The Prologue + 

“Well said, by corpus Domini,” quoth our Host; + 

“Now longë may’st thou sailë by the coast, + 

Thou gentle Master, gentle Marinére. + 

God give the monk a thousand last quad year! + 

Aha! fellows, beware of such a jape. + 

The monk put in the mannë’s hood an ape, + 

And in his wifë’s eke, by Saint Austin. + 

Drawë no monkës more into your inn. + 

But now pass over, and let us seek about, + 

Who shall now tellë first of all this rout + 

Another tale;” and with that word he said, + 

As courteously as it had been a maid; + 

“My Lady Prioressë, by your leave, + 

So that I wist I shouldë you not grieve, + 

I wouldë deemë that ye tellë should + 

A talë next, if so were that ye would. + 

Now will ye vouchësafe, my lady dear?” + 

“Gladly,” quoth she; and said as ye shall hear. + 