51 172. And let the Sisters cut below your line. The sisters are the three Fates. Clotho spun the thread of life, Lachesis held it, and Atropos cut it. Palamon is willing that the Fates end his life, if they will first allow him to enjoy love.
51 191. Cynthia. Another name for Diana, from Mount Cynthus, her birthplace.
51 193. Vests. Vestments, robes.
52 200. Uncouth. Literally, unknown, hence strange.
52 205. Well-meaners think no harm. Compare the famous epigram adopted by the Order of the Garter: "honi soit qui mal y pense" (shamed be he who thinks evil of it). This order was founded during Chaucer's life, and this sentiment may have been in his mind.
52 208. mastless oak. Oak leaves without acorns, i.e., without the fruit, hence an appropriate garland for a maid.
52 212. Statius. A Latin author who died 96 A.D. Among his works was an heroic poem in twelve books, embodying the legends touching the expedition of the Seven against Thebes.
52 231. Niobe. She was the mother of seven sons and seven daughters, and so thought herself superior to Latona, who had given birth to only two, Apollo and Diana. To avenge their mother, they slew all of Niobe's children with their darts. Hence the "devoted" children, i.e., devoted to death.
53 231. gust. The sense or pleasure of tasting, hence relish; more common form, gusto.
53 232. thy triple shape. Diana is often confused with Hecate, a most mysterious divinity. Hecate is represented with three heads and three bodies, and possessed the attributes of Luna in heaven, of Diana on earth, and of Proserpina in the lower world.