IV. 8. to a lovely ferc] Fere is here employed for husband, as in Chaucer it is used for wife. TOED.

vi. 4. —-—-—-—- a francklin faire and free,] A francklin is a person of some distinction in our ancient history. He makes a conspicuous figure in Chaucer; and his manners bespeak his wealth. TODD.

VII. 3. — in comely sad attyre;] In grave, decent, attyre. TooD.

VII. 5. And knew his good &c.] That is, he knew how to behave himself, or could behave himself suitably, &c. ('HURCH.

She was right ioyous of her iust request;
And, taking by the hand that Faeries sonne,
Gan him instruct in everie good behest,
Of Love; and Righteousnes; and Well to donne ;
And Wrath and Hatred warely to shonne,
That drew on men Gods hatred and his wrath,
And many soules in dolours had fordonne :
In which when him she well instructed hath,
From thence to heaven she teacheth him the ready
path.
Wherein his weaker wandring steps to guyde,
An auncient Matrone she to her does call,
Whose sober lookes her wisedome well descryde;
Her name was Mercy; well knowne over all
To be both gratious and eke liberall:

XXXIV.

To whom the carefull charge of him she gave, To leade aright, that he should never fall In all his waies through this wide worldes wave ; That Mercy in the end his righteous soule might save.