Post lacrimas risus laetitiamque potes (583).
Mille uiae ducunt homines per saecula Romam (591).
De nuce fit corylus, de glande fit ardua quercus (583).
Dulcius haerescunt humano mella palato,
Si malus hoc ipsum mordeat ante sapor (592).
P. 482; note to Book III. 1417. The explanation by G. Douglas, that Fortuna maior refers to Jupiter, is probably incorrect. It is far more likely that Chaucer adopted the phrase from Dante, Purg. xix. 4. Fortuna maior was a figure in geomancy (cf. note to Cant. Tales, A 2045, in vol. v. pp. 82, 83); and this figure was like four points (or stars) arranged in a square, with two more points below it (like a four of diamonds above a two of the same).
| Fortuna Maior. | Fortuna Minor. |
|
** ** * * |
* * ** ** |
The name was also bestowed upon a group of six stars that formed a figure roughly resembling the same, though one of the stars (as it were at the top left-hand corner) is a little out of place. These stars are described by the commentators on Dante as being situate in the end of the sign of Aquarius and the beginning of Pisces; and answer (sufficiently well) to the stars now named θ Pegasi, α Aquarii, π and γ Aquarii, and lastly, ζ and η Aquarii. For help as to this matter I am indebted to Sir R. Ball; also, for the reference to Dante (which Cary long ago noticed), to Mr. A. J. Butler. See my letter in The Academy, Nov. 3, 1894, p. 352.
P. 488; note to Book IV. 506. Delete Troilus speaks as if dead already. The fact is, that slowe is in the subjunctive mood. It means—'Well wot I that, whilst I lived in peace, I would have given thee hire (i.e. a bribe), ere thou shouldst have slain me.'
P. 498; note to Book IV. 744. Add—Cf. Dante, Purg. xxix. 132.