| [Owre Hoost upon his stiropes stood anon, |
| And seyde, "Goode men, herkeneth everych on! |
| 1165 | This was a thrifty tale for the nones! |
| Sir Parisshe Prest," quod he, "for Goddes bones, |
| Telle us a tale, as was thi forward yore. |
| I se wel that ye lerned men in lore |
| Can moche good, by Goddes dignitee!" |
| 1170 | The Parson him answerde, "Benedicite! |
| What eyleth the man, so synfully to swere?" |
| Oure Host answerde, "O Jankin, be ye there? |
| I smelle a Lollere in the wynd," quod he. |
| "Now! goode men," quod oure Hoste, "herkeneth me; |
| 1175 | Abydeth, for Goddes digne passioun, |
| For we schal han a predicacioun; |
| This Lollere heer wil prechen us somwhat." |
| "Nay, by my fader soule, that schal he nat!" |
| Seyde the Shipman, "Heer schal he nat preche; |
| 1180 | He schal no gospel glosen here ne teche. |
| We leven alle in the grete God," quod he; |
| "He wolde sowen som difficulte, |
| Or springen cokkel in our clene corn. |
| And therfore, Hoost, I warne thee biforn, |
| 1185 | My joly body schal a tale telle, |
| And I schal clynken you so mery a belle, |
| That I schal waken al this compaignie. |
| But it schal not ben of philosophie, |
| Ne phislyas, ne termes queinte of lawe. |
| 1190 | Ther is but litel Latyn in my mawe!"] |