English has changed almost beyond recognition since Beowulf, and Chaucer is the first writer who sounds like he is talking to you. Read it aloud before you read the plain English.
Whan that Aprille with his shoures soote, The droghte of March hath perced to the roote, And bathed every veyne in swich licóur Of which vertú engendred is the flour;
Underlined words and phrases can be tapped for a note
When April with its sweet showers has pierced the drought of March to the root, and bathed every vein in that liquid whose power makes the flower grow...
Bifil that in that seson on a day, In Southwerk at the Tabard as I lay Redy to wenden on my pilgrymage To Caunterbury with ful devout corage,
Underlined words and phrases can be tapped for a note
It happened that in that season, on a day, I was staying at the Tabard inn in Southwark, ready to set out on my pilgrimage to Canterbury with a very devout heart.
That's the whole thing.
Read it again slowly — it gets better the second time.