Just a wee word of warning, I rarely update/check comments on this page.
| 287 | A clerk from Oxford was with us also, |
| 288 | Who'd turned to getting knowledge, long ago. |
| 289 | As meagre was his horse as is a rake, |
| 290 | Nor he himself too fat, I'll undertake, |
| 291 | But he looked hollow and went soberly. |
| 292 | Right threadbare was his overcoat; for he |
| 293 | Had got him yet no churchly benefice, |
| 294 | Nor was so worldly as to gain office. |
| 295 | For he would rather have at his bed's head |
| 296 | Some twenty books, all bound in black and red, |
| 297 | Of Aristotle and his philosophy |
| 298 | Than rich robes, fiddle, or gay psaltery. |
| 299 | Yet, and for all he was philosopher, |
| 300 | He had but little gold within his coffer; |
| 301 | But all that he might borrow from a friend |
| 302 | On books and learning he would swiftly spend, |
| 303 | And then he'd pray right busily for the souls |
| 304 | Of those who gave him wherewithal for schools. |
| 305 | Of study took he utmost care and heed. |
| 306 | Not one word spoke he more than was his need; |
| 307 | And that was said in fullest reverence |
| 308 | And short and quick and full of high good sense. |
| 309 | Pregnant of moral virtue was his speech; |
| 310 | And gladly would he learn and gladly teach. |
- Excerpt from the Prologue to The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer about the Oxford Cleric, a character who's very similar to me. :)
