55. For the force of “cold,” see note 22 to the Nun’s Priest’s
Tale.
56. Goddes seven: The divinities who gave their names to the
seven planets, which, in association with the seven metals, are
mentioned in The Canon’s Yeoman’s Tale.
57. Assayed: experienced, tasted. See note 6 to the Squire’s
Tale.
58. Now is it better than both two were lorn: better this happy
issue, than that both two should be lost (through the sorrow of
fruitless love).
59. Made him such feast: French, “lui fit fete” — made holiday
for him.
60. The cock is called, in “The Assembly of Fowls,” “the
horologe of thorpes lite;” [the clock of little villages] and in The
Nun’s Priest’s Tale Chanticleer knew by nature each ascension
of the equinoctial, and, when the sun had ascended fifteen
degrees, “then crew he, that it might not be amended.” Here he
is termed the “common astrologer,” as employing for the public
advantage his knowledge of astronomy.