Clerk_Translation_Graves

//285:// A clerk ther was of oxenford also, //286:// That unto logyk hadde longe ygo. //287:// As leene was his hors as is a rake, //288:// And he nas nat right fat, I undertake, //289:// But looked holwe, and therto sobrely. //290:// Ful thredbare was his overeste courtepy; //291:// For he hadde geten hym yet no benefice, //292:// Ne was so worldly for to have office. //293:// For hym was levere have at his beddes heed //294:// Twenty bookes, clad in blak or reed, //295:// Of aristotle and his philosophie, //296:// Than robes riche, or fithele, or gay sautrie. //297:// But al be that he was a philosophre, //298:// Yet hadde he but litel gold in cofre; //299:// But al that he myghte of his freendes hente, //300:// On bookes and on lernynge he it spente, //301:// And bisily gan for the soules preye //302:// Of hem that yaf hym wherwith to scoleye. //303:// Of studie took he moost cure and moost heede, //304:// Noght o word spak he moore than was neede, //305:// And that was seyd in forme and reverence, //306:// And short and quyk and ful of hy sentence; //307:// Sownynge in moral vertu was his speche, //308:// And gladly wolde he lerne and gladly teche.
 * Then there was a clek of Oxenford also,**
 * That he had looked at 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**
 * 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.**

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