on their way to that city, and each of them telling his tale
respectively, which is preceded by some little bit of incident or
conversation on the road. The agreement, suggested by the Host of
the Tabard, was, first, that each pilgrim should tell a couple of
tales while going to Canterbury, and another couple during the
return to London; secondly, that the narrator of the best one of all
should sup at the expense of the whole party; and thirdly, that the
Host himself should be gratuitous guide on the journey, and arbiter
of all differences by the way, with power to inflict the payment of
travelling expenses upon any one who should gainsay his judgment.
During the intervals of the stories he is accordingly the most
prominent person.--LEIGH HUNT.

PROLOGUE TO THE MANCIPLE'S TALE.

Wottest thou, reader, of a little town, {17}
Which thereabouts they call Bob-up-and-down,
Under the Blee, in Canterbury way?
Well, there our host began to jest and play,
And said, "Hush, hush now: Dun is in the mire.
What, sirs? will nobody, for prayer or hire,
Wake our good gossip, sleeping here behind?
Here were a bundle for a thief to find.
See, how he noddeth! by St. Peter, see!
He'll tumble off his saddle presently.
Is that a cook of London, red flames take him!
He knoweth the agreement--wake him, wake him:
We'll have his tale, to keep him from his nap,
Although the drink turn out not worth the tap.
Awake, thou cook," quoth he; "God say thee nay;