[207] The 4to terms them _poting_ sticks, and so sometimes they were called, instead of _poking_ sticks. They were used to plait and set ruffs. [208] The old copy here repeats, in part, the preceding stage direction, viz., _Enter Friar like a pedlar, and Jenny_, which must be an error, as they are already on the stage; in fact, only Sir Doncaster and his armed followers enter. The _exit_ of Robin Hood, with Marian and Fitzwater, is not noticed. [209] i.e., Thrive. [210] The rhyme is made out by reading _certainly_, but the old copy, [which is printed as prose.] has it _certain_. [211] This stage direction, like many others, is not marked. [212] So in "Henry VI. Part III." act iii. sc. 3: "Did I _impale_ him with the regal crown?" This use of the word is common. [213] [Old copy, _light_.] [214] See Mr Steevens' note on "Henry VIII.," act v. sc. 3. [215] These two lines clearly belong to the Prior, though the old copy omits his name before them. [216] i.e., Vengeance. [217] [Old copy, _Souldans_.] [218] In the old copy _soldiour's_. [219] See Mr Gifford's note (6) to "The Maid of Honour," Massinger's Works, iii. 47, for an explanation of the origin and use of this expression of contempt. See also Malone's remarks upon the passage in "Twelfth Night," act iii. sc. 4: "He is a knight dubb'd with an unhatch'd rapier and on _carpet_ consideration." [220] On the standard by which Leicester was attended on his entrance, no doubt the crest of that family, viz., a bear and ragged staff, was represented. To this the queen refers when she exclaims-- "Were this _bear_ loose, how he would tear our maws." [221] [Old copy, _Bear, thou hast_. Leicester was accompanied by his ancient, whose entrance is marked above.] [222] _Quite_ is frequently used for _requite_: as in Massinger's "Old Law," act ii. sc. 2-- "In troth, Eugenia, I have cause to weep too; But when I visit, I come comfortably, And look to be so _quited_." [223] Although the old copy mentions no more at the beginning of this interview than _Enter Leicester, drum and ancient_, yet according to this speech he must either have been more numerously attended, or some of his followers came upon the stage during his dispute with the king and queen. [224] The return of Leicester and Richmond, after their _exit_ just before, is not mentioned in the 4to. [225] [Old copy, _Come off, off_.] [226] _Guests_ were often formerly spelt _guess_, whether it were or were not necessary for the rhyme. [227] The stage direction in the original is only _Enter Robin_. [228] This must have been spoken aside to Robin Hood. [229] [Old copy, _soon_.] [230] [This passage appears to point to some antecedent drama not at present known.] [231] The 4to has it _Damn'd Judaism_, but the allusion is to the treachery of Judas. The jailer of Nottingham afterwards calls Warman Judas. [232] [Old copy, _him_.]