[58], [69-71]. layes . . . oppos'd. I am indebted to Dr. J. A. H. Murray for the following interpretation of this passage: [Nature] brings our powers into accordance with its own will or working, just as the stone (laid by the builder) should be apposed or brought into accord with the line, not the line (which is straight and not to be shifted) made to lie along the stone.
[60], [119]. greatnesse with him: high place in his favour.
[62], [13]. Boots of hay-ropes. Bands of hay were sometimes wrapped round the legs, to serve instead of boots. Cf. Ben Jonson's Every Man in his Humour, i, 2. Step. But I have no boots . . . Brainworm. Why a fine wisp of hay roll'd hard, Master Stephen.
[62], [18]. a redhair'd man: a deceiver, traitor; so called from the representation of Judas in tapestries, and probably on the stage of the Miracle plays, with red hair.
[63], [23]. put them up: start them from their cover.
[63], [28]. That . . . clapdish: That keeps regal state, though sprung from beggary. A clapdish was a wooden dish with a lid, carried by beggars and lepers, which they clapped to announce their approach.
[63], [46]. Venting . . . Hebrew: putting the best product of his livings to the reverse of its intended use. Hebrew is read backwards.
[65], [69]. that popular purple. An allusion to the Duke's robe, which was of royal purple, to impress the populace.
[65], [76]. He's noblier borne. "Noblier" has been here substituted for "nobly." The parallel phrases in the preceding lines are all comparatives, "better," "more," "greater," and Bussy, in the second half of this line, cannot mean to deny that Guise is of noble birth.
[65], [79]. Cardinall of Ambois. The Cardinal Georges d'Amboise was in reality Bussy's great-uncle.