The line’s meaning then would be: “Don’t interfere with our playing area.”ġ26 This is the first break between sections of text in the manuscript in which text has been lost the faulty rhyme scheme shows that at least two lines of the stanza have disappeared between the blocks of text, as well as the following speech heading.Ģ13 undir myne eye. Rex evokes courtly conventions whereby all in the king’s presence bow to his authority. Death is viewed here as a member of the court and thus stands in awe of the king’s purview.Ģ63 The king’s messenger is variously called “Mirth” (Pleasure) and “Solas” (Comfort). He is the king’s principal servant, while the two soldiers, Strength and Health, represent the king’s protection.
Mirth represents the king’s primary interests in life, pleasure and creature comforts.Ģ85 Berewik upon Twede. A town in the far northeast of England, just south of the Scottish border. Mirth will travel great distances in his king’s service.ģ01 Many suggestions have been made for the identity of “Gailispire on the Hill,” most of them in England. Fletcher has shown that the reference is very likely to Giltspur, in the northern part of County Wicklow, not far south of Dublin.
