PROLOGUE
Although this worthy limiter, the Friar, 1265 Had all the while been glowering with ire At the Summoner, to this juncture he Had said naught to him for propriety. But finally the Friar said to the Wife, "My lady, God give you a right good life! 1270 For I must tell you, here you've come to touch On weighty questions scholars argue much. You've said a lot and very well, I say. But as we're riding here, dame, on our way, We need to speak of nothing but in game; 1275 Let's leave the authorities, in God's name, To preaching clerics and their studies too. Now if this group would like, what I shall do Is tell you of a summoner for game; You know, pardie, that by the very name 1280 About a summoner there's no good to say. (May none among you take offense, I pray.) A summoner is one who runs around With writs for fornication where it's found, And gets a beating at each village side." 1285 "Ah, sir, you should be kind," our Host replied, "And courteous, considering your station. Here in this group we'll have no altercation; Tell your tale and let the Summoner be." "No," said the Summoner, "let him say to me 1290 What he may please. When it's my turn I'll note And pay him back, by God, for every groat. I'll tell him how so great an honor, sir, It is to be a flattering limiter; I'll also tell of many another crime 1295 That needn't be recounted at this time. About his job for sure I'll tell him much." Our Host said, "Hold your peace! No more of such!" And to the Friar after that he said, "Now with your tale, dear master, go ahead." 1300
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