And so befell, that once upon a day. This Sompnour, waiting ever on his prey, Rode forth to summon a widow, an old ribibe, 2172 Feigning a cause, for he would have a bribe. And happen’d that he saw before him ride A gay yeoman under a forest side: A bow he bare, and arrows bright and keen, He had upon a courtepy 2173 of green, A hat upon his head with fringes blake. “Sir,” quoth this Sompnour, “hail, and well o’ertake.” “Welcome,” quoth he, “and every good felláw; Whither ridést thou under this green shaw?” 2174 Saidë this yeoman; “wilt thou far to-day?” This Sompnour answer’d him, and saidë, “Nay. Here fastë by,” quoth he, “is mine intent To ridë, for to raisen up a rent, That longeth to my lordë’s duety.” “Ah! art thou then a bailiff?” “Yea,” quoth he. He durstë not for very filth and shame Say that he was a Sompnour, for the name.