|
By that the Maunciple hadde his tale al ended, |
| The sonne fro the south lyne was descended |
| So lowe that he nas nat, to my sighte, |
| Degrees nyne and twenty as in highte. |
| 5 | Foure of the clokke it was tho, as I gesse, |
| For ellevene foot, or litel moore or lesse, |
| My shadwe was at thilke tyme, as there, |
| Of swiche feet as my lengthe parted were |
| In sixe feet equal of proporcioun. |
| 10 | Therwith the moones exaltacioun, |
| I meene Libra, alwey gan ascende, |
| As we were entryng at a thropes ende; |
| For which oure Hoost, as he was wont to gye, |
| As in this caas, oure joly compaignye, |
| 15 | Seyde in this wise: "lordynges everichoon, |
| Now lakketh us no tales mo than oon. |
| Fulfilled is my sentence and my decree; |
| I trowe that we han herd of ech degree; |
| Almoost fulfild is al myn ordinaunce. |
| 20 | I pray to God, so yeve hym right good chaunce, |
| That telleth this tale to us lustily. |
|
| At the time that the Manciple had his tale all ended |
| The sun from the south was descended |
| So low that he was not, to my sight |
| More than nine and twenty degrees in height |
| 5 | Four o'clock it was then, as I guess |
| For eleven feet, or little more of less |
| My shadow that same time was there |
| Of such feet as if my length divided were |
| Into six feet equal portions |
| 10 | Therewith the moon's motion |
| I mean Libra, regularly began to ascend |
| As we were entering a village's end |
| For which our Host, since he was accustomed to guide |
| On this occasion, our jolly group on the ride |
| 15 | Said in this manner: "Gentlemen, every one |
| Now we lack no tales more than one. |
| Fulfilled is my plan and my decree |
| I think that we have heard from each social degree |
| Almost finished is all my governance. |
| 20 | I pray to God, to give him good luck and chance, |
| Who tells this tale to us pleasingly. |
|
