Midsummer Glossary
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apace quickly, speedily, at a great rate
methinks it seems to me
linger delay, put off, keep waiting
stepdame, step-dame stepmother
wither out cause to dwindle, make less
revenue income, yield, profit
pert lively, brisk, sprightly
companion rogue, rascal, fellow
pomp pageant, ceremony, procession
triumph public festivity, pageant, display of celebration, tournament
fantasy ardent desire, amorous fancy
gaud gaudy toy, showy plaything, trinket
conceit trinket, fancy article, bauble
knack trifle, knick-knack, ornament
prevailment prevailing action, power, influence
immediately directly, instantly, without delay
compos'd made up, produced, fashioned
kind respect, regard, particular
wanting lack, need, be without
voice support, approval, good word
power force, strength, might
concern befit, suit with, accord with
befall , past forms befallen, befell happen to, come to
blood passion, feeling, strong emotion (especially sexual)
know acknowledge, remember, think of
aye always, ever, for eternity
livery uniform, costume, special clothing
mew’d cooped up, confined, shut up
cold chaste, modest, lacking sensual passion
blood passion, feeling, strong emotion (specially sexual)
patent privilege, right, title
sealing day day for confirming a contract, wedding-day
aye always, ever, for eternity
crazed flawed, unsound, impaired
title legal right, claim, entitlement
estate endow, settle upon, bestow (up)on
deriv’d descended, in lineage
possess’d propertied, affluent, provided for
vantage advantageous position, place of vantage, superiority
avouch declare, assert, affirm
to his head to one's face, frankly, openly
spotted stained, blemished
lose lose sight of, forget
arm prepare, get ready
extenuate mitigate, lessen, tone down
go along come along, come with me
nearly closely, particularly, especially
concerns be important to, be the concern of
belike probably, presumably, perhaps, so it seems
want lack, shortage, dearth
beteem, beteene allow, permit, let, grant
aught nothing
blood nobility, breeding, gentility, good parentage
misgraffed badly grafted, ill-matched, unsuited
stood upon depended on, relied upon, hinged on
sympathy accord, agreement, harmony
momentany momentary, transitory, fleeting
collied blackened, darkened, murky
spleen ) impulse, caprice, whim; ) temper, spirit, passion (the spleen was the part of the body seen as the source of both gloomy and mirthful emotions)
unfolds display, reveal, show
quick living, vital, full of life
cross’d prevented, thwarted, forestalled
fancy love, amorousness, infatuation
persuasion conviction, principle, opinion
gentle soft, tender, kind
morn morning, dawn
simplicity innocence, harmlessness, guilelessness
false disloyal, faithless, inconstant, unfaithful
fair fair face, beauty
lodestar guiding star, beacon
tuneable tuneful, musical, melodious
favour facial appearance, countenance, features, looks
bated excepted, omitted, left out of consideration
visage face, countenance
glass mirror, looking-glass
bladed many-bladed, abounding in shoots
still constantly, always, continually
faint pale, lightly coloured
wont be accustomed, used to, be in the habit of
stranger foreigner, alien, outsider
companies companions, associates, comrades
starve withhold from, diet, be sparing with
morrow morning
base poor, wretched, of low quality
quantity equal amount, same proportion
transpose change, alter, transform
figure symbolize, represent, portray
unheedy unheedful, headstrong, reckless
oft often
waggish playful, mischievous, impish
forswear swear falsely, perjure oneself, break one's word
eyne eyes
dissolv’d melt, liquefy
intelligence information, news, communication
scrip script, text
interlude short play, theatrical performance staged to fill an intermission
condole lament, grieve, express great sorrow
humour fancy, whim, inclination, caprice
Ercles the Greek hero Heracles (in Roman, Hercules) who completed Twelve Labors and was renowned for his feats of strength
rarely splendidly, beautifully, excellently
tear a cat in rant and bluster or swagger
shivering shattering, splintering
car carriage, cart, chariot (often of the sun god)
condoling moving, affecting, poignant
monstrous exceedingly, wonderfully, extraordinarily
study preparation, learning, memorizing of a part
do perform, play one's part, act
extempore spontaneously, involuntarily, without thinking
fright frighten, scare, terrify
aggravate intensify; malapropism for ‘moderate’
sucking unweaned, suckling
proper good-looking, handsome, comely
discharge play, perform, execute
orange-tawny dull yellowish brown
purple-in-grain dyed bright red
French-crown-colour light yellow coloured (as the French crown coin)
crowns heads
con learn by heart, commit to memory
device plan, scheme, intention
draw draw up, draft, frame
bill inventory, list, catalogue
properties stage props
wants requires, demands, needs
obscenely malapropism for ‘seemly’
hold keep, maintain, observe
park hunting ground
pale fenced land, park, enclosure
sphere celestial globe in which a heavenly body was thought to move, orbit
dew bedew, moisten, water
orbs fairy rings, circles
pensioner gentleman of the royal bodyguard
favours mark of favour, gift, token (often a love-token)
lob clown, country lout, yokel
anon soon, shortly, presently
fell cruel, fierce, savage
passing very, exceedingly, extremely
changeling child taken by fairies, stolen child
trace range over, pass through, traverse
perforce forcibly, by force, violently
withhold detain, keep in possession
sheen brightness, shining, radiance
square quarrel, fall out, disagree
making physical appearance, bodily form, build
shrewd wily, cunning, mischievous
frights frighten, scare, terrify
villagery villages
quern hand-mill for grinding corn
bootless fruitlessly, uselessly, unsuccessfully, in vain
barm froth on the top of fermenting ale
beguile cheat, deceive, trick
filly female
gossip old woman, gossiping woman
crab crab-apple, sour apple
bob knock, bump, bang
dewlap folds of loose skin hanging about the neck
aunt old woman, gossip
saddest most serious, grave, or solemn
quire company, group, assembly (play on a printing term)
waxen increase, grow
neeze sneeze
wasted passed, spent
bill badly, adversely, unfavourably
forsworn abandoned, renounced, rejected
Tarry stay, remain, linger
wanton wilful creature, obstinate individual
Corin a conventional pastoral name for a shepherd
Phillida a conventional pastoral name for a shepherdess
step limit, distance, reach
forsooth in truth, certainly, truly, indeed
buskin’d wearing high hunting boots or buskins
glance at pick on, snipe at, cast aspersions on
Perigenia a young woman who hid from Theseus after he killed her father, Sinis, a robber. For more on Theseus’s exploits see Plutarch.
ravished carried off, raped, forced sexually
Aegle A nymph loved by Thesus, the woman for whom he abandoned Ariadne. For more on Theseus’s exploits see Plutarch.
Ariadne she helped Theseus find his way out of the labrynth. Then he abandoned her. For more on Theseus’s exploits see Plutarch.
Antiopa Amazon warrior seduced by Thesus who then, you guessed it, abandoned her. For more on Theseus’s exploits see Plutarch.
spring first moment, dawn, break
mead meadow
paved with a paved base, pebbled
rushy edged with rushes
beached having a beach, shingly, sandy
margent margin, edge, border
sport recreation, amusement, entertainment
piping whistling
contagious pestilential, harmful, noxious
pelting paltry, petty, worthless, insignificant
proud swollen, high, in flood
overborn overwhelmed, overcame, overpowered
continent bank, embankment, course
murrion infected with plague (a murrain), diseased
morris, nine men's area marked out in squares for playing nine men's morris (a type of open-air game using nine ‘men’ on each side)
quaint intricate, elaborate
maze arrangement of paths, network of tracks
wanton luxuriant, flourishing, lush, profuse in growth
green greenery, grass, vegetation
undistinguishable unrecognizable, undetectable, impossible to pick out
want lack, need, be without
carol song of joy
governess ruler, mistress
washes makes damp, moistens, wets
rheumatic with symptoms of rheum (watery discharge), as in a cold
distemperature disordered condition, inclement state of weather
hoary-headed white haired
Hiems a personification of winter
chaplet garland, wreath
childing fertile, fruitful, teeming
change exchange, trade
wonted accustomed, usual, customary
livery uniform, costume, special clothing
mazed bewildered, confused, perplexed
increase produce, growth, yield, crop
progeny the decendants of a person, offspring
debate quarrel, wrangling, strife
original point of origin, cause, source
changeling a fairy child left in place of a human child (or vice versa)
henchman squire, page of honour
votaress woman under vow, votary, devotee of a religious order
gossip’d talk together
marking noting, paying attention to, taking notice of
traders trading ships, merchant vessels
flood sea, deep, waves, rushing water
wanton sexually hot, passionate, sportive
squire lad, fellow, youngster
rear up raise
perchance perhaps, maybe
round circle dance, ring
shun avoid, ignore, or reject
spare avoid, shun, keep away from
chide quarrel, wrangle, fight
downright outright, totally, utterly
injury insult, affront, slight
gentle courteous, friendly, kind
promontory headland, a high point of land that just out into a body of water
dulcet sweet, mild, pleasant, agreeable
breath voice, song, sound
rude stormy, turbulent, harsh
spheres celestial globes in which a heavenly body was thought to move, orbit
sea-maid mermaid, sea-nymph
Cupid the god of desire, erotic love, attraction and affection
certain sure, unerring, accurate
vestal woman vowed to chastity, virgin, priestess
love-shaft love-causing arrow
votaress woman under vow, votary, devotee of a religious order
mark’d noted, paid attention to
bolt an arrow, generally the short and thick arrow for a crossbow
‘love-in-idleness’ the pansy, or hearsease
leviathan sea-monster, whale
girdle belt
soul driving force, animating principle
sight eye
render up give
adamant legendary substance of great hardness and magnetism
fair kindly, encouragingly, courteously
spurn kick, strike, stamp on, dash
sick full of loathing, full of repugnance
impeach discredit, disparage, call into question
ill bad, adverse, unfavourable
virtue quality, accomplishment, ability
respect regard, admiration, favour, opinion
brake bush, thicket
Daphne a naiad (or water spirit) who was pursued by the God Apollo. To avoid his pursuit, she was changed into a laurel tree.
hold keep, maintain, observe
griffin fabulous beast, part lion part eagle
hind female deer
bootless useless, worthless, fruitless, unavailing
stay wait (for), await
fie used to express disgust or outrage
nymph semi-divine creatures imagined as beautiful maidens who inhabited woods
blow blossom, bloom, flower
oxlips hybrid between a primrose and a cowslip (a yellow flower)
woodbine honeysuckle
sweet perfumed, scented, fragrant
eglantine sweetbriar, a sweetly scented rose
throws throw off, cast, discard
enamell’d brightly coloured, multi-coloured, kaleidoscopic
weed garment, piece of clothing
fantasies imaginings, delusions, hallucinations
anoint smear or rub with oil
espies sees
fond infatuated, doting, passionate
cock rooster
canker grub that destroys plant buds and leaves, cankerworm, parasite
reremice bats
leathern leather-like
quaint pretty, attractive, lovely
office task, service, duty, responsibility
double forked, divided
Philomel in Greek mythology, Philomela was changed into a nightingale after she was raped by her brother-in-law
spinner spider, cranefly, daddy-longlegs
offence damage, injury, harm
aloof a short distance away, to one side
sentinel guard
languish lose or lack vitality; grow weak or feeble
ounce lynx
Pard panther, leopard
troth truth, good faith
troth pledge of love or faith
conference conversation, talk, discourse
prettily cleverly, ingeniously; or charmingly
beshrew curse, devil take, evil befall
gentle soft, tender, kind
becomes be fitting, befit, be appropriate to
press’d i.e. closed in sleep
approve prove, confirm, corroborate, substantiate
weeds garments, dress, clothes
owe own, possess, have
darkling in the dark, in darkness
chase pursuit, sequence, hunt
fond foolish, stupid, mad
grace success, favourable outcome, fortune
dissembling deceitful, hypocritical, false
glass mirror, looking-glass
compare vie, rival, compete
sphery star-like, heavenly, celestial
eyne eyes
art magic, enchantment, trickery
content satisfied, calm, easy in mind
will desire, wish, liking, inclination
ripe ripen, mature
point summit, apex, highest point
skill discernment, discrimination, capacity to perceive
touching achieving, accomplishing, attaining
o’erlook look over, peruse, read through
flout to treat with contemptuous disregard
troth truth
good sooth indeed
perforce of necessity, with no choice in the matter
gentleness nobility, good breeding, courtesy
true honourable, virtuous, sincere
address direct, apply, turn
powers faculties, functions, abilities
methought it seemed to me
prey preying, violence, devouring
of all loves for love’s sake
nigh nearby
pat punctual, timely
marvellous very, extremely, exceedingly
convenient fitting, suitable, appropriate
brake bush, thicket
tiring-house dressing-room, theatrical green room
bully fine fellow, good friend (a warm form of address)
Pyramus and Thisbe a pair of star-crossed lovers from Ovid’s Metamorphosis
Byrlakin by our ladykin (the virgin Mary)
parlous perilous, dangerous, hazardous
assurance security, certainty, confidence
afeard afraid, frightened, scared
defect malapropism for ‘effect’
pity bad thing, sad fate, calamity
casement moveable section of a window, light
disfigure a malaprop for figure, or respresent
present represent
loam a mixture (as for plastering) composed chiefly of moistened clay
rough cast a lime and gravel mixture used for plastering walls
cranny a small break or slit
brake bush, thicket
hempen in clothing made of hemp, rustically attired
homespun wearer of home-made clothing, rustic, yokel
cradle place of repose, resting place
toward impending, forthcoming, in preparation
brisky brisk, lively, sprightly
eke also, moreover, too
juvenal youth, young man
round circle dance, ring
brake bush, thicket
sometime sometimes, now and then
fire will o' the wisp
knavery roguish trick, rouguery, trickery
afeard afraid, frightened, scared
translated transformed, changed, altered
knavery roguish trick, rouguery, trickery
fright frighten, scare, terrify
ousel blackbird
throstle thrush
quill musical pipe, voice, note
plainsong lacking in ornament, melodically simple
mark note, pay attention to, take notice of
set rate, stake, gamble
wit intelligence, wisdom, good sense, mental ability
gentle soft, tender, kind
virtue quality, accomplishment, ability
methinks it seems to me
gleek make a pointed joke, jest, gibe
wit intelligence, wisdom, good sense, mental ability
rate worth, value, merit
still constantly, always, continually
attend serve, follow, wait on
grossness material nature, bodily form
gambol to skip about
apricock apricot
dewberries species of blackberry
Humble-bees bumblebees
Night-tapers candles
crop cut
desire request, wish, ask for
commend convey greetings, present kind regards
Peascod pea pod (a traditional remedy for lovesickness)
patience endurance
desire request, wish, ask for
methinks it seems to me
enforced violated, assaulted, ravished
night-rule night-time activity, nocturnal diversion
close private, secluded, sequestered
patches fools, clowns
rude ) ignorant, unlearned, uneducated; ) uncivilized, uncultivated, unrefined
mechanicals manual workers, craftsmen
thick-skin brutishly built, dullard, blockhead
barren stupid, empty-headed, dull
sort pack, crowd, gang
sport recreation, amusement, entertainment
scene stage, performing area
brake bush, thicket
nole noddle, head
anon soon, shortly, presently
mimic burlesque actor, performer, thespian
russet-pated with grey head
chough jackdaw – a small grey-headed crow (a possible play of chuff, or rustic)
sort pack, crowd, gang
sever scatter
apparel clothes, clothing, dress
catch seize, get hold of, capture
yielder one who gives up, conceder
translated transformed, changed, altered
latch’d fastened, secureed
rebuke repress, put down, check
breath utterance, speech, voice
chide scold, rebuke, reprove
whole unbroken, sound, intact
centre centre of the Earth, axis
dead deadly, death-dealing, murderous
clear serene, cheerful, unclouded
Venus Venus is the evening star and goddess of love
sphere celestial globe in which a heavenly body was thought to move, orbit
Durst would you, did you dare
brave noble, worthy, excellent
touch act, action, deed
worm serpent, snake
adder venemous viper, poisonous snake
double forked, divided
spend expend, express, give vent to
passion fit of anger, feeling of rage
mispris’d mistaken, misguided, erroneous
mood anger, fury, frenzy, fit of temper
aught all, anything
heaviness sleepiness
heavier harder to bear, sleepier
tender offer, offering
misprision mistake, error, misunderstanding, misconception
perforce of necessity, with no choice in the matter
false sham, spurious, not genuine, artificial
turn’d changed, transformed, altered
troth a pledge, oath, faith in love
fancy-sick love-sick, infatuated, pining
cheer face, look, expression
illusion deception, delusion, deceit
the Tartar someone from the Taurus mountains, in southern Turkey
apple pupil, centre
espy spy, see
Venus of the sky Venus is the evening star and goddess of love
remedy relief, resolution
fee payment, reward, recompense
fond foolish, trifling, frivolous
pageant show, scene, spectacle, tableau
sport recreation, amusement, entertainment
befall happen, occur, take place, turn out
prepost’rously out of the normal course of events, unnaturally, perversely
derision the use of ridicule or scorn to show contempt
look when whenever, as soon as
badge outward sign (as worn on servant’s uniforms)
advance display, present, promote
give her ov’r desert, leave, or abandon her
tale false rumour, story, tittle-tattle
eyne eyes
ripe red and full like ripe fruit
high Taurus a mountain range in Turkey
princess paragon, sovereign form, ideal
seal pledge, promise, token, sign
bent determined, intent, resolved
set against be hostile to, make an attack on
courtesy courteous service, polite behaviour, good manners
injury insult, affront, slight
gentle well-born, honourable, noble
superpraise praise excessively
parts qualities, attributes, gifts, accomplishments (generally of mind or body)
trim fine, excellent, smart
conjure up bring about as if by magic, cause to appear
sort class, level, social rank
extort torture, abuse, wring
sport recreation, amusement, entertainment
bequeath assign, make over
guest-wise in the manner of a guest, as a visitor
sojourn’d traveled, journeyed
Disparage speak slightingly about
abide suffer for, pay for, atone for
yonder over there (generally a place within sight)
apprehension perception, auditory reception
recompense to give something to by way of compensation
bide remain
engild gild, brighten, illuminate
yon those over there
oes circles, orbs, spheres, stars
conjoin’d joined together
fashion arrange, contrive, manage
false unfair, unjust, double-crossing
sport recreation, amusement, entertainment
spite annoyance, vexation, irritation
bait harass, persecute, torment
Hasty-footed quick
artificial showing creative artistry, artistically skilful
warbling singing
in one key in total harmony
incorporate united in one body, combined in one entity
coat coat-of-arms
first first tincture in a blazon
crest heraldic device placed above the shield and helmet in a coat-of-arms
rent rend, tear, pull to pieces
chide scold, rebuke, reprove
spurn kick, strike, stamp on, dash
nymph semi-divine creatures imagined as beautiful maidens who inhabited woods
forsooth in truth, certainly, truly, indeed
setting on encourage, urge, incite
persever persevere, persist, keep at it
counterfeit pretend, feign, make believe
sad serious, grave, solemn
hold up continue, keep going, carry on
sport recreation, amusement, entertainment
carried carried out, managed, conducted
chronicled entered into a chronicle, recorded in history
argument subject, point, theme, target
gentle soft, tender, kind
false wrong, mistaken
whereto to what end
take on behave, act; or: rage, rant
hang off leave hold, stop clinging
burr clinger, person difficult to shake off
tawny dark complexioned
Tartar someone from the Taurus mountains, in southern Turkey
potion poison, deadly drink
sooth truly
bond ) deed, contract, pledge; ) a physical tie, restraint, constraint
erewhile a short time ago, a while before
since ago
juggler trickster, deceiver, fraud
canker-blossom worm that destroys the blossom (of love)
counterfeit impostor, pretender, sham
compare comparison, simile, analogy
forsooth in truth, certainly, truly, indeed
painted maypole a tall wooden pole around which a maypole dance takes place.
curst bad-tempered, quarrelsome, shrewish, cross
shrewishness anger, crankiness, bad nature
right typical, true, classic
something somewhat, rather
councils secrets
stealth stealing away, furtive journey, clandestine act
chid brusquely command, drive away with harsh words
spurn kick, strike, stamp on, dash
fond foolish, trifling, frivolous
keen sharp, cutting, severe
shrewd shrewish, bad-tempered, difficult
vixen a shrewish, ill-tempered woman
minimus tiniest of creatures, insignificant being
knot-grass species of creeping weed
bead tiny thing, smallest of objects
abide suffer for, pay for, atone for
coil turmoil, disturbance, fuss
‘long of belongs to, is because of
curst bad-tempered, quarrelsome, shrewish, cross
still constantly, always, continually
knaveries roguish trick, rouguery, trickery
shadow spirit, phantom, spectre, ghost
sort turn out, fall out, come about
jangling fighting, squabling
sport subject of sport
Hie hasten, hurry, speed
welkin sky, firmament, heavens
anon soon, shortly, presently
Acheron one of the four rivers of Hades, or the underworld
testy cranky, irritable
sometime sometimes, now and then
wrong insult, offence, slight
rail rant, rave, be abusive
brows forehead
batty bat-like
virtuous potent, powerful, efficacious
wonted accustomed, usual, customary
wend proceed, go
date duration, period of existence
charmed bewitched, enchanted, placed under a spell
harbinger forerunner, herald, precursor
crossway cross-road
aye always, ever, for eternity
consort accompany, attend, go with
sort class, level, social rank
oft often
sport sexual recreation, intercourse, amorous dalliance
straight straightaway, immediately, at once
recreant coward, faint-hearted individual
still constantly, always, continually
dares challenges, confronts, defies
spite annoyance, vexation, irritation
abide endure, undergo, face
wot learn, know, be told
stand stand still, stop, cease moving
buy pay for, suffer the consequences of
Abate shorten, lessen, reduce
curst bad-tempered, quarrelsome, shrewish, cross
sad dismal, morose, sullen
ill badly, adversely, unfavourably
amiable beloved, desirable, lovable
coy caress, stroke, pet
gentle soft, tender, kind
loath unwilling to do something contrary to one's ways of thinking
neaf fist, clenched hand
courtesy courteous service, polite behaviour, good manners
Cavalery cavalier, courtly gentleman
methinks it seems to me
marvellous very, extremely, exceedingly
tongs type of simple metal musical instrument
bones pieces of bone used as a musical instrument
peck heap, quantity, measure (a quarter of a bushel)
bottle bundle, (of hay)
exposition malapropism for disposition ( inclination)
woodbine bindweed, convolvulus (morning glory)
entwist clasp with a twist, entwine, wreathe around
enrings forms a ring round, encircles, surrounds
barky bark-covered
dotage doting, infatuation, excessive affection
favours marks of favour, gifts, tokens
rounded encircled, surrounded
coronet garland, wreath, circlet of flowers, etc
sometime formerly, at one time, once
wont be accustomed, used to, be in the habit of
orient lustrous, brilliant, bright
floweret small flower
changeling child taken by fairies, stolen child
straight straightaway, immediately, at once
swain rustic, yokel, fellow
repair come, go, make one's way
accidents occurrences, events, happenings
fierce wild, lively, violent
vexation agitation, disturbance, turmoil
wont be accustomed, used to, be in the habit of
Dian Diana, the Roman goddess of chastity
methought it seemed to me
visage face, countenance
charmeth produces, causes as by magic
amity friendly relations between nations or warring factions
solemnly ceremoniously, with ritual celebration
triumphantly as in a festive pageant, with great celebration
attend listen to, pay attention to
mark note, pay attention to, take notice of
sad serious, grave, solemn
compass go around, orbit, make a circuit of
wandering having its own motion, as in a planet or star
observation observance, rite, customary practice
vaward foremost part, front line, vanguard
uncouple release pairs of hunting dogs for the chase
dispatch hurry up, be quick
mark note, pay attention to, take notice of
Herclues
Cadmus
Crete
bay'd brought to bay, driven to a last stand
Sparta
chiding barking, brawling, angry noise
mutual common, general, omnipresent
kind breed, lineage, stock, family
flewed with large cheek folds (or flews), chapped
sanded sandy-coloured
dew-lapped with folds of loose skin around the throat
cry company, pack (as of dogs)
tuneable tuneful, musical, melodious
cheer’d encouraged, urged on, galvanized
nymphs beauties, damsels
intent intention, purpose, aim
grace honour, favour, recognition, respect
solemnity celebration, jubilation, festivity
morrow morning
Saint Valentine
woodbirds
gentle peaceful, calm, free from violence
jealousy suspicion, mistrust, apprehension
bethink think about, consider, reflect
defeat frustrate, bring to nought
purpose intention, aim, plan
hither
fancy love, amorousness, infatuation
wot learn, know, be told
remembrance recollection
idle useless, barren, worthless
gaud gaudy toy, showy plaything, trinket
virtue essence, heart, soul
anon soon, shortly, presently
overbear overrule, overcome, put down
something somewhat, rather
solemnity celebration, jubilation, festivity
undistinguishable unrecognizable, undetectable, impossible to pick out
methinks it seems to me
parted divided, unfocused, indistinct
wit intelligence, wisdom, good sense, mental ability
go about endeavour, set to work, start trying
methought it seemed to me
patched wearing a patchwork costume, multi-coloured
fool professional clown, jester
conceive understand, comprehend, follow
gracious delightful, lovely, charming
Peradventure perhaps, maybe, very likely
transported carried off, taken away
discharge play, perform, execute
wit intelligence, wisdom, good sense, mental ability
person fine figure, personality
paramour malapropism for ‘paragon’
paramour
naught, nought wickedness, immorality, sinfulness
sport recreation, amusement, entertainment
made with success assured, with fortune made
bully fine fellow, good friend (a warm form of address)
'scaped escaped, avoided
heart (plural) grand-hearted lads, fine companions
discourse relate, talk about, recount
right just, precisely
apparel clothes, clothing, dress
presently immediately, instantly, at once
prefered recommended, chosen
utter emit, exhale, discharge
antique old-fashioned, old-world, antiquated
toys foolish stories, old wives' tales
shaping imaginative, inventive, creative
fantasies imaginings, delusions, hallucinations
apprehend imagine, conceive, invent
compact made up, composed
brow appearance, aspect, countenance
body forth make available to the mind, give mental shape to
apprehend imagine, conceive, invent
comprehend take in, include, incorporate
fancy imagination, creativity, inventiveness
witnesseth bear witness to, attest, testify to
constancy consistency, agreement, uniformity
admirable wondrous, marvellous, extraordinary
gentle well-born, honourable, noble
after-supper period of time immediately after dessert
abridgement pastime, short entertainment, means of shortening the time
brief summary, short account
sports recreations, amusements, entertainments
ripe ready, fully prepared
eunuch
Hercules who completed Twelve Labors and was renowned for his feats of strength
Bacchanals devotees of Bacchus
device show, performance, production
critical censorious, judgemental, faultfinding
sorting be fitting, be appropriate
- Pyramus and Thisbe a pair of star-crossed lovers from Ovid’s Metamorphosis
apt fitted or qualified
toil’d exhausted, tired out, fatigued
unbreath’d unpractised, inexperienced, inexpert
sport recreation, amusement, entertainment
intents intentions, purposes, aims
conn’d learned by heart, committed to memory
pain effort, endeavour, exertion, labour
simpleness unpretentiousness, unaffected behaviour, unassuming simplicity
wretchedness humble people, the poor, the lowly
o’er charged overburdened, overtaxed, overwrought
gentle soft, tender, kind
sport recreation, amusement, entertainment
respect regard, admiration, favour, opinion
takes takes in, comprehends, understands
clerk scholar, sage, man of learning
period rhetorical pause, sentence ending, termination
pick’d extracted, made out, detected
duty reverence, due respect, proper attitude
simplicity sincerity, unpretentiousness, artlessness
capacity intelligence, understanding, capability
address’d prepared, made ready, poised to act
despite malice, ill-will
contest likely a malaprop for content
intent intention, purpose, aim
like likely, probable / probably
points trifles, trivialities, minor matters
stand upon make an issue of, insist upon, bother about
rid managed, conducted, controled
stop ) in managing a horse: pulling-up, sudden checking of a career; ) full-stop, period, full point
government control, charge, management
gentles ladies and gentlemen, gentlefolk
perchance perhaps, maybe
sunder separate, split up, part
content contented, patient, accepting, undisturbed
Ninus the founder of Nineveh, the ancient capital of Assyria
hight is called
fall drop, descend, let fall
anon soon, shortly, presently
tall good, fine, capable
bravely showily, with great display, with a fine flourish
broach’d pierced, impaled
tarrying staying, remaining, lingering
at large at length, in full, thoroughly
discourse relate, talk about, recount
crannied cracked, split, holed
sinister left
wittiest most intelligent, most ingenious, most sensible
partition wall, dividing structure; also: section of a learned book
discourse talk, chat, converse
hue color
eyne eyes
sensible sensitive, responsive, capable of feeling
again in return, back
pat precisely, just, exactly
Limander malaprop for Leander, lover of Hero in Greek mythology. He would swim across the Hellespont each night to be with her.
still constantly, always, continually
Helen malaprop for faithful lover Hero, but referencing Helen of Troy who was notoriously unfaithful
Fates three mythological goddesses who controlled the destinies of men
mural wall
willful willing
perchance perhaps, maybe
fell cruel, fierce, savage
dam mother
gentle courteous, friendly, kind
fox … discretion according to proverbs: the lion had valor, the fox had cunning (or discression), and the goose had stupidity
discretion judgement, prudence
in snuff in need of snuffing out; also: in a rage
mark note, pay attention to, take notice of
dole grief, sorrow, sadness
thrum unwoven end of a warp-thread on a loom
quail overpower, destroy, make an end
quell kill, destroy, slay
passion passionate outburst, emotional passage
beshrew curse, devil take, evil befall
dame lady, mistress, woman of rank
cheer face, look, expression
ace one (the lowest score on a dice)
nothing a state of nothingness, oblivion, extinction
surgeon doctor, physician
passion passionate outburst, emotional passage
mote speck of dust, tiny particle, trifle
warrant protect, preserve, keep safe
means laments, mourns, makes complaint
imbrue pierce, stab, stain with blood
Bergomask a rustic dance named after the people of Bergamo, Italy
excuse explain, give reasons for
hanged … garter a variant of the poverbial phrase “He may go hang himself in his own garters”
discharge play, perform, execute
told counted out, numbered, itemized
morn morning, dawn
outsleep sleep in
overwatched stayed up late, remained awake
palpable-gross obviously clumsy, plainly ignorant
heavy slow-moving, sluggish, laggard
gait manner of walking, bearing, movement
nightly of the night, active at night
behowl howl at, bay, cry out to
heavy weary, exhausted, worn out
foredone exhausted, tired out, worn out
wasted spent, consumed, burnt-out
remembrance memory, bringing to mind, recollection
frolic frolicsome, merry, frisky
ditty song
rehearse pronounce, speak, utter
issue children, offspring, family, descendant
mark birthmark, discolouration, blemish
prodigious ominous, portentous, promising evil
consecrate consecrated, blessed, sanctified
gait proceedings, course, doings, steps
several separate, different, distinct
weak of little worth, wanting, deficient
Gentles ladies and gentlemen, gentlefolk
reprehend reprove, censure, rebuke
'scape escape, avoid
methinks it seems to me
linger delay, put off, keep waiting
stepdame, step-dame stepmother
wither out cause to dwindle, make less
revenue income, yield, profit
pert lively, brisk, sprightly
companion rogue, rascal, fellow
pomp pageant, ceremony, procession
triumph public festivity, pageant, display of celebration, tournament
fantasy ardent desire, amorous fancy
gaud gaudy toy, showy plaything, trinket
conceit trinket, fancy article, bauble
knack trifle, knick-knack, ornament
prevailment prevailing action, power, influence
immediately directly, instantly, without delay
compos'd made up, produced, fashioned
kind respect, regard, particular
wanting lack, need, be without
voice support, approval, good word
power force, strength, might
concern befit, suit with, accord with
befall , past forms befallen, befell happen to, come to
blood passion, feeling, strong emotion (especially sexual)
know acknowledge, remember, think of
aye always, ever, for eternity
livery uniform, costume, special clothing
mew’d cooped up, confined, shut up
cold chaste, modest, lacking sensual passion
blood passion, feeling, strong emotion (specially sexual)
patent privilege, right, title
sealing day day for confirming a contract, wedding-day
aye always, ever, for eternity
crazed flawed, unsound, impaired
title legal right, claim, entitlement
estate endow, settle upon, bestow (up)on
deriv’d descended, in lineage
possess’d propertied, affluent, provided for
vantage advantageous position, place of vantage, superiority
avouch declare, assert, affirm
to his head to one's face, frankly, openly
spotted stained, blemished
lose lose sight of, forget
arm prepare, get ready
extenuate mitigate, lessen, tone down
go along come along, come with me
nearly closely, particularly, especially
concerns be important to, be the concern of
belike probably, presumably, perhaps, so it seems
want lack, shortage, dearth
beteem, beteene allow, permit, let, grant
aught nothing
blood nobility, breeding, gentility, good parentage
misgraffed badly grafted, ill-matched, unsuited
stood upon depended on, relied upon, hinged on
sympathy accord, agreement, harmony
momentany momentary, transitory, fleeting
collied blackened, darkened, murky
spleen ) impulse, caprice, whim; ) temper, spirit, passion (the spleen was the part of the body seen as the source of both gloomy and mirthful emotions)
unfolds display, reveal, show
quick living, vital, full of life
cross’d prevented, thwarted, forestalled
fancy love, amorousness, infatuation
persuasion conviction, principle, opinion
gentle soft, tender, kind
morn morning, dawn
simplicity innocence, harmlessness, guilelessness
false disloyal, faithless, inconstant, unfaithful
fair fair face, beauty
lodestar guiding star, beacon
tuneable tuneful, musical, melodious
favour facial appearance, countenance, features, looks
bated excepted, omitted, left out of consideration
visage face, countenance
glass mirror, looking-glass
bladed many-bladed, abounding in shoots
still constantly, always, continually
faint pale, lightly coloured
wont be accustomed, used to, be in the habit of
stranger foreigner, alien, outsider
companies companions, associates, comrades
starve withhold from, diet, be sparing with
morrow morning
base poor, wretched, of low quality
quantity equal amount, same proportion
transpose change, alter, transform
figure symbolize, represent, portray
unheedy unheedful, headstrong, reckless
oft often
waggish playful, mischievous, impish
forswear swear falsely, perjure oneself, break one's word
eyne eyes
dissolv’d melt, liquefy
intelligence information, news, communication
scrip script, text
interlude short play, theatrical performance staged to fill an intermission
condole lament, grieve, express great sorrow
humour fancy, whim, inclination, caprice
Ercles the Greek hero Heracles (in Roman, Hercules) who completed Twelve Labors and was renowned for his feats of strength
rarely splendidly, beautifully, excellently
tear a cat in rant and bluster or swagger
shivering shattering, splintering
car carriage, cart, chariot (often of the sun god)
condoling moving, affecting, poignant
monstrous exceedingly, wonderfully, extraordinarily
study preparation, learning, memorizing of a part
do perform, play one's part, act
extempore spontaneously, involuntarily, without thinking
fright frighten, scare, terrify
aggravate intensify; malapropism for ‘moderate’
sucking unweaned, suckling
proper good-looking, handsome, comely
discharge play, perform, execute
orange-tawny dull yellowish brown
purple-in-grain dyed bright red
French-crown-colour light yellow coloured (as the French crown coin)
crowns heads
con learn by heart, commit to memory
device plan, scheme, intention
draw draw up, draft, frame
bill inventory, list, catalogue
properties stage props
wants requires, demands, needs
obscenely malapropism for ‘seemly’
hold keep, maintain, observe
park hunting ground
pale fenced land, park, enclosure
sphere celestial globe in which a heavenly body was thought to move, orbit
dew bedew, moisten, water
orbs fairy rings, circles
pensioner gentleman of the royal bodyguard
favours mark of favour, gift, token (often a love-token)
lob clown, country lout, yokel
anon soon, shortly, presently
fell cruel, fierce, savage
passing very, exceedingly, extremely
changeling child taken by fairies, stolen child
trace range over, pass through, traverse
perforce forcibly, by force, violently
withhold detain, keep in possession
sheen brightness, shining, radiance
square quarrel, fall out, disagree
making physical appearance, bodily form, build
shrewd wily, cunning, mischievous
frights frighten, scare, terrify
villagery villages
quern hand-mill for grinding corn
bootless fruitlessly, uselessly, unsuccessfully, in vain
barm froth on the top of fermenting ale
beguile cheat, deceive, trick
filly female
gossip old woman, gossiping woman
crab crab-apple, sour apple
bob knock, bump, bang
dewlap folds of loose skin hanging about the neck
aunt old woman, gossip
saddest most serious, grave, or solemn
quire company, group, assembly (play on a printing term)
waxen increase, grow
neeze sneeze
wasted passed, spent
bill badly, adversely, unfavourably
forsworn abandoned, renounced, rejected
Tarry stay, remain, linger
wanton wilful creature, obstinate individual
Corin a conventional pastoral name for a shepherd
Phillida a conventional pastoral name for a shepherdess
step limit, distance, reach
forsooth in truth, certainly, truly, indeed
buskin’d wearing high hunting boots or buskins
glance at pick on, snipe at, cast aspersions on
Perigenia a young woman who hid from Theseus after he killed her father, Sinis, a robber. For more on Theseus’s exploits see Plutarch.
ravished carried off, raped, forced sexually
Aegle A nymph loved by Thesus, the woman for whom he abandoned Ariadne. For more on Theseus’s exploits see Plutarch.
Ariadne she helped Theseus find his way out of the labrynth. Then he abandoned her. For more on Theseus’s exploits see Plutarch.
Antiopa Amazon warrior seduced by Thesus who then, you guessed it, abandoned her. For more on Theseus’s exploits see Plutarch.
spring first moment, dawn, break
mead meadow
paved with a paved base, pebbled
rushy edged with rushes
beached having a beach, shingly, sandy
margent margin, edge, border
sport recreation, amusement, entertainment
piping whistling
contagious pestilential, harmful, noxious
pelting paltry, petty, worthless, insignificant
proud swollen, high, in flood
overborn overwhelmed, overcame, overpowered
continent bank, embankment, course
murrion infected with plague (a murrain), diseased
morris, nine men's area marked out in squares for playing nine men's morris (a type of open-air game using nine ‘men’ on each side)
quaint intricate, elaborate
maze arrangement of paths, network of tracks
wanton luxuriant, flourishing, lush, profuse in growth
green greenery, grass, vegetation
undistinguishable unrecognizable, undetectable, impossible to pick out
want lack, need, be without
carol song of joy
governess ruler, mistress
washes makes damp, moistens, wets
rheumatic with symptoms of rheum (watery discharge), as in a cold
distemperature disordered condition, inclement state of weather
hoary-headed white haired
Hiems a personification of winter
chaplet garland, wreath
childing fertile, fruitful, teeming
change exchange, trade
wonted accustomed, usual, customary
livery uniform, costume, special clothing
mazed bewildered, confused, perplexed
increase produce, growth, yield, crop
progeny the decendants of a person, offspring
debate quarrel, wrangling, strife
original point of origin, cause, source
changeling a fairy child left in place of a human child (or vice versa)
henchman squire, page of honour
votaress woman under vow, votary, devotee of a religious order
gossip’d talk together
marking noting, paying attention to, taking notice of
traders trading ships, merchant vessels
flood sea, deep, waves, rushing water
wanton sexually hot, passionate, sportive
squire lad, fellow, youngster
rear up raise
perchance perhaps, maybe
round circle dance, ring
shun avoid, ignore, or reject
spare avoid, shun, keep away from
chide quarrel, wrangle, fight
downright outright, totally, utterly
injury insult, affront, slight
gentle courteous, friendly, kind
promontory headland, a high point of land that just out into a body of water
dulcet sweet, mild, pleasant, agreeable
breath voice, song, sound
rude stormy, turbulent, harsh
spheres celestial globes in which a heavenly body was thought to move, orbit
sea-maid mermaid, sea-nymph
Cupid the god of desire, erotic love, attraction and affection
certain sure, unerring, accurate
vestal woman vowed to chastity, virgin, priestess
love-shaft love-causing arrow
votaress woman under vow, votary, devotee of a religious order
mark’d noted, paid attention to
bolt an arrow, generally the short and thick arrow for a crossbow
‘love-in-idleness’ the pansy, or hearsease
leviathan sea-monster, whale
girdle belt
soul driving force, animating principle
sight eye
render up give
adamant legendary substance of great hardness and magnetism
fair kindly, encouragingly, courteously
spurn kick, strike, stamp on, dash
sick full of loathing, full of repugnance
impeach discredit, disparage, call into question
ill bad, adverse, unfavourable
virtue quality, accomplishment, ability
respect regard, admiration, favour, opinion
brake bush, thicket
Daphne a naiad (or water spirit) who was pursued by the God Apollo. To avoid his pursuit, she was changed into a laurel tree.
hold keep, maintain, observe
griffin fabulous beast, part lion part eagle
hind female deer
bootless useless, worthless, fruitless, unavailing
stay wait (for), await
fie used to express disgust or outrage
nymph semi-divine creatures imagined as beautiful maidens who inhabited woods
blow blossom, bloom, flower
oxlips hybrid between a primrose and a cowslip (a yellow flower)
woodbine honeysuckle
sweet perfumed, scented, fragrant
eglantine sweetbriar, a sweetly scented rose
throws throw off, cast, discard
enamell’d brightly coloured, multi-coloured, kaleidoscopic
weed garment, piece of clothing
fantasies imaginings, delusions, hallucinations
anoint smear or rub with oil
espies sees
fond infatuated, doting, passionate
cock rooster
canker grub that destroys plant buds and leaves, cankerworm, parasite
reremice bats
leathern leather-like
quaint pretty, attractive, lovely
office task, service, duty, responsibility
double forked, divided
Philomel in Greek mythology, Philomela was changed into a nightingale after she was raped by her brother-in-law
spinner spider, cranefly, daddy-longlegs
offence damage, injury, harm
aloof a short distance away, to one side
sentinel guard
languish lose or lack vitality; grow weak or feeble
ounce lynx
Pard panther, leopard
troth truth, good faith
troth pledge of love or faith
conference conversation, talk, discourse
prettily cleverly, ingeniously; or charmingly
beshrew curse, devil take, evil befall
gentle soft, tender, kind
becomes be fitting, befit, be appropriate to
press’d i.e. closed in sleep
approve prove, confirm, corroborate, substantiate
weeds garments, dress, clothes
owe own, possess, have
darkling in the dark, in darkness
chase pursuit, sequence, hunt
fond foolish, stupid, mad
grace success, favourable outcome, fortune
dissembling deceitful, hypocritical, false
glass mirror, looking-glass
compare vie, rival, compete
sphery star-like, heavenly, celestial
eyne eyes
art magic, enchantment, trickery
content satisfied, calm, easy in mind
will desire, wish, liking, inclination
ripe ripen, mature
point summit, apex, highest point
skill discernment, discrimination, capacity to perceive
touching achieving, accomplishing, attaining
o’erlook look over, peruse, read through
flout to treat with contemptuous disregard
troth truth
good sooth indeed
perforce of necessity, with no choice in the matter
gentleness nobility, good breeding, courtesy
true honourable, virtuous, sincere
address direct, apply, turn
powers faculties, functions, abilities
methought it seemed to me
prey preying, violence, devouring
of all loves for love’s sake
nigh nearby
pat punctual, timely
marvellous very, extremely, exceedingly
convenient fitting, suitable, appropriate
brake bush, thicket
tiring-house dressing-room, theatrical green room
bully fine fellow, good friend (a warm form of address)
Pyramus and Thisbe a pair of star-crossed lovers from Ovid’s Metamorphosis
Byrlakin by our ladykin (the virgin Mary)
parlous perilous, dangerous, hazardous
assurance security, certainty, confidence
afeard afraid, frightened, scared
defect malapropism for ‘effect’
pity bad thing, sad fate, calamity
casement moveable section of a window, light
disfigure a malaprop for figure, or respresent
present represent
loam a mixture (as for plastering) composed chiefly of moistened clay
rough cast a lime and gravel mixture used for plastering walls
cranny a small break or slit
brake bush, thicket
hempen in clothing made of hemp, rustically attired
homespun wearer of home-made clothing, rustic, yokel
cradle place of repose, resting place
toward impending, forthcoming, in preparation
brisky brisk, lively, sprightly
eke also, moreover, too
juvenal youth, young man
round circle dance, ring
brake bush, thicket
sometime sometimes, now and then
fire will o' the wisp
knavery roguish trick, rouguery, trickery
afeard afraid, frightened, scared
translated transformed, changed, altered
knavery roguish trick, rouguery, trickery
fright frighten, scare, terrify
ousel blackbird
throstle thrush
quill musical pipe, voice, note
plainsong lacking in ornament, melodically simple
mark note, pay attention to, take notice of
set rate, stake, gamble
wit intelligence, wisdom, good sense, mental ability
gentle soft, tender, kind
virtue quality, accomplishment, ability
methinks it seems to me
gleek make a pointed joke, jest, gibe
wit intelligence, wisdom, good sense, mental ability
rate worth, value, merit
still constantly, always, continually
attend serve, follow, wait on
grossness material nature, bodily form
gambol to skip about
apricock apricot
dewberries species of blackberry
Humble-bees bumblebees
Night-tapers candles
crop cut
desire request, wish, ask for
commend convey greetings, present kind regards
Peascod pea pod (a traditional remedy for lovesickness)
patience endurance
desire request, wish, ask for
methinks it seems to me
enforced violated, assaulted, ravished
night-rule night-time activity, nocturnal diversion
close private, secluded, sequestered
patches fools, clowns
rude ) ignorant, unlearned, uneducated; ) uncivilized, uncultivated, unrefined
mechanicals manual workers, craftsmen
thick-skin brutishly built, dullard, blockhead
barren stupid, empty-headed, dull
sort pack, crowd, gang
sport recreation, amusement, entertainment
scene stage, performing area
brake bush, thicket
nole noddle, head
anon soon, shortly, presently
mimic burlesque actor, performer, thespian
russet-pated with grey head
chough jackdaw – a small grey-headed crow (a possible play of chuff, or rustic)
sort pack, crowd, gang
sever scatter
apparel clothes, clothing, dress
catch seize, get hold of, capture
yielder one who gives up, conceder
translated transformed, changed, altered
latch’d fastened, secureed
rebuke repress, put down, check
breath utterance, speech, voice
chide scold, rebuke, reprove
whole unbroken, sound, intact
centre centre of the Earth, axis
dead deadly, death-dealing, murderous
clear serene, cheerful, unclouded
Venus Venus is the evening star and goddess of love
sphere celestial globe in which a heavenly body was thought to move, orbit
Durst would you, did you dare
brave noble, worthy, excellent
touch act, action, deed
worm serpent, snake
adder venemous viper, poisonous snake
double forked, divided
spend expend, express, give vent to
passion fit of anger, feeling of rage
mispris’d mistaken, misguided, erroneous
mood anger, fury, frenzy, fit of temper
aught all, anything
heaviness sleepiness
heavier harder to bear, sleepier
tender offer, offering
misprision mistake, error, misunderstanding, misconception
perforce of necessity, with no choice in the matter
false sham, spurious, not genuine, artificial
turn’d changed, transformed, altered
troth a pledge, oath, faith in love
fancy-sick love-sick, infatuated, pining
cheer face, look, expression
illusion deception, delusion, deceit
the Tartar someone from the Taurus mountains, in southern Turkey
apple pupil, centre
espy spy, see
Venus of the sky Venus is the evening star and goddess of love
remedy relief, resolution
fee payment, reward, recompense
fond foolish, trifling, frivolous
pageant show, scene, spectacle, tableau
sport recreation, amusement, entertainment
befall happen, occur, take place, turn out
prepost’rously out of the normal course of events, unnaturally, perversely
derision the use of ridicule or scorn to show contempt
look when whenever, as soon as
badge outward sign (as worn on servant’s uniforms)
advance display, present, promote
give her ov’r desert, leave, or abandon her
tale false rumour, story, tittle-tattle
eyne eyes
ripe red and full like ripe fruit
high Taurus a mountain range in Turkey
princess paragon, sovereign form, ideal
seal pledge, promise, token, sign
bent determined, intent, resolved
set against be hostile to, make an attack on
courtesy courteous service, polite behaviour, good manners
injury insult, affront, slight
gentle well-born, honourable, noble
superpraise praise excessively
parts qualities, attributes, gifts, accomplishments (generally of mind or body)
trim fine, excellent, smart
conjure up bring about as if by magic, cause to appear
sort class, level, social rank
extort torture, abuse, wring
sport recreation, amusement, entertainment
bequeath assign, make over
guest-wise in the manner of a guest, as a visitor
sojourn’d traveled, journeyed
Disparage speak slightingly about
abide suffer for, pay for, atone for
yonder over there (generally a place within sight)
apprehension perception, auditory reception
recompense to give something to by way of compensation
bide remain
engild gild, brighten, illuminate
yon those over there
oes circles, orbs, spheres, stars
conjoin’d joined together
fashion arrange, contrive, manage
false unfair, unjust, double-crossing
sport recreation, amusement, entertainment
spite annoyance, vexation, irritation
bait harass, persecute, torment
Hasty-footed quick
artificial showing creative artistry, artistically skilful
warbling singing
in one key in total harmony
incorporate united in one body, combined in one entity
coat coat-of-arms
first first tincture in a blazon
crest heraldic device placed above the shield and helmet in a coat-of-arms
rent rend, tear, pull to pieces
chide scold, rebuke, reprove
spurn kick, strike, stamp on, dash
nymph semi-divine creatures imagined as beautiful maidens who inhabited woods
forsooth in truth, certainly, truly, indeed
setting on encourage, urge, incite
persever persevere, persist, keep at it
counterfeit pretend, feign, make believe
sad serious, grave, solemn
hold up continue, keep going, carry on
sport recreation, amusement, entertainment
carried carried out, managed, conducted
chronicled entered into a chronicle, recorded in history
argument subject, point, theme, target
gentle soft, tender, kind
false wrong, mistaken
whereto to what end
take on behave, act; or: rage, rant
hang off leave hold, stop clinging
burr clinger, person difficult to shake off
tawny dark complexioned
Tartar someone from the Taurus mountains, in southern Turkey
potion poison, deadly drink
sooth truly
bond ) deed, contract, pledge; ) a physical tie, restraint, constraint
erewhile a short time ago, a while before
since ago
juggler trickster, deceiver, fraud
canker-blossom worm that destroys the blossom (of love)
counterfeit impostor, pretender, sham
compare comparison, simile, analogy
forsooth in truth, certainly, truly, indeed
painted maypole a tall wooden pole around which a maypole dance takes place.
curst bad-tempered, quarrelsome, shrewish, cross
shrewishness anger, crankiness, bad nature
right typical, true, classic
something somewhat, rather
councils secrets
stealth stealing away, furtive journey, clandestine act
chid brusquely command, drive away with harsh words
spurn kick, strike, stamp on, dash
fond foolish, trifling, frivolous
keen sharp, cutting, severe
shrewd shrewish, bad-tempered, difficult
vixen a shrewish, ill-tempered woman
minimus tiniest of creatures, insignificant being
knot-grass species of creeping weed
bead tiny thing, smallest of objects
abide suffer for, pay for, atone for
coil turmoil, disturbance, fuss
‘long of belongs to, is because of
curst bad-tempered, quarrelsome, shrewish, cross
still constantly, always, continually
knaveries roguish trick, rouguery, trickery
shadow spirit, phantom, spectre, ghost
sort turn out, fall out, come about
jangling fighting, squabling
sport subject of sport
Hie hasten, hurry, speed
welkin sky, firmament, heavens
anon soon, shortly, presently
Acheron one of the four rivers of Hades, or the underworld
testy cranky, irritable
sometime sometimes, now and then
wrong insult, offence, slight
rail rant, rave, be abusive
brows forehead
batty bat-like
virtuous potent, powerful, efficacious
wonted accustomed, usual, customary
wend proceed, go
date duration, period of existence
charmed bewitched, enchanted, placed under a spell
harbinger forerunner, herald, precursor
crossway cross-road
aye always, ever, for eternity
consort accompany, attend, go with
sort class, level, social rank
oft often
sport sexual recreation, intercourse, amorous dalliance
straight straightaway, immediately, at once
recreant coward, faint-hearted individual
still constantly, always, continually
dares challenges, confronts, defies
spite annoyance, vexation, irritation
abide endure, undergo, face
wot learn, know, be told
stand stand still, stop, cease moving
buy pay for, suffer the consequences of
Abate shorten, lessen, reduce
curst bad-tempered, quarrelsome, shrewish, cross
sad dismal, morose, sullen
ill badly, adversely, unfavourably
amiable beloved, desirable, lovable
coy caress, stroke, pet
gentle soft, tender, kind
loath unwilling to do something contrary to one's ways of thinking
neaf fist, clenched hand
courtesy courteous service, polite behaviour, good manners
Cavalery cavalier, courtly gentleman
methinks it seems to me
marvellous very, extremely, exceedingly
tongs type of simple metal musical instrument
bones pieces of bone used as a musical instrument
peck heap, quantity, measure (a quarter of a bushel)
bottle bundle, (of hay)
exposition malapropism for disposition ( inclination)
woodbine bindweed, convolvulus (morning glory)
entwist clasp with a twist, entwine, wreathe around
enrings forms a ring round, encircles, surrounds
barky bark-covered
dotage doting, infatuation, excessive affection
favours marks of favour, gifts, tokens
rounded encircled, surrounded
coronet garland, wreath, circlet of flowers, etc
sometime formerly, at one time, once
wont be accustomed, used to, be in the habit of
orient lustrous, brilliant, bright
floweret small flower
changeling child taken by fairies, stolen child
straight straightaway, immediately, at once
swain rustic, yokel, fellow
repair come, go, make one's way
accidents occurrences, events, happenings
fierce wild, lively, violent
vexation agitation, disturbance, turmoil
wont be accustomed, used to, be in the habit of
Dian Diana, the Roman goddess of chastity
methought it seemed to me
visage face, countenance
charmeth produces, causes as by magic
amity friendly relations between nations or warring factions
solemnly ceremoniously, with ritual celebration
triumphantly as in a festive pageant, with great celebration
attend listen to, pay attention to
mark note, pay attention to, take notice of
sad serious, grave, solemn
compass go around, orbit, make a circuit of
wandering having its own motion, as in a planet or star
observation observance, rite, customary practice
vaward foremost part, front line, vanguard
uncouple release pairs of hunting dogs for the chase
dispatch hurry up, be quick
mark note, pay attention to, take notice of
Herclues
Cadmus
Crete
bay'd brought to bay, driven to a last stand
Sparta
chiding barking, brawling, angry noise
mutual common, general, omnipresent
kind breed, lineage, stock, family
flewed with large cheek folds (or flews), chapped
sanded sandy-coloured
dew-lapped with folds of loose skin around the throat
cry company, pack (as of dogs)
tuneable tuneful, musical, melodious
cheer’d encouraged, urged on, galvanized
nymphs beauties, damsels
intent intention, purpose, aim
grace honour, favour, recognition, respect
solemnity celebration, jubilation, festivity
morrow morning
Saint Valentine
woodbirds
gentle peaceful, calm, free from violence
jealousy suspicion, mistrust, apprehension
bethink think about, consider, reflect
defeat frustrate, bring to nought
purpose intention, aim, plan
hither
fancy love, amorousness, infatuation
wot learn, know, be told
remembrance recollection
idle useless, barren, worthless
gaud gaudy toy, showy plaything, trinket
virtue essence, heart, soul
anon soon, shortly, presently
overbear overrule, overcome, put down
something somewhat, rather
solemnity celebration, jubilation, festivity
undistinguishable unrecognizable, undetectable, impossible to pick out
methinks it seems to me
parted divided, unfocused, indistinct
wit intelligence, wisdom, good sense, mental ability
go about endeavour, set to work, start trying
methought it seemed to me
patched wearing a patchwork costume, multi-coloured
fool professional clown, jester
conceive understand, comprehend, follow
gracious delightful, lovely, charming
Peradventure perhaps, maybe, very likely
transported carried off, taken away
discharge play, perform, execute
wit intelligence, wisdom, good sense, mental ability
person fine figure, personality
paramour malapropism for ‘paragon’
paramour
naught, nought wickedness, immorality, sinfulness
sport recreation, amusement, entertainment
made with success assured, with fortune made
bully fine fellow, good friend (a warm form of address)
'scaped escaped, avoided
heart (plural) grand-hearted lads, fine companions
discourse relate, talk about, recount
right just, precisely
apparel clothes, clothing, dress
presently immediately, instantly, at once
prefered recommended, chosen
utter emit, exhale, discharge
antique old-fashioned, old-world, antiquated
toys foolish stories, old wives' tales
shaping imaginative, inventive, creative
fantasies imaginings, delusions, hallucinations
apprehend imagine, conceive, invent
compact made up, composed
brow appearance, aspect, countenance
body forth make available to the mind, give mental shape to
apprehend imagine, conceive, invent
comprehend take in, include, incorporate
fancy imagination, creativity, inventiveness
witnesseth bear witness to, attest, testify to
constancy consistency, agreement, uniformity
admirable wondrous, marvellous, extraordinary
gentle well-born, honourable, noble
after-supper period of time immediately after dessert
abridgement pastime, short entertainment, means of shortening the time
brief summary, short account
sports recreations, amusements, entertainments
ripe ready, fully prepared
eunuch
Hercules who completed Twelve Labors and was renowned for his feats of strength
Bacchanals devotees of Bacchus
device show, performance, production
critical censorious, judgemental, faultfinding
sorting be fitting, be appropriate
- Pyramus and Thisbe a pair of star-crossed lovers from Ovid’s Metamorphosis
apt fitted or qualified
toil’d exhausted, tired out, fatigued
unbreath’d unpractised, inexperienced, inexpert
sport recreation, amusement, entertainment
intents intentions, purposes, aims
conn’d learned by heart, committed to memory
pain effort, endeavour, exertion, labour
simpleness unpretentiousness, unaffected behaviour, unassuming simplicity
wretchedness humble people, the poor, the lowly
o’er charged overburdened, overtaxed, overwrought
gentle soft, tender, kind
sport recreation, amusement, entertainment
respect regard, admiration, favour, opinion
takes takes in, comprehends, understands
clerk scholar, sage, man of learning
period rhetorical pause, sentence ending, termination
pick’d extracted, made out, detected
duty reverence, due respect, proper attitude
simplicity sincerity, unpretentiousness, artlessness
capacity intelligence, understanding, capability
address’d prepared, made ready, poised to act
despite malice, ill-will
contest likely a malaprop for content
intent intention, purpose, aim
like likely, probable / probably
points trifles, trivialities, minor matters
stand upon make an issue of, insist upon, bother about
rid managed, conducted, controled
stop ) in managing a horse: pulling-up, sudden checking of a career; ) full-stop, period, full point
government control, charge, management
gentles ladies and gentlemen, gentlefolk
perchance perhaps, maybe
sunder separate, split up, part
content contented, patient, accepting, undisturbed
Ninus the founder of Nineveh, the ancient capital of Assyria
hight is called
fall drop, descend, let fall
anon soon, shortly, presently
tall good, fine, capable
bravely showily, with great display, with a fine flourish
broach’d pierced, impaled
tarrying staying, remaining, lingering
at large at length, in full, thoroughly
discourse relate, talk about, recount
crannied cracked, split, holed
sinister left
wittiest most intelligent, most ingenious, most sensible
partition wall, dividing structure; also: section of a learned book
discourse talk, chat, converse
hue color
eyne eyes
sensible sensitive, responsive, capable of feeling
again in return, back
pat precisely, just, exactly
Limander malaprop for Leander, lover of Hero in Greek mythology. He would swim across the Hellespont each night to be with her.
still constantly, always, continually
Helen malaprop for faithful lover Hero, but referencing Helen of Troy who was notoriously unfaithful
Fates three mythological goddesses who controlled the destinies of men
mural wall
willful willing
perchance perhaps, maybe
fell cruel, fierce, savage
dam mother
gentle courteous, friendly, kind
fox … discretion according to proverbs: the lion had valor, the fox had cunning (or discression), and the goose had stupidity
discretion judgement, prudence
in snuff in need of snuffing out; also: in a rage
mark note, pay attention to, take notice of
dole grief, sorrow, sadness
thrum unwoven end of a warp-thread on a loom
quail overpower, destroy, make an end
quell kill, destroy, slay
passion passionate outburst, emotional passage
beshrew curse, devil take, evil befall
dame lady, mistress, woman of rank
cheer face, look, expression
ace one (the lowest score on a dice)
nothing a state of nothingness, oblivion, extinction
surgeon doctor, physician
passion passionate outburst, emotional passage
mote speck of dust, tiny particle, trifle
warrant protect, preserve, keep safe
means laments, mourns, makes complaint
imbrue pierce, stab, stain with blood
Bergomask a rustic dance named after the people of Bergamo, Italy
excuse explain, give reasons for
hanged … garter a variant of the poverbial phrase “He may go hang himself in his own garters”
discharge play, perform, execute
told counted out, numbered, itemized
morn morning, dawn
outsleep sleep in
overwatched stayed up late, remained awake
palpable-gross obviously clumsy, plainly ignorant
heavy slow-moving, sluggish, laggard
gait manner of walking, bearing, movement
nightly of the night, active at night
behowl howl at, bay, cry out to
heavy weary, exhausted, worn out
foredone exhausted, tired out, worn out
wasted spent, consumed, burnt-out
remembrance memory, bringing to mind, recollection
frolic frolicsome, merry, frisky
ditty song
rehearse pronounce, speak, utter
issue children, offspring, family, descendant
mark birthmark, discolouration, blemish
prodigious ominous, portentous, promising evil
consecrate consecrated, blessed, sanctified
gait proceedings, course, doings, steps
several separate, different, distinct
weak of little worth, wanting, deficient
Gentles ladies and gentlemen, gentlefolk
reprehend reprove, censure, rebuke
'scape escape, avoid
canker grub that destroys plant buds and leaves, cankerworm, parasite
reremice bats
leathern leather-like
quaint pretty, attractive, lovely
office task, service, duty, responsibility
double forked, divided
Philomel in Greek mythology, Philomela was changed into a nightingale after she was raped by her brother-in-law
spinner spider, cranefly, daddy-longlegs
offence damage, injury, harm
aloof a short distance away, to one side
sentinel guard
languish lose or lack vitality; grow weak or feeble
ounce lynx
Pard panther, leopard
troth truth, good faith
troth pledge of love or faith
conference conversation, talk, discourse
prettily cleverly, ingeniously; or charmingly
beshrew curse, devil take, evil befall
gentle soft, tender, kind
becomes be fitting, befit, be appropriate to
press’d i.e. closed in sleep
approve prove, confirm, corroborate, substantiate
weeds garments, dress, clothes
owe own, possess, have
darkling in the dark, in darkness
chase pursuit, sequence, hunt
fond foolish, stupid, mad
grace success, favourable outcome, fortune
dissembling deceitful, hypocritical, false
glass mirror, looking-glass
compare vie, rival, compete
sphery star-like, heavenly, celestial
eyne eyes
art magic, enchantment, trickery
content satisfied, calm, easy in mind
will desire, wish, liking, inclination
ripe ripen, mature
point summit, apex, highest point
skill discernment, discrimination, capacity to perceive
touching achieving, accomplishing, attaining
o’erlook look over, peruse, read through
flout to treat with contemptuous disregard
troth truth
good sooth indeed
perforce of necessity, with no choice in the matter
gentleness nobility, good breeding, courtesy
true honourable, virtuous, sincere
address direct, apply, turn
powers faculties, functions, abilities
methought it seemed to me
prey preying, violence, devouring
of all loves for love’s sake
nigh nearby
pat punctual, timely
marvellous very, extremely, exceedingly
convenient fitting, suitable, appropriate
brake bush, thicket
tiring-house dressing-room, theatrical green room
bully fine fellow, good friend (a warm form of address)
Pyramus and Thisbe a pair of star-crossed lovers from Ovid’s Metamorphosis
Byrlakin by our ladykin (the virgin Mary)
parlous perilous, dangerous, hazardous
assurance security, certainty, confidence
afeard afraid, frightened, scared
defect malapropism for ‘effect’
pity bad thing, sad fate, calamity
casement moveable section of a window, light
disfigure a malaprop for figure, or respresent
present represent
loam a mixture (as for plastering) composed chiefly of moistened clay
rough cast a lime and gravel mixture used for plastering walls
cranny a small break or slit
brake bush, thicket
hempen in clothing made of hemp, rustically attired
homespun wearer of home-made clothing, rustic, yokel
cradle place of repose, resting place
toward impending, forthcoming, in preparation
brisky brisk, lively, sprightly
eke also, moreover, too
juvenal youth, young man
round circle dance, ring
brake bush, thicket
sometime sometimes, now and then
fire will o' the wisp
knavery roguish trick, rouguery, trickery
afeard afraid, frightened, scared
translated transformed, changed, altered
knavery roguish trick, rouguery, trickery
fright frighten, scare, terrify
ousel blackbird
throstle thrush
quill musical pipe, voice, note
plainsong lacking in ornament, melodically simple
mark note, pay attention to, take notice of
set rate, stake, gamble
wit intelligence, wisdom, good sense, mental ability
gentle soft, tender, kind
virtue quality, accomplishment, ability
methinks it seems to me
gleek make a pointed joke, jest, gibe
wit intelligence, wisdom, good sense, mental ability
rate worth, value, merit
still constantly, always, continually
attend serve, follow, wait on
grossness material nature, bodily form
gambol to skip about
apricock apricot
dewberries species of blackberry
Humble-bees bumblebees
Night-tapers candles
crop cut
desire request, wish, ask for
commend convey greetings, present kind regards
Peascod pea pod (a traditional remedy for lovesickness)
patience endurance
desire request, wish, ask for
methinks it seems to me
enforced violated, assaulted, ravished
night-rule night-time activity, nocturnal diversion
close private, secluded, sequestered
patches fools, clowns
rude ) ignorant, unlearned, uneducated; ) uncivilized, uncultivated, unrefined
mechanicals manual workers, craftsmen
thick-skin brutishly built, dullard, blockhead
barren stupid, empty-headed, dull
sort pack, crowd, gang
sport recreation, amusement, entertainment
scene stage, performing area
brake bush, thicket
nole noddle, head
anon soon, shortly, presently
mimic burlesque actor, performer, thespian
russet-pated with grey head
chough jackdaw – a small grey-headed crow (a possible play of chuff, or rustic)
sort pack, crowd, gang
sever scatter
apparel clothes, clothing, dress
catch seize, get hold of, capture
yielder one who gives up, conceder
translated transformed, changed, altered
latch’d fastened, secureed
rebuke repress, put down, check
breath utterance, speech, voice
chide scold, rebuke, reprove
whole unbroken, sound, intact
centre centre of the Earth, axis
dead deadly, death-dealing, murderous
clear serene, cheerful, unclouded
Venus Venus is the evening star and goddess of love
sphere celestial globe in which a heavenly body was thought to move, orbit
Durst would you, did you dare
brave noble, worthy, excellent
touch act, action, deed
worm serpent, snake
adder venemous viper, poisonous snake
double forked, divided
spend expend, express, give vent to
passion fit of anger, feeling of rage
mispris’d mistaken, misguided, erroneous
mood anger, fury, frenzy, fit of temper
aught all, anything
heaviness sleepiness
heavier harder to bear, sleepier
tender offer, offering
misprision mistake, error, misunderstanding, misconception
perforce of necessity, with no choice in the matter
false sham, spurious, not genuine, artificial
turn’d changed, transformed, altered
troth a pledge, oath, faith in love
fancy-sick love-sick, infatuated, pining
cheer face, look, expression
illusion deception, delusion, deceit
the Tartar someone from the Taurus mountains, in southern Turkey
apple pupil, centre
espy spy, see
Venus of the sky Venus is the evening star and goddess of love
remedy relief, resolution
fee payment, reward, recompense
fond foolish, trifling, frivolous
pageant show, scene, spectacle, tableau
sport recreation, amusement, entertainment
befall happen, occur, take place, turn out
prepost’rously out of the normal course of events, unnaturally, perversely
derision the use of ridicule or scorn to show contempt
look when whenever, as soon as
badge outward sign (as worn on servant’s uniforms)
advance display, present, promote
give her ov’r desert, leave, or abandon her
tale false rumour, story, tittle-tattle
eyne eyes
ripe red and full like ripe fruit
high Taurus a mountain range in Turkey
princess paragon, sovereign form, ideal
seal pledge, promise, token, sign
bent determined, intent, resolved
set against be hostile to, make an attack on
courtesy courteous service, polite behaviour, good manners
injury insult, affront, slight
gentle well-born, honourable, noble
superpraise praise excessively
parts qualities, attributes, gifts, accomplishments (generally of mind or body)
trim fine, excellent, smart
conjure up bring about as if by magic, cause to appear
sort class, level, social rank
extort torture, abuse, wring
sport recreation, amusement, entertainment
bequeath assign, make over
guest-wise in the manner of a guest, as a visitor
sojourn’d traveled, journeyed
Disparage speak slightingly about
reremice bats
leathern leather-like
quaint pretty, attractive, lovely
office task, service, duty, responsibility
double forked, divided
Philomel in Greek mythology, Philomela was changed into a nightingale after she was raped by her brother-in-law
spinner spider, cranefly, daddy-longlegs
offence damage, injury, harm
aloof a short distance away, to one side
sentinel guard
languish lose or lack vitality; grow weak or feeble
ounce lynx
Pard panther, leopard
troth truth, good faith
troth pledge of love or faith
conference conversation, talk, discourse
prettily cleverly, ingeniously; or charmingly
beshrew curse, devil take, evil befall
gentle soft, tender, kind
becomes be fitting, befit, be appropriate to
press’d i.e. closed in sleep
approve prove, confirm, corroborate, substantiate
weeds garments, dress, clothes
owe own, possess, have
darkling in the dark, in darkness
chase pursuit, sequence, hunt
fond foolish, stupid, mad
grace success, favourable outcome, fortune
dissembling deceitful, hypocritical, false
glass mirror, looking-glass
compare vie, rival, compete
sphery star-like, heavenly, celestial
eyne eyes
art magic, enchantment, trickery
content satisfied, calm, easy in mind
will desire, wish, liking, inclination
ripe ripen, mature
point summit, apex, highest point
skill discernment, discrimination, capacity to perceive
touching achieving, accomplishing, attaining
o’erlook look over, peruse, read through
flout to treat with contemptuous disregard
troth truth
good sooth indeed
perforce of necessity, with no choice in the matter
gentleness nobility, good breeding, courtesy
true honourable, virtuous, sincere
address direct, apply, turn
powers faculties, functions, abilities
methought it seemed to me
prey preying, violence, devouring
of all loves for love’s sake
nigh nearby
pat punctual, timely
marvellous very, extremely, exceedingly
convenient fitting, suitable, appropriate
brake bush, thicket
tiring-house dressing-room, theatrical green room
bully fine fellow, good friend (a warm form of address)
Pyramus and Thisbe a pair of star-crossed lovers from Ovid’s Metamorphosis
Byrlakin by our ladykin (the virgin Mary)
parlous perilous, dangerous, hazardous
assurance security, certainty, confidence
afeard afraid, frightened, scared
defect malapropism for ‘effect’
pity bad thing, sad fate, calamity
casement moveable section of a window, light
disfigure a malaprop for figure, or respresent
present represent
loam a mixture (as for plastering) composed chiefly of moistened clay
rough cast a lime and gravel mixture used for plastering walls
cranny a small break or slit
brake bush, thicket
hempen in clothing made of hemp, rustically attired
homespun wearer of home-made clothing, rustic, yokel
cradle place of repose, resting place
toward impending, forthcoming, in preparation
brisky brisk, lively, sprightly
eke also, moreover, too
juvenal youth, young man
round circle dance, ring
brake bush, thicket
sometime sometimes, now and then
fire will o' the wisp
knavery roguish trick, rouguery, trickery
afeard afraid, frightened, scared
translated transformed, changed, altered
knavery roguish trick, rouguery, trickery
fright frighten, scare, terrify
ousel blackbird
throstle thrush
quill musical pipe, voice, note
plainsong lacking in ornament, melodically simple
mark note, pay attention to, take notice of
set rate, stake, gamble
wit intelligence, wisdom, good sense, mental ability
gentle soft, tender, kind
virtue quality, accomplishment, ability
methinks it seems to me
gleek make a pointed joke, jest, gibe
wit intelligence, wisdom, good sense, mental ability
rate worth, value, merit
still constantly, always, continually
attend serve, follow, wait on
grossness material nature, bodily form
gambol to skip about
apricock apricot
dewberries species of blackberry
Humble-bees bumblebees
Night-tapers candles
crop cut
desire request, wish, ask for
commend convey greetings, present kind regards
Peascod pea pod (a traditional remedy for lovesickness)
patience endurance
desire request, wish, ask for
methinks it seems to me
enforced violated, assaulted, ravished
night-rule night-time activity, nocturnal diversion
close private, secluded, sequestered
patches fools, clowns
rude ) ignorant, unlearned, uneducated; ) uncivilized, uncultivated, unrefined
mechanicals manual workers, craftsmen
thick-skin brutishly built, dullard, blockhead
barren stupid, empty-headed, dull
sort pack, crowd, gang
sport recreation, amusement, entertainment
scene stage, performing area
brake bush, thicket
nole noddle, head
anon soon, shortly, presently
mimic burlesque actor, performer, thespian
russet-pated with grey head
chough jackdaw – a small grey-headed crow (a possible play of chuff, or rustic)
sort pack, crowd, gang
sever scatter
apparel clothes, clothing, dress
catch seize, get hold of, capture
yielder one who gives up, conceder
translated transformed, changed, altered
latch’d fastened, secureed
rebuke repress, put down, check
breath utterance, speech, voice
chide scold, rebuke, reprove
whole unbroken, sound, intact
centre centre of the Earth, axis
dead deadly, death-dealing, murderous
clear serene, cheerful, unclouded
Venus Venus is the evening star and goddess of love
sphere celestial globe in which a heavenly body was thought to move, orbit
Durst would you, did you dare
brave noble, worthy, excellent
touch act, action, deed
worm serpent, snake
adder venemous viper, poisonous snake
double forked, divided
spend expend, express, give vent to
passion fit of anger, feeling of rage
mispris’d mistaken, misguided, erroneous
mood anger, fury, frenzy, fit of temper
aught all, anything
heaviness sleepiness
heavier harder to bear, sleepier
tender offer, offering
misprision mistake, error, misunderstanding, misconception
perforce of necessity, with no choice in the matter
false sham, spurious, not genuine, artificial
turn’d changed, transformed, altered
troth a pledge, oath, faith in love
fancy-sick love-sick, infatuated, pining
cheer face, look, expression
illusion deception, delusion, deceit
the Tartar someone from the Taurus mountains, in southern Turkey
apple pupil, centre
espy spy, see
Venus of the sky Venus is the evening star and goddess of love
remedy relief, resolution
fee payment, reward, recompense
fond foolish, trifling, frivolous
pageant show, scene, spectacle, tableau
sport recreation, amusement, entertainment
befall happen, occur, take place, turn out
prepost’rously out of the normal course of events, unnaturally, perversely
derision the use of ridicule or scorn to show contempt
look when whenever, as soon as
badge outward sign (as worn on servant’s uniforms)
advance display, present, promote
give her ov’r desert, leave, or abandon her
tale false rumour, story, tittle-tattle
eyne eyes
ripe red and full like ripe fruit
high Taurus a mountain range in Turkey
princess paragon, sovereign form, ideal
seal pledge, promise, token, sign
bent determined, intent, resolved
set against be hostile to, make an attack on
courtesy courteous service, polite behaviour, good manners
injury insult, affront, slight
gentle well-born, honourable, noble
superpraise praise excessively
parts qualities, attributes, gifts, accomplishments (generally of mind or body)
trim fine, excellent, smart
conjure up bring about as if by magic, cause to appear
sort class, level, social rank
extort torture, abuse, wring
sport recreation, amusement, entertainment
bequeath assign, make over
guest-wise in the manner of a guest, as a visitor
sojourn’d traveled, journeyed
Disparage speak slightingly about
abide suffer for, pay for, atone for
yonder over there (generally a place within sight)
apprehension perception, auditory reception
recompense to give something to by way of compensation
bide remain
engild gild, brighten, illuminate
yon those over there
oes circles, orbs, spheres, stars
conjoin’d joined together
fashion arrange, contrive, manage
false unfair, unjust, double-crossing
sport recreation, amusement, entertainment
spite annoyance, vexation, irritation
bait harass, persecute, torment
Hasty-footed quick
artificial showing creative artistry, artistically skilful
warbling singing
in one key in total harmony
incorporate united in one body, combined in one entity
coat coat-of-arms
first first tincture in a blazon
crest heraldic device placed above the shield and helmet in a coat-of-arms
rent rend, tear, pull to pieces
chide scold, rebuke, reprove
spurn kick, strike, stamp on, dash
nymph semi-divine creatures imagined as beautiful maidens who inhabited woods
forsooth in truth, certainly, truly, indeed
setting on encourage, urge, incite
persever persevere, persist, keep at it
counterfeit pretend, feign, make believe
sad serious, grave, solemn
hold up continue, keep going, carry on
sport recreation, amusement, entertainment
carried carried out, managed, conducted
chronicled entered into a chronicle, recorded in history
argument subject, point, theme, target
gentle soft, tender, kind
false wrong, mistaken
whereto to what end
take on behave, act; or: rage, rant
hang off leave hold, stop clinging
burr clinger, person difficult to shake off
tawny dark complexioned
Tartar someone from the Taurus mountains, in southern Turkey
potion poison, deadly drink
sooth truly
bond ) deed, contract, pledge; ) a physical tie, restraint, constraint
erewhile a short time ago, a while before
since ago
juggler trickster, deceiver, fraud
canker-blossom worm that destroys the blossom (of love)
counterfeit impostor, pretender, sham
compare comparison, simile, analogy
forsooth in truth, certainly, truly, indeed
painted maypole a tall wooden pole around which a maypole dance takes place.
curst bad-tempered, quarrelsome, shrewish, cross
shrewishness anger, crankiness, bad nature
right typical, true, classic
something somewhat, rather
councils secrets
stealth stealing away, furtive journey, clandestine act
chid brusquely command, drive away with harsh words
spurn kick, strike, stamp on, dash
fond foolish, trifling, frivolous
keen sharp, cutting, severe
shrewd shrewish, bad-tempered, difficult
vixen a shrewish, ill-tempered woman
minimus tiniest of creatures, insignificant being
knot-grass species of creeping weed
bead tiny thing, smallest of objects
abide suffer for, pay for, atone for
coil turmoil, disturbance, fuss
‘long of belongs to, is because of
curst bad-tempered, quarrelsome, shrewish, cross
still constantly, always, continually
knaveries roguish trick, rouguery, trickery
shadow spirit, phantom, spectre, ghost
sort turn out, fall out, come about
jangling fighting, squabling
sport subject of sport
Hie hasten, hurry, speed
welkin sky, firmament, heavens
anon soon, shortly, presently
Acheron one of the four rivers of Hades, or the underworld
testy cranky, irritable
sometime sometimes, now and then
wrong insult, offence, slight
rail rant, rave, be abusive
brows forehead
batty bat-like
virtuous potent, powerful, efficacious
wonted accustomed, usual, customary
wend proceed, go
date duration, period of existence
charmed bewitched, enchanted, placed under a spell
harbinger forerunner, herald, precursor
crossway cross-road
aye always, ever, for eternity
consort accompany, attend, go with
sort class, level, social rank
oft often
sport sexual recreation, intercourse, amorous dalliance
straight straightaway, immediately, at once
recreant coward, faint-hearted individual
still constantly, always, continually
dares challenges, confronts, defies
spite annoyance, vexation, irritation
abide endure, undergo, face
wot learn, know, be told
stand stand still, stop, cease moving
buy pay for, suffer the consequences of
Abate shorten, lessen, reduce
curst bad-tempered, quarrelsome, shrewish, cross
sad dismal, morose, sullen
ill badly, adversely, unfavourably
amiable beloved, desirable, lovable
coy caress, stroke, pet
gentle soft, tender, kind
loath unwilling to do something contrary to one's ways of thinking
neaf fist, clenched hand
courtesy courteous service, polite behaviour, good manners
Cavalery cavalier, courtly gentleman
methinks it seems to me
marvellous very, extremely, exceedingly
tongs type of simple metal musical instrument
bones pieces of bone used as a musical instrument
peck heap, quantity, measure (a quarter of a bushel)
bottle bundle, (of hay)
exposition malapropism for disposition ( inclination)
woodbine bindweed, convolvulus (morning glory)
entwist clasp with a twist, entwine, wreathe around
enrings forms a ring round, encircles, surrounds
barky bark-covered
dotage doting, infatuation, excessive affection
favours marks of favour, gifts, tokens
rounded encircled, surrounded
coronet garland, wreath, circlet of flowers, etc
sometime formerly, at one time, once
wont be accustomed, used to, be in the habit of
orient lustrous, brilliant, bright
floweret small flower
changeling child taken by fairies, stolen child
straight straightaway, immediately, at once
swain rustic, yokel, fellow
repair come, go, make one's way
accidents occurrences, events, happenings
fierce wild, lively, violent
vexation agitation, disturbance, turmoil
wont be accustomed, used to, be in the habit of
Dian Diana, the Roman goddess of chastity
methought it seemed to me
visage face, countenance
charmeth produces, causes as by magic
amity friendly relations between nations or warring factions
solemnly ceremoniously, with ritual celebration
triumphantly as in a festive pageant, with great celebration
attend listen to, pay attention to
mark note, pay attention to, take notice of
sad serious, grave, solemn
compass go around, orbit, make a circuit of
wandering having its own motion, as in a planet or star
yonder over there (generally a place within sight)
apprehension perception, auditory reception
recompense to give something to by way of compensation
bide remain
engild gild, brighten, illuminate
yon those over there
oes circles, orbs, spheres, stars
conjoin’d joined together
fashion arrange, contrive, manage
false unfair, unjust, double-crossing
sport recreation, amusement, entertainment
spite annoyance, vexation, irritation
bait harass, persecute, torment
Hasty-footed quick
artificial showing creative artistry, artistically skilful
warbling singing
in one key in total harmony
incorporate united in one body, combined in one entity
coat coat-of-arms
first first tincture in a blazon
crest heraldic device placed above the shield and helmet in a coat-of-arms
rent rend, tear, pull to pieces
chide scold, rebuke, reprove
spurn kick, strike, stamp on, dash
nymph semi-divine creatures imagined as beautiful maidens who inhabited woods
forsooth in truth, certainly, truly, indeed
setting on encourage, urge, incite
persever persevere, persist, keep at it
counterfeit pretend, feign, make believe
sad serious, grave, solemn
hold up continue, keep going, carry on
sport recreation, amusement, entertainment
carried carried out, managed, conducted
chronicled entered into a chronicle, recorded in history
argument subject, point, theme, target
gentle soft, tender, kind
false wrong, mistaken
whereto to what end
take on behave, act; or: rage, rant
hang off leave hold, stop clinging
burr clinger, person difficult to shake off
tawny dark complexioned
Tartar someone from the Taurus mountains, in southern Turkey
potion poison, deadly drink
sooth truly
bond ) deed, contract, pledge; ) a physical tie, restraint, constraint
erewhile a short time ago, a while before
since ago
juggler trickster, deceiver, fraud
canker-blossom worm that destroys the blossom (of love)
counterfeit impostor, pretender, sham
compare comparison, simile, analogy
forsooth in truth, certainly, truly, indeed
painted maypole a tall wooden pole around which a maypole dance takes place.
curst bad-tempered, quarrelsome, shrewish, cross
shrewishness anger, crankiness, bad nature
right typical, true, classic
something somewhat, rather
councils secrets
stealth stealing away, furtive journey, clandestine act
chid brusquely command, drive away with harsh words
spurn kick, strike, stamp on, dash
fond foolish, trifling, frivolous
keen sharp, cutting, severe
shrewd shrewish, bad-tempered, difficult
vixen a shrewish, ill-tempered woman
minimus tiniest of creatures, insignificant being
knot-grass species of creeping weed
bead tiny thing, smallest of objects
abide suffer for, pay for, atone for
coil turmoil, disturbance, fuss
‘long of belongs to, is because of
curst bad-tempered, quarrelsome, shrewish, cross
still constantly, always, continually
knaveries roguish trick, rouguery, trickery
shadow spirit, phantom, spectre, ghost
sort turn out, fall out, come about
jangling fighting, squabling
sport subject of sport
Hie hasten, hurry, speed
welkin sky, firmament, heavens
anon soon, shortly, presently
Acheron one of the four rivers of Hades, or the underworld
testy cranky, irritable
sometime sometimes, now and then
wrong insult, offence, slight
rail rant, rave, be abusive
brows forehead
batty bat-like
virtuous potent, powerful, efficacious
wonted accustomed, usual, customary
wend proceed, go
date duration, period of existence
charmed bewitched, enchanted, placed under a spell
harbinger forerunner, herald, precursor
crossway cross-road
aye always, ever, for eternity
consort accompany, attend, go with
sort class, level, social rank
oft often
sport sexual recreation, intercourse, amorous dalliance
straight straightaway, immediately, at once
recreant coward, faint-hearted individual
still constantly, always, continually
dares challenges, confronts, defies
spite annoyance, vexation, irritation
abide endure, undergo, face
wot learn, know, be told
stand stand still, stop, cease moving
buy pay for, suffer the consequences of
Abate shorten, lessen, reduce
curst bad-tempered, quarrelsome, shrewish, cross
sad dismal, morose, sullen
ill badly, adversely, unfavourably
amiable beloved, desirable, lovable
coy caress, stroke, pet
gentle soft, tender, kind
loath unwilling to do something contrary to one's ways of thinking
neaf fist, clenched hand
courtesy courteous service, polite behaviour, good manners
Cavalery cavalier, courtly gentleman
methinks it seems to me
marvellous very, extremely, exceedingly
tongs type of simple metal musical instrument
bones pieces of bone used as a musical instrument
peck heap, quantity, measure (a quarter of a bushel)
bottle bundle, (of hay)
exposition malapropism for disposition ( inclination)
woodbine bindweed, convolvulus (morning glory)
entwist clasp with a twist, entwine, wreathe around
enrings forms a ring round, encircles, surrounds
barky bark-covered
dotage doting, infatuation, excessive affection
favours marks of favour, gifts, tokens
rounded encircled, surrounded
coronet garland, wreath, circlet of flowers, etc
sometime formerly, at one time, once
wont be accustomed, used to, be in the habit of
orient lustrous, brilliant, bright
floweret small flower
changeling child taken by fairies, stolen child
straight straightaway, immediately, at once
swain rustic, yokel, fellow
repair come, go, make one's way
accidents occurrences, events, happenings
fierce wild, lively, violent
vexation agitation, disturbance, turmoil
wont be accustomed, used to, be in the habit of
Dian Diana, the Roman goddess of chastity
methought it seemed to me
visage face, countenance
charmeth produces, causes as by magic
amity friendly relations between nations or warring factions
solemnly ceremoniously, with ritual celebration
triumphantly as in a festive pageant, with great celebration
attend listen to, pay attention to
mark note, pay attention to, take notice of
sad serious, grave, solemn
compass go around, orbit, make a circuit of
wandering having its own motion, as in a planet or star
observation observance, rite, customary practice
vaward foremost part, front line, vanguard
uncouple release pairs of hunting dogs for the chase
dispatch hurry up, be quick
mark note, pay attention to, take notice of
Herclues
Cadmus
Crete
bay'd brought to bay, driven to a last stand
Sparta
chiding barking, brawling, angry noise
mutual common, general, omnipresent
kind breed, lineage, stock, family
flewed with large cheek folds (or flews), chapped
sanded sandy-coloured
dew-lapped with folds of loose skin around the throat
cry company, pack (as of dogs)
tuneable tuneful, musical, melodious
cheer’d encouraged, urged on, galvanized
nymphs beauties, damsels
intent intention, purpose, aim
grace honour, favour, recognition, respect
solemnity celebration, jubilation, festivity
morrow morning
Saint Valentine
woodbirds
gentle peaceful, calm, free from violence
jealousy suspicion, mistrust, apprehension
bethink think about, consider, reflect
defeat frustrate, bring to nought
purpose intention, aim, plan
hither
fancy love, amorousness, infatuation
wot learn, know, be told
remembrance recollection
idle useless, barren, worthless
gaud gaudy toy, showy plaything, trinket
virtue essence, heart, soul
anon soon, shortly, presently
overbear overrule, overcome, put down
something somewhat, rather
solemnity celebration, jubilation, festivity
undistinguishable unrecognizable, undetectable, impossible to pick out
methinks it seems to me
parted divided, unfocused, indistinct
wit intelligence, wisdom, good sense, mental ability
go about endeavour, set to work, start trying
methought it seemed to me
patched wearing a patchwork costume, multi-coloured
fool professional clown, jester
conceive understand, comprehend, follow
gracious delightful, lovely, charming
Peradventure perhaps, maybe, very likely
transported carried off, taken away
discharge play, perform, execute
wit intelligence, wisdom, good sense, mental ability
person fine figure, personality
paramour malapropism for ‘paragon’
paramour
naught, nought wickedness, immorality, sinfulness
sport recreation, amusement, entertainment
made with success assured, with fortune made
bully fine fellow, good friend (a warm form of address)
'scaped escaped, avoided
heart (plural) grand-hearted lads, fine companions
discourse relate, talk about, recount
right just, precisely
apparel clothes, clothing, dress
presently immediately, instantly, at once
prefered recommended, chosen
utter emit, exhale, discharge
antique old-fashioned, old-world, antiquated
toys foolish stories, old wives' tales
shaping imaginative, inventive, creative
fantasies imaginings, delusions, hallucinations
apprehend imagine, conceive, invent
compact made up, composed
brow appearance, aspect, countenance
body forth make available to the mind, give mental shape to
apprehend imagine, conceive, invent
comprehend take in, include, incorporate
fancy imagination, creativity, inventiveness
witnesseth bear witness to, attest, testify to
constancy consistency, agreement, uniformity
admirable wondrous, marvellous, extraordinary
gentle well-born, honourable, noble
after-supper period of time immediately after dessert
abridgement pastime, short entertainment, means of shortening the time
brief summary, short account
sports recreations, amusements, entertainments
ripe ready, fully prepared
eunuch
Hercules who completed Twelve Labors and was renowned for his feats of strength
Bacchanals devotees of Bacchus
device show, performance, production
critical censorious, judgemental, faultfinding
sorting be fitting, be appropriate
- Pyramus and Thisbe a pair of star-crossed lovers from Ovid’s Metamorphosis
apt fitted or qualified
toil’d exhausted, tired out, fatigued
unbreath’d unpractised, inexperienced, inexpert
sport recreation, amusement, entertainment
intents intentions, purposes, aims
conn’d learned by heart, committed to memory
pain effort, endeavour, exertion, labour
simpleness unpretentiousness, unaffected behaviour, unassuming simplicity
wretchedness humble people, the poor, the lowly
o’er charged overburdened, overtaxed, overwrought
gentle soft, tender, kind
sport recreation, amusement, entertainment
respect regard, admiration, favour, opinion
takes takes in, comprehends, understands
clerk scholar, sage, man of learning
period rhetorical pause, sentence ending, termination
pick’d extracted, made out, detected
duty reverence, due respect, proper attitude
simplicity sincerity, unpretentiousness, artlessness
vaward foremost part, front line, vanguard
uncouple release pairs of hunting dogs for the chase
dispatch hurry up, be quick
mark note, pay attention to, take notice of
Herclues
Cadmus
Crete
bay'd brought to bay, driven to a last stand
Sparta
chiding barking, brawling, angry noise
mutual common, general, omnipresent
kind breed, lineage, stock, family
flewed with large cheek folds (or flews), chapped
sanded sandy-coloured
dew-lapped with folds of loose skin around the throat
cry company, pack (as of dogs)
tuneable tuneful, musical, melodious
cheer’d encouraged, urged on, galvanized
nymphs beauties, damsels
intent intention, purpose, aim
grace honour, favour, recognition, respect
solemnity celebration, jubilation, festivity
morrow morning
Saint Valentine
woodbirds
gentle peaceful, calm, free from violence
jealousy suspicion, mistrust, apprehension
bethink think about, consider, reflect
defeat frustrate, bring to nought
purpose intention, aim, plan
hither
fancy love, amorousness, infatuation
wot learn, know, be told
remembrance recollection
idle useless, barren, worthless
gaud gaudy toy, showy plaything, trinket
virtue essence, heart, soul
anon soon, shortly, presently
overbear overrule, overcome, put down
something somewhat, rather
solemnity celebration, jubilation, festivity
undistinguishable unrecognizable, undetectable, impossible to pick out
methinks it seems to me
parted divided, unfocused, indistinct
wit intelligence, wisdom, good sense, mental ability
go about endeavour, set to work, start trying
methought it seemed to me
patched wearing a patchwork costume, multi-coloured
fool professional clown, jester
conceive understand, comprehend, follow
gracious delightful, lovely, charming
Peradventure perhaps, maybe, very likely
transported carried off, taken away
discharge play, perform, execute
wit intelligence, wisdom, good sense, mental ability
person fine figure, personality
paramour malapropism for ‘paragon’
paramour
naught, nought wickedness, immorality, sinfulness
sport recreation, amusement, entertainment
made with success assured, with fortune made
bully fine fellow, good friend (a warm form of address)
'scaped escaped, avoided
heart (plural) grand-hearted lads, fine companions
discourse relate, talk about, recount
right just, precisely
apparel clothes, clothing, dress
presently immediately, instantly, at once
prefered recommended, chosen
utter emit, exhale, discharge
antique old-fashioned, old-world, antiquated
toys foolish stories, old wives' tales
shaping imaginative, inventive, creative
fantasies imaginings, delusions, hallucinations
apprehend imagine, conceive, invent
compact made up, composed
brow appearance, aspect, countenance
body forth make available to the mind, give mental shape to
apprehend imagine, conceive, invent
comprehend take in, include, incorporate
fancy imagination, creativity, inventiveness
witnesseth bear witness to, attest, testify to
constancy consistency, agreement, uniformity
admirable wondrous, marvellous, extraordinary
gentle well-born, honourable, noble
after-supper period of time immediately after dessert
abridgement pastime, short entertainment, means of shortening the time
brief summary, short account
sports recreations, amusements, entertainments
ripe ready, fully prepared
eunuch
Hercules who completed Twelve Labors and was renowned for his feats of strength
Bacchanals devotees of Bacchus
device show, performance, production
critical censorious, judgemental, faultfinding
sorting be fitting, be appropriate
- Pyramus and Thisbe a pair of star-crossed lovers from Ovid’s Metamorphosis
apt fitted or qualified
toil’d exhausted, tired out, fatigued
unbreath’d unpractised, inexperienced, inexpert
sport recreation, amusement, entertainment
intents intentions, purposes, aims
conn’d learned by heart, committed to memory
pain effort, endeavour, exertion, labour
simpleness unpretentiousness, unaffected behaviour, unassuming simplicity
wretchedness humble people, the poor, the lowly
o’er charged overburdened, overtaxed, overwrought
gentle soft, tender, kind
sport recreation, amusement, entertainment
respect regard, admiration, favour, opinion
takes takes in, comprehends, understands
clerk scholar, sage, man of learning
period rhetorical pause, sentence ending, termination
pick’d extracted, made out, detected
duty reverence, due respect, proper attitude
simplicity sincerity, unpretentiousness, artlessness
capacity intelligence, understanding, capability
address’d prepared, made ready, poised to act
despite malice, ill-will
contest likely a malaprop for content
intent intention, purpose, aim
like likely, probable / probably
points trifles, trivialities, minor matters
stand upon make an issue of, insist upon, bother about
rid managed, conducted, controled
stop ) in managing a horse: pulling-up, sudden checking of a career; ) full-stop, period, full point
government control, charge, management
gentles ladies and gentlemen, gentlefolk
perchance perhaps, maybe
sunder separate, split up, part
content contented, patient, accepting, undisturbed
Ninus the founder of Nineveh, the ancient capital of Assyria
hight is called
fall drop, descend, let fall
anon soon, shortly, presently
tall good, fine, capable
bravely showily, with great display, with a fine flourish
broach’d pierced, impaled
tarrying staying, remaining, lingering
at large at length, in full, thoroughly
discourse relate, talk about, recount
crannied cracked, split, holed
sinister left
wittiest most intelligent, most ingenious, most sensible
partition wall, dividing structure; also: section of a learned book
discourse talk, chat, converse
hue color
eyne eyes
sensible sensitive, responsive, capable of feeling
again in return, back
pat precisely, just, exactly
Limander malaprop for Leander, lover of Hero in Greek mythology. He would swim across the Hellespont each night to be with her.
still constantly, always, continually
Helen malaprop for faithful lover Hero, but referencing Helen of Troy who was notoriously unfaithful
Fates three mythological goddesses who controlled the destinies of men
mural wall
willful willing
perchance perhaps, maybe
fell cruel, fierce, savage
dam mother
gentle courteous, friendly, kind
fox … discretion according to proverbs: the lion had valor, the fox had cunning (or discression), and the goose had stupidity
discretion judgement, prudence
in snuff in need of snuffing out; also: in a rage
mark note, pay attention to, take notice of
dole grief, sorrow, sadness
thrum unwoven end of a warp-thread on a loom
quail overpower, destroy, make an end
quell kill, destroy, slay
passion passionate outburst, emotional passage
beshrew curse, devil take, evil befall
dame lady, mistress, woman of rank
cheer face, look, expression
ace one (the lowest score on a dice)
nothing a state of nothingness, oblivion, extinction
surgeon doctor, physician
passion passionate outburst, emotional passage
mote speck of dust, tiny particle, trifle
warrant protect, preserve, keep safe
means laments, mourns, makes complaint
imbrue pierce, stab, stain with blood
Bergomask a rustic dance named after the people of Bergamo, Italy
excuse explain, give reasons for
hanged … garter a variant of the poverbial phrase “He may go hang himself in his own garters”
discharge play, perform, execute
told counted out, numbered, itemized
morn morning, dawn
outsleep sleep in
overwatched stayed up late, remained awake
palpable-gross obviously clumsy, plainly ignorant
heavy slow-moving, sluggish, laggard
gait manner of walking, bearing, movement
nightly of the night, active at night
behowl howl at, bay, cry out to
heavy weary, exhausted, worn out
foredone exhausted, tired out, worn out
wasted spent, consumed, burnt-out
remembrance memory, bringing to mind, recollection
frolic frolicsome, merry, frisky
ditty song
rehearse pronounce, speak, utter
issue children, offspring, family, descendant
mark birthmark, discolouration, blemish
prodigious ominous, portentous, promising evil
consecrate consecrated, blessed, sanctified
gait proceedings, course, doings, steps
several separate, different, distinct
weak of little worth, wanting, deficient
Gentles ladies and gentlemen, gentlefolk
reprehend reprove, censure, rebuke
'scape escape, avoid
address’d prepared, made ready, poised to act
despite malice, ill-will
contest likely a malaprop for content
intent intention, purpose, aim
like likely, probable / probably
points trifles, trivialities, minor matters
stand upon make an issue of, insist upon, bother about
rid managed, conducted, controled
stop ) in managing a horse: pulling-up, sudden checking of a career; ) full-stop, period, full point
government control, charge, management
gentles ladies and gentlemen, gentlefolk
perchance perhaps, maybe
sunder separate, split up, part
content contented, patient, accepting, undisturbed
Ninus the founder of Nineveh, the ancient capital of Assyria
hight is called
fall drop, descend, let fall
anon soon, shortly, presently
tall good, fine, capable
bravely showily, with great display, with a fine flourish
broach’d pierced, impaled
tarrying staying, remaining, lingering
at large at length, in full, thoroughly
discourse relate, talk about, recount
crannied cracked, split, holed
sinister left
wittiest most intelligent, most ingenious, most sensible
partition wall, dividing structure; also: section of a learned book
discourse talk, chat, converse
hue color
eyne eyes
sensible sensitive, responsive, capable of feeling
again in return, back
pat precisely, just, exactly
Limander malaprop for Leander, lover of Hero in Greek mythology. He would swim across the Hellespont each night to be with her.
still constantly, always, continually
Helen malaprop for faithful lover Hero, but referencing Helen of Troy who was notoriously unfaithful
Fates three mythological goddesses who controlled the destinies of men
mural wall
willful willing
perchance perhaps, maybe
fell cruel, fierce, savage
dam mother
gentle courteous, friendly, kind
fox … discretion according to proverbs: the lion had valor, the fox had cunning (or discression), and the goose had stupidity
discretion judgement, prudence
in snuff in need of snuffing out; also: in a rage
mark note, pay attention to, take notice of
dole grief, sorrow, sadness
thrum unwoven end of a warp-thread on a loom
quail overpower, destroy, make an end
quell kill, destroy, slay
passion passionate outburst, emotional passage
beshrew curse, devil take, evil befall
dame lady, mistress, woman of rank
cheer face, look, expression
ace one (the lowest score on a dice)
nothing a state of nothingness, oblivion, extinction
surgeon doctor, physician
passion passionate outburst, emotional passage
mote speck of dust, tiny particle, trifle
warrant protect, preserve, keep safe
means laments, mourns, makes complaint
imbrue pierce, stab, stain with blood
Bergomask a rustic dance named after the people of Bergamo, Italy
excuse explain, give reasons for
hanged … garter a variant of the poverbial phrase “He may go hang himself in his own garters”
discharge play, perform, execute
told counted out, numbered, itemized
morn morning, dawn
outsleep sleep in
overwatched stayed up late, remained awake
palpable-gross obviously clumsy, plainly ignorant
heavy slow-moving, sluggish, laggard
gait manner of walking, bearing, movement
nightly of the night, active at night
behowl howl at, bay, cry out to
heavy weary, exhausted, worn out
foredone exhausted, tired out, worn out
wasted spent, consumed, burnt-out
remembrance memory, bringing to mind, recollection
frolic frolicsome, merry, frisky
ditty song
rehearse pronounce, speak, utter
issue children, offspring, family, descendant
mark birthmark, discolouration, blemish
prodigious ominous, portentous, promising evil
consecrate consecrated, blessed, sanctified
gait proceedings, course, doings, steps
several separate, different, distinct
weak of little worth, wanting, deficient
Gentles ladies and gentlemen, gentlefolk
reprehend reprove, censure, rebuke
'scape escape, avoid