The scheme of this Work is in every respect very extraordinary, as will best appear from a short representation of the Author's design, as explained by Mr. Tyrwhitt, in his preface. Chaucer pretends, that intending to pay his devotions at the shrine of Thomas à Becket, he set up his horse at the Tabard Inn, in Southwark; that he found at the Inn a number of Pilgrims, who severally proposed the same journey; and that they all agreed to sup together, and to set out the next morning on the same party. The supper being finished, the landlord, a fellow of sense and drollery, conformably to his character and calling, makes them no disagreeable proposal, that, to divert them on their journey, each of them should be obliged to tell two stories, one going, the other coming back; and that whoever, in the judgment of the company, should succeed best in this art of Tale-telling, by way of recompence, at their return to his Inn, should be entitled to a good supper at the common cost; which proposal assented to, he promises to be their governor and guide.'

It will be necessary to assure the Public, that the Artist has not allowed himself a capricious licence in his treatment of the Dresses. So far from it, they have been adopted with the nicest fidelity from the best authorities; from the British Museum, and other Public Depositories of rare MSS.; from Monumental Remains; from the authority of Chaucer himself; and from Illuminated Manuscripts, painted in his time.