Notes on Act IV, scene i

contemn'd: despised (it's better to know you are despised, than to be despised but be fooled by flattery)

esperance: hope (Edgar has hope, since things can't get any worse, they must get better.)

want: need

means: prosperity makes us overconfident

defects prove our commodities: sufferings do us good

abused: deceived

wanton: mischievous, cruel

angering: offending

o'ertake: catch up to us

ancient love: longtime affection he has for the family he has served

'parel: apparel, clothes

daub: lay it on, act the part

stile: door frame

superfluous: having more than he needs

lust-dieted: having his fill of lust (perhaps in the begetting of illegitimate Edmund?)

slaves your ordinance: that subdues/ignores the orders of the gods

distribution: giving to those in need

bending: overhanging