How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Line). We used the line numbering found on Librarius's online edition.
Quote #4
An haberdassher, and a carpenter,
A webbe, a dyere, and a tapicer,
Were with us eek, clothed in o liveree
Of a solempne and greet fraternitee.
(General Prologue 361 – 365)
Taking friendship to the next level, the Tradesmen have joined together in a guild. Sort of a forerunner of the modern trade union, the guild protected its members financially. The fraternity, or brotherhood, the members of a guild share is not blood; instead they share the same trade.
Quote #5
For ech of hem made other for to winne;
Hir frendschipe nas nat newe to biginne.
(General Prologue 427 – 428)
The physician's longstanding "friendship" with the apothecary to whom he sends his patients enriches both of them. Similar to the guildsmen, this is a friendship entered into for financial gain: the physician likely takes a cut of the business he sends the apothecary's way.
Quote #6
In felawschipe wel coude she laughe and carpe.
(General Prologue 474)
The Wife of Bath is an ideal traveling companion because she knows how to laugh and chat in a group. When we think of the types of people it'd be good to have on pilgrimage with us, an expert socializer isn't necessarily the first one that comes to mind. But someone like this would have helped to pass the monotonous hours on the road.