[107] The juxtaposition of this anagram with the preceding motto (which did not appear in the Appendix to Vol. ii.) strongly confirms my interpretation of La B. as la bussa; for the anagram is a kind of paraphrase on the motto, and should be read doubly in this way: Natanièle Field, il fabro, Nella fideltà finiro la Bussa. I, Nathaniel Field, the author will finish the work (terminat auctor opus) faithfully (i.e., at the time appointed, terminat hora diem). —F.G. Fleay.
["Terminat hora" &c. or some similar tag, is frequently found at the end of old plays. I cannot see that Mr. Fleay's interpretation is strongly confirmed,—or affected at all,—by the presence of the motto.]
[108] See Henslowe's Diary, ed. Collier, p. 220:—"Lent unto Thomas Downton the 4 of maye 1602 to bye a boocke of harye Cheattell and Mr. Smyth called the Love partes frenship the some of" … …
[109] King John, i. 2.—"And now instead of bullets wrapt in fire."
[110] Another form of the apologetical expression "save-reverence."
[111] i.e. cheated, cozened.
[112] An echo from "King John," I. 2:—
"And now instead of bullets wrapt in fire
To make a shaking fever of your walls," &c.
[113] A common proverbial expression. The dish is the wooden "clap-dish" on which beggars clattered to attract attention.
[114] I should prefer "true heart his loyalty"—for the metre's sake.