The opening lines of the General Prologue to Geoffrey Chaucer’s great fourteenth-century literary work The Canterbury Tales is one of the most powerful and evocative poems about spring in all of English literature, from its first reference to the rejuvenating qualities of April showers through to the zodiacal allusions to Aries (the Ram). Here it is, in the original Middle English: a time machine taking us back to a spring more than six centuries ago.
Here bygynneth the Book of the tales of Caunterbury.
If you enjoyed the opening to Chaucer’s General Prologue, you might also enjoy our pick of the best Canterbury Tales.
So nice to read this again. When I was in high school (back somewhere in another century), we were required to memorize this prologue. I can still recite it, having forgotten only a few words. That’s how well it sticks in the mind.
I memorized this for school last year, and it’s one of my favorite poems that I have memorized! The rhyme and rhythm is so pleasing.
I always recite this for my students when I introduce The Canterbury Tales. I struck gold last year because it happened that my principal came in for a surprise observation on that day. I certainly scores high marks for my content knowledge that day!
It’s just so beautifully written and flows so well!
Takes me back to school too. I wasn’t such a fan of Middle English then!