state. monastic order in its perverted and most degenerate The monastic institution had its origin in the purest of motives; and it has been of too much service to learning to be too lightly esteemed, how degenerate soever it may have become, or however inconsistently any of its votaries may have conducted at any time, in agreement with the universal tendency of the times, and the prevailing habits of the age. The venerable name of monk has become associated with the idea of fraud as well as ignorance and superstition; but this portrait, which was drawn by the pencil of animosity and fanaticism, is not to be admired as a faithful likeness. There was no venom in Chaucer's heart; he is not a reformer or controversialist, and he dealt with religion and politics as the poet of universal nature is allowed to do in reflecting the image of his times. He possessed a deep religious passion, which, connected as it was with his creative and discursive genius, it brought him into immediate contact, so that he communed with universal nature. He sympathized deeply with humanity in all its various conditions and aspects, and no ill nature is betrayed in any of his attempts to delineate, and by delineating. to correct the abuses of his time. A MONK there was, of skill and mastery proved; A bold hand at a leap, who hunting loved; A manly man, to be an abbot able. Full many a dainty horse had he in stable, And when he rode, men might his bridle hear And eke as loud, as doth the chapel bell Where reigned he lord o'er many a holy cell He is not of the opinion that hunting is unfit for holy men, or that a monk, when out of his cloister, is like a fish out of his element: he is fond of the chase; he wears the finest furs with the richest gold; he is as sleek as a lover, and as sturdy as a yoeman. I saw his large sleeves trimmed above the hand He was not pale as a poor pining ghost. His palfrey was as brown as is a berry. THE FRIAR. Of the remaining characters of the group, the Friar, the Sergeant of the Law, the Doctor, and the Parson, are particularly interesting: their portraits are graphic, and the poet has anticipated another age, or else he has really drawn them from nature, as it would not be very difficult to trace some of their features in living originals. A FRIAR there was, a wanton and a merry; So much of dalliance wrap in langaage fair. Right well beloved in fellowship was he, More than a curate, as himself could state, Full sweetly would he hear confession made; He was an easy man in penance naming, He will not weep, although his soul should smart; And certainly his note was blithe and gay; SERGEANT OF THE LAW. * A sergeant of the Law, wise, wary, arch, For such he seemed his words were all so wise. So great a purchaser was no where seen. With all the judgments since King William's reign. THE DOCTOR OF PHYSIC. A DOCTOR of Physic rode with us along; There was none like him in this wide world's throng, To speak of physic and of surgery; For he was grounded in astronomy. He very much prolonged his patient's hours And how engender'd—what the humors were— The cause once known, and root of the disease, Anon he placed the sick man at his ease. To send him drugs and his electuaries, And Discorides, and Rufus too; Hali, and old Hippocrates, and Galen, In meat and drink, had been to him a libel. He was clad in crimson and sky-grey, THE PARSON. A good man of religion did I see, Of his own substance, and his offerings too. This great poem forms a living picture of the manners of the poet's age: but of the Tales themselves, a few extracts from one must suffice. THE SQUIRE'S TALE. This story is re-versified by Mr. Leigh Hunt, and was particularly admired by Milton, who alludes to it in his IL. PENSEROSO: Or call up him that left half told The story of Cambuscan bold, |