The General Prologue
Folio 2v
4 of 14 folios
But of gret norisshing and digestible
440
His stody nas but litel on the bible.
In Sangwyn and in pers y clad was he al
Lyned wyth taffata and wyth sendal.
But yit he nas but esy of despence
He kepte that the wan in pestilence.
445
For gold in phisik is a cordial
Therfore he loued gold in especyal.
A good wyfe ther was of bisydes bathe
But she was somdel deef and that was scathe
Of cloth makyng had she suche such an haunt
450
She passed hem of Ipres and of gaunt.
In alle the paryssh wyfe was ther noon
That to the offryng by fore her sholde goon.
And if ther ded certeyn so wroth was she
That she was owte of al charite.
455
Hir kerchiefs ful fine were of grounde
I durste swere thei weyden ten pounde
That on a Sonday were vpon hir hede
Hir hosen were of fyne Scarlet rede.
Ful stroyt y tyed and shoos ful moyst and newe
460
Bold was hir face and faire and reed of hewe
She was a worthi womman al hir lyve
Housebondes atte the chirche doore she hath had five.
Wyth outen other compaignye in youthe
But ther of nedyth noght to speke as nouthe.
465
And thries had she bene at Ierƚm
She had passed many a stronge streme
At Rome she had ben and at Boleyne
In Galis at seint Iakes and at Coleyne
She coude moche of wandryng by the weye
470
Gat tothed was she sothely for to seye.
Vpon an ambulere esely she sat
I wympled wel and on hir heed an hat
As brood as is a bokeler or a targe
A fot mantel a boute hir hipes large.
475
And on hir feet apeyre of spores sharpe
In felawship wel couthe she laugħ and carpe
Of remedyes of loue she knew par chaunce
For she knewe of that art the olde daunce.