271: In mottelee, and hye on horse he sat;

-He sat high on his horse dressed in colored cloth
272: Upon his heed a flaundryssh bever hat,

-A flemish beaver hat upon his head,
273: His bootes clasped faire and fetisly.

-His boots clasped fair and elegantly,
274: His resons he spak ful solempnely,

-His remarks he spoke very solemnly,
275: Sownynge alwey th' encrees of his wynnyng.

-Concerned always with the increase of his earnings.
276: He wolde the see were kept for any thyng
-He desired to gaurd the sea at all costs
277: Bitwixe middelburgh and orewelle.
-Between Holland and England.
278: Wel koude he in eschaunge sheeldes selle.
-He knew how to deal in foreign currencies.
279: This worthy man ful wel his wit bisette:
-This worthy man employed his wits well:
280: Ther wiste no wight that he was in dette,
-There was no one that knew he was in debt,
281: So estatly was he of his governaunce
-So dignified was he in managing his affairs
282: With his bargaynes and with his chevyssaunce.
-With his buying and with his selling.
283: For sothe he was a worthy man with alle,
-Truly he was a worhty man indeed,
284: But, sooth to seyn, I noot how men hym calle.
-But, to tell the truth, I know not what men call him.