[220] On the standard by which Leicester was attended on his entrance, no doubt the crest of that family, viz., a bear and ragged staff, was represented. To this the queen refers when she exclaims—
"Were this bear loose, how he would tear our maws."
[221] [Old copy, Bear, thou hast. Leicester was accompanied by his ancient, whose entrance is marked above.]
[222] Quite is frequently used for requite: as in Massinger's "Old Law," act ii. sc. 2—
"In troth, Eugenia, I have cause to weep too;
But when I visit, I come comfortably,
And look to be so quited."
[223] Although the old copy mentions no more at the beginning of this interview than Enter Leicester, drum and ancient, yet according to this speech he must either have been more numerously attended, or some of his followers came upon the stage during his dispute with the king and queen.
[224] The return of Leicester and Richmond, after their exit just before, is not mentioned in the 4to.
[225] [Old copy, Come off, off.]
[226] Guests were often formerly spelt guess, whether it were or were not necessary for the rhyme.
[227] The stage direction in the original is only Enter Robin.