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.