[169.] Idolatryes. The allegory has reference to the idolatrous practices of the ignorant primitive Christians, such as the worship of images of the Saints, the pageant of the wooden ass during Lent (see Matthew, xxi, and Brand's Popular Antiquities, i, 124), and the Feast of the Ass (see Matthew, ii, 14).
[172.] a noble warlike knight, Sir Satyrane, in whom are united rude untaught chivalry and woodland savagery. He represents natural heroism and instinctive love of truth.
[173.] by just occasion, just at the right moment.
[184.] Thyamis is the symbol of Animal Passion; Labryde of the lower appetites; Therion, the human wild beast, who deserts his wife.
[xxiv.] This account of Sir Satyrane's education is based on that of Rogero by his uncle Atlante in Ariosto's Orlando Furioso, vii, 5, 7.
[213.] maister of his guise, his instructor.
[214.] at his horrid vew, his shaggy, uncouth appearance.
[256.] his famous worth was blown, i.e. blazoned by Fame's trumpet.
[308.] a Jacobs staffe. According to Nares, "A pilgrim's staff; either from the frequent pilgrimages to St. James of Comfortella (in Galicia), or because the apostle St. James is usually represented with one."
[371.] See Canto III, [xxxviii], where Archimago was disguised as St. George.