The Miller's Tale
Translation of lines 3601-3642

This hapless carpenter goes on his way. He very often said "Alas and Alas". He told his secret to his wife. She was aware of it, and knew better than he did what this ingenious plot meant. But nevertheless, she feared as if she would die.

She said, "Alas! Go on your way at once and help us to escape, or each one of us will be dead! I am your true, faithful wedded wife. Go, dear spouse, and help to save our lives".

Look! What an awesome thing is emotion. Such a deep impression may be taken that men may die of fantasies.

This hapless carpenter begins to quake. He truly thinks that he may see Noah's flood come surging like the sea, to drown Alisoun, his honey dear. He weeps, wails, and looks wretched.

He sighs, with many a sad groan.

He goes and gets a kneeding trough, and after that a tub and a beer brewing tub. Secretly he sent them to his lodging, and in secrecy he hung them in the roof. With his own hand he made three ladders (in order) to climb by the rungs and the uprights up to the tubs hanging in the roof beams. And he stocked them - both trough and tub - with provisions. With enough bread and cheese and good ale in a jug sufficient for a day.

But before he had made all these preparations he sent his male servant, and also his servant girl, to go to London upon his business.

On the Monday, when night drew in, he shut his door without candle-light and arranged everything as it should be. And shortly up all three of them climbed. They sat still a good couple of minutes.

"Now say the Lord's Prayer and then hush!" said Nicholas.

And "Hush!" said John.

And "Hush!" said Alisoun.

This carpenter said his devotions. Yet still he sits, and prays his prayer. Awaiting the rain - if rain he hears.