The Canterbury Tales- The Prologue of The Clerk

A clerk from Oxford was with us also, Who’d turned to getting knowledge, long ago. As meagre was his horse as is a rake, Nor he himself too fat, I’ll undertake, But he looked hollow and went soberly. Right threadbare was his overcoat, for he Had got him yet no churchly benefice, Nor was so worldly as to gain office. For he would rather have at his bed’s head Some twenty books, all bound in black and red, Of Aristotle and his philosophy Than rich robes, fiddle, or gay psaltery. Yet, and for all he was philosopher, He had but little gold within his coffer; But all that he might borrow from a friend On books and learning he would swiftly spend, And then he’d pray right busily for the souls Of those who gave him wherewithal for schools. Of study took he utmost care and heed. Not one word spoke he more than was his need; And that was said in fullest reverence And short and quick and full of high good sense. Pregnant of moral virtue was his speech; And gladly would he learn and gladly teach.

隊伍中還有個學識豐富的牛津學者， 他的馬瘦如耙子可不是因為他太胖， 他面瘦肌黃了無生氣， 穿的大衣破舊不堪的， 他沒工作，也還沒有封地， 他寧可在他的床頭放二十幾本書 用紅布或黑布包好， 一些亞里斯多德或他自己的哲學書， 而不是去擁有貴衣袍或提琴八弦琴， 即使他是個只有一點錢的哲學家， 但他會跟朋友借錢來買書和學習， 並為這些讓他能上學的人辛勤禱告， 他最重視的事便是讀書了 他該發言的時候才會發言， 而講話時是謙虛有禮 並精簡快速且都很有內容， 具有著道德良知的深遠含意， 他是個樂於學習也樂於教導別人的人。