But so befell, this merchant on a day Shope 3696 him to makë ready his array Toward the town of Bruges for to fare, To buyë there a portión of ware; 3697 For which he hath to Paris sent anon A messenger, and prayed hath Dan John That he should come to Saint Denís, and play 3698 With him, and with his wife, a day or tway, Ere he to Bruges went, in allë wise. This noble monk, of which I you devise, 3699 Had of his abbot, as him list, licence, (Because he was a man of high prudence, And eke an officer out for to ride, To see their granges and their barnës wide); 3700 And unto Saint Denis he came anon. Who was so welcome as my lord Dan John, Our dearë cousin, full of courtesy? With him he brought a jub