The merchant, when that ended was the fair, To Saint Denís he gan for to repair, And with his wife he madë feast and cheer, And toldë her that chaffare was so dear, That needës must he make a chevisance; For he was bound in a recognisance To payë twenty thousand shields anon. For which this merchant is to Paris gone, To borrow of certain friendës that he had A certain francs, and some with him he lad. And when that he was come into the town, For great cherté and great affectioún Unto Dan John he wentë first to play; Not for to borrow of him no monéy, Bat for to weet and see of his welfare, And for to tellë him of his chaffare, As friendës do, when they be met in fere. Dan John him madë feast and merry cheer; And he him told again full specially, How he had well y-bought and graciously (Thanked be God) all whole his merchandise; Save that he must, in allë manner wise, Maken a chevisance, as for his best; And then he shouldë be in joy and rest. Dan John answered, “Certes, I am fain That ye in health be comë home again: And if that I were rich, as have I bliss, Of twenty thousand shields should ye not miss, For ye so kindëly the other day Lentë me gold, and as I can and may I thankë you, by God and by Saint Jame. But natheless I took unto our Dame, Your wife at home, the samë gold again, Upon your bench; she wot it well, certáin, By certain tokens that I can her tell Now, by your leave, I may no longer dwell; Our abbot will out of this town anon, And in his company I mustë gon. Greet well our Dame, mine owen niecë sweet, And farewell, dearë cousin, till we meet.”
This merchant, which that was full ware and wise, Creanced hath, and paid eke in París To certain Lombards ready in their hond The sum of gold, and got of them his bond, And home he went, merry as a popinjay. For well he knew he stood in such array That needës must he win in that voyáge A thousand francs, above all his costáge. His wife full ready met him at the gate, As she was wont of old uságe algate; And all that night in