none. An husband should not be inquisitive Of Goddë’s privity, nor of his wife. So he may findë Goddë’s foison there, Of the remnant needeth not to enquére.”
What should I more say, but that this Millére He would his wordës for no man forbear, But told his churlish tale in his mannére; Me thinketh, that I shall rehearse it here. And therefore every gentle wight I pray, For Goddë’s love to deem not that I say Of evil intent, but that I must rehearse Their tales all, be they better or worse, Or ellës falsen some of my mattere. And therefore whoso list it not to hear, Turn o’er the leaf, and choose another tale; For he shall find enough, both great and smale, Of storial thing that toucheth gentiless, And eke morality and holiness. Blame not me, if that ye choose amiss. The Miller is a churl, ye know well this, So was the Reeve, with many other mo’, And harlotry they toldë bothë two. Avise you now, and put me out of blame; And eke men should not make earnest of game.