# 3.3 The Summoner's Prologue and Tale ## expand\_more ### **The Summoner's Prologue** *The Prologe of the Somonours Tale.* 1665 **This Somonour in his styropes hye stood;** This Summoner in his stirrups stood high; 1666 **Upon this Frere his herte was so wood** Upon this Friar his heart was so enraged 1667 **That lyk an aspen leef he quook for ire.** That like an aspen leaf he quaked for ire. 1668 **"Lordynges," quod he, "but o thyng I desire;** "Gentlemen," said he, "but one thing I desire; 1669 **I yow biseke that, of youre curteisye,** I you beseech that, of your courtesy, 1670 **Syn ye han herd this false Frere lye,** Since you have heard this false Friar lie, 1671 **As suffreth me I may my tale telle.** Now grant me that me I may tell my tale. 1672 **This Frere bosteth that he knoweth helle,** This Friar boasts that he knows hell, 1673 **And God it woot, that it is litel wonder;** And God knows it, that it is little wonder; 1674 **Freres and feendes been but lyte asonder.** Friars and fiends are but little different. 1675 **For, pardee, ye han ofte tyme herd telle** For, by God, you have often times heard tell 1676 **How that a frere ravysshed was to helle** How a friar was carried off to hell 1677 **In spirit ones by a visioun;** In spirit once by a vision; 1678 **And as an angel ladde hym up and doun,** And as an angel led him up and down, 1679 **To shewen hym the peynes that ther were,** To show him the pains that were there, 1680 **In al the place saugh he nat a frere;** In all the place saw he not a friar; 1681 **Of oother folk he saugh ynowe in wo.** Of other folk he saw enough in woe. 1682 **Unto this angel spak the frere tho:** Unto this angel spoke the friar then: 1683 **`Now, sire,' quod he, `han freres swich a grace** `Now, sir,' said he, `have friars such a grace 1684 **That noon of hem shal come to this place?'** That none of them shall come to this place?' 1685 **`Yis' quod this angel, `many a millioun!'** `Yes' said this angel, `many a million!' 1686 **And unto Sathanas he ladde hym doun.** And unto Satan he led him down. 1687 **`And now hath Sathanas,' seith he, `a tayl** `And now has Satan,' says he, `a tail 1688 **Brodder than of a carryk is the sayl.** Broader than of a large galleon is the sail. 1689 **Hold up thy tayl, thou Sathanas!' quod he;** Hold up thy tail, thou Satan!' said he; 1690 **`Shewe forth thyn ers, and lat the frere se** `Show forth thy ass, and let the friar see 1691 **Where is the nest of freres in this place!'** Where the nest of friars is in this place!' 1692 **And er that half a furlong wey of space,** And before half a furlong way of time (a few minutes), 1693 **Right so as bees out swarmen from an hyve,** Just as bees swarm out from a hive, 1694 **Out of the develes ers ther gonne dryve** Out of the devil's ass there began to rush 1695 **Twenty thousand freres on a route,** Twenty thousand friars in a crowd, 1696 **And thurghout helle swarmed al aboute,** And throughout hell swarmed all about, 1697 **And comen agayn as faste as they may gon,** And came back again as fast as they can go, 1698 **And in his ers they crepten everychon.** And in his ass they crept every one. 1699 **He clapte his tayl agayn and lay ful stille.** He clapped his tail again and lay very still. 1700 **This frere, whan he looked hadde his fille** This friar, when he had looked his fill 1701 **Upon the tormentz of this sory place,** Upon the torments of this sorry place, 1702 **His spirit God restored, of his grace,** His spirit God restored, by his grace, 1703 **Unto his body agayn, and he awook.** Unto his body again, and he awoke. 1704 **But natheles, for fere yet he quook,** But nonetheless, for fear yet he quaked, 1705 **So was the develes ers ay in his mynde,** So was the devil's ass always in his mind, 1706 **That is his heritage of verray kynde.** That is his true natural heritage. 1707 **God save yow alle, save this cursed Frere!** God save you all, except this cursed Friar! 1708 **My prologe wol I ende in this manere."** My prologue will I end in this manner." \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ **The Sommoner's Tale** *Heere bigynneth the Somonour his Tale.* 1709 **Lordynges, ther is in Yorkshire, as I gesse,** Gentlemen, there is in Yorkshire, as I believe, 1710 **A mersshy contree called Holdernesse,** A marshy country called Holdernesse, 1711 **In which ther wente a lymytour aboute** In which there went a licensed beggar about 1712 **To preche, and eek to begge, it is no doute.** To preach, and also to beg, it is no doubt. 1713 **And so bifel that on a day this frere** And so befell that on a day this friar 1714 **Hadde preched at a chirche in his manere,** Had preached at a church in his manner, 1715 **And specially, aboven every thyng,** And specially, above every thing, 1716 **Excited he the peple in his prechyng** Excited he the people in his preaching 1717 **To trentals, and to yeve, for Goddes sake,** To masses for dead souls, and to give, for God's sake, 1718 **Wherwith men myghte hooly houses make,** The wherewithal that men might holy houses make, 1719 **Ther as divine servyce is honoured,** Where divine service is honored, 1720 **Nat ther as it is wasted and devoured,** Not where it is wasted and devoured, 1721 **Ne ther it nedeth nat for to be yive,** Nor where it needs not to be given, 1722 **As to possessioners, that mowen lyve,** As to beneficed clergymen, that may live, 1723 **Thanked be God, in wele and habundaunce.** Thanked be God, in prosperity and abundance. 1724 **"Trentals," seyde he, "deliveren fro penaunce** "Masses for souls," said he, "deliver from penance 1725 **Hir freendes soules, as wel olde as yonge --** Their friends' souls, as well old as young -- 1726 **Ye, whan that they been hastily ysonge,** Yes, when they are hastily sung, 1727 **Nat for to holde a preest joly and gay --** Not to keep a priest jolly and gay -- 1728 **He syngeth nat but o masse in a day.** He sings not but one masse in a day. 1729 **Delivereth out," quod he, "anon the soules!** Deliver out," said he, "immediately the souls! 1730 **Ful hard it is with flesshhook or with oules** Very hard it is with flesh hook or with awls 1731 **To been yclawed, or to brenne or bake.** To be clawed, or to burn or bake. 1732 **Now spede yow hastily, for Cristes sake!"** Now speed you hastily, for Christ's sake!" 1733 **And whan this frere had seyd al his entente,** And when this friar had said all he intended, 1734 **With qui cum patre forth his wey he wente.** With the prayer "who with the father" forth he went his way. 1735 **Whan folk in chirche had yeve him what hem leste,** When folk in church had given him what they wished, 1736 **He wente his wey; no lenger wolde he reste.** He went his way; no longer would he stay. 1737 **With scrippe and tipped staf, ytukked hye,** With satchel and metal-tipped staff, his robe tucked up high, 1738 **In every hous he gan to poure and prye,** In every house he began to peer and pry, 1739 **And beggeth mele and chese, or elles corn.** And begs meal and cheese, or else grain. 1740 **His felawe hadde a staf tipped with horn,** His fellow had a staff tipped with horn, 1741 **A peyre of tables al of yvory,** A pair of tablets all of ivory, 1742 **And a poyntel polysshed fetisly,** And a writing instrument polished carefully, 1743 **And wroot the names alwey, as he stood,** And wrote the names always, as he stood, 1744 **Of alle folk that yaf hym any good,** Of all folk that gave him any good thing, 1745 **Ascaunces that he wolde for hem preye.** As if he would for them pray. 1746 **"Yif us a busshel whete, malt, or reye,** "Give us a bushel of wheat, malt, or rye, 1747 **A Goddes kechyl, or a trype of chese,** A little cake, or a bit of cheese, 1748 **Or elles what yow lyst, we may nat cheese;** Or else what you like, we may not choose; 1749 **A Goddes halfpeny, or a masse peny,** A God's halfpenny, or a mass penny, 1750 **Or yif us of youre brawn, if ye have eny;** Or give us some of your meat, if you have any; 1751 **A dagon of youre blanket, leeve dame,** A piece of your woolen cloth, dear lady, 1752 **Oure suster deere -- lo! Heere I write youre name --** Our sister dear -- lo! Here I write your name -- 1753 **Bacon or beef, or swich thyng as ye fynde."** Bacon or beef, or such thing as you find." 1754 **A sturdy harlot wente ay hem bihynde,** A sturdy rascal went always behind them, 1755 **That was hir hostes man, and bar a sak,** Who was their host's man, and bore a sack, 1756 **And what men yaf hem, leyde it on his bak.** And what men gave them, laid it on his back. 1757 **And whan that he was out at dore, anon** And when he was out at door, immediately 1758 **He planed awey the names everichon** He planed away the names every one 1759 **That he biforn had writen in his tables;** That he before had written in his tables; 1760 **He served hem with nyfles and with fables.** He served them with tricks and with falsehoods. 1761 **"Nay, ther thou lixt, thou Somonour!" quod the Frere.** "Nay, there thou lie, thou Summoner!" said the Friar. 1762 **"Pees," quod oure Hoost, "for Cristes mooder deere!** "Quiet," said our Host, "for Christ's mother dear! 1763 **Tel forth thy tale, and spare it nat at al."** Tell forth thy tale, and spare it not at al." 1764 **"So thryve I," quod this Somonour, "so I shal!"** "As I may thrive," said this Summoner, "so I shall!" 1765 **So longe he wente, hous by hous, til he** So long he went, house by house, until he 1766 **Cam til an hous ther he was wont to be** Came to a house where he was accustomed to be 1767 **Refresshed moore than in an hundred placis.** Hospitably received more than in a hundred places. 1768 **Syk lay the goode man whos that the place is;** Sick lay the good man whose the place is; 1769 **Bedrede upon a couche lowe he lay.** Bedridden upon a couch low he lay. 1770 **"Deus hic!" quod he, "O Thomas, freend, good day!"** "God be here!" said he, "Oh Thomas, friend, good day!" 1771 **Seyde this frere, curteisly and softe.** Said this friar, courteously and soft. 1772 **"Thomas," quod he, "God yelde yow! Ful ofte** "Thomas," said he, "God reward you! Very often 1773 **Have I upon this bench faren ful weel;** Have I upon this bench fared full well; 1774 **Heere have I eten many a myrie meel."** Here have I eaten many a merry meal." 1775 **And fro the bench he droof awey the cat,** And from the bench he drove away the cat, 1776 **And leyde adoun his potente and his hat,** And laid down his walking stick and his hat, 1777 **And eek his scrippe, and sette hym softe adoun.** And also his satchel, and set him softly down. 1778 **His felawe was go walked into toun** His fellow had gone walking into town 1779 **Forth with his knave, into that hostelrye** Forth with his knave, into that hostelry 1780 **Where as he shoop hym thilke nyght to lye.** Where he intended that night to lie. 1781 **"O deere maister," quod this sike man,** "Oh dear master," said this sick man, 1782 **"How han ye fare sith that March bigan?** "How have you fared since March began? 1783 **I saugh yow noght this fourtenyght or moore."** I saw you not this fortnight or more." 1784 **"God woot," quod he, "laboured I have ful soore,** "God knows," said he, "labored I have very hard, 1785 **And specially for thy savacion** And especially for thy salvation 1786 **Have I seyd many a precious orison,** Have I said many a precious prayer, 1787 **And for oure othere freendes, God hem blesse!** And for our other friends, God them bless! 1788 **I have to day been at youre chirche at messe,** I have today been at your church at mass, 1789 **And seyd a sermon after my symple wit --** And said a sermon insofar as my simple wit allowed -- 1790 **Nat al after the text of hooly writ,** Not entirely according to the text of holy writ, 1791 **For it is hard to yow, as I suppose,** For it is hard for you, as I suppose, 1792 **And therfore wol I teche yow al the glose.** And therefore will I teach you all the interpretation. 1793 **Glosynge is a glorious thyng, certeyn,** Interpreting scripture is a glorious thing, certainly, 1794 **For lettre sleeth, so as we clerkes seyn --** For letter slays, so we clerks say -- 1795 **There have I taught hem to be charitable,** There have I taught them to be charitable, 1796 **And spende hir good ther it is resonable;** And spend their goods where it is reasonable; 1797 **And there I saugh oure dame -- A! Where is she?"** And there I saw our lady -- Ah! Where is she?" 1798 **"Yond in the yerd I trowe that she be,"** "Yonder in the yard I believe that she be," 1799 **Seyde this man, "and she wol come anon."** Said this man, "and she will come anon." 1800 **"Ey, maister, welcome be ye, by Seint John!"** "Ey, master, welcome are you, by Saint John!" 1801 **Seyde this wyf, "How fare ye, hertely?"** Said this wife, "How fare you, cordially (I ask)?" 1802 **The frere ariseth up ful curteisly,** The friar arises up full courteously, 1803 **And hire embraceth in his armes narwe,** And her embraces in his arms tightly, 1804 **And kiste hire sweete, and chirketh as a sparwe** And kissed her sweetly, and chirps like a sparrow 1805 **With his lyppes: "Dame," quod he, "right weel,** With his lips: "Lady," said he, "right well, 1806 **As he that is youre servant every deel,** As he who is your servant every bit, 1807 **Thanked be God, that yow yaf soule and lyf!** Thanked be God, who gave you soul and life! 1808 **Yet saugh I nat this day so fair a wyf** Yet saw I not this day so fair a wife 1809 **In al the chirche, God so save me!"** In all the church, as God may save me!" 1810 **"Ye, God amende defautes, sire," quod she.** "Yes, God correct my faults, sir," said she. 1811 **"Algates, welcome be ye, by my fey!"** "At any rate, welcome are you, by my faith!" 1812 **"Graunt mercy, dame, this have I founde alwey.** "Great thanks, lady, this have I found always. 1813 **But of youre grete goodnesse, by youre leve,** But of your great goodness, by your leave, 1814 **I wolde prey yow that ye nat yow greve,** I would pray you that you be not annoyed, 1815 **I wole with Thomas speke a litel throwe.** I will with Thomas speak a little while. 1816 **Thise curatz been ful necligent and slowe** These curates are very negligent and slow 1817 **To grope tendrely a conscience** To examine gently a conscience 1818 **In shrift; in prechyng is my diligence,** In confession; in preaching is my diligence, 1819 **And studie in Petres wordes and in Poules.** And study in Peter's words and in Paul's. 1820 **I walke and fisshe Cristen mennes soules** I walk and fish Christian men's souls 1821 **To yelden Jhesu Crist his propre rente;** To pay Jesus Christ his proper income; 1822 **To sprede his word is set al myn entente."** To spread his word is set all my intention." 1823 **"Now, by youre leve, o deere sire," quod she,** "Now, by your leave, oh dear sir," said she, 1824 **"Chideth him weel, for seinte Trinitee!** "Chide him well, for the Holy Trinity! 1825 **He is as angry as a pissemyre,** He is as angry as a pismire, 1826 **Though that he have al that he kan desire;** Though he have all that he can desire; 1827 **Though I hym wrye a-nyght and make hym warm,** Though I cover him at night and make him warm, 1828 **And over hym leye my leg outher myn arm,** And over him lay my leg or my arm, 1829 **He groneth lyk oure boor, lith in oure sty.** He groans like our boor, that lies in our sty. 1830 **Oother desport right noon of hym have I;** Other pleasure right none of him have I; 1831 **I may nat plese hym in no maner cas."** I can not please him in any sort of way." 1832 **"O Thomas, je vous dy, Thomas! Thomas!** "Oh Thomas, I tell you, Thomas! Thomas! 1833 **This maketh the feend; this moste ben amended.** This makes the fiend; this must be amended. 1834 **Ire is a thyng that hye God defended,** Ire is a thing that high God forbad, 1835 **And therof wol I speke a word or two."** And thereof will I speak a word or two." 1836 **"Now, maister," quod the wyf, "er that I go,** "Now, master," said the wife, "before I go, 1837 **What wol ye dyne? I wol go theraboute."** What will you dine? I will go work on that." 1838 **"Now, dame," quod he, "now je vous dy sanz doute,** "Now, lady," said he, "now I tell you without doubt 1839 **Have I nat of a capon but the lyvere,** Have I of a capon only the liver, 1840 **And of youre softe breed nat but a shyvere,** And of your soft breed nothing but a sliver, 1841 **And after that a rosted pigges heed --** And after that a roasted pig's head -- 1842 **But that I nolde no beest for me were deed --** But that I would that no beast for me were dead -- 1843 **Thanne hadde I with yow hoomly suffisaunce.** Then had I with you enough plain food. 1844 **I am a man of litel sustenaunce;** I am a man who needs little sustenance; 1845 **My spirit hath his fostryng in the Bible.** My spirit has its nourishment in the Bible. 1846 **The body is ay so redy and penyble** The body is always so ready and accustomed 1847 **To wake, that my stomak is destroyed.** To staying awake (to pray), that my stomach is destroyed. 1848 **I prey yow, dame, ye be nat anoyed,** I pray you, lady, that you be not annoyed, 1849 **Though I so freendly yow my conseil shewe.** Though I so friendly show you my private affairs. 1850 **By God! I wolde nat telle it but a fewe."** By God! I would not tell it but to a few." 1851 **"Now, sire," quod she, "but o word er I go.** "Now, sir," said she, "but one word before I go. 1852 **My child is deed withinne thise wykes two,** My child is dead within these weeks two, 1853 **Soone after that ye wente out of this toun."** Soon after you went out of this town." 1854 **"His deeth saugh I by revelacioun,"** "His death saw I by revelation," 1855 **Seide this frere, "at hoom in oure dortour.** Said this friar, "at home in our dormitory. 1856 **I dar wel seyn that, er that half an hour** I dare well say that, before half an hour 1857 **After his deeth, I saugh hym born to blisse** After his death, I saw him carried up to bliss 1858 **In myn avision, so God me wisse!** In my vision, as God may guide me! 1859 **So dide oure sexteyn and oure fermerer,** So did our sacristan and the head of our infirmary, 1860 **That han been trewe freres fifty yeer;** That have been true friars fifty years; 1861 **They may now -- God be thanked of his loone! --** They may now -- God be thanked of his grace! -- 1862 **Maken hir jubilee and walke allone.** Make their fiftieth anniversary and walk alone. 1863 **And up I roos, and al oure covent eke,** And up I rose, and all our convent as well, 1864 **With many a teere trillyng on my cheke,** With many a tear tricking on my cheek, 1865 **Withouten noyse or claterynge of belles;** Without noise or clattering of bells; 1866 **Te Deum was oure song, and nothyng elles,** Te Deum was our song, and nothing else, 1867 **Save that to Crist I seyde an orison,** Except that to Christ I said a prayer, 1868 **Thankynge hym of his revelacion.** Thanking him for his revelation. 1869 **For, sire and dame, trusteth me right weel,** For, sir and lady, trust me right well, 1870 **Oure orisons been moore effectueel,** Our prayers are more effectual, 1871 **And moore we seen of Cristes secree thynges,** And more we see of Christ's secret things, 1872 **Than burel folk, although they weren kynges.** Than secular folk, although they were kings. 1873 **We lyve in poverte and in abstinence,** We live in poverty and in abstinence, 1874 **And burell folk in richesse and despence** And secular folk in riches and expenditures 1875 **Of mete and drynke, and in hir foul delit.** Of food and drink, and in their foul delight. 1876 **We han this worldes lust al in despit.** We hold this world's lust all in scorn. 1877 **Lazar and Dives lyveden diversly,** Lazar and Dives lived diversely, 1878 **And divers gerdon hadden they therby.** And diverse rewards had they thereby. 1879 **Whoso wol preye, he moot faste and be clene,** Whoever will pray, he must fast and be pure, 1880 **And fatte his soule, and make his body lene.** And fatten his soul, and make his body lean. 1881 **We fare as seith th' apostle; clooth and foode** We fare as says the apostle; cloth and food 1882 **Suffisen us, though they be nat ful goode.** Suffice us, though they are not full good. 1883 **The clennesse and the fastynge of us freres** The purity and the fasting of us friars 1884 **Maketh that Crist accepteth oure preyeres.** Makes that Christ accepts our prayers. 1885 **"Lo, Moyses fourty dayes and fourty nyght** "Lo, Moses forty days and forty nights 1886 **Fasted, er that the heighe God of myght** Fasted, before the high God of might 1887 **Spak with hym in the mountayne of Synay.** Spoke with him in the mountain of Sinai. 1888 **With empty wombe, fastynge many a day,** With empty belly, fasting many a day, 1889 **Receyved he the lawe that was writen** Received he the law that was written 1890 **With Goddes fynger; and Elye, wel ye witen,** With God's finger; and Elijah, you know well, 1891 **In mount Oreb, er he hadde any speche** In mount Horeb, before he had any speech 1892 **With hye God, that is oure lyves leche,** With high God, who is our life's physician, 1893 **He fasted longe and was in contemplaunce.** He fasted long and was in meditation. 1894 **"Aaron, that hadde the temple in governaunce,** "Aaron, who had the temple in governance, 1895 **And eek the othere preestes everichon,** And also the other priests every one, 1896 **Into the temple whan they sholde gon** Into the temple when they should go 1897 **To preye for the peple and do servyse,** To pray for the people and do service, 1898 **They nolden drynken in no maner wyse** They would not drink in any sort of way 1899 **No drynke which that myghte hem dronke make,** Any drink which might make them drunk, 1900 **But there in abstinence preye and wake,** But there in abstinence pray and keep vigil, 1901 **Lest that they deyden. Taak heede what I seye!** Lest they died. Take heed what I say! 1902 **But they be sobre that for the peple preye,** Unless they are sober who for the people pray, 1903 **War that -- I seye namoore, for it suffiseth.** Beware that -- I say no more, for it suffices. 1904 **"Oure Lord Jhesu, as hooly writ devyseth,** "Our Lord Jesus, as holy writ devises, 1905 **Yaf us ensample of fastynge and preyeres.** Gave us an example of fasting and prayers. 1906 **Therfore we mendynantz, we sely freres,** Therefore we mendicants, we innocent friars, 1907 **Been wedded to poverte and continence,** Are wedded to poverty and chastity, 1908 **To charite, humblesse, and abstinence,** To charity, humility, and abstinence, 1909 **To persecucioun for rightwisnesse,** To persecution for righteousness, 1910 **To wepynge, misericorde, and clennesse.** To weeping, charity, and purity. 1911 **And therfore may ye se that oure preyeres --** And therefore may you see that our prayers -- 1912 **I speke of us, we mendynantz, we freres --** I speak of us, we mendicants, we friars -- 1913 **Been to the hye God moore acceptable** Are to the high God more acceptable 1914 **Than youres, with youre feestes at the table.** Than yours, with your feasts at the table. 1915 **Fro Paradys first, if I shal nat lye,** From Paradise first, if I shall not lie, 1916 **Was man out chaced for his glotonye;** Was man chased out for his gluttony; 1917 **And chaast was man in Paradys, certeyn.** And chaste was man in Paradise, certainly. 1918 **"But herkne now, Thomas, what I shal seyn.** "But hearken now, Thomas, what I shall say. 1919 **I ne have no text of it, as I suppose,** I have no text for it, as I suppose, 1920 **But I shal fynde it in a maner glose,** But I shall find it in some sort of gloss (interpretation), 1921 **That specially oure sweete Lord Jhesus** That especially our sweet Lord Jesus 1922 **Spak this by freres, whan he seyde thus:** Spoke this about friars, when he said thus: 1923 **`Blessed be they that povere in spirit been.'** `Blessed are they who are poor in spirit.' 1924 **And so forth al the gospel may ye seen,** And so forth all the gospel may you see, 1925 **Wher it be likker oure professioun,** Whether it is more like our profession, 1926 **Or hirs that swymmen in possessioun.** Or theirs who swim in possessions. 1927 **Fy on hire pompe and on hire glotonye!** Fie on their pomp and on their gluttony! 1928 **And for hir lewednesse I hem diffye.** And for their ignorance I scorn them. 1929 **"Me thynketh they been lyk Jovinyan,** "I think they are like Jovinian, 1930 **Fat as a whale, and walkynge as a swan,** Fat as a whale, and waddling like a swan, 1931 **Al vinolent as botel in the spence.** As full of wine as a bottle in the pantry. 1932 **Hir preyere is of ful greet reverence,** Their prayer is of full great reverence, 1933 **Whan they for soules seye the psalm of Davit:** When they for souls say the psalm of David: 1934 **Lo, `buf!' they seye, `cor meum eructavit!'** Lo, `buf!' they say (belch), `my heart has uttered' (a good word)! 1935 **Who folweth Cristes gospel and his foore,** Who follows Christ's gospel and his path, 1936 **But we that humble been, and chaast, and poore,** But we who are humble, and chaste, and poor, 1937 **Werkeris of Goddes word, nat auditours?** Workers of God's word, not mere listeners? 1938 **Therfore, right as an hauk up at a sours** Therefore, just as a hawk upon an upward flight 1939 **Up springeth into th' eir, right so prayeres** Up springs into the' air, right so prayers 1940 **Of charitable and chaste bisy freres** Of charitable and chaste busy friars 1941 **Maken hir sours to Goddes eres two.** Make their upward flight to God's two ears. 1942 **Thomas, Thomas! So moote I ryde or go,** Thomas, Thomas! As I may ride or walk, 1943 **And by that lord that clepid is Seint Yve,** And by that lord who is called Saint Yve, 1944 **Nere thou oure brother, sholdestou nat thryve.** Were thou not our brother, thou shouldest not thrive. 1945 **In our chapitre praye we day and nyght** In our assembly we pray day and night 1946 **To Crist, that he thee sende heele and myght** To Christ, that he send thee health and strength 1947 **Thy body for to weelden hastily."** Thy body to move with ease hastily." 1948 **"God woot," quod he, "no thyng therof feele I!** "God knows," said he, "no thing thereof feel I! 1949 **As help me Crist, as I in fewe yeres,** So help me Christ, I in few years, 1950 **Have spent upon diverse manere freres** Have spent upon different sorts of friars 1951 **Ful many a pound; yet fare I never the bet.** Very many a pound; yet fare I never the better. 1952 **Certeyn, my good have I almoost biset.** Certainly, I have almost spent all my goods. 1953 **Farwel, my gold, for it is al ago!"** Farewell, my gold, for it is all gone!" 1954 **The frere answerde, "O Thomas, dostow so?** The friar answered, "Oh Thomas, dost thou so? 1955 **What nedeth yow diverse freres seche?** Why do you need to seek various friars? 1956 **What nedeth hym that hath a parfit leche** Why does one who has a perfect physician need 1957 **To sechen othere leches in the toun?** To seek other physicians in the town? 1958 **Youre inconstance is youre confusioun.** Your inconstancy is your ruin. 1959 **Holde ye thanne me, or elles oure covent,** Consider you then me, or else our convent, 1960 **To praye for yow been insufficient?** To be insufficient to pray for you? 1961 **Thomas, that jape nys nat worth a myte.** Thomas, that trick is not worth a half a farthing. 1962 **Youre maladye is for we han to lyte.** Your malady is because we have too little. 1963 **A, yif that covent half a quarter otes!** Ah, give that convent half a quarter (four bushels) oats! 1964 **A, yif that covent foure and twenty grotes!** A, give that convent four and twenty groats (four pences)! 1965 **A, yif that frere a peny, and lat hym go!** A, give that friar a penny, and let him go! 1966 **Nay, nay, Thomas, it may no thyng be so!** Nay, nay, Thomas, it may in no way be so! 1967 **What is a ferthyng worth parted in twelve?** What is a farthing worth divided into twelve? 1968 **Lo, ech thyng that is oned in himselve** Lo, each thing that is united in itself 1969 **Is moore strong than whan it is toscatered.** Is more strong than when it is all scattered. 1970 **Thomas, of me thou shalt nat been yflatered;** Thomas, by me thou shalt not be flattered; 1971 **Thou woldest han oure labour al for noght.** Thou wouldest have our labor all for nothing. 1972 **The hye God, that al this world hath wroght,** The high God, who all this world has wrought, 1973 **Seith that the werkman worthy is his hyre.** Says that the workman is worthy of his hire. 1974 **Thomas, noght of youre tresor I desire** Thomas, I do not desire any of your treasure 1975 **As for myself, but that al oure covent** For myself, but because all our convent 1976 **To preye for yow is ay so diligent,** To pray for you is always so diligent, 1977 **And for to buylden Cristes owene chirche.** And to build Christ's own church. 1978 **Thomas, if ye wol lernen for to wirche,** Thomas, if you want to learn what to do, 1979 **Of buyldynge up of chirches may ye fynde** Concerning building up of churches you can find 1980 **If it be good in Thomas lyf of Inde.** If it be good in the life of Thomas of India. 1981 **Ye lye heere ful of anger and of ire,** You lie here full of anger and of ire, 1982 **With which the devel set youre herte afyre,** With which the devil set your heart afire, 1983 **And chiden heere the sely innocent,** And chide here the poor innocent, 1984 **Youre wyf, that is so meke and pacient.** Your wife, who is so meek and patient. 1985 **And therfore, Thomas, trowe me if thee leste,** And therefore, Thomas, believe me if thou wish, 1986 **Ne stryve nat with thy wyf, as for thy beste;** Strive not with thy wife, for thine own good; 1987 **And ber this word awey now, by thy feith;** And bear this word away now, by thy faith; 1988 **Touchynge swich thyng, lo, what the wise seith:** Concerning such thing, lo, what the wise man says: 1989 **`Withinne thyn hous ne be thou no leon;** `Within thy house be thou no lion; 1990 **To thy subgitz do noon oppression,** To thy subjects do no oppression, 1991 **Ne make thyne aqueyntances nat to flee.'** Nor make thy acquaintances to flee.' 1992 **And, Thomas, yet eft-soones I charge thee,** And, Thomas, yet again I command thee, 1993 **Be war from Ire that in thy bosom slepeth;** Beware of Ire that in thy bosom sleeps; 1994 **War fro the serpent that so slily crepeth** Beware of the serpent that so slyly creeps 1995 **Under the gras and styngeth subtilly.** Under the grass and stings subtly. 1996 **Be war, my sone, and herkne paciently** Beware, my son, and hearken patiently 1997 **That twenty thousand men han lost hir lyves** That twenty thousand men have lost their lives 1998 **For stryvyng with hir lemmans and hir wyves.** For striving with their sweethearts and their wives. 1999 **Now sith ye han so hooly meke a wyf,** Now since you have so holy meek a wife, 2000 **What nedeth yow, Thomas, to maken stryf?** Why do you need, Thomas, to make strife? 2001 **Ther nys, ywys, no serpent so cruel,** There is, indeed, no serpent so cruel, 2002 **Whan man tret on his tayl, ne half so fel,** When man treads on his tail, nor half so fierce, 2003 **As womman is, whan she hath caught an ire;** As woman is, when she has become angry; 2004 **Vengeance is thanne al that they desire.** Vengeance is then all that they desire. 2005 **Ire is a synne, oon of the grete of sevene,** Ire is a sin, one of the greatest of seven, 2006 **Abhomynable unto the God of hevene;** Abominable unto the God of heaven; 2007 **And to hymself it is destruccion.** And to himself it is destruction. 2008 **This every lewed viker or person** This every ignorant vicar or parson 2009 **Kan seye, how ire engendreth homycide.** Can say, how ire engenders homicide. 2010 **Ire is, in sooth, executour of pryde.** Ire is, in truth, executor of pride. 2011 **I koude of ire seye so muche sorwe,** I could of ire say so much sorrow, 2012 **My tale sholde laste til to-morwe.** My tale should last until to-morrow. 2013 **And therfore preye I God bothe day and nyght** And therefore pray I God both day and night 2014 **An irous man, God sende hym litel myght!** An angry man, God send him little power! 2015 **It is greet harm and certes greet pitee** It is great harm and certainly great pity 2016 **To sette an irous man in heigh degree.** To set an angry man in high position. 2017 **"Whilom ther was an irous potestat,** "Once there was an angry potentate, 2018 **As seith Senek, that, durynge his estaat,** As says Seneca, who, during his reign, 2019 **Upon a day out ryden knyghtes two,** Upon a day out rode two knights, 2020 **And as Fortune wolde that it were so,** And as Fortune would that it were so, 2021 **That oon of hem cam hoom, that oother noght.** That one of them came home, that other did not. 2022 **Anon the knyght bifore the juge is broght,** At once the knight is brought before the judge, 2023 **That seyde thus, `Thou hast thy felawe slayn,** Who said thus, `Thou hast thy fellow slain, 2024 **For which I deme thee to the deeth, certayn.'** For which I condemn thee to the death, certainly.' 2025 **And to another knyght comanded he,** And to another knight commanded he, 2026 **`Go lede hym to the deeth, I charge thee.'** `Go lead him to the death, I charge thee.' 2027 **And happed, as they wente by the weye** And it happened, as they went by the way 2028 **Toward the place ther he sholde deye,** Toward the place where he should die, 2029 **The knyght cam which men wenden had be deed.** The knight came who men believed had been dead. 2030 **Thanne thoughte they it were the beste reed** Then thought they it would be the best plan 2031 **To lede hem bothe to the juge agayn.** To lead them both to the judge again. 2032 **They seiden, `Lord, the knyght ne hath nat slayn** They said, `Lord, the knight has not slain 2033 **His felawe; heere he standeth hool alyve.'** His fellow; here he stands whole and alive.' 2034 **`Ye shul be deed,' quod he, `so moot I thryve!** `You shall be dead,' said he, `as I may thrive! 2035 **That is to seyn, bothe oon, and two, and thre!'** That is to say, both one, and two, and three!' 2036 **And to the firste knyght right thus spak he,** And to the first knight right thus spoke he, 2037 **`I dampned thee; thou most algate be deed.** `I condemned thee; thou must therefore be dead. 2038 **And thou also most nedes lese thyn heed,** And thou also must of necessity lose thy head, 2039 **For thou art cause why thy felawe deyth.'** For thou art the cause why thy fellow dies.' 2040 **And to the thridde knyght right thus he seith,** And to the third knight right thus he says, 2041 **`Thou hast nat doon that I comanded thee.'** `Thou hast not done what I commanded thee.' 2042 **And thus he dide doon sleen hem alle thre.** And thus he caused them all three to be slain. 2043 **"Irous Cambises was eek dronkelewe,** "Angry Cambises was also a drunkard, 2044 **And ay delited hym to been a shrewe.** And it always delighted him to be a scoundrel. 2045 **And so bifel, a lord of his meynee** And as it happened, a lord of his household 2046 **That loved vertuous moralitee** Who loved virtuous morality 2047 **Seyde on a day bitwix hem two right thus:** Said on a day betwixt them two right thus: 2048 **"`A lord is lost, if he be vicius;** "`A lord is lost, if he be vicious; 2049 **And dronkenesse is eek a foul record** And drunkenness is also a foul reputation 2050 **Of any man, and namely in a lord.** Of any man, and especially in a lord. 2051 **Ther is ful many an eye and many an ere** There is full many an eye and many an ear 2052 **Awaityng on a lord, and he noot where.** Watching a lord, and he knows not where. 2053 **For Goddes love, drynk moore attemprely!** For God's love, drink more temperately! 2054 **Wyn maketh man to lesen wrecchedly** Wine makes man to lose wretchedly 2055 **His mynde and eek his lymes everichon.'** His mind and also his limbs every one.' 2056 **"`The revers shaltou se,' quod he, `anon,** "`The reverse shalt thou see,' said he, `right now, 2057 **And preve it by thyn owene experience,** And prove it by thy own experience, 2058 **That wyn ne dooth to folk no swich offence.** That wine does to folk no such offence. 2059 **Ther is no wyn bireveth me my myght** There is no wine that deprives me of my power 2060 **Of hand ne foot, ne of myne eyen sight.'** Of hand nor foot, nor of my eyesight.' 2061 **And for despit he drank ful muchel moore,** And for spite he drank very much more, 2062 **An hondred part, than he hadde don bifoore;** By a hundred times, than he had done before; 2063 **And right anon this irous, cursed wrecche** And right away this angry, cursed wretch 2064 **Leet this knyghtes sone bifore hym fecche,** Had this knight's son fetched before him, 2065 **Comandynge hym he sholde bifore hym stonde.** Commanding him he should before him stand. 2066 **And sodeynly he took his bowe in honde,** And suddenly he took his bow in hand, 2067 **And up the streng he pulled to his ere,** And up the string he pulled to his ear, 2068 **And with an arwe he slow the child right there.** And with an arrow he slew the child right there. 2069 **`Now wheither have I a siker hand or noon?'** `Now tell me whether I have a sure hand or not?' 2070 **Quod he; `Is al my myght and mynde agon?** Said he; `Is all my power and mind gone? 2071 **Hath wyn bireved me myn eyen sight?'** Has wine bereft me of my eyesight?' 2072 **What sholde I telle th' answere of the knyght?** Why should I tell the answer of the knight? 2073 **His sone was slayn; ther is namoore to seye.** His son was slain; there is no more to say. 2074 **Beth war, therfore, with lordes how ye pleye.** Beware, therefore, how you act with lords. 2075 **Syngeth Placebo and `I shal, if I kan,'** Sing 'I shall please' and `I shall, if I can,' 2076 **But if it be unto a povre man.** Unless it be unto a poor man. 2077 **To a povre man men sholde his vices telle,** To a poor man one should tell his vices, 2078 **But nat to a lord, thogh he sholde go to helle.** But not to a lord, though he should go to hell. 2079 **"Lo irous Cirus, thilke Percien,** "Lo angry Cyrus, that Persian, 2080 **How he destroyed the ryver of Gysen,** How he destroyed the river of Gysen, 2081 **For that an hors of his was dreynt therinne,** Because a horse of his was drowned therein, 2082 **Whan that he wente Babiloigne to wynne.** When he went to conquer Babylon. 2083 **He made that the ryver was so smal** He made it that the river was so small 2084 **That wommen myghte wade it over al.** That women could wade it everywhere. 2085 **Lo, what seyde he that so wel teche kan?** Lo, what said he who so well can teach? 2086 **`Ne be no felawe to an irous man,** `Be no fellow to an angry man, 2087 **Ne with no wood man walke by the weye,** Nor with no enraged man walk by the way, 2088 **Lest thee repente;' I wol no ferther seye.** Lest thee repent;' I will no further say. 2089 **"Now, Thomas, leeve brother, lef thyn ire;** "Now, Thomas, dear brother, leave thine ire; 2090 **Thou shalt me fynde as just as is a squyre.** Thou shalt me find as true as is a carpenter's square. 2091 **Hoold nat the develes knyf ay at thyn herte --** Hold not the devil's knife always at thy heart -- 2092 **Thyn angre dooth thee al to soore smerte --** Thine anger causes thee all too sorely to suffer -- 2093 **But shewe to me al thy confessioun."** But show to me all thy confession." 2094 **"Nay," quod the sike man, "by Seint Symoun!** "Nay," said the sick man, "by Saint Symoun! 2095 **I have be shryven this day at my curat.** I have been shriven this day by my curate. 2096 **I have hym toold hoolly al myn estat;** I have him told completely all my condition; 2097 **Nedeth namoore to speken of it," seith he,** It needs no more to speak of it," says he, 2098 **"But if me list, of myn humylitee."** "Unless I so wish, out of my humility." 2099 **"Yif me thanne of thy gold, to make oure cloystre,"** "Give me then of thy gold, to make our cloister," 2100 **Quod he, "for many a muscle and many an oystre,** Said he, "for many a mussel and many an oyster, 2101 **Whan othere men han ben ful wel at eyse,** When other men have been full well at ease, 2102 **Hath been oure foode, our cloystre for to reyse.** Have been our food, our cloister to erect. 2103 **And yet, God woot, unnethe the fundement** And yet, God knows, hardly the foundation 2104 **Parfourned is, ne of our pavement** Is finished, nor of our pavement 2105 **Nys nat a tyle yet withinne oure wones.** There is not a tile yet within our dwelling. 2106 **By God, we owen fourty pound for stones.** By God, we owe forty pounds for stones. 2107 **"Now help, Thomas, for hym that harwed helle!** "Now help, Thomas, for him who despoiled hell of its captives! 2108 **For elles moste we oure bookes selle.** For otherwise we must sell our books. 2109 **And if yow lakke oure predicacioun,** And if you lack our preaching, 2110 **Thanne goth the world al to destruccioun.** Then all the world goes to destruction. 2111 **For whoso wolde us fro this world bireve,** For whoever would rob us from this world, 2112 **So God me save, Thomas, by youre leve,** So save me God, Thomas, by your leave, 2113 **He wolde bireve out of this world the sonne.** He would take the sun out of this world. 2114 **For who kan teche and werchen as we konne?** For who can teach and work as we know how? 2115 **And that is nat of litel tyme," quod he,** And that is not of recent times," said he, 2116 **"But syn Elye was, or Elise,** "But since Elijah was, or Elisha, 2117 **Han freres been -- that fynde I of record --** Have friars been -- that I find in the records -- 2118 **In charitee, ythanked be oure Lord!** In charity, thanked be our Lord! 2119 **Now Thomas, help, for seinte charitee!"** Now Thomas, help, for holy charity!" 2120 **And doun anon he sette hym on his knee.** And down at once he set himself on his knee. 2121 **This sike man wax wel ny wood for ire;** This sick man grew well nigh mad for ire; 2122 **He wolde that the frere had been on-fire** He wished that the friar had been afire 2123 **With his false dissymulacioun.** With his false dissimulation. 2124 **"Swich thyng as is in my possessioun,"** "Such a thing as is in my possession," 2125 **Quod he, "that may I yeve, and noon oother.** Said he, "that can I give, and none other. 2126 **Ye sey me thus, how that I am youre brother?"** You say me thus, that I am your brother?" 2127 **"Ye, certes," quod the frere, "trusteth weel.** "Yes, certainly," said the friar, "trust well. 2128 **I took oure dame oure lettre with oure seel."** I gave our lady our letter with our seal." 2129 **"Now wel," quod he, "and somwhat shal I yive** "Well now," said he, "and something shall I give 2130 **Unto youre hooly covent whil I lyve;** Unto your holy convent while I live; 2131 **And in thyn hand thou shalt it have anon,** And in thy hand thou shalt it have right now, 2132 **On this condicion, and oother noon,** On this condition, and none other, 2133 **That thou departe it so, my deere brother,** That thou divide it so, my dear brother, 2134 **That every frere have also muche as oother.** That every friar have as much as the other. 2135 **This shaltou swere on thy professioun,** This shalt thou swear on thy religious vows, 2136 **Withouten fraude or cavillacioun."** Without fraud or quibbling." 2137 **"I swere it," quod this frere, "by my feith!"** "I swear it," said this friar, "by my faith!" 2138 **And therwithal his hand in his he leith,** And therewith his hand in his he lays, 2139 **"Lo, heer my feith; in me shal be no lak."** "Lo, have here my faith; I shall not fail (to keep my word)." 2140 **"Now thanne, put in thyn hand doun by my bak,"** "Now then, put in thy hand down by my back," 2141 **Seyde this man, "and grope wel bihynde.** Said this man, "and grope well behind. 2142 **Bynethe my buttok there shaltow fynde** Beneath my buttock where shalt thou find 2143 **A thyng that I have hyd in pryvetee."** A thing that I have hidden in private." 2144 **"A!" thoghte this frere, "That shal go with me!"** "Ah!" thought this friar, "That shall go with me!" 2145 **And doun his hand he launcheth to the clifte** And down his hand he thrusts to the cleft 2146 **In hope for to fynde there a yifte.** In hope to find there a gift. 2147 **And whan this sike man felte this frere** And when this sick man felt this friar 2148 **Aboute his tuwel grope there and heere,** About his anus grope there and here, 2149 **Amydde his hand he leet the frere a fart;** Amid his hand he let the friar a fart; 2150 **Ther nys no capul, drawynge in a cart,** There is no horse, pulling a cart, 2151 **That myghte have lete a fart of swich a soun.** That could have let a fart of such a sound. 2152 **The frere up stirte as dooth a wood leoun --** The friar up started as does a mad lion -- 2153 **"A, false cherl," quod he, "for Goddes bones!** "Ah, false churl," said he, "for God's bones! 2154 **This hastow for despit doon for the nones.** This hast thou done on purpose for spite. 2155 **Thou shalt abye this fart, if that I may!"** Thou shalt pay for this fart, if I can (do so)!" 2156 **His meynee, whiche that herden this affray,** His servants, who heard this affray, 2157 **Cam lepynge in and chaced out the frere;** Came leaping in and chased out the friar; 2158 **And forth he gooth, with a ful angry cheere,** And forth he goes, with a very angry look, 2159 **And fette his felawe, ther as lay his stoor.** And fetched his fellow, where lay his store. 2160 **He looked as it were a wilde boor;** He looked like a wild boar; 2161 **He grynte with his teeth, so was he wrooth.** He gnashed his teeth, he was so angry. 2162 **A sturdy paas doun to the court he gooth,** At a rapid pace down to the court he goes, 2163 **Wher as ther woned a man of greet honour,** Where there dwelt a man of greet honor, 2164 **To whom that he was alwey confessour.** To whom he was always confessor. 2165 **This worthy man was lord of that village.** This worthy man was lord of that village. 2166 **This frere cam as he were in a rage,** This friar came as if he were in a rage, 2167 **Where as this lord sat etyng at his bord;** Where the lord sat eating at his table; 2168 **Unnethes myghte the frere speke a word,** Hardly could the friar speak a word, 2169 **Til atte laste he seyde, "God yow see!"** Until at the last he said, "God you see!" 2170 **This lord gan looke, and seide, "Benedicitee!** This lord did look, and said, "Bless me! 2171 **What, frere John, what maner world is this?** What, friar John, what sort of carrying on is this? 2172 **I se wel that som thyng ther is amys;** I see well that there is something amiss; 2173 **Ye looken as the wode were ful of thevys.** You look as if the wood were full of thieves. 2174 **Sit doun anon, and tel me what youre grief is,** Sit down right now, and tell me what your grief is, 2175 **And it shal been amended, if I may."** And it shall be amended, if I can." 2176 **"I have," quod he, "had a despit this day,** "I have," said he, "had an insult this day, 2177 **God yelde yow, adoun in youre village,** God reward you, down in your village, 2178 **That in this world is noon so povre a page** That in this world is none so poor a servant boy 2179 **That he nolde have abhomynacioun** That he would not be nauseated 2180 **Of that I have receyved in youre toun.** By what I have received in your town. 2181 **And yet ne greveth me nothyng so soore,** And yet there grieves me nothing so sore, 2182 **As that this olde cherl with lokkes hoore** As that this old churl with white locks 2183 **Blasphemed hath oure hooly covent eke."** Blasphemed has our holy convent as well." 2184 **"Now, maister," quod this lord, "I yow biseke --"** "Now, master," said this lord, "I you beseech --" 2185 **"No maister, sire," quod he, "but servitour,** "No master, sir," said he, "but servant, 2186 **Thogh I have had in scole that honour.** Though I have had in school that honor. 2187 **God liketh nat that `Raby' men us calle,** God likes not that `Rabbi' men us call, 2188 **Neither in market ne in youre large halle."** Neither in market nor in your large hall." 2189 **"No fors," quod he, "but tel me al youre grief."** "No matter," said he, "but tell me all your grief." 2190 **"Sire," quod this frere, "an odious meschief** "Sir," said this friar, "an odious mischief 2191 **This day bityd is to myn ordre and me,** This day has happened to my order and me, 2192 **And so, per consequens, to ech degree** And so, consequently, to each degree 2193 **Of hooly chirche -- God amende it soone!"** Of holy church -- God amend it soon!" 2194 **"Sire," quod the lord, "ye woot what is to doone.** "Sir," said the lord, "you know what is to be done. 2195 **Distempre yow noght; ye be my confessour;** Do not be angry; you are my confessor; 2196 **Ye been the salt of the erthe and the savour.** You are the salt of the earth and the delight. 2197 **For Goddes love, youre pacience ye holde!** For God's love, keep your patience! 2198 **Tel me youre grief." And he anon hym tolde,** Tell me your grief." And he straightway told him, 2199 **As ye han herd biforn -- ye woot wel what.** As you have heard before -- you know well what. 2200 **The lady of the hous ay stille sat** The lady of the house always still sat 2201 **Til she had herd what the frere sayde.** Until she had heard what the friar said. 2202 **"Ey, Goddes mooder," quod she, "Blisful mayde!** "Ey, God's mother," said she, "Blissful maid! 2203 **Is ther oght elles? Telle me feithfully."** Is there anything else? Tell me faithfully." 2204 **"Madame," quod he, "how thynke ye herby?"** "My lady," said he, "how think you of this?" 2205 **"How that me thynketh?" quod she. "So God me speede,** "How I think" said she. "So help me God, 2206 **I seye a cherl hath doon a cherles dede.** I say a churl has done a churl's deed. 2207 **What shold I seye? God lat hym nevere thee!** What should I say? God let him never prosper! 2208 **His sike heed is ful of vanytee;** His sick head is full of foolishness; 2209 **I holde hym in a manere frenesye."** I consider him in a sort of delirium." 2210 **"Madame," quod he, "by God, I shal nat lye,** "My lady," said he, "by God, I shall not lie, 2211 **But I on oother wyse may be wreke,** Unless I can be avenged in another manner, 2212 **I shal disclaundre hym over al ther I speke,** I shall defame him wherever I speak, 2213 **This false blasphemour that charged me** This false blasphemer who charged me 2214 **To parte that wol nat departed be** To divide that which will not be divided 2215 **To every man yliche, with meschaunce!"** Equally to every man, with bad luck (to him)!" 2216 **The lord sat stille as he were in a traunce,** The lord sat still as if he were in a trance, 2217 **And in his herte he rolled up and doun,** And in his heart he rolled up and down, 2218 **"How hadde this cherl ymaginacioun** "How had this churl imagination 2219 **To shewe swich a probleme to the frere?** To show such a problem to the friar? 2220 **Nevere erst er now herde I of swich mateere.** Never previously before now heard I of such a matter. 2221 **I trowe the devel putte it in his mynde.** I believe the devil put it in his mind. 2222 **In ars-metrike shal ther no man fynde,** In the art of measuring (arithmetic) shall there no man find, 2223 **Biforn this day, of swich a question.** Before this day, such a problem. 2224 **Who sholde make a demonstracion** Who should make a logical proof 2225 **That every man sholde have yliche his part** That every man should have equally his part 2226 **As of the soun or savour of a fart?** As of the sound or odor of a fart? 2227 **O nyce, proude cherl, I shrewe his face!** Oh ingenious, proud churl, I curse his face! 2228 **Lo, sires," quod the lord, "with harde grace!** Lo, sirs," said the lord, "with bad luck (to him)! 2229 **Who evere herde of swich a thyng er now?** Who ever heard of such a thing before now? 2230 **To every man ylike? Tel me how.** To every man equally? Tell me how. 2231 **It is an inpossible; it may nat be.** It is an impossibility; it can not be. 2232 **Ey, nyce cherl, God lete him nevere thee!** Ey, clever churl, God let him never prosper! 2233 **The rumblynge of a fart, and every soun,** The rumbling of a fart, and every sound, 2234 **Nis but of eir reverberacioun,** Is nothing but reverberation of air, 2235 **And evere it wasteth litel and litel awey.** And ever it wastes away little by little. 2236 **Ther is no man kan deemen, by my fey,** There is no man can judge, by my faith, 2237 **If that it were departed equally.** If it were divided equally. 2238 **What, lo, my cherl, lo, yet how shrewedly** What, lo, my churl, lo, yet how shrewdly 2239 **Unto my confessour to-day he spak!** Unto my confessor to-day he spoke! 2240 **I holde hym certeyn a demonyak!** I consider him certainly one possessed by a demon! 2241 **Now ete youre mete, and lat the cherl go pleye;** Now eat your food, and let the churl go play; 2242 **Lat hym go honge hymself a devel weye!"** Let him go hang himself in the devil's name!" *The wordes of the lordes squier and* *his kervere for departynge of the* *fart on twelve.* 2243 **Now stood the lordes squier at the bord,** Now stood the lord's squire at the board, 2244 **That karf his mete, and herde word by word** Who carved his meat, and heard word by word 2245 **Of alle thynges whiche I have yow sayd.** Of all the things which I have told you. 2246 **"My lord," quod he, "be ye nat yvele apayd,** "My lord," said he, "if you be not displeased, 2247 **I koude telle, for a gowne-clooth,** I could tell, for a cloth to make a gown, 2248 **To yow, sire frere, so ye be nat wrooth,** To you, sir friar, providing you be not angry, 2249 **How that this fart sholde evene deled be** How this fart should evenly be divided 2250 **Among youre covent, if it lyked me."** Among your convent, if it pleased me." 2251 **"Tel," quod the lord, "and thou shalt have anon** "Tell," said the lord, "and thou shalt have straightway 2252 **A gowne-clooth, by God and by Seint John!"** A gown-cloth, by God and by Saint John!" 2253 **"My lord," quod he, "whan that the weder is fair,** "My lord," said he, "when the weather is fair, 2254 **Withouten wynd or perturbynge of air,** Without wind or disturbance of air, 2255 **Lat brynge a cartwheel heere into this halle;** Let a cartwheel be brought here into this hall; 2256 **But looke that it have his spokes alle --** But see that it has all its spokes -- 2257 **Twelve spokes hath a cartwheel comunly.** Twelve spokes has a cartwheel commonly. 2258 **And bryng me thanne twelve freres. Woot ye why?** And bring me then twelve friars. Know you why? 2259 **For thrittene is a covent, as I gesse.** For thirteen is a convent, as I believe. 2260 **Youre confessour heere, for his worthynesse,** Your confessor here, for his worthiness, 2261 **Shal parfourne up the nombre of his covent.** Shall complete the number of his convent. 2262 **Thanne shal they knele doun, by oon assent,** Then shall they kneel down, all together, 2263 **And to every spokes ende, in this manere,** And to every spoke's end, in this manner, 2264 **Ful sadly leye his nose shal a frere.** A friar shall very firmly lay his nose. 2265 **Youre noble confessour -- there God hym save! --** Your noble confessor -- may God him save! -- 2266 **Shal holde his nose upright under the nave.** Shall hold his nose upright under the nave. 2267 **Thanne shal this cherl, with bely stif and toght** Then shall this churl, with belly stiff and taut 2268 **As any tabour, hyder been ybroght;** As any drum, hither be brought; 2269 **And sette hym on the wheel right of this cart,** And set him right on the wheel of this cart, 2270 **Upon the nave, and make hym lete a fart.** Upon the nave, and make him let a fart. 2271 **And ye shul seen, up peril of my lyf,** And you shall see, on peril of my life (I swear), 2272 **By preeve which that is demonstratif,** By proof which is logical, 2273 **That equally the soun of it wol wende,** That equally the sound of it will go, 2274 **And eke the stynk, unto the spokes ende,** And also the stink, unto the spokes' ends, 2275 **Save that this worthy man, youre confessour,** Except that this worthy man, your confessor, 2276 **By cause he is a man of greet honour,** Because he is a man of greet honor, 2277 **Shal have the firste fruyt, as resoun is.** Shall have the first fruit, as is reasonable. 2278 **The noble usage of freres yet is this,** The noble usage of friars yet is this, 2279 **The worthy men of hem shul first be served;** The worthy men of them shall first be served; 2280 **And certeinly he hath it weel disserved.** And certainly he has it well deserved. 2281 **He hath to-day taught us so muche good** He has to-day taught us so much good 2282 **With prechyng in the pulpit ther he stood,** With preaching in the pulpit where he stood, 2283 **That I may vouche sauf, I sey for me,** That I can affirm, I say for me, 2284 **He hadde the firste smel of fartes thre;** He had the first smell of three farts; 2285 **And so wolde al his covent hardily,** And so would all his convent certainly (agree), 2286 **He bereth hym so faire and hoolily."** He bears him so faire and holily." 2287 **The lord, the lady, and ech man, save the frere,** The lord, the lady, and each man, except the friar, 2288 **Seyde that Jankyn spak, in this matere,** Said that Jankyn spoke, in this matter, 2289 **As wel as Euclide \[dide\] or Ptholomee.** As well as Euclid or Ptolemy. 2290 **Touchynge the cherl, they seyde, subtiltee** Concerning the churl, they said, shrewdness 2291 **And heigh wit made hym speken as he spak;** And great intelligence made him speak as he spoke; 2292 **He nys no fool, ne no demonyak.** He is no fool, nor possessed by any demon. 2293 **And Jankyn hath ywonne a newe gowne --** And Jankyn has won a new gown -- 2294 **My tale is doon; we been almoost at towne.** My tale is done; we are almost at town. *Heere endeth the Somonours Tale.*