p. [91]. To staunch, &c. So in Liber Faceti:
“Si videas fratres inter se bella gerentes,
Neutri confer opem; sed eorum corrige mentes.”
p. [92]. Three oxen, &c. Another proverbial voicing of “Two’s company, three’s none.”
p. [93]. Red man, i.e., red-haired. Presumably this distrust of red-haired people as treacherous was based on the old tradition that Judas was red-haired.
p. [93]. His courtesy, &c. The meaning is: he must needs be discourteous who stirs fingers and toes, &c.
p. [96]. Stocks with him. Doubtless, because the castle gate would be the most conspicuous place of punishment.
p. [96]. What he will deem. What judgment he will pronounce by law.
p. [96]. Wesselle clothes. The meaning is not clear. Dr. Furnivall suggests vessel-cloths; but the phrase is still doubtful unless it alludes to ecclesiastical coverings, which, however, would not be in the porter’s keeping, and which would certainly not be sold. Possibly, wassail-clothes, i.e., garments kept perhaps for occasions of special revelry; or, it may be, the sense is that the porter must keep a look-out that vessels and clothes, in general, be not stolen and sold by servants or others.
p. [96]. Sits with him, &c., i.e., he chooses his own companions.