THE MILLER of Trompington, OR, THE REVE'S TALE from Chaucer.. A By Mr. BETTERTON. T Trompington, not far from Cambridge, [ftood; Across a pleasant Stream,a Bridge of Wood. Near it, a Mill, in low and plathy Ground, Where Corn for all the neighb'ring Parts was [grown'd. The sturdy Miller with his powder'd Locks, Proud as a Peacock, fubtle as a Fox, Could Pipe, and Fish, and Wrestle, throw a Net, Turn drinking Cups, and teach young Dogs to Set. Brawny, Brawny, big-bon'd, strong made was every Limb, This Miller's Wife came of a better Race, The Parfon's Daughter of the Town she was. Her Portion small, her Education high, She had her Breeding in a Nunnery. Whoe'er he Marry'd (Simkin boldly faid) Should be a Maid, well born, and nicely bred. You'd You'd laugh to see him, in his best Array, He drew his Dagger, or his Sheffield Knife. With other Virtues of the fame degree, Their Daughter was just twenty, course and [bold. A Boy too in a Cradle, fix Months old. Thick, fhort, and brawny, this plump Damfel was, Her Nose was flat, her Eyes were grey as Glass, Her Her Haunches broad, with Breasts up to her Chin, Fair was her Hair, but tawny was her Skin. A mighty Trade this lufty Miller drove, All for Convenience came, not one for Love. Much Grift from Cambridge to his lot did fall, And all the Corn they us'd at Scholars Hall. Their Manciple fell dangerously ill; Bread must be had, their Grift went to the Mill. This Simkin moderately stole before, Their Steward fick, he robb'd'em tentimes more. Their Bread fell fhort; the Warden ftorm'd; with [Skill, Examin'd those who brought it from the Mill. The Miller to a strict account they call, He impudently fwears, he gave 'em all. Two poor young Scholars, hungry, much di [ftrefs'd, (Who thought themselves more wife than all the [reft) Intreat Intreat the Warden, the next Corn he fent, At last the Warden grants what they defire, All is got ready as these two require. Bold Men, tho' difappointed, ne'er are fham'd; One was call'd Allen, t'other John was nam'd. Both Northern Men, both in one Town were [Born, They mount, and lead the Horfe that bears the [Corn Be careful, Allen cries, and do not stray: Ho Sim, fays John, what ho, the Miller there? Who calls, cries Simkin, tell me who you are? 文 How |