Lines 147-474 Summary

The narrator describes the images of the vices or qualities depicted on the outside of the walled garden: Hate, Felonye, Vilanye, Coveityse, Avarice, Envye, Sorowe, Elde, Time, Pope-holy, and Povert.

Lines 147-474 Analysis

The qualities painted on the outside of the wall show that they are excluded from the garden, instead of being a "contents label" of what is inside, which might be the assumption of a modern reader. Allegorically speaking, these qualities are the ones that bar an individual from taking part in Courtly Love. Vices such as Hate, Sorrow, Envy, and Avarice need little explanation. It is obvious why these would debar an individual from finding love. The appearance of Time, Elde (Old Age), and Povert(y) seem rather unfair, as if the poet is saying that poor people and old people will never find love. However, it is...