|
"It shal be doon," quod he, "by Seint Ronyon; |
| 35 | But first," quod he, "heere at this alestake, |
| I wol bothe drynke and eten of a cake." |
| But right anon the gentils gonne to crye, |
| "Nay, lat hym telle us of no ribaudye! |
| Telle us som moral thyng that we may leere |
| 40 | Som wit, and thanne wol we gladly heere!" |
| "I graunte, ywis," quod he, "but I moot thynke |
| Upon som honeste thyng, while that I drynke." |
|
| "It shall be done," said he, "by Saint Ronan! |
| 35 | But first," he said, "just here, at this ale-stake, |
| I will both drink and eat a bite of cake." |
| But then these gentle folk began to cry: |
| "Nay, let him tell us naught of ribaldry; |
| Tell us some moral thing, that we may hear |
| 40 | Wisdom, and then we gladly will give ear." |
| "I grant it, aye," said he, "but I must think |
| Upon some seemly tale the while I drink." |
|
