At sessiouns ther was he lord and sire; Ful ofte tyme he was knyght of the shire. An anlaas and a gipser al of silk Heeng at his girdel, whit as morne milk. A shirreve hadde he been, and a contour. Was nowher swich a worthy vavasour.

At sessiouns ther was he lord and sire;
Ful ofte tyme he was knyght of the shire.
An anlaas and a gipser al of silk
Heeng at his girdel, whit as morne milk.
A shirreve hadde he been, and a contour.
Was nowher swich a worthy vavasour.

– Geoffrey Chaucer

The Canterbury Tales, General Prologue. The Franklin is a man of high social status, presiding at court sessions and he also has been a sheriff, auditor of taxes and member of parliament. In keeping with his position and reflecting his wealth, he carries in his belt a dagger and silk purse.

Geoffrey Chaucer Quotes