“This term,” said the English teacher, “we will be studying ‘The Canterbury Tales’ ”
“But,” she added, “to anticipate a question I get every year — this will not include *The Nun’s Priest’s Tale*”
“Why not?” asked one of the pupils. The teacher’s features shaped themselves into an expression of sour disapproval.
“Because,” she answered, “*The Nun’s Priest’s Tale* is lascivious, licentious, and utterly improper, especially for people your age. Now please open your copies to the *General Prologue*, and we will begin with that.”
Next lesson, the teacher said, “Please open your ‘Canterbury Tales’ to *The Nun’s Priest’s Tale,* which I am assuming you have all read by now…?”