A cook in London, known for his jovial nature, begins his tale after a lively exchange with the Reeve and the Host. He introduces a young apprentice, Perkin Revellour, who is lively and fond of revelry, often neglecting his duties in favor of dancing and gambling. Perkin is described as charming and attractive, with a penchant for taverns over work. As he approaches the end of his apprenticeship, his master decides to dismiss him, believing it better to let him go than to allow his bad influence to corrupt the other apprentices. Perkin, now free, seeks out a companion who shares his love for gambling and merriment. He finds a fellow named who has a wife that supports them through her own questionable means. The tale hints at the apprentice's future escapades, filled with vice and indulgence, but abruptly ends, leaving the story incomplete. The unfinished nature of the tale suggests a potential moral or commentary on the consequences of a life of excess, but it remains unresolved, reflecting the chaotic and unpredictable nature of the characters' lives.
By Geoffrey Chaucer · First published 1394 · Genre: Narrative Poetry, Satire, Comedy