| battles | armies (here) |
| warn | challenge |
| in their bosoms | knowing their secret thoughts |
| fearful bravery | a show of courage hiding fear |
| exigent | emergency, critical moment |
| parley | a formal talk between enemies |
| Hybla | a place in Sicily famous for honey |
| fawn'd | flattered like dogs |
| bondmen | slaves |
| cur | worthless dog |
| three and thirty | thirty-three |
| strain | family, race |
| peevish | childish, irritable |
| masker | one who goes to masked parties |
| reveller | pleasure-seeker |
| stomachs | courage, appetite for a fight |
| billow | great wave |
| bark | ship |
| on the hazard | at risk |
| Epicurus | Greek philosopher who denied that omens meant anything |
| presage | foretell |
| ensign | flag, banner; also the soldier who carries it |
| consorted | accompanied |
| kites | birds of prey that feed on dead bodies |
| canopy | a covering overhead |
| give up the ghost | die |
| constantly | firmly |
| Cato | Portia's father, who killed himself rather than submit to Caesar |
| prevent / The time of life | cut short one's life |
| providence | will of the gods |
| led in triumph | paraded as a captive in a victory procession |
| bills | written orders |
| demeanour | behaviour, spirit |
| fell to spoil | began to plunder |
| enclosed | surrounded |
| thick | dim, poor (of sight) |
| ta'en | taken, captured |
| compass | full circle |
| Parthia | a kingdom east of the Roman Empire |
| bowels | inner parts of the body |
| melancholy | gloominess, depression |
| apt | ready to be impressed |
| wreath of victory | a crown of leaves for the victor |
| proper entrails | own bodies |
| Thasos | an island near Philippi |
| office | duty, service |
| tarry | wait |
| a fellow of a good respect | a man of good reputation |
| overcame himself | was defeated only by himself |
| entertain | take into service |
| prefer | recommend |
| elements | the qualities that make up a person |
| part | share out |