Page:The Journal of English and Germanic Philology Volume 18.djvu/606

 602 Curry Instantly, and unexpectedly, a protest comes from the people of high rank: Nay! lat him telle us of no ribaudye; Tel us som moral thing, that we may lere Som wit, and thanne wol we gladly here. 43 Why should the "gentils" suppose that when the Host calls for a "merry tale", the Pardoner will relate a filthy or obscene story? Professor Kittredge is of the opinion that "what the Host wants is a ribald story," and that the gentlefolk are justi- fied, by their association with the noble "ecclesiaste" who is on his vacation, in expecting it. 44 As a matter of fact, however, neither a "merry tale" nor a "jape" is necessarily synonymous with a ribald story in Chaucer. Sir Thopas is a "tale of mirthe;" 45 the extravaganza of Chantecleer and Pertelote is called a "mery tale;" 46 and the Host's little pleasantry regarding Chaucer's shapely figure is a "jape." 47 Nor is there any posi- tive evidence which would indicate that the Pilgrims of high rank have had during the journey any close association what- ever with the Pardoner. He has remained completely in the background up to this time. But now when he comes forward with alacrity at the call of the Host and speaks of seeking inspiration for his story in a near-by tavern, the gentlefolk, who are doubtless well acquainted with the current physiognomical lore, 48 recognize the type immediately. They instantly trans- late his physical peculiarities into terms of character. What only could be expected from a eunuchus ex natimtate? "Nay!" they cry, "let him tell us no ribald story." The Pardoner's character having been given, however, Pro- fessor Kittredge's exposition 49 of the dramatic fitness of his cynical confession and excellent tale is admirable. But that the reprobate, near the end of his sermon, is so overcome by the power of his own eloquence that he is betrayed into a moment of sincerity, is unbelievable. "The Pardoner," says Professor 48 C. T., C. 324 ff. 44 Chaucer and his Poetry, pp. 212, 211; Atlantic, Vol. 72, pp. 831 ff. 46 C. T., B. 1896, 46 C. T., B. 4639. 47 C. T., B. 1890. 48 Cf. Steele's Introduction to Secrees of Old Philisofres, EETS. E. S. 66. 49 Atlantic, Vol. 72, pp. 830 ff; Ch. and his Poetry, pp. 214 ff.