1. Were't aught to me: Would it mean anything to me if.   bore the canopy: literally, carried a ceremonial canopy over a royal person; figuratively, paid homage.

2. With . . . honoring.i.e., to honor the outward with the outward.   extern: exterior; external action.

3. laid great bases for eternity: i.e., laid foundations for lasting fame.

5. dwellers on: those who makes much of (with the quibble on "tenants of" which suggests the figure in the next line.   form and favor: (1) courtly behavior and status (2) figure and face.

6. by paying too much rent: by overdoing their obligations.   decrees: orders.

7. For . . . savour: For the sake of obsequious flattery, foregoing actual love. i.e., for elaborate ceremony, foregoing simple sincerity.

8. pitiful thrivers: pitiful in their gains (since what they gain is without value).   gazing: courtly observance.

9. obsequious: render devotion; pay court.

10. oblation: offering.

11. seconds: elements of secondary importance, adulterants; inferior parts (said of grain).   art: artifice; craft.

12. mutual render: fair exchange.

13. suborn'd informer: paid spy.   say so: rightly say.

14. impeach'd: charged with treason.