[80] Cal. My grand signior,
Vouchsafe a beso las manos, &c.] This is the phrase in which Calandrino supposes his "quondam fellows" will address him. In Massinger's time these tags of politeness were in everybody's mouth, and better understood than they are at this day.—Gifford.
[81] I have restricted myself to as few remarks as possible on the beauties of the author, but I cannot forbear observing, on the present occasion, that the act we have just finished, for language, sentiment, surprising yet natural turns, and general felicity of conduct, is scarcely to be paralleled in any drama with which I am acquainted.—Gifford.
[82] Take us with you, sir.] i. e. understand our meaning fully, before you form your conclusions: this expression is common to all our old writers.
[83] Story,] i. e. history. The two words were formerly synonymous.
[84] Lavolta,] i. e. the waltz. This dance, originally imported from Italy, was a great favourite with our ancestors.
[85] This scene is exquisitely written. It must, however, be confessed, that Charomonte's justification of himself is less complete than might be expected from one who had so good a cause to defend.—Gifford. I can't perceive the deficiency.
[86] March-pane,] a cake composed of sugar and almonds.
[87] Parted,] i. e. gifted or endowed with parts.
It seems to have been the opinion of Massinger and his fellow dramatists, that no play could succeed without the admission of some kind of farcical interlude among the graver scenes. If the dramas of our author be intimately considered, few will be found without some extraneous mummery of this description; and, indeed, nothing but a persuasion of the nature which I have just mentioned could give birth to the poor mockery before us. As a trick, it is so gross and palpable, that the duke could not have been deceived by it for a moment; (to do him justice, he frequently hints his suspicions;) and as a piece of humour, it is so low, and even disagreeable, that I cannot avoid regretting a proper regard for his characters had not prevented the author from adopting it on the present occasion.—Gifford.
[88] Courtship,] i. e. the grace and elegance of a court.