The Canterbury Tales · Chaucer’s Tale of Sir Thopas · The Prologue 3848

When said was this mirácle, every man

As sober3849 was, that wonder was to see,

Till that our Host to japen3850 he began,

And then at erst3851 he looked upon me,

And saidë thus; “What man art thou?” quoth he;

“Thou lookest as thou wouldest find an hare,

For ever on the ground I see thee stare.

“Approachë near, and look up merrily.

Now ware you, Sirs, and let this man have place.

He in the waist is shapen as well as I;3852

This were a puppet in an arm t’ embrace

For any woman small and fair of face.

He seemeth elvish3853 by his countenánce,

For unto no wight doth he dalliánce.

“Say now somewhat, since other folk have said;

Tell us a tale of mirth, and that anon.”

“Hostë,” quoth I, “be not evil apaid,3854

For other talë certes can3855 I none,

But of a rhyme I learned yore3856 agone.”

“Yea, that is good,” quoth he; “now shall we hear

Some dainty thing, me thinketh by thy cheer.”3857