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Notes on Act I, scene iii
gentleman: steward, that is, Oswald to whom she speaks
chiding: reprimanding, scolding
fool: court jester
crime: offense
upbraids: criticizes
come slack of former services: serve him less than before
answer: I'll say I'm responsible if he complains
question: I want him to criticize your lack of service, so we can discuss this problem openly
one: in agreement
Idle: foolish
manage those authorities: Lear wants to order people about like a king, even though he has relinquished that title.
checks as flatteries: old men who act like children must be handled with restraints rather than flattery
breed from hence occasions: I want to make an issue out of this, so I can speak to him about it.
straight: immediately
hold: maintain my plan of action
