- The Host declares the Man of Law's Tale worthwhile.
- He asks the Parish Priest (a.k.a. Parson) to tell a tale, but concludes his request by swearing on God's dignity.
- The Parson takes offense at the Host's sinful swearing, and asks what ails the Host.
- The Host calls the Parson "Jankin" (an insulting name for a priest) and accuses him of being a Lollard (someone associated with extreme rigidity in religious practices). The Host tells the rest of the company that a Lollard's going to preach to them.
- The Shipman objects. He does not want the Parson to preach and make difficulty for people who already believe in God.
- The Shipman says he will tell a tale that is not about philosophy or anything boring.