Page:Tales from Chaucer.djvu/95

 rode in a plain coat of mixed cloth, fastened with a narrow-striped silken girdle.

A country Gentleman, commonly called a, was in our company. He had a fresh coloured rosy face, and a beard as white as a daisy. A sop in wine was his favourite morning beverage: for he was a true son of Epicurus, believing that the most perfect happiness consisted in perfect enjoyment. He possessed a noble mansion, and was the most hospitable of entertainers. He dined at quality hours—always after one o'clock; and so plenteously stored was his table, that his house may be said to have snowed meat and drink—fish, flesh, and fowl; and of these the daintiest. His suppers were furnished according to the season. Many a fat partridge had he in his preserve; and stewed bream or pike was a common dish at his board. Ill befel his cook if the sauce were too pungent, or his dinner not punctually served. He kept open house, and the dining table in hall remained covered the whole day.

He had been at several times justice of the peace, sheriff, steward of the hundred court,