| 20 |
This noble marchaunt heeld a worthy hous, |
| For which he hadde alday so greet repair |
| For his largesse, and for his wyf was fair, |
| That wonder is; but herkneth to my tale. |
| Amonges alle his gestes, grete and smale, |
| 25 | Ther was a monk, a fair man and a boold - |
| I trowe a thritty wynter he was oold - |
| That evere in oon was drawynge to that place, |
| This yonge monk, that was so fair of face, |
| Aqueynted was so with the goode man, |
| 30 | Sith that hir firste knoweliche bigan, |
| That in his hous as famulier was he |
| As it is possible any freend to be. |
|
| 20 |
This noble merchant had a worthy house, |
| To which, each day, so many did repair, |
| Since he was generous and his wife was fair, |
| Wonderful it is; but listen to my tale. |
| Among his many guests of great and small |
| 25 | There was a monk, a handsome man and bold, |
| I think that he was thirty winters old, |
| Who was for ever coming to that place. |
| This youthful monk, who was so fair of face, |
| Was so far intimate with the worthy man, |
| 30 | And had been since their friendship first began. |
| That in the house familiar was he |
| As it is possible for friend to be. |
|
