The works of our ancient, learned, & excellent English poet, Jeffrey Chaucer as they have lately been compar'd with the best manuscripts, and several things added, never before in print : to which is adjoyn'd The story of the siege of Thebes, by John Lidgate ... : together with The life of Chaucer, shewing his countrey, parentage, education, marriage, children, revenues, service, reward, friends, books, death : also a table, wherein the old and obscure words in Chaucer are explained, and such words ... that either are, by nature or derivation, Arabick, Greek, Latine, Italian, French, Dutch, or Saxon, mark'd with particular notes for the better understanding of their original.

ADVERTISEMENT TO THE READER.

HAving, for some Years last past, been greatly solli∣cited by many Learned and Worthy Gentlemen, to Re-print the Works of this Ancient Poet; I have now, not only to answer their Desire, but I hope to their full Satisfaction, perform'd the Obligation long since laid upon me, and sent Chaucer abroad into the World again, in his old dress, and under the Protection of his own Merits, without any new Preface or Letters Commendatory, it being the Opinion of those Learned Persons, that his own Works are his best Encomium.

Whereas in the Life of Chaucer, mention is made of a Tale, call'd the Pilgrims Tale, which is there said to have been seen in the Library of Mr. Stow, and pro∣mis'd to be printed so soon as opportunity should offer; I have, for the procuring of it, used all Diligence imaginable, not only in searching the publick Libraries of both Universities, but also all private Libraries that I could have Access unto; but having no Success therein, I beg you will please to accept my earnest Endeavour to have serv'd you, and take what is here printed, it being all that at present can be found that was Chaucer's.

J. H.