what do sparksnotes say about tarquin thus did softly press

SparkNotes is pointing to an allusion in Cymbeline rather than giving a standalone explanation of “Tarquin thus did softly press.” In context, “Our Tarquin thus / Did softly press the rushes” means Iachimo is comparing himself to Tarquin, the infamous Roman figure associated with secretly entering Lucrece’s chamber and sexually violating her, so the line suggests stealthy, predatory intrusion.

What the line means

• “Tarquin” refers to Sextus Tarquinius, the Roman prince linked with the rape of Lucretia.

• “Did softly press the rushes” evokes someone moving quietly across a floor covered with rushes, so the image emphasizes silent, secretive approach.

• In SparkNotes’ presentation, the line underscores Iachimo’s own stealth as he sneaks toward Imogen, with a dark sexual and moral undertone.

In plain English

He is basically saying: “I moved in quietly, like Tarquin did when he crept in to violate Lucrece.” That allusion makes the scene feel ominous and morally charged.

Quick note

If you want, I can also unpack the rest of that speech line by line.