make way, make way friends, higher, higher.” The Pavan was a stately Spanish dance.
[392]“I desire only to please you: your eye has conquered its prisoner. You shall hear the Spanish Pavan, let your music be grave and majestic: Page, give me tobacco; take my cloak and my sword. Higher, higher: Make way, make way friends, higher, higher.” The Pavan was a stately Spanish dance.
[393]History does not record that Athelstane had either wife or daughter.
[393]History does not record that Athelstane had either wife or daughter.
[394]Your old mind (or, more literally, inclination) of cajoling.
[394]Your old mind (or, more literally, inclination) of cajoling.
[395]Virtue.Greek.
[395]Virtue.Greek.
[396]In the English translation from the original story of Fortunatus, as published in the Dutch, Andelocia invents the name of Damascus, or Damasco, for his apples, on the spur of the moment, so as to give them an air of rarety, the name apparently not being one previously used for any special kind of apple. In an earlier English edition of the story, published about 1650, however, they are otherwise described. It says there:—“They were brought from Jerusalem, and were from the Holy Garden.”
[396]In the English translation from the original story of Fortunatus, as published in the Dutch, Andelocia invents the name of Damascus, or Damasco, for his apples, on the spur of the moment, so as to give them an air of rarety, the name apparently not being one previously used for any special kind of apple. In an earlier English edition of the story, published about 1650, however, they are otherwise described. It says there:—“They were brought from Jerusalem, and were from the Holy Garden.”
[397]A large sweet apple, full of juice [seeBailey’s Dictionary].
[397]A large sweet apple, full of juice [seeBailey’s Dictionary].
[398]John apple, a good keeping apple, which long retains its freshness.
[398]John apple, a good keeping apple, which long retains its freshness.
[399]“That is too many, master.” Dekker’s Irish even surpasses his Dutch in unintelligibility, and it would need more space than mere footnotes can afford, to attempt any full elucidation.
[399]“That is too many, master.” Dekker’s Irish even surpasses his Dutch in unintelligibility, and it would need more space than mere footnotes can afford, to attempt any full elucidation.
[400]Stockings probably, from the use of the term for bales of wool.
[400]Stockings probably, from the use of the term for bales of wool.
[401]Dekker uses “Gallant,” as an equivalent inThe Gull’s Horn-Book, but he means something more opprobrious;—“Masher,” as we would say to-day, a fool of fashion.
[401]Dekker uses “Gallant,” as an equivalent inThe Gull’s Horn-Book, but he means something more opprobrious;—“Masher,” as we would say to-day, a fool of fashion.
[402]An allusion to the comedyThe Wisdom of Dr. Dodipoll.
[402]An allusion to the comedyThe Wisdom of Dr. Dodipoll.
[403]i.e.Grow jolly, at the spectacle.
[403]i.e.Grow jolly, at the spectacle.
[404]A play upon “fool” and “foul.”
[404]A play upon “fool” and “foul.”
[405]Elucidation of his jargon must be left to the discretion of the reader.
[405]Elucidation of his jargon must be left to the discretion of the reader.
[406]Seeante, “They mean to fall to their hey-pass and re-pass.”
[406]Seeante, “They mean to fall to their hey-pass and re-pass.”
[407]A reference probably to a woman exhibited at some show in London, and transferred by Dekker, with his usual artistic liberty, to Cyprus.
[407]A reference probably to a woman exhibited at some show in London, and transferred by Dekker, with his usual artistic liberty, to Cyprus.
[408]This is an imaginative prevision on the part of Ampedo, as again in his next speech, “My want is famine.”
[408]This is an imaginative prevision on the part of Ampedo, as again in his next speech, “My want is famine.”
[409]Virtue here evidently addressed Queen Elizabeth, as she sat in the audience; this direct recognition is kept up to the end of the play.
[409]Virtue here evidently addressed Queen Elizabeth, as she sat in the audience; this direct recognition is kept up to the end of the play.
[410]Seenoteto Prologue.
[410]Seenoteto Prologue.
[411]An allusion to the popular old play ofThe Merry Devil of Edmonton, written about twenty years previously.
[411]An allusion to the popular old play ofThe Merry Devil of Edmonton, written about twenty years previously.
[412]i.e.Acquit.
[412]i.e.Acquit.
[413]This speech is very corrupt. Dyce suggested “lewdness” in place of the “laundress” of the old edition.
[413]This speech is very corrupt. Dyce suggested “lewdness” in place of the “laundress” of the old edition.
[414]Assure.
[414]Assure.
[415]Skeleton.
[415]Skeleton.
[416]Persuaded.
[416]Persuaded.
[417]A stalking-horse, cover.
[417]A stalking-horse, cover.
[418]Make over.
[418]Make over.
[419]i.e.Blunt and honest. An old proverb.
[419]i.e.Blunt and honest. An old proverb.
[420]Another term for “bewitch” commonly in use; the word probably implied the muttering or “forspeaking” of a spell.
[420]Another term for “bewitch” commonly in use; the word probably implied the muttering or “forspeaking” of a spell.
[421]A winding thoroughfare which led from Eastcheap to Fish-street-hill.
[421]A winding thoroughfare which led from Eastcheap to Fish-street-hill.
[422]“An inner part between the tenor and the base.”Blount’s Glossographia, 1681. It was customary in the morris to adorn the dresses of the dancers, the trappings of the hobby-horse, &c., with bells of different pitch, but arranged to sound in harmony. Hence, “treble,” “mean,” &c.
[422]“An inner part between the tenor and the base.”Blount’s Glossographia, 1681. It was customary in the morris to adorn the dresses of the dancers, the trappings of the hobby-horse, &c., with bells of different pitch, but arranged to sound in harmony. Hence, “treble,” “mean,” &c.
[423]Counter-tenor.
[423]Counter-tenor.
[424]Coursing the hare.
[424]Coursing the hare.
[425]The fore-man or fore-gallant of the morris led the other dancers, and was distinguished by a gayer dress.
[425]The fore-man or fore-gallant of the morris led the other dancers, and was distinguished by a gayer dress.
[426]Cuddy’s anger arises from the unlucky question asked by the third clown; “How shall we do for a good hobby-horse?”—as he apparently expected, from his former celebrity in that respectable character, to have been appointed by acclamation.—Gifford.
[426]Cuddy’s anger arises from the unlucky question asked by the third clown; “How shall we do for a good hobby-horse?”—as he apparently expected, from his former celebrity in that respectable character, to have been appointed by acclamation.—Gifford.
[427]“Ka me, ka thee!” was an old proverb.
[427]“Ka me, ka thee!” was an old proverb.
[428]Bird-bolt, arrow; perhaps more correctly “But-bolt,” as emendated by Gifford.
[428]Bird-bolt, arrow; perhaps more correctly “But-bolt,” as emendated by Gifford.
[429]Peas codlings; green peas.
[429]Peas codlings; green peas.
[430]There is a break here in the quarto. It is suggested that the printer was unable to decipher the first word of the line in the manuscript.
[430]There is a break here in the quarto. It is suggested that the printer was unable to decipher the first word of the line in the manuscript.
[431]A children’s game, in which cherry-stones are pitched into a small hole. The suggestion was sometimes a less innocent one, however. Compare Herrick’s quatrain on “Cherry-pit.”
[431]A children’s game, in which cherry-stones are pitched into a small hole. The suggestion was sometimes a less innocent one, however. Compare Herrick’s quatrain on “Cherry-pit.”
[432]Thus Butler:“The soldier does it every day,Eight to the week, for sixpence pay.”—Gifford.
[432]Thus Butler:
“The soldier does it every day,Eight to the week, for sixpence pay.”—Gifford.
[433]Coach, Fr.Carrosse.
[433]Coach, Fr.Carrosse.
[434]Barking Church stood at the bottom of Seething Lane. It was destroyed in the great fire.—Gifford.
[434]Barking Church stood at the bottom of Seething Lane. It was destroyed in the great fire.—Gifford.
[435]Crony, friend.
[435]Crony, friend.
[436]Abbreviation for “Mine ingle,” as above.
[436]Abbreviation for “Mine ingle,” as above.
[437]Or “neif,”i.e.fist.
[437]Or “neif,”i.e.fist.
[438]The allusion is to Master Peter Fabel, who, as the prologue to the old comedy says, “was called, for his sleights and his magic, “The merry Devil of Edmonton.”—Gifford.
[438]The allusion is to Master Peter Fabel, who, as the prologue to the old comedy says, “was called, for his sleights and his magic, “The merry Devil of Edmonton.”—Gifford.
[439]Frank alludes to the marriage portion which he had just received with Susan.—Gifford.
[439]Frank alludes to the marriage portion which he had just received with Susan.—Gifford.
[440]Cockchafer, beetle.
[440]Cockchafer, beetle.
[441]The dog is of course supposed invisible. Frank thanks Susan for telling him of the threatened arrival of Carter and Old Thorney which would lead to discovery.
[441]The dog is of course supposed invisible. Frank thanks Susan for telling him of the threatened arrival of Carter and Old Thorney which would lead to discovery.
[442]An allusion to an old superstition in which the idea was that wounds were healed by the turning of the assailant’s weapon against himself so as to cover it with his blood.
[442]An allusion to an old superstition in which the idea was that wounds were healed by the turning of the assailant’s weapon against himself so as to cover it with his blood.
[443]i.e.Adorned with tufts, or tassels, dependent from the shoulders.—Gifford.
[443]i.e.Adorned with tufts, or tassels, dependent from the shoulders.—Gifford.
[444]Array.
[444]Array.
[445]Maid Marian was always a prominent figure in the morris-dance. Robin Hood, Friar Tuck, and other characters were also added according to the humour of the dancers.
[445]Maid Marian was always a prominent figure in the morris-dance. Robin Hood, Friar Tuck, and other characters were also added according to the humour of the dancers.
[446]An outbuilding or yard in the rear of a house.
[446]An outbuilding or yard in the rear of a house.
[447]Penny. Lat.Denarius.
[447]Penny. Lat.Denarius.
[448]Paned hose were made of stripes (panels) of different-coloured stuff stitched together, and therefore liable to break or be seam-rent. Thus counterpane.
[448]Paned hose were made of stripes (panels) of different-coloured stuff stitched together, and therefore liable to break or be seam-rent. Thus counterpane.
[449]Farmer Banks is very familiar with the names of old plays (or rather of the supposed witches who gave names to the plays).Mother Bombieis the title of one of Lyly’s comedies, of which she is the heroine; as isGammer Gurtonof the farcical drama,Gammer Gurton’s Needle, to which Old Banks presently refers.
[449]Farmer Banks is very familiar with the names of old plays (or rather of the supposed witches who gave names to the plays).Mother Bombieis the title of one of Lyly’s comedies, of which she is the heroine; as isGammer Gurtonof the farcical drama,Gammer Gurton’s Needle, to which Old Banks presently refers.
[450]A breed of dogs, in great request for hunting ducks in the ponds at Islington and other outlying regions of London at this period.
[450]A breed of dogs, in great request for hunting ducks in the ponds at Islington and other outlying regions of London at this period.
[451]A fierce kind of mastiff kept to bait bears. Paris garden, where these brutal sports were regularly exhibited, was situated on the Bankside in Southwark, close to the Globe Theatre.—Gifford.
[451]A fierce kind of mastiff kept to bait bears. Paris garden, where these brutal sports were regularly exhibited, was situated on the Bankside in Southwark, close to the Globe Theatre.—Gifford.
[452]There is a tract, in prose and verse, attributed to Luke Hatton, entitledThe Black Dog of Newgate; and we learn from Henslowe’sDiarythat there was a play by Hathway, Day, Smith, and another poet, with the same title.—Dyce.
[452]There is a tract, in prose and verse, attributed to Luke Hatton, entitledThe Black Dog of Newgate; and we learn from Henslowe’sDiarythat there was a play by Hathway, Day, Smith, and another poet, with the same title.—Dyce.
[453]i.e.Wandering.
[453]i.e.Wandering.
[454]A proverbial expression for more concealed mischief.—Gifford.
[454]A proverbial expression for more concealed mischief.—Gifford.
[455]Literally, a bull-calf, sometimes used, as here, as an expression of kindness; but generally indicative of familiarity and contempt.—Gifford.
[455]Literally, a bull-calf, sometimes used, as here, as an expression of kindness; but generally indicative of familiarity and contempt.—Gifford.
[456]i.e.Destroy.
[456]i.e.Destroy.
[457]A notorious character of those days, whose real name was Mary Frith. She appears to have excelled in various professions, of which far the most honest and praiseworthy was that of picking pockets. By singular good fortune she escaped the gallows, and died, “in a ripe and rotten old age,” some time before the Restoration. Moll is the heroine ofThe Roaring Girl, a lively comedy by Middleton and Dekker, who have treated her with kindness.—Gifford.
[457]A notorious character of those days, whose real name was Mary Frith. She appears to have excelled in various professions, of which far the most honest and praiseworthy was that of picking pockets. By singular good fortune she escaped the gallows, and died, “in a ripe and rotten old age,” some time before the Restoration. Moll is the heroine ofThe Roaring Girl, a lively comedy by Middleton and Dekker, who have treated her with kindness.—Gifford.
[458]Creep in.
[458]Creep in.
[459]Patronage, protection, responsibility.—Gifford.
[459]Patronage, protection, responsibility.—Gifford.
[460]Footcloths were the ornamental housings or trappings flung over the pads of state-horses. On these the great lawyers then rode to Westminster Hall, and, as our authors intimate, the great courtiers to St. James’s. They became common enough in aftertimes.—Gifford.Briareus, the hundred-handed giant. The allusion is obvious.
[460]Footcloths were the ornamental housings or trappings flung over the pads of state-horses. On these the great lawyers then rode to Westminster Hall, and, as our authors intimate, the great courtiers to St. James’s. They became common enough in aftertimes.—Gifford.Briareus, the hundred-handed giant. The allusion is obvious.
[461]Compare “Revelation.” ch. xii.
[461]Compare “Revelation.” ch. xii.
[462]The mark was worth 13s.4d.
[462]The mark was worth 13s.4d.