Miko: annotations

Holofernes is saying he will engage in alliteration, which he proceeds to do with different meanings and variations of the word “sore” and “sorel”.

To reach.

A fool.

A crabapple.

Inexperienced.

“In blood” was a hunting term meaning a vigorous chase.

The sky.

“Haud credo” is Latin for “I don't believe it”. So Holofernes is expressing disagreement with Sir Nathaniel. In the next line, however, Dull misunderstands the phrase and thinks that the last syllable of “credo” refers to “doe” - a female deer. So he says it wasn't a “haud credo”, it was a pricket - a male deer.

A male deer in its fifth year when it has a full set of antlers.

A male deer in its second year when its antlers are still straight.