See note, p. 99. v. 17.
v. 240. Wyll ye bere no coles] Steevens, in his note on the opening of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, cites the present line among the examples which he gives of the expression to bear or carry coals, i. e. to bear insults, to submit to degradation. In the royal residences and great houses the lowest drudges appear to have been selected to carry coals to the kitchens, halls, &c.; see note on Jonson’s Works, ii. 169, by Gifford, who afterwards (p. 179) observes, “From the mean nature of this occupation it seems to have been somewhat hastily concluded, that a man who would carry coals would submit to any indignity.”
[Page 34.] v. 241. A mayny of marefoles] i. e. (as appears from the expressions applied to horses four lines above) a set of mare-foals, fillies.
[Page 35.] v. 257. next] i. e. nearest.
v. 261. Poppynge folysshe dawes] See note, p. 231. v. 39.
v. 262. pyll strawes]—pyll, i. e. peel.
v. 264. Huntley bankes] See note, p. 221. v. 149.
v. 269. Lorde Dakers] Thomas Lord Dacre (of Gillesland, or of the North) was warden of the West Marches. The accusation here thrown out against him (because, perhaps, he was on the best terms with Wolsey) of “agreeing too well with the Scots” is altogether unfounded. He was for many years the able and active agent of Henry in corrupting by gold and intrigues the nobles of Scotland, and in exciting ceaseless commotions in that kingdom, to the destruction of its tranquillity and good government. He died in 1525. And see notes on vv. 283, 353.
v. 270. Jacke Rakers] See note, p. 186. v. 108.
v. 271. crakers] i. e. vaunters, big-talkers.