[149] It was common, nay usual, in mediæval times for noble children to be put out to nurse in the family of some equal or dependent, for purposes of security. The removal of Walter’s children from the mother was not an outrage: but concealing their fate from her was.
[150] Panico, Petrarch; Panigo, Boccace. I cannot be sure of the situation of this place, but there is a certain Paganico near Urbino, marked in old maps as a castle or fortress, which is not too far from Bologna to be possibly the place referred to. A river Panaro flows between Modena and Bologna.
[151] Tyrwhitt.
[152] It was not uncommon in olden times for girls to be married at twelve years of age.
[153] Skeat.
[154] The smock, or shift, was a high garment with long sleeves, often embroidered with black stitchery.
[155] “A jane is a small coin of Genoa (Janua); the meaning is, your praise is dear enough at a farthing.”—B. Or the verse may be taken to mean, the smallest coin is dear enough to you when you are tired of better—for novelty’s sake.
[156] Skeat; also second line beyond.
[157] Tyrwhitt and Skeat.
[158] Tyrwhitt.