The Prologue

perambulatioún? What? amble or trot; or peace, or go sit down: Thou lettest our disport in this mattére.” “Yea, wilt thou so, Sir Sompnour?” quoth the Frere; “Now by my faith I shall, ere that I go, Tell of a Sompnour such a tale or two, That all the folk shall laughen in this place.” “Now do, else, Friar, I beshrew thy face,” Quoth this Sompnour; “and I beshrewë me, But if I tellë talës two or three Of friars, ere I come to Sittingbourne, That I shall make thine heartë for to mourn: For well I wot thy patience is gone.” Our Hostë criëd, “Peace, and that anon;” And saidë, “Let the woman tell her tale. Ye fare as folk that drunken be of ale. Do, Dame, tell forth your tale, and that is best.” “All ready, sir,” quoth she, “right as you lest, If I have licence of this worthy Frere.” “Yes, Dame,” quoth he, “tell forth, and I will hear.”