As Renedo (1996) suggests, the «agreed house of a very ancient woman» could be a house of assignation, literally a prostibulum, the name given, according to St Isidore, to the theatre as a place where prostitutes came after the end of the performance. (N. from the A.)

The scene as misunderstanding also has notable precedents in the story tradition (Hauf 1990). I suggest a few more within the chivalresque tradition in Beltrán, in press. (N. from the A.)

Compare, in this sense, the ambiguous use of religious language —obviously for sexual purposes— by the Viuda Reposada, with almost the same words and with the same purpose, when Calisto addresses Melibea in the opening scene of the Celestina («... the service, sacrifice, devotion and pious works which I have offered to God in order to reach this place...»): «Oh brave knight, how often have I prayed and lit candles for your sake! How many alms and fasts have I offered, lacerating my body that yours might be preserved!» (chapter 286). (N. from the A.)