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Notes for Act I, scene i
in your habit: in your manner of dress
reduce: restore order by removing the flatterers
quits first: first of all gets rid of
sycophants: hypocritical courtiers
dissolute: lacking moral restraint, indulging in vices
which he sweetly terms ... Heaven: the antecedent of "which" is the preceding phrase; a good prince who rules wisely in ordering his kingdom emulates the work of God in his creation.
common fountain: public, common to all
in general: everywhere
poison it near the head: poison the fountain's source; a bad king brings the entire land to ruin.
provident: wise, looking ahead to the future
presumption: some might think it disrespectful to advise the king of problems within his realm
gall: irritating sore; Bosola "rubs people the wrong way"
railing: complaining, criticizing; Bosola criticizes the sins of others which he would like to commit himself, if he had the chance.
galleys: criminals were often sentenced to rowing ships, similar to Roman times
dog days: unlucky or hard times, referring to the hottest part of summer associated with Sirius, the dog star
honest: thrive at honest work rather than as a henchman
divinity: holiness, with implied sarcasm
return as arrant knaves: those such as the Cardinal who seek an honest life return no better than they were, as their villainous nature accompanies them on the journey (see Montaigne, Essays 1.38).
suit: favor
standing pools: stagnant water; the image implies that the brothers have ample riches which they do not share
pies: magpies, type of jaybird
panders: procurers of women, pimps
Tantalus: in Greek mythology Tantalus was condemned in Hades to starvation with food and drink just out of reach, thus we get the word "tantalize"
geometry: Bosola compares a man on crutches to a two-pronged compass used to draw circles
last supportation: the soldier who has lost limbs in battle has only his crutches to support him.
melancholy: one of four bodily fluids called humours, melancholy causing sadness, moodiness; see commentary notes on humours
want of action ...wearing: lack of useful activity creates dissatisfaction leading to trouble, and like moths in unworn clothes will ruin anything near them.
malcontents: dissatisfied person; see commentary on this scene.
