[216] i.e., Vengeance.

[217] [Old copy, Souldans.]

[218] In the old copy soldiour’s.

[219] See Mr Gifford’s note (6) to “The Maid of Honour,” Massinger’s Works, iii. 47, for an explanation of the origin and use of this expression of contempt.  See also Malone’s remarks upon the passage in “Twelfth Night,” act iii. sc. 4:  “He is a knight dubb’d with an unhatch’d rapier and on carpet consideration.”

[220] On the standard by which Leicester was attended on his entrance, no doubt the crest of that family, viz., a bear and ragged staff, was represented.  To this the queen refers when she exclaims—­

    “Were this bear loose, how he would tear our maws.”

[221] [Old copy, Bear, thou hast.  Leicester was accompanied by his ancient, whose entrance is marked above.]

[222] Quite is frequently used for requite:  as in Massinger’s “Old Law,” act ii. sc. 2—­

    “In troth, Eugenia, I have cause to weep too;
    But when I visit, I come comfortably,
    And look to be so quited.”

[223] Although the old copy mentions no more at the beginning of this interview than Enter Leicester, drum and ancient, yet according to this speech he must either have been more numerously attended, or some of his followers came upon the stage during his dispute with the king and queen.

[224] The return of Leicester and Richmond, after their exit just before, is not mentioned in the 4to.

[225] [Old copy, Come off, off.]

[226] Guests were often formerly spelt guess, whether it were or were not necessary for the rhyme.

[227] The stage direction in the original is only Enter Robin.

[228] This must have been spoken aside to Robin Hood.

[229] [Old copy, soon.]

[230] [This passage appears to point to some antecedent drama not at present known.]

[231] The 4to has it Damn’d Judaism, but the allusion is to the treachery of Judas.  The jailer of Nottingham afterwards calls Warman Judas.

[232] [Old copy, him.]

[233] In the old copy this is made a part of what Warman speaks, which is a mistake, as is evident from the context.

[234] Her exit and re-entrance are not marked in the old copy.  Perhaps she only speaks from a window.

[235] ["A term of contempt,” says Halliwell in v.; but does it not refer strictly to a card-sharper?]

[236] He blunders.  Of course he means “when tidings came to his ears.”  He does not make much better of his prose.

[237] Current.

[238] This is from the old ballad, “The Jolly Pinder of Wakefield, with Robin Hood, Scarlet, and John,” with variations—­

    “At Michaelmas next my cov’nant comes out
      When every man gathers his fee;
    Then I’ll take my blue blade all in my hand,
      And plod to the greenwood with thee.”