Read the excerpt from The Canterbury Tales. "Gentlemen” said he, "I take pains to preach In churches with a lofty, resonant voice, Regular as a bell I ring it out, For everything I say I have by heart: My text’s the same one as it always was . . .” Which statement best describes how the Pardoner is characterized in this passage? He is an intellectual who is inspired by academics. He is a confident, suave performer. He is a heartless, vindictive leader. He is a caring counselor who is devoted to service.