"No," said the Monk, "I do not wish to make sport. Let another tell, as I have told." [2807] Then our Host, with rough and bold speech, said without delay to the Nun's Priest, "Come nearer, you priest, Sir John1, come here and tell of something to gladden our hearts. Be cheerful, even though you ride upon a nag. What does it matter that your horse is foul and lean! If he serves you, don't care a bean about it. See that your heart will always be merry. [2815] "Yes, sir," he said, "yes, Host, in faith if I am not merry, you may rebuke me well." And without delay he began his tale and spoke thus to us all, this goodly man, this sweet priest, Sir John. [2820] Here ends the prologue. Source, "The Nun's Priest's Prologue" translation: NeCastro, Gerard. eChaucer. U of Maine at Machias, 2011. Web. 17 Oct. 2011. 1 Sir John Usually a name of contempt for a priest, but apparently his real name. |
||||||||||||
|
