| 40 |
"Nay," quod this Monk, "I have no lust to pleye; |
| Not lat another telle as I have toold." |
| Thanne spak oure Hoost, with rude speche and boold, |
| And seyde unto the Nonnes Preest anon, |
| "Com neer, thou preest, com hyder, thou, sir John, |
| 45 | Telle us swich thyng as may oure hertes glade; |
| Be blithe, though thou ryde upon a jade. |
| What thogh thyn hors be bothe foul and lene? |
| If he wol serve thee, rekke nat a bene! |
| Looke that thyn herte be murie everemo." |
| 50 | "Yis, sir," quod he, "yis, Hoost, so moot I go, |
| But I be myrie, ywis, I wol be blamed." |
| And right anon his tale he hath attamed, |
| And thus he seyde unto us everichon, |
| This sweete preest, this goodly man sir John. |
|
| 40 | "Nay," said this monk, "I have no wish to play; |
| Now let another tell, as I have told." |
| Then spoke our host out, in rude speech and bold, |
| And said he unto the nun's priest anon: |
| "Come near, you priest, come hither, you Sir John, |
| 45 | Tell us a thing to make our hearts all glad; |
| Be blithe, although you ride upon a jade. |
| What though your horse may be both foul and lean? |
| If he but serves you, why, don't care a bean; |
| Just see your heart is always merry. So." |
| 50 | "Yes, sir," said he, "yes, host, so may I go, |
| For, save I'm merry, I know I'll be blamed." |
| And right away his story has he framed, |
| And thus he said unto us, every one, |
| This dainty priest, this goodly man, Sir John. |
|
