The Prologue + 

This worthy limitour, this noble Frere, + 

He made always a manner louring cheer + 

Upon the Sompnour; but for honesty + 

No villain word as yet to him spake he: + 

But at the last he said unto the Wife: + 

“Damë,” quoth he, “God give you right good life, + 

Ye have here touched, all so may I thé, + 

In school matter a greatë difficulty. + 

Ye have said muchë thing right well, I say; + 

But, Damë, here as we ride by the way, + 

Us needeth not but for to speak of game, + 

And leave authorities, in Goddë’s name, + 

To preaching, and to school eke of clergy. + 

But if it like unto this company, + 

I will you of a Sompnour tell a game; + 

Pardie, ye may well knowë by the name, + 

That of a Sompnour may no good be said; + 

I pray that none of you be evil paid; + 

A Sompnour is a runner up and down + 

With mandements for fornicatioún, + 

And is y-beat at every townë’s end.” + 

Then spake our Host; “Ah, sir, ye should be hend + 

And courteous, as a man of your estate; + 

In company we will have no debate: + 

Tell us your tale, and let the Sompnour be.” + 

“Nay,” quoth the Sompnour, “let him say by me + 

What so him list; when it comes to my lot, + 

By God, I shall him quiten every groat! + 

I shall him tellë what a great honoúr + 

It is to be a flattering limitour + 

And his offíce I shall him tell y-wis.” + 

Our Host answered, “Peace, no more of this.” + 

And afterward he said unto the frere, + 

“Tell forth your tale, mine owen master dear.” + 