"Allas," quod Absolon, "and weylawey, That trewe love was evere so yvel biset! Thanne kysse me, syn it may be no bet, For Jhesus love, and for the love of me."

"Allas," quod Absolon, "and weylawey,
That trewe love was evere so yvel biset!
Thanne kysse me, syn it may be no bet,
For Jhesus love, and for the love of me."

– Geoffrey Chaucer

The Canterbury Tales, The Miller’s Tale. After being rejected as a lover by Alison, a truly miserable Absolon decides he will settle for a kiss as a consolation prize. Kiss me, for Jesus’ love and the love of me, he says to her. Now what’s Jesus got to do with it?

Geoffrey Chaucer Quotes