Freedom is a mental state that we can choose to have in any given situation. We always have the option of "being" free. Never once did I point the finger or feel as though I didn't have a choice in those moments of apparent hopelessness.
A step-dame (stepmother) and dowager (widow holding property for her deceased husband) would make their son (or stepson) wait until they die to inherit all of the land or money.
Theseus is saying that he is tired of waiting for his wedding day to Hippolyta, comparing himself to that 'young man' waiting for his dowager or stepdame to die because to him, Hippolyta is a great fortune.
Wednesday. Heh. Because Wednesday is a person in this
