| Upon this word we han assented soone, |
| For, as it seemed, it was for to doone, |
| To enden in som vertuous sentence, |
| And for to yeve hym space and audience; |
| 65 | And bade oure Hoost he sholde to hym seye |
| That alle we to telle his tale hym preye. |
| Oure Hoost hadde the wordes for us alle: |
| "Sire preest," quod he, "now faire yow bifalle! |
| Telleth," quod he, "youre meditacioun. |
| 70 | But hasteth yow, the sonne wole adoun; |
| Beth fructuous, and that in litel space, |
| And to do wel God sende yow his grace! |
| Sey what yow list, and we wol gladly heere." |
| And with that word he seyde in this manere. |
|
| After this saying, we have quickly assented |
| For, as it seemed, it was the best to do, |
| To end in some virtuous subject matter, |
| And to give him time and our attention |
| 65 | And asked our Host he should to him say |
| That he to tell his tale we pray |
| Our Host had the words for us all: |
| "Sir priest," said he, "now may good things come to you! |
| "Tell," said he, "your meditation |
| 70 | But make haste; the sun will soon be down |
| Be fruitful, and that in little time. |
| And to do well God sends you his grave! |
| Say what you pleases, and we will gladly hear." |
| And with that word he told in this manner. |
|
