|
"No," quod the Manciple, "that were a greet mescheef, |
| So myghte he lightly brynge me in the snare; |
| Yet hadde I levere payen for the mare, |
| Which that he rit on, than he sholde with me stryve |
| 80 | I wol nat wratthen hym, al so moot I thryve; |
| That that I speke, I seyde it in my bourde. |
| And wite ye what? I have heer in a gourde |
| A draghte of wyn, ye, of a ripe grape, |
| And right anon ye shul seen a good jape. |
| 85 | This Cook shal drynke therof if that I may, |
| Up peyne of deeth, he wol nat seye me nat." |
|
|
"Nay," said the manciple, "that were ill behoof! |
| So might he easily catch me in his snare. |
| Yet would I rather pay him for the mare |
| Which he rides on than have him with me strive; |
| 80 | I will not rouse his rage, so may I thrive! |
| That which I said, I said as jesting word; |
| And know you what? I have here, in a gourd, |
| A draught of wine, yea, of a good ripe grape, |
| And now at once you shall behold a jape. |
| 85 | This cook shall drink thereof, sir, if I may; |
| On pain of death he will not say me nay!" |
|
