| 130 |
Now hadde this Phebus in his hous a crowe, |
| Which in a cage he fostred many a day, |
| And taughte it speken as men teche a jay. |
| Whit was this crowe, as is a snow-whit swan, |
| And countrefete the speche of every man |
| 135 | He koude, whan he sholde telle a tale. |
| Therwith in al this world no nyghtngale |
| Ne koude, by an hondred thousand deel, |
| Syngen so wonder myrily and weel. |
|
| 130 |
Now Phoebus had within his house a crow, |
| Which in a cage he'd fostered many a day, |
| And taught to speak, as men may teach a jay. |
| White was this crow as is a snow white swan, |
| And imitate the speech of any man |
| 135 | He could, when he desired to tell a tale. |
| Therewith, in all this world, no nightingale |
| Could, by a hundred-thousandth part, they tell, |
| Carol and sing so merrily and well. |
|
