This Absolon, that jolly was and gay, Went with a censer on the holy day, Censing 1014 the wivës of the parish fast; And many a lovely look he on them cast, And namëly 1015 on this carpénter’s wife: To look on her him thought a merry life. She was so proper, and sweet, and likerous. I dare well say, if she had been a mouse, And he a cat, he would her hent anon. 1016 This parish clerk, this jolly Absolon, Hath in his heartë such a love-longing! That of no wife took he none offering; For courtesy he said he wouldë none. The moon at night full clear and brightë shone, And Absolon his gitern hath y-taken, For paramours he thoughtë for to waken, And forth he went, jolif 1017 and amorous,