dight > decked; hence: spread drapets > coverings festival > {Befitting a feast}

4 Against the viands should be ministered.

Against > In preparation for [the time when] ministered > served

5 At the upper end there sat, clad in red 6 Down to the ground, a comely personage, 7 That in his hand a white rod managed,

white rod > {Mark of authority, sceptre, mace; allegorically, the uvula} managed > wielded

8 He, steward, was hight Diet; ripe of age,

steward > (The earliest meaning (to 1580) of "spencer") hight > named

9 And in demeanour sober, and in counsel sage.

209.28

And through the Hall there walked to and fro
2 A iolly yeoman, Marshall of the same,
Whose name was Appetite; he did bestow
4 Both guestes and meate, when euer in they came,
And knew them how to order without blame,
6 As him the Steward bad. They both attone
Did dewty to their Lady, as became;
8 Who passing by, forth led her guestes anone
Into the kitchin rowme, ne spard for nicenesse none.