[201] To record, as applied to birds, is synonymous to the verb to sing:  thus in “The Spanish Tragedy,” act ii.—­

    “Hark, madam, how the birds record by night.”

Shakespeare so employs the word in his “Two Gentlemen of Verona,” act v. sc. 4, and in the notes upon the passage more than sufficient instances are collected.

[202] The 4to reads “the lawless Rener” [the n being misprinted for u].

[203] Mort was the old cant word for a wench, and was synonymous with doxy, which is still sometimes in use.  An explanation, for such as require it, may be found in Dekker’a “Bellman of London,” ed. 1616, sig.  N.

[204] Mr Todd, in his “Dictionary,” thus explains the word belive:  “Speedily, quickly; it is still common in Westmoreland for presently, which sense, implying a little delay, like our expression of by and by, was formerly the general acceptation of the word.”  Spenser uses it not unfrequently—­

    “Perdie, Sir Knight,” said then the enchanter b’live,
    “That shall I shortly purchase to your bond.”

—­“Faerie Queene,” b. ii. c. iii. st. 18.

[205] Manchet is fine white bread:  panis candidior et purior.

[206] It seems agreed by the commentators on the word proface (which Shakespeare uses in “Henry IV.  Part II.,” act v. sc. 3), that it means in fact what Robin Hood has already said:  “Much good may it do you.”  It is disputed whether it be derived from the French or the Italian; Mr Todd gives prouface as the etymology, and Malone pro vi faccia, but in fact they are one and the same.  It occurs in “The Widow’s Tears,” act iv. sc. 1, where Ero is eating and drinking in the tomb. [Compare Dyce’s “Shakespeare,” 1868, Gloss, in v.]

[207] The 4to terms them poting sticks, and so sometimes they were called, instead of poking sticks.  They were used to plait and set ruffs.

[208] The old copy here repeats, in part, the preceding stage direction, viz., Enter Friar like a pedlar, and Jenny, which must be an error, as they are already on the stage; in fact, only Sir Doncaster and his armed followers enter.  The exit of Robin Hood, with Marian and Fitzwater, is not noticed.

[209] i.e., Thrive.

[210] The rhyme is made out by reading certainly, but the old copy, [which is printed as prose.] has it certain.

[211] This stage direction, like many others, is not marked.

[212] So in “Henry VI.  Part III.” act iii. sc. 3:  “Did I impale him with the regal crown?” This use of the word is common.

[213] [Old copy, light.]

[214] See Mr Steevens’ note on “Henry VIII.,” act v. sc. 3.

[215] These two lines clearly belong to the Prior, though the old copy omits his name before them.