Reading boundaryStart: Now have I told you shortly in a clauseStop after: His tale anon, and said as ye shall hear.
Summary
Having described the company, the narrator asks pardon for repeating people’s words exactly and for not arranging everyone by rank. At supper, the bold and capable Host welcomes the pilgrims and offers free amusement for the road. He proposes that each pilgrim tell two tales outward and two homeward; whoever offers the best combination of meaning and pleasure will receive a supper paid for by everyone else. The Host will ride at his own expense as guide and judge, while anyone rejecting his judgment must pay the journey’s costs.
The company gladly swears to the compact. At dawn the Host gathers them, rides to Saint Thomas’s watering place, reminds them of their promise, and orders lots drawn for the first tale. The shortest lot falls to the Knight. Everyone is pleased, and the Knight willingly honors the agreement and begins as they ride.
Who’s who
The narrator — The company’s reporter, defending faithful reproduction of speech.
The Host — The Tabard’s commanding, merry proprietor, now guide and judge of the tale-telling game.
The Knight — The pilgrim selected by lot to tell the first tale.
The pilgrims — The company that accepts the Host’s rules by common consent.