«Dama, os rogaría, si vuestra voluntad fuera — dijo este Pardoner—, tal como empezasteis, seguid vuestro cuento y no os ahorréis por ningún hombre, y enséñenos a nosotros los hombres jóvenes vuestra práctica». «Con gusto —dice ella—, ya que pueda agradaros. Pero esto ruego a toda esta compañía: si hablo según mi fantasía, que no toméis a mal lo que pueda decir; pues mi intención es únicamente jugar».—
Now, Sirs, then will I tell you forth my tale.
As ever may I drinkë wine or ale I shall say sooth; the husbands that I had Three of them werë good, and two were bad. The three were goodë men, and rich, and old. Unnethës mightë they the statute hold In which that they were bounden unto me. Yet wot well what I mean of this, pardie.
As God me help, I laugh when that I think How piteously at night I made them swink, But, by my fay, I told of it no store: They had me giv’n their land and their treasór, Me needed not do longer diligence To win their love, or do them reverence. They loved me so well, by God above, That I toldë no dainty of their love.
A wise woman will busy her ever-in-one To get their lovë, where that she hath none. But, since I had them wholly in my hand, And that they had me given all their land, Why should I takë keep them for to please, But it were for my profit, or mine ease?
I set them so a-workë, by my fay, That many a night they sangë, well-away! The bacon was not fetched for them, I trow, That some men have in Essex at Dunmow. I govern’d them so well after my law, That each of them full blissful was and fawe To bringë me gay thingës from the fair. They were full glad when that I spake them fair, For, God it wot, I chid them spiteously.
Now hearken how I bare me properly.