[146] Dr Christopher Love Morley, a physician of eminence.
[147] It was not the Duchess's fortune ever to pay this debt to the house of Ormond.
[148] The poet here introduces a distinction, well known in heraldry. The banner was a square flag, which only barons of a great lineage and power had a right to display. The pennon was a forked streamer borne by a knight: Theseus carried both to the field, each bearing a separate device. Chaucer says,
"And by his banner borne is his pennon."
[149] This play of words, which is truly Ovidian, does not occur in Chaucer, nor is it in conformity with our author's general ideas of translating him. (See Introduction to the "Fables.") The Old Bard says simply:
The other where him list may ride and go,
But see his lady shall he never mo.
[150] This violent machine seems unnecessary. The change, previously described as having taken place in Arcite's appearance, might have vindicated his return to the court of Theseus. The apparition of Hermes is only intended as an allegory, to signify Arcite's employing stratagem.
[151] Juno.
[152] Here Dryden mistakes his author's meaning, though he employs his word. Chaucer says,
"Pity renneth sone in gentel herte:"