[48], [165]. the Center: the unmoved central point of the earth, according to the Ptolemaic system.
[49], [182]. cast . . . beene: undress, as if I had never been watching here. Tamyra here determines to go to bed, but afterwards ([l. 242]) she returns.
[49], [198]. the first orbe move. An allusion to the Primum Mobile, which, in the Ptolemaic system, was the tenth sphere "of a most pure and cleare substance and without starres," which revolved in twenty-four hours, and carried round in its course all the inner spheres.
[51], [231-32]. If not . . . satisfi'd: if she is not given opportunity to dissemble or show petulance, she is not satisfied even if she gains what she desires.
[56], [20-30]. Sin . . . troth. A characteristic illustration of how one simile in Chapman's verse begets another, with little regard for logical sequence. The "shadowes" with which sin frightens us are first compared to the imaginary creatures into which fancy shapes the clouds; then sin itself (relegated from an active to a passive part) is likened not to a pure creation of the fancy, but to an exaggerated picture of a real monster displayed by "policy," i. e. the craft which seeks to debar men from their desires.
For the custom of exhibiting a rude painting of a curiosity, as a decoy to sightseers, cf. The Tempest, ii, 2, 29-31, "Were I in England now . . . and had but this fish painted, not a holiday fool there but would give a piece of silver."
[56], [21]. in his truest valour: if his valour be rightly estimated.
[56], [33]. our three powers. The vegetative, sensitive and reasoning faculties.
[56-57], [40-43]. Nor shall . . . wings. Tamyra's "fame," which in l. 38 has been spoken of as a "jewell," is now likened to a fabulous winged creature which is accorded free flight.
[57], [44]. It rests as: the secret remains as inviolable as if.