Page:Henry IV Part 1 (1917) Yale.djvu/139

King Henry the Fourth  Mortimer seems to be trying to say that though he does not understand his wife's speech, he understands her looks, and that he is 'too perfect' in the language of tears (i.e., 'the pretty Welsh' which she pours down from her swollen eyes). So near to tears is the bridegroom himself that shame alone prevents his answering his wife's tears with tears.

 Finsbury. Archery grounds just outside of London, a favorite resort of respectable middle-class citizens.

 velvet-guards. Velvet trimmings; hence women that wear such finery, notably wives of aldermen.

 tailor. Tailors, like weavers (cf. II. iv. 149 n.), were noted for singing at their work.

 I assumed, or took upon myself, a heavenly graciousness of bearing.

 carded. To card was to mix different kinds of drink; so King Richard mixed his high state and dignity with baseness.

 Hal's claim to the crown is shadowy compared with Hotspur's, for Hal's claim is that of inheritance from a usurper who has been rewarded with the crown for his services to the state; whereas Hotspur's claim is that of efficient public service, performed by himself.

 brewer's horse. The point of this comparison lies probably in the fact that a brewer's horse carries good liquor on his back, instead of in his belly.

 It was the fashion to wear, as a memento mori, reminder of death, a ring or pin on the stone of which was engraved a skull and crossbones.

 See St. Luke's Gospel, 16. 19-31.