Notes to The Revenge of Bussy D'Ambois
For the meaning of single words see the [Glossary].
[168.] To the right vertuous . . . Sr. Thomas Howard, &c. Thomas Howard, born before 1594, was the second son of the first Earl of Suffolk. He was created a Knight of the Bath in January, 1605, and in May, 1614, was appointed Master of the Horse to Charles, Prince of Wales. In 1622 he became Viscount Andover, and in 1626 Earl of Berkshire. He held a number of posts till the outbreak of the Civil War, and after the Restoration was appointed Gentleman of the Bedchamber to Charles II, and Privy Councillor. He died on July 16, 1669. His daughter Elizabeth married Dryden, and his sixth son, Sir Robert Howard, became distinguished as a dramatic writer and critic. Chapman addresses to this patron one of the Sonnets appended to his translation of the Iliad, in which he compares him to Antilochus, and calls him "valiant, and mild, and most ingenious."
[169], [35-36]. the most divine philosopher. The reference is doubtless to Epictetus, the influence of whose Discourses appears throughout The Revenge of Bussy D'Ambois.
[174], [70]. That thinke . . . that, that do not consider heavenly bliss complete folly, when compared with money.
[175], [71-2]. Well . . . arise. A hypocritical appeal by Baligny to the absent Duke of Guise, of whose ambitious schemes he suspects Renel to be a supporter.
[175], [79-82]. My brother . . . brother. Cf. Introduction, p. xxxvii.
[176], [97]. stands now on price with him: is now the subject of bargaining between him and me.
[178.] [Monsieur taking leave of the King.] Henry apparently leaves the stage, after this formal ceremony of farewell, without speaking, for he takes no part in the dialogue, and he is not mentioned among those who exeunt at l. 290.
[178], [145]. See . . . Brabant. The expedition of the Duke of Anjou here alluded to is that of 1582, when he was crowned Duke of Brabant at Antwerp.