|
Whil this yeman was thus in his talkyng, |
| This chanoun drough hym neer, and herde al thyng |
| Which that this yeman spak, for suspecioun |
| Of mennes speche evere hadde this Chanoun. |
| 135 | For Catoun seith that he that gilty is |
| Demeth alle thyng be spoke of hym, ywis. |
| That was the cause he gan so ny hym drawe |
| To his yeman, to herknen al his sawe. |
| And thus he seyde unto his yeman tho: |
| 140 | "Hoold thou thy pees, and spek no wordes mo, |
| For if thou do, thou shalt it deere abye. |
| Thou sclaundrest me heere in this compaignye, |
| And eek discoverest that thou sholdest hyde." |
| "Ye," quod oure Hoost, "telle on, what bityde. |
| 145 | Of al his thretyng rekke nat a myte!" |
|
| The while this yeoman chattered on like this, |
| The canon nearer drew and did not miss |
| A thing he said; suspicion always woke |
| In him, indeed, when anybody spoke. |
| 135 | For Cato says suspicion's ever fed |
| In any guilty man when aught is said. |
| That was the reason why he drew so near |
| To his yeoman, his gossiping to hear. |
| And thus he said unto his yeoman then: |
| 140 | "Now hold your peace and do not speak again, |
| For if you do you'll pay it ruefully; |
| You slander me, here in this company, |
| And you uncover that which you should hide." |
| "Yea?" said our host, "Tell on, whate'er betide; |
| 145 | For all his threatening do not care a mite!" |
|
