Thanne fil it thus, that to the paryssh chirche,
Cristes owene werkes for to wirche,
This goode wyf went on an haliday.
Hir forheed shoon as bright as any day,
So was it wasshen whan she leet hir werk.
– Geoffrey Chaucer
The Canterbury Tales, The Miller’s Tale. Alison’s pious appointment at her parish church is a little ironical and hypocritical, since it comes after her swearing an oath that she will be available to the womanizing Nicholas the first chance they get. There is a hint too that she goes to church to be admired, and there she very quickly attracts the attentions of another admirer Absolon.