Prologue to the Canterbury Tales

Geoffrey Chaucer (1340-1400)


The word of Christ most truly did he preach,

.And his parishioners devoutly teach.

Benign was he, in labors diligent,

And in adversity was still content-

As proved full oft ....

Wide was his parish, scattered far asunder,

Yet none did he neglect, in rain, or thunder.

Sorrow and sickness won his kindly care;

With staff in hand he travelled everywhere.

This good example to his sheep he brought

That first he wrought, and afterwards he taught.

This parable he joined the Word unto-

That, "If gold rust, what shall iron do?"

For if a priest be foul in whom we trust,

'No wonder if a common man should rust!

Though holy in himself and virtuous

He still to sinful men was piteous,

Not sparing of his ,speech, in vain conceit,

But in his teaching kindly and discreet.

To draw his flock to heaven with noble, art,

By good example, was his holy art.

No less did he rebuke the obstinate,

Whether they were of high or low estate.

For pomp and worldly show he did not care; ,

No morbid conscience made his rule severe.

The lore of Christ and his apostles twelve

He taught, but first followed it himself.