Lines 645-1308 Summary

The narrator enters the delightful garden and meets Sir Mirth and his company and joins in their dance. The company includes Gladness, Courtesy, Cupid, Sweet-Looking, Beauty, Rich(n)ess, Largesse, Fraunchyse, and Youth.

Lines 645-1308 Analysis

These characters are the reverse of the vices portrayed on the outer wall. They represent the characteristics desirable in a lover or in the idealized world of the court. The overall tone in this passage is one of perpetual beauty, joy, festivity, and celebration, where the natural music is paralleled and complemented by the singing and playing of the musicians.

Courtesy is the virtue who invites the narrator into the dance. This indicates that proper behavior and good manners are the first prerequisite for entering into the world of Courtly Love.

Cupid is the most significant of the characters appearing here. Like all these allegorical...