CHAUCER's CHARACTERS. "T WAS when the fields imbibe the vernal fhow'rs, [flow'rs; And Venus paints her month with early When Sol, diffufing genial warmth around, Unbinds the frozen bofom of the ground; When gentle Zephyr with refreshing breath Reviv'd each grain that in the womb of earth All winter flept; and th' all enlivening fun, Thro' the bright ram had half his progress run; When birds on ev'ry bough renew their fongs, And Philomel her evening note prolongs; Then nature fmiles; then Devotees engage, Thro' the wide world to roam on pilgrimage. From From ev'ry fhire the pious ramblers ftray, In Southwark at the Talbot-Inn I lay, For Priests with empty thanks are never fhamm'd; The rich buy heaven, and ragged rogues are damn'd. Full nine and twenty more, a jovial crew, (Mine Hoft was ravifh'd at a fight fo new) That night, by fair adventure fought our inn; All pilgrims, fixt upon the fame defign. When moft with care had feen their horfes fed, Happy were they who got a cleanly bed. With each I talk'd, and each by name could call, So quickly grew familiar with 'em all. There we refolv'd with speed to make our way, And all fet forward at the break of day.. Thomas Becket. But But hold a while; 'twere requifite you knew, I'll here relate their characters, their age, A The Knight. Knight there was, whofe early youth had shown His love to arms, and paffion for renown. Courteous and affable; of honour nice; A friend to truth, a foe to ev'ry vice. In many brave engagements had he been, He pafs'd the trenches first, and scal'd the town. Much ground he travell'd o'er, for he had feen The barb'rous infidels had felt his might, A goodly horfe he rode, well shap'd, and ftrong; No gaudy faddle, nor no trappings long. The arms he wore, were bright, and free from stain; With grateful zeal devoutly he was come, W The Squire. ITH him his fon, a fprightly Squire, and gay, A fearless lover, in a courtly dress, With curling locks juft taken from the prefs. |