Note 34 — Chapter X · POETIC ACHIEVEMENT IN VERNACULAR
Reading edition
It is advanced, however, by Tatlock’s interpretation of the evidence as suggesting rather Chaucer’s adoption of the “lay” as a literary form than his use of a particular “lay” as a source (The Scene of the Franklin’s Tale Visited, London, Chaucer Society, 1914).
Skeat notes the reminiscence of the prologue (appearing in better manuscripts as an epilogue) to the Satires of Persius.
Nec fonte labra prolui caballino, nec in bicipiti somniasse Parnaso memini, ut repente sic poeta prodirem.