The Canterbury Tales The Canon Yeoman's Prologue
After the story of Saint Cecilia concluded, the pilgrims continued on their journey and bumped into two men, one of whom the narrator believes to be a canon (alchemist). The Canon's Yeoman said that the two of them desired to become a part of the pilgrimage, for they had heard of the glorious tales. The host requested a tale of the Canon. The Yeoman responded that the Canon only knows tales of jolly and mirth. He also proclaimed himself a worthy and admirable man that everyone should be honored to know. The Canon's Yeoman claims that his master is a man of great honor. The Canon departs from the pilgrims because he is ashamed of his Yeoman's overt immodesty of his abilities. After his departure, the Canon's Yeoman decides to tell his own tale.