A wealthy merchant in Saint Denis has a beautiful and extravagant wife, whose spending habits strain their finances. The merchant is close friends with a monk, Dan John, who often visits their home. When the merchant prepares for a trip to Bruges to buy goods, he asks Dan John to visit his wife while he is away. The monk, who is secretly enamored with her, agrees. The wife confides in Dan John about her husband's shortcomings, particularly his stinginess, and requests a loan of a hundred francs to maintain her social status. The monk, charmed by her, promises to lend her the money when her husband is away. They share a kiss, solidifying their secret arrangement. The merchant departs for Bruges, and the monk visits the wife, fulfilling their agreement. They spend the night together, and the next day, the monk leaves without raising suspicion. Upon the merchant's return, he learns that his wife has received the money from Dan John, but she cleverly deflects any suspicion about their relationship. The merchant, unaware of the affair, expresses mild annoyance at his wife's spending but ultimately forgives her, realizing he cannot change the situation. The tale concludes with a humorous note on the complexities of marriage and fidelity, highlighting the themes of deception and the dynamics of relationships.
By Geoffrey Chaucer · First published 1400 · Genre: Narrative Poetry, Satire, Romance