The Canterbury Tales | The Knight

The Knight

A knight there was, and he a worthy man,
Who, from the moment that he first began
To ride about the world, loved chivalry,
Truth, honour, freedom and all courtesy.
At Alexandria, he, when it was won;(5)
Of mortal battles he had fought fifteen,
And he’d fought for our faith at Tramissene
And always won he sovereign fame for prize.
Though so illustrious, he was very wise
And bore himself as meekly as a maid.(10)
He never yet had any vileness said,
In all his life, to whatsoever wight.
He was a truly perfect, gentle knight.
But now, to tell you all of his array,
His steeds were good, but yet he was not gay.(15)
Of simple fustian wore he a jupon
Sadly discoloured by his habergeon;
For he had lately come from his voyage
And now was going on this pilgrimage.
  • the code of behavior for knights
  • site of a Crusade; see glossary
  • city in modern-day Algeria
  • man
  • coarse cloth
  • sleeveless jacket
  • chain mail vest