[153] O for a brother,] i. e. a brother in arms, to do what he immediately requests Adorni to do for him: the expression was common at the time, and well understood by Massinger's audience.—Gifford.
[154] Fool,] i. e. play the fool.
[155] Estridge,] i. e. ostrich.
[156] Carpet-knights.] A term of contempt very frequently used by our old writers. Carpet-knights were such as were made on occasion of public festivities, marriages, births, &c., in contradistinction to those that were created on the field of battle, after a victory. They were naturally little regarded by the latter; and, indeed, their title had long been given in scorn, to effeminate courtiers, favourites, &c.—Gifford.
[157] Calver'd salmon appears to have differed but little from what is now called pickled salmon, as the directions for preparing it are—"to boil it in vinegar with oil and spices." The word is still in use, but not in the exact sense of the text. To calver fish is now a very simple process.—Gifford.
[158] ————To a tripe,] i. e. to a tripe shop. By "carrying his own stool," he means that he would not wait for the formality of an invitation, but trust to the vender's hospitality for a meal. The singular custom of uninvited or unexpected guests bringing their seats with them is frequently noticed by the writers of Massinger's time. It is probable that the practice originated in necessity. Our ancient houses were not much encumbered with furniture, and the little which they had was moved from place to place as occasion required.—Gifford.
[159] In being born near to Jove, am near his thunder.] Πορρω Διος και τε πορρω κεραυνου.
[160] Abuse me,] i. e. practise on my credulity with a forged tale; the word often occurs in this sense.—Gifford.
[161] Atheism.] Our old writers seem to have used such words as profaneness, blasphemy, atheism, &c. with a laxity which modern practice does not acknowledge. They applied them to any extraordinary violation of moral or natural decorum.—Gifford.
[162] Take me with you.] i. e. hear me out. The expression is common in our old writers.—Gifford.