THE BELLES OF CANTERBURY



    "Hang Geof Chaucer on a sour apple tree,
    Hang Geof Chaucer on a sour apple tree,
    Hang Geof Chaucer on a sour apple tree,
            Our teacher marks us on! "
                              (exit as she sings)
(The curtain in front of the bookcase shakes more
   violently than before. Then frosa behind the
   curtain comes the voice of the WIFE OF BATH.)
 WIFE. Ladies, I prithee harkneth for the best.
         Can Chaucer's children swich words hear,
               and rest
         This is the point, to speken short and pleyn,
         We, one and all, were used with desdeyn.
         (She comes out of the bookcase.)
         Come forth and whan we've made our
               reckoning
         That girl perchance another tune will sing.
             (Enter the PRIORESS.)
         What word, sweet Eglantine, would you
               employ
         To tell us of your vengeful wrath
 PRIORESS. (with deep intensity) St. Loy!
 WIFE. Then Chaucer's uttered sooth about her
               oath !
          Odsbodikins! That cannot do us both!
 PRIORESS. Come hider, my two nonnes to my
                   side,
             Till that my mighty anger shall sub-
                   side.
(Enter two NUNTS who stand on either side of the
                   PRIORESS.)
             That girl, alas! hath made my speech
                   too tarte
            Who once was conscience al and
                tendre herte.



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