Editorial note — Scene II.—INTERIOR OF THE CATHEDRAL AT TROYES IN CHAMPAGNE.
Reading edition
III.1 ——lavoltas high] A dance in which there was much turning, and much capering.
III.2 ——swift corantos;] A corant is a sprightly dance.
III.3 With pennons] Pennons armorial were small flags, on which the arms, device, and motto of a knight were painted.
III.4 And, for achievement, offer up his ransom.] i.e., instead of fighting, he will offer to pay ransom.
III.5 ——ancient Pistol.] Ancient, a standard or flag; also the ensign bearer, or officer, now called an ensign.
III.6 Of buxom valour,] i.e., valour under good command, obedient to its superiors. The word is used by Spencer.
III.7 ——upon the rolling restless stone,—] Fortune is described by several ancient authors in the same words.
III.8 ——with a muffler before her eyes,] A muffler was a sort of veil, or wrapper, worn by ladies in Shakespeare’s time, chiefly covering the chin and throat.
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.
III.19 Without impeachment:] i.e., hindrance. Empechement, French.
III.20 Yet, Heaven before,] In the acting edition, the name of God is changed to Heaven. This was an expression in Shakespeare’s time for God being my guide.
III.21 Though France himself,] i.e., though the King of France himself.