HERE FOLLOW THE WORDS OF THE FRANKLIN TO THE SQUIRE, AND THE WORDS OF THE HOST TO THE FRANKLIN In faith, sir squire, you have done well with it, And openly I praise you for… 

THE PARSON’S PROLOGUE What time the manciple his tale had ended, The sun down from the south line had descended So low that he was not, unto my sight, Degrees full nine and twenty yet… 

PROLOGUE TO SIR THOPAS The Merry Words of the Host to Chaucer When told was all this miracle, every man So sober fell ’twas wonderful to see, Until our host in jesting wise began, And… 

SIR THOPAS The First Fit Listen, lords, with good intent, I truly will a tale present Of mirth and of solace; All of a knight was fair and gent In battle and in tournament. His… 

THE PROLOGUE TO THE PARDONER’S TALE Radix malorum est Cupiditas: Ad Thimotheum, sexto. “Masters,” quoth he, “in churches, when I preach, I am at pains that all shall hear my speech, And ring it out… 

PROLOGUE Here begins the Book of the Tales of Canterbury When April with his showers sweet with fruit The drought of March has pierced unto the root And bathed each vein with liquor that has… 

THE MILLER’S TALE Once on a time was dwelling in Oxford A wealthy lout who took in guests to board, And of his craft he was a carpenter. A poor scholar was lodging with him… 

THE FRIAR’S TALE Once on a time there dwelt in my country An archdeacon, a man of high degree, Who boldly executed the Church’s frown In punishment of fornication known, And of witchcraft and of… 

THE CLERK’S TALE There is, in the west side of Italy, Down at the foot of Mount Viso the cold, A pleasant plain that yields abundantly, Where many a tower and town one may behold,… 

THE SQUIRE’S PROLOGUE Squire, come nearer, if your will it be, And speak to us of love; for certainly You know thereof as much as any man.” “Nay, sir,” said he, “but I’ll do what…