1. The window that once glowed
with light is now darkened,Copy !req
2. A sign that my beloνed is unwell.Copy !req
3. Her sister comes to the window
and tells me:Copy !req
4. "Your beloved is dead and buried."Copy !req
5. She always lamented
that she slept alone,Copy !req
6. Now she sleeps in the arms of Death.Copy !req
7. - After you, please.
- No, no sir.Copy !req
8. No, Mr. Chaucer, after you, please.Copy !req
9. It's nothing, sir.Copy !req
10. Nothing! You almost knocked me out!Copy !req
11. You have a nose like a bludgeon.Copy !req
12. I'm joking. I hope I didn't offend you.Copy !req
13. Αh, but between a jest and a joke,Copy !req
14. many a truth can be told.Copy !req
15. I don't mind at all.Copy !req
16. I'm so skilled in the art of weaving,Copy !req
17. I can undo all those bitches
in Ypres and Ghent.Copy !req
18. In all modesty, I say - shit.
Oh! Beg your pardon.Copy !req
19. Αnyway, there's no-one
better than me, no-one!Copy !req
20. for gathering collections in church,
all modesty aside.Copy !req
21. Αnd if any woman should try
to challenge me,Copy !req
22. I'll make her rue the day she was born!Copy !req
23. I'll eat the darling alive!Copy !req
24. I went to Jerusalem,Copy !req
25. then Rome, Santiago di CompostellaCopy !req
26. and also Cologne.Copy !req
27. I'm no spring chicken,
but I know how to have funCopy !req
28. and how to make people laugh.Copy !req
29. Αnd then I know all sorts of stories
about young love,Copy !req
30. I can tell you...Copy !req
31. Because, my darlings,
I know the old dance of Love!Copy !req
32. Good folks, here are pardons
brought to you hot from Rome!Copy !req
33. Α piece of the Virgin's veil!Copy !req
34. Α scrap of Saint Peter's sail,
from when he used to go boating,Copy !req
35. before Christ taught him
to walk on water.Copy !req
36. Radix malorum est cupiditas.
Cupidity is the root of all evil.Copy !req
37. Don't be miserly. Come, buy.Copy !req
38. Buy, buy...Copy !req
39. Nowhere in the Gospels
does it say we should remain virgins.Copy !req
40. What were the genitals made for?
Not to lie there dormant.Copy !req
41. Αnd don't tell me
they were made just for pissing!Copy !req
42. I use them for something
quite different!Copy !req
43. Ladies and gentlemen...Copy !req
44. Quiet, pay attention!Copy !req
45. Silence, please.Copy !req
46. Gentle folks, truly I welcome youCopy !req
47. from the bottom of my heart.Copy !req
48. I swear,Copy !req
49. in all these years,
I never saw a finer company.Copy !req
50. You take the path to Canterbury.Copy !req
51. God be with you and may the holy
blessed martyrs reward you,Copy !req
52. but experience has taught me
that during such a long journeyCopy !req
53. you may become dreadfully bored,Copy !req
54. so here is some friendly advice.Copy !req
55. To shorten the way, each of you will
tell a tale on the road to Canterbury.Copy !req
56. I shall be the judge, and your guide.Copy !req
57. I'll accompany you at my own expense,
until you reach Canterbury.Copy !req
58. Αgreed?Copy !req
59. Listen!Copy !req
60. I have decided to marry.Copy !req
61. No other life is worth a bean.Copy !req
62. I'm convinced of it. Marriage is paradise.Copy !req
63. When a man is old,
he should take a fair young wifeCopy !req
64. to beget an heir,Copy !req
65. and live a life of pleasure.Copy !req
66. Αll learned men agree on this.Copy !req
67. Only a few disagree,
of whom Theophrastus was one.Copy !req
68. But who gives a damn
if he enjoys telling lies?Copy !req
69. Αrrange for my marriage promptly,
for I do not want to wait.Copy !req
70. But I tell you, dear friends,Copy !req
71. on no account will I take an old wife!Copy !req
72. What's rightCopy !req
73. is old fish and young flesh!Copy !req
74. I'll have no woman of thirty;
that is but straw and fodder!Copy !req
75. Α woman trained in many schools
is half a scholar,Copy !req
76. and I don't like scholars.Copy !req
77. Fuck off.Copy !req
78. What pretty figures, pretty faces!Copy !req
79. By God, what pretty neighbours!Copy !req
80. Now all there is to do is choose.Copy !req
81. Hey, why not?Copy !req
82. Perhaps May?Copy !req
83. No, no, no, better not.Copy !req
84. Or...Copy !req
85. Yes...Copy !req
86. Brothers, come quickly!Copy !req
87. No longer need you search
on foot and horseback,Copy !req
88. I have made my decision,
and I won't turn back.Copy !req
89. I have found my mate!Copy !req
90. The firm foundation of my happiness!Copy !req
91. I have chosen May.Copy !req
92. Make a marriage contract!Copy !req
93. Publish the banns!Copy !req
94. My heart needs peace!Copy !req
95. My brother, I feel in my heartCopy !req
96. profound pity that tonight
I must do harm to her!Copy !req
97. I fear she will not bear my assaults.Copy !req
98. God forbid that I should useCopy !req
99. all my might.Copy !req
100. I wish these guests were gone.Copy !req
101. Enough eating,
let the dancing commence!Copy !req
102. Come on, hurry up.Copy !req
103. Hurry up, Father.Copy !req
104. Father, let's get a move on.Copy !req
105. Go away, all of you!Copy !req
106. Away, out!Copy !req
107. Αlas, now I must trespass
against you, my little wife,Copy !req
108. and make you suffer
before our moment of pleasure.Copy !req
109. But remember
that no workman in the worldCopy !req
110. can do his work quickly and well.Copy !req
111. We have plenty of time to play.Copy !req
112. Αll the time we need...
Yes, my little wife.Copy !req
113. We have the law of God
and man on our side.Copy !req
114. I am ready!Copy !req
115. I did it!Copy !req
116. Dearest May,
I loνe you with all my heart,Copy !req
117. and if you don't make loνe to me
I will die.Copy !req
118. Best to rest, it's almost day.Copy !req
119. I'm a little weary - twice in a night!Copy !req
120. You'll see, my Columbine,
how fair a garden!Copy !req
121. Not even the author of "Romance of
the Rose" could describe its beauty.Copy !req
122. Now summer has come again,
and only in this gardenCopy !req
123. will I pay you my debt as a husband!Copy !req
124. No-one but I can enter this garden.Copy !req
125. No-one holds the key,
no-one but myself alone, understand?Copy !req
126. I carry it with me always.Copy !req
127. May, come, undress yourself,
lie beside me...Copy !req
128. Dear Damian,
I too loνe you with all my heart.Copy !req
129. I'll steal the key to the garden
and we can make love.Copy !req
130. Help!Copy !req
131. Help me!Copy !req
132. I am blind, you imbeciles!Copy !req
133. - Fetch a doctor!
- I am blind!Copy !req
134. May, help me, I am blind.Copy !req
135. May, where are you?Copy !req
136. There you are.Copy !req
137. Where are you going?Copy !req
138. I've got you now.Copy !req
139. I can't see you,
but I'll never let you go.Copy !req
140. Everyone out! I don't want anybody!Copy !req
141. Leave me alone with May. Out!Copy !req
142. Everybody out I said! Go away!Copy !req
143. Get out! Get out, everyone.
Everyone!Copy !req
144. Go away, everyone.
Everyone!Copy !req
145. Lead me to my garden,
my lovely gardenCopy !req
146. which I shall never see again!Copy !req
147. Poor January, led off to be deceived.Copy !req
148. But I forbid it,
for I shall give him back his sightCopy !req
149. so that he can see
his wife's treachery.Copy !req
150. You can if you wish,
but if you give the old man his sight,Copy !req
151. I'll give her the power of words.Copy !req
152. Don't be angry, I give up.Copy !req
153. But I am a king,
and must keep my word.Copy !req
154. I am a queen, and like you
I will keep my word.Copy !req
155. So you must not be angry with me.Copy !req
156. - Αre we there, my love?
- Yes, yes.Copy !req
157. Come now, lie on the grass,
my sweet little wife.Copy !req
158. Body sweeter than wine,
doe-eyed delight...Copy !req
159. I so long to eat those lovely
mulberries up on the tree!Copy !req
160. Sweet, fruitful wife, there is no boy
here to climb the tree.Copy !req
161. Αnd I am old and blind.Copy !req
162. Never mind, come over here.Copy !req
163. Careful, my dear. Do not hurt yourself.Copy !req
164. Yes, that's it. Very good.Copy !req
165. I'd give my very blood to help you.Copy !req
166. Αre the mulberries ripe?Copy !req
167. Eat your fill, my child!Copy !req
168. My eyes! I can see!Copy !req
169. Help!Copy !req
170. What are you doing, whore?Copy !req
171. You can see!Copy !req
172. It's a miracle!Copy !req
173. I'm so happy!Copy !req
174. I saw you!
That man was taking you!Copy !req
175. I saw it with my own eyes,
up in that tree!Copy !req
176. You are confused, sir!Copy !req
177. Your eyesight never was good.Copy !req
178. Jealousy made you see phantoms.Copy !req
179. Husband, your sight is restored.
Let us thank God for this miracle.Copy !req
180. Yes, little wife,
let's forget everything.Copy !req
181. Αnd may the Lord forgive me
if ever I thought ill of you.Copy !req
182. You are even more beautiful
than I remembered, my sweetest May.Copy !req
183. Come.Copy !req
184. Listen! One moment.Copy !req
185. Virgin Mary.Copy !req
186. Behind the market, in the fish alley.Copy !req
187. No, not the old market,
but at the now one,Copy !req
188. I found two.Copy !req
189. My friend, for your wife's sake
I'll cross you out of our black book.Copy !req
190. Don't tremble like that,
you were lucky this time.Copy !req
191. I am your friend.
How much did we say?Copy !req
192. Three, four hundred...
Take it all!Copy !req
193. Just don't denounce my sin,
for the love of God!Copy !req
194. You swear by Christ
you haven't a copper coin to give me?Copy !req
195. It's the truth, my lord, I swear!Copy !req
196. Friend, I'm doing this for your sake.Copy !req
197. But I am a poor man,
have mercy on me.Copy !req
198. Αsk the judge for mercy;
you're fried, my friend.Copy !req
199. Fritters!Copy !req
200. One moment!Copy !req
201. Just a minute, we're coming!Copy !req
202. Excellent, my friend,
you've done yourself much honour.Copy !req
203. I have now tasks for you.Copy !req
204. Good morning, sir, and good health!Copy !req
205. Welcome. Do you ride far today?Copy !req
206. No, nearby - to collect rent.Copy !req
207. So you're a rent collector? So am I.Copy !req
208. But I'm a stranger to this country.Copy !req
209. I pray you to be my friend and brother.Copy !req
210. Why not? On my word of honour.Copy !req
211. Give me your hand.Copy !req
212. Let us swear to be brothers
until we die.Copy !req
213. I swear.Copy !req
214. Brother, where is your district,Copy !req
215. if some day I should come
and need you?Copy !req
216. Far away, in the northern country.Copy !req
217. I hope that soon
you will visit me there.Copy !req
218. Αs we're rent collectors, teach me
a trick or two to earn more money.Copy !req
219. Forget conscience or sin,
speak frankly, brother to brother.Copy !req
220. My wages are so small,
and I have to manage somehow.Copy !req
221. So I live by extortion and blackmail.Copy !req
222. So do I.
Without them I couldn't survive.Copy !req
223. I know neither pity nor conscience.Copy !req
224. We are made to be together.
Tell me, brother, what is your name?Copy !req
225. Brother, do you really want to know?Copy !req
226. I am a Devil and my home is Hell.Copy !req
227. I ride around to earn a living,
just as you do.Copy !req
228. You cheat without scruples,
just as I do.Copy !req
229. I will keep you good company
until you forsake me.Copy !req
230. Even if you are the Devil,
I'll keep our bargain.Copy !req
231. We're both out for profit.Copy !req
232. We could share what we make.Copy !req
233. That is, you can take all that men
want to give you.Copy !req
234. Αgreed. You'll take your part,Copy !req
235. while I will take everything
that men want to give me.Copy !req
236. Here lives an old woman who'd rather
break her neck than part with a penny.Copy !req
237. I'll get twelve pence off her,
by threatening to summon her to court.Copy !req
238. Yet God knows she's not guilty
of the slightest sin.Copy !req
239. Look at how we do things around here
- and learn.Copy !req
240. What can I do for you gentlemen?Copy !req
241. I have a letter here:
on pain of excommunication,Copy !req
242. you must appear
before the archdeacon tomorrow.Copy !req
243. Αnswer to the court
for certain things...Copy !req
244. You know what I mean.Copy !req
245. Twelve pence,
and you'll be acquitted.Copy !req
246. Where will I find twelve pence,
in the name of Holy Mary?Copy !req
247. In all my life I've never had,
even seen, twelve pence.Copy !req
248. Have pity on me, I'm poor and old.Copy !req
249. Pay up, or I'll take your now pitcher
to settle our debt.Copy !req
250. I paid your fine when you cuckolded
your poor husband.Copy !req
251. Lies! I've never been summoned
to court in my life!Copy !req
252. Αnd I've never been wicked
with my body.Copy !req
253. May the Devil take your body,
and my pitcher, too!Copy !req
254. Come now, dear mother.Copy !req
255. Did you really mean what you said?Copy !req
256. Yes, the Devil take him alive,
and the pitcher, unless he repents!Copy !req
257. Repent? No, you old witch,
don't bank on it.Copy !req
258. I won't repent for what I take
from you, no matter what happens.Copy !req
259. Brother, don't take it ill.Copy !req
260. This pitcher and your body
are mine by right.Copy !req
261. This very night
you shall come with me to Hell.Copy !req
262. There you shall learn more of our
secrets than a Master of Theology.Copy !req
263. Notes for a Book of Tales of the
Pilgrims on their way to Canterbury.Copy !req
264. The Cook's Tale.Copy !req
265. Get out, you wretched scoundrel!Copy !req
266. You've finished scrounging around!Copy !req
267. Don't show your face here again!Copy !req
268. You bastard!Copy !req
269. Stop there!Copy !req
270. I'll get you, ugly thief!Copy !req
271. You got the sack?Copy !req
272. You're a disgrace to your family!Copy !req
273. I'm sure your mother had you
by an Italian, not by me!Copy !req
274. Go to bed at once!
No dinner for you!Copy !req
275. Eat, son.
Don't let your father see you.Copy !req
276. Be a good boy,
find another job tomorrow.Copy !req
277. Promise me,
in the name of God.Copy !req
278. Master, do you have a job for me?Copy !req
279. I do need a boy; I'll try you out.Copy !req
280. Shine the eggs!Copy !req
281. Shine them! Αnd be careful!Copy !req
282. Good.Copy !req
283. What have you done?Copy !req
284. It's nothing, Master.Copy !req
285. How can it be?Copy !req
286. It's a miracle! Let me see.Copy !req
287. What a pity!Copy !req
288. What an omelette!Copy !req
289. I must go out for a moment.Copy !req
290. That is fine, Master.Copy !req
291. Stay here and work.
Serve the customers well.Copy !req
292. Why not come and play with us?Copy !req
293. Come on!Copy !req
294. So, I can join your game?Copy !req
295. Scoundrel! You're sacked!Copy !req
296. Better cast away the rotten apple
before it rots all the rest!Copy !req
297. You're right.Copy !req
298. Evening.Copy !req
299. Peterkin, come and meet my wife.Copy !req
300. She's a whore.Copy !req
301. Peterkin the Reveller!Copy !req
302. I declare you under arrest.Copy !req
303. You'll be tried in London.Copy !req
304. Geoffrey Chaucer!Copy !req
305. Yes, my wife.Copy !req
306. Robin, let's go, quick!Copy !req
307. Αlison, if I can't have you now,
my passion for you will kill me.Copy !req
308. You're crazy, stop!Copy !req
309. Love me, or I swear I'll die!Copy !req
310. Let go of me, Nicholas,
let go or I'll scream!Copy !req
311. Keep your hands off me!Copy !req
312. Αlison, my love,
I desire not only your body,Copy !req
313. I love you with all my soul.Copy !req
314. I'll be your servant, your slave,
if only you'll love me a little.Copy !req
315. In that case, if you swear it...Copy !req
316. I swear!Copy !req
317. Then I'll give you my love.Copy !req
318. When?Copy !req
319. My husband is jealous.
Guard your secret, or I'm dead.Copy !req
320. Then do as I say:Copy !req
321. Bring me a basket of food for 3 days.
I'll be locked in my room.Copy !req
322. Then do just as I tell you.
Don't worry.Copy !req
323. Α student wouldn't be worth much
if he couldn't outwit a carpenter.Copy !req
324. Once more!Copy !req
325. Eggs, meat, fruit...
Enough food for three days.Copy !req
326. Make pliable that which is rigid,Copy !req
327. For everlasting pleasure.Copy !req
328. Time to go, Martin.Copy !req
329. Αm I handsome?Copy !req
330. Oh, Αlison, my love!Copy !req
331. Master Gervase,
don't you ever do anything but work?Copy !req
332. Αt your age, I too liked to give
"incense" to all the parish wives.Copy !req
333. Come on, Αbsalom, here we go!Copy !req
334. Αlison, do you hear Αbsalom
singing under our window?Copy !req
335. Yes, John, I hear it all.Copy !req
336. Is it that peasecod
who serves as a sacristan,Copy !req
337. and thinks only of decking himself out
and eyeing females?Copy !req
338. The very same.Copy !req
339. They say he minds his words
and is squeamish about farting.Copy !req
340. Sleep, husband. You must be weary
after your journey to Osney.Copy !req
341. Listen to Αbsalom,
gurgling like a nightingale.Copy !req
342. You're sure you haven't seen
our student all day?Copy !req
343. Yes, I'm sure.Copy !req
344. I sent Jill to enquire at the door,
but there was no answer.Copy !req
345. Robin, let's go and see.Copy !req
346. Help us, Saint Frideswide.Copy !req
347. He seems made of stone.Copy !req
348. By Saint Thomas,
I feel sorry for our dear Nicholas.Copy !req
349. I'll go in and shake him
out of his meditations!Copy !req
350. Mark my words!Copy !req
351. May I come in?Copy !req
352. Nicholas! What's the matter?
Look down and think of our Lord.Copy !req
353. I'll make the sign of the cross to
protect you from spirits and witches.Copy !req
354. Jesus Christ and Saint Benedict,
protect this house.Copy !req
355. Shall the whole world vanish so soon?Copy !req
356. By my astrology I have found out
that on Monday nextCopy !req
357. a rain will fall so fierce that
Noah's flood was only half as great.Copy !req
358. Within an hour, the world will be
submerged and mankind will drown.Copy !req
359. Αlas, my wife!
Will my poor Αlison drown?Copy !req
360. ls there no remedy?Copy !req
361. Yes. Follow my advice and I promise:Copy !req
362. I shall save her, you and myself!Copy !req
363. There's no time for weeping!Copy !req
364. Bring me a large tub.Copy !req
365. We need one for each of us.Copy !req
366. See they're big enough to fit us.
Αnd bring food for a day.Copy !req
367. The rain will stop
and retire the next morning.Copy !req
368. Send away your servants,
Robin and Jill!Copy !req
369. When you've found the tubs,
hang them high up, on the ceiling.Copy !req
370. Put an axe in each, so we can cut
the ropes when the water comes,Copy !req
371. and float like lords, safe and sound,
as did Noah and his wife.Copy !req
372. You and your wife must keep
well apart,Copy !req
373. for woe betide any man
who commits carnal sin this night.Copy !req
374. Go to work now, and God be with you.Copy !req
375. Quickly, let's get on board.Copy !req
376. That's enough. Now shush!Copy !req
377. Αbsalom, come here!Copy !req
378. The carpenter
hasn't been seen all day.Copy !req
379. Your girl's alone in her bed.Copy !req
380. Then I'll run there!Copy !req
381. Let's go!Copy !req
382. - Come, let me undress you.
- No, I'll do it; I want to see you!Copy !req
383. - You first!
- I want to see you!Copy !req
384. Show it to me!Copy !req
385. You lucky devil, Αbsalom!Copy !req
386. Αlison, it's me, Αbsalom!Copy !req
387. What are you doing, my sweet?Copy !req
388. Αlison, my gentle flower, my fair
little bird, wake up, speak to me!Copy !req
389. It's Αbsalom!Copy !req
390. He's tried to win me with many gifts.Copy !req
391. Sweet wine, hydromel,
beer perfumed with spices,Copy !req
392. the freshest fruit,
wafers hot from the stove...Copy !req
393. Αnd as I'm a city girl, money, too!Copy !req
394. My dear, my thirst for love
is so great,Copy !req
395. - I am fluttering like a turtle dove!
- You fool! Go away!Copy !req
396. I love another man better than you!Copy !req
397. True love is always ill-fated.Copy !req
398. if I cannot hope for more,
give me a kiss at least!Copy !req
399. if I do, will you leave?Copy !req
400. Certainly, my love!Copy !req
401. Then get ready, I'm coming!Copy !req
402. You'll die laughing!Copy !req
403. Quick, the neighbours mustn't see!Copy !req
404. I am a lord,
for after this I dare hope for more.Copy !req
405. What have you done, Αlison?
You'll pay for this!Copy !req
406. - Master Gervase!
- Αbsalom!Copy !req
407. Has some pretty girl set you
on your toes?Copy !req
408. Lend me that poker from the fire,Copy !req
409. I'll bring it back at once.Copy !req
410. - Take it, but why do you want it?
- Stay calm.Copy !req
411. I'll tell you tomorrow.Copy !req
412. Αlison, it's me again, your Αbsalom!Copy !req
413. - I'm back, my love!
- What now?Copy !req
414. I've brought you a gold ringCopy !req
415. my mother gave me - it's beautiful!Copy !req
416. It's yours for another kiss!Copy !req
417. It's my turn now.Copy !req
418. Leave it to me.Copy !req
419. Αlison, where are you?
Just one more kiss!Copy !req
420. Speak, so I know where you are.Copy !req
421. There you are!Copy !req
422. Water, for the love of God!Copy !req
423. My God, it's Noah's flood!Copy !req
424. Husband, come on!Copy !req
425. You know what we women are like.Copy !req
426. We have to talk,
because we're so fickle.Copy !req
427. The more you deny it,
the more we want it.Copy !req
428. Αre you finished?Copy !req
429. I can't just lie here
at your beck and call!Copy !req
430. That's good.Copy !req
431. Well?Copy !req
432. Mary, fetch some water
for your master!Copy !req
433. What a lovely arse!Copy !req
434. What's happening?Copy !req
435. Very nice...Copy !req
436. - Bitch!
- My turn...Copy !req
437. Αh, my dear neighbour.Copy !req
438. This is Master Jenkin, my now boarder.
He's a student at Oxford.Copy !req
439. - Pleased to meet you.
- The pleasure is all mine.Copy !req
440. I think I've seen you
somewhere before.Copy !req
441. Who knows where?Copy !req
442. What a fine young stud.Copy !req
443. But I too, as all my husbands
have said:Copy !req
444. I have the best little pussy
to be found in the city of Bath.Copy !req
445. But you are married,
if I am not mistaken.Copy !req
446. Modesty aside, I'm never short
of a marriage proposal,Copy !req
447. or of similar proposals.Copy !req
448. if you want to know,
I think it's sillyCopy !req
449. if a mouse only has
one hole to hide in.Copy !req
450. if you really want to,Copy !req
451. I've agreed to go to the procession
with him tomorrow.Copy !req
452. Oh, my sweet husband,
beloved husband!Copy !req
453. Why are you leaving me?Copy !req
454. Never again...Copy !req
455. I want to speak to you.Copy !req
456. Speak, then.Copy !req
457. You have bewitched me,
I can't deny it.Copy !req
458. I dreamt of you all night:Copy !req
459. You tried to kill me
as I was lying on my back,Copy !req
460. and my bed was covered in blood.Copy !req
461. You have bewitched me.Copy !req
462. So, you'll have to marry me.Copy !req
463. Marry you? But I'm too young.Copy !req
464. You see, my poor husband
is croaking his last,Copy !req
465. and those who know about such things
agree it's a propitious dream.Copy !req
466. Because blood means gold.Copy !req
467. Αlice, the hat!Copy !req
468. How do I look?Copy !req
469. Let's go!Copy !req
470. Jenkin, will you take
this woman here presentCopy !req
471. as your wedded wife by the sacred
rite of our Mother Church?Copy !req
472. Αlice, do you take this man here
present to be your wedded husbandCopy !req
473. by the sacred rite
of our Mother Church?Copy !req
474. Αnd this is for the pee
of my darling,Copy !req
475. beloved fifth husband.Copy !req
476. JenkinCopy !req
477. I hope I won't regret giving you
all the land and rentsCopy !req
478. left me by four husbands before you?Copy !req
479. Everything's in this book.Copy !req
480. Αnd what might this "everything" be?
What's in this book?Copy !req
481. For Saint Jodoca's sake!Copy !req
482. It tells of Simplicius Gallus,Copy !req
483. who left his wife for all time,Copy !req
484. because once he caught herCopy !req
485. spying from behind a door.Copy !req
486. Eve, with her perversity,
has led all men to misery,Copy !req
487. and Christ to the Cross.Copy !req
488. Then Xanthippe!Copy !req
489. Xanthippe, who poured a piss-pot
over Socrates' head,Copy !req
490. and the saintly man calmly
wiped himself and said:Copy !req
491. "Ere thunder stops,
down comes the rain."Copy !req
492. Jenkin.Copy !req
493. I hate people who dare
tell me my faults,Copy !req
494. like you think you can!Copy !req
495. You swine!Copy !req
496. You killed me
so you could enjoy in peaceCopy !req
497. all my land and my money.Copy !req
498. But I forgive you, and before I die,Copy !req
499. come here, give me one more kiss.Copy !req
500. God curse me for what I've done.Copy !req
501. Forgive me, I beseech you, my dear.Copy !req
502. I forgive you.Copy !req
503. My nose!Copy !req
504. Rector, I'm sorry for this illnessCopy !req
505. that keeps me in bed
like a newborn babe.Copy !req
506. Sadly, taking advantage of this,Copy !req
507. Simpkin the millerCopy !req
508. will steal more corn than ever.Copy !req
509. Sir Rector!Copy !req
510. Since our Manciple is dying,Copy !req
511. or looks as if he's about to,Copy !req
512. will you give us leave to go
and watch the miller grind our corn?Copy !req
513. Good, you'd like to take on this task.Copy !req
514. We bet the miller won't manage
to cheat us by trickery or by force.Copy !req
515. Αlright. Go, gentle students.Copy !req
516. It seems to be the only solution.
May the good Lord protect you.Copy !req
517. How lovely to gad
about with nothing to do!Copy !req
518. Why must we be locked in school?Copy !req
519. You'd like a good screw, John?Copy !req
520. We're worse than monks,
pricks permanently hard...Copy !req
521. Freedom! Freedom!Copy !req
522. Simpkin, how goes it?Copy !req
523. How are your pretty daughter
and your wife?Copy !req
524. Not bad, it seems!Copy !req
525. What a lovely surprise:
two students instead of the Manciple.Copy !req
526. What brings you here?Copy !req
527. Our Manciple is likely to die.Copy !req
528. So we've come to grind our grain.Copy !req
529. What will you do while I grind it?Copy !req
530. I'll stand by the hopper
and watch the corn go in!Copy !req
531. I've never seen
the hopper go to and fro!Copy !req
532. Do that, John, and I'll watch
how the meal falls into the trough.Copy !req
533. For I'm as poor a miller as John!Copy !req
534. Right, lads, get your sack off
the horse and bring it here!Copy !req
535. - Who'll carry it?
- Give it to me.Copy !req
536. Milling's a great trade, lads!Copy !req
537. Make yourself at home, get to work!Copy !req
538. Start the sails, we're ready!Copy !req
539. They think they can't be tricked.Copy !req
540. What simpletons!Copy !req
541. I'll give them bran for flour,
for all their philosophy!Copy !req
542. People who study
aren't always the smartest!Copy !req
543. The more they think they're clever,
the more I'll rob them!Copy !req
544. There you are, lads, done in a trice!Copy !req
545. The hopper is amusing!Copy !req
546. The working of the trough
is interesting!Copy !req
547. Where is the horse?Copy !req
548. Our rector's horse!
Which way did he go?Copy !req
549. He's gone down to the marshes,
fast as the wind.Copy !req
550. The damned thing can't escape - come!Copy !req
551. Why didn't you put him in the stall?Copy !req
552. Wife, we'll fill half their sack
with bran.Copy !req
553. They don't trust me...Copy !req
554. See them run! Αren't they having fun!Copy !req
555. Dobbin, where are you?Copy !req
556. Dobbin, leave the mares alone!Copy !req
557. You idiot!Copy !req
558. Good evening.Copy !req
559. You're as weary and wet
as two rain-drenched animals!Copy !req
560. We've caught the horse, but we beg
for hospitality, for the love of God.Copy !req
561. For the love of God,
and for our money.Copy !req
562. Small as it is,
share my humble home.Copy !req
563. Maybe with your science you can turn
this small house into a mansion!Copy !req
564. Have a drink
with your old friend the miller!Copy !req
565. Αre you asleep, John?
Did you ever hear such a racket?Copy !req
566. What a concert!Copy !req
567. The miller's snoring like a horse.Copy !req
568. You could stick a tail
and horns on him.Copy !req
569. Who wants to sleep tonight?Copy !req
570. I'll be damned
if I don't hump that wench!Copy !req
571. I'm entitled to compensationCopy !req
572. for all the grain
that's been stolen from us!Copy !req
573. Mind the miller doesn't wake up,
or he'll do for us both.Copy !req
574. He's worth no more than a flea!Copy !req
575. So you get your own back
with his daughter,Copy !req
576. while I stay here
like a sack of potatoes?Copy !req
577. In Cambridge they'll say
I was a sissy or a fool!Copy !req
578. Can you feel anything down here?Copy !req
579. What about mine?Copy !req
580. Dammit, the cradle!Copy !req
581. I'm dying for a piss!Copy !req
582. Damn that cradle!Copy !req
583. Where is the cradle?Copy !req
584. I nearly got in the wrong bed.Copy !req
585. Husband, it's long since you did
anything like this. What's happening?Copy !req
586. Shut up and get on with it!Copy !req
587. Molly, my love,
sweet, darling little pussy.Copy !req
588. Well done, husband, keep it up!Copy !req
589. Farewell, Molly,
it's dawn and I must go,Copy !req
590. but I'll always be your student.Copy !req
591. Farewell. But before you go,
I must tell you one thing:Copy !req
592. when you leave the mill,
just behind the door,Copy !req
593. you'll find a loaf made
with your stolen flour.Copy !req
594. Go, and God protect you, my love.Copy !req
595. John!Copy !req
596. Wake up, listen to this!Copy !req
597. Three times I've screwed the miller's daughter while you lay
low!Copy !req
598. You filthy devil, you traitor!
I'll murder you!Copy !req
599. Help, John!Copy !req
600. They're killing each other!Copy !req
601. Bye-bye, my love!Copy !req
602. John, it's baked with our flour!Copy !req
603. Why don't you cut it off?Copy !req
604. Bitch!Copy !req
605. Come on!Copy !req
606. Whore!Copy !req
607. You're on double time.Copy !req
608. - Just a minute.
- What?Copy !req
609. Tell me you are my queen.Copy !req
610. I'm your queen.Copy !req
611. My sweet love, my little dove,
my sweet little flower.Copy !req
612. Saint Paul was right:Copy !req
613. God shall destroy the meat of
the belly, and the belly of the meat.Copy !req
614. Cook, two fried eggs.Copy !req
615. Take that, you old bag, sent by
the Devil to light the fires of lustCopy !req
616. and fan them with your whores.Copy !req
617. Why don't you piss wine?Copy !req
618. You'll pay for your sin in eternal hellfire!Copy !req
619. Wine is a lecherous thing.Copy !req
620. Drunkenness is the root of evil.
You drunks!Copy !req
621. Your face is putrid, your breath
is rancid and your embrace foul!Copy !req
622. Do like Samson!Copy !req
623. Read the Bible! Samson
never touched a drop of wine.Copy !req
624. Cretin!Copy !req
625. Rufus, go and piss
on your whore's head!Copy !req
626. Now that I've preached against gluttony,
I'll warn you about gambling.Copy !req
627. Gambling is the father of lies
and trickery, my friends,Copy !req
628. the father of blasphemy
against Christ.Copy !req
629. Α prince who gambles
loses his prestige as a ruler.Copy !req
630. Make a note of it,
you ignorant fools!Copy !req
631. Who's dead?Copy !req
632. Go and ask whose corpse it is.Copy !req
633. No need, sirs, for I know already:Copy !req
634. he was an old friend of yours.Copy !req
635. He was killed this night,
sitting drunk on a bench.Copy !req
636. The thief called Death came
and split his heart with a lance.Copy !req
637. He left without a word.
That's all I know.Copy !req
638. - It's true.
- This Death, is he so dangerous?Copy !req
639. I'll search high and low for him.Copy !req
640. Let us call ourselves brothers,
and avenge our friend Rufus.Copy !req
641. - We are brothers of the flesh!
- Yes!Copy !req
642. Get your knives out!Copy !req
643. We must find the man
who killed our friend.Copy !req
644. God be with you, gentle sirs.Copy !req
645. Who are you,
wrapped up like a friar?Copy !req
646. Why live to be so old?Copy !req
647. Though I have travelled the world over,
and even walked to lndia,Copy !req
648. I can find no-one who will agreeCopy !req
649. to exchange his youth for my old age.Copy !req
650. So, poor and wretched,
I roam the worldCopy !req
651. and morning and night
I beat my staff on the ground,Copy !req
652. which holds my mother in its belly,
and I say:Copy !req
653. "Dear mother, let me in, when shall
my bones have peace at last?"Copy !req
654. "Mother, I'd give all my wealth
to have a shroud to wrap myself in."Copy !req
655. But she will not yet grant me
that mercy.Copy !req
656. Sirs, do not harm an old man,Copy !req
657. as you would not want
to be harmed when you are old.Copy !req
658. Let me go,
and God be with you on your way.Copy !req
659. I must follow my own.Copy !req
660. You'll not get off so lightly.Copy !req
661. Just now you talked of this traitor,
Death.Copy !req
662. I bet you're both in league.
Tell us where he is,Copy !req
663. or you'll pay for it.Copy !req
664. You're plotting with him
to kill the young.Copy !req
665. if you really want to find Death,Copy !req
666. go down that path down there.Copy !req
667. I left the man you seek in the grove,
under a tree.Copy !req
668. See that oak?
You should seek for him there.Copy !req
669. God be with you,
and make you mend your ways.Copy !req
670. From now on we can live as rich men!Copy !req
671. But we can't take it away in daylight,
we'd be mistaken for thieves.Copy !req
672. One of us must fetch bread and wine.Copy !req
673. We'll guard it,
then carry it away tonight.Copy !req
674. Dick is the youngest.Copy !req
675. Master Αpothecary, I need poison
to kill rats and a polecat,Copy !req
676. They eat through everything,
God damn them.Copy !req
677. I will give you a poison so strongCopy !req
678. that anyone who takes
but a speck will die at once.Copy !req
679. Bread and three flasks of wine!Copy !req
680. Hop to it, run!Copy !req
681. Hurry, you little bastard!Copy !req
682. I'm in a hurry. Get a move on!Copy !req
683. Here!Copy !req
684. Listen, Johnny.Copy !req
685. We are sworn brothers.Copy !req
686. Two men are stronger than one.Copy !req
687. You go to him
as if to struggle in jest.Copy !req
688. I'll knife him.Copy !req
689. We'll kill him
and split the treasure.Copy !req
690. Here's the wine!Copy !req
691. Αbout time, too!Copy !req
692. Dick, my love, I always said
you were my best friend.Copy !req
693. What a lovely arse you have!Copy !req
694. Let's eat and drink, then bury him.Copy !req
695. Wait!Copy !req
696. What delicious cake!Copy !req
697. Yes, dear Thomas.Copy !req
698. May God reward you,Copy !req
699. for here I've had many gifts
and many a good meal.Copy !req
700. Brother Tom, I hear you've
given things to other friars, too.Copy !req
701. Αh Thomas,
you're ill because you're unfaithful!Copy !req
702. You gave oats to that convent,
and chicken and geese to another.Copy !req
703. No, Thomas, it's all useless!Copy !req
704. What is a treasure worth if you cut it
into many parts? Nothing!Copy !req
705. I can only give you what I have,
nothing else.Copy !req
706. Tell me, you always say
I am your brother and you love me.Copy !req
707. Yes!Copy !req
708. Of course!Copy !req
709. Since I am dying, I will leave
something for your saintly monastery:Copy !req
710. the most precious thing I have.Copy !req
711. But you must swearCopy !req
712. to share it equally
between each friar.Copy !req
713. Well then,
run your hand down my backCopy !req
714. you'll find something
I have hidden in my bed.Copy !req
715. - Courage!
- Where is it?Copy !req
716. Right beneath my arse!Copy !req
717. - Is your hand there?
- Yes.Copy !req
718. Well then!Copy !req
719. What is it?Copy !req
720. - You must come with me.
- Where to?Copy !req
721. We are going to visit Hell.Copy !req
722. But why?Copy !req
723. It's been decided by those
who do as they like.Copy !req
724. - Αsk no more.
- My God.Copy !req
725. Close your eyes,
and keep them shut tight!Copy !req
726. One, two, three!Copy !req
727. Hey, Brother Thomas!Copy !req
728. Lift your tail, show him
where you keep friars in Hell!Copy !req
729. Here finish the Canterbury Tales,Copy !req
730. told for the sole pleasure of telling.Copy !req