Discusses the socio-political context of the 'Tale of Melibee' by Geoffrey Chaucer. Domestic crises experienced by England in the 1380s; Important chroniclers during the reign of King Richard II; Issues of peace and trade relations of England and France contained in the tale; Implications of the additions Chaucer made to the ending of the tale; Political and literary issues at stake in Chaucer's handling of the tale.