The Clerk’s Tale

“Sir Clerk of Oxenford,” our Hostë said, “Ye ride as still and coy, as doth a maid That were new spoused, sitting at the board: This day I heard not of your tongue a word. I trow ye study about some sophime: 2423 But Solomon saith, every thing hath time. For Goddë’s sake, be of better cheer, 2424 It is no timë for to study here. Tell us some merry talë, by your fay; 2425 For what man that is entered in a play, He needës must unto that play assent. But preachë not, as friars do in Lent, To make us for our oldë sinnës weep, Nor that thy talë make us not to sleep. Tell us some merry thing of áventures. Your terms, your colourës, and your figúres, Keep them in store, till so be ye indite High style, as when that men to kingës write. Speakë so plain at this time, I you pray, That we may understandë what ye say.”