48. “And made well more than it was
To seemen ev’rything, y-wis,
As kindly thing of Fame it is;”
i.e. It is in the nature of fame to exaggerate everything.
49. Corbets: the corbels, or capitals of pillars in a Gothic
building; they were often carved with fantastic figures and
devices.
50. A largess!: the cry with which heralds and pursuivants at a
tournament acknowledged the gifts or largesses of the knights
whose achievements they celebrated.
51. Nobles: gold coins of exceptional fineness. Sterlings:
sterling coins; not “luxemburgs”, but stamped and authorised
money. See note 9 to the Miller’s Tale and note 6 to the
Prologue to the Monk’s tale.
52. Coat-armure: the sleeveless coat or “tabard,” on which the
arms of the wearer or his lord were emblazoned.
53. “But for to prove in alle wise
As fine as ducat of Venise”
i.e. In whatever way it might be proved or tested, it would be
found as fine as a Venetian ducat.