747. Our hoste. It has been remarked that from this character Shakespeare's 'mine host of the Garter' in the Merry Wives of Windsor is obviously derived.
752. The duty of the 'marshal of the hall' was to place every one according to his rank at public festivals, and to preserve order. See Babees Book, p. 310. Cf. Spenser, F. Q. v. 9. 23; Gower, Conf. Amant. iii. 299. Even Milton speaks of a 'marshall'd feast'; P. L. ix. 37.
753. stepe, bright; see note to l. 201.
754. Chepe, i. e. Cheapside, in London.
760. maad our rekeninges, i. e. paid our scores.
764. I saugh nat (Elles. &c.); I ne saugh (Harl.). To scan the line, read I n' saugh, dropping the e in ne. The insertion of ne is essential to the sense, viz. 'I have not seen.'
765. herberwe, inn, lit. harbour. The F. auberge is from the O.H.G. form of the same word.
770. 'May the blessed martyr duly reward you!'
772. shapen yow, intend; cf. l. 809. talen, to tell tales.
777. yow lyketh alle, it pleases you all; yow is in the dat. case, as in the mod. E. 'if you please.' See note to l. 37.