From Hyperion, "Deep in the shady sadness," Autumn-"Seasons of Mists," GLEANINGS FROM THE ENGLISH POETS. Geoffry Chaucer. Born 1328, Died 1400. THE Father of English Poetry, as Chaucer is called, was born in London in the year 1328. Very little is known of his parentage, but he seems to have lived in comfortable circumstances, having been educated at Cambridge and afterwards sent to travel in Italy. The literature of Italy and a meeting with Petrarch in Padua seem to have inspired the traveller to write in his own rude northern tongue. His life seems to have been fortunate beyond that of most poets. Edward III. made him Comptroller of Customs, and gave him a handsome house near Woodstock, where he lived amid all the luxuries of the age. About the same time he made the acquaintance of John of Gaunt, to whom he afterwards became related by marriage. So much did this connection raise his position, that he was afterwards sent to negotiate a marriage between the King and the Princess Mary of France. He mixed constantly in political affairs, and was one of the most stirring men of the time. In 1386 Chaucer became involved in the troubles which befell his patron, and had to flee to Holland. He soon made his peace, for in 1389 he was again taken into favour, and Henry IV. doubled his pension. In his sixtyfourth year he retired to Woodstock, to write his great poem, "The Canterbury Tales." He died in London on 25th October 1400, aged seventy-two years, and was the first poet who was buried in the since famous Poet's Corner, in Westminster Abbey. THE GOOD PARSON. (From the "Canterbury Tales.") A GOOD man ther was of religiòun, That was a pouré PERSONE of a toun: But riche he was of holy thought and werk. parson parishioners A And in adversitee ful patient : give And swiche he was yprevéd often sithes. proved, since trouble farthest, little gave That if gold rusté, what shuld iren do? give For if a preest be foule, on whom we trust, left unpitying sparing, proud But dwelt at home, and kepte wel his fold, Him wolde he snibben sharply for the nonés. occasion He waited after no pompe ne reverence, |