Abstract
Although John Gower has been highly estimated for the clarity, smoothness and simple beauty of his English, very few systematic studies of his language have ever appeared. Nor have, it seems, many noteworthy articles on specific themes been put forth since the beginning of this century when the admirable edition of the Confessio Amantis was published by G. C. Macaulay. Perhaps accumulation of an increased number of detailed investigation on various themes is needed, as in the case of Chaucer, before we can hope to have any form of systematic study of Gower's English; and here we shall be content to confine ourselves to drawing attention to a peculiar feature in the word-order of his Confessio Amantis. Macaulay's edition will be used throughout our investigation.
