A Sergeant at Law
by Geoffrey Chaucer
A SERGEANT AT LAW, wise and cautious,
Often consulted at St. Paul’s porch and such,
Was also there, rich in excellence.
Discreet he was, a man for reverence –
Or so he seemed, his words being so wise.
He had often been a Justice at assize,
By letters patent and by full commission.
By his science and his high renown
Of fees and robes he garnered many a one.
So great a buyer of land was never known;
All was his in fee-simple, in effect.
His purchases were not the least suspect.
More business than he had, no man has,
And yet he seemed busier than he was.
He had correctly cases, judgements, all
From King William’s time in men’s recall.
Moreover he could draw up anything,
That no man might find fault with its drafting;
And every statute he could cite by rote,
He rode along in a simple striped coat,
Tied with a silken belt, its clasps of metal;
Of his array I will no further tell.
1387 – 1400
Translated from Middle English by A. S. Kline © 2007
But, Chaucer aside, some lawyers will always have our respect.
Atticus Finch and his client, Tom Robinson.
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