This noble merchant held a noble house; For which he had all day so great repair, 3688 For his largesse, and for his wife was fair, That wonder is; but hearken to my tale. Amongës all these guestës great and smale, There was a monk, a fair man and a bold, I trow a thirty winter he was old, That ever-in-one 3689 was drawing to that place. This youngë monk, that was so fair of face, Acquainted was so with this goodë man, Since that their firstë knowledgë began, That in his house as familiár was he As it is possible any friend to be. And, for as muchel as this goodë man, And eke this monk of which that I began, Were both the two y-born in one villáge, The monk him claimed, as for cousinage, 3690 And he again him said not oncë nay, But was as glad thereof as fowl of day; For to his heart it was a great pleasánce.