PROLOGUE TO SIR THOPAS.

1.
Now when the Prioress had done, each man
So serious looked, 'twas wonderful to see!
Till our good host to banter us began,
And then at last he cast his eyes on me,
And jeering said, "What man art thou?" quoth he,
"That lookest down as thou wouldst find a hare,
For ever upon the ground I see thee stare.

2.
"Approach me near, and look up merrily!
Now make way, sirs! and let this man have place.
He in the waist is shaped as well as I:
This were a poppet in an arm's embrace,
For any woman, small and fair of face.
He seemeth elf-like by his countenance,
For with no wight holdeth he dalliance.

3.
"Say somewhat now, since other folks have said;
Tell us a tale o' mirth, and that anon."
"Host," quoth I then, "be not so far misled,
For other tales except this know I none;
A little rime I learned in years agone."
"Ah! that is well," quoth he; "now we shall hear
Some dainty thing, methinketh, by thy cheer."