Yet although the poor scholar was so wise and diligent, he had hardly any money, but all he could get from his friends he spent on books and on learning; and often he prayed for those who gave him the means to study. He spoke little--never more than he was obliged--but what he did speak was always sensible and wise. Sownynge in moral vertu was his speche, tending to And gladly wolde he lerne, and gladly teche. would, learn Full of true worth and goodness was his speech, And gladly would he learn, and gladly teach. Then there was a Serjeant-of-Law. [Illustration] Nowher so besy a man as he ther nas, was not And yit he seemede besier than he was. * * * * * He roode but hoomly in a medlé coote mixed fabric Gird with a seynt of silk, with barres smale. belt Never has been a busier man than he, Yet busier than he was, he seemed to be. * * * * * He rode but homely-clad, in medley coat, Girt with a belt of silk, with little bars. The Franklin. [Illustration: The Franklin.] [Illustration: Table Dormant.] A FRANKELEIN was in his compainye; Whit was his berde, as is the dayesye. daisy Of his complexioun he was sangwyn, Wel loved he in the morwe a sop of wyn. morning * * * * * Withoute bake mete was nevere his hous, baked meats (pies) Of flessch and fissch, and that so plentevous Hit snewed[64] in his hous of mete and drynke, snowed Of alle deyntees that men cowde thynke. could think of After the sondry sesouns of the yeer sundry So chaungede he his mete and his soper. supper * * * * * His table dormant[65] in his halle alway Stood redy covered al the longe day. There was a Franklin in his company, And white his beard was, as the daisies be. With ruddy tints did his complexion shine; Well loved he in the morn a sop of wine. * * * * * Without good meat, well cooked, was ne’er his house, Both fish and flesh, and that so plenteous, It seemed as though it snowed with meat and drink, And every dainty that a man could think. According to the seasons of the year He changed his meats and varied his good cheer. * * * * * His table-dormant in his hall alway Stood ready furnished forth throughout the day. He was the most hospitable of men, and very well-to-do. He kept open house, for everybody to come and eat when they liked. He had often been sheriff and knight of the shire; for he was very highly thought of. An anlas and gipser al of silk all Heng at his gerdul, whit as morne mylk.