Chaucer’s Words to His Scrivener

by Walter Scott — a poem card from Justes Mots

Two short pieces: first, Chaucer's humorous rebuke to his careless scribe Adam; second, a grave prayer warning of societal corruption and appealing to Christ for salvation. The combined excerpts move from ironic complaint to earnest spiritual petition. Suitable for occasions requiring candid moral reflection or solemn invocation of divine mercy.

ADAM Scrivener, if ever it thee befall
Boece or Troilus for to write anew,
Under thy long locks thou may’st have the scall* *scab
But *after my making* thou write more true! *according to my
So oft a day I must thy work renew, composing*
It to correct, and eke to rub and scrape;
And all is through thy negligence and rape.* *haste
…

Themes: gratitude · friendship · admiration · sympathy