Bells, "one would think 'twere brass, most part on't was made of our old bells" (R[232],b). People states an historical fact, and refers to the reformation of the coinage which occurred in the previous reign. Under Edward VI. (1547-53) the Protector Somerset reduced the coinage to its true value and the export of bell-metal was forbidden (2 & 3 Edw. VI., c. 37). The pence of the coinage of 1552 (the fourth of the reign, other issues having been made in 1546-47, 1548, and 1550: see Respublica) was both of fine and base metal. The fine penny has (on the obverse) the king seated, with arms and cross on the reverse. The base penny has a full-blown rose (the Tudor rose) instead of the enthroned king. Half-pence are nearly the same as the pence.
Belly, "when the belly is full the bones would be at rest" (R[216],b), proverbial: see Heywood, Works (E.E.D.S.), II. 55,b.
Benefices, "the fifth I have by selling of benefices" (R[221],b). "I have a good benefice of a hundred marks" (R[225],b)—"they will take no benefice, but they must have all" (R[225],b), references apparently to the prevalence of simony. Although a bill had been passed by a parliament of Edward VI., it did not receive the royal assent; and it was not until 1588-89, under Elizabeth, that any serious attempt was made to remedy the evil.
Berwick (R[254],a), in original Barwicke, to rhyme with "Warwicke."
Besene, "so well besene" (N[117],b), good appearance, comely. "And sad habiliments right well beseene."—Spencer, Fairy Queen (1590), I. xii. 5.
Besirance, "chwas besirance your ladydom to zee" (R[213],c), desirant.
Bet, "could not a counselled us bet" (M[35],c), better. "Perhaps he shall be bet advisde within a weeke or twayne."—"Romeus and Juliet," Supp. to Sh., i. 292 (Nares).
Bezeivers, "valse bezeivers" (R[230],a), deceivers.
Bide, "had bide ne'er so little longer" (R[257],b) bided.
Bird's arse, "clean as a bird's arse" (M[22],b), a proverbial simile not uncommon in old writers: Heywood varies it—"as bare," etc. (Works, E.E.D.S., II., 89,a).