The Squire’s Prologue

’Squier, com neer, if it your wille be,

And sey somwhat of love; for, certes, ye

Connen ther-on as muche as any man.’

‘Nay, sir,’ quod he, ‘but I wol seye as I can

With hertly wille; for I wol nat rebelle

Agayn your lust; a tale wol I telle.

Have me excused if I speke amis,

My wil is good; and lo, my tale is this.

“Squire, come near, if it your will be,

And say somewhat of love; for, certs, ye

Cannen thereon as much as any man.”

“Nay, sir,” quoth he, “but I will say as I can

With hearty will, for I will not rebel,

Against your lust; a tale will I tell.

Have me excused if I speak amiss,

My will is good; and lo, my tale is this.