A monk there was--one sure to rise no doubt, A hunter, and devoted rider out; Manly--to be an abbot fit and able, For many a dainty horse had he in stable; And when he rode, his bridle you could hear Jingle along a whistling wind as clear And quite as loud, as doth the chapel bell, Where this good monk is keeper of the cell. This jolly monk cared for little else but hunting, though this has never been considered a proper pursuit for the clergy. He was indifferent to what was said of him, and spared no cost to keep the most splendid greyhounds and horses for hard riding and hare-hunting. I saw his sleeves edged with the rare fur _gris_ at the wrist, and that the finest in the land; his hood was fastened under his chin with a curious gold pin, which had a love-knot in the largest end. His pate was bald and shiny, his eyes rolled in his head; his favourite roast dish was a fat swan.[57] The Friar. [Illustration] A FRERE ther was, a wantoun and a merye, friar A lymytour,[58] a ful solempne man. solemn In alle the ordres foure[59] is noon that can Is able to do So moche of daliaunce and fair langage. dalliance * * * * * Ful wel biloved and famulier was he familiar With frankeleyns[60] overal in his cuntre, country And eek with worthi wommen of the toun: also, rich * * * * * Ful sweetly herde he confessioun, And plesaunt was his absolucioun;[61] He was an esy man to yeve penance easy Ther as he wiste to han a good pitance; when, knew For unto a poure ordre for to geve poor Is signe that a man is wel i-schreve. shriven For if he yaf, he dorste make avaunt, boast He wiste that a man was repentaunt. knew For many a man so hard is of his herte, heart He may not wepe though him sore smerte; he may smart Therfore in-stede of wepyng and prayeres, Men moot yive silver to the poure freres. may A friar there was, so frisky and so merry-- A limitour, a most important man, In the four orders there is none that can Outdo him in sweet talk and playfulness. * * * * * He was most intimate and popular With all the franklins dwelling near and far, And with the wealthy women of the town. * * * * *