Troilus and Criseyde

Chaucer begins this book with an invocation of Cleo, the muse of history. He calls upon her to help him since he claims to be the translator of these events out of Latin, rather than the inventor of the story. He warns the reader that language, custom, and law all change greatly over time and therefore advises them not to criticize Troilus’ methods of wooing Criseyde since they are the customs of a different world. 

Pandarus awakes on the third of May to the singing of a nightingale. He goes to visit his niece, Criseyde, intending to help win her over for Troilus. When he arrives at her house, he finds her and her ladies listening to a reading of the story of Thebes and the tragic life of Oedipus. Pandarus encourages her to set aside this somber pursuit and come dance and celebrate the month of May with him. Criseyde, however, thinks that it is more proper for her to behave as a widow would due to her family circumstances.

Pandarus tempts Criseyde by implying that he has a secret to tell her but repeatedly withholding it, distracting her with discussion of the war with Greece.