|
But sires, o word forgat I in my tale: |
| I have relikes and pardoun in my male, |
| 635 | As faire as any man in Engelond, |
| Whiche were me yeven by the popes hond. |
| If any of yow wole of devocioun |
| Offren, and han myn absolucioun, |
| Com forth anon, and kneleth heere adoun, |
| 640 | And mekely receyveth my pardoun; |
| Or elles taketh pardoun as ye wende, |
| Al newe and fressh at every miles ende, |
| So that ye offren alwey, newe and newe, |
| Nobles or pens, whiche that be goode and trewe. |
| 645 | It is an honour to everich that is heer |
| That ye mowe have a suffisant pardoneer |
| T'assoille yow in contree as ye ryde, |
| For aventures whiche that may bityde. |
| Paraventure ther may fallen oon or two |
| 650 | Doun of his hors, and breke his nekke atwo. |
| Look, which a seuretee is it to yow alle |
| That I am in youre felaweship yfalle, |
| That may assoille yow, bothe moore and lasse, |
| Whan that the soule shal fro the body passe. |
| 655 | I rede that oure Hoost heere shal bigynne, |
| For he is moost envoluped in synne. |
| Com forth, sire Hoost, and offre first anon, |
| And thou shalt kisse my relikes everychon, |
| Ye, for a grote! unbokele anon thy purs." |
|
| But, sirs, one word forgot I in my tale; |
| I've relics in my pouch that cannot fail, |
| 635 | As good as England ever saw, I hope, |
| The which I got by kindness of the pope. |
| If gifts your change of heart and mind reveal, |
| You'll get my absolution while you kneel. |
| Come forth, and kneel down here before, anon, |
| 640 | And humbly you'll receive my full pardon; |
| Or else receive a pardon as you wend, |
| All new and fresh as every mile shall end, |
| So that you offer me each time, anew, |
| More gold and silver, all good coins and true. |
| 645 | It is an honour to each one that's here |
| That you may have a competent pardoner |
| To give you absolution as you ride, |
| For all adventures that may still betide. |
| Perchance from horse may fall down one or two, |
| 650 | Breaking his neck, and it might well be you. |
| See what insurance, then, it is for all |
| That I within your fellowship did fall, |
| Who may absolve you, both the great and less, |
| When soul from body passes, as I guess. |
| 655 | I think our host might just as well begin, |
| For he is most-enveloped in all sin. |
| Come forth, sir Host, and offer first anon, |
| And you shall kiss the relics, every one, |
| Aye, for a groat! Release and open your purse." |
|
