The Monk’s Tale

When ended was my tale of Melibee, And of Prudénce and her benignity, Our Hostë said, “As I am faithful man, And by the precious corpus Madrian , 4016 I had lever 4017 than a barrel of ale, That goodë lefe 4018 my wife had heard this tale; For she is no thing of such patiénce As was this Meliboeus’ wife Prudénce. By Goddë’s bonës! when I beat my knaves She bringeth me the greatë clubbed staves, And crieth, ‘Slay the doggës every one, And break of them both back and ev’ry bone.’ And if that any neighëbour of mine Will not in church unto my wife incline, 4019 Or be so hardy to her to trespace, 4020