[III, i, 126]. Muske-cat—the civet-cat; applied as a term of contempt to a fop, as being a person perfumed with musk.
[III, i, 139]. there is now speaks to you—G., S. omit is, at the same time clearing the construction and securing a more regular metre. The Q. reading, however, is perfectly possible, as an ellipsis, by omission of the subject relative, for, there is that now speaks to you [i. e., there is now speaking to you], or even, by a change of punctuation, there is—now speaks to you—, etc.
[III, i, 148]. As Caesar, did he liue, could not except at—see Plutarch’s Life of Julius Caesar, Chapters 9 & 10, wherein it is narrated how Caesar divorced his wife, Pompeia, when scandal assailed her name, although he denied any knowledge as to her guilt; “‘Because’ said he, ‘I would have the chastity of my wife clear even of suspicion.’”
[III, i, 148]. except at—take exception at.
[III, i, 159]. pointed—all editors after the Q. read painted, an absolutely unnecessary and unwarranted emendation. Pointed means “fitted or furnished with tagged points or laces;” “wearing points;” “laced.” Cf. Maurice Hewlett’s novel, The Queen’s Quair, p. 83: “saucy young men, trunked, puffed, pointed, trussed and doubleted.” Huloet in his Dictionary (1552) has: “Poynted, or tyed with poynts, ligulatus.”
[III, i, 167]. This pretty rag—i. e., the “clout” mentioned in [II, ii, 123].
[III, i, 173]. in spite of—in scorn of, in defiance of.
[III, i, 184]. thy—so the Q. All later editors read this. It is not impossible, of course, that Romont should begin an oath “By thy hand,” and Beaumelle flash back at him “And sword,” transferring the thy from herself to him. But Romont would be more likely to swear by his own hand than by Beaumelle’s.
[III, i, 188]. cast suburb whores—prostitutes who had been cashiered from service. Houses of ill-fame were customarily located in the suburbs.
[III, i, 191]. legion—i. e., of evil spirits. Cf. Mark, v, 9.