There was also a Reeve and a Miller,
A Summoner and a Pardoner also,
A Manciple, and myself, - there were no more.

The Miller was a stout carl for the nonce;
Full big he was of brawn, and too of bones.
That proved well, for over all there he came,
At wrestling he would have always the ram.
He was short-shouldered, broad, a thick knarre;
There was no door that he could not heave off harre,
Or break it at a running with his head.
His beard as any sow or fox was red,
And thereto broad as it were a spade.
Upon the top right of his nose he had
A wart, and thereon stood a tuft of hairs,
Red as the bristles of a sow’s ears;
His nostrils black were and wide.
A sword and buckler bore he by his side.
His mouth as great was as a great furnace.
He was a janglere and a goliardies,
And that was most of sin and harlotries.
Well could he steal corn toll threes;
And yet he had a thumb of gold, pardie.
A white cope and a blue hood wore he.
A bagpipe well could he blow and sound,
And therewithal he brought us out of town.

© 2009 Forrest Hainline

Forrest Hainline

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