University of Virginia Library

INTRODUCTION TO THE SQUIRE'S TALE

"Squier, com neer, if it youre wille be,
And sey somwhat of love, for certes ye
Konnen theron as muche as any man."
"Nay, sire," quod he, "but I wol seye as I kan
With hertly wyl, for I wol nat rebelle
Agayn youre lust; a tale wol I telle.
Have me excused if I speke amys;
My wyl is good, and lo, my tale is this."