The Prologue + 

When said was this mirácle, every man + 

As sober was, that wonder was to see, + 

Till that our Host to japen he began, + 

And then at erst he looked upon me, + 

And saidë thus; “What man art thou?” quoth he; + 

“Thou lookest as thou wouldest find an hare, + 

For ever on the ground I see thee stare. + 

“Approachë near, and look up merrily. + 

Now ware you, Sirs, and let this man have place. + 

He in the waist is shapen as well as I; + 

This were a puppet in an arm t’ embrace + 

For any woman small and fair of face. + 

He seemeth elvish by his countenánce, + 

For unto no wight doth he dalliánce. + 

“Say now somewhat, since other folk have said; + 

Tell us a tale of mirth, and that anon.” + 

“Hostë,” quoth I, “be not evil apaid, + 

For other talë certes can I none, + 

But of a rhyme I learned yore agone.” + 

“Yea, that is good,” quoth he; “now shall we hear + 

Some dainty thing, me thinketh by thy cheer.” + 