The Canterbury Tales · The Friar’s Tale · The Prologue 2139

This worthy limitour, this noble Frere,

He made always a manner louring cheer2140

Upon the Sompnour; but for honesty2141

No villain word as yet to him spake he:

But at the last he said unto the Wife:

“Damë,” quoth he, “God give you right good life,

Ye have here touched, all so may I thé,2142

In school matter a greatë difficulty.

Ye have said muchë thing right well, I say;

But, Damë, here as we ride by the way,

Us needeth not but for to speak of game,

And leave authorities, in Goddë’s name,

To preaching, and to school eke of clergy.

But if it like unto this company,

I will you of a Sompnour tell a game;

Pardie, ye may well knowë by the name,

That of a Sompnour may no good be said;

I pray that none of you be evil paid;2143

A Sompnour is a runner up and down

With mandements2144 for fornicatioún,

And is y-beat at every townë’s end.”

Then spake our Host; “Ah, sir, ye should be hend2145

And courteous, as a man of your estate;

In company we will have no debate:

Tell us your tale, and let the Sompnour be.”

“Nay,” quoth the Sompnour, “let him say by me

What so him list; when it comes to my lot,

By God, I shall him quiten2146 every groat!

I shall him tellë what a great honoúr

It is to be a flattering limitour

And his offíce I shall him tell y-wis.”2147

Our Host answered, “Peace, no more of this.”

And afterward he said unto the frere,

“Tell forth your tale, mine owen master dear.”