The plot of The Miller's tale is a hilarious lovers triangle between Alsion, her boarder Nicholas and  a parish clerk named Absalom.  The plot is further complicated by the presence of Alison's husband John.  Nicholas and Alsin launch a crazy plot convincing John that there is going to be a flood and that they will die unless they follow his instructions to set up tubs to float away in.  Once John falls asleep in the tubs, the lovers have their tryst.  Contributing to the hilarity, Absalom comes to call and begs for a kiss from Alison, and she complies but not in the way that Absalom expects.  In the end all three of the men look ridiculous in their machinations to have Alison.