1. Conversation, Discussion:
- In its most straightforward sense, parley refers to a conversation or discussion, especially one held between opposing parties to resolve a conflict or negotiate terms. For example, in "King John," the play opens with a parley between the forces of King John and King Philip of France.
2. Truce, Temporary Ceasefire:
- Parley can also signify a temporary truce or cessation of hostilities to facilitate negotiations or discussions. Often, a parley involves the envoys or representatives of both parties coming together under a flag of truce.
In "Henry V," Henry calls for a parley before the Battle of Agincourt to offer terms to the French.
3. Exchange of Ideas or Arguments:
- Shakespeare sometimes uses parley in a metaphorical sense to refer to an exchange of thoughts, ideas, or arguments. Characters engage in verbal duels or intellectual discussions, presenting their reasoning and viewpoints.
In "Love's Labour's Lost," the King refers to their witty exchange as a parley of words.
4. Political Meeting:
- Parley can also mean a formal meeting or conference between political leaders or parties to discuss diplomatic matters, establish alliances, or seek resolutions to disagreements.
In "Cymbeline," a parley takes place between the Roman forces and the British kings to determine the outcome of their conflict.
5. A Call to Action or Warning:
- Less commonly, parley is used in the sense of a summons or exhortation to take action or serve as a warning.
In "Julius Caesar," Brutus uses the term in this context when urging the conspirators to carry out their plan against Caesar.
The specific meaning of parley is influenced by the context in which it is used, but it generally encompasses ideas of negotiations, discussions, communication, and diplomacy.