And, since that was the source of all his pelf, To winning gain he did devote himself. And so it chanc’d that, once upon a day, This Summoner, ever waiting for his prey, Rode forth to summon a widow, a poor soul, And feign’d a cause, that he might get a dole. It happen’d that he saw before him ride A yeoman gay, along the forest side. A bow he bore, and arrows, bright and keen; He had on a short upper cloak of green; A black-fringed hat upon his head was set. The Summoner cried out, “Hail, sir, and well met!” “Welcome,” quoth he, “and every one as good! And whither ridest thou in this green wood? (The yeoman said) and is it far you go?” The Summoner made answer, and said, “No: Close handy here my errand lies,” quoth he, “I ride to raise a rent that’s owing me, Belonging to my master’s property.” “Art thou a bailiff, then?” asks the yeoman. The Summoner was ashamed to say what he really was, so he said, “Yes.” “Good,” said the stranger. “Thou art a bailiff and I am another. Let us be friends. I am unknown in this country; but if you will come and see me in my country, I have plenty of gold and silver in my chest, and I will share it all with you.” “Thank you,” said the greedy Summoner; and they shook hands, and promised to be staunch friends and sworn brothers till they died! And thus they rode on together. The Summoner, who was always inquisitive and asking questions, was very anxious to know where he could find this amiable new friend, who was so free with his money. Brother, quoth he, wher now is your dwellyng, Another day if that I schulde yow seeche? seek “Brother,” quoth he, “your dwelling now, where is’t, If I some future day the place could reach?” Notice the cunning yeoman’s answer:-- This yiman him answered in softe speche: Brother, quod he, fer in the north[119] contre, Wheras I hope somtyme I schal the se; where Er we depart I schal the so wel wisse, separate, teach That of myn hous ne schaltow never misse. shalt thou, miss The yeoman answered him in softest speech: “Brother,” quoth he, “far in the north countree, Whereat I hope sometime I shall thee see. Before we part I shall direct thee so, Thou canst not fail my dwelling-place to know.” You will see later why he was so anxious to bring the Summoner to his own dwelling. Now, brother, quod this Sompnour, I yow pray you Teche me, whil that we ryden by the way, ride Syn that ye ben a baily as am I, since, be Som subtilte, as tel me faithfully subtilty In myn office how I may moste[120] wynne. my And spare not for consciens or for synne, refrain But, as my brother, tel me how do ye?