BEAUTIES OF THE POETS. CHAUCER. FROM THE PROLOGUE TO THE CANTERBURY TALES. BEFELLE, that in that season on a day, And shortly, when the sun was gone to rest To take our way there as I you advise, But natheless, while I have the time and space A KNIGHT there was, and that a worthy ma Truthe and honour, freedom and courtesie. With many a noble army had he been. * And evermore he had a sovereign praise, But for to tellen you of his array, All besmutted with his habergeon, For he was lately come from his voyage, And wenten for to do his pilgrimage. With him there was his son, a fresh young SQUIRE A lover and a lusty bachelor, With locks curled as they were laid in press ; Embroidered was he, as it were a meade He could songs make, and well endite, Juste, and eke dance, and well pourtray and write. Courteous he was, lowly and serviceable, And carved for his father at the table. A YEOMAN had he, and servants no mo |