[754]. chekmat, check-mate, as in chess; see Book Duch. 659. Bell sees a pun in it; 'check to my mate,' i.e. wife; but it remains to be shewn that the form mate (wife) was known to Chaucer, who spells it make (Cant. Ta. E 2080).
[759]. I.e. 'I am not a nun,' nor vowed to chastity.
[767, 769]. sprat, for spredeth, spreads, pres. t.; spradde, pt. t. Cf. Boethius, Bk. i. Met. 3. 9-12.
[777]. According to Bell, MS. Harl. 1239 also has why, i.e. wherefore, a reason why, cause.
[784]. Cf. 'S'il fait folie, si la boive;' Rom. Rose, 12844.
[797]. 'No one stumbles over it;' for it is too unsubstantial.
[802]. 'Yet all things seem to them to be harmful, wherein folks please their friends.'
[807]. 'Nothing venture, nothing have.'
[830]. hertes lust, heart's pleasure; to rente, by way of rent.
[831]. no wight, to no one; dat. case.