Previous Previous:
From The Clerk's Prologue, lines 21-56:
The clerk announces a tale that he has learned from Francis Petrarch
Previous
Librarius Homepage
© Librarius
All rights reserved.


From The Canterbury Tales:
The Clerk's Tale
lines 57-77: About Lord Walter the marquis


Heere bigynneth the Tale of the Clerk of Oxenford.


       Ther is, at the west syde of Ytaille,
Doun at the roote of Vesulus the colde,
A lusty playne, habundant of vitaille,
60Where many a tour and toun thou mayst biholde
That founded were in tyme of fadres olde,
And many another delitable sighte,
And Saluces this noble contree highte.
       There is, in the west side of Italy,
Down at the foot of Mount Viso the cold,
A pleasant plain that yields abundantly,
60Where many a tower and town one may behold,
That were there founded in the times of old.
With many another fair delightful sight;
Saluzzo is this noble region bright.

       A markys whilom lord was of that lond,
65As were his worthy eldres hym bifore,
And obeisant and redy to his hond
Were alle his liges, bothe lasse and moore.
Thus in delit he lyveth, and hath doon yoore,
Biloved and drad thurgh favour of Fortune,
70Bothe of his lordes and of his commune.
       A marquis once was lord of all that land,
65As were his noble ancestors before;
Obedient and ready to his hand
Were all his lieges, both the less and more.
Thus in delight he lived, and had of yore,
Beloved and feared, through favour of Fortune,
70Both by his lords and by the common run.

       Therwith he was, to speke as of lynage,
The gentilleste yborn of Lumbardye;
A fair persone, and strong, and yong of age,
And ful of honour and of curteisye,
75Discreet ynogh his contree for to gye,
Save that in somme thynges that he was to blame,
And Walter was this yonge lordes name.
       Therewith he was, to speak of lineage,
Born of the noblest blood of Lombardy,
With person fair, and strong, and young of age,
And full of honour and of courtesy;
75Discreet enough to lead his nation, he;
Except in some things wherein he was to blame,
And Walter was this young lord's Christian name.





Next Next:
From The Clerk's Tale, lines 78-84:
Lord Walter is not married
Next