1-2. Imitated from C. T., F 671; see note in vol. v. p. 386.
3. Bole, Bull, Taurus. The sun then entered Taurus about the middle of April; hence the allusion to April showers in l. 4. Compare the opening lines of Chaucer's Prologue. But we learn, from l. 437, that it was already May. Hence the sun had really run half its course in Taurus. certeinly; used at the end of the line, as in A. L. 85.
10. very good; this adverbial use of very is noticeable; cf. ll. 35, 315, 409, and A. L. 479. I believe Chaucer never uses very to qualify an adjective. It occurs, however, in Lydgate.
20. Cf. 'more at hertes ese'; A. L. 672.
25. Cf. 'at springing of the day'; A. L. 218.
26. Cf. 'That ye wold help me on with myn aray'; A. L. 241.
27-8. This rime of passe with was occurs again below (114-6); and in A. L. 436-8.
30. Chaucer has hew-ë, new-ë; but here hew, new rime with the pt. t. grew. So, in A. L. 65-8, hew, new rime with the pt. t. knew.
31-2. Copied from the Book of the Duch. 419-20:—