[IV.27] Or void the field;] i.e., avoid, withdraw from the field.
[IV.28] ——raught me his hand,] Raught is the old preterite of the verb to reach.
[IV.29] ——Monmouth caps;] Monmouth caps were formerly much worn, and Fuller, in his “Worthies of Wales,” says the best caps were formerly made at Monmouth.
[IV.30] ——great sort,] High rank.
[IV.31] ——quite from the answer of his degree.] A man of such station as is not bound to hazard his person to answer to a challenge from one of the soldier’s low degree.
[IV.32] Five hundred were but yesterday dubb’d knights:] In ancient times, the distribution of this honor appears to have been customary on the eve of a battle.
[IV.33] Sixteen hundred mercenaries;] i.e., common soldiers, hired soldiers.
Act V Chorus
[Vc.1] ——a mighty whiffler] An officer who walks first in processions, or before persons in high stations, on occasions of ceremony. The name is still retained in London, and there is an officer so called that walks before their companies at times of publick solemnity. It seems a corruption from the French word huissier. —Hanmer.
Act V