[149] Appraising by means of the King's officers. Polaxis (= pole-axes) here denote the men who used them—i.e., the King's officers.
[150] The writer asks the King how is allegiance best promoted among subjects—by dread, blows, unjust judgments, bad coinage, pillage of the people, self-will of the King, taxes imposed in time of peace and exacted by pitiless plunderers, and "by debts thou contractest in dice-playing, judge as thou findest," or by guidance of the law, well tempered with love?
[151] Spirits. An allusion to the King's favourites—De Vere, De la Pole, etc.
[152] Deceivers.
[153] That never wore harness, nor felt showers of hail.
[154] Wallowed in their wills.
[155] Pampered.
[156] They saw no kind of sight, save amusement and ease.
[157] But sorrowed for their pleasures of lordship once enjoyed.
[158] Their trespasses.