Miller's Tale

Once upon a time there was a dwelling in Oxford
A wealthy lout who took in guests to board,
John and his wife, the beautiful Alison,
Were in the charge to keep the things goin' on
And of his craft he was a carpenter.
A poor scholar boy was lodging with him there,
Who'd learned the arts, but all his phantasy
Was turned to study of astrology!

Tall as a staff and straight as crossbow bolt.
A brooch she wore upon her collar low,
As broad as boss of buckler did it show;
Her shoes laced up to where a girl's legs thicken.
She was a primrose, and a tender chicken
For any lord to lay upon his bed!