When said was this mirÁcle, every man

As sober was, that wonder was to see,

Till that our host to japen he began,

And then at erst he lookÉd upon me,

And saidÉ thus: "What man art thou?" quod he.

Thou lookest, as thou wouldest find an hare,

For ever upon the ground I see thee stare.

"ApprochÉ near, and look up merrily.

Now ware you, sirs, and let this man have place.

He in the waist is shapen as well as I:

This were a popet in an arm to embrace

For any woman, small and fair of face.

He seemeth elvish by his countenance,

For unto no wight doth he dalliance.

"Say now somewhat, sin other folk han said;

Tell us a tale of mirth, and that anon."

"HostÉ," quod I, "ne be not evil apaid,

For other talÉ certes, can I none,

But of a Rime I learnÉd yore agone."

"Yea, that is good," quod he, "we shullen hear

Some dainty thing, me thinketh by thy cheere."