[III.9] For he hath stolen a pix,] A pix, or little chest (from the Latin pixis, a box), in which the consecrated host was used to be kept.
[III.10] Fico for thy friendship!] Fico is fig—it was a term of reproach.
[III.11] The fig of Spain!] An expression of contempt or insult, which consisted in thrusting the thumb between two of the closed fingers, or into the mouth; whence Bite the thumb. The custom is generally regarded as being originally Spanish. —Nares.
[III.12] ——such slanders of the age,] Cowardly braggarts were not uncommon characters with the old dramatic writers.
[III.13] ——I must speak with him from the pridge.] From for about—concerning the fight that had taken place there.
[III.14] ——bubukles,] A corrupt word for carbuncles, or something like them.
[III.15] ——and whelks,] i.e., stripes, marks, discolorations.
[III.16] ——his fire’s out.] This is the last time that any sport can be made with the red face of Bardolph.
[III.17] ——by my habit,] That is, by his herald’s coat. The person of a herald being inviolable, was distinguished in those times of formality by a peculiar dress, which is likewise yet worn on particular occasions.
[III.18] ——admire our sufferance.] i.e., our patience, moderation.