This Chauntecleer stood hye upon his toos, Strecchynge his nekke, and heeld hise eyen cloos, And gan to crowe loude for the nones, And daun Russell the fox stirte up atones, And by the gargat hente Chauntecleer, And on his bak toward the wode hym beer.

This Chauntecleer stood hye upon his toos,
Strecchynge his nekke, and heeld hise eyen cloos,
And gan to crowe loude for the nones,
And daun Russell the fox stirte up atones,
And by the gargat hente Chauntecleer,
And on his bak toward the wode hym beer.

– Geoffrey Chaucer

The Canterbury Tales, The Nun’s Priest’s Tale. Overcome by the sin of pride, Chauntecleer falls for Russell the Fox’s flattery bait about his singing voice. Standing high on his toes, stretches his neck, closes his eyes and crows loudly. Taking his opportunity, the Fox seizes the rooster by the neck and carries him back towards the woods.

Geoffrey Chaucer Quotes