3 Sad serious, solemn
3 high lofty/important
3 working emotive, moving
3 state stateliness, dignity
10 show spectacle
11 pass be approved, pass muster
11 still, and willing attentive and well-inclined
12 shilling the cost of some of the most expensive seats in the theater
13 two short hours i.e. the length of the play
15 targets shields
16 motley parti- or multicolored
16 guarded trimmed
16 long … yellow a fool’s customary costume
17 deceived disappointed
17 know understand (that)
19 forfeiting … brains abandoning our intelligence
20 opinion … intend reputation we have for presenting truthfully what we intend to perform
22 understanding comprehending (plays on the sense of audience members “standing under” the stage, in the yard)
24 happiest most favored
25 sad serious
27 As as if
27 great influential, of high rank
1.1 Location: the royal court, London
2 saw saw one another
4 fresh untired, eager
5 what … there Norfolk refers to the meeting of Henry VIII and the French King François I at the Field of the Cloth of Gold
6 untimely ague badly timed fever
7 Stayed detained
10 ’Twixt between
10 Guînes and Ardres towns near Calais in northern France
12 lighted alighted, dismounted
13 as as if
14 Which had they i.e. had they grown together
14 throned ones i.e. kings
14 weighed balanced, equaled
20 pomp splendor, ceremony
21 following succeeding
21 Each … master i.e. each day learned something from the one before it
22 master teacher
23 its i.e. its own
24 clinquant glittering
25 Shone down outshone
25 tomorrow i.e. the next day
25 they i.e. the English
26 India i.e. seem as wealthy as the Indies (whose mines were thought to be sources of immeasurable riches)
27 Showed appeared
28 cherubins (statues of) angels
28 madams high-ranking ladies
30 pride magnificent finery, rich clothing, and accessories
30 that so that
30 labour … painting efforts caused them to flush, so that they looked as if they were wearing rouge
31 masque courtly entertainment involving elaborate costume
32 cried proclaimed
32 night i.e. night’s entertainments
33 Made … beggar i.e. seemed trivial and cheap in comparison
34 were … them were deemed more or less splendid depending on which one was on view at the time
35 him … praise the king on view always being the one praised
36 being … one when both kings were present they appeared indistinguishable in their splendor
37 discerner observer/one who perceives a difference
38 Durst dared
38 censure judgment (in favor of one rather than the other)
39 phrase call, term
40 perform … compass enact unimaginable feats
40 compass bounds, limit
41 that … credit so that tales formerly thought to be mythical and far-fetched gained such credibility
43 Bevis the tale of Bevis of Hampton; the hero of an early English romance, he carried out legendary feats of chivalry and skill
44 go far are making very great claims/exaggerate
45 belong to worship hold high rank, am a nobleman
45 affect … honesty respect integrity in matters of honor
46 tract narrative, course of events
47 discourser narrator
47 lose … to fall short in describing the actual vivid events
49 To … rebelled i.e. nothing interfered with the arrangement and handling of events
50 Order … view good preparations meant that everything was visible
50 The … function officials carried out their respective duties properly
54 sport entertainment
55 certes certainly
55 promises no element is not in his usual role
58 ordered organized
58 discretion judgment
59 Cardinal of York i.e. Wolsey
60 speed prosper, i.e. dispatch, hasten to his death
62 fierce high-spirited/warlike
62 vanities entertainments/extravagances
63 keech lump of animal fat (probably alludes to Wolsey’s origins as a butcher’s son as well as to his size)
64 Take up absorb, occupy
64 o’th’beneficial plays on the sense of “granting benefices” (ecclesiastical positions)
64 sun i.e. King Henry VIII
67 stuff substance, personal traits (plays on the sense of “meat for stuffing a pie”)
67 puts encourages, provokes
68 ancestry i.e. high birth
68 grace honor, renown, virtue
69 Chalks shows
70 high feats important services
71 eminent assistants noble patrons/influential helpers
72 self-drawing self-made
72 a he
72 a … note he lets us know
75 next to intimately close to/next in status to
77 graver more reverend, wiser
80 niggard miser
81 he i.e. Wolsey
84 going out expedition
85 privity private knowledge and consent
86 attend on him i.e. accompany the king to France (a costly enterprise)
86 file register, list
87 such … upon i.e. those listed will have to pay a disproportionately large amount for the small honor bestowed on them
89 own letter personal summons (to attend)
90 board of council i.e. Privy Council, the king’s advisers
90 out disregarded, not consulted
91 fetch … papers summon whoever is listed
91 papers sets down on paper
94 sickened weakened, depleted
95 abound prosper, be wealthy
97 laying … ’em selling property to pay for fine clothes
98 vanity foolish extravagance (i.e. the lavish meeting of the two kings)
99 minister … issue provide the opportunity for a useless discussion (communication may possibly play on the sense of “sexual procreation,” and poor issue does play on the sense of “impoverished children”; the sale of assets will affect the noblemen’s heirs)
101 Grievingly sadly
102 not values is not worth
106 inspired i.e. with divine, prophetic power
106 not consulting without consulting one another, independently
107 general universal
108 Dashing destroying
108 aboded predicted, foretold
109 on’t of it
110 is budded out has developed, come to pass
111 flawed broken, contravened
111 attached seized
113 therefore for that reason
114 silenced placed under house arrest
115 Marry by the Virgin Mary
116 proper title of fine name for
117 superfluous rate very high cost
119 carried managed
120 Like it may it please
121 state Privy Council/the king
121 difference dispute, discord
124 read consider/interpret
125 potency power
127 would wishes to
127 wants lacks
128 minister agent
132 darts thrusts
132 Bosom up keep secret/take to heart
133 wholesome healthy, beneficial
133 Lo look
134 purse containing the great seal of England, used by the king to authenticate documents; the Lord Chancellor (Wolsey) was its official keeper
135 surveyor estate manager
136 examination deposition, statement
141 big proud, haughty
141.1 train retinue, attendants
142 butcher’s cur another reference to Wolsey’s origins as a butcher’s son
142 cur dog
144 beggar’s … blood a poor man’s (i.e. Wolsey’s) learning is more highly valued than a nobleman’s lineage
146 chafed irritated, angry
147 temp’rance self-control, moderation
147 th’appliance only the only remedy
150 Matter substance, something significant (plays on the sense of “rheum, infected ocular discharge”)
151 abject object despicable view
152 bores cheats
155 choler anger
158 full hot very headstrong, overly hasty
159 Self-mettle his own vigorous spirit
163 mouth of honour i.e. gentleman’s mouth
163 quite completely
164 Ipswich Wolsey’s birthplace, a town in Suffolk in eastern England
165 difference distinction of rank
166 advised warned
170 overrunning running past it
171 mounts causes to rise up, i.e. boils
176 allay diminish, moderate/mix, alloy
179 prescription direction, advice
179 top-proud proud to the highest degree
180 gall bile, bitterness
181 motions motives
181 intelligence secret information
182 founts springs
186 vouch affirmation, allegation
188 equal just as
189 subtle cunning
190 place official position (as Lord Chancellor)
192 pomp greatness, splendor
193 suggests persuades, encourages, tempts
194 last recent
194 th’interview the meeting (between the French and English kings)
195 treasure money, wealth
196 i’th’wrenching in the rinsing/distortion of meaning
198 give me favour i.e. permit me to continue
199 articles clauses, terms
199 o’th’combination of the treaty
199 drew drafted, drew up
201 end effect, use
202 count-cardinal i.e. cardinal behaving like an aristocrat (contemptuous); often emended to “court-cardinal”
206 dam mother
206 Charles the Emperor Holy Roman Emperor, Charles V, Katherine of Aragon’s nephew
208 colour pretext
209 whisper whisper to
213 privily privately, secretly
214 trow believe
216 ere before
217 but only
219 he i.e. Wolsey
222 his i.e. the king’s
222 he i.e. Wolsey
226 Something somewhat
226 mistaken misunderstood, misrepresented
229 in proof when put to the test/in fact, according to evidence
230 office duty, task
233 Hertford historically Hereford, to which some editors emend
238 device and practice plots and stratagems
240 look on witness
241 pleasure will
242 th’Tower the Tower of London
243 nothing in no way
255 t’attach to arrest
255 bodies persons
260 o’th’Chartreux of the Carthusian order—a monastical order noted for its severity
263 false disloyal
264 showed him gold bribed him (to betray Buckingham; whether the surveyor lies or reveals an actual plot is unclear)
264 spanned measured out
265 shadow … Buckingham the shadowy likeness of my former self
267 Whose … sun my form being now obscured by cloud and its former innocent brightness (clear sun) dimmed/my form being shrouded by a sudden cloud that darkens my king’s favor (sun)
1.2 Cornets hornlike wind instruments (here announcing the king’s arrival)
1.2 under … feet standing at the foot of the king’s throne or dais on which it sits
1 best heart very essence
2 level aim, target sights
3 full-charged fully loaded
3 confederacy conspiracy, plot
6 justify prove, confirm
8 state throne
9 we the royal plural
9 suitor person with a request to make, favor to ask
10 place your official place as queen
12 moiety half
13 Repeat your will utter your desire
14 Thank i.e. I thank
17 dignity honor, kingly status
20 solicited urged, entreated
21 true condition loyal disposition
22 grievance distress
22 commissions official authorization (to collect taxes)
23 flawed cracked, damaged
26 putter-on instigator
27 exactions extortionate charges
28 soil dishonorable stain
34 clothiers cloth workers, who dealt with woollen fabric
35 longing belonging, i.e. dependent on them for employment
35 put off dismissed
36 spinsters spinners of wool into thread for weaving into cloth
36 carders those who prepared wool for spinning by combing out impurities and aligning the fibres
36 fullers those who beat cloth to clean and thicken it
37 life i.e. ways of making a living
39 Daring … th’teeth pushing the situation to the extreme, challenging matters to the limit
40 danger i.e. the potential for outright revolt
40 serves has joined ranks
46 single part individual role, i.e. only my share
46 aught anything
47 front … me merely march in the front rank along with others who keep the same pace
48 tell count
53 you … acquaintance you devise matters that are known to everyone, which are damaging to those who would rather not know of them but who are obliged to endure them nevertheless
54 have note be informed
55 bear carry
56 is … th’load i.e. is bowed down painfully by the burden
58 exclamation outcry, reproach
60 In what kind of what nature
62 venturous adventurous, daring
63 tempting of testing
63 boldened Under made bold by
64 grief grievance, complaint
66 substance wealth
67 pretence alleged reason/pretext
71 prayers i.e. for the king
72 tractable compliant
72 slave … will i.e. now governed by wrath
73 would wish
75 primer baseness greater manifestation of low, dishonorable behavior
77 pleasure wishes
80 single voice (his) individual vote/unanimous vote (of the Privy Council)
80 passed ratified, approved by
81 approbation consent
82 Traduced slandered, dishonored
83 faculties capabilities/qualities
85 place high office
85 brake thicket
86 stint restrain, withhold
88 To cope of encountering
88 censurers critics
90 new trimmed newly fitted out
91 vainly longing i.e. hoping in vain for the refurbished and seaworthy boat to sink and provide food
91 What … allowed malicious or essentially foolish interpreters often refuse to believe in or give us credit for our best actions
93 what … act our worst actions, which often appeal to baser people, are declared the best we ever did
96 In for
96 motion action/proposal
96 carped at complained of
98 state-statues images of statesmen
101 example precedent
101 issue outcome
103 Of for
104 rend … will i.e. force the subjects to obey the changing will of the monarch rather than the law
106 trembling fearful
107 lop lopped-off branch
109 The … sap i.e. the tree will die
110 questioned challenged, resisted
116 grace good will/mercy
116 commons common people
117 Hardly conceive think harshly
117 noised rumored, reported
118 our Wolsey uses the royal plural
118 revokement repeal
119 anon shortly
122 Is run in has incurred, come into
124 rare splendid/exceptional
125 To … bound no one is more indebted to nature for such qualities
127 out of beyond
129 disposed applied, directed
130 vicious wicked, immoral
131 complete accomplished, perfect
133 ravished entranced
135 monstrous unnatural
135 habits clothing/behavior, practices
138 gentleman in trust trusted servant
140 practices plots
141 hear too much i.e. for our own protection
143 careful dutiful, full of care (for the king)
143 collected picked up, gathered (as evidence)
148 issue children
148 carry manage
149 sceptre staff carried as a symbol of sovereignty
151 menaced threatened
154 conception intention, plan
155 Not … person not being gratified in his wish regarding you (i.e. that the king should die childless)
157 friends i.e. Wolsey
159 Deliver speak
161 How … fail? On what did he base his claim to the throne in the event of my death without an heir?
162 To this point on this subject
167 Chartreux Carthusian, i.e. one of a strict monastic order from Chartreux near Grenoble in France
172 the Rose the name of a manor house belonging to Buckingham
173 St Lawrence Poultney a church on Candlewick Street in London
174 speech talk, gossip, prevailing opinion
176 perfidious treacherous
177 To … danger resulting in danger for the king
177 presently instantly
178 doubted feared/suspected
182 choice chosen, appointed
183 moment importance
187 demure confidence grave assurance, solemn certainty
190 o’th’commonalty of the common people
195 spleen anger, malice
196 nobler i.e. as the immortal soul is more important than worldly rank
198 on go on
200 but only
204 forged formed, created (in)
205 much … do very likely to be carried out
207 failed died
210 rank foul, corrupt, gross
214 Greenwich a royal palace south of the River Thames
219 his as his own (instead of the king’s)
220 committed imprisoned
223 Richard i.e. Richard III
223 Salisbury town in Wiltshire, southwest England
224 suit a formal request
225 made … duty i.e. by kneeling before Richard in feigned respect
230 God mend all may God put everything right
233 stretched him stood fully upright
234 mounting raising
236 evil used badly treated
236 outgo surpass
238 irresolute shaky, undecided/not accomplished
239 period end, purpose
240 attached arrested
241 present immediate
244 to th’height in the highest degree
1 spells magic charms
1 juggle trick, deceive, conjure
2 mysteries enigmatic behavior (i.e. the imitation of French courtly fashions)
5 let ’em be even if they are
7 late recent
8 fit … o’th’face one or two grimaces, contrived facial expressions
8 shrewd cunning, artful/sharp, clever
9 hold ’em assume such facial expressions
11 Pepin or Clotharius eighth- and sixth-century Kings of the Franks
11 keep state so maintain such affected dignity (presumably those referred to are walking around with their noses in the air)
12 legs i.e. ways of walking/bowing
12 take it think, assume/affirm, swear
13 spavin tumor on a horse’s leg caused by inflammation of cartilage
14 springhalt stringhalt, a disease of a horse’s hind legs, causing spasmodic muscle contractions
15 Death contracted form of the oath “by God’s death”
16 after … to’t fashioned in such a pagan manner
17 worn out exhausted (all the styles available in)
21 clapped placed
27 Louvre French royal palace in Paris
30 fool and feather foolishness and elaborate dress (such as feathers worn on hats)
31 honourable … ignorance foolish trivia they consider worthy (points plays on the sense of “laces used for fastening clothing”)
32 as such as
32 fights i.e. duels
32 fireworks fighting/whoring (perhaps also with associations of “elaborate pyrotechnic displays”)
33 Abusing dishonoring, mocking
34 Out … wisdom using the so-called wisdom they have gained abroad
34 renouncing clean they must now renounce totally
35 tall … breeches i.e. French fashions, playing on notion of venereal disease
35 blistered short and puffed/covered in blisters, symptomatic of venereal disease
36 types marks, indications
36 travel plays on sense of sexual travail, exertion
37 understand comprehend/stand up properly (with sexual connotations)
37 honest honorable/true
38 pack depart
38 playfellows (sexual) partners
39 cum privilegio “with immunity” (Latin; an abbreviated form of the phrase announcing the exclusive right of a printer to publish a book)
39 oui “yes” (French)
40 lag end latter part, tail end (with phallic connotations)
40 lewdness foolishness/wickedness/lechery
41 physic medicine, specifically perhaps a cure for venereal disease
44 trim vanities smart dandies/worthless fripperies/handsome playthings
45 marry by the Virgin Mary
46 whoresons bastards, wretches (a coarse term of abuse)
47 speeding successful/speedy
47 lay down seduce/have sex with
48 fiddle musical instrument/penis/mirth-maker, jester
48 fellow equal
49 fiddle play with/cheat
50 converting of ’em i.e. reforming their behavior
52 play performing music/sexual play
52 plainsong simple melody, i.e. straightforward manner of wooing
53 hearing i.e. audience (with a woman)
53 by’r lady by Our Lady (the Virgin Mary)
54 Held be considered
54 current fashionable
56 colt’s tooth youthful lust
56 cast discarded
58 stump remains of a tooth/penis
64 makes gives
68 fruitful generous
69 dews i.e. favors, benevolence (puns on “dues” or taxes)
71 black slanderous/sinful
71 other otherwise
72 he’s wherewithal he has the necessary means
73 Sparing frugality, economy
74 way way of life, i.e. as a cardinal
77 ones i.e. examples
77 stays waits
78 along i.e. come along
80 spoke to asked
81 comptrollers stewards, masters of ceremonies
82 your lordship’s i.e. entirely at your disposal
1.4 Location: York Place (now Whitehall)—Wolsey’s residence
1.4 Hautboys oboelike instruments
1.4 state canopy
1.4 divers various, several
4 bevy company
5 abroad out with her, from home
7 tardy slow, late
9 Clapped fixed
12 lay secular/sexual
13 running banquet hasty meal/rewarding sexual pursuit or sex itself
15 society group
16 confessor plays on the sense of “sexual partner”
19 easy penance with sexual connotations
21 down feather
23 Place you you arrange the seating
25 cold plays on the sense of “sexually unresponsive”
26 waking awake, lively (with suggestion of sexual activity)
29 thank I thank
30 wild erratically, madly/recklessly, excitably/lustfully
32 mad insane/uncontrollable, high-spirited
34 bite biting was thought to be a common trait of madmen
35 twenty i.e. twenty ladies
35 with a breath in one breath, in a very short space of time
36 said done
37 fairly properly/favorably/fully
39 Pass away leave
40 For as for
40 cure spiritual duty/remedy (for frowning)/ sexual remedy
41 Let me alone leave it to me
47 bowl i.e. full of wine
47 may as may
50 beholding beholden, indebted
50 cheer entertain/encourage/cheer up
56 gamester sporting, fun-loving person/gambler/one fond of sex
58 make my play score (in cards/in love)
59 pledge it drink to my toast
60 thing plays on the sense of “penis”
62 anon soon
62.1 chambers small cannon
65 voice i.e. noise
67 privileged protected
69 strangers foreigners
71 make make their way
76 heaven of beauty i.e. gathering of beautiful ladies
78 broken disrupted
80 Masquers costumed nobles taking part in a courtly entertainment involving dancing
80 habited dressed
81 pleasures wills, desires
83 fame report, rumor
87 conduct guidance, permission
89 revels merriment/courtly entertainment
99 this place i.e. the chair of state
100 but only
106 it i.e. the chair of state
111 fair fine/virtuous/beautiful
112 You … unhappily i.e. if you were not a rightfully minded clergyman, I should look unfavorably upon this gathering of beautiful women
115 pleasant merry
117 Prithee please (literally “I pray thee”)
118 An’t if it
119 her highness’ women i.e. lady-in-waiting to Queen Katherine
120 dainty delicately pretty
121 take you out i.e. to dance
122 health toast
124 banquet separate course of sweetmeats after the main feast, served in a different room
125 I’th’privy chamber i.e. in a private inner room
128 heated hot, but in his reply Henry plays on the sense of “lustful, hot-blooded”
133 forsake leave, give up
135 measure slow stately dance
136 dream focus on/conjecture
137 best in favour best-looking/most popular with the ladies
137 knock it strike up
2.1 Location: a street in Westminster, London
2.1 several separate
3 hall i.e. Westminster Hall
16 passed it did the trial proceed
17 a little brief
18 to his accusations in response to the accusations brought against him
19 still consistently
19 alleged brought forward
20 law i.e. case against him
22 examinations testimonies, statements
22 proofs evidence
23 divers various, several
24 him brought i.e. have brought to him
24.1 viva voce “in person, in live speech” (Latin)
32 fain gladly
37 pitied in him i.e. prompted useless pity
37 forgotten i.e. was ineffectual
40 knell funeral bell, i.e. death sentence
41 sweat sweated
42 choler anger
42 ill unfavorable/wicked/bitter
43 fell to recovered
50 end root, bottom
52 Kildare’s attainder the accusation and disgrace of the Earl of Kildare; he was imprisoned on a number of charges and his role as Lord Deputy in Ireland was given to the Earl of Surrey, Buckingham’s son-in-law
53 deputy governor
55 father father-in-law
56 trick of state political contrivance
57 envious malicious
58 his i.e. Surrey’s
59 requite avenge, repay
60 generally universally, by all
64 perniciously deeply, desiring his death or ruin
67 mirror image, model
67.1 Tipstaves court officers, named after their badge of office, a metal-tipped staff
67.2 axe … him signifying that the prisoner had been condemned to death
67.3 Halberds i.e. halberdiers, carrying long-handled weapons topped with a combination of spearhead and axe blade
70 close out of sight/quietly
73 lose forget
74 judgement sentence
76 sink ruin/damn
79 premises evidence (submitted in court)
80 more better
82 look beware, watch out
83 evils wrongdoings, evil careers/hovels or privies
86 sue plead
87 More … faults i.e. much greater than the magnitude of offense I would dare to commit
90 only … dying the only thing that is bitter to him, the only real death he experiences
92 divorce of steel i.e. separation of body and soul by the axe
93 sacrifice offering
101 take make
101 envy malice
105 Yet still
105 forsake leaves (my body)
107 tell count
109 old time perhaps a personification here
110 monument tomb
112 charge duty, role
113 undertakes takes responsibility for
116 furniture furnishings, equipment
119 state rank
122 base dishonorable, unworthy/low-born
123 truth loyalty/honesty
123 seal confirm, ratify
126 head an army
126 Richard i.e. Richard III
135 stroke action/executioner’s blow
138 happier more fortunate
142 end purpose
143 from … certain the words of a dying man were considered especially wise or prophetic
144 liberal of generous with
145 loose careless
147 rub obstacle (bowling term)
149 But except
156 authors originators, causes
159 fall happens
162 faith reliability, trustworthiness
167 am confident i.e. trust you
168 shall i.e. shall have it
168 late recent
169 buzzing rumor
171 held not did not stand firm, did not last
173 straight straight away
174 allay subdue, silence
178 held for it is thought
179 venture at it risk acting on it
180 about him near who are close to him
181 possessed … scruple put a doubt into his mind (perhaps with connotations of demonic possession; the doubt is that Henry’s marriage is invalid because Katherine had originally been married to his older brother Arthur; marrying one’s brother’s widow is prohibited in Leviticus 20:21)
183 Cardinal Campeius the Pope’s legate sent from Rome to determine the legality of the king’s marriage
186 emperor Holy Roman Emperor, Charles V, Queen Katherine’s nephew
188 purposed intended, planned
189 have … mark i.e. are accurate
189 mark target (in archery)
190 smart pain
193 open exposed, public
2.2 Location: the royal court, London
2 ridden broken in
2 furnished equipped
5 commission warrant
5 main considerable
13 private on his own
14 sad serious
18 conscience Suffolk plays on the sexual sense of “genital expansiveness”
22 blind without regard for others; fortune was commonly depicted as a blind woman who
22 turns the wheel of people’s fortunes
23 list pleases
23 know understand, recognize
25 he i.e. Wolsey
42 end purpose/outcome
43 French king’s sister the Duchess of Alençon, suggested by Wolsey as a second wife for Henry
44 slept upon failed to notice, not perceived truly
45 bold daring, overconfident
51 lump probably lump of clay
52 pitch height, i.e. stature
53 For as for
55 made i.e. successful, of noble rank
55 stand remain, stand firm
57 breath i.e. mere words
65 otherwhere elsewhere
68 curtain separating the main stage from the discovery space or recess at the back of the stage
76 this way in this respect
77 estate state
80 Go to expression of impatient dismissal
81 temporal worldly, secular
81 commission warrant (from the Pope)
83 quiet calm
84 cure physical remedy (but with connotations of spiritual care)
87 talker i.e. man of words rather than action
92 priest i.e. Wolsey
94 sick envious
97 have-at-him thrust, attack (fencing term)
99 precedent example
101 scruple doubt
101 voice of Christendom i.e. the Pope and the various clergymen who were consulted over Henry’s problem of conscience
102 envy malice
103 Spaniard i.e. Charles V (Katherine’s nephew), or the Spanish in general
103 her i.e. Queen Katherine
104 confess admit, allow
105 clerks scholars
107 Have … voices may vote as they please
109 general tongue i.e. representative spokesperson
113 conclave body of cardinals (in Rome)
115 strangers foreigners
117 tender submit
117 virtue power
120 unpartial impartial
124 that that which
125 place rank
130 fit suitable, able
144 stick hesitate
146 Kept … still i.e. always had him traveling abroad (on diplomatic missions)
149 murmurers gossips, rumormongers/troublemakers
152 appointment order
153 none … else i.e. no one else so close to the king
154 griped seized, clutched at
154 meaner lower ranking
155 Deliver tell, report
155 modesty propriety/consideration
157 For … learning to receive, play host to such a learned discussion
157 Blackfriars Dominican monastery in London
159 furnished equipped
160 able (sexually) vigorous
161 bedfellow i.e. Katherine
161 conscience perhaps playing on “con-science” meaning “knowledge of the vagina” (i.e. Anne Bullen’s)
1 Not … neither Anne and the Old Lady enter mid-conversation
1 pinches torments
4 Pronounce declare/utter
6 courses … sun i.e. years
9 process course (of events)
10 avaunt order to be gone
10 pity pity-provoking situation
12 temper substance, hardness/disposition
15 temporal worldly (rather than heavenly)
16 quarrel quarreler
17 sufferance panging hardship as tormenting
20 stranger outsider/foreigner
24 range roam/live/be ranked
24 humble livers those of low rank
25 perked up decked out
25 glist’ring glittering, sparkling
28 having possession
29 troth faith
29 maidenhead virginity
31 Beshrew curse
33 spice dash, touch
34 so fair parts such beauty/such good qualities
36 Affected likes, is drawn to
37 sooth truth
38 Saving despite
38 mincing pretentious manner, affectations
39 cheverel kid leather (noted for its softness)
41 troth truth, faith
44 bowed bent, i.e. worthless (puns on “bawd”)
45 queen it play the queen; puns on “quean” meaning “prostitute”
47 bear endure/support during sex/give birth to
47 load of title title of duchess/duke himself/duke’s child
49 pluck off come down (in aspiration; literally “undress”)
50 count i.e. rank lower than a duke; puns on “cunt”
50 way path/condition (of being a virgin)
51 For … to i.e. on account of sexual modesty
52 vouchsafe permit, accept
52 burden i.e. of a man’s body during sex
53 get beget, conceive
57 little England affectionate term for England itself/Pembrokeshire, south Wales, where most people spoke English rather than Welsh/Westminster Hall
58 emballing to be invested with the orb of sovereignty (as queen)/ sexual intercourse
59 Caernarvonshire a poor rural county in north Wales
59 longed belonged
62 conference conversation
64 values not is not worth
66 gentle noble/kind
74 Commends declares, offers
75 purpose intend
78 grace favor
80 kind manifestation
80 tender offer (in return)
81 More … nothing more than all I am able to offer is still insufficient (nothing may pick up on the sense of “vagina,” which is of course what Anne is required to supply)
82 hallowed blessed, sanctified
83 More of more
85 Vouchsafe agree
89 t’approve to corroborate, confirm
89 conceit opinion, notion
90 perused observed, examined
93 gem i.e. an heir (anticipating Elizabeth’s birth)
94 lighten illuminate (some jewels were thought to emit light)
99 beggarly still poor
100 Come … late i.e. ask at the appropriate time
100 pat neatly
101 suit of pounds request for money
101 pound plays on the sense of rags/(fish) ponds
102 fresh young/blooming
102 fish woman/whore
102 fie expression of reproach
103 compelled enforced/unsought
103 have … it i.e. to get plenty without even needing to ask (probably also refers to oral sex)
105 strange odd, incomprehensible/new, unfamiliar
106 tastes probably continues to play on the idea of oral sex
106 Forty pence i.e. I’ll bet a small amount
108 queen continues to pun of “quean” (i.e. prostitute)
109 mud i.e. wealth, since
109 Egypt was known for its rich soil
110 pleasant merry, joking
111 your theme your subject (i.e. the same advancement as you)
112 O’ermount rise higher than
115 honour’s … foreskirt i.e. more rewards will follow, just as the train of a dress is longer than the front of the skirt (perhaps with some sexual suggestion of lifting one’s skirt)
117 your … duchess i.e. you will marry a duke and bear his children
120 particular fancy personal imaginings
121 on’t of it
122 salute affects, excites
122 blood passions, spirits (perhaps with play on “sexual desires”)
122 faints me makes me faint
125 deliver report
2.4 Location: Blackfriars (a Dominican monastery in London)
2.4 sennet trumpet fanfare signaling a procession
2.4 Vergers officials carrying rods of office who process in front of Church dignitaries
2.4 habit of doctors academic robes worn by Doctors of Law, i.e. black gowns and flat hats
2.4 St Asaph Llanelwy, an ancient bishopric in north Wales
2.4 purse it contained the great seal of England, used by the king to authenticate documents; the Lord Chancellor (Wolsey) was its official keeper
2.4 cloth of state canopy over a throne
2.4 consistory ecclesiastical court
5 th’authority allowed its authority recognized
16 stranger foreigner
18 indifferent impartial
19 equal fair
19 proceeding course of action/legal proceedings
22 proceed … off go about to dismiss me/take legal action to discard me
23 grace favor/royal person
25 conformable compliant, obedient
26 dislike displeasure
27 countenance facial expression/favor/disposition
33 to him derived drawn upon himself
38 many children Katherine had six children by Henry, of whom only one (Mary) survived infancy
40 honour good name
40 aught anything
42 Against toward
48 wit wisdom
49 one The wisest the very wisest
54 Wherefore for which reason
60 reverend fathers clergymen
62 elect best, most choice men
63 bootless useless
64 longer any longer
64 desire request (i.e. the trial’s postponement)
65 quiet peace of mind
69 session court, judicial gathering
77 certain certainly
81 before i.e. before you are humble (which you’ll never be)
84 challenge formal objection (legal term)
86 blown this coal i.e. stirred up trouble (proverbial)
88 abhor reject
94 stood to upheld
97 spleen malice
104 gainsay deny
105 worthily justly
107 free innocent
107 report condemnation, allegation
108 your wrong the wrong you do me in making such statements
111 in about, with regard to
117 sign display
117 in full seeming to all appearances
121 slightly with ease
122 powers officials in power/power of position
122 retainers servants
123 Domestics servants
123 as’t … office in whatever manner you wish, as soon as you utter their tasks
125 tender regard, are concerned with
126 that so that
129 cause legal case
130 offers attempts, makes to
132 Stubborn resistant
132 apt quick, ready
138 keep your way keep going
141 tarry stay, linger
148 rare excellent/exceptional
149 government control (of self and others)
150 Obeying in commanding behaving with restraint even when issuing orders/behaving both like a queen and a dutiful wife
150 parts … else other superior and pious qualities
150 Sovereign excellent/royal
151 speak thee out declare themselves as being in you
154 Carried conducted
156 require request
160 satisfied compensated
166 prejudice detriment
166 state situation/rank
167 touch taint, stain
169 excuse exonerate
170 you … taught i.e. you know full well
172 curs dogs
178 passages proceedings
179 speak support
182 mark th’inducement note what persuaded me
183 tenderness sensitivity
187 ’twixt between
189 determinate resolution conclusive outcome
191 advertise notify, discuss with
193 dowager i.e. Katherine, the widow of Henry’s brother Arthur
194 Sometimes formerly
196 spitting piercing, stabbing
198 mazed considerings bewildered thoughts, confused wonderings
200 smile i.e. favor
203 offices duties, services
2.4 two … pillars like the mace, emblems of Wolsey’s role as cardinal
205 Or either
206 This … them i.e. birth
209 gladded made glad
211 issue’s offspring’s
212 throe pain (a word often used of labor pains)
212 hulling drifting (with sails furled)
217 full very
217 yet still (now)
219 doctors scholars
221 oppression burdensome distress
221 reek sweat
222 moved put the matter to, appealed to
225 satisfied reassured
228 Bearing … dread given that it concerned a matter of great importance and potentially alarming consequences
229 committed … doubt questioned the most extreme, audacious advice I was inclined to give (i.e. to pursue divorce)
237 particular individual
238 Under … seals i.e. with your formal written agreement
238 hands signatures
242 Prove but if you can only prove
244 wear … come spend our remaining life (or perhaps “our earthly sovereignty”)
245 primest most supreme (perhaps plays on the sense of “youngest, freshest”)
246 paragoned put forth as an ideal model
248 a needful fitness necessarily appropriate behavior
249 further another
250 motion request
252 his holiness i.e. the Pope
255 dilatory delaying (with specifically legal sense of entering a dilatory plea to delay proceedings)
257 return the clergyman Thomas Cranmer was at this point in Europe, gathering support for Henry’s divorce
259 set on advance, proceed