366 367 To labour to commend a piece of work, 368 Which no man goes about to discommend,
discommend > disparage
369 Would raise a jealous doubt that there did lurk 370 Some secret doubt whereto the praise did tend. 371 For when men know the goodness of the wine, 372 'Tis needless for the host to have a sign.
sign > (In a largely illiterate age, inns were identified by a painted sign depicting, for example, a boar's head or crossed keys, and from this the inn took its name)
373 374 Thus then to show my judgement to be such 375 As can discern of colours black and white, 376 As als to free my mind from envy's touch,
als > also
377 That never gives to any man his right, 378 I here pronounce this workmanship is such, 379 As that no pen can set it forth too much. 380 381 And thus I hang a garland at the door, 382 Not to show the goodness of the ware:
ware > wares, merchandise
383 But such has been the custom heretofore, 384 And customs very hardly broken are.
very hardly > with great difficulty