THE FRIAR'S TALE Once on a time there dwelt in my country An archdeacon, a man of high degree, Who boldly executed the Church's frown In punishment of fornication known, And of witchcraft and of all known bawdry, And defamation and adultery Of church-wardens, and of fake testaments And contracts, and the lack of sacraments, And still of many another kind of crime Which need not be recounted at this time, And usury and simony …showed first 75 words of 3018 total…

…showed last 75 words of 3018 total…be warned by this one case; The lion lies in wait by night and day To slay the innocent, if he but may. Dispose your hearts in grace, that you withstand The Fiend, who'd make you thrall among his band. He cannot tempt more than beyond your might; For Christ will be your champion and knight. And pray that all these summoners repent Of their misdeeds, before the Fiend torment. HERE ENDS THE FRIAR'S TALE