General Prologue
lines 1-42: Introduction
Here bygynneth the Book of the Tales of Caunterbury
       Whan that Aprill, with his shoures
soote
The droghte of March hath perced to the
roote
And bathed every veyne in swich licour,
Of which vertu engendred is the flour;
5 Whan Zephirus eek with his sweete
breeth 5 When Zephyr also has with his sweet
Inspired hath in every holt and heeth
The tendre croppes, and the yonge sonne
Hath in the Ram his halfe cours yronne,
And smale foweles maken melodye,
10 That slepen al the nyght with open eye-
(So priketh hem Nature in hir corages);
Thanne longen folk to goon on
pilgrimages 10
And palmeres for to seken straunge
strondes
To ferne halwes, kowthe in sondry
londes;
15 And specially from every shires ende
Of Engelond, to Caunterbury they
wende,
The hooly blisful martir for to seke
That hem hath holpen, whan that they 15
were seeke.
       Bifil that in that seson, on a day,
20 In Southwerk at the Tabard as I lay
Redy to wenden on my pilgrymage 20
To Caunterbury with ful devout corage,
At nyght was come into that hostelrye
Wel nyne and twenty in a compaignye
25 Of sondry folk, by aventure yfalle
In felaweshipe, and pilgrimes were they 25
alle,
       When in April the sweet showers
fall
That pierce March's drought to the root
and all
And bathed every vein in liquor that has
power
To generate therein and sire the flower;
breath,
Filled again, in every holt and heath,
The tender shoots and leaves, and the
young sun
His half-course in the sign of the Ram
has run,
And many little birds make melody
That sleep through all the night with
open eye
(So Nature pricks them on to ramp and
rage)
Then folk do long to go on pilgrimage,
And palmers to go seeking out strange
strands,
To distant shrines well known in distant
lands.
And specially from every shire's end
Of England they to Canterbury went,
The holy blessed martyr there to seek
Who helped them when they lay so ill
and weak
       It happened that, in that season, on a
day
In Southwark, at the Tabard, as I lay
Ready to go on pilgrimage and start
To Canterbury, full devout at heart,
There came at nightfall to that hostelry
Some nine and twenty in a company
Of sundry persons who had chanced to
fall
 That toward Caunterbury wolden ryde.
The chambres and the stables weren
wyde,
And wel we weren esed atte beste;
30 And shortly, whan the sonne was to
reste,
So hadde I spoken with hem everichon
That I was of hir felaweshipe anon, 30
And made forward erly for to ryse
To take our wey, ther as I yow devyse.
35        But nathelees, whil I have tyme and 35
space,
Er that I ferther in this tale pace,
Me thynketh it acordaunt to resoun
To telle yow al the condicioun
Of ech of hem, so as it semed me,
40 And whiche they weren, and of what 40
degree,
And eek in what array that they were
inne;
And at a knyght than wol I first bigynne.
Next:
From General Prologue, lines 43-78:
The Knight
General Prologue
lines 43-78: The Knight
       A KNYGHT ther was, and that a
worthy man,
That fro the tyme that he first bigan
45 To riden out, he loved chivalrie,
Trouthe and honour, fredom and 45
curteisie.
Ful worthy was he in his lordes werre,
And therto hadde he riden, no man ferre,
As wel in cristendom as in hethenesse,
50 And evere honoured for his worthynesse.
At Alisaundre he was, whan it was 50
In fellowship, and pilgrims were they all
That toward Canterbury town would
ride.
The rooms and stables spacious were and
wide,
And well we there were eased, and of the
best.
And briefly, when the sun had gone to
rest,
So had I spoken with them, every one,
That I was of their fellowship anon,
And made agreement that we'd early rise
To take the road, as I will to you apprise.
       But none the less, whilst I have time
and space,
Before yet further in this tale I pace,
It seems to me in accord with reason
To describe to you the state of every one
Of each of them, as it appeared to me,
And who they were, and what was their
degree,
And even what clothes they were dressed
in;
And with a knight thus will I first begin.
        A KNIGHT there was, and what a
gentleman,
Who, from the moment that he first
began
To ride about the world, loved chivalry,
Truth, honour, freedom and all courtesy.
Full worthy was he in his sovereign's
war,
And therein had he ridden, no man more,
As well in Christendom as heathenesse,
And honoured everywhere for
 wonne.
Ful ofte tyme he hadde the bord bigonne
Aboven alle nacions in Pruce;
In Lettow hadde he reysed, and in Ruce,
55 No Cristen man so ofte of his degree.
In Gernade at the seege eek hadde he be
Of Algezir, and riden in Belmarye. 55
At Lyeys was he and at Satalye,
Whan they were wonne; and in the Grete
See
60 At many a noble armee hadde he be.
At mortal batailles hadde he been fiftene,
And foughten for oure feith at 60
Tramyssene
In lystes thries, and ay slayn his foo.
This ilke worthy knyght hadde been also
65 Somtyme with the lord of Palatye
Agayn another hethen in Turkye.
And everemoore he hadde a sovereyn
prys;
And though that he were worthy, he was 65
wys,
And of his port as meeke as is a mayde.
70 He nevere yet no vileynye ne sayde
In al his lyf unto no maner wight.
He was a verray, parfit gentil knyght.
But, for to tellen yow of his array,
His hors were goode, but he was nat gay. 70
75 Of fustian he wered a gypon
Al bismotered with his habergeoun,
For he was late ycome from his viage,
And wente for to doon his pilgrymage.
75
Next:
From General Prologue, lines 79-100:
The Squire
worthiness.
At Alexandria, in the winning battle he
was there;
Often put in the place of honour, a chair.
Above all nations' knights in Prussia.
In Latvia raided he, and Russia,
No christened man so oft of his degree.
In far Granada at the siege was he
Of Algeciras, and in Belmarie.
At Ayas was he and at Satalye
When they were won; and on the Middle
Sea
At many a noble meeting chanced to be.
Of mortal battles he had fought fifteen,
And he'd fought for our faith at
Tramissene
Three times in duels, always killed his
foe.
This self-same worthy knight had been
also
At one time with the lord of Palatye
Against another heathen in Turkey:
And always won he widespread fame for
prize.
Though so strong and brave, he was very
wise
And of temper as meekly as a maid.
He never yet had any vileness said,
In all his life, to whatsoever wight.
He was a truly perfect, noble knight.
But now, to tell you all of his array,
His steeds were good, but he was not
gaily dressed.
A tunic of simple cloth he possesed
Discoloured and stained by his
habergeon;
For he had lately returned from his
voyage
And now was going on this pilgrimage.
 General Prologue
lines 79-100: The Squire
       With hym ther was his sone, a yong
SQUIER,
80 A lovyere and a lusty bacheler; 80
With lokkes crulle, as they were leyd in
presse.
Of twenty yeer of age he was, I gesse.
Of his stature he was of evene lengthe,
And wonderly delyvere, and of greet
strengthe.
85 And he hadde been somtyme in
chyvachie 85
In Flaundres, in Artoys, and Pycardie,
And born hym weel, as of so litel space,
In hope to stonden in his lady grace.
Embrouded was he, as it were a meede,
90 Al ful of fresshe floures, whyte and
reede;
Syngynge he was, or floytynge, al the 90
day,
He was as fressh as is the monthe of
May.
Short was his gowne, with sleves longe
and wyde.
Wel koude he sitte on hors, and faire
ryde.
95 He koude songes make, and wel endite, 95
Juste, and eek daunce, and weel purtreye
and write.
So hoote he lovede, that by nyghtertale
He slepte namoore than dooth a
nyghtyngale.
Curteis he was, lowely, and servysable,
100 And carf biforn his fader at the table.
100
       With him there was his son, a young
SQUIRE,
A lover and a lively bachelor,
With locks well curled, as if they'd laid
in press.
Some twenty years of age he was, I
guess.
In stature he was of average length,
Wondrously active, agile, and great of
strength.
He'd ridden sometime with the cavalry
In Flanders, in Artois, and Picardy,
And conducted well within that little
space
In hope to win thereby his lady's grace.
Embroidered he was, as if he were a
meadow bright,
All full of fresh-cut flowers red and
white.
Singing he was, or whistling, all the day;
He was as fresh as is the month of May.
Short was his gown, with sleeves both
long and wide.
Well could he sit on horse, and fairly
ride.
He could make songs and words thereto
indite,
Joust, and dance too, as well as sketch
and write.
So hot he loved that, while night told her
tale,
He slept no more than does a
nightingale.
Courteous he, and humble, willing and
able,
And carved before his father at the table.
 Next:
From General Prologue, lines 101-
117:
The Yeoman

General Prologue
lines 101-117: The Yeoman

       A YEMAN hadde he and servantz
namo
At that tyme, for hym liste ride soo;
And he was clad in cote and hood of
grene.
A sheef of pecok arwes, bright and kene
105 Under his belt he bar ful thriftily,
(Wel koude he dresse his takel yemanly: 105
Hise arwes drouped noght with fetheres
lowe)
And in his hand he baar a myghty bowe.
A not heed hadde he, with a broun
visage,
110 Of woodecraft wel koude he al the 110
usage.
Upon his arm he baar a gay bracer,
And by his syde a swerd and a bokeler,
And on that oother syde a gay daggere
Harneised wel and sharpe as point of
spere.
115 A Cristopher on his brest of silver 115
sheene.
An horn he bar, the bawdryk was of
grene;
A forster was he, soothly, as I gesse.
       A YEOMAN had he at his side,
No more servants, for he chose so to
ride;
And he was clothed in coat and hood of
green.
A sheaf of peacock arrows bright and
keen
Under his belt he bore very carefully
(Well could he keep his gear yeomanly:
His arrows had no drooped feathers low),
And in his hand he bore a mighty bow.
A cropped head had he and a sun-
browned face.
Of woodcraft he knew all the useful
ways.
Upon his arm he bore a bright bracer,
And at one side a sword and a buckler,
And at the other side a dagger bright,
Well sheathed and sharp as a spear's
point in the light;
A Christopher medal on his breast of
silver sheen.
He bore a horn, the baldric all of green;
A forester he truly was, I guess.

Next:
From General Prologue, lines 118-
162:
The Prioress

General Prologue
lines 118-162: The Prioress
        Ther was also a Nonne, a
PRIORESSE,
That of hir smylyng was ful symple and
coy; 120
120 Hir gretteste ooth was but by Seinte Loy;
And she was cleped Madame Eglentyne.
Ful weel she soong the service dyvyne,
Entuned in hir nose ful semely,
And Frenssh she spak ful faire and
fetisly,
125 After the scole of Stratford-atte-Bowe, 125
For Frenssh of Parys was to hir
unknowe.
At mete wel ytaught was she with alle:
She leet no morsel from hir lippes falle,
Ne wette hir fyngres in hir sauce depe;
130 Wel koude she carie a morsel, and wel
kepe
That no drope ne fille upon hir brist. 130
In curteisie was set ful muche hir list.
Hire over-lippe wyped she so clene
That in hir coppe ther was no ferthyng
sene
135 Of grece, whan she dronken hadde hir
draughte.
Ful semely after hir mete she raughte. 135
And sikerly, she was of greet desport,
And ful plesaunt, and amyable of port,
And peyned hir to countrefete cheere
140 Of court, and been estatlich of manere,
And to ben holden digne of reverence.
But, for to speken of hir conscience,
She was so charitable and so pitous 140
She wolde wepe, if that she saugh a
mous
145 Kaught in a trappe, if it were deed or
bledde.
Of smale houndes hadde she, that she
fedde 145
With rosted flessh, or milk and wastel-
breed.
But soore weep she if oon of hem were
deed,
Or if men smoot it with a yerde smerte;
150 And al was conscience, and tendre herte.
Ful semyly hir wympul pynched was,
       There was also a nun, a PRIORESS,
Who, in her smiling, modest was and
coy;
Her greatest oath was but "By Saint
Eloy!"
And she was called Madam Eglantine.
Very well she sang the service divine,
Intoning through her nose, becomingly;
And she spoke French fairly and
fluently,
After the school of Stratford-at-the-Bow,
For French of Paris style she didn't
know.
At table her manners were well taught
withall,
And never let morsels from her lips fall,
Nor dipped her fingers deep in sauce, but
ate
With so much care the food upon her
plate
That no drop could fall upon her breast.
In courtesy she had delight and zest.
Her upper lip was always wiped so clean
That on her cup no speck or spot was
seen
Of grease, when she had drunk her
draught of wine.
Graciously she reached for food to dine.
And certainly delighting in good sport,
She was very pleasant, amiable - in
short.
She was in pains to imitate the cheer
Of courtliness, and stately manners here,
And would be held worthy of reverence.
But, to speak about her moral sense,
She was so charitable and solicitous
That she would weep if she but saw a
mouse
Caught in a trap, whether it were dead or
bled.
She had some little dogs, that she fed
On roasted flesh, or milk and fine white
bread.
But sorely she wept if one of them were
dead,
Or if men smote it with a stick to smart:
 Hire nose tretys, hir eyen greye as glas, 150
Hir mouth ful smal, and therto softe and
reed;
But sikerly she hadde a fair forheed;
155 It was almoost a spanne brood, I trowe;
For, hardily, she was nat undergrowe.
Ful fetys was hir cloke, as I was war;
Of smal coral aboute hir arm she bar
A peire of bedes, gauded al with grene, 155
160 An theron heng a brooch of gold ful
sheene,
On which ther was first write a crowned
A,
And after Amor vincit omnia.
160
Then pity ruled her, and her tender heart.
Very seemly her pleated wimple was;
Her nose was fine; her eyes were grey as
glass;
Her mouth was small and therewith soft
and red;
But certainly her forehead was fairly
spread;
It was almost a full span broad, I own,
To tell the truth, she was not
undergrown.
Her cloak, as I was well aware, had a
graceful charm
She wore a small coral trinket on her arm
A string of beads and gauded all with
green;
And therefrom hung a brooch of golden
sheen
Whereon there was engraved a crowned
"A,"
And under, Amor vincit omnia.

Next:
From General Prologue, lines 163-
164:
The Second Nun and Three Priests

General Prologue
lines 163-164: The Second Nun and Three Priests

      Another NONNE with hir hadde she,       Another NUN with her had she,
That was hire chapeleyne, and preestes Who was her chaplain; and priests, she
thre. had three.

Next:
From General Prologue, lines 165-
 207:
The Monk

General Prologue
lines 165-207: The Monk

165       A MONK ther was, a fair for the 165
maistrie,
An outridere, that lovede venerie,
A manly man, to been an abbot able.
Ful many a deyntee hors hadde he in
stable,
And whan he rood, men myghte his
brydel heere
170 Gynglen in a whistlynge wynd als cleere 170
And eek as loude, as dooth the chapel
belle.
Ther as this lord was keper of the celle,
The reule of Seint Maure, or of Seint
Beneit,
By cause that it was old and somdel
streit 175
175 This ilke Monk leet olde thynges pace,
And heeld after the newe world the
space.
He yaf nat of that text a pulled hen,
That seith that hunters beth nat hooly
men,
Ne that a monk, whan he is recchelees,
180 Is likned til a fissh that is waterlees,- 180
This is to seyn, a monk out of his
cloystre
But thilke text heeld he nat worth an
oystre;
And I seyde his opinioun was good.
What sholde he studie, and make
hymselven wood, 185
185 Upon a book in cloystre alwey to poure,
Or swynken with his handes and laboure,
As Austyn bit? How shal the world be
served?
Lat Austyn have his swynk to him
reserved!
Therfore he was a prikasour aright: 190
190 Grehoundes he hadde, as swift as fowel
in flight;
      A MONK there was, one of the finest
sort,
An outrider; hunting was his sport;
A manly man, to be an abbot able.
Very many excellent horses had he in
stable:
And when he rode men might his bridle
hear
Jingling in the whistling wind as clear,
Also, and as loud as does the chapel bell
Where this monk was governour of the
cell.
The rule of Maurus or Saint Benedict,
By reason it was somewhat old and
strict,
This same monk let such old things
slowly pace
And followed new-world manners in
their place.
He gave for that text not a plucked hen
Which holds that hunters are not holy
men;
Nor that a monk, when he is cloisterless,
Is like unto a fish that's waterless;
That is to say, a monk out of his cloister.
But this same text he held not worth an
oyster;
And I said his opinion was good.
Why should he study as a madman
would
Poring a book in a cloister cell? Or yet
Go labour with his hands and work and
sweat,
As Austin bids? How shall the world be
served?
Let Austin have his toil to him reserved.
Therefore he was a rider day and night;
Greyhounds he had, as fast as a bird in
flight.
Since riding and the hunting of the hare
 Of prikyng and of huntyng for the hare
Was al his lust, for no cost wolde he
spare.
I seigh his sleves purfiled at the hond
With grys, and that the fyneste of a lond;
195 And, for to festne his hood under his 195
chyn,
He hadde of gold ywroght a curious pyn;
A love-knotte in the gretter ende ther
was.
His heed was balled, that shoon as any
glas,
And eek his face, as it hadde been
enoynt. 200
200 He was a lord ful fat and in good poynt,
Hise eyen stepe, and rollynge in his
heed,
That stemed as a forneys of a leed;
His bootes souple, his hors in greet
estaat.
Now certeinly he was a fair prelaat;
205 He was nat pale as a forpyned goost. 205
A fat swan loved he best of any roost.
His palfrey was as broun as is a berye,
Next:
From General Prologue, lines 208-
271:
The Friar
General Prologue
lines 208-271: The Friar
       A FRERE ther was, a wantowne and
a merye,
A lymytour, a ful solempne man.
210 In alle the ordres foure is noon that kan 210
So muchel of daliaunce and fair langage.
Were all his love, for no cost would he
spare.
I saw his sleeves were made with fur at
the hand
With fine grey fur, the finest in the land;
Also, to fasten his hood under his chin,
He had made of wrought-gold a curious
pin:
A love-knot in the larger end there was.
His head was bald and shone like any
glass,
And smooth as one anointed was his
face.
Fat was this lord, he stood in goodly
case.
His bulging eyes he rolled about, and hot
They gleamed and red, like fire beneath
a pot;
His boots were soft; his horse of great
estate.
Now certainly he was a fine prelate:
He was not pale as some tormented
ghost.
A fat swan he loved best of any roast.
His palfrey was as brown as is a berry.
       A FRIAR there was, a wanton and a
merry,
A limiter, a very festive man.
In all the Four Orders is no one that can
Equal his gossip and well-spoken
 He hadde maad ful many a mariage
Of yonge wommen at his owene cost.
Unto his ordre he was a noble post,
215 And wel biloved and famulier was he
With frankeleyns overal in his contree,
And eek with worthy wommen of the
toun;
For he hadde power of confessioun,
As seyde hymself, moore than a curat,
220 For of his ordre he was licenciat.
Ful swetely herde he confessioun,
And plesaunt was his absolucioun:
He was an esy man to yeve penaunce,
Ther as he wiste to have a good pitaunce.
225 For unto a povre ordre for to yive
Is signe that a man is wel yshryve;
For, if he yaf, he dorste make avaunt,
He wiste that a man was repentaunt;
For many a man so harde is of his herte,
230 He may nat wepe, al thogh hym soore
smerte;
Therfore in stede of wepynge and
preyeres
Men moote yeve silver to the povre
freres.
His typet was ay farsed ful of knyves
And pynnes, for to yeven yonge wyves.
235 And certeinly he hadde a murye note:
Wel koude he synge, and pleyen on a
rote;
Of yeddynges he baar outrely the pris.
His nekke whit was as the flour-de-lys;
Therto he strong was as a champioun.
240 He knew the tavernes wel in every toun
And everich hostiler and tappestere
Bet than a lazar or a beggestere;
For unto swich a worthy man as he
Acorded nat, as by his facultee,
245 To have with sike lazars aqueyntaunce.
It is nat honeste, it may nat avaunce,
For to deelen with no swich poraille,
But al with riche and selleres of vitaille.
And over al, ther as profit sholde arise,
250 Curteis he was, and lowely of servyse.
Ther nas no man nowher so vertuous.
He was the beste beggere in his hous;
speech.
He had arranged many a marriage,
giving each
Of young women, and this at his own
cost.
For his order he was a noble post.
215 Highly liked by all and intimate was he
With franklins everywhere in his
country,
And with the worthy women living in
the city:
For his power of confession met no
equality
That's what he said, in the confession to
a curate,
220 For his order he was a licentiate.
He heard confession gently, it was said,
Gently absolved too, leaving no dread.
He was an easy man in penance-giving
He knew how to gain a fair living;
225 For to a begging friar, money given
Is sign that any man has been well
shriven.
For if one gave, he dared to boast
bluntly,
He took the man's repentance not lightly.
For many a man there is so hard of heart
230 He cannot weep however pains may
smart.
Therefore, instead of weeping and of
prayers,
Men should give silver to the poor friars.
His tippet was always stuffed with
pocket-knives
And pins, to give to young and pleasing
wives.
235 And certainly he possesed a merry note:
Well could he sing and play upon the
rote.
At ballad contests, he bore the prize
away.
His throat was white as the lily flower I
say;
Yet strong he was as every champion.
240 In towns he knew the taverns, every one,
And every good host and each barmaid
 (And yaf a certeyn ferme for the graunt
Noon of his brethren cam ther in his
haunt;)
255 For thogh a wydwe hadde noght a sho,
So plesaunt was his "In principio"
Yet wolde he have a ferthyng, er he 245
wente;
His purchas was wel bettre than his
rente.
And rage he koude, as it were right a
whelp.
260 In love-dayes ther koude he muchel help,
For there he was nat lyk a cloysterer 250
With a thredbare cope, as is a povre
scoler,
But he was lyk a maister or a pope;
Of double worstede was his semycope,
265 That rounded as a belle out of the presse.
Somwhat he lipsed for his wantownesse
To make his Englissh sweete upon his
tonge; 255
And in his harpyng, whan that he hadde
songe,
Hise eyen twynkled in his heed aryght
270 As doon the sterres in the frosty nyght.
This worthy lymytour was cleped
Huberd.
260
265
270
too -
Better than needy lepers and beggars,
these he knew.
For unto no such a worthy man as he
It's unsuitable, as far as he could see,
To have sick lepers for acquaintances.
There is no honest advantageousness
In dealing with such poor beggars;
It's with the rich victual-buyers and
sellers.
And generally, wherever profit might
arise,
Courteous he was and servicable in
men's eyes.
There was no other man so virtuous.
He was the finest beggar of his house;
(And gave a certain fee for his begging
rights,
None of his brethren dared approach his
hights;)
For though a widow had no shoes to
show,
So pleasant was his "In principio",
He always got a farthing before he went.
His revenue exceeded his costs, it is
evident.
And he could flirt as well as any pup.
He could help resolve disputes that were
brought up.
In this he was not like a cloisterer,
With threadbare cope like the poor
scholar,
But he was like a lord or like a pope.
Of double cloth was his semi-cope,
That rounded like a bell, as if straight
from the press.
He lisped a little, out of wantonness,
To make his English soft upon his
tongue;
And in his harping, when he had sung,
His two eyes twinkled in his head as
bright
As do the stars within the frosty night.
This worthy friar was named Hubert.
 Next:
From General Prologue, lines 272-
286:
The Merchant

General Prologue
lines 272-286: The Merchant

       A MARCHANT was ther with a        There was a MERCHANT with

forked berd,
In mottelee, and hye on horse he sat;
Upon his heed a Flaundryssh bever hat,
275 His bootes clasped faire and fetisly.
His resons he spak ful solempnely, 275
Sownynge alway th'encrees of his
wynnyng.
He wolde the see were kept for any
thyng
Bitwixe Middelburgh and Orewelle.
280 Wel koude he in eschaunge sheeldes
selle.
This worthy man ful wel his wit bisette;
Ther wiste no wight that he was in dette,
So estatly was he of his governaunce 280
With his bargaynes and with his
chevyssaunce.
285 For sothe, he was a worthy man with-
alle,
But, sooth to seyn, I noot how men hym
calle.
285
forked beard
In motley gown, and high on horse he
sat,
Upon his head a Flemish beaver hat;
His boots were fastened neatly and
elegantly.
He spoke out his opinions very
solemnly,
Stressing the times when he had won,
not lost.
He wanted the sea were guarded at any
cost
Between Middleburgh and the town of
Orwel.
He knew how to deal foreign currencies,
buy and sell.
This worthy man kept all his wits well
set;
There was no person that knew he was in
debt,
So well he managed all his trade affairs
With bargains and with borrowings and
with shares.
Indeed, he was a worthy man withall,
But, to tell the truth, his name I can't
recall.
 Next:
From General Prologue, lines 287-
310:
The Clerk
General Prologue
lines 287-310: The Clerk
       A CLERK ther was of Oxenford
also,
That unto logyk hadde longe ygo.
As leene was his hors as is a rake,
290 And he nas nat right fat, I undertake,
But looked holwe and therto sobrely.
Ful thredbare was his overeste courtepy;
For he hadde geten hym yet no benefice,
Ne was so worldly for to have office.
295 For hym was levere have at his beddes
heed
Twenty bookes, clad in blak or reed,
Of Aristotle and his philosophie,
Than robes riche, or fithele, or gay
sautrie.
But al be that he was a philosophre,
300 Yet hadde he but litel gold in cofre;
But al that he myghte of his freendes
hente,
On bookes and on lernynge he it spente,
And bisily gan for the soules preye
Of hem that yaf hym wherwith to
scoleye.
305 Of studie took he moost cure and moost
heede.
Noght o word spak he moore than was
neede,
And that was seyd in forme and
reverence,
And short and quyk, and ful of hy
sentence;
Sownynge in moral vertu was his
speche,
310 And gladly wolde he lerne, and gladly
teche.
       A CLERK from Oxford was there
also,
Who'd studied philosophy, long ago.
As lean was his horse as is a rake,
290 And he too was not fat, that I take,
But he looked emaciated, moreover,
abstemiously.
Very worn off was his overcoat; for he
Had got him yet no churchly benefice,
Nor he was worldly to accept secular
office.
295 For he would rather have at his bed's
head
Some twenty books, all bound in black
or red,
Of Aristotle and his philosophy
Than rich robes, fiddle, or gay psaltery.
Yet, and for all he was philosopher in
base,
300 He had but little gold within his suitcase;
But all that he might borrow from a
friend
On books and learning he would swiftly
spend,
And then he'd pray diligently for the
souls
Of those who gave him resources to
attend schools.
305 He took utmost care and heed for his
study.
Not one word spoke he more than was
necessary;
And that was said with due formality and
dignity
And short and lively, and full of high

310
Next:
From General Prologue, lines 311-
332:
The Sergeant of the Law
General Prologue
lines 311-332: The Sergeant of the Law
       A SERGEANT OF THE LAWE,
war and wys,
That often hadde been at the Parvys,
Ther was also, ful riche of excellence.
Discreet he was, and of greet reverence-
315 He semed swich, hise wordes weren so
wise.
Justice he was ful often in assise, 315
By patente, and by pleyn commissioun.
For his science, and for his heigh renoun,
Of fees and robes hadde he many oon.
320 So greet a purchasour was nowher noon:
Al was fee symple to hym in effect,
His purchasyng myghte nat been infect.
Nowher so bisy a man as he ther nas,
And yet he semed bisier than he was.
325 In termes hadde he caas and doomes alle 320
That from the tyme of Kyng William
were falle.
Therto he koude endite and make a
thyng,
Ther koude no wight pynche at his
writyng;
And every statut koude he pleyn by rote. 325
330 He rood but hoomly in a medlee cote
Girt with a ceint of silk, with barres
smale;
Of his array telle I no lenger tale.
330
morality.
Filled with moral virtue was his speech;
And gladly would he learn and gladly
teach.
       A SERGEANT OF THE LAW,
keen and wise,
Who'd often been at St. Paul's Porch, to
advise,
There was also, rich of superior quality
Disinterested he was, and of great
dignity;
At least it seemed so, his words were so
wise.
Often he was a judge in court, in assize,
By royal assignment or commission
giving jurisdiction;
Because of his knowledge and high
reputation,
He took large fees, had robes more than
one.
So great a land-buyer there was none.
All was fee simple to him, in effect,
Wherefore his claims could never be
suspect.
Nowhere a man so busy of his class,
And yet he seemed much busier than he
was.
He knew all convictions, common and
crime
Recorded since King William's time.
And he could write a contract so explicit
Not any man could trace a fault in it;
And every law he knew entirely by rote.
He rode but simply in a medley coat,

Next:
From General Prologue, lines 333-
362:
The Franklin
General Prologue
lines 333-362: The Franklin
       A FRANKELEYN was in his
compaignye.
Whit was his berd as is a dayesye;
335 Of his complexioun he was sangwyn.
Wel loved he by the morwe a sope in
wyn,;
To lyven in delit was evere his wone,
For he was Epicurus owene sone,
That heeld opinioun that pleyn delit
340 Was verray felicitee parfit.
An housholdere, and that a greet, was he;
Seint Julian was he in his contree.
His breed, his ale, was alweys after oon,
A bettre envyned man was nowher noon.
345 Withoute bake mete was nevere his hous
Of fissh and flessh, and that so
plentevous,
It snewed in his hous of mete and
drynke,
Of alle deyntees that men koude thynke.
After the sondry sesons of the yeer,
350 So chaunged he his mete and his soper.
Ful many a fat partrich hadde he in
muwe,
And many a breem and many a luce in
stuwe.
Wo was his cook, but if his sauce were
Poynaunt and sharp, and redy al his
Girded with a belt of silk, with little bars,
But of his outfit no more particulars.
        There was a FRANKLIN in his
company;
White was his beard as is the white
daisy.
335 Of sanguine temperament by every sign,
He loved to dip his morning bread in
wine.
A pleasing live was the custom he'd won,
For he was Epicurus' very son,
That held opinion that plain and pure
delight
340 Was true happiness, perfect and right.
A householder, and that a great, was he;
Saint Julian he was in his own country.
His bread, his ale were always good and
fine;
No man had cellars better stocked with
wine.
345 His house was never short of food and
pies
Of fish and flesh, and these in large
supplies
It seemed to snow therein both food and
drink
Of every dainty that a man could think.
According to the various seasons of the
year
350 He changed lunch and changed his
 geere.
355 His table dormant in his halle alway
Stood redy covered al the longe day.
At sessiouns ther was he lord and sire;
Ful ofte tyme he was knyght of the shire.
An anlaas and a gipser al of silk
360 Heeng at his girdel, whit as morne milk.
A shirreve hadde he been, and a
countour. 355
Was nowher swich a worthy vavasour.
360
supper.
Very many fattened partridges he kept in
a mew,
And many a bream and pike in fish-pond
too.
Woe to his cook, unless the sauces were
Poignant and sharp, and ready all his
gear.
His dining table, waiting in his hall, I
say,
Stood ready covered throughout the
whole day.
At county sessions he was lord and sire,
And often acted as a knight of shire.
A dagger and a purse all of silk
Hung at his belt, white as morning milk.
He had been sheriff and been tax auditor;
There was nowhere such a worthy
vavasor.

Next:
From General Prologue, lines 363-380:
The Haberdasher, Carpenter, Arras-maker, Dyer
and Weaver

General Prologue
lines 363-380: The Haberdasher, Carpenter, Arras-maker, Dyer and Weaver

       An HABERDASSHERE and a        A HABERDASHER and a

CARPENTER, CARPENTER,
A WEBBE, a DYERE, and a An ARRAS-MAKER, DYER, and
TAPYCER,- WEAVER
365 And they were clothed alle in o lyveree 365 Were with us, clothed in the same livery,
Of a solempne and a greet fraternitee. All of one solemn, great fraternity.
Ful fressh and newe hir geere apiked Freshly and new their gear, and well
was; adorned it was;
Hir knyves were chaped noght with bras, Their weapons were not cheaply shaped
But al with silver; wroght ful clene and with brass,
weel, But all with silver; neatly made and well
370 Hire girdles and hir pouches everydeel. 370
Wel semed ech of hem a fair burgeys
To sitten in a yeldehalle on a deys.
Everich, for the wisdom that he kan,
Was shaply for to been an alderman.
375 For catel hadde they ynogh and rente,
And eek hir wyves wolde it wel assente;
And elles certeyn, were they to blame. 375
It is ful fair to been ycleped "madame,"
And goon to vigilies al bifore,
380 And have a mantel roialliche ybore.
380
Next:
From General Prologue, lines 381-
389:
The Cook
General Prologue
lines 381-389: The Cook
       A COOK they hadde with hem for
the nones
To boille the chiknes with the
marybones,
And poudre-marchant tart, and
galyngale.
Wel koude he knowe a draughte of
London ale. 385
385 He koude rooste, and sethe, and broille,
and frye,
Maken mortreux, and wel bake a pye.
But greet harm was it, as it thoughte me,
Their belt and their purses too, I tell.
Each man of them appeared a proper
citizen
To sit in guildhall on a dais, he can
And each of them, for wisdom he could
span,
Was suitable to serve as an alderman;
For property they'd enough, and income
too;
Besides their wives declared it was their
due,
Or else for certain they had been to
blame.
It's good to hear "Madam" before one's
name,
And go to church when all the world
may see,
Having one's gown carried right royally.
       A COOK they had with them, just
for once,
To boil the chickens with the marrow-
bones,
And poudre-marchant tart and galingale.
He knew how to recognize a draught of
London ale.
And he could roast and boil and broil
and fry,
And prepare a stew, and bake a tasty pie.
But a pity it was, it seemed to me,
That on his shin an open sore had he;
 That on his shyne a mormal hadde he.
For blankmanger, that made he with the
beste.
Next:
From General Prologue, lines 390-
412:
The Shipman
General Prologue
lines 390-412: The Shipman
390        A SHIPMAN was ther, wonynge fer 390
by weste;
For aught I woot, he was of
Dertemouthe.
He rood upon a rouncy, as he kouthe,
In a gowne of faldyng to the knee.
A daggere hangynge on a laas hadde he
395 Aboute his nekke, under his arm adoun.
The hoote somer hadde maad his hewe al 395
broun,
And certeinly he was a good felawe.
Ful many a draughte of wyn had he
ydrawe
Fro Burdeux-ward, whil that the
chapman sleep.
400 Of nyce conscience took he no keep.
If that he faught, and hadde the hyer
hond,
By water he sente hem hoom to every
lond.
But of his craft, to rekene wel his tydes,
His stremes, and his daungers hym
bisides,
405 His herberwe and his moone, his
lodemenage,
Ther nas noon swich from Hulle to
Cartage.
For sweet blanc-mange, he made it with
the best.
       There was a SAILOR, living far out
west;
For all I know, he was of Dartmouth
town.
He sadly rode a carthorse, in a gown,
Of thick woolen cloth that reached unto
the knee.
A dagger hanging on a cord had he
About his neck, under his arm, and
down.
The hot summer had burned his face all
brown;
And certainly he was a person fine.
Very often he took a draught of wine,
Of Bordeaux vintage, while the trader
slept.
400 Nice conscience was a thing he never
kept.
And if he fought and got the upper hand,
By water he sent them home to every
land.
But as for craft, to calculate his tides,
His currents and the dangerous
watersides,
405 His harbours, and his moon, his pilotage,
There was none such from Hull to far
Carthage.
 Hardy he was, and wys to undertake;
With many a tempest hadde his berd
been shake.
He knew alle the havenes as they were,
410 From Gootlond to the Cape of Fynystere,
And every cryke in Britaigne and in 410
Spayne.
His barge ycleped was the Maudelayne.
Next:
From General Prologue, lines 413-
446:
The Physician
General Prologue
lines 413-446: The Physician
       With us ther was a DOCTOUR OF
PHISIK;
In al this world ne was ther noon hym
lik, 415
415 To speke of phisik and of surgerye,
For he was grounded in astronomye.
He kepte his pacient a ful greet deel
In houres, by his magyk natureel.
Wel koude he fortunen the ascendent
420 Of his ymages for his pacient.
He knew the cause of everich maladye,
Were it of hoot, or coold, or moyste, or 420
drye,
And where they engendred, and of what
humour.
He was a verray parfit praktisour:
Hardy and wise in all things undertaken,
By many tempests had his beard been
shaken.
He knew well all the havens, how they
were,
From Gottland to the Cape of Finisterre,
And every creek in Brittany and Spain;
His vessel had been called the
Madeleine.
       With us there was a DOCTOR OF
MEDICINE;
In all this world there was none like him
To speak of medicine and surgery;
For he was instructed in astronomy.
He cared for and saved a patient many
times
By natural science and studying
astrological signs.
Well could he calculate the planetary
position
To improve the state his patient is in.
He knew the cause of every sickness,
Whether it brings heat or cold, moisture
or dryness,
And where engendered, and of what
425 The cause yknowe, and of his harm the
roote,
Anon he yaf the sike man his boote.
Ful redy hadde he hise apothecaries
To sende him drogges and his letuaries,
For ech of hem made oother for to
wynne-
430 Hir frendshipe nas nat newe to bigynne.
Wel knew he the olde Esculapius,
And Deyscorides and eek Rufus,
Olde Ypocras, Haly, and Galyen,
Serapioun, Razis, and Avycen,
435 Averrois, Damascien, and Constantyn,
Bernard, and Gatesden, and Gilbertyn.
Of his diete mesurable was he,
For it was of no superfluitee,
But of greet norissyng, and digestible.
440 His studie was but litel on the Bible.
In sangwyn and in pers he clad was al,
Lyned with taffata and with sendal;
And yet he was but esy of dispence;
He kepte that he wan in pestilence.
445 For gold in phisik is a cordial,
Therfore he lovede gold in special.
Next:
From General Prologue, lines 447-
478:
The Wife of Bath
General Prologue
lines 447-478: The Wife of Bath
humour;
He was a very good practitioner.
425 The cause being known, the root of the
malady,
At once he gave to the sick man his
remedy.
Prepared he was, with his apothecaries,
To send him drugs and all electuaries;
By mutual aid much gold they'd always
won-
430 Their friendship was a thing not new
begun.
Well he knew the old Esculapius,
And Deiscorides, and also Rufus,
Old Hippocrates, Hali, and Galen,
Serapion, Rhazes, and Avicen,
435 Averroes, Gilbertus, and Constantine,
Bernard and Gatisden, and John
Damascene.
In diet he was modest as could be,
No one could blame him of superfluity,
But greatly nourishin and digestible.
440 His study was but little on the Bible.
Blue and scarlet his clothes were
therewithal,
Lined with taffeta and with sendal;
And yet he was right careful of expense;
He kept the gold he gained from
pestilence.
445 Since gold in physic is a cordial,
Therefore he loved his gold exceeding
all.
        A good WIF was ther, OF biside
BATHE,
But she was somdel deef, and that was
scathe.
Of clooth-makyng she hadde swich an 450
haunt,
450 She passed hem of Ypres and of Gaunt.
In al the parisshe wif ne was ther noon
That to the offrynge bifore hire sholde
goon;
And if ther dide, certeyn so wrooth was 455
she,
That she was out of alle charitee.
455 Hir coverchiefs ful fyne weren of
ground;
I dorste swere they weyeden ten pound
That on a Sonday weren upon hir heed.
Hir hosen weren of fyn scarlet reed,
Ful streite yteyd, and shoes ful moyste
and newe.
460 Boold was hir face, and fair, and reed of 460
hewe.
She was a worthy womman al hir lyve:
Housbondes at chirche dore she hadde
fyve,
Withouthen oother compaignye in
youthe, -
But therof nedeth nat to speke as nowthe.
465 And thries hadde she been at Jerusalem;
She hadde passed many a straunge 465
strem;
At Rome she hadde been, and at
Boloigne,
In Galice at Seint-Jame, and at Coloigne.
She koude muchel of wandrynge by the
weye.
470 Gat-tothed was she, soothly for to seye.
Upon an amblere esily she sat, 470
Ywympled wel, and on hir heed an hat
As brood as is a bokeler or a targe;
A foot-mantel aboute hir hipes large,
475 And on hir feet a paire of spores sharpe.
In felaweshipe wel koude she laughe and
carpe.
Of remedies of love she knew per 475
       There was a WIFE of BATH, or a
near city,
Who was somewhat deaf, it is a pity.
At making clothes she had a skillful hand
She bettered those of Ypres and of
Ghent.
In all the parish there was no wife to go
And proceed her in offering, it is so;
And if one did, indeed, so angry was she
It put her out of all her charity.
Her head-dresses were of finest weave
and ground;
I dare swear that they weighed about ten
pound
Which, on a Sunday, she wore on her
head.
Her stockings were of the finest scarlet
red,
Tightly fastened, and her shoes were soft
and new.
Bold was her face, and fair, and red of
hue.
She'd been respectable throughout her
life,
Married in church, husbands she had
five,
Not counting other company in youth;
But thereof there's no need to speak, in
truth.
Three times she'd travelled to Jerusalem;
And many a foreign stream she'd had to
stem;
At Rome she'd been, and she'd been in
Boulogne,
In Spain at Santiago, and at Cologne.
She could tell much of wandering by the
way:
Gap-toothed was she, it is the truth I say.
Upon a pacing horse easily she sat,
Wearing a large wimple, and over all a
hat
As broad as is a buckler or a targe;
An overskirt was tucked around her
buttocks large,
And her feet spurred sharply under that.
 chaunce,
For she koude of that art the olde
daunce.
General Prologue
lines 479-530: The Parson
       A good man was ther of religioun,
480 And was a povre PERSOUN OF A 480
TOUN,
But riche he was of hooly thoght and
werk.
He was also a lerned man, a clerk,
That Cristes gospel trewely wolde
preche;
His parisshens devoutly wolde he teche.
485 Benynge he was, and wonder diligent, 485
And in adversitee ful pacient,
And swich he was ypreved ofte sithes.
Ful looth were hym to cursen for his
tithes,
But rather wolde he yeven, out of doute,
490 Unto his povre parisshens aboute
Of his offryng and eek of his substaunce. 490
He koude in litel thyng have suffisaunce.
Wyd was his parisshe, and houses fer
asonder,
But he ne lefte nat, for reyn ne thonder,
495 In siknesse nor in meschief to visite
The ferreste in his parisshe, muche and 495
lite,
Upon his feet, and in his hand a staf.
This noble ensample to his sheep he yaf,
That first he wroghte, and afterward he
taughte.
In company well could she laugh and
chat.
The remedies of love she knew,
perchance,
For of that art she'd learned the old, old
dance.
Next:
From General Prologue, lines 479-
530:
The Parson
       A good man was there of religion,
He was a poor COUNTRY PARSON,
But rich he was in holy thought and
work.
He was a learned man also, a clerk,
Who Christ's own gospel truly sought to
preach;
Devoutly his parishioners would he
teach.
Gracious he was and wondrously
diligent,
Patient in adversity and well content,
Many times thus proven had he
He excommunicated not to force a fee,
But rather would he give, there is no
doubt,
Unto his poor parishioners about,
Some of his income, even of his
property.
He could in little find sufficiency.
Wide was his parish, houses far asunder,
But never did he fail, for rain or thunder,
In sickness, or in sin, or any state,
To visit the farthest, regardless their
financial state,
Going by foot, and in his hand, a stave.
This fine example to his flock he gave,
That first he wrought and afterwards he
500 Out of the gosple he tho wordes caughte,
And this figure he added eek therto, 500
That if gold ruste, what shal iren do?
For if a preest be foul, on whom we
truste,
No wonder is a lewed man to ruste;
505 And shame it is, if a prest take keep,
A shiten shepherde and a clene sheep.
Wel oghte a preest ensample for to yive,
By his clennesse, how that his sheep 505
sholde lyve.
He sette nat his benefice to hyre
510 And leet his sheep encombred in the
myre
And ran to Londoun unto Seinte Poules
To seken hym a chaunterie for soules,
Or with a bretherhed to been witholde;
But dwelt at hoom, and kepte wel his
folde, 510
515 So that the wolf ne made it nat myscarie;
He was a shepherde and noght a
mercenarie.
And though he hooly were and vertuous,
He was to synful men nat despitous,
Ne of his speche daungerous ne digne,
520 But in his techyng discreet and benygne;
To drawen folk to hevene by fairnesse, 515
By good ensample, this was his
bisynesse.
But it were any persone obstinat,
What so he were, of heigh or lough estat,
525 Hym wolde he snybben sharply for the
nonys.
A bettre preest I trowe, that nowher noon 520
ys.
He waited after no pompe and reverence,
Ne maked him a spiced conscience,
But Cristes loore, and Hise apostles
twelve
530 He taughte, but first he folwed it 525
hymselve.
530
taught;
Out of the gospel then that text he
caught,
And this metaphor he added thereunto -
That, if gold would rust, what shall iron
do?
For if the priest be foul, in whom we
trust,
No wonder that a layman thinks of lust?
And shame it is, if priest take thought for
keep,
A shitty shepherd, looking after clean
sheep.
A trully good example a priest should
give,
Is his own chastity, how his flock should
live.
He never let his benefice for hire,
And leave his sheep encumbered in the
mire,
And ran to London, up to old Saint
Paul's
To get himself a chantry there for souls,
Nor in some fraternity did he withhold;
But dwelt at home and kept so well the
fold
That never wolf could make his plans
miscarry;
He was a shepherd and not mercenary.
And holy though he was, and virtuous,
To sinners he was not impiteous,
Nor haughty in his speech, nor too
divine,
But in all teaching courteous and benign.
To lead folk into Heaven by means of
gentleness
By good example was his business.
But if some sinful one proved obstinate,
Whoever, of high or low financial state,
He put to sharp rebuke, to say the least.
I think there never was a better priest.
He had no thirst for pomp or ceremony,
Nor spiced his conscience and morality,
But Christ's own law, and His apostles'
twelve
He taught, but first he followed it
 himselve.

Next:
From General Prologue, lines 531-
543:
The Plowman

General Prologue
lines 531-543: The Plowman

       With hym ther was a PLOWMAN,
was his brother,
That hadde ylad of dong ful many a
fother;
A trewe swynkere and a good was he,
Lyvynge in pees and parfit charitee.
535 God loved he best with al his hoole herte 535
At alle tymes, thogh him gamed or
smerte,
And thanne his neighebor right as hym-
selve.
He wolde thresshe, and therto dyke and
delve,
For Cristes sake, for every povre wight
540 Withouten hire, if it lay in his myght.
Hise tithes payed he ful faire and wel, 540
Bothe of his propre swynk and his catel.
In a tabard he rood, upon a mere.
        With him there was a PLOWMAN,
his brother,
That loaded many carts with dung, and
many other
Had transported; a true worker was he,
Living in peace and perfect charity.
He loved God most, and that with his
whole heart
At all times, whether it was easy or hard,
And next, his neighbour, even as
himself.
He'd thresh and dig, and never thought of
wealth,
For Christ's own sake, for every person
poor,
Without payment, if his power could
assure.
He paid his taxes, fully, when it was due,
Both by his toil and possessions he'd sell
too.
In a tabard he rode upon a mare.

Next:
From General Prologue, lines 544-
568:
The Miller
 General Prologue
lines 544-568: The Miller
       Ther was also a REVE and a
MILLERE,
545 A SOMNOUR and a PARDONER also, 545
A MAUNCIPLE, and myself - ther were
namo.
       The MILLERE was a stout carl for
the nones;
Ful byg he was of brawn and eek of
bones-
That proved wel, for over al ther he cam
550 At wrastlynge he wolde have alwey the
ram.
He was short-sholdred, brood, a thikke
knarre,
Ther was no dore that he nolde heve of
harre,
Or breke it at a rennyng with his heed.
His berd as any sowe or fox was reed,
555 And therto brood, as though it were a
spade.
Upon the cop right of his nose he hade
A werte, and thereon stood a toft of
herys,
Reed as the brustles of a sowes erys;
Hise nosethirles blake were and wyde.
560 A swerd and bokeler bar he by his syde.
His mouth as greet was as a greet
forneys.
He was a janglere and a goliardeys,
And that was moost of synne and
harlotries.
Wel koude he stelen corn, and tollen
thries;
565 And yet he hadde a thombe of gold,
pardee.
A whit cote and a blew hood wered he.
A baggepipe wel koude he blowe and
sowne,
       A REEVE and a MILLER were also
there;
A SUMMONER, MANCIPLE and
PARDONER,
All these, beside myself, there were no
more.
       The MILLER was a strong fellow,
be it known,
Hardy, big of brawn and big of bone;
Which was well proved, for wherever a
festive day
550 At wrestling, he always took the prize
away.
He was stoutly built, broad and heavy;
He lifted each door from its hinges, that
easy,
Or break it through, by running, with his
head.
His beard, as any sow or fox, was red,
555 And broad it was as if it were a spade.
Upon his nose right on the top he had
A wart, and thereon stood a tuft of hairs,
Red as the bristles in an old sow's ears;
His nostrils they were black and wide.
560 A sword and buckler he carried by his
side.
His mouth was like a furnace door for
size.
He was a jester and knew some poetry,
But mostly all of sin and obscenity.
He could steal corn and three times
charge his fee;
565 And yet indeed he had a thumb of gold.
A blue hood he wore and a white coat;
A bagpipe he could blow well, up and
down,
And with that same he brought us out of
town.
 And therwithal he broghte us out of
towne.
Next:
From General Prologue, lines 569-
588:
The Manciple
General Prologue
lines 569-588: The Manciple
       A gentil MAUNCIPLE was ther of a
temple,
570 Of which achatours myghte take 570
exemple
For to be wise in byynge of vitaille;
For wheither that he payde or took by
taille,
Algate he wayted so in his achaat
That he was ay biforn, and in good staat.
575 Now is nat that of God a ful fair grace,
That swich a lewed mannes wit shal pace 575
The wisdom of an heep of lerned men?
Of maistres hadde he mo than thries ten,
That weren of lawe expert and curious,
580 Of whiche ther weren a duszeyne in that
hous
Worthy to been stywardes of rente and 580
lond
Of any lord that is in Engelond,
To maken hym lyve by his propre good,
In honour dettelees (but if he were
wood),
585 Or lyve as scarsly as hym list desire,
And able for to helpen al a shire
In any caas that myghte falle or happe- 585
And yet this Manciple sette hir aller
cappe.
       The MANCIPLE was from the Inner
Temple,
To whom all buyers might think of as an
example
To learn the art of buying victuals;
Cash or credit, he knew all the rituals,
That he knew the markets, watched them
closely,
And found himself ahead, he did quit
nicely.
Now is it not of God's very fair grace
That such a vulgar man has wit to pace
The wisdom of a crowd of learned men?
Of masters had he more than three times
ten,
Who were in law expert and curious;
Whereof there were a dozen in that
house
Fit to be stewards of both rent and land
Of any lord in England who would stand
To make him live by his own wealth and
fee,
In honour, debtless (unless his head was
crazy),
Or live as economically as he might
desire;
These men were able to have helped a
shire
 In any case that ever might occur;
And yet this manciple covered their sight
with blur.

Next:
From General Prologue, lines 589-
624:
The Reeve

General Prologue
lines 589-624: The Reeve

       The REVE was a sclendre colerik
man.
590 His berd was shave as ny as ever he kan; 590
His heer was by his erys ful round
yshorn;
His top was dokked lyk a preest biforn.
Ful longe were his legges, and ful lene,
Ylyk a staf, ther was no calf ysene.
595 Wel koude he kepe a gerner and a bynne;
Ther was noon auditour koude on him
wynne.
Wel wiste he by the droghte and by the 595
reyn,
The yeldynge of his seed and of his
greyn.
His lordes sheep, his neet, his dayerye,
600 His swyn, his hors, his stoor, and his
pultrye,
Was hoolly in this Reves governynge, 600
And by his covenant yaf the rekenynge,
Syn that his lord was twenty yeer of age,
Ther koude no man brynge hym in
arrerage.
605 Ther nas baillif, ne hierde, nor oother
hyne,
That he ne knew his sleighte and his 605
covyne;
       The REEVE was a slender choleric
man
Who shaved his beard as close as ever he
can.
His hair was closely cropped around his
ears;
His head, the top was cut alike a
pulpiteer's.
Long were his legs, and they were very
lean,
And like a staff, with no calf to be seen.
Well could he manage granary and bin;
No auditor could ever find anything.
He could foretell, by drought and by the
rain,
The yielding of his seed and of his grain.
His lord's sheep and his cattle and his
dairy cows,
His swine and horses, his stores, his
poultry house,
Were wholly in the Reve his managing;
And, by agreement, he'd gave reckoning
Since his young lord of age was twenty
years;
Yet no man ever found him in arrears.
There was no agent, herd, or servant
who'd cheat;
 They were adrad of hym as of the deeth.
His wonyng was ful faire upon an heeth;
With grene trees shadwed was his place.
610 He koude bettre than his lord purchace.
Ful riche he was astored pryvely:
His lord wel koude he plesen subtilly,
To yeve and lene hym of his owene 610
good,
And have a thank, and yet a cote and
hood.
615 In youthe he hadde lerned a good
myster;
He was a wel good wrighte, a carpenter.
This Reve sat upon a ful good stot,
That was al pomely grey, and highte
Scot.
A long surcote of pers upon he hade, 615
620 And by his syde he baar a rusty blade.
Of Northfolk was this Reve, of which I
telle,
Bisyde a toun men clepen Baldeswelle.
Tukked he was as is a frere aboute,
And evere he rood the hyndreste of oure
route.
620
Next:
From General Prologue, lines 625-
670:
The Summoner
General Prologue
lines 625-670: The Summoner
He knew too well their cunning and
deceit;
They were afraid of him as of the death.
His cottage was a good one, on a heath;
By green trees shaded was his dwelling-
place.
Much better than his lord could he
purchase.
Very rich and well he was provided all
secretly,
He knew well how to please his lord
subtly,
By giving him, or lending, of his own
goods,
And so got thanked - but yet got coats
and hoods.
In youth he'd learned a good trade, and
had been
A carpenter, good skillful and keen.
This Reve sat on a horse that could well
trot,
And was all dapple grey, and was named
Scot.
A long surcoat of blue did he parade,
And at his side he bore a rusty blade.
Of Norfolk was this Reeve of whom I
tell,
From near a town that men call
Badeswell.
His coat was like a friar's tightly closed,
From our company he rode always
hindmost.
625        A SOMONOUR was ther with us in 625
that place,
That hadde a fyr-reed cherubynnes face,
For saucefleem he was, with eyen narwe.
As hoot he was and lecherous as a
sparwe,
With scalled browes blake, and piled
berd,
630 Of his visage children were aferd. 630
Ther nas quyk-silver, lytarge, ne
brymstoon,
Boras, ceruce, ne oille of tartre noon,
Ne oynement, that wolde clense and
byte,
That hym myghte helpen of his whelkes
white,
635 Nor of the knobbes sittynge on his 635
chekes.
Wel loved he garleek, oynons, and eek
lekes,
And for to drynken strong wyn, reed as
blood;
Thanne wolde he speke and crie as he
were wood.
And whan that he wel dronken hadde the 640
wyn,
640 Than wolde he speke no word but Latyn.
A fewe termes hadde he, two or thre,
That he had lerned out of som decree-
No wonder is, he herde it al the day,
And eek ye knowen wel how that a jay
645 Kan clepen "Watte" as wel as kan the
pope.
But whoso koude in oother thyng hym 645
grope,
Thanne hadde he spent al his
philosophie;
Ay "Questio quid iuris" wolde he crie.
He was a gentil harlot and a kynde;
650 A bettre felawe sholde men noght fynde;
He wolde suffre, for a quart of wyn,
A good felawe to have his concubyn 650
A twelf-monthe, and excuse hym atte
fulle;
Ful prively a fynch eek koude he pulle.
       A SUMMONER was with us in that
place,
Who had a fiery-red, cherubic face,
All pimpled it was; his eyes were narrow
As hot he was, and lecherous, as a
sparrow;
With black and scabby brows and scanty
beard;
He had a face that little children feared.
There was no mercury, sulphur, or
litharge,
No borax, ceruse, tartar, could discharge,
Nor ointment that could cleanse enough,
or bite,
To free him of his boils and pimples
white,
Nor of the knobs located on his cheeks.
Well loved he garlic, onions, and also
leeks,
And drink strong blood red wine untill
dizzy.
Then would he talk and shout as if he's
crazy.
And when a deal of wine he'd taken in,
Then would he utter no word except
Latin.
Some phrases had he learned, say two or
three,
Which he had learned out of some
decree;
No wonder, he had heard it all the day;
And all you know right well that even a
jay
Can call out "Walter" better than the
Pope.
But if, to try his wits in him you'd grope,
'Twas found he'd spent his whole
philosophy;
Always "Questio quid juris" would he
cry.
He was a noble rascal, and a kind;
A better comrade would be hard to find.
Why, he would suffer, for a quart of
wine,
Some good fellow to have his concubine
655 And if he foond owher a good felawe,
He wolde techen him to have noon awe,
In swich caas, of the ercedekenes curs,
But if a mannes soule were in his purs;
For in his purs he sholde ypunysshed be. 655
660 "Purs is the erchedekenes helle," seyde
he.
But wel I woot he lyed right in dede;
Of cursyng oghte ech gilty man him
drede,
For curs wol slee, right as assoillyng
savith,
And also war him of a Significavit.
665 In daunger hadde he at his owene gise 660
The yonge girles of the diocise,
And knew hir conseil, and was al hir
reed.
A gerland hadde he set upon his heed
As greet as it were for an ale-stake;
670 A bokeleer hadde he maad him of a cake.665
670
Next:
From General Prologue, lines 671-
716:
The Pardoner
General Prologue
lines 671-716: The Pardoner
       With hym ther rood a gentil
PARDONER
Of Rouncivale, his freend and his
A twelve-month, and excuse him to the
full
(Secretly, though he knew how a trick to
pull).
And if he found somewhere a good
fellow,
He would instruct him never to have
awe,
In such a case, of the archdeacon's curse,
Unless a man's soul were within his
purse;
For in his purse the man should punished
be.
"The purse is the archdeacon's hell," said
he.
But well I know he lied in what he said;
A curse ought every guilty man to dread
(For curse can kill, as absolution save),
And also be aware of Significavit.
In his own power had he, and at ease,
Young people of the entire diocese,
And knew their secrets, they did what he
said.
A garland had he set upon his head,
Large as a tavern's road sign on a stake;
He'd made himself a buckler from a
cake.
       With him there rode a noble
PARDONER
Of Rouncival, his friend and his
 compeer,
That streight was comen fro the court of
Rome.
Ful loude he soong "Com hider, love, to
me!"
675 This Somonour bar to hym a stif 675
burdoun;
Was nevere trompe of half so greet a
soun.
This Pardoner hadde heer as yelow as
wex,
But smothe it heeng as dooth a strike of
flex;
By ounces henge his lokkes that he 680
hadde,
680 And therwith he hise shuldres
overspradde;
But thynne it lay by colpons oon and
oon.
But hood, for jolitee, wered he noon,
For it was trussed up in his walet.
Hym thoughte he rood al of the newe jet; 685
685 Dischevelee, save his cappe, he rood al
bare.
Swiche glarynge eyen hadde he as an
hare.
A vernycle hadde he sowed upon his
cappe.
His walet lay biforn hym in his lappe 690
Bretful of pardoun come from Rome al
hoot.
690 A voys he hadde as smal as hath a goot,
No berd hadde he, ne nevere sholde
have;
As smothe it was as it were late shave,
I trowe he were a geldyng or a mare.
But of his craft, from Berwyk into Ware, 695
695 Ne was ther swich another pardoner;
For in his male he hadde a pilwe-beer,
Which that he seyde was Oure Lady
veyl:
He seyde he hadde a gobet of the seyl
That Seint Peter hadde, whan that he
wente 700
700 Upon the see, til Jesu Crist hym hente.
He hadde a croys of latoun ful of stones,
compeer;
Straight from the court of Rome had
journeyed he.
Loudly he sang "Come hither, love, to
me,"
The summoner added a strong bass to his
song;
No horn ever sounded half so strong.
This pardoner had hair as yellow as wax,
But smooth it hung as does a strike of
flax;
In driplets hung his locks behind his
head,
Down to his shoulders which they
overspread;
But thin they dropped, these strings, all
one by one.
He had no hood, it was for sport and fun,
Though it was packed in knapsack all the
while.
It seemed to him he rode in latest style,
With unbound hair, except his cap, head
all bare.
As shiny eyes he had as has a hare.
He had a fine Veronica sewed to his cap.
His knapsack lay before him in his lap,
Stuffed full with pardons brought from
Rome all hot.
A voice he had that sounded like a goat.
No beard had he, nor ever should he
have,
For smooth his face as he'd just had a
shave;
I think he was a gelding or a mare.
But in his craft, from Berwick unto
Ware,
Was no such pardoner of equal grace.
For in his bag he had a pillow-case
Of which he said, it was Our True Lady's
veil:
He said he had a piece of the very sail
That good Saint Peter had, on time he
sailed
Upon the sea, till Jesus him had hailed.
He had a latten cross set full of stones,
And in a bottle had he some pig's bones.
 And in a glas he hadde pigges bones.
But with thise relikes, whan that he fond
A povre persoun dwellyng upon lond,
705 Upon a day he gat hym moore moneye
Than that the person gat in monthes 705
tweye;
And thus, with feyned flaterye and japes,
He made the persoun and the peple his
apes.
But trewely to tellen atte laste,
710 He was in chirche a noble ecclesiaste. 710
Wel koude he rede a lessoun or a storie,
But alderbest he song an offertorie;
For wel he wiste, whan that song was
songe,
He moste preche, and wel affile his
tonge
715 To wynne silver, as he ful wel koude; 715
Therfore he song the murierly and loude.
Next:
From General Prologue, lines 717-
785:
The proposal of the Host
General Prologue
lines 717-785: The proposal of the Host
       Now have I toold you shortly in a
clause,
Th'estaat, th'array, the nombre, and eek
the cause
Why that assembled was this
compaignye 720
720 In Southwerk, at this gentil hostelrye
That highte the Tabard, faste by the
Belle.
But now is tyme to yow for to telle
But with these relics, when he found on
ride
Some simple parson dwelling in the
countryside,
In that one day gathered more money
Than the parson in two months, that
easy.
And thus, with flattery and equal japes,
He made the parson and the rest his apes.
But yet, to tell the whole truth at the last,
He was, in church, a fine ecclesiast.
Well could he read a lesson or a story,
But best of all he sang an offertory;
For he knew well that when that song
was sung,
Then must he preach, and all with
smoothened tongue.
To gain some silver, preferably from the
crowd;
Therefore he sang so merrily and so
loud.
       Now have I told you briefly, in a
clause,
The state, the array, the number, and the
cause
Of the assembling of this company
In Southwark, at this noble hostelry
Known as the Tabard Inn, closely to the
Bell.
But now the time has come wherein to
tell
 How that we baren us that ilke nyght,
Whan we were in that hostelrie alyght;
725 And after wol I telle of our viage
And all the remenaunt of oure 725
pilgrimage.
But first I pray yow, of youre curteisye,
That ye n'arette it nat my vileynye,
Thogh that I pleynly speke in this
mateere,
730 To telle yow hir wordes and hir cheere, 730
Ne thogh I speke hir wordes proprely.
For this ye knowen also wel as I,
Whoso shal telle a tale after a man,
He moot reherce as ny as evere he kan
735 Everich a word, if it be in his charge,
Al speke he never so rudeliche or large,
Or ellis he moot telle his tale untrewe, 735
Or feyne thyng, or fynde wordes newe.
He may nat spare, al thogh he were his
brother;
740 He moot as wel seye o word as another.
Crist spak hymself ful brode in hooly
writ,
And, wel ye woot, no vileynye is it. 740
Eek Plato seith, whoso kan hym rede,
The wordes moote be cosyn to the dede.
745 Also I prey yow to foryeve it me,
Al have I nat set folk in hir degree
Heere in this tale, as that they sholde
stonde.
My wit is short, ye may wel 745
understonde.
       Greet chiere made oure Hoost us
everichon,
750 And to the soper sette he us anon. 750
He served us with vitaille at the beste;
Strong was the wyn, and wel to drynke
us leste.
A semely man OURE HOOSTE was
withalle
For to been a marchal in an halle.
755 A large man he was, with eyen stepe -
How we conducted ourselves that very
night
When at the hostelry we did alight.
And afterward the story I begin
To tell you of our pilgrimage we're in.
But first, I beg, address your courtesy,
You'll not ascribe it to vulgarity
Though I speak plainly of this matter
here,
Explain to you their words and means of
cheer;
Nor though I use their very terms, nor
lie.
For this thing do you know as well as I:
When one repeats a tale told by a man,
He must report, as closely as he can,
Every single word, as he remembers it,
How vulgar it be, or how unfit;
Or else he may be telling what's untrue,
Embellishing, even making up things
too.
He may not spare, although it were his
brother;
He must as well say one word as another.
Christ spoke very plainly, in holy writ,
And, you know well, there's nothing rude
in it.
And Plato says, to those able to read:
"The word should be the cousin to the
deed."
Also, I beg that you'll forgive it me
If I have not set folk, in their degree
Here in this tale, by rank as they should
stand.
My wit is short, as you'll well
understand.
       Great fun our host provided, every
one,
Was set and the supper straightway
begun;
And served us then with victuals of the
best.
Strong was the wine and pleasant to each
guest.
A seemly man our good host was,
withal,
 A fairer burgeys was ther noon in Chepe
- 755
Boold of his speche, and wys, and well
ytaught,
And of manhod hym lakkede right
naught.
Eek therto he was right a myrie man,
760 And after soper pleyen he bigan,
And spak of myrthe amonges othere 760
thynges,
Whan that we hadde maad our
rekenynges,
And seyde thus: "Now lordynges,
trewely,
Ye been to me right welcome hertely; 765
765 For by my trouthe, if that I shal nat lye,
I saugh nat this yeer so myrie a
compaignye
Atones in this herberwe, as is now.
Fayn wolde I doon yow myrthe, wiste I
how.
And of a myrthe I am right now 770
bythoght,
770 To doon yow ese, and it shal coste noght.
       Ye goon to Caunterbury - God yow
speede,
The blisful martir quite yow youre
meede!
And wel I woot, as ye goon by the weye,
Ye shapen yow to talen and to pleye,
775 For trewely, confort ne myrthe is noon
To ride by the weye doumb as stoon; 775
And therfore wol I maken yow disport,
As I seyde erst, and doon yow som
confort.
And if yow liketh alle by oon assent
780 For to stonden at my juggement,
And for to werken as I shal yow seye, 780
To-morwe, whan ye riden by the weye,
Now, by my fader soule that is deed,
But ye be myrie, I wol yeve yow myn
heed!
785 Hoold up youre hond, withouten moore
speche."
785
And fit to be a marshal in a hall;
A large man he was, with piercing eyes,
As fine a burgher as in Cheapside lies;
Bold in his speech, and wise, and fairly
taught,
And as to manhood, lacking there was
not.
Moreover, he's a very merry man,
And after dinner, with playing he began,
And spoke of mirth among some other
things,
When all of us had paid our reckonings;
And saying thus: "Now my lords, truly
You are all welcome here, and heartily:
On my word, I'm telling you no lie,
I have not seen, this year, a company
Here in this inn, fitter for sport than now.
Fain I'd make you happy, if I'd knew
how.
And of a game have I this moment
thought
To give you joy, and it shall cost you
not.
       "You go to Canterbury; may God
speed
And the blest martyr listens to your need.
And well I know, as you go on your
way,
You'll tell good tales and shape
yourselves to play;
For truly there's no mirth nor comfort,
none,
Riding the roads as dumb as is a stone;
And therefore I provide to you a sport,
As I just said, to give you some comfort.
And if you like it all, unanimously,
Accept my judgement, submit
yourselves, agree
And will so do as I'll proceed to say,
Tomorrow, when you ride upon your
way,
Then, by my father's spirit, who is dead,
If you're not merry, I will give you my
head.
Hold up your hands, nor more about it

Next:
From General Prologue, lines 786-
811:
The rules of the game
General Prologue
lines 786-811: The rules of the game
       Oure conseil was nat longe for to
seche.
Us thoughte it was noght worth to make
it wys,
And graunted hym, withouten moore
avys,
And bad him seye his voirdit, as hym
leste.
790 "Lordynges," quod he, "now herkneth
for the beste;
But taak it nought, I prey yow, in
desdeyn.
This is the poynt, to speken short and
pleyn,
That ech of yow, to shorte with oure
weye,
In this viage shal telle tales tweye
795 To Caunterbury-ward I mene it so,
And homward he shal tellen othere two,
Of aventures that whilom han bifalle.
And which of yow that bereth hym best
of alle,
That is to seyn, that telleth in this caas
800 Tales of best sentence and moost solaas,
Shal have a soper at oure aller cost
Heere in this place, sittynge by this post,
Whan that we come agayn fro
Caunterbury.
And for to make yow the moore mury,
speak."
       Our decision was not so far to seek;
We thought there was no reason to
debate,
And granted him his way at any rate,
And asked him tell his verdict just and
wise,
790 "Masters," said he, "listen to my advice;
But take it not, I pray you, in disdain;
This is the point, to put it short and plain,
That each of you, as if to shorten the day,
Shall tell two stories as you wend your
way
795 To Canterbury town; and each of you
On coming home, shall tell another two,
About adventures that happened in the
past.
And he who plays his part of all the best,
That is to say, who tells upon the road
800 Tales of best sense, in most amusing
mode,
Shall have a supper at all others' cost
Here in this room and sitting by this
post,
When we come back again from
Canterbury.
And now, the more to make sure you'll
be merry,
805 I will myself, and gladly, with you ride
At my own cost, and I will be your
805 I wol myselven goodly with yow ryde
Right at myn owene cost, and be youre
gyde;
And who so wole my juggement
withseye
Shal paye al that we spenden by the 810
weye.
And if ye vouche sauf that it be so,
810 Tel me anon, withouten wordes mo,
And I wol erly shape me therfore."
Next:
From General Prologue, lines 812-
823:
The agreement
General Prologue
lines 812-823: The agreement
       This thyng was graunted, and oure
othes swore
With ful glad herte, and preyden hym
also
That he wolde vouche sauf for to do so,
815 And that he wolde been oure governour, 815
And of our tales juge and reportour,
And sette a soper at a certeyn pris,
And we wol reuled been at his devys
In heigh and lough; and thus by oon
assent
820 We been acorded to his juggement. 820
And therupon the wyn was fet anon;
We dronken, and to reste wente echon,
Withouten any lenger taryynge.
guide.
But whosoever will and tries to disobey
Shall pay for all that's bought along the
way.
And if you grant, agree it will be so,
Tell me at once, or if not, tell me no,
And I will get ready early. No more."
       This thing was granted, and our
oaths we swore,
With right glad hearts, and prayed of
him, also,
That he would take the office, nor forgo
The place of governor of all of us,
Judging our tales; and by his wisdom
thus
Arrange that supper at a certain price,
We to be ruled, each one, by his advice
In every respect; unanimously thus,
We accepted his judgment over us.
And thereupon, the wine was fetched
immediately;
We drank, and went to rest ultimately,
And that without a longer tarrying.
 Next:
From General Prologue, lines 824-
860:
Drawing of lots
General Prologue
lines 824-860: Drawing of lots
       Amorwe, whan that day bigan to
sprynge,
825 Up roos oure Hoost, and was oure aller 825
cok,
And gadrede us to gidre alle in a flok,
And forth we riden, a litel moore than
paas
Unto the wateryng of Seint Thomas;
And there oure Hoost bigan his hors
areste
830 And seyde, "Lordynges, herkneth if yow 830
leste.
Ye woot youre foreward, and I it yow
recorde.
If even-song and morwe-song accorde,
Lat se now who shal telle the firste tale.
As evere mote I drynke wyn or ale,
835 Whoso be rebel to my juggement
Shal paye for al that by the wey is spent.
Now draweth cut, er that we ferrer
twynne,
He which that hath the shorteste shal
bigynne.
Sire Knyght," quod he, "my mayster and
my lord,
840 Now draweth cut, for that is myn accord.
Cometh neer," quod he, "my lady
Prioresse,
And ye, Sir Clerk, lat be youre
shamefastnesse,
Ne studieth noght; ley hond to, every
man!"
Anon to drawen every wight bigan,
845 And shortly for to tellen as it was,
       Next morning, when the day began
to spring,
Up rose our host, and acting as our cock,
He gathered us together in a flock,
And forth we rode, a a little faster than
pace,
Until we reached Saint Thomas'
watering-place.
Our host then pulled his horse, began to
ease
And said: "Now, gentleman, listen if you
please.
You know what you agreed, I'll remind
thee.
If even-song and morning-song agree,
Let's here decide who first shall tell a
tale.
And as I hope to drink more wine and
ale,
835 Whoso proves rebel to my very
judgment
Shall pay for all that by the way is spent.
Come now, draw straws, before we
further depart,
And he that draws the shortest has to
start.
Sir knight," said he, "my master and my
lord,
840 You shall draw first as you have pledged
your word.
Come near," said he, "my lady prioress:
And you, sir clerk, away with all your
shyness,
Nor ponder more; out hands, draw, every
 Were it by aventure, or sort, or cas,
The sothe is this, the cut fil to the
Knyght,
Of which ful blithe and glad was every
wyght.
And telle he moste his tale, as was
resoun,
850 By foreward and by composicioun,-
As ye han herd, what nedeth wordes mo? 850
And whan this goode man saugh that it
was so,
As he that wys was and obedient
To kepe his foreward by his free assent,
855 He seyde, "Syn I shal bigynne the game,
What, welcome be the cut, a Goddes
name!
Now lat us ryde, and herkneth what I
seye."
And with that word we ryden forth oure
weye,
And he bigan with right a myrie cheere
860 His tale anon, and seyde as ye may
heere.
Chaucer's The Canterbury
Home
Life and Times Tales
man!"
At once to draw a straw each one began,
845 And, to shorten up the story, as it was,
By chance or luck or whatsoever cause,
The truth is, that the cut fell to the
knight,
Which all the others greeted with delight.
Thus tell his story first as was agreed,
According to our promise pledged,
indeed,
As you have heard. Why argue to and
fro?
And when this good man saw that it was
so,
Being a wise man and obedient
To pledged word, given by free assent,
855 He said: "Since I must then begin the
game,
Why, welcome be the cut, and in God's
name!
Now let us ride, and listen to what I say."
And at that word we rode forth on our
way;
And he began to speak, with words of
cheer,
860 His tale straightway, and said as you
may hear.
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