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 AFTER THE GERMAN VERSION OF 
 
 GOETHE 
 
 BY 
 
 THOMAS JAMES ARNOLD, ESQ. 
 
 WITH ILLUSTRATIONS BY 
 
 WILHELM VON KAULBACH. 
 
 gtmfdjen Ueberfetjung unb llmarbeitung fd)roe6enb. 
 
 Gothe. 
 
 
 PHILADELPHIA: 
 GEBBIE & CO., PUBLISHERS. 
 
 1885.
 
 the 
 
 REYNAKD THE FOX. 
 
 TRANSLATED BY THOMAS ARNOLD FROM 
 
 THE GERMAN OF GOETHE. 
 The story of REYNARD THE Fox, here presented to 
 the American public in the Translation of Mr. Arnold, 
 is one which has been famous for centuries. The 
 earliest edition known of this remarkable work is pre- 
 served in the Grenville Library at the British Museum, 
 and is supposed to be a unique copy; it is a black letter 
 octavo in Dutch, and was printed at Gouda, near Rot- 
 terdam, in 1479. Upon this work was based the trans- 
 lation of William Caxton, published in 1481. This first 
 English REYNARD is also extremely rare, only three 
 copies being known, of which two are in the British 
 Museum ; it is, however, easy of reference, having been 
 reprinted by the Percy Society in 1844. The first Ger- 
 man version was published at Liibeck in 1498, but the 
 origin of the legend is much more remote, the poem 
 having been known in Low German, French, and Latin, 
 even in the twelfth century. At the present day, it 
 is impossible to trace the authorship of the oldest ver- 
 sion, referred by some to Willem die Matoc ; but a 
 Reinhart Fuchs is still preserved, dating about the mid- 
 dle of the thirteenth century, and it would seem that 
 the earliest traces of the Poem must be sought in 
 Flanders, where the nucleus of the series of adventures 
 was formed. Henry von Alkmar, who was in the ser- 
 vice of the Duke of Lorraine, is stated, in the Preface to 
 'the Liibeck Edition, to be the first who translated the 
 story from the Italian and French into German; but 
 other authorities refer the authorship to a certain 
 Nicholas Bauraann, who died at Rostock in 1526, and 
 the motive of his writing the Poem is stated to have 
 been revenge for the persecution with which he was 
 visited at th& Court of Julicb. Yet the story was evi- 
 dently not of his invention, therefore he must only be 
 regarded as one of the numerous editors. Its earliest 
 public seems to have been the same which received 
 with avidity the Eulenspiegel legend, the Lay of the 
 Niebelungen, the Ship of Fools of Sebastian Brandt, 
 and similar productions and in its general satiric 
 views of mankind it belongs especially to the grotesque 
 VOL. IV. W. H. 
 
 school which has given to Germany some of its most 
 enduring fictions. Its celebrity, however, is European ; 
 and, translated into almost every language, it has 
 become a native of many lands. 
 
 Such a work, to be adequately represented to the 
 present age, required the hand of a master who should 
 unite with the grave wisdom of the acute and experi- 
 enced man of the world, the happy and playful facility 
 of the better kind of critic; such a combination pre- 
 sented itself in GOETHE: such a book the product 
 naturally to be expected. The enlarged views of 
 later centuries blend most opportunely with the an- 
 tique form, and under the veil of animals the symbolic 
 representations of the diverse passions of men stand 
 boldly in relief, creations as real as many passing forms 
 which, like mirror-shadows, endure not. 
 
 This is, however, no place for entering upon the 
 criticism of a poem like the Reynard of Goethe, which 
 was published in 1793, while the French Revolution 
 was at its height, a biting commentary on that fearful 
 time. Books of such significance descend into the 
 depths of the soul without the dead weight of the 
 critic's laudation being attached to them. 
 
 One of the specialities of the present edition con- 
 sists in the reproduction, for the first time in this 
 country, of the wonderful engravings of Kaulbach, 
 who seized upon the spirit of Goethe's design, and as- 
 sumed with a happy facility the mood, which, as by a 
 witch's spell, transformed men into their brute syno- 
 nyms. Reared into artistic power, under the careful 
 eye of Cornelius, Wilhelm von Kaulbach was one 
 of the foremost men of Germany in art. At an early 
 period he distinguished himself in sarcastic and hu- 
 moresque drawing, and it would be curious to know 
 whether the pictorial epic of Reynard was not an early 
 conception in the artist's mind, cherished there as only 
 true and wished-for designs can be cherished, and exe- 
 cuted in enthusiastic leisure. 
 
 The work, in its original quarto form, appeared in 
 1846, and has obtained for Kaulbach an ineffaceable 
 reputation. So great was the popularity of that edition, 
 that, in 1857, a reduction in the size of the engravings 
 was made, and the Poem republished by Cotta. From 
 this smaller book the present edition has originated. ' 
 
 1
 
 REYNARD THE FOX. 
 
 The designs have been faithfully transferred by Eng- 
 lish artists, and reproduced with every attention to 
 detail and execution. Thus the reader will have, in our 
 " Library of Wit and Humor" a series of artistic produc- 
 tions, which, for a union of idealism and naturalism, have 
 never been surpassed and rarely equalled. These varied 
 and remarkable conceptions of Goethe's poem vividly 
 render the epic design of the author, and their singular 
 fertility in detail evidences the closest study of animal 
 habits, conjoined with the greatest attention to the 
 leading purpose of satirising the peculiarities of society. 
 No series of engravings could so adequately have ful- 
 filled this object the thorough adaptation of homely 
 and domestic furniture in the abode of Reynard is 
 strangely, but most admirably contrasted by the mag- 
 nificence which reigns in the leonine household, while 
 in no case has Nature been wronged by a departure 
 from the laws which govern brute forms and pecu- 
 liarities. 
 
 These words will, it is hoped, sufficiently explain to 
 the reader the end and aim of the poet, and the truth- 
 fulness and genius of the artist. 
 
 CHAPTER THE FIRST. 
 
 THE ACCUSATION. 
 
 THE pleasant feast of Whitsuntide was come ; 
 The woods and hills were clad in vernal bloom ; 
 The full-awakened birds, from every tree, 
 Made the air ring with cheerful melody ; 
 Sweet were the meadows after passing showers ; 
 Brilliant the heaven with light, the earth with 
 
 flowers. 
 Noble, the King of Beasts, now holds his 
 
 Court ; 
 
 Thither his summoned Vassals all resort ; 
 From North and South they troop, from East 
 
 and West, 
 
 Of Birds and Quadrupeds the First and Best. 
 The Royal will had been proclaimed, that all 
 Of ev'ry class should come, both Great and 
 
 Small 
 
 To grace the pomp of that high festival : 
 Not One should fail ; and yet there did fail One ; 
 Reynard the Fox, the Rogue, was seen of none ; 
 His many crimes from Court kept him away ; 
 An evil conscience shuns the light of day. 
 To face that grave Assembly much he feared, 
 For all accused him ; no one had he spared : 
 Greybeard, the Badger, stood his friend alone, 
 The Badger, who was Reynard's Brother's son. 
 
 Begirt with many a Relative and Friend, 
 Who aid in war, in peace might counsel lend, 
 Sir Iseftrim. the "\ffpjf,. approached the throne, 
 And with due rev'rence bowing humbly down, 
 
 His suit in plaintive accents he began, 
 And thus his wrathful accusation ran : 
 
 " Most gracious Lord and King ! in pity hear V 
 Let my complaint find favour in Your ear. 
 Happy the subjects of Your glorious reign ; 
 Here none who seek for justice seek in vain. 
 Vouchsafe, then, to commis'rate my distress] 
 For Reynard's malice grant me some redress. 
 Me in all ways the Wretch hath wronged and 
 
 shamed, 
 My spouse dishonoured and my Children 
 
 maimed ; 
 
 Three lie at home, the youngest born of six, 
 Befouled and blinded by his filthy tricks. 
 
 " 'T is long ago my plaint in Court was filed, 
 Showing by Reynard how I'd been beguiled ; 
 The cunning Fox knew well a plea to draw, 
 And boldly he presumed to wage his law : 
 He dared not come at the appointed day ; 
 So I had judgment and my costs to pay. 
 All present here can vouch this tale is true ; 
 But none can tell such things as I can do. 
 Had I the tongues of Angels, lungs of brass, 
 Whole days and weeks nay, months and years 
 
 would pass 
 
 Ere I could mention all my injuries, 
 Or tell one half his crimes and tricks and lies. 
 If all the Sheep on earth were killed and flayed, 
 And all their skins were into parchment made, 
 Not half sufficient were they to contain, 
 The wrongs whereof I justly could complain : 
 The worst is the dishonour of my Wife ; 
 That eats away my heart, and sours my life : 
 Desire of vengeance haunts me, night and day, 
 And vengeance I will have, come what come 
 
 may." 
 
 He ceased, and stood in silent mood apart, 
 Gloom on his brow and anger in his heart. 
 Up jumped a Poodle from a neighbouring 
 
 bench, 
 Hight Frizpate, who addressed the King in 
 
 French. 
 
 And he complained, it was not long ago, 
 In winter, when the ground was deep in snow, 
 That not a single Beast could hunt his prey, 
 He'd given much in charity away, 
 And for himself had but one sausage left; 
 By the false Fox of this he was bereft : 
 A foul and almost sacrilegious theft ! 
 
 Scant had he spoken when with fiery eyes, 
 Tybalt, the Cat, sprang forth in angry wine, 
 And kiK'cling rrird "My august and gra- 
 cious King,
 
 REYNARD THE FOX. 
 
 Reynard must answer many a grievous thing : 
 Most dreaded of all living beasts is he, 
 Ay, more than e'en Your sacred Majesty. 
 Grant me Your patience, though ; and hear 
 
 me out : 
 
 Frizpate hath little to complain about: 
 The thing he speaks of happened years by- 
 gone; 
 
 Should be the last to speak of robbery." 
 The Panther then "These jars are little 
 
 use; 
 
 Reynard's misdeeds admit of no excuse ; 
 He is a Robber and a Murderer ; 
 That, in this Presence boldly I aver. 
 No kind of crime but he doth exercise; 
 Nought sacred is there in his impious eyes: 
 
 That sausage ne'er was his ; it was my own, 
 My all, my only remaining sustenance; 
 I stumbled on it by the merest chance. 
 I happened once into a mill to creep; 
 It was was deep night ; the Miller fast asleep ; 
 Being at that time stinted in my diet, 
 I took the sausage ; why should I deny it ? 
 But Frizpate filched it from me; so that he 
 
 His soul is fixed upon ungodly pelf; 
 Although the Nobles, nay, the King himself 
 Should suffer loss of health and wealth and 
 
 all, 
 
 And the whole state to hopeless ruin fall, 
 So he could get the leg of a fat Capon, he 
 Would never care the value of a half-penny. 
 "Let me relate the trick he tried to play
 
 REYNARD THE FOX. 
 
 To Puss, the gentle Hare, but yesterday ; 
 Poor Puss, who lives just like an Anchoret, 
 And never injured mortal Being yet. 
 
 Reynard, who latterly has given out 
 That he has turned ascetic and devout, 
 Promis'd he'd teach him at the quickest rate, 
 How he as Chaplain, might officiate; 
 ' The service you shall chant ; ' quoth he, ' as 
 
 we do; 
 
 And we'll begin our lesson with the Credo!' 
 So down they sat together and began; 
 For he had no misgivings the good Man. 
 But not long time continued they to sing; 
 For, 'gainst the Peace of our dread Lord, the 
 
 King, 
 
 And setting at defiance all his laws, 
 He seized on Puss with his pernicious claws. 
 I heard their song as I was passing by, 
 And wondered that it stopped so suddenly ; 
 I'd scarce proceeded though a dozen span, 
 
 ere 
 
 I took the Felon Reynard with the mainour. 
 Fast hold had he of Pussy by the throat, 
 That he could scarce articulate one note. 
 Certes, at that time had I not come up, 
 He'd gone that night in Paradise to sup. 
 Yon stands our timid Friend ; and in his 
 
 flesh 
 You still may see his wounds all raw and 
 
 fresh. 
 " Will not our Sov'reign Lord these ills 
 
 abate? 
 
 Will you, brave Peers and pillars of the 
 
 State, 
 
 Such daily breaches of the peace permit, 
 Such violations of the Royal writ ? 
 If there no stop be put to these foul crimes, 
 Much do I fear me, that in future times 
 Frequent reproach the King will have to 
 
 hear 
 From all to whom Justice and Right are 
 
 dear." 
 
 Again spake Isegrim: " 'T is even so, 
 Reynard has ever been the common Foe; 
 'T were better he had perished long ago. 
 For while that wretch shall live, no rest 
 
 will be 
 
 For honest, loyal, peaceful Folk, like me. 
 Albeit, according to the present fashion, 
 The Felon ever meets with most compassion ; 
 If such crimes pass unpunished, not a year 
 
 hence 
 
 We all shall rue our most unwise forbear- 
 ance." 
 
 Undaunted by this host of angry Foes, 
 The Badger, Reynard's Nephew, now uprose; 
 Boldly prepared to plead his Uncle's cause, 
 All stained with crime and falsehood as he 
 
 was. 
 
 "Now fair and soft, Sir Isegrim," said he; 
 " Your words smack less of truth than en- 
 mity. 
 
 'Tis known you hate my Uncle ; and, in sooth, 
 A fair word had he ne'er from your foul 
 
 mouth. 
 Yet from your malice hath he nought to 
 
 fear. 
 
 In the King's favour stood he now but here, 
 He'd give you ample reason to repent 
 Stirring in these stale subjects of complaint. 
 You take good care too not to say one word 
 Of ills that he for your sake hath incurred. 
 Yet many of the Barons here well know 
 What happened not so very long ago ; 
 When you and he a solemn covenant sware, 
 That friendship Each should to the Other 
 
 bear, 
 
 And, like true Comrades, Good and Evil share. 
 I must relate, it is not long to tell, 
 The strange adventure which that time befell, 
 When you and he, in the cold winter weather, 
 Went through the country travelling together. 
 " It chanced a Carter, on the King's high 
 
 road, 
 Was driving homeward with a heavy load ;
 
 REYNARD THE FOX. 
 
 Your subtle nostrils soon sniffed out 't was 
 
 fish; 
 You'd soon have had them if you'd had your 
 
 wish : 
 But they were closely packed ; and what was 
 
 worse, 
 
 You'd not a single stiver in your purse. 
 What then did my kind-hearted Uncle do ? 
 Ah ! what indeed hath he not done for you ? 
 Down in the road he laid himself for dead : 
 'T was a bold thought to come into his head ! 
 And when the Carter saw him lying there, 
 To kill him out-an-end did he prepare ; 
 But, cunning Reynard still held in his breath, 
 StifPning his limbs and counterfeiting death ; 
 'T was a consummate masterpiece of art, 
 That showed him cool of head as brave of 
 
 heart ; [in his cart. 
 
 The Carter picked him up, and pitched him 
 A cap he thought to make out of his skin, 
 And a bag too to keep his dollars in. 
 This did my Uncle do for Isegrim : 
 When would he venture such a risk for him ? 
 While onward went the Carter with his load, 
 Reynard kept throwing fish down in the road ; 
 And Isegrim, who was in haste to sup, 
 Fast as he threw them down, gobbled them up. 
 Reynard grew weary of this sport at last, 
 And thought 'twas his turn now to break his 
 
 fast; 
 So down he sprang ; but with disgust and 
 
 wonder 
 
 Found Isegrim had pilfered all the plunder : 
 He'd stuffed till he was nigh to burst in 
 
 sunder. 
 
 He told my Uncle he had left his share 
 But nothing but the heads and bones were 
 
 there. 
 
 " Another of his tricks I must narrate ; 
 And so Heav'n help me, as I truth relate. 
 A Countryman had lately killed a Swine ; 
 Large were its hams and noble was its chine. 
 Reynard had found out where the carcase hung 
 And told it Isegrim with truthful tongue. 
 And they agreed in common they would toil, 
 Would share the danger and divide the spoil : 
 To Reynard's share the danger fell alone ; 
 But of the spoil, forsooth, he'd next to none. 
 The larder-walls were strong and steep and 
 
 high; 
 
 My Uncle clomb them, though, right skilfully ; 
 True to his word, did he the Porker throw 
 Out of the window to the Wolf below. 
 
 Now, by bad fortune, there were in the grounds 
 A couple of most ill-conditioned Hounds ; 
 They chased my Uncle with appalling din; 
 He got away, but not with a whole skin : 
 And straight unto the Wolf his way did make, 
 To show what he had suffered for his sake, 
 And claim his lawful share ; then Isegrim 
 Said he'd reserved the prime tit-bit for him ; 
 And thrusting in his cheek his lying tongue, 
 Produced the hook by which the Pig had hung. 
 His feelings Reynard had no words t' express, 
 But what he felt all present here may guess. 
 " Scores of such pranks I might remember 
 
 well, 
 
 Were you inclined to hear, and I to tell 
 But 't is enough : were Reynard summoned 
 
 here, 
 Soon would he make his innocence appear. 
 
 "As for the other charge, 't is most absurd ; 
 You, my dread Liege, and you, my Lords, 
 
 have heard 
 
 What Isegrim has said about his Wife, 
 Whom 't was his duty to protect with life. 
 In all its details that affair I know ; 
 It happened now just seven years ago, 
 That Reynard's bosom first received a wound 
 From the soft eyes of Lady Gieremund. 
 My Uncle is not to be blamed at all : 
 They met together at a fancy ball : 
 Is'grim had gone upon a tour to Rome : 
 Husbands, if wise, would always stay at home. 
 My Uncle proffered her his faith and troth ; 
 She sanctioned his attentions, nothing loth. 
 Is it not, therefore, a most crying shame, 
 That her own Lord should sully her fair 
 
 fame? 
 
 What any Man of honour would conceal, 
 He seems to take a pleasure to reveal. 
 
 "What have we next? This trumpery affair, 
 The Panther has brought up about the Hare 
 Such utter trash ! what! shall a Master scruple 
 To chastise a perverse or sluggish Pupil ? 
 If this be so, how are our Youth to be 
 Trained up in learning and morality? 
 The wisest book that ever was compiled 
 Says, if you spare the rod you spoil the child. 
 " Then we have Mounseer Frizpate, who 
 
 complains 
 
 He was deprived of his ill-gotten gains. 
 A pretty fuss, forsooth, about a sausage ! 
 'T were better he said nothing of that passage. 
 For it turns out 't was stolen ; and the Thief 
 Has the assurance now to ask relief.
 
 6 
 
 REYNARD THE FOX. 
 
 The Evil on his own head has recoiled : 
 
 'T is only just the Spoiler should be spoiled. 
 
 Is Reynard blamed, that from a Robber he 
 
 Has wrung the fruits of his dishonesty ? 
 
 He did his duty, that deny who can, 
 
 Like a true Fox and loyal Gentleman. 
 
 Why, had he hanged him on the spot, I ween, 
 
 He must assuredly have pardoned been : 
 
 But he respects the King's Prerogative, 
 
 And therefore spared the Thief and let him 
 
 live. 
 
 " But little justice can my Uncle get ; 
 At least, but little hath he got as yet ; 
 Since the King's Peace was publicly made 
 
 known, 
 
 No one hath led the life that he hath done, 
 With books he passes half his time away, 
 And takes but one abstemious meal a day. 
 Water his only drink, and roots his food ; 
 Poultry and butchers' meat he hath eschew'd, 
 And cannot bear the very thought of blood ; 
 With whips doth mortify his flesh, and wear 
 Next to his very skin a shirt of hair. 
 I heard it mentioned only yesterday, 
 By one who happened to have passed that 
 
 way ; 
 
 His castle, Malepartus, he hath shut, 
 And in the desert built a Hermit's hut. 
 So lean and pale and haggard he hath grown, 
 By his best Friends he scarcely would be 
 
 known. 
 
 But 'tis the burden of a good old song, 
 That absent Folks are ever in the wrong. 
 I only wish to Heav'n that he were here ; 
 From all these scandals he would soon be 
 
 clear." 
 Scarce had he ceased, when from a neigh- 
 
 b'ring hill 
 
 A cry resounded, like a clarion shrill. 
 The voice it was of honest Chanticleer, 
 Who with his Wives and Concubines drew 
 
 near ; 
 
 A dead Hen borne behind him on a bier. 
 It was the headless corpse of young Greyleg, 
 As good a Fowl as ever laid an egg ; 
 His fav'rite Daughter of a num'rous brood ; 
 And impious Reynard now had shed her blood. 
 Foremost the sad and mourning Sire doth 
 
 stride, 
 
 His dappled wings low trailing by his side ; 
 While after him two youthful Cock'rells 
 
 march, 
 Each bearing in his grasp a barning torch ; 
 
 Cantart of one, Cryart the other's name ; 
 'Twixt France and Holland none more known 
 
 to fame ; 
 They were the Brothers of the murdered 
 
 Dame. 
 
 Four tender Pullets bore their Mother's bier, 
 Clucking so loud 't was pitiful to ear; 
 Dire was the clatter, awful were the cries, 
 And the shrill clamor pierced the startled 
 
 skies. 
 
 Soon as the Heralds silence had restor'd, 
 Unto the throne stepped up the martial Bird ; 
 O'erwhelm'd with woe he thrice essayed to 
 
 speak, 
 And thrice the words died choking in his 
 
 beak. 
 
 Ashamed so chicken-hearted to appear, 
 He gave one vig'rous crow his voice to clear, 
 And thus began ; " My Liege and Sov'reign, 
 
 hail! 
 
 With pity listen to my grievous tale- 
 See upon yonder blood-stained bier, 
 A proof of Reynard's cruel spite, 
 And wanton enmity to right, 
 Partlett, the best and most submissive Wife 
 That ever solaced a poor Husband's life. 
 How joyed was I with her and them to rove, 
 And watch my Offspring full of life and love. 
 That time no terrors for their lot I felt, 
 For in complete security we dwelt : 
 Our home was in a convent's spacious yard, 
 Whose lofty walls its inmates safely guard ; 
 And six stout Dogs belonging to the farm, 
 Who loved us well, protected us from harm. 
 "Reynard, it seems, that lawless Repro- 
 bate, 
 
 Like Satan, envying our happy state, 
 Around our Eden often lay in wait. 
 Stealthily round the walls by night he'd creep, 
 And through the crannies of the gates would 
 
 peep. 
 
 The trusty Guardians of myself and Wife 
 Oft made the Ruffian scamper for dear life; 
 Once they did catch him, and well tanned 
 
 his hide, 
 
 He got away, though sorely scarified ; 
 And for a good while after let us bide. 
 
 " But ah, Sire ! now begins my tale of woe : 
 Again he came, and that not long ago; 
 Within our convent walls he slily slunk 
 Clad in the vestments of a holy Monk, 
 Wore a long frock, and sandals 'stead of shoes, 
 And looked for all the world like a Recluse.
 
 REYNARD THE FOX. 
 
 Water his only drink and roots his food ; 
 All flesh of every kind he had eschewed, 
 And could not bear the very thought of blood. 
 But that my Wife and Daughters present 
 
 were, 
 He said he would have shown the shirt of 
 
 hair, 
 
 Which he for penance next his skin must 
 wear 
 
 And, on the word and honour of a Fowl, 
 
 I myself saw the tonsure 'neath his cowl. 
 
 Tow'rds him I own I felt my heart relent, 
 
 He seem'd so really, truly penitent ; 
 
 He spoke of his past sins with such compunc- 
 tion, 
 
 And of the Heav'nly grace with so much 
 unction. 
 
 ' Farewell ! ' at length he cried, ' I needs must 
 go; 
 
 ' I still have many pious deeds to do ; 
 
 ' I have the Nones and Vespers yet to say, 
 
 ' And by a dying Vulture's bed to pray. 
 
 ' He too was a sad Sinner in his day. 
 
 ' Bless you, my Children, may you ever thrive 
 
 ' In the calm peace which this World cannot 
 give. ' 
 
 And saying thus, the odious Hypocrite 
 
 Crossing himself departed from our sight. 
 
 He left us, all his soul on mischief bent; 
 
 While ours were filled with happiest content. 
 " We ventured forth ; and habit, more than 
 fear, 
 
 Kept us at first to the old convent near. 
 
 Reynard we daily saw near our abode ; 
 It seem'd some bus'ness led him oft that road ; 
 His looks were ever bent upon the ground, 
 As though his mind were lost in thought pro- 
 found ; 
 
 Or, if he chanced our family to see, 
 It was ' Good'en ' and ' Benedicite ; ' 
 And he would tell his beads and seem to pray, 
 And smite his breast, and so pass on his way. 
 " Now, bolder grown, we further went abroad, 
 In search of pleasure and our daily food. 
 Ah ! fatal error ! from behind a bush 
 Reynard among us made a sudden rush. 
 Scatt'ring and squand'ring to the left and right, 
 Tow'rds our old home we took our screaming 
 
 flight, 
 
 In vain, alas ! our Foe was there before ; 
 In threat'ning guise he barred us from the 
 
 door: 
 
 With surer aim this time he bore away 
 Of all my Sons the fairest as his prey : 
 And I was there, and impotent to save ! 
 My Son ! my Son ! my Beautiful ! my Brave ! 
 "And now he once had tasted of our blood. 
 It seemed as he disdained all other food : 
 At all times came he on us night and day 
 Nor Dogs, nor Men, nor gates, kept him away. 
 Of all mine Offspring I'm well nigh bereft; 
 Five, out of twenty, all that now are left : 
 With grief and terror I am all but wild ; 
 Soon will he leave me neither Chick nor Child. 
 Oh, give me justice ! 'twas but yesterday 
 He tore my Daughter from my side away ; 
 Villain ! without or pity or remorse : 
 The Dogs were but in time to save her corse. 
 See, there she lies ! my Child whom Reynard 
 
 slew! 
 
 Help me, or he will have the Others too ! 
 Oh ! Cock-a-doodle, cock-a-doodle doo ! " 
 Fierce was the fire that in the King's eye 
 
 burned, 
 
 As to the Badger wrathfully he turned, 
 And thus began ; " Come hither, Sir, and see 
 This sample of your Uncle's piety ! 
 Now by my royal mane I make a vow, 
 This Miscreant shall not pass unpunish'd so, 
 If Heav'n preserve my life another year. 
 But words avail not. Honest Chanticleer, 
 I claim the right your inj'ries to redress, 
 To share, if not to lessen, your distress. 
 Entombed shall your fair Daughter be, with all 
 The pomp befits a royal funeral : 
 A Vigil shall be sung, a Mass be said,
 
 REYNARD THE FOX. 
 
 The more to honour the illustrious Dead: 
 We with our Council will the while take 
 
 thought 
 How may the Murd'rer be to justice brought." 
 
 In sable was the Chapel Royal hung ; 
 The Mass was duly said, the Vigil sung. 
 The People, joining with the Quiristers 
 Sang Domino placebo, verse by verse. 
 I could relate who gave each versicle, 
 Who the responses ; but 't were long to tell ; 
 And so I pass it by : 't is just as well. 
 
 Deep in a grave they laid the honor'd Dead, 
 And placed a marble tablet at her head ; 
 'T was thick, and square, and polished bright 
 
 as glass, 
 With this inscription graven on its face : 
 
 GREYLEG THE SPECKLED ONE LIES BURIED 
 
 HERE 
 THE DEAK-LOVED DAUGHTER OF BRAVE 
 
 CHANTICLEER 
 THROUGHOUT THE EARTH 'T WERE VAIN TO 
 
 SEEK HER MATCH 
 NO HEN COULD OFT'NER LAY OR FEATLIER 
 
 SCRATCH 
 
 IN REYNARD'S CLUTCH SHE DREW HER 
 
 LATEST BREATH 
 AND PASSED UNTIMELY TO THE REALMS 
 
 OF DEATH 
 
 LET ALL GOOD MEN HER MURD'RER EXE- 
 CRATE 
 
 AND SHED A TEAK OF PITY FOR HER FATE. 
 
 Meanwhile the King in solemn Council sate, 
 Discussing with the Wisest in his state, 
 How they the Culprit might to Justice draw 
 And vindicate the majesty of Law. 
 At length it was resolved, by one and all, 
 To send a summons to the Criminal, 
 Commanding him, all bus'ness laid aside, 
 He should to Court repair, and there his doom 
 
 abide. 
 The summons writ and sealed, Bruin, the 
 
 Bear, 
 
 Selected they to be the Messenger ; 
 And him the King addressed ; "Sir Bruin, see 
 That you perform your mission faithfully. 
 We know you stout of limb and brave of 
 
 heart ; 
 
 Yet would We counsel caution on your part ; 
 Courage is oft but a poor match for art. 
 
 Reynard, remember, speaks but to deceive ; 
 
 Neither his lies nor flattery believe, 
 
 Or you may soon have too good cause to 
 
 grieve." 
 "Fear not, my Liege," the trusty Bear 
 
 replied, 
 
 Confident in his strength and shaggy hide 
 " Reynard, however tricksy he may be, 
 Will not, I wager, try his tricks on me. 
 Me or my mission an he treat with scorn, 
 I'll make him rue the hour that he was born." 
 
 CHAPTER THE SECOND. 
 THE FIRST SUMMONS. 
 
 Now with his ragged staff the Bear set forth, 
 And with his best grease larded the lean earth. 
 Through forests vast he went and deserts drear ; 
 But his bold heart knew neither doubt nor 
 
 fear. 
 
 At length the mountain region he approached, 
 Wherein Sir Reynard generally poached : 
 But Bruin would not tarry or delay ; 
 Tow'rds Malepartus held he on his way, 
 The fav'rite fastness of the Robber Chief; 
 And there he hoped to catch the wily Thief: 
 Thither for safety usually he fled, 
 When threat'ning danger overhung his head. 
 
 At length Sir Bruin stood before the gate, 
 And, finding it was shut, he scratched his 
 
 pate, 
 Not knowing whether best to go or wait.
 
 REYNARD THE FOX. 
 
 9 
 
 Then he began to cry, with mighty din ; 
 
 " What, cousin Reynard, ho ! are you within ? 
 
 Bruin the Bear it is who calls. I bring 
 
 A missive from our Sovereign Lord, the King : 
 
 He orders you, all bus'ness laid aside, 
 
 Repair to Court and there your doom abide ; 
 
 That equal right and justice may be done, 
 
 And satisfaction given to every one. 
 
 I am to fetch you : if you hesitate, 
 
 The gallows or the wheel will be your fate. 
 
 Better to come at once, fair cousin, sith 
 
 The king, you know, will not be trifled with." 
 
 Reynard, from the beginning to the end, 
 Had heard this summons ; and did now per- 
 pend 
 
 In what way he might punish his fat Friend. 
 Into a private corner he had fled, 
 Where he could hear securely all was said. 
 His keep was built with many a secret door, 
 With traps above and pits beneath the floor ; 
 With labyrinthine passages and channels, 
 With secret chambers and with sliding panels. 
 There he would often hide, the cunning Hound, 
 When he was wanted, and would not be found. 
 Amid this intricate obscurity, 
 Where none could safely find his path but he, 
 Full many a simple Beast has lost his way, 
 And to the wily Robber fall'u a prey. 
 
 Reynard suspected there might be some cheat ; 
 For the Deceitful always fear deceit. 
 Was Bruin quite alone ? He felt afraid, 
 There might be others hid in ambuscade. 
 But soon as he was fully satisfied 
 His fears were vain, forth from the door he 
 
 hied; 
 And, " Welcome, dearest Uncle, here ; " quoth 
 
 he, 
 
 With studied look of deep humility, 
 And the most Jesuitical of whispers, 
 " I heard you call ; but I was reading Vespers. 
 I am quite grieved you should have had to wait, 
 In this cold wind too, standing at my gate. 
 How glad I am you're come ; for I feel sure 
 With your kind aid, my cause will be secure ; 
 However that may be, at least, I know 
 More welcome nobody could be than you. 
 But truly 't was a pity I must say 
 T' have sent you such a long and tedious way. 
 Good Heav'ns ! how hot you are ! you're tired 
 
 to death ! 
 How wet your hair is, and how scant your 
 
 breath ! 
 
 Although no slight our good king could have 
 meant, 
 
 Some other Messenger he might have sent 
 Than Bruin, the chief glory of his Court, 
 His kingdom's main adornment and support. 
 Though I should be the last to blame his 
 
 choice, 
 
 Who have in sooth no cause but to rejoice. 
 How I am slandered well aware am I, 
 But on your love of Justice I rely, 
 That you will speak of things just as you find 
 
 them; 
 
 As to my Enemies I need not mind them : 
 Their malice vainly shall my cause assail ; 
 For Truth, we know, is great, and must prevail. 
 " To Court to-morrow we will take our way : 
 I should myself prefer to start to-day, 
 Not having cause why should I have? to 
 
 hide; 
 
 But I am rather bad in my inside. 
 By what I've eaten I am quite upset, 
 And nowise fitted for a journey yet." 
 " What was it ? " asked Sir Bruin, quite pre- 
 
 par'd, 
 
 For Reynard had not thrown him off his guard. 
 "Ah!" quoth the Fox, "what boots it to 
 
 explain ? 
 
 E'en your kind pity could not ease my pain. 
 Since flesh I have abjured, for my soul's weal, 
 I'm often sadly put to 't for a meal. 
 I bear my wretched life as best I can ; 
 A Hermit fares not like an Alderman. 
 But yesterday, as other viands failed, 
 I ate some honey, see how I am swelled ! 
 Of that there's always to be had enough : 
 Would I had never touched the cursed stuff. 
 I ate it out of sheer necessity ; 
 Physic is not so nauseous near to me. " 
 " Honey ! " exclaimed the Bear ; " did you say 
 
 honey ? 
 
 Would I could any get for love or money ! 
 How can you speak so ill of what's so good ? 
 Honey has ever been my fav'rite food ; 
 It is so wholesome, and so sweet and luscious ; 
 I can't conceive how you can call it nauseous. 
 Do get me some on't ; and you may depend 
 You'll make me evermore your steadfast 
 
 friend. " 
 " You're surely joking, Uncle ! " Reynard 
 
 cried ; 
 
 " No, on my sacred word ! " the Bear replied ; 
 ' I'd not, though jokes as blackberries were 
 
 rife, 
 
 Joke upon such a subject for my life." 
 " Well ! you surprise me ; " said the knavish 
 
 Beast;
 
 10 
 
 REYNARD THE FOX. 
 
 " There's no accounting certainly for taste ; 
 And one Man's meat is oft Another's poison. 
 I'll wager that you never set your eyes on 
 Such store of honey as you soon shall spy 
 At Gaffer Joiner's, who lives here hard by. " 
 
 In fancy o'er the treat did Bruin gloat; 
 While his mouth fairly watered at the thought. 
 " Oh, take me, take me there, dear Coz," 
 
 quoth he, 
 
 " And I will ne'er forget your courtesy. 
 Oh, let me have a taste, if not my fill : 
 Do, Cousin. " Reynard grinned, and said, " I 
 
 will. 
 
 Honey you shall not long time be without : 
 'Tis true just now I'm rather sore of foot; 
 But what of that ? the love I bear to you 
 Shall make the road seem short and easy too. 
 Not one of all my kith or kin is there 
 Whom I so honour as th' illustrious Bear. 
 Come then ! and in return I know you'll say 
 A good word for me on the Council-day. 
 You shall have honey to your heart's content, 
 And wax too, if your fancy's that way bent." 
 Whacks of a different sort the sly Rogue 
 
 meant. 
 
 Off starts the wily Fox, in merry trim, 
 And Bruin blindly follows after him. 
 " If you have luck," thought Reynard, with a 
 
 titter, 
 
 " I guess you'll find our honey rather bitter." 
 When they at length reached Goodman 
 
 Joiner's yard, 
 
 The joy that Bruin felt he might have spar'd. 
 But Hope, it seems, by some eternal rule, 
 Beguiles the Wisest as the merest Fool. 
 'Twas ev'ning now, and Reynard knew, he 
 
 said, 
 
 The Goodman would be safe and sound in bed. 
 A good and skilful Carpenter was he : 
 Within his yard there lay an old oak tree, 
 Whose gnarled and knotted trunk he had to 
 
 split ; 
 
 A stout wedge had he driven into it : 
 The cleft gaped open a good three foot wide ; 
 Towards this spot the crafty Reynard hied ; 
 " Uncle," quoth he, " your steps this way direct, 
 You'll find more honey here than you suspect. 
 In at this fissure boldly thrust your pate ; 
 But I beseech you to be moderate : 
 Remember, sweetest things the soonest cloy, 
 And Temperance enhances every joy." 
 " What! " said the Bear, a shock'd look as 
 he put on 
 
 Of self-restraint ; "d'ye take me for a Glutton ? 
 With thanks I use the gifts of Providence, 
 But to abuse them count a grave offence." 
 And so Sir Bruin let himself be fooled : 
 As Strength will be whene'er by Craft 'tis ruled. 
 Into the cleft he thrust his greedy maw 
 Up to the ears, and either foremost paw. 
 Reynard drew near ; and tugging might and 
 
 main 
 Pull'd forth the wedge ; and the trunk closed 
 
 again. 
 
 By head and foot was Bruin firmly caught : 
 Nor threats nor flatt'ry could avail him aught. 
 He howled, he raved, he struggled and he tore, 
 Till the whole place re-echoed with his roar ; 
 
 And Goodman Joiner, wakened by the rout, 
 Jumped up much wond'ring what 'twas all 
 
 about ; 
 
 And seized his axe, that he might be prepar'd, 
 And danger, if it came, might find him on his 
 
 guard. 
 Still howled the Bear and struggled to get 
 
 free 
 
 From the accursed grip of that cleft tree. 
 He strove and strained ; but strained and strove 
 
 in vain, 
 
 His mightiest efforts but increased his pain : 
 He thought he never should get loose again. 
 And Reynard thought the same, for his own 
 
 part; 
 
 And wished it too, devoutly from his heart. 
 And as the Joiner coming he espied, 
 Armed with his axe, the jesting Rufiian cried : 
 " Uncle, what cheer ? Is th' honey to your 
 
 taste?
 
 REYNARD THE FOX. 
 
 11 
 
 Don't eat too quick, there's no such need of 
 
 haste. 
 
 The Joiner's coming ; and I make no question, 
 
 He brings you your dessert, to help digestion." 
 
 Then deeming 'twas not longer safe to stay, 
 
 To Malepartus back he took his way. 
 
 The Joiner, when he came and saw the 
 
 Bear; 
 
 Off to the ale-house did with speed repair, 
 Where oft the Villagers would sit and swill ; 
 And a good many sat carousing still. 
 " Neighbours," quoth he, " be quick ! In my 
 
 court-yard 
 A Bear is trapped ; come, and come well pre- 
 
 par'd : 
 
 I vow, 'tis true." Up started every Man, 
 And pell-mell, helter-skelter off they ran ; 
 Seizing whatever handiest they could take, 
 A pitch-fork One, Another grasps a rake, 
 A Third a flail ; and arm'd was ev'ry one 
 With some chance weapon, stick or stake or 
 
 stone. 
 The Priest and Sacristan both joined the 
 
 throng, 
 
 A mattock this, the other bore a prong. 
 The Parson's Maid came too ; Judith her 
 
 name, 
 
 And fair was she of face and fair of fame ; 
 (His Rev'rence could not live without her aid; 
 She cooked his victuals, and she warmed his 
 
 bed.) 
 
 She brought the distaff she had used all day, 
 With which she hoped the luckless Bear to 
 
 pay. 
 Bruin with terror heard th' approaching 
 
 roar, 
 
 And with fresh desperation tugged and tore : 
 His head he thus got free from out the cleft ; 
 But hide and hair, alack ! behind he left ; 
 While from the hideous wound the crimson 
 
 blood 
 
 Adown his breast in copious currents flow'd. 
 Was never seen so pitiable a Beast ! 
 It holp him nought his head to have releas'd ; 
 His feet still being fastened in the tree, 
 These with one more huge effort he set free. 
 But than his head no better fared his paws ; 
 For he rent off alike the skin and claws. 
 This was in sooth a different sort of treat 
 From what he had expected there to meet ; 
 He wished to Heav'n he ne'er had ventured 
 
 there : 
 It was a most unfortunate affair! 
 
 Bleeding upon the ground he could but 
 
 sprawl, 
 For he could neither stand, nor walk, nor 
 
 crawl. 
 
 The Joiner now came up with all his Crew : 
 To the attack with eager souls they flew : 
 With thwacks and thumps belabouring the 
 
 poor Wight ; 
 
 They hoped to slay him on the spot outright. 
 The Priest kept poking at him with his prong, 
 From afar off the handle being long. 
 Bruin in anguish rolled and writhed about ; 
 Each bowl of his called forth an answering 
 
 shout. 
 
 On every side his furious Foemen swarmed, 
 With spits and spades, with hoes and hatchets 
 
 armed ; 
 
 Weapons all wielded too by nerves of pith : 
 His large sledge-hammer bore the sinewy 
 
 Smith. 
 They struck, they yelled, they pelted and they 
 
 hallooed ; 
 
 While in a pool of filth poor Bruin wallowed. 
 To name these Heroes were too long by 
 
 half: 
 There was the long-nosed Jem, the bandy 
 
 Ralph ; 
 These were the worst; but crooked -fingered 
 
 Jack, 
 With his flail fetched him many a grievous 
 
 thwack : 
 
 His Step-brother, hight Cuckelson the Fat, 
 Stood, but aloof, with an enormous bat : 
 Dame Judith was not idle with her distaff : 
 While Gaffer Grumble stirr'd him up with his 
 
 staff; 
 
 And Men and Women many more were there, 
 All vowing vengeance 'gainst th' unhappy 
 
 Bear. 
 
 The foremost in the noise was Cuckelson : 
 He boasted that he was Dame Gertrude's Son : 
 And all the World believed that this was true ; 
 But who his Father, no one ever knew. 
 Fame indeed said but Fame is such a Liar, 
 That Brother Joseph, the Franciscan Friar, 
 Might, if he chose, claim the paternity ; 
 Or share the same with Others, it might be. 
 Now stones and brick-bats from all sides 
 
 were shower'd ; 
 
 And Bruin, tho' he scorned to die a Coward, 
 Was by opposing numbers all butoverpower'd. 
 The Joiner's Brother then, whose name was 
 
 Scrub,
 
 REYNARD THE FOX. 
 
 Whirling around his head a massive club, 
 Rushed in the midst, with execrations horrid, 
 And dealt the Bear a blow plump on the fore- 
 head. 
 That blow was struck with such tremendous 
 
 might, 
 
 Bruin lost both his hearing and his sight. 
 One desp'rate plunge he made though, and as 
 
 luck 
 
 Would have it, 'mong the Women ran a-muck. 
 Ye Saints! how they did scream and shriek 
 
 and squall ! 
 
 Over each other how they tumbled all ! 
 And some fell in the stream that ran hard by, 
 And it was deep just there, unluckily. 
 The pastor cried aloud "Look, neighbours, 
 
 look! 
 
 See, yonder in the water Jude, my Cook ; 
 With all her wool she's left her distaff here, 
 Help ! save her ! you shall have a cask of 
 
 beer ; 
 
 As well as absolution for past crimes, 
 And full indulgence for all future times.'' 
 Fired with the promised boon, they left the 
 
 Bear, 
 Who lay half dead, all stunned and stupid 
 
 there ; 
 Plunged to the Women's rescue; fished out 
 
 five ; 
 All that had fallen in, and all alive. 
 
 The miserable Bear, while thus his Foes 
 Were busied, finding respite from their blows ; 
 Managed to scramble to the river's brim ; 
 And in he rolled ; but not with hopes to swim; 
 For life a very burden was to him : 
 Those shameful blows no more he could abide ; 
 They pierced his soul more than they pained 
 
 his hide. 
 
 He wished to end his days in that deep water, 
 Nor feared t' incur the perils of self-slaughter. 
 But no ! against his will he floated down ; 
 It seemed in truth he was not born to drown. 
 Now when the Bear's escape the Men de- 
 scried, 
 
 " Oh shame ! insufferable shame ! " they cried ; 
 Then in a rage began to rate the Women ; 
 " See where the Bear away from us is swim- 
 ming; 
 
 Had you but stayed at home, your proper place, 
 We should not have encountered this dis- 
 grace." 
 
 Then to the cleft tree turning, they found 
 there 
 
 The bleeding strips of Bruin's hide and hair ; 
 At this into loud laughter they broke out, 
 And after him thus sent a jeering shout ; 
 "You'll sure come back again, old Devil- 
 spawn, 
 As you have left your wig and gloves in pawn." 
 
 Thus insult added they to injury, 
 And Bruin heard them and sore hurt was he ; 
 He cursed them all, and his own wretched 
 
 fate ; 
 He cursed the Honey that had been his 
 
 bait; 
 
 He cursed the Fox who led him in the Snare ; 
 
 He even cursed the King who sent him there. 
 
 Such were his pray'rs as quick he swept 
 
 along, 
 For the stream bore him onward, swift and 
 
 strong ; 
 
 So, without effort, in a little while, 
 He floated down the river near a mile. 
 Then with a heavy heart he crawled on shore, 
 For he was wet and weary, sick and sore. 
 The Sun throughout his course would never 
 
 see 
 
 A Beast in such a shocking plight as he. 
 Hard and with pain he fetched his lab'ring 
 
 breath, 
 And every moment looked and wished for 
 
 death. 
 His head swam round with a strange sort of 
 
 dizziness, 
 
 As he thought o'er the whole perplexing busi- 
 ness. 
 " Oh, Reynard ! " he gasped out, " Thou 
 
 Traitor vile ! 
 Oh, Scoundrel, Thief ! " and more in the same 
 
 style. 
 He thought upon the tree; the jibes and 
 
 knocks 
 He had endured ; and once more cursed the 
 
 Fox. 
 Reynard, well pleased t' have cozened Uncle 
 
 Bruin, 
 
 And lured him, as he thought, to his sure ruin, 
 Had started off upon a Chicken-chase ; 
 He knew, close by, a tried and fav'rite place. 
 A fine fat Pullet soon became his prey, 
 Which in his felon clutch he bore away : 
 This he devoured, bones and all, right speedily; 
 And, if the truth bespoken, somewhat greedily. 
 Prepared for any chance that might betide, 
 He slowly sauntered by the river side ; 
 Stopping from time to time to take a draught ;
 
 REYNARD THE FOX. 
 
 13 
 
 And thought aloud, while in his sleeve he 
 
 laugh'd : 
 
 " How pleased I am t' have trick 'd that 
 stupid Bear! 
 
 Honey he longed for, and has had his share ; 
 
 I'm not to blame ; I warned him of the wax ; 
 
 By this he knows how tastes a Joiner's axe. 
 
 I'm glad to have shown him this good turn, as 
 he 
 
 Has ever been so good and kind to me. 
 
 Poor Uncle ! well ; by chance should he be 
 dead, 
 
 I'll for his soul have scores of masses said. 
 
 It is the least methinks that I can do." 
 
 While musing thus he chanced to look below; 
 
 And saw Sir Bruin on the other shore 
 
 Writhing and welt'ring in a pool of gore. 
 
 Reynard could scarce, so great was his sur- 
 prise, 
 
 Believe the evidence of his own eyes. 
 " Bruin alive ! and in this place ! " quoth he. 
 
 " Why, Joiner, what a Booby you must be ! 
 
 A Bear's hams make the most delicious food ! 
 
 You could not surely know they were so good. 
 
 A dish, by which a Duke would set vast store, 
 
 To be so slighted by a stupid Boor ! 
 
 My Friend has left though, I am glad to see, 
 
 A pledge for your kind hospitality." 
 
 Thus spake the Fox, as he beheld the Bear, 
 
 Lying all weary-worn and bleeding there. 
 
 Then he called out " Why, Uncle, is that 
 you ? 
 
 What upon earth can you have here to do ? 
 
 You've something at the Joiner's left, I fear, 
 
 Shall I run back and let him know you're 
 here? 
 
 Prithee, is stolen Honey very sweet? 
 
 Or did you honestly pay for your treat ? 
 
 How red your face is ! you have ate too quick ; 
 
 I trust you have not gorged till you are sick. 
 
 Really you should have been more moderate ; 
 
 I could have got you lots at the same rate. 
 
 Nay, I declare I trust there is no harm in't 
 
 You seem t' have on some sort of Priestly gar- 
 ment; 
 
 With scarlet gloves, and collar too, and hat ; 
 
 Rather a dangerous prank to play is that. 
 
 Yet, now I look more close, your ears are gone, 
 sure; 
 
 Have you of late submitted to the tonsure, 
 
 And did the stupid Barber cut them off? " 
 
 Thus did the cruel-hearted Reynard scoff; 
 
 While Bruin, all unable to reply, 
 
 Could only moan with grief and agony. 
 
 No longer could he these sharp jibes sustain, 
 
 So crept into the water back again : 
 
 He floated downward with the stream once 
 
 more, 
 
 And again landed on the shelving shore. 
 There in a miserable state he lay, 
 And piteously unto himself did say ; 
 " That Some one would but slay me here out- 
 right! 
 Ne'er shall I reach the Court in this sad 
 
 plight ; 
 
 But on this spot in shame and grief shall die, 
 A mortal proof of Reynard's treachery. 
 Oh ! I will have a dire revenge, I swear, 
 If it please Providence my life to spare." 
 
 With firm resolve his pain to overcome, 
 At length he started on his journey home ; 
 And after four long toilsome days were past, 
 Crippled and maimed, he reached the Court at 
 
 last. 
 When the King saw the Bear so sorely 
 
 maimed, 
 
 " Great Heaven ! Is this Sir Bruin ? " he ex- 
 claimed ; 
 " My trusty Messenger in such a state ! " 
 
 " Ah, Sire ! " said Bruin, " and is this the 
 
 fate 
 
 That should a King's Ambassador befall ? 
 But spare my breath the Fox has done it 
 
 all." 
 Then spake the King in wrath ; " Now by 
 
 the Mass, 
 
 This outrage vile shall not unpunished pass. 
 What! shall the noblest Baron of our court 
 Afford this Traitor means of savage sport ? 
 No ; by my sceptre and my crown I swear, 
 If crown or sceptre I am fit to bear, 
 Or of stern Justice longer wield the sword, 
 Right shall be done! Pledged is my royal 
 
 word." 
 Summoned in haste the Council promptly 
 
 sate, 
 
 On this fresh outrage to deliberate. 
 Subject to the King's will, they all agree 
 That Reynard once again must summoned be ; 
 At Court he should appear; and, if he might, 
 Answer th' impeachment and defend his right. 
 Tybalt, the Cat, should now the summons 
 
 carry, 
 
 As he was well known to be wise and wary. 
 So counselled One and All : the King con- 
 
 curr'd ;
 
 14 
 
 REYNARD THE FOX. 
 
 And thus to Tybalt spoke his Sov'reign Lord ; 
 " Now mark your mission and the sequence 
 
 well; 
 
 If a third summons Reynard should compel, 
 He and his whole Race, I have sworn an oath, 
 Shall feel the deadly power of my wrath. 
 So let him come in time, if he be wise ; 
 Nor this last warning recklessly despise." 
 
 Tybalt replied ; " My Liege, I fear that I 
 Shall scarcely prosper in this embassy ; 
 Not that indeed I ought to say, ' I fear ; ' 
 To do Your will all danger would I dare : 
 I merely hint, that for this task, of All 
 I am least fit, being so very small. 
 If the stout, stalwart Bear was so abused, 
 What can poor I do ? Hold me, pray, excused." 
 " Nay," said the King, " Wisdom and Wit, 
 
 't is known, 
 
 Are not the attributes of Strength alone. 
 How often do we see a little Man 
 Succeed more neatly than a great one can. 
 Though not a Giant, you are learned and wise, 
 And Wisdom compensates for want of Size." 
 The Cat was flattered and he bowed his 
 
 head ; 
 " Your will be done, my Sov'reign Liege," he 
 
 said; 
 
 " If on my right I only see a sign, 
 A prosp'rous journey will, I know, be mine." 
 
 CHAPTER THE THIRD. 
 
 THE SECOND SUMMONS. 
 
 ' 4 
 
 NOT far did Tybalt on his journey get, 
 Before a Magpie on the wing he met: 
 " Hail, noble bird ;" quoth he, " vouchsafe to 
 
 'light, 
 
 As a propitious omen, on my right." 
 The Magpie screeched ; his onward way he 
 
 cleft; 
 Then stooped his wing and perched on Tybalt's 
 
 left. 
 
 The Cat much serious ill from this forebode, 
 But on it put the best face that he could. 
 To Malepartus he proceeded straight, 
 And found Sir Reynard sitting at his gate. 
 
 " Good Even, gentle Cousin," Tybalt said, 
 " May bounteous Heav'n show'r blessings on 
 
 your head. 
 I bring sad news ; the King has sent to say, 
 
 If you come not to Court without delay, 
 Not only your own life will forfeit be, 
 His wrath will fall on your whole Family." 
 " Welcome, dear Nephew," quoth the Fox 
 
 " not less 
 I wish you ev'ry kind of happiness." 
 
 Though thus he spoke, it went against his 
 
 will; 
 
 For in his heart he wished him ev'ry ill ; 
 And thought 't would be the very best of sport 
 To send him also back disgraced to Court. 
 
 " Nephew," said he ; for he still called him 
 
 Nephew ; 
 
 " Step in and see what supper we can give you ; 
 You must be tired ; and all physicians tell ye, 
 You can't sleep soundly on an empty belly. 
 I am your Host for once ; you stay to-night ; 
 And we'll to Court start with to-morrow's light . 
 For you of all my Kindred love I best, 
 To you confide myself the readiest. 
 That brutal Bear was here the other day, 
 Bouncing and swaggering in such a way, 
 That not for all the world contains would I 
 Myself have trusted in his company. 
 But having you my Comrade, travelling 
 Will be a very different sort of thing. 
 So you will share our potluck, then to bed, 
 And off we start by sunrise : that's agreed." 
 
 "Nay," replied Tybalt, "why not go to- 
 night ? 
 
 The roads are dry ; the moon is shining bright." 
 May be, the omen on his mem'ry struck ; 
 May be, he had no fancy for potluck. 
 
 " I am not fond of trav'lling after nightfall ;"
 
 REYNARD THE FOX. 
 
 15 
 
 Replies the Fox; " some People are so spiteful ; 
 Who, though by day they civilly would greet 
 
 you, 
 Would cut your throat, if they by night should 
 
 meet you." 
 
 "Well, but," says Tybalt, in a careless way, 
 " What have you got for supper if I stay ?" 
 
 Says Reynard, " Well, I candidly avow, 
 Our larder is but poorly stocked just now ; 
 But we've some honey -comb, if you like that." 
 " Like such infernal rubbish ! " quoth the 
 
 Cat, 
 
 And spat, and sware a loud and lusty oath, 
 As he was wont to do when he was wroth ; 
 " If you indeed had got a Mouse or so, 
 I should much relish them; but honey 
 
 pooh ! " 
 What ! " answers Reynard, " are you fond 
 
 of Mice ? 
 
 I think I can procure some in a trice, 
 If you're in earnest ; for the Priest, my Neigh- 
 bor, 
 
 Vows that to keep them down is quite a labor ; 
 In his tithe barn so num'rously they swarm ; 
 They do him, he declares, no end of harm." 
 Thoughtlessly said the Cat, " Do me the 
 
 favor 
 
 To take me where these Mice are ; for in flavor 
 All other game they beat out of the field ; 
 Beside the sport which they in hunting yield." 
 " Well," says the Fox, " now that I know 
 
 your taste, 
 
 I'll promise you shall have a sumptuous feast. 
 We'll start at once and not a moment waste." 
 
 Tybalt had faith and followed ; quickly they 
 Reached the Priest's tithe barn, built with walls 
 
 of clay. 
 
 Only the day before, Reynard a hole 
 Had through it scratched, and a fat Pullet 
 
 stole. 
 Martin, the Priest's young Son or Nephew 
 
 rather, 
 
 For he was ne'er allowed to call him Father, 
 Had found the theft out, and, if possible. 
 Determined to find out the Thief as well ; 
 So, craftily, a running noose he tied, 
 And fixed it firmly by the hole inside ; 
 Thus hoped he to avenge the stolen Pullet, 
 Should the Thief chance return, upon his gullet. 
 
 Reynard, suspecting something of the sort, 
 Said, " Nephew dear, I wish you lots of 
 
 sport ; 
 In at this opening you can safely glide ; 
 
 And while you're mousing, I'll keep watch 
 
 outside. 
 
 You'll catch them by the dozen, now 'tis dark. 
 How merrily they chirrup ; only hark ! 
 I shall be waiting here till you come back ; 
 So come as soon as you have had your whack. 
 To-night, whatever happens, we'll not part, 
 As we so early in the morning start." 
 
 Tybalt replies, as any prudent Beast would, 
 " I've no great faith, I own it, in the Priest- 
 hood : 
 Is't quite safe, think ye ? " Reynard answers, 
 
 " Well ; 
 
 Perhaps not : 't is impossible to tell ; 
 We'd best return at once, as you're so nervous ; 
 My Wife, I'll answer for it, will not starve us ; 
 She'll toss us up for supper something nice, 
 If not quite so much to your taste as Mice." 
 Stung to the quick by Reynard's taunting 
 
 tongue, 
 
 Into the op'ning Tybalt boldly sprung, 
 And plunged directly in the ready snare : 
 Such entertainment and such dainty fare 
 Did the sly Fox for all his Guests prepare. 
 
 When the Cat felt the string about his neck, 
 He gave a sideward spring and got a check ; 
 This made him throw a wondrous somersaut, 
 And, the noose tight'ning, he was fairly caught. 
 To Reynard then he loudly called for aid, 
 Who list'ning at the hole in mock'ry said ; 
 " Nephew, how are the Mice ? I hope they're 
 
 fat; 
 
 They are well fed enough, I'm sure of that : 
 If the Priest knew his vermin were your veni- 
 son, 
 I'm sure he'd bring some mustard, with his 
 
 benison ; 
 
 Or send his Son with it, that best of Boys. 
 But Nephew, prithee, why make such a noise? 
 Is it at Court the fashion so to sing 
 At meals ? It seems an inconvenient thing. 
 Oh ! but I wish the gentle Isegrim 
 Were in your place ; how I would badger him ! 
 I stake my tail on't I would make him pay 
 For all the ill he's wrought me many a day." 
 Then off he starts t' indulge some other vice ; 
 No matter what ; he was not over nice : 
 There never lived a Soul, at any time, 
 More foully tainted with all kinds of crime ; 
 Murder and theft, adultery and perjury ; 
 'T was past the skill of spiritual surgery : 
 He'd broke the Ten Commandments o'er and
 
 
 16 
 
 REYNARD THE FOX. 
 
 
 And would as readily have broke a score. 
 He fancied now some fresh sport might be 
 
 found 
 
 In a short visit to Dame Gieremund ; 
 This he proposed with a two-fold intent; 
 To learn the grounds of Isegrim's complaint ; 
 And likewise to renew an ancient sin, 
 Which he especially delighted in. 
 Is'grim, he knew, was absent at the Court ; 
 And it was common subject of report, 
 The She- Wolfs passion for the shameless Fox 
 Had made her Husband's hatred orthodox. 
 When Reynard to the Wolf's retreat had 
 
 come, 
 
 He found Dame Gieremund was not at home : 
 " God bless you, my Stepchildren dear : " 
 
 quoth he; 
 
 And to the young ones nods good-humour'dly ; 
 The object of his call he never mentions ; 
 But hastes away after his own inventions. 
 
 Dame Gieremund returns at break of day ; 
 "Has no one called here, while I 've been 
 
 away ? " 
 
 Asks she ; her Children answer, " Yes, Mamma : 
 We've had a visit from our Godpapa, 
 Reynard ; he called us his Stepchildren though ; 
 What did he mean by that?" "I'll let him 
 
 know ; " 
 
 Quoth she, and angrily she hurried off, 
 Determined to avenge this cutting scoff. 
 She knew where it was likely she should meet 
 
 him ; 
 And when she found him thus began to greet 
 
 him : 
 " Wretch, Monster, Brute ! " her rage was 
 
 quite be wild 'ring; 
 " How dare you use such language to my 
 
 Children ? 
 
 You, of all Men, t' attack my character ! 
 But you shall dearly pay for it, I swear." 
 With that she flew at him, and oh dis- 
 grace ! 
 She pulled him by the beard and scratched his 
 
 face. 
 
 Then first he felt the power of her teeth, 
 As, grappled by the throat; he gasped for 
 
 breath ; 
 He 'scaped her clutches though, and fled 
 
 amain; 
 She, after him ; and mark, what happened 
 
 then. 
 
 It chanced a ruined abbey stood in sight, 
 And thitherward in haste both bent their flight : 
 
 A fissure was there in the crumbling wall, 
 Narrow it was and low and all ways small ; 
 Through this the subtle Fox contrived to pass, 
 Though hardly, thin and lanky as he was ; 
 My Lady, who was anything but slim, 
 Rammed in her head and tried to follow him ; 
 But fast she stuck it seemed Fate helped the 
 
 Blackguard, 
 
 And she could neither forward get nor back- 
 ward. 
 
 Soon as the Fox saw how she was confin'd, 
 Quick he whipped round and fell on her 
 
 behind ; 
 
 And not without full many a bitter scoff, 
 For all she'd done he amply paid her off. 
 Wearied with vengeance, if not satiated, 
 The mischief-loving Rogue at length retreated. 
 And when Dame Gieremund at length got free, 
 No where in all the neighbourhood was he. 
 Homeward, with tott'ring steps, she then re- 
 
 turn'd ; 
 While with revenge and shame her panting 
 
 bosom burn'd. 
 
 Return we now to Tybalt ; when he found 
 How in that slipknot durance he was bound, 
 That strength and struggling nothing might 
 
 avail, 
 
 After the mode of Cats, he 'gan to wail. 
 This Martin heard, and swift sprang out of bed : 
 "The Lord be praised;" the spiteful Urchin 
 
 said, 
 
 " The Thief is caught that stole our Hen away ; 
 And, please the pigs, he shall the piper pay ; 
 And that right dearly too, if but the noose 
 
 hold :" 
 
 Then struck a light and woke up all the House- 
 hold ; 
 Both old and young, and great and small, 
 
 Forthwith assembled there. 
 The Priest himself, in morning gown 
 Thrown loosely round him, hurried down, 
 
 And ran to join the throng : 
 A pitchfork's double steel he bore 
 His faithful cook-maid went before, 
 
 For she was bold and strong. 
 Stout Martin too, a cudgel plies, 
 And knocks out one of Tybalt's eyes ; 
 Meanwhile the Parson, with his fork, 
 Thrusts, hacks, and hews, like any Turk, 
 
 Poor Tybalt thought to die ! 
 But frantic both with rage and pain, 
 'Neath the Priest's robe he dash'd amain; 
 And there revenged in cruel way,
 
 J. WELLS. ENGR. 
 
 / 'REYNARD THE FOX / 
 
 /
 
 ** * 
 
 

 
 REYNARD THE FOX. 
 
 17 t 
 
 The wounds he'd suffer'd in the fray, 
 
 And his extinguished eye. 
 The Parson roll'd upon the ground, 
 Lamenting loud his frightful wound, 
 And terror seized on all around, 
 
 While loud the cook-maid vow'd ; 
 The devil's self was in the beast, 
 And she'd give all that she possest, 
 Nay (if she had it), gold in store, 
 The Parson had his own once more : 
 
 Meanwhile the others crowd, 
 To bear their master to his bed, 
 Leaving the luckless Cat for dead. 
 But Tybalt woke from out his swoon 
 And found his enemies were gone : 
 He set to work with might and main 
 And gnawed the hateful cord in twain. 
 He hastened on his road, in shame and sor- 
 row, 
 
 Towards the Court, and reached it on the mor- 
 row. 
 
 And bitterly did he himself upbraid : 
 " Me ! to be so completely gulled !" he said ; 
 " How shall I ever show my face for shame, 
 All balter'd as I am, half blind, and lame? 
 The very Sparrows in the hedge will cry out, 
 ' There you go, Master Tybalt, with your eye 
 
 out!'" 
 Who shall describe the wrath King Noble 
 
 felt, 
 
 When at his feet the injured Tybalt knelt ? 
 He swore the Traitor vile should die the death: 
 His Council in all haste he summoneth : 
 The Lords Spiritual and Temporal 
 Assembled in obedience to his call : 
 And the King said He wished it to be known 
 He would maintain the honor of His Crown ; 
 That is, so it were done consistently 
 With the true principles of liberty : 
 But something must at once be done to stem 
 Rebellion ; and He left it all to them. 
 Judgment, 't was moved, against the Fox 
 
 should pass, he 
 
 Being doomed at once to death for contumacy. 
 The Badger, seeing what a storm was brew- 
 ing, 
 How all conspired to work his Kinsman's 
 
 ruin, 
 
 Thus spake : " My Liege, it boots not to deny ; 
 These charges press on Reynard grievously 
 But Justice follows one eternal plan 
 Remember, Sire, the Fox is a Free Man ; 
 The Law in such a case is most precise, 
 VOL. IV. W. H. 
 
 Requiring that he should be summoned 
 
 thrice : 
 
 If then he fail, there is nought more to say; 
 But Law and Justice both must have their 
 way." 
 
 " Ha ! " said the Monarch sternly, " say 
 
 you so ? 
 
 Where shall be found the Messenger to go ? 
 Who hath an eye too many ? who will stake 
 His life and limbs for this bad Traitor's sake ? 
 'Gainst Reynard's cunning who will wage his 
 
 wit? 
 I doubt if any one will venture it." 
 
 The Badger answered, "I will venture, Sire ; 
 And undertake the task, if You desire 
 Happen what may. Whether 't is better, I 
 A summons bear straight from Your Majesty ; 
 Or of my own accord appear to go : 
 Whichever You think best, that will I do." 
 
 " Go then ! so let it be ; " the Monarch said ; 
 " You know what crimes to Reynard's charge 
 
 are laid ; 
 
 You know too all his malice ; so beware, 
 Your Predecessors' fate lest you may share." 
 
 Greybeard replied, " I trust I may prevail ; 
 But shall have done my duty, if I fail." 
 
 Away to Malepartus doth he hie ; 
 Finds Reynard with his Wife and Family ; 
 And greets him; " Save you, Uncle : I can't 
 
 
 How charmed I am to see you look so well. 
 E'en let your Enemies say what they can, 
 You're a most extraordinary Man : 
 Prudent and wise and wary as you are, 
 
 2
 
 18 
 
 REYNARD THE FOX. 
 
 Yet the King's wrath so scornfully to dare. 
 You'd best be warned in time : on every side 
 Are ill reports against you multiplied. 
 Take my advice ; with me to Court away 
 'T will help you nothing longer to delay. 
 You're charged with almost every sort of 
 
 crime ; 
 You're summoned now to-day for the third 
 
 time, 
 
 And surely sentenced if you fail t' appear : 
 The King will straightway lead his Barons 
 
 here; 
 
 And what can you expect will then befall? 
 You will be ta'en and hanged: nor is that all: 
 Your fortress razed, your children and your 
 
 Wife 
 
 Cruelly butchered, or enslaved for life. 
 From the King's wrath you cannot hope to 
 
 flee; 
 
 Better then, surely, to return with me. 
 You need not dread to stand before your 
 
 Judges ; 
 
 You're never at a loss for cunning dodges : 
 With your consummate skill and artifice, 
 You've got thro' many a scrape, and will thro' 
 
 this." 
 Thus Greybeard spake, and Reynard thus 
 
 replied ; 
 " Your counsel, Nephew, shall my conduct 
 
 guide : 
 
 I were to blame, should I your warning slight ; 
 I will to Court; and Heav'n defend the 
 
 right ; 
 The King besides, I trust, some grace may 
 
 show ; 
 
 The use I've been to him he well doth know ; 
 That for no other cause than this I'm hated, 
 And, save your presence, like a Badger baited. 
 The Court would go to pieces but for me ; 
 I don't pretend that from all blame I'm free ; 
 But were I ten times deeper in disgrace, 
 Could I but see my Sov'reign face to face, 
 And come to speech with him, I would engage 
 To soothe the transports of his Royal rage. 
 Many 't is true may at his council sit ; 
 But many heads have oft but scanty wit : 
 When they get fixed in one of their dead- 
 locks, 
 
 To whom send they for aid, but to the Fox ? 
 No matter how involved the case may be, 
 They find it smooth and easy, thanks to me. 
 For this I meet with envy ; even those 
 I most befriend turn out my bitt'rest foes ; 
 
 But moralists agree 't is not more hateful, 
 Than it is natural, to be ungrateful. 
 'T is this I have to fear ; for well I know 
 My death they have intended long ago. 
 Ten of the mightiest Barons in the land 
 My utter downfall seek a pow'rful band: 
 Can I alone such odds as these withstand ? 
 'T was only this kept me from Court, I vow; 
 But I agree 't were best to go there now. 
 By far more honorable that will be, 
 Than bring my dearest Wife and Family, 
 By tarrying here, into disgrace and trouble ; 
 For that would only make the mischief 
 
 double. 
 
 And of the King I stand in wholesome awe, 
 His arm is mighty and his will is law. 
 Mine Enemies perchance by courtesy 
 I may subdue ; at least I can but try." 
 Then to his Wife, who stood with weeping 
 
 eyne, 
 
 He turned and said " My gentle Ermelyne, 
 Be mindful of our Children ; yet I know 
 You need no hint from me to make you so. 
 Our youngest, Greykin, will most care require ; 
 He'll be the living image of his Sire, 
 If these convulsions do not stop his breathing, 
 And by Heaven's blessing he survive his 
 
 teething. 
 
 And here's this cunning little rascal, Russel, 
 He thro' the world will manage well to bus- 
 tle; 
 
 His pluck may get him into many a scrape, 
 His craft will ever teach him how to 'scape ; 
 I love him well, and have no fear for him ; 
 He'll be a match, I ween, for Isegrim 
 And all his Brood. And now, farewell, dear 
 
 Chuck ; 
 
 When I return, as, have I any luck, 
 I soon shall do, I'll prove me sensible 
 Of all your kindness: so once more, fare- 
 well." 
 
 Then from his home with Greybeard he de- 
 parted ; 
 
 And sad he felt in spirit and down-hearted ; 
 And sad too, grieving for her mate and sick 
 
 son, 
 
 Was the leal soul of Ermelyne, the Vixen. 
 Reynard nor Greybeard neither silence 
 
 brake 
 For near an hour ; then thus the former 
 
 spake : 
 
 " Ah, Nephew, heavy is my soul to-night; 
 For, truth to speak, I'm in a mortal fright ;
 
 REYNARD THE FOX. 
 
 1!) 
 
 My frame with strange forebodings ahuddereth; 
 
 I feel assured I go to certain death ; 
 
 My conscience sinks 'neath mine enormities ; 
 
 You little think how ill I am at ease. 
 
 Will you, dear Nephew, my confession hear ? 
 
 There is, alas ! no reverend Pastor near : 
 
 Could I but of this load my bosom free, 
 
 I then should face the King more cheerfully." 
 
 " Confession certes benefits the soul," 
 Quoth Greybeard, " but you must confess the 
 
 whole ; 
 
 All treasons, felonies and misdemeanors, 
 However great and great, no doubt, have 
 
 been yours." 
 " Yea," answered Reynard, " I will nought 
 
 conceal ; 
 
 List then, oh, list, while I my crimes reveal. 
 Confiteor tibi, Pater " " Nay, no Latin ! " 
 Quoth Greybeard : " 't is a tongue I'm nowise 
 
 pat in. 
 
 It would not much avail you to be shriven, 
 If I knew not the sins I had forgiven." 
 " So be it then ; " the Fox rejoined ; " I 
 
 ween 
 
 A very wicked sinner I have been ; 
 And I must do what penance you enjoin 
 To save this miserable soul of mine. 
 The Otter, and the Dog, and many more, 
 With many a trick have I tormented sore : 
 Indeed of living beasts there scarce is one 
 To whom I've not some turn of mischief 
 
 done. 
 
 Mine Uncle Bruin I beguiled of late ; 
 With honey he prepared his maw to sate ; 
 I sent him back with bloody paws and pate : 
 And Cousin Tibby, he came here to mouse ; 
 I cozen'd him into a running noose, 
 And there, I'm told, an eye he chanced 
 
 to lose. 
 
 But I must say the fault was somewhat theirs ; 
 They should have minded more the King's 
 
 affairs, 
 
 With justice too complains Sir Chanticleer; 
 I ate his chicks and very good they were. 
 Nay, with unfeigned repentance I must own 
 I have not spared the King upon the throne ; 
 And, Heaven forgive me for it! even the 
 
 Queen 
 
 Has not been safe from my malicious spleen. 
 But most I've outraged Isegrim, the Wolf; 
 'Twixt him and me yawns an abysmal gulf. 
 Him I've disgraced in every way I could ; 
 And if I might have done so more, I would. 
 
 I've even called him Uncle, as a jibe; 
 For I'm no kin to any of his tribe. 
 
 " He came to me about six years ago ; 
 I lived then in the cloister, down below ; 
 He sought my help a Monk to get him made : 
 His fancy was to toll the bells, he said ; 
 He loved the sound so much : so with a loop, 
 I fastened his fore-feet into the rope : 
 He was delighted, and began to toll 
 'T was the great bell with all his heart and 
 
 soul; 
 
 But not much credit did his efforts win ; 
 For he kicked up such an infernal din, 
 Out rushed the People when the noise they 
 
 heard, 
 Thinking some dread mishap must have oc- 
 
 curr'd. 
 They came and found my friend the Wolf; 
 
 and ere 
 
 His purpose to turn Monk he could declare, 
 They fell to work and so belabored him, 
 'T was all but up with Master Isegrim. 
 
 " The Fool was still unsatisfied ; still craved 
 To be a Monk and have his noddle shaved; 
 With a hot iron then I singed his poll, 
 Till the swart skin all shrivelled on his skull. 
 Ah ! many are the blows and thumps and 
 
 kicks 
 That he has been regaled with through my 
 
 tricks. 
 
 I taught him the best manner to catch Fish ; 
 And he caught just as many as I'd wish. 
 " Once, when in partnership we chanced 
 
 t' engage, 
 
 We groped our way into a parsonage ; 
 Well stored the larder was of the good Priest, 
 For he was rich and amply benefic'd. 
 Bacon there was and hams more than enough, 
 And lots of pork lay salting in a trough. 
 Is'grim contrived to scratch the stone wall 
 
 through, 
 
 And crept in at the hole with much ado, 
 Urged on by me and his own appetite ; 
 For with long fasting he was rav'nous quite. 
 1 did not follow, as I had some doubt 
 How, if I once got in, I might get out. 
 Isegrim gorged till chuck-full to the eyes, 
 And swell'd to nearly twice his former size ; 
 So that, although he strove with might and 
 
 main, 
 
 He could not for his life get out again. 
 'Thou lett'st me in,' he cried, 'oh, faithless 
 
 hole!
 
 20 
 
 REYNARD THE FOX. 
 
 Empty, and will not let me out when full.' 
 
 Away I hastened ; raised a loud alarm, 
 
 On the Wolfs track in hopes the Boors might 
 
 swarm. 
 
 Into the Parson's dwelling then I run ; 
 And find him to his dinner sitting down, 
 A fine fat capon just brought on the tray, 
 This I snapped up, and with it stole away. 
 Up rose the Priest in haste and overthrew 
 The table with the food and liquors too ; 
 On every side the glass and crockery flew. 
 
 ' Kill him ! ' call'd out th' enraged Ecclesiastic ; 
 ' Oh ! that the bones in his damn'd gullet may 
 
 stick ! ' 
 
 Then, his feet catching in the cloth, he stum- 
 bled, 
 
 And all among the mess and fragments tumbled. 
 But loudly he continued still to bawl : 
 The hubbub brought the Household, one and 
 
 all. 
 
 Away I sped, as fast as I could go ; 
 They after me, with whoop and tally-ho : 
 The Parson shouting loud as he was able, 
 'The Thief! he's stole my dinner from my 
 
 table!' 
 
 I ne'er, until I reached the pantry, stopped ; 
 But there, ah, well-a-day ! the fowl I dropped ; 
 I could no longer toil beneath its weight, 
 But lightened of my load escaped by flight. 
 The Parson, stooping to pick up the fowl, 
 Spied Master Is 'grim stuck fast in the hole : 
 'Halloo!' he cried, ' halloo! come here, my 
 
 friends ! 
 
 ' See what a scapegoat righteous Heaven sends ! 
 ' Here's a Wolf caught ; if he should get away 
 1 We were disgraced for ever and a day. ' 
 
 The Wolf no doubt wished he'd ne'er seen the 
 
 larder ; 
 Meanwhile their blows rained on him, harder 
 
 and harder; 
 And many a grievous thump and kick and 
 
 thwack 
 
 He got upon his shoulders, sides and back ; 
 And all the while, as if the Devil stirr'd them, 
 They yelled and screamed and swore I stood 
 
 and heard them. 
 
 At length it seemed all up with Isegrim ; 
 He swooned; and then they left off beating 
 
 him. 
 
 I'd lay a bet he never had before 
 His hide so curried, and will never more. 
 'T would make an altar-piece, to paint the way 
 They made him for the Parson's victuals pay. 
 At length out in the street for dead they threw 
 
 him; 
 And over shards and pebbles rough they drew 
 
 him: 
 
 Then flung him, as no signs of life he show'd, 
 Into a stagnant ditch beside the road, 
 And left him buried there in slime and mud. 
 How he recovered's more than I can tell ; 
 It almost seems a sort of miracle. 
 
 " Yet after this, about a year, he swore 
 To be my Friend and firm Ally once more : 
 I cannot say his word I quite believed ; 
 I felt that one of us would be deceived. 
 
 I soon found out his object was to get 
 A meal of Fowls on which his heart was set. 
 I told him of a rafter, where there us'd 
 A Cock with seven fine fat Hens to roost.
 
 REYNARD THE FOX. 
 
 21 
 
 It was past twelve o'clock, one cloudy night 
 When moon and stars gave not one ray of 
 
 light, 
 
 I took him to a house I'd known before, 
 Where was a window on the second floor ; 
 The lattice shutter by good luck stood ope ; 
 To this along the wall we slily crope ; 
 And, being never barren in expedients, 
 I prayed mine Uncle he would take prece- 
 dence : 
 
 ' Go boldly in,' I whispered ; ' do not fear ; 
 ' You never saw such Fowls, as you'll find 
 
 here ; 
 
 ' I'll warrant, you ne'er finer met or plumper ; 
 1 I'd lay my life you'll carry off a thumper.' 
 Cautiously in he stole, while I stayed out; 
 And here and there he 'gan to grope about : 
 But before long in tones subdued he said, 
 ' Reynard, by all that's Holy, I'm betrayed ; 
 ' You've led me, I suspect, a wildgoose chase : 
 ' Of Fowls I find not the remotest trace.' 
 ' The foremost I've long had,' said I ; ' you'll 
 
 find 
 
 ' The others just a little way behind : 
 ' You'd better make your way across the rafter ; 
 ' Don't be afraid ; I'll follow closely after.' 
 This rafter now was anything but broad. 
 And no ways suited to sustain a load ; 
 And Isegrim was fain to use his talons 
 In order any how to keep his balance. 
 Out at the window I contrived to back, 
 And then slammed to the shutter in a crack ; 
 It jarred the rafter, and the Wolf fell plump, 
 
 ere 
 
 He could restore himself, a monstrous thumper. 
 Thus was again my prophecy fulfill'd ; 
 In such prophetic warnings am I skill'd. 
 The Housecarles, who around the chimney 
 
 dozed, 
 
 Were, by his heavy fall, from slumber roused ; 
 ' What's that fall'n from the window ? ' cried 
 
 they all, 
 
 And lit the lamp and searched about the hall > 
 And in a corner found they Isegrim ; 
 Good Saints in Heav'n ! how they did punish 
 
 him ! 
 
 Yet somehow he contrived to get away 
 With a whole skin, but how I cannot say. 
 
 " I must confess, too, even though it wound 
 A lady's honor, with Dame Gieremund 
 I've oftentimes committed mortal sin 
 It is so hard to stop when you begin. 
 This fault with deep contrition I deplore, 
 
 And trust I never may be tempted more. 
 
 " Such are my sins, O Father ! if not all, 
 At least I have confessed the principal. 
 I pray for absolution, and submit 
 
 To whatsoever penance you think fit." 
 Then Greybeard shook his head, looked wise 
 
 and big ; 
 And from a neighb'ring bush plucked off a 
 
 twig. 
 " My Son," quoth he, " this rod receive ; with 
 
 it 
 Three times your back in penance must you 
 
 smite ; 
 
 Next, having laid it gently on the ground, 
 Three times across it must you gravely bound ; 
 Lastly, in humble and obedient mood, 
 Three times with rev'rence must you kiss the 
 
 rod. 
 
 This done, I pardon and absolve you quite. 
 And every other punishment remit." 
 
 This penance cheerfully by Reynard done, 
 Greybeard resumed ; " Let your good works, 
 
 my Son, 
 
 Prove the sincerity of your repentance. 
 Read psalms, and learn by heart each pious 
 
 sentence ; 
 
 Go oft to Church ; mind what the Pastor says ; 
 And duly fast on the appointed days ; 
 Show those, who seek, the right path ; from 
 
 your store 
 
 Give willingly and largely to the poor ; 
 And from your heart and soul renounce the 
 
 Devil 
 And all his works, and ev'ry thought of evil.
 
 22 
 
 REYNARD THE FOX. 
 
 So shall you come to Grace at last." " To do 
 All this," said Reynard, " solemnly I vow." 
 The shrift now ended, tow'rds the Court they 
 
 bent 
 
 Their steps, the Confessor and Penitent 
 In seeming meditation wrapt: their way 
 Through pleasant woods and fertile pastures 
 
 lay. 
 
 On their right hand an ancient cloister stood, 
 Where holy women of religious mood, 
 Passed a pure life in social solitude. 
 Stored was their yard with Cocks and Hens 
 
 and Chickens, 
 
 Who often roamed abroad in search of pick- 
 ings. 
 
 Reynard, when not with weightier matters 
 
 busied, 
 
 Would pay them frequently a friendly visit. 
 And now to Greybeard did he turn and say, 
 " By yonder wall you'll find our shortest way." 
 
 He did not mean exactly what he said; 
 His Confessor towards the wall he led ; 
 While greedily his eyes rolled in his roguish 
 
 head. 
 
 One Cock'rell notes he in particular, 
 Who plump and proud was strutting in the 
 
 rear: 
 
 On him pounced Reynard sudden from behind. 
 And made his feathers scatter in the wind. 
 
 While the Fox licked his disappointed chaps, 
 Greybeard, incensed at such a sad relapse, 
 Exclaimed, "Alas! alas! what have you 
 
 done? 
 
 Is this your penitence, unworthy Son ? 
 Fresh from confession, for a paltry Fowl 
 Will you so peril your unhappy soul? " 
 Said Reynard, " You rebuke me as you 
 
 ought : 
 
 For I have sinned in truth, tho' but in thought, 
 Pray for me, dearest Nephew, pray to Heaven, 
 With other sins that this may be forgiven. 
 Never, oh ! never more will I offend." 
 The cloister passed, the highway they re- 
 
 gain'd : 
 
 Their pathway lay across a narrow nook : 
 The Fox behind cast many a longing look 
 Towards those tempting Fowls ; it was in vain 
 tie strove his carnal yearnings to restrain. 
 If any one had then struck off his head, 
 Back to the Fowls it must perforce have fled. 
 Greybeard said sternly, "Whither doth 
 
 your eye 
 
 Still wander ? This is hateful gluttony." 
 Quoth Reynard, " You quite misconceive 
 
 th' affair; 
 
 You should not interrupt me when in pray'r. 
 Let me conclude my orisons for those 
 Whose souls I've sent to premature repose ; 
 Their bodies to my maw a prey were given : 
 For thus accomplished was the will of 
 
 Heaven." 
 
 Greybeard was silent ; Reynard did not turn 
 His head, while yet the Fowls he could 
 
 discern. 
 They 've left the cloister now behind them 
 
 quite : 
 
 They near the Court : the Palace is in sight : 
 Reynard's bold heart beats faintly in his 
 
 breast : 
 So grave the charges that against him prest. 
 
 CHAPTER THE FOURTH. 
 
 THE TRIAL. 
 
 SOON as 't was known by general report 
 Reynard was really coming to the Court, 
 Out they all rushed in haste, both Great and 
 
 Small, 
 
 Eager to see the famous Criminal : 
 In flocks and herds and droves they thronged 
 
 to meet him, 
 But scarce did one with word of welcome greet 
 
 him.
 
 Y 
 
 REYNARD THE FOX. 
 
 23 
 
 Reynard cared little though for this: he 
 
 thought 
 
 Or seemed at least to think it mattered nought. 
 With Greybeard on indiff'rent things he talked 
 As, bold as brass, along the street he walked; 
 He could not, had he been the King's own 
 
 Son, 
 Free from all crime, with prouder step have 
 
 gone: 
 
 And so before the King and all his Peers 
 He stood, as though he felt nor doubts nor fears. 
 " Dread Lord and gracious Sov'reign ! " thus 
 
 said he, 
 
 " For ever gracious have you proved to me; 
 Therefore I stand before You, void of fear, 
 Sure that my tale with patience you will 
 
 hear ; 
 
 A more devoted Servant to the Crown, 
 Than I have been, my Liege hath never known ; 
 'T is this brings me such hosts of Enemies, 
 Who strive to work me mischief in Your eyes ; 
 And bitter reason should I have to grieve, 
 Could You one half their calumnies believe. 
 But high and just and righteous all Your 
 
 views are ; 
 
 You hear the Accused, as well as the Accuser ; 
 Howev'r behind my back they slander me, 
 You know how great is my integrity. " 
 " Silence that lying tongue ! " the Monarch 
 
 cries, 
 
 " Nor think to veil your crimes with sophis- 
 tries. 
 
 In one career of vice your life is spent ; 
 It calls aloud to Heav'n for punishment. 
 How have you kept the peace that I ordained 
 Throughout My kingdom's breadth should be 
 
 maintained ? 
 
 Yon mourns the Cock, disconsolate with grief; 
 His Children slain by you, false-hearted thief! 
 You boast of your devotion to the Crown, 
 Is't by your treatment of My Servants shown ? 
 Bruin, by your devices, hath been lamed ; 
 My faithful Tybalt so severely maimed, 
 The Leech doubts if he may his health restore 
 But I will waste My words on you no more ; 
 Lo ! your Accusers press on every side ; 
 All further subterfuge seems now denied." 
 "Ah! Sire," rejoined the Fox, "am I to 
 
 blame 
 
 My Uncle Bruin has returned so lame ? 
 Or is it my fault he has tastes so funny, 
 He must needs pilfer honest People's honey ? 
 What if the Peasants caught him in the fact, 
 
 And, 'spite his size and strength, he got well 
 
 whack'd ? 
 
 I could not help it, nor could succour him ; 
 In sooth 't was lucky he knew how to swim. 
 Then as for Tybalt, when he came to me, 
 I shewed him ev'ry hospitality. 
 Gave him the best I had ; but not content, 
 His mind was wholly upon thieving bent : 
 He scorned my larder, and would poke his 
 
 nose in 
 
 The Parson's granary to go a mousing, 
 In spite of all my caution and advice 
 It seems he has a strange penchant for Mice. 
 Shall I be punished because they were Fools ? 
 Does that comport with Justice' sacred rules ? 
 But You will do Your royal will I know ; 
 And I must e'en submit for weal or woe : 
 Whether I am imprisoned, tortured, martyred, 
 Burnt or beheaded, or hung, drawn and quar- 
 tered ; 
 
 So it must be, if so it be You list : 
 Your pow'r is great, how can the Weak resist ? 
 Tho' to the State small good my death will 
 
 bring ; 
 
 I shall at least die loyal to my King." 
 Up spake the Ram then, " Friends, the time 
 
 is come ; 
 
 Urge now your plaints, or evermore be dumb !" 
 Then, all confederate for Reynard's ruin, 
 Stept Tybalt forth, and Isegrim, and Brain ; 
 And other beasts came swarming by the 
 
 score, 
 The thin-skinn'd Roebuck and the thick- 
 
 skinn'd Boar, 
 
 Neddy the Donkey too, and many more. 
 Frizzy the Poodle also, and the Goat, 
 The Squirrel, and the Weasel, and the Stoat; 
 Nor did the Ox or Horse fail to appear ; 
 And Beasts of savage nature too were there ; 
 The flitting Rabbit, and the nimble Hare. 
 The Swan, the Stork, the Heron and the 
 
 Crane ; 
 
 All thither flew, all eager to complain. 
 Sibby the Goose, with anger hissing, came, 
 And the Duck Quackley, who was sadly lame ; 
 And Chanticleer, that most unhappy Cock, 
 Whose sorrows might have touched a heart 
 
 of rock, 
 
 With the few Children that to him were left, 
 Accused the Fox of murder and of theft. 
 In countless flocks came swarming in the Birds, 
 The Beasts in vast innumerable herds ; 
 All vehement alike on vengeance bent,
 
 24 
 
 REYNAED THE FOX. 
 
 All clam'rous press'd for Reynard's punish- 
 ment. 
 Charge upon charge there followed, thick and 
 
 fast, 
 And each fresh plaint more weighty than the 
 
 last. 
 
 Since Noble sat upon his Father's throne, 
 Was never yet such a Grand Oyer known ; 
 Indeed so nura'rous the complainants were, 
 It seemed an Oyer with no Terminer. 
 
 Meanwhile the Fox conducted his defence 
 With most consummate skill and impudence ; 
 One time a Witness he would browbeat so, 
 That what he said the poor man scarce should 
 
 know; 
 
 Or else repeat his answers in a tone, 
 Which gave a sense quite diff'rent from his 
 
 own ; 
 
 Or interrupt with some facetious jest, 
 Or tell a story with such hum'rous zest, 
 That, serious things forgotten in the sport, 
 They laugh'd the Prosecutor out of Court. 
 And when he spoke, Truth seemed to tip his 
 
 tongue, 
 
 Indignant as each charge aside he flung ; 
 They heard with wonder and diversion blent, 
 Almost disposed to think him innocent ; 
 Nay, some there were who more than half 
 
 believed 
 He was himself the Party most aggrieved. 
 
 At length came Witnesses who stood so high 
 For unimpeachable veracity, 
 That all his crimes and outrages, as clear 
 As is the sun at noon, were made appear. 
 The Council all agreeing, with one breath, 
 Pronounced him guilty and condemned to 
 
 death ; 
 
 Bound, to the gallows he should thence be led, 
 And hanged there by the neck till he was dead. 
 And Reynard now gave up the game for lost ; 
 His skill had served him for display at most ; 
 And as the King himself his doom pronounced, 
 All hope of mercy he as vain renounced ; 
 For seized and pinioned, hopeless was his case, 
 With ignominious death before his face. 
 
 As there he stood, disgraced, disconsolate, 
 His Foes bestirred themselves to speed his fate 
 His Friends the while in silent awe stood 
 
 round ; 
 
 Great was their trouble, and their pain pro- 
 found ; 
 
 Martin the Ape, Greybeard, and many more, 
 Who to the hapless Culprit kindred bore 
 
 The King's will they respected as they ought ; 
 But sorrow'd all more than one might have 
 
 thought : 
 
 For Reynard was a Peer of high degree, 
 And now stood stripped of every dignity ; 
 Adjudged to die a death of infamy. 
 A sight indeed to make his Kinsmen grieve ; 
 Then of the King they one and all took leave, 
 And left the Court, as many as were there ; 
 Reynard's disgrace they had no mind to share. 
 The King was sore chagrined though in his 
 
 heart, 
 
 To see so many Peers and Knights depart : 
 It proved the Fox had some Adherents still 
 Too much disposed to take his sentence ill. 
 Then turning to his Chancellor, he said, 
 " Though Reynard's crimes his doom have 
 
 merited, 
 
 'T is cause for anxious thought and deepest care 
 How we his num'rous friends from Court may 
 
 spare. " 
 
 But Bruin, Isegrim and Tybalt, all 
 Were busied round the luckless Criminal. 
 Anxious to execute the King's decree, 
 They hurried forth their hated Enemy, 
 And onward hastened to the fatal tree. 
 Thus to the Wolf then spake the spiteful Cat : 
 "Sir Isegrim, you've now got tit-for-tat; 
 You need not be reminded, I'll be sworn, 
 Of all the wrongs from Reynard you have 
 
 borne. 
 You'll not forget, unless your heart's grown 
 
 callous, 
 He had your Brother hanged on that same 
 
 gallows, 
 
 And taunted him with many a biting scoff; 
 In his own coin you now can pay him off. 
 Remember too the foul trick you were played, 
 Sir Bruin, when by Reynard's craft betrayed 
 To that base Joiner and his rabble Crew ; 
 The insults you received, the beating too ; 
 Besides the deep and scandalous disgrace 
 To be the talking-stock of every place. 
 Keep close together then and have a care ; 
 Lest he slip off before one is aware : 
 For if, by any artifice or chance, 
 He now contrive to 'scape our vigilance, 
 We shall remain eternally disgrac'd, 
 Nor ever shall the sweets of vengeance taste." 
 Quoth Isegrim, " What boots it chattering so ? 
 Fetch me a halter without more ado. 
 A halter, ho ! and see that it be strong : 
 We would not have his suff 'ring last too long."
 
 REYNARD THE FOX. 
 
 25 
 
 Thus against Reynard did they vent their 
 wrath, 
 
 As tow'rds the gibbet they held on their path. 
 
 He'd heard all they had said, and not yet 
 spoke ; 
 
 But now, with sidelong leer, he silence broke ; 
 " If you a halter want, Tybalt's the man 
 
 To fit you one upon the newest plan ; 
 
 He knows how best to make a running noose, 
 
 From which one cannot possibly get loose ; 
 
 He learnt it at the Parson's granary, 
 
 Where to catch Mice he went, and lost an eye. 
 
 But, Isegrim ! and Bruin ! why pretend 
 
 Such zeal to hasten your poor Uncle's end ? 
 
 In sooth it does not to your credit tend." 
 Now rose the King, with all his Lords, to see 
 
 Justice was done with due solemnity; 
 
 And, by her courtly Dames accompanied, 
 
 The Queen herself walked by the Monarch's 
 side: 
 
 And never was there seen a Crowd so great 
 
 As followed them to witness Reynard's fate. 
 Meanwhile Sir Isegrim his Friends besought 
 
 To march close packed, and keep a sharp look- 
 out; 
 
 For much he feared, lest by some shifty wile 
 
 The Fox might yet their watchfulness beguile : 
 
 And specially did he conjure his Wife ; 
 
 41 See that the Wretch escape not, on thy life ; 
 
 If he should this time slip from out our pow'r, 
 
 We ne'er should know another peaceful hour. 
 
 Think of your wrongs ;" thus Bruin he ad- 
 dressed ; 
 
 41 And see you pay them with full interest. 
 
 Tybalt can clamber; he the rope shall fix ; 
 
 You hold Sir Reynard tight, and mind his 
 tricks : 
 
 I'll raise the ladder, and you may depend on't 
 
 In a few minutes we shall make an end on't." 
 Quoth Bruin, " Quick ! and get the ladder 
 plac'd : 
 
 I'll warrant me I'll hold the Ruffian fast." 
 "Why should you take," again thus Rey- 
 nard saith, 
 
 " Such pains to expedite your Uncle's death? 
 
 You know, the more the haste, the worse the 
 speed. 
 
 Ah ! sad and crnel is my lot indeed, 
 
 To meet with hate from such old Friends as 
 you ! 
 
 I know 't were vain, or I for grace would sue. 
 
 Stern Isegrim hath e'en compelled his Wife 
 
 Join this unkindly plot against my life : 
 
 Her memories of the past might surely wake 
 
 Some feelings of compassion for my sake : 
 
 But when you can foretell to-morrow's wind, 
 
 Then trust the constancy of Womankind. 
 
 But if so be it must ; so let it be. 
 
 The sooner done, the sooner I am free. 
 
 My fate will but with my poor Father's match ; 
 
 Albeit, good Soul, he died with more despatch. 
 
 Neither did such a goodly Company 
 
 Attend his death, as now has honor'd me. 
 
 You seem to fancy, if you spared me now 
 
 You'd all be shamed ; and haply, 't would 
 
 be so." 
 
 "Hear him!" cried Bruin; " hear the Ruf- 
 fian boast ; 
 
 Quick ! prithee, quick ! let no more time be 
 
 lost." 
 Then Reynard seriously to think began 
 
 " Could I but now devise some cunning plan ; 
 
 That, in this hour of my extremest need, 
 
 I might be pardoned and from bondage freed ; 
 
 Escape with credit from death's bitter throes, 
 
 And heap disgrace on these detested Foes. 
 
 What can be done ? 't is worth some pains to 
 take, 
 
 Since nothing less than life is here at stake. 
 
 Slight seem the chances for me ; strong, against; 
 
 The King, no doubt, is bitterly incens'd ; 
 
 My Enemies all here ; my Friends away ; 
 All my misdeeds brought to the light of day : 
 And, truth to speak, but little good I've done ; 
 Yet ever hoped this evil hour to shun. 
 If they'd but grant me liberty of speech, 
 Some of their cruel hearts I yet might reach ; 
 And so get free of this accursed rope ;
 
 REYNARD THE FOX. 
 
 At least I'll try it: while there's life, there's 
 
 hope." 
 
 Then turning on the ladder where he stood, 
 He thus addressed th' assembled Multitude : 
 " My doom is fixed ; chance of escape is 
 
 none; 
 
 Grant then a dying man one trifling boon : 
 Before you all, as many as are here, 
 Ere yet I close my criminal career, 
 Fain would I freely all my sins confess, 
 Lamenting that their number is not less ; 
 Else for some crime in secret done by me, 
 The Innocent perchance might punished be : 
 And thus my sinful soul some hope may have 
 Of mercy on the other side the grave." 
 
 Many were moved at this and 'gan to say ; 
 "Small is the favor, brief is the delay." 
 And as U seemed a reasonable thing, 
 They begged it and obtained it of the King. 
 A load was now removed from Reynard's 
 
 heart, 
 
 And he at once prepared to play his part : 
 While through the Crowd expectant murmurs 
 
 ran, 
 With well-feigned penitence he thus began : 
 
 "Oh, aid me now, Spiritus Domini! 
 For I am sentenced and must shortly die. 
 Vast as this meeting, scarce can I see one, 
 To whom I've not some grievous inj'ry done. 
 Whilst I was still a tiny little Brat, 
 Scarce weaned, and not much higher than my 
 
 hat, 
 
 I loved to watch the Lambs and Kids at play 
 When from their watchful Herds they chanced 
 
 to stray : 
 
 It made my bosom throb to hear them bleat, 
 My bowels yearn too for substantial meat. 
 Ere long, in jest, I bit to death a Lamb, 
 Who'd stroll' d away some distance from its 
 
 Dam ; 
 While yet 'twas warm and fresh, I licked the 
 
 blood, 
 
 And found that it was exquisitely good. 
 Four of the youngest Kids I next did slaughter : 
 The thought Heav'n help me ! makes my 
 
 mouth yet water. 
 
 Grown bolder, I indulged each wild caprice ; 
 My tooth spared neither Fowls nor Ducks nor 
 
 Geese : 
 
 I caught and ate them wheresoever found, 
 And some, half-eaten, buried in the ground. 
 " One winter, on the Rhine, it chanced I 
 
 met 
 
 Is' grim, a meeting I may well regret. 
 
 He claimed direct relationship with me, 
 
 Showed we were Cousins, and in what degree. 
 
 Guileless myself, I readily believed ; 
 
 Perhaps too ready to be so deceived. 
 
 Ourselves we bound then in a solemn league ; 
 
 Force should be used by him ; by me, intrigue ; 
 
 Eternal friendship each to each we swore, 
 
 Ah ! little did I ween what fruit his friend- 
 ship bore. 
 " The provinces we traversed, one and all ; 
 
 He the large booty stealing ; I, the small. 
 
 Our bargain was, we should divide all fair ; 
 
 But what he chose to leave was all my share ; 
 
 Nor was this all th' injustice I must bear. 
 
 If e'er he chanced a Goat or Sheep to steal, 
 
 And I came up, and found him at his meal ; 
 
 Or caught him gorging a fresh-slaughtered 
 Calf, 
 
 Of which he'd not devoured more than half; 
 
 He'd grin his teeth at me, and swear and 
 curse ; 
 
 I was e'en glad that matters were no worse. 
 
 And thus it was he always treated me, 
 
 However large the booty chanced to be. 
 
 In hunting, if we ever caught, by luck, 
 
 Some head of noble game, as Hind, or Buck, 
 
 Or Ox, or Cow, whose carcase vast was more 
 
 Than e'en his gluttony could all devour ; 
 
 His Wife and Children straight made their 
 appearance, 
 
 And in a trice there was a total clearance ; 
 
 Not e'en a spare rib fell unto my share, 
 
 But what was gnawed and polished, clean 
 and bare : 
 
 And thus was I forever forced to fare. 
 
 But Heav'n be thanked I never suffered hun- 
 ger; 
 
 I'd means to live on, twenty years or longer ; 
 
 A treasure vast of silver and of gold, 
 
 Securely hidden in a secret hold. 
 
 More than a single waggon, I might say 
 
 Even at seven loadings, could convey." 
 Noble, the King, heard all that Reynard 
 said, 
 
 And bending forward now his Royal head ; 
 Say then, where did you get it from? " he 
 
 cried, 
 
 I mean the treasure." And the Fox replied, 
 It boots me nought to keep my secret now ; 
 
 I cannot take my wealth to where I go. 
 
 All, as Your Grace commands me, will I tell ; 
 
 From fear or favor nought will I conceal.
 
 REYNARD THE FOX. 
 
 27 
 
 Stol'n was the treasure ; I'll not tell a lie : 
 
 Th' occasion though the theft shall justify. 
 " There was a plot, a most atrocious thing! 
 
 Even to murder You, my Lord and King ; 
 
 And then to seize upon the vacant Throne : 
 
 Beyond all doubt the deed would have been 
 done, 
 
 If but secure that treasure had been left ; 
 
 Your life, my Liege, depended on that theft. 
 
 It helped indeed to lay my Father low, 
 
 Perchance involved his soul in endless woe : 
 
 But private interests, however dear, 
 
 With public duties must not interfere." 
 The Queen had heard this lengthy rigmarole 
 
 With most extreme bewilderment of soul, 
 
 Alternating between alarm and pleasure ; 
 
 Her Husband's murder, heaps of glitt'ring 
 treasure, 
 
 And widow's weeds, and bridal garments 
 white, 
 
 In wild confusion danced before her sight. 
 "Reynard," she cried, " your hour is almost 
 come ; 
 
 Before you lies the road to your long home ; 
 
 Nought but true penitence can save your soul ; 
 
 Tell nothing but the truth, and tell the whole." 
 Then spake the King, " Be silent, ev'ry one ! 
 
 Let Reynard from the gallows-tree come down : 
 
 And let him, but still bound, approach 
 mine ear, 
 
 ' T isfit that this strange hist'ry I should hear." 
 With cheerful hopes buoyed up the Fox de- 
 scends, 
 
 While grieved bis Foes were, and rejoiced his 
 Friends ; 
 
 Approached, as he was bid, the King and 
 Queen ; 
 
 Who longed to know what might this myst'ry 
 mean. 
 
 His web of lies he straight prepared to spin ; 
 
 'If the King's grace,' he thought, 'I could 
 but win, 
 
 And, by some cunning trick of policy, 
 
 Could ruin those who seek to ruin me, 
 
 From peril then should I be wholly freed. 
 
 Ah ! that would be a master stroke indeed. 
 
 'T is a bold cast : if I would prosper in 't, 
 
 'T will need the use of falsehood without stint.' 
 The Queen impatient questioned him again : 
 
 "The whole proceeding, Reynard, now ex- 
 plain ; 
 
 Speak truth, and ease your conscience and 
 your soul." 
 
 " Truly," said Reynard, "will 1 tell the whole. 
 Am I not doomed, too justly doomed, to die? 
 No chance there is to 'scape my destiny. 
 My soul to burden more at such a time 
 Were but to add a folly to my crime. 
 Better to speak the truth at any rate, 
 Though Friends and Kinsmen I may implicate. 
 There is no help for it, I know right well ; 
 Before mine eyes I have the pains of Hell." 
 And the King's heart with gloom was over- 
 spread ; 
 " And speak' st thou nought but sober truth ?" 
 
 he said. 
 
 Reynard replied with sanctimonious mien, 
 ' ' A miserable Sinner have I been ; 
 And oft have lied to serve mine interest ; 
 But surely now the truth shall aid me best : 
 Falsely to make a dying declaration 
 Would be to court eternal condemnation. 
 Yourself, my Liege, have doomed that I must 
 
 die; 
 
 With my last words I dare not breathe a lie." 
 While thus did Reynard, vile Dissembler, 
 
 speak, 
 Remorse and terror seemed to blanch his 
 
 cheek. 
 And the Queen said, " His anguish moves my 
 
 ruth : 
 
 Encourage him, dear Lord, to speak the truth ; 
 And hear his story calmly to the end : 
 Our safety may upon his tale depend. 
 Give your commands that no one silence break, 
 And let him publicly his statement make." 
 At the King's bidding not a sound was 
 
 heard ; 
 And Reynard spake, " Please you, my gracious 
 
 Lord, 
 
 Receive with favor what I have to say ; 
 Though note nor minute have I here to-day, 
 The whole conspiracy will I lay bare, 
 And no one, be he Friend or Foe, will spare." 
 
 CHAPTER THE FIFTH. 
 
 THE PARDON. 
 
 Now hear what lying tales the Fox dared state, 
 To screen himself, and others inculpate ; 
 To what base falsehoods utterance he gave, 
 Slandered his very Father in the grave, 
 Traduced the Badger too, his staunchest 
 
 Friend ; 
 He thought all means were sanctioned by the 
 
 end ;
 
 28 
 
 REYNARD THE FOX. 
 
 So he could but get credit for his lies, 
 And have revenge upon his Enemies. 
 
 Thus he began : "It chanced that once my 
 
 Sire, 
 
 Whose wit and wisdom still the World ad- 
 mire, 
 
 Discovered, hid in an obscure retreat, 
 The treasures of King Emmerick the Great ; 
 It seemed a Godsend, but it brought such evil, 
 'T was much more likely sent him from the 
 
 Devil. 
 With his new fortune he waxed haught and 
 
 proud ; 
 For his old Comrades deemed himself too 
 
 good ; 
 
 Fancied that by assistance of his pelf 
 To higher circles he might raise himself; 
 Conceived ideas the most absurd and vain, 
 And hatched the strangest maggots in his 
 
 brain. 
 
 He sent off Tybalt to Ardennes' wild regions 
 For Bruin, tend' ring him his sworn allegiance ; 
 Inviting him to Flanders to repair, 
 And promising to make him King when there. 
 Bruin with vast delight his letter read, 
 Without delay to Flanders off he sped ; 
 Him did my Sire exultingly receive ; 
 And planned how their designs they might 
 
 achieve. 
 
 They got to join them in the enterprise, 
 Is' grim the savage, and Greybeard the wise. 
 These four in the conspiracy combin'd ; 
 Four persons truly, though but one in mind ; 
 While Tybalt joined their counsels for a fifth : 
 They journeyed onwards till they came to Ifth ; 
 A little village is there of that name, 
 Obscure it is and all unknown to Fame ; 
 'Twixt this and Ghent, in a sequestered spot, 
 They met together to arrange their plot. 
 Over the meeting, which murk night did hide, 
 The Devil and my Father did preside ; 
 One o'er their minds with false hopes kept his 
 
 hold, 
 
 One, with the influence of his dirty gold. 
 Regardless of all loyalty and faith, 
 They compassed and imagined the King's 
 
 death : 
 
 The five then swore on Is' grim' a cursed head, 
 Bruin the Bear should reign in Noble's stead ; 
 And at Aix-la-Chapelle. upon the throne, 
 Should bind his temples with the golden 
 
 crown. 
 If any one their trait'rous scheme withstood, 
 
 Bound to the King by fealty or blood, 
 Him should my Sire with words or bribes per- 
 suade, 
 
 Or, failing these, call force in to his aid. 
 I learnt the bus'ness in the strangest way ; 
 The Badger had been drinking hard one day, 
 
 Th' uxorious blockhead, though it risked his 
 
 life, 
 
 Told the whole secret to his wheedling Wife ; 
 He bound her though to solemn secrecy, 
 And the Fool fancied that he safe would be. 
 But what are woman's vows ? His Wife and 
 
 mine 
 
 Gossips had been together from lang syne ; 
 And when they met, the former, as with child 
 Of her grand secret, nodded, smirked and 
 
 smil'd ; 
 
 And having made my Wife first swear an oath, 
 By the three Kings, and by her faith and 
 
 troth, 
 
 Never to breathe one word to mortal soul, 
 Relieved her lab'ring bosom of the whole. 
 My Wife was horror-struck, and straightway 
 
 she 
 
 Felt it her duty to tell all to me ; 
 Of course; for Moralists have all one mind, 
 That inofficious vows can never bind. 
 I saw at once what man of sense would 
 
 not? 
 
 The wickedness and folly of the plot: 
 All living Beasts had gone unto the Dogs, 
 And fared, as formerly those stupid Frogs ; 
 Who with their ceaseless croakings worried 
 
 Heaven,
 
 REYNARD THE FOX. 
 
 29 
 
 To change the King who first to them was 
 
 given ; 
 
 His tranquil reign inglorious they deemed ; 
 Theylong'd for greater freedom, as it seemed; 
 Then o'er them to preside Heav'n sent the 
 
 Stork ; 
 
 Like a Legitimate he set to work ; 
 All who opposed he banished from the State, 
 Decreed their lands and chattels confiscate ; 
 And while he thus enrich' d himself, he swore 
 'T was all to benefit the Church and Poor ; 
 While love for law and order he professed, 
 Freedom in speech and action were repressed ; 
 And none were heard, or suffered, to repine ; 
 Thus did he prove he ruled by Right Divine. 
 The poor Fools curst their self-invited fate, 
 And wished the old King back ; but 't was too 
 
 late." 
 
 Thus spake the Fox ; and lied at ev'ry word, 
 That all who heard him wondered as they 
 
 heard. 
 " The State," he thus proceeded, "had been 
 
 lost ; 
 But 'twas Your safety, Sire, concerned me 
 
 most : 
 
 The risks I ran to save You were immense, 
 And merited some better recompense. 
 Bruin's fell mind I knew ; his temper curst, 
 His love of cruelty forebode the worst ; 
 Our lives, if he had chanced to get the sway, 
 Had not been worth the purchase of a day. 
 Our present King enjoys a diff'rent fame ; 
 Noble alike by nature and by name. 
 A sad and stupid change indeed it were 
 A royal Lion for a clownish Bear ! 
 Thus with myself I oft communed in 
 
 thought ; 
 
 And means to ward this evil daily fought. 
 " One thing was certain ; if my Sire re- 
 tain' d 
 
 This vast amount of wealth at his command, 
 Hosts of Allies together he might bring, 
 Would win his game, while we should lose 
 
 our King. 
 
 And now my chiefest study was to trace 
 This secret treasure to its hiding place ; 
 Then bear it safe away, if so I might ; 
 Of this I dreamed by day and schemed by 
 
 night. 
 
 Wherever now the crafty Old-one went, 
 Through field or forest where his steps he 
 
 bent, 
 Whether in cold, or heat, or wet, or dry, 
 
 Close on his track incessantly was I. 
 
 ' But Chance at length, or rather, Heaven's 
 
 high will, 
 
 Procured me what I could not gain by skill. 
 Concealed behind a bush, one summer's day, 
 Chewing the cud of bitter thought, I lay; 
 Grinding all sorts of plans within my pate, 
 This treasure to secure, and save the State : 
 When from a fissure in the rocks hard by, 
 I saw my Father creep out stealthily ; 
 With expectation breathless I lay hid : 
 While, cautious, he looked round on ev'ry 
 
 side ; 
 
 Thought himself safe, perceiving no one near, 
 And then began his games, as you shall hear. 
 
 The hole with sand he filled, and all around 
 He levelled skilfully th' adjacent ground ; 
 Nor was this all ; before he left the place, 
 All marks of footsteps he contrived t' efface : 
 Bent to the earth, he swished his tail about, 
 And smoothed it o'er with his elastic snout. 
 Ah! truly was my Sire a wondrous Man ! 
 The wide World now may match him, if it 
 
 can! 
 
 How many quips and cranks and wanton wiles 
 
 I learnt from him, most cunning of old Files ! 
 
 ' ' But to proceed. He quickly left the spot ; 
 
 ' Here then the treasure is concealed,' I 
 
 thought. 
 
 I hastened to the rocks with eager soul, 
 Soon scratched away the sand and cleared 
 
 the hole,
 
 30 
 
 REYNARD THE FOX. 
 
 And down into the cleft with caution stole. 
 Good Heav'ns! what precious things there 
 
 met my sight ! 
 
 What masses of red gold and silver white ! 
 The oldest present here, I'm bold to say, 
 Ne'er saw such stores as I beheld that day. 
 My Wife I brought the glorious sight to see ; 
 To move the treasure hourly laboured we ; 
 And sooth, it was a work of toil and pain ; 
 We'd nought to help us, neither cart nor 
 
 wain. 
 
 My good Wife held out bravely to the last, 
 Till we in safety had the treasure plac'd. 
 
 " Meanwhile my Sire consulted day by day, 
 With those who sought our Sov' reign to betray. 
 For dread and horror now your souls prepare, 
 Their machinations base whilst I lay bare. 
 By Isegrim and Bruin briefs were sent, 
 To raise recruits and stir up discontent ; 
 All were allured in Bruin's host to serve; 
 Whom lucre might from duty tempt to swerve. 
 And that the call they sooner might obey, 
 They were assured a month's advance of pay. 
 These briefs my Father round the country 
 
 bore; 
 
 He deemed in safety he had left his store ; 
 Though if with all his friends he'd searched 
 
 for ever, 
 
 He ne'er had found a solitary stiver. 
 No pains he spared to further the design ; 
 Sought ev'ry spot between the Elbe and Rhine, 
 And many Converts to the cause he made ; 
 Who largely promises may soon persuade. 
 " At length the summertide once more was 
 
 come; 
 
 With it returned my weary Father home ; 
 Of troubles and mishaps he'd much to tell, 
 Of many hair-breadth 'scapes by field and fell ; 
 How for his life he had been forced to flee, 
 Among the towered heights of Saxony ; 
 Where wicked hunters chased him out of 
 
 spite, 
 With horse and hound, from morn till starry 
 
 night; 
 That scarce he saved his skin by rapid 
 
 flight. 
 
 With joy then to his Comrades he display'd 
 The long list of Adherents he had made. 
 Bruin was charmed, and, with the other four, 
 Studied th' important writing o'er and o'er. 
 Twelve hundred souls of Is'grim's savage Clan, 
 Had pledged themselves to join him to a man, 
 With sharp and hungry teeth and open jaws, 
 
 They promised to support King Bruin's cause. 
 The Cats and Bears enrolled without a bribe ; 
 And all the Glutton, all the Badger tribe ; 
 But, less devoted, or more cautious, they 
 Had bargained for the month's advance of pay. 
 All these and many more had sworn t' attend, 
 At the first summons which the Bear should 
 
 send. 
 By me this plot was foiled: but thanks be 
 
 given 
 
 Not unto me for this ; but unto Heaven ! 
 " My Sire now hastened to the cave once 
 
 more; 
 
 Eager to tell his cherished treasure o'er: 
 But, though the firmest faith possessed his 
 
 mind, 
 
 The more he sought the more he did not find. 
 Vain were his labors, his regrets as vain, 
 Doomed never to behold his wealth again. 
 Three days disconsolate he roamed the wood, 
 Shunning his mates, and never tasting food ; 
 The fourth sad day for me ! although his 
 
 Heir- 
 He hanged himself from grief and sheer 
 
 despair. 
 " Thus have I done, thus suffered, good my 
 
 Lord, 
 
 To countervail a plot my soul abhorr'd. 
 Though for my pains this strange return I get. 
 The steps I took I never can regret, 
 Is' grim and Bruin sit at Your right hand, 
 Doomed as a Traitor the poor Fox must 
 
 stand ; 
 
 But yet this thought shall consolation bring ; 
 I lost my Father, but I saved my King. 
 The ill I've done be buried in my grave, 
 My name this one good deed from infamy 
 
 shall save." 
 He ceased : a murmur ran through all the 
 
 crowd ; 
 But what all thought, none dared to speak 
 
 aloud. 
 The King and Queen both felt a strong 
 
 desire 
 
 This wondrous store of treasure to acquire ; 
 They call'd the Fox aside and bade him say 
 In what place he had stowed it all away. 
 Though Reynard found it hard his joy to 
 
 hide, 
 
 Still in desponding accents he replied ; 
 " Why should I tell this secret to my Lord, 
 Who dooms my death and ever doubts my 
 
 word ?
 
 REYNARD THE FOX. 
 
 31 
 
 In Traitors he prefers his trust to place, 
 Whose triumph is achieved in my disgrace." 
 " Nay," said the Queen, impatient ; " nay, 
 
 not so ! 
 
 His vengeance just my Lord may yet forego, 
 The past he may forgive, may e'en forget; 
 And you may live a life of credit yet ; 
 Could he but have some certain pledge, that 
 
 you 
 
 Would for the future loyal prove and true." 
 " Ah gracious Queen ! " the wily Fox re- 
 plies, 
 
 " Let me find favor in King Noble's eyes ; . 
 Through your mild influence let me pardoned 
 
 be, 
 
 And hence depart in life and member free ; 
 Amply will I atone for all my crimes ; 
 Nor King nor Kaiser lives of modern times 
 Can truly boast one half the wealth to own, 
 Which I will lay before my Sov'reign's 
 
 throne." 
 "Believe him not!" the angry Monarch 
 
 cries ; 
 
 " Whose lips ne'er open but to utter lies. 
 If he would teach you how to cheat or 
 
 thieve, 
 
 His words you then might readily believe." 
 And the Queen said " Let not my Lord be 
 
 wroth : 
 Though Reynard's life ill augurs for his 
 
 truth ; 
 
 Yet surely this time hath he spoken sooth. 
 His Father and his Uncle hath he not 
 Shown to have shared in that accursed plot ? 
 He might have sure devised some stratagem, 
 While blaming others, to exon'rate them. 
 And if he do speak truth, how great a prize 
 We lose, if now with him his secret dies." 
 Awhile the Monarch paused, immersed in 
 
 thought, 
 In his soul's depths as though he counsel 
 
 sought. 
 Then answered " If you think 'twere better 
 
 so, 
 Nor deem that ill from such a course may 
 
 flow, 
 
 I may pursue the bent of my own mind, 
 To mercy more than vengeance still inclin'd. 
 The Culprit I will pardon, and restore, 
 As a new man, to all he held before. 
 This time I trust him let him though take 
 
 heed 
 This time I trust him, for the last indeed ; 
 
 For by my Father's crown I make a vow, 
 If with false tidings he deceive me now, 
 On all who claim his kin, where'er they be, 
 My wrath shall fall, e'en to the tenth degree, 
 In torture shall they perish utterly. " 
 
 Seeing the King so easily was sway'd, 
 Reynard took heart and spake out undis- 
 
 may'd : 
 
 " To lie now were most criminal', no doubt ; 
 When I should be so speedily found out." 
 Thus the sly Knave the Royal pardon 
 
 won, 
 
 Both for his Father's treason and his own. 
 Freed from the gallows and his Enemies, 
 Great was his joy nor less was their sur- 
 prise. 
 " Noblest of Kings ! " he cried, " and best 
 
 of Lords ! 
 
 My gratitude is all too vast for words. 
 But the warm thanks of this poor heart are 
 
 given 
 To you, and your august Spouse, next to 
 
 Heaven. 
 My life You spare ; my wealth is but Your 
 
 due ; 
 
 For life and wealth alike belong to You. 
 The favors heaped on my unworthy self 
 Far, far outweigh all thoughts of paltry pelf. 
 To You as a free gift I now make o'er 
 The whole of good King Emmerick's mighty 
 
 store. 
 
 Then listen, Sire, while I its hiding place 
 By certain signs enable you to trace. 
 
 " Now mark me ! Far in Flanders, to the 
 
 east, 
 
 There lies a wild inhospitable waste ; 
 There grows a single copse named Husterlow, 
 Near it the waters of a fountain flow, 
 Called Krekelburn ; these names remember 
 
 well; 
 Why they're so called is more than I can 
 
 tell. 
 
 It is a savage and romantic scene, 
 Where foot of Beast hath ne'er or rarely 
 
 been ; 
 
 There dwell alone the Owl, the Bat, the Jay ; 
 And there it was I stow'd my wealth away. 
 Remember, Sire, close each to each they lie, 
 The copse, and the spring Krekelburn hard 
 
 fey. 
 
 Yourself and Royal Spouse had best go there, 
 
 It were not safe to send a Messenger ; 
 
 'T were far too great a risk to trust a Stranger ;
 
 32 
 
 REYNARD THE FOX. 
 
 And with the truest Friend not much less | Of either Krekelburn or Husterlow ; 
 
 danger. 
 
 Now further mark my words : at Krekelburn 
 Sharp to the left you take a sudden turn ; 
 A stone's throw off two birches shall you see, 
 Their pensile branches drooping gracefully. 
 Directly up to these then must you go ; 
 There delve forthwith ; the treasure lies 
 
 below. 
 
 At first but moss you'll find about the roots, 
 But soon your toil will meet with richer 
 
 fruits ; 
 Heaps of red gold you'll find ; in ingots 
 
 part, 
 
 Part fabricated by the Goldsmith's art; 
 Among it will be seen King Emmerick's 
 
 crown, 
 
 Which silly Bruin hoped to call his own ; 
 And many a costly chain and jewel rare, 
 Far more than I can reckon up, are there. 
 Then, gracious Sire ! when all this wealth You 
 
 see, 
 Will You not think with kindness on poor 
 
 Me? 
 
 ' That honest Fox ! ' methinks I hear You say, 
 ' With so much skill to store his wealth away ! 
 ' My blessing be upon him day and night ! ' " 
 Thus Reynard spake, the wily Hypocrite. 
 And the King answered : li You must with 
 
 me go, 
 
 Or ne'er shall I find out this Husterlow? 
 Of Lubeck and Cologne I've oft heard tell, 
 Of Paris also and Aix-la-Chapelle ; 
 But never yet of Husterlow before, 
 Or Krekelburn, until this very hour. 
 How may I know that this is not again 
 A pure invention of your subtle brain ? " 
 Rejoined the Fox, with brazen face, 
 " My Lord, I send thee not to trace 
 The weary way to foreign strand, 
 The place lies here in Flemish land, 
 It is enough to drive one to despair, 
 To find one's word so doubted every where ! 
 Haply there may be some one here jn Court 
 Who may avouch the truth of my report." 
 He looked around and call'd the Hare, 
 
 who came 
 
 A timid terror trembling through his frame. 
 "Come hither, Master Puss!" the Fox 
 
 began ; 
 " Hold up your head, and look, Sir, like a 
 
 man! 
 The King desires to learn if aught you know 
 
 Speak truly now, on your allegiance oatb." 
 And the Hare answered " Sire ! I know 
 
 them both. 
 
 Far off in Flanders in the waste they lie, 
 Husterlow first, and Krekelburn close by : 
 Husterlow is the name they give a copse, 
 Where crookback Simon had his working 
 
 shops ; 
 
 He coined false money ; that was years ago. 
 It is a dreary spot, as well I know ; 
 From cold and hunger there I've suffered 
 
 much, 
 
 When flying from the cruel Beagles' clutch." 
 ' Enough," cried Reynard, "thou canst go, 
 The King has heard what he would know.'' 
 Then Noble spoke once more ; 
 " Reynard, forget my hasty speech, 
 But now at once set out and teach 
 The way to this thy store." 
 Quoth Reynard " Gladly would I go 
 With thee, at once the path to show ; 
 But ah ! a deadly sin 't would be, 
 To take me in this company, 
 The cause with shame I tell ! 
 
 " How Isegrim turned Monk, Sire, you 
 
 have heard ; 
 
 'Twas more to serve his belly, than the Lord. 
 Soon were his Brethren weary of his tricks ; 
 Almost starved out; he ate enough for six; 
 For flesh on fast days would he rave and howl. 
 And caring nothing for his wretched soul, 
 At last, one afternoon, about Mid-Lent, 
 He sent for me, and straight to him I went : 
 And I must needs confess that I was stag- 
 ger' d 
 
 To see him look so sadly gaunt and hag- 
 gard. 
 
 He thus entreated me, with tearful eyes, 
 By all our loves, by all our kindred ties ; 
 ' Get me some food, or I shall die of famine ! 
 Sweet Coz, you see the wretched plight I 
 
 am in.' 
 
 My heart was softened ; for he is my kin ; 
 And in my weakness I committed sin : 
 To the next town I hied and stole some 
 
 meat ; 
 
 Placed it before the Wolf, and he did eat. 
 But for my goodness ill was I repaid, 
 By this vile Judas (reach' rously betray'd. 
 And I, for this offence, more heinous than 
 All my past crimes, lie 'neath the Church's 
 ban.
 
 j. MTJGorriN.se 
 
 KEYHARD THE FOX. 
 
 GEBBiE &CO.

 
 REYNARD THE FOX. 
 
 33 
 
 But now I have escaped my threatened doom, 
 I thought, with Your kind leave, to wend to 
 
 Rome ; 
 
 By penitence and alms I there might hope 
 To purchase absolution of the Pope ; 
 Thence, having kissed his Holiness' s toe, 
 I purposed to Jerusalem to go ; 
 With cockle hat and staff and sandal shoon ; 
 Why should a Fox not take a Palmer's 
 
 tone? 
 Returned, from all sins purged, I might with 
 
 pride 
 Then take my place, Sire, at Your honored 
 
 side. 
 
 But if perchance I ventured this to-day, 
 Would not the pious Scandal-mongers say ; 
 * Lo ! how the King seeks Reynard's com- 
 pany, 
 
 4 Whom he so lately had condemned to die ; 
 ' And he still excommunicated too ! ' 
 But judge You, Sire, what may be best to do." 
 " Heav'ns ! '' cried the King, " how should 
 
 I know all this? 
 
 It were a sin to keep you here, I wis ; 
 The Hare, or some one else, can show the 
 
 way : 
 
 You have Our leave to go without delay. 
 For worlds I' d not your pilgrimage prevent ; 
 :Since I believe you truly penitent. 
 May Heaven, which alone your heart can read, 
 Prosper your purpose and your journey 
 
 CHAPTER THE SIXTH. 
 
 THE RELAPSE. 
 
 THUS Reynard gained once more his Sov' reign's 
 
 grace : 
 
 Who slowly mounting up to his high place, 
 Prepared t' address the meeting from his 
 
 throne ; 
 
 Bade them be silent all, and all sit down, 
 After their rank, ranged on the verdant sward ; 
 On either hand drew up the Royal Guard ; 
 At the Queen's side th' undaunted Reynard 
 
 stood ; 
 And thus the Monarch spake in thoughtful 
 
 mood : 
 
 " Be still and listen, all ye Beasts and Birds, 
 Both small and great, hear and attend Our 
 
 words ! 
 Here, in Our mercy, see where Reynard stands, 
 
 VOL. IV. w. H. 
 
 Late doomed to suffer by the Hangman's hands. 
 
 But now for certain reasons, grave and high, 
 
 Touching Ourself, Our crown and dignity, 
 
 And, at the intercession of Our Queen, 
 
 Restored to grace and favor hath he been ; 
 
 And free We here pronounce him, from this 
 date, 
 
 In life and limb, in person and estate. 
 
 In Our protection him and his We take, 
 
 Desiring they be honored, for our sake : 
 
 And furthermore, it is Our Royal will, 
 
 Henceforth of him none dare to utter ill ; 
 
 Convinced, as We his former faults forgive, 
 
 In future he a better life will live. 
 
 To-morrow will he leave his hearth and home, 
 
 And start upon a pilgrimage for Rome ; 
 
 Thence will he make, as he doth now aver, 
 
 A journey to the Holy Sepulchre ; 
 
 And then return, his sins confessed and 
 shriven, 
 
 Completely reconciled to Us and Heaven." 
 He ceased. The Cat, in anger and despair, 
 
 Sought out his dear Allies, the Wolf and Bear : 
 
 "Our labor's lost;" he cried, "ah! well-a- 
 day, 
 
 The very Devil is there here to pay ! 
 
 From this curst place would I were safe 
 away ! 
 
 If Reynard once get power, be sure that he 
 
 His fierce revenge will wreak on all us three. 
 
 Of my right eye already am I reft ; 
 
 Alas ! the other will not long be left." 
 
 "Woe's me ! what shall we do ?" exclaimed 
 the Bear. 
 
 "Let us," said Is'grim, "to the Throne re- 
 pair ! 
 
 Sure 't is the strangest thing that e'er was 
 seen ! " 
 
 Forthwith they knelt before the King and 
 Queen : 
 
 For justice loud they spoke, or rather stam- 
 mered ; 
 
 For justice, inarticulately clamored. 
 
 But angrily the King broke forth : " My 
 Lords ! 
 
 Either you did not hear, or mark my words. 
 
 It is my pleasure Reynard to forgive ; 
 
 It is a branch of my prerogative ; 
 
 For is it not to every Schoolboy known, 
 
 Mercy's the brightest jewel of the Crown?" 
 His mighty wrath had now to fury risen ; 
 
 He bade them both be seized and cast in 
 prison ; 
 
 3
 
 34 
 
 REYNARD THE FOX. 
 
 Deeming they still might plot, if left at large, 
 The treasons, laid by Reynard to their charge. 
 The Fox was now well paid for all his pains ; 
 Himself in favor, and his Foes in chains : 
 Nay more he from the King contrived to 
 
 win 
 
 The grant of a square-foot of Bruin's skin ; 
 He vowed and never could enough extol it 
 It was the very thing to make a wallet. 
 
 Thus was he for his pilgrim-journey suited ; 
 But liking not to make it quite bare-footed, 
 He sued the Queen; " May 't please your 
 
 Majesty, 
 
 Your own devoted Pilgrim now am I ; 
 The road I have to go is rough and long, 
 And I in health am anything but strong ; 
 It greatly would protect my tender toes, 
 Saving your presence, if I had some shoes. 
 Now Isegriin the Wolf hath got two pair ; 
 Stout-built and strong ; and one he well may 
 
 spare ; 
 
 It cannot incommode him much to lose them, 
 Since he has no occasion now to use them. 
 Speak for me, gracious Madam, to the King, 
 He will not sure deny so small a thing. 
 Dame Gieremund, too, cannot be averse 
 To let me have the loan of two of hers ; 
 As she'll not see her Lord some time to come, 
 Like a good Housewife, she will stay at home." 
 The Queen replied, she thought it was but 
 
 fair 
 
 That each of them should let him have a pair : 
 And Reynard thanked her with his best of 
 
 bows, 
 
 Saying ; "I promise, if I get the shoes, 
 Your Majesty shall have my daily pray'is, 
 That Heaven preserve you free from fretting 
 
 cares ; 
 
 Besides, what holy relics back I bring, 
 You shall be sure to share them with the 
 
 King." 
 
 He had his wish: from Isegrim's fore paws 
 Two shoes they stripped him off, both skin 
 
 and claws ; 
 
 And Gieremund, his next to widowed Dame, 
 As to her hinder feet, they served the same. 
 
 Now while the Wolf and Bear together lie 
 In prison and in pain, and wish to die ; 
 With shoes and wallet fitted out, the Fox 
 Draws near to Gieremund, whom thus he 
 
 mocks ; 
 "Look, best and dearest one, these shoes, you 
 
 see, 
 
 Fit just as though they had been made for me f 
 
 Though you have wished me ill in days by- 
 gone, 
 
 Such well-timed kindness can for all atone. 
 
 Who would have thought, a few short hours 
 ago, 
 
 To see me honored and accoutred so ? 
 
 But Fortune's wheel is ever on the move ; 
 
 And what is now depressed soon mounts 
 above. 
 
 Act on this maxim, and you baffle Fate ; 
 
 Hope, when in trouble ; fear, when fortunate. 
 
 Whene'er to Rome I get, or cross the sea, 
 
 My heart untravelled with my Friends will be ; 
 
 And you the largest portion shall obtain 
 
 Of those Indulgences I hope to gain." 
 
 Poor Gieremund meanwhile in torture lay, 
 
 And scarce could muster strength enough to 
 say; 
 
 "This hour is thine, and we must needs sub- 
 mit ; 
 
 But there may come a day of reck'ning yet." 
 Thus Isegrim and Bruin both remained 
 
 Wounded, disgraced, imprisoned and en- 
 chained ; 
 
 And Reynard's triumph seemed complete to 
 be; 
 
 Although he grieved that Tybalt still was 
 
 free. 
 When morning came, the Hypocrite arose, 
 
 And first he greased, and then he donned his 
 shoes ; 
 
 Next to the Royal levee hastening, 
 
 To make his cong, thus addressed the King ; 
 " Your Servant, Sire, your notice would 
 engage 
 
 Ere he sets out on his long pilgrimage. 
 
 Sad is my lot: the Church's ban hangs o'er 
 me, 
 
 A dreary, dang' rous journey lies before me : 
 
 ' T would give me hope, and confidence of 
 heart 
 
 To have your Chaplain's blessing ere I start; 
 
 Success would then my onward steps attend, 
 
 And bring my travels to a happy end." 
 Now Noble's private Chaplain was the Ram ; 
 
 A gentle Brute, and Bellyn was his name ; 
 
 The King, who of his services was chary, 
 
 Employed him also as his Secretary. 
 
 Him now he bade come forth, and thus ad- 
 dress' d ; 
 
 "Speak over Reynard, 't is his own re- 
 quest,
 
 REYNARD THE FOX. 
 
 35 
 
 Some holy words, his deep remorse t' 
 
 assuage, 
 
 And cheer him on his lonely pilgrimage ; 
 lie goes, you know, to Rome ; then o'er the 
 
 sea; 
 
 And by your blessing sanctified would be ; 
 Then, having hung his wallet by his side, 
 Give him a Palmer's staff his steps to guide." 
 And Bellyn answered thus; " My gracious 
 
 Lord, 
 
 What Reynard has avowed you surely heard ; 
 He owns he still is excommunicate ; 
 And truly I lament his wretched state ; 
 But should I do the thing you now require, 
 I might incur my worthy Bishop's ire ; 
 The matter easily might reach his ear ; 
 And he could punish me, and would, I fear. 
 To Reynard, certes, I wish nothing ill ; 
 And gladly would perform my Sov' reign's 
 
 will; 
 
 For this, all things in reason would I venture, 
 Could I be sure to 'scape my Bishop's cen- 
 sure : 
 
 But the good Prelate is an awful Man, 
 And such a strict Disciplinarian ; 
 Besides, there are th' Archdeacon and the 
 
 Dean" 
 
 The King no longer could contain his spleen, 
 "What," he exclaimed, "boots all this idle 
 
 prate ? 
 
 I asked for deeds, not words, Sir Woolypate." 
 And then he swore, and loudly, at the Ram, 
 laying, "Are you aware, Sir, who I am ? 
 Nor Priest nor Pope shall in my realm have 
 
 sway ; 
 
 I look My Subjects shall their King obey. 
 And whether you wish Reynard well or ill 
 Can have no influence on My Royal will. 
 It is my pleasure he should go to Rome ; 
 May be 'tis yours he should remain at home." 
 Astounded by the Monarch's stern reproof, 
 The poor Ram trembled to his very hoof; 
 And straight he took his book and 'gan to 
 
 read 
 
 A blessing over Reynard's sinful head ; 
 But little did that Wretch attend to it, 
 Or little care about the benefit. 
 
 The blessing o'er, they bring his scrip and 
 
 staff; 
 How in his sleeve doth the false Pilgrim 
 
 laugh ; 
 While down his cheeks dissembling tear-drops 
 
 course, 
 
 As though his heart were melting with re- 
 morse. 
 
 And in good sooth he did feel some regret, 
 That Tybalt was not in his power yet : 
 He wished to cage him with the other Three, 
 Whom he had brought to such extremity. 
 He begged them all, and chiefly Isegrim, 
 That they would pardon and would pray for 
 
 him ; 
 Then, with some fear still ling' ring at his 
 
 heart, 
 Lest he might be detained, prepared to 
 
 start. 
 
 And Noble, King of Beasts, much edified 
 To see such symptoms of repentance, cried ; 
 " Say, my good Reynard, prithee, why such 
 
 haste ? 
 
 Some few hours with your Friends you sure 
 may waste." 
 
 " Nay, my kind Lord," said that false- 
 hearted Loon, 
 
 "A good work ne'er can be commenced too 
 soon. 
 
 Dismiss me, Sire ; th' important hour is 
 come, 
 
 Big with the fate that Reynard leads to 
 
 Rome." 
 The Monarch, taken in by Reynard's art, 
 
 Gave him his gracious license to depart ; 
 
 And bade th' assembled Barons of his Court 
 
 The Pilgrim a short distance to escort. 
 
 The Wolf and Bear 'scaped this humilia- 
 tion ;
 
 KEYNARD THE FOX. 
 
 And from their fetters forged some conso- 
 lation. 
 
 To the King's favor quite restored again, 
 Reynard sets forth with all that lordly train, 
 Upon his pious journey to be shriven, 
 Much the same road that Lawyers go to 
 
 Heaven ; 
 Pleased to have brought the King to such a 
 
 pass, 
 
 Led by the nose as easy as an Ass. 
 Honored was he and waited on by those 
 Who even now had been his bitter Foes. 
 Nor could he yet let his old tricks alone ; 
 But turning back he knelt before the Throne, 
 Kissed the King's hand, and cried; "Ah, 
 
 dearest Lord ! 
 Vouchsafe to let me speak one parting 
 
 word: 
 
 Remember what great int' rests are at stake, 
 And of those Traitors an example make : 
 Some acts of mercy Reason will condemn ; 
 Your People suffer, if You pardon them." 
 And then with downcast look away he 
 
 went, 
 And all the bearing of a Penitent. 
 
 The King broke up his Court without, 
 
 delay ; 
 
 Then to his royal palace took his way : 
 And those who, to their shame, and Reynard's 
 
 pride, 
 
 His progress had some way accompanied, 
 Now took their leave and hastened to de- 
 part. 
 
 Meanwhile the Rogue so well had plied his art, 
 Insisting on the blessings of repentance, 
 He'd softened not a few of his Attendants ; 
 And specially the tender-hearted Hare 
 From sympathetic tears could not forbear. 
 Him now the cunning Fox accosted thus ; 
 " And must we part indeed, dear Cousin Puss? 
 If you and Bellyn could persuaded be 
 A little further yet to go with me, 
 'T would be an act of kindness on your part, 
 And comfort much my poor afflicted heart. 
 How greatly to my credit 'twill redound 
 If I in such society am found j 
 Pleasant Companions are ye both, I ken, 
 And, what's far better, honest, gentlemen ; 
 Ne'er doing wrong, you others' wrongs for- 
 give, 
 
 And, as I lately did, you always live, 
 Of grass and herbs and leaves you make your 
 food, 
 
 And never soil your guiltless teeth with 
 
 blood ; 
 
 Hence are your consciences serene and quiet : 
 Such Good results from vegetable diet." 
 And thus into the snare he laid they fell : 
 A little flattery sometimes does well. 
 To Malepartus, journeying on, they came ; 
 When thus the wily Fox addressed the silly 
 
 Ram ; 
 
 " Dear Bellyn, will you tarry here a little? 
 You must, by this time, surely want some 
 
 victual ; 
 
 And hereabouts you'll find enough to eat ; 
 The herbage is particularly sweet, 
 In fact we rather of our pastures vaunt; 
 I'll just take Pussy in to see his Aunt ; 
 Poor Soul ! she sits alone disconsolate, 
 And mourning over my unhappy fate ; 
 And when she hears that I to Rome must go, 
 'Twill cause her quite an ecstacy of woe. 
 Pussy, I know, for his dear Uncle's sake, 
 Will to his Aunt the sad news gently break." 
 
 And thus, to carry out his own vile ends, 
 The Fox contrived to separate the Friends. 
 Puss entered with him ; when omen of ill ! 
 His footsteps stumbled on the very sill ; 
 But Reynard smiled, and they passed onward, 
 
 where 
 
 His vixen Wife and cubby Children were. 
 How Ermelyne rejoiced to see her Lord 
 In safety to her longing arms restored ! 
 She'd suffered much anxiety and pain, 
 Lest by his wrathful Foes he should be slain, 
 Or a close pris'ner for his life remain, 
 And seeing him decked out with scrip and 
 
 staff, 
 
 She scarce knew whether first to cry or laugh, 
 So great her joy and wonder: thus she spoke : 
 " Reynie, my Love; my heart had almost 
 
 broke ; 
 How glad lam you're come! Where have 
 
 you been? 
 
 And what doess\\ this masquerading mean ? " 
 And thus the Fox replied "Ah, dearest 
 
 Wife! 
 
 But narrowly have I escaped with life : 
 My Foes were powerful, and I was weak ; 
 I had the halter round my very neck ; 
 But our good King, with that peculiar sense 
 That marks all Sov' reigns, saw my innocence ; 
 And, as a testimonial to my worth, 
 In pious Palmer's weeds has sent me forth ; 
 My character without the slightest stain ;
 
 REYNARD TI1E FOX. 
 
 37 
 
 The Wolf and the Bear as Hostages remain; 
 
 And master Puss, you see, has by the King 
 
 Been giv'n to me as a peace-offering : 
 
 For the King said, 'Reynard, you see that 
 Hare. 
 
 ' Yon trembling Coward, who stands crouch- 
 ing there ; 
 
 ' That is the wretch by whom you' ve been be- 
 tray' d,' 
 
 And for his treason he shall now be paid." 
 Puss heard these threat'ning words with 
 mortal fear ; 
 
 They seemed to ring a death-knell in his ear ; 
 
 Confused and scared he strove in haste to fly, 
 
 But Reynard darted on him viciously, 
 
 And clutched him by the throat; Puss 
 shrieked amain, 
 
 "Help, Bellyn, help!" he cried, and cried 
 again, 
 
 " Help ! or by this false Pilgrim I am 
 
 slain." 
 
 But long he did not cry: for Reynard's 
 teeth 
 
 Soon cut his windpipe, and let out his 
 breath. 
 
 Thus did this cursed and incarnate Fiend 
 Betray and murder his too-trusting Friend. 
 "Come now," he said, "to supper let us 
 
 haste ; 
 
 Our Friend is fat and delicate to taste ; 
 The Simpleton was ne'er of use before ; 
 To make him so long time ago I swore. 
 He wished to wound, but was afraid to 
 strike ; 
 
 So perish every one who does the like ! " 
 
 Then the whole Family sat down to sup ; 
 The Hare was skinned and shared and eaten 
 
 up: 
 
 The Vixen greatly the repast enjoyed, 
 And oft exclaimed, as with the bones she 
 
 toyed ; 
 " Heaven bless the King and Queen ! how 
 
 good they are, 
 To cater for us such delicious fare." 
 
 "For this time," said the Fox, "it may 
 
 suffice ; 
 
 I hope ere long a nobler sacrifice ; 
 That I may let the whole world plainly see, 
 None injures Reynard with impunity." 
 
 Quoth Ermelyne " Dear Lord, I prithee 
 
 tell, 
 
 How you have got away so safe and well.'' 
 " 'T would take,' 1 said he, "full many a 
 
 weary hour 
 To show how I escaped the Law's grim 
 
 pow'r ; 
 
 T' explain the tricks, I played my Enemies, 
 And how I dammed with dust- King Noblo's 
 
 eyes. 
 In sooth the bonds that now our hearts 
 
 unite, 
 Though we are sworn as Lieges, are but 
 
 slight ; 
 And when the truth shall break upon his 
 
 mind, 
 
 Within no bounds his rage will be confin'd. 
 Me if again within his power he hold 
 No wealth can save of silver or of gold ; 
 No chance of mercy left, my fate will be 
 To hang like fruit, upon the gallows tree. 
 
 " Let us, dear Love, at once to Swabia fly; 
 Unknown by all, perdue we there may lie ; 
 A safe asylum we are sure to find, 
 And heaps of provender of every kind ; 
 Fowls, geese, hares, rabbits ; butter, cheese, 
 
 and cream ; 
 
 Birds in the air and fishes in the stream. 
 There far from faithless Friends and furious 
 
 Foes 
 
 Our life will ebb in leisure and repose ; 
 In charity with all we'll pass our days, 
 And bring our Children up in Virtue's ways. 
 " For, dearest Chuck, to speak without 
 
 disguise, 
 
 I've told a most infernal pack of lies : 
 A tale I forged about King Emmerick's 
 
 store ;
 
 38 
 
 KEYNARD THE FOX. 
 
 And that 't was hid at Krekelburn I swore. 
 If they go thither, as they will no doubt, 
 They soon must find the whole deception 
 
 out; 
 
 And when 't is all discovered, you may form 
 Some faint idea of how the King will storm, 
 How he will swear ; what vengeance he will 
 
 vow ; 
 And sure I feel that what he swears, he 11 
 
 do. 
 You may suppose what fibs I told, dear 
 
 Wife ; 
 
 Ne'er was I so put to it in my life ; 
 Again to lie were not the slightest use, 
 And therefore would admit of 110 excuse. 
 " But happen now what may, one thing is 
 
 plain ; 
 
 Nothing shall tempt me back to Court again : 
 Not for the wide world's wealth, from north 
 
 to south, 
 
 I'd thrust my head into the Lion's mouth." 
 Him answered thus the sorrowing Er- 
 
 inelyne ; 
 " And why should we be Outcasts, Husband 
 
 mine ? 
 
 Why should we leave our comfortable home, 
 Abroad, like Rogues and Vagabonds, to roam ? 
 Here known by all, by all respected, too, 
 Your friends are faithful and your Vassals 
 
 true ; 
 
 And certainties against uncertainties 
 To change, is neither provident nor wise. 
 Against our will we cannot hence be torn ; 
 Our stronghold here might laugh a siege to 
 
 scorn. 
 
 Let the King hither come with all his Host : 
 He'll have his journey for his pains at most. 
 Of our escape I entertain no doubt; 
 So many ways we have of getting out. 
 The King is strong and we are weak ; but 
 
 yet 
 
 We to his pow'r can well oppose our wit. 
 For this I have no fears : but for your vow 
 To undertake a pilgrimage just now, 
 That chills my heart with icy fears I own : 
 What can T do, left friendless and alone? 1 ' 
 To her thus Reynard ; " Sweet, you have 
 
 prevailed ; 
 
 'T was but a moment that my courage failed : 
 His threats are idle, and my fears are vain ; 
 Shadows avaunt ! Reynard's himself again ! 
 As for my vow better to be forsworn, 
 Than live the wretched finger-mark of scorn : 
 
 Vows, when compulsory, bind not the least ; 
 I've heard that doctrine taught by many a 
 
 Priest : 
 
 For my part, it may to the devil go ; 
 I speak not of the doctrine, but my vow. 
 
 " So be it as you wish. I stay at home ; 
 For what on earth have I to do at Rome ? 
 And for my promised journey to Jerusalem,. 
 I only named the project to bamboozle 'em ; 
 Nor if, instead of the one oath I swore, 
 I'd sworn a dozen, would I go the more. 
 With you and my dear Children will I stay, 
 And get out of my scrape as best I may. 
 And though the King should have me in his 
 
 clutch, 
 
 Perchance it may not help him over-much ; 
 I may succeed, as I have done ere now. 
 To fit a Fool's cap on his Royal brow : 
 At least I'll try : the vow I freely make, 
 I dare be sworn, I think, I shall not break." 
 Bellyn meanwhile had all impatient grown ; 
 Had ate his fill, and wanted to be gone ; 
 " Puss! are you ready? It is getting late." 
 Thus he calls out at Malepartus' gate ; 
 And softly at the first, then louder knocks : 
 When to the door proceeds the wily Fox, 
 And says " You must excuse our cousin 
 
 Puss ; 
 
 You can return ; he'll pass the night with us." 
 " Methought," replied the Ram, "I heard 
 
 him cry, 
 
 ' Help ! Bellyn, help ! oh, help me or I die ! ' 
 I trust no ill could here my Coz befall." 
 "I thought," said Reynard, "You'd have 
 
 heard him call ; 
 
 For in good sooth he made a mighty din ; 
 I'll tell you how it happened just step in." 
 But Bellyn's heart was not quite free from 
 
 fear; 
 So he said, "Thank ye ; I am better here." 
 
 Then wily Reynard answered ; "Very well ! 
 You shall hear how the accident befell. 
 I had just told my wife about my vow 
 My promised pilgrimage to Rome, you know 
 When she, alas ! good soul, was so cast down, 
 That with the shock she fell into a swoon. 
 Our simple Friend, alarmed, began to cry, 
 Help ! Bellyn, help ! help, or my Aunt will 
 
 die.' " 
 
 " Certes," said Bellyn, " he did loudly call." 
 ' He did," quoth Reynard. " Now I've told 
 
 you all. 
 As for my inj'ring him ;" the False One said ;
 
 REYNARD THE FOX. 
 
 39 
 
 " I could not hurt a hair of that dear head. 
 I would be torn to pieces, limb by limb, 
 Sooner than even think of harming him. 
 "And now," quoth he, "to bus'ness. Yes- 
 terday, 
 
 The King desired me, as I came away, 
 That I, by letter, should communicate 
 My thoughts on certain grave affairs of State. 
 This letter, with some other papers too, 
 I beg you'll carry back to Court with you. 
 I've giv'n the King some excellent advice, 
 Which, though I say it, is beyond all price. 
 While Puss was resting from his weary jaunt, 
 And talking old times over with his Aunt, 
 I just contrived a spare half hour to snatch, 
 And have drawn up a masterly despatch." 
 "I would with pleasure all your letters 
 
 take ; ' ' 
 Said Bellyn, "but I fear the seals might 
 
 break ; 
 
 And I a serious censure should expect, 
 Having no pouch the papers to protect." 
 "That's true, dear Nephew;" answered 
 
 Reynard, pat, 
 
 " But we can very soon get over that : 
 The wallet that they made of Bruin's skin, 
 Will be the very thing to put them in ; 
 'T is strong and thick, and will the wet repel ; 
 I've one within will suit me just as well ; 
 And doubt not that your labor will be vain ; 
 Some favor from the King, you'll sure obtain." 
 
 The silly Ram believed all Reynard said ; 
 Then back into his house the Sly One sped, 
 And in his wallet crammed the poor Hare's 
 
 head ; 
 
 Next having thought how he might best pre- 
 vent 
 
 The Ram from finding out what't was he sent ; 
 Unto the door returning, thus he spake ; 
 " Here, Nephew, hang this wallet round your 
 
 neck. 
 
 In its contents I trust you will not pry ; 
 'T would prove a fatal curiosity. 
 The knots in a peculiar way are done, 
 Which only to the King and me are known ; 
 A mode that I invariably use, 
 Whenever I transmit important news ; 
 If the King sees the fastenings all right, 
 The Messenger finds favor in his sight. 
 " Nay if a greater merit you desire ; 
 And to preferment in the church aspire ; 
 You have my fullest leave to tell the King, 
 The letters were of your imagining ; 
 
 That though the handy-work by me was done, 
 The whole idea was yours, and yours alone ; 
 So shall your mental powers be highly rated, 
 And you, no doubt, be duly elevated. 
 You'll rise to any station, that you wish, up ; 
 Be made a prebend or who knows? a 
 
 bishop." 
 
 Who then so happy as that silly Ram? 
 He frisked and gamboled like a very lamb ; 
 And joyfully he cried ; " Now do I see 
 The love, dear Uncle, that you bear to me. 
 What credit will not this adventure bring ! 
 How shall I be respected by the King ! 
 That I such clever letters should indite 
 I, who was ne'er considered over bright ! 
 And all this pleasure and this honor too, 
 I've none to thank for, Uncle dear, but you. 
 No longer will I tarry. Let me see : 
 You're sure that Puss will not go back with 
 
 me?" 
 
 "Nay," answered Reynard, "that's im- 
 possible : 
 For, truth to speak, he's just now far from 
 
 well; 
 
 A cold he's got has settled in his head ; 
 He's had his gruel and is gone to bed : 
 His Aunt it is, this treatment doth advise ; 
 She's greatly skilled in all such remedies. 
 He'll follow speedily ; nay, I would swear 
 He'll be at Court as soon as you are there." 
 " Farewell, then ! " said the Ram, " no time 
 
 I'll waste, 
 Farewell ! " And off he started in great 
 
 haste : 
 Travelled all night, the roads not being 
 
 heavy, 
 And just arrived in time for the King's 
 
 leve"e. 
 When the King saw him with the wallet 
 
 on, 
 He motioned him he should approach the 
 
 Throne, 
 Then said, while he held out his hand to 
 
 kiss, 
 "Bellyn, you're welcome back; but what 
 
 means this ? 
 
 Is that not Reynard's wallet that you bear ? 
 Methinks that I should know it any where. 
 I trust you left him safe and well in health ; 
 I would not have him harmed for thrice his 
 
 wealth." 
 And Bellyn said; "Despatches, Sire, I 
 
 bring
 
 
 40 
 
 REYNARD THE FOX. 
 
 From Reynard greeting to my Lord the 
 
 King; 
 
 To get them all complete we both combin'd ; 
 And what he executed, I design' d. 
 For though the handy -work by him was 
 
 done, 
 
 The whole idea was mine, and mine alone. 
 He tied the knots in a peculiar way, 
 Which you would understand, he bade me 
 
 say." 
 
 The King, perplexed, straight for the Bea- 
 ver sent, 
 
 He was a man for learning eminent ; 
 Could read off-hand, and seldom stopped to 
 
 spell ; 
 Knew foreign tongues and his own pretty 
 
 well; 
 
 He acted for the King as Notary ; 
 To read despatches oft employed was he ; 
 Vast was his science ; Castor was his name ; 
 And at the Royal bidding now he came. 
 And Tybalt was commanded to assist, 
 The fastenings of the wallet to untwist. 
 The strings untied, the pouch was op'd ; 
 
 when lo ! 
 
 A sight of dread and agonizing woe ! 
 Forth Castor drew the poor Hare's mangled 
 
 head ; 
 "This call you a despatch, forsooth?" he 
 
 said ; 
 
 " I own it fairly puzzles my poor brains ; 
 Heav'n only knows, for I don't, what it 
 
 means." 
 Both King and Queen were startled and 
 
 distress' d ; 
 
 Atid Noble's head sunk down upon his 
 
 breast ; 
 
 The only words he said distinctly were 
 " Oh ! Reynard! Reynard ! would I had you 
 
 here ! " 
 
 Then long a stern and solemn silence kept ; 
 Till, by degrees, along the circle crept 
 Th' astounding tidings that the King had 
 
 wept. 
 At length his grief found utt' ranee, and he 
 
 spoke, 
 While his strong frame like to a Woman's 
 
 shook ; 
 "He has deceived me; Me! his King and 
 
 Lord! 
 
 How could I trust the perjured Traitor's word ? 
 Oh ! day of shame ! where shall I hide my 
 
 head? 
 Disgraced! dishonored! would that I were 
 
 dead!" 
 He seemed quite frantic ; and the Courtly 
 
 Crew 
 Felt it their duty to seem frantic too. 
 
 But Leopardus, near the throne who stood, 
 A Prince he was, and of the Royal blood 
 Thus spake; "My gracious Liege, I cannot 
 
 see 
 Why You and our good Queen thus grieved 
 
 should be. 
 
 Banish such gloomy feelings, and take heart ; 
 Despair was never yet a Monarch's part. 
 As You, Sire, who so prudent ? who so strong ? 
 Remember too, a King can do no wrong." 
 
 " Alas ! " cried Noble, " it is even so ; 
 And this it is adds sharpness to my woe. 
 'Tis not alone that I have been deceiv'd ; 
 For that, I might' have well in private griev'd ; 
 But that the Wretch, to gain his wicked ends, 
 Has caused me do injustice to my Friends ; 
 Bruin and Is'grim, who in prison lie, 
 The Victims of his cursed villany. 
 Is't not enough my soul to overwhelm, 
 That the two noblest Barons of my realm 
 Should be so punished, and for no offence, 
 But my blind trust in Reynard's evidence? 
 Alas ! 'twas in an evil hour, I ween, 
 I heeded the persuasions of the Queen ; 
 She, in simplicity a very child, 
 By his false tongue was easily beguil'd, 
 And for his pardon did so warmly pray 
 I should have been more firm but I gave way. 
 Idle is all regret ; advice too late ; 
 For even Kings must sometimes bow to Fate."
 
 REYNARD THE FOX. 
 
 41 
 
 The Leopard answered, " Sire, though you 
 know best, 
 
 Haply I may a useful hint suggest. 
 
 Some comfort to the Wolf and Bear 't would 
 bring 
 
 To have the Ram as a peace-offering: 
 
 You heard him boldly, as a boast, declare, 
 
 'T was he that counselled killing the poor 
 Hare. 
 
 Thus shall you deal him forth a righteous 
 fate, 
 
 And thus the injured Peers propitiate. 
 
 Then we will hunt the Fox through all the 
 land, 
 
 And kill him, if we catch him, out of hand ; 
 
 For if he get but liberty of speech, 
 
 The very Devil will he over-reach. 
 
 In fine, until that crafty Brute is slain, 
 
 No respite from our griefs shall we obtain." 
 He ceased ; and Noble, King of Beasts, re- 
 plies ; 
 
 " Your counsel pleases me, as just and wise. 
 
 Hasten and set th' imprisoned Barons free ; 
 
 In honor shall they take their state near me. 
 
 Be all the Council summoned : they shall learn 
 
 How foully that base Traitor is forsworn ; 
 
 How he and Bellyn killed the gentle Hare ; 
 
 How he traduced the loyal Wolf and Bear : 
 
 And, as you counsel, Bellyn and his Heirs 
 
 For ever I make o'er to them and theirs." 
 Then Leopardus went without delay 
 
 To where the Wolf and Bear in Prison lay. 
 
 Straight from their bonds by hi* commands 
 released, 
 
 In soothing words the Twain he thus ad- 
 dressed : 
 
 " Hail, Noble Lords I good tidings, lo, I 
 bring I 
 
 Full pardon and free conduct from the King '. 
 
 By law, you both have been condemned of 
 treason ; 
 
 And law is the perfection of all reason ; 
 
 But since 'tis proved you're free of all offence, 
 
 You're freely pardoned, for your innocence. 
 
 And likewise in some measure to atone 
 
 For all the sufPrings you have undergone, , 
 
 Bellyn and all his Tribe, the King declares, 
 
 Are given up to you and to your Heirs : 
 
 In grove or green whene'er you chance to 
 meet them, 
 
 You have full privilege to kill aud eat them. 
 
 Further, the King will lend his royal aid 
 
 To punish him by whom you've been betray' d ; 
 
 The Fox and all his Kindred, to a man, 
 You've leave to take and torture, if you can. 
 These rights, which unto you the King doth 
 
 yield, 
 
 Will all by his Successors be upheld ; 
 And, in return, you from your souls will 
 
 cast 
 
 All painful recollections of the past ; 
 Raised to your old estate, afresh will swear 
 Royal allegiance to the King to bear." 
 
 They took the pardon at the proffered price, 
 Bellyn the Simple fell a sacrifice : 
 And all his Kindred suffered too with him, 
 Victims to the fierce Clan of Isegrim. 
 Eternal war was entered on that day ; 
 The Wolves thenceforward made all Sheep 
 
 their prey ; 
 Hunting and worrying them by day and 
 
 night ; 
 They had the power, and therefore had the 
 
 right. 
 
 The Monarch further solace yet imparts 
 To Isegrim's and Bruin's wounded hearts, 
 By ordering a twelve-days' festival, 
 At which his Barons should be present all ; 
 That so his Lieges might distinctly see 
 Those the King loved, should duly honored be. 
 
 CHAPTER THE SEVENTH. 
 
 THK OUTLAWRY. 
 
 THE Court was for the festival prepared ; 
 And all who came, the banquet freely shared ; 
 By day and night succeeded endless feasts ; 
 Was never such a gathering of Beasts ; 
 All to do homage to the Wolf and Bear, 
 Who in their present joy forgot past care. 
 Nor did the Guests do nought but feed like 
 
 Brutes ; 
 
 The scene was varied with refined pursuits ; 
 The charms of music lent their soothing aid, 
 The big drums thundered and the trumpets 
 
 bray'd ; 
 
 The dance enlivened the convivial hall, 
 The courtly minuet and the common brawl ; 
 While day by day the sports afresh begin, 
 And day by day new Guests come trooping in. 
 To name them all would too much time 
 
 engross ; 
 
 There came the erudite Rhinoceros : 
 Thick-skinned himself, he flayed the thin- 
 skinned tribe, 
 A savage Critic, though himself a Scribe ;
 
 42 
 
 REYNARD THE FOX. 
 
 In all the gossip versed of former times, 
 He fashioned hist'ry into nurs'ry rhymes ; 
 Or, told in prose, made it seem all a shain, 
 By cooking up his facts d V ipigramme. 
 
 Next the Hyaena, the good Bishop, came, 
 His restless zeal forever in a flame ; 
 With his devices the whole kingdom rang, 
 So mixed they were of piety and slang : 
 No Blood-hound e'er so quick a scent as he 
 To track the tainted sons of Heresy ; 
 
 On that accursed and deadly schism which 
 
 taught 
 That in, and not by, baptism Grace was 
 
 caught. 
 There was Sir Nibble too, the long-haired 
 
 Rat; 
 
 Haggard and grim and sworn Foe to the Cat ; 
 Though he at one time, unless Rumor lied, 
 Had wished to 'list himself on Tybalt's side : 
 Hoped all past differences to efface, 
 
 Not Gaul by Roman, nor by Spartan, Helot, 
 Were used as they were by the reverend 
 
 Prelate : 
 Them with his pen he mangled sore ; and 
 
 would 
 
 Have had them burnt by inches, if he could. 
 He came ; but not in over-cheerful mood, 
 For at this time his thoughts could nought 
 
 but brood 
 
 And in his favor to obtain a place. 
 
 But when he found his fawning flatt'ry 
 
 spurned, 
 
 His sembled friendship into hate was turned ; 
 Where once he slavered, now he spat his 
 
 spite, 
 And shewed his rodent teeth and strove to 
 
 bite; 
 But Tybalt thought it prudent to determine
 
 REYNARD THE FOX. 
 
 43 
 
 To bide his time till be migbt crush the 
 
 Vermin. 
 
 There too was Jocko seen, the long-armed 
 Ape, 
 
 Who was in mind ungainly as in shape ; 
 
 Malice and fun in him so nicely blent, 
 
 When playful most, then most he mischief 
 meant ; 
 
 He chattered nonsense with look so demure, 
 
 Most Folks would think he must mean some- 
 thing sure ; 
 
 His very talents he would twist to ill, 
 
 For he could limn and draw with ease and 
 skill ; 
 
 But, just to prove his power at grimaces, 
 
 Caricatured his best Friends to their faces. 
 To count them all, for ages would endure ; 
 
 But Reynard was not one of them, be sure. 
 
 In watchful idleness he lurk'd at home, 
 
 That false pretended Palmer, bound for Rome. 
 
 To visit Court he was too circumspect ; 
 
 He knew what welcome he might there ex- 
 pect. 
 
 Safely at home himself he might applaud ; 
 
 But not so safely could appear abroad. 
 
 Meanwhile was held high junketing at 
 Court ; 
 
 There all was mirth and jollity and sport ; 
 
 Feasting and gambling were there, night and 
 day ; 
 
 And those who came to stuff remained to play. 
 
 Full was the royal palace as Noah's ark ; 
 
 Jousts were there held, and tourneys, in the 
 park. 
 
 From his high place the King surveyed the 
 whole, 
 
 And the vast tumult fill'd his mighty soul. 
 'T was now the eighth day of the festival ; 
 
 The King was set at table in his hall, 
 
 His Peers around, and by his side his Queen ; 
 
 When lo ! the Rabbit rushed upon the scene ! 
 
 Bunny the Mild, his face all smeared' d with 
 blood ; 
 
 And thus he spake, as panting there he stood ; 
 " Ah, Sire ! ah, hear me ! Lords and Gen- 
 tles all! 
 
 Or some such fate may some of you befall; 
 
 What murderous wrongs from Reynard I've 
 received ; 
 
 Too scandalous almost to be believed ! 
 
 I passed by Malepartus yesterday ; 
 
 My road in coming hither led that way ; 
 
 Dressed out in Pilgrim's habits there he sate, 
 
 Seemed to be reading Matins at his gate. 
 I hurried on, in haste to reach this Court, 
 Deeming Your summons, Sire, a safe escort. 
 He follow'd me yet still I thought 
 That he in courtesy but sought, 
 
 His friendly court to shew. 
 But he, without a moment's pause, 
 Fix'd in my neck his pointed claws, 
 
 And bore me to the ground ; 
 Hardly I scaped with life I trow, 
 For from his fierce and spiteful blow, 
 
 I bear this ghastly wound. 
 And as I strove his grasp to clear, 
 The villain tore away an ear, 
 
 As all may plainly see ! 
 Bethink thee, Sire, that day by day, 
 Thy bidden guests are made his prey, 
 And maim'd or slain on the highway, 
 
 For wanton cruelty.'' 
 He'd ended scarce, when there arose 
 Merknau the Crow, to state his woes, 
 Who cried: "Attend, mighty King, 
 And list the hideous tale I bring ! 
 For grief and truth, I scarce can speak, 
 Methinks my faithful heart will break, 
 Ere I the horrid deed can tell, 
 Which this unhappy morn befel. 
 As I with Scharfenebb, my dame, 
 Upon the moor at daylight came, 
 We found Reynard upon the heath, 
 Stretch' d out, sans motion, life or breath, 
 
 As corse long dead he lies ! 
 His tongue hangs from his gaping jaws, 
 Stiffen'd in death seem limbs and paws, 
 
 Inverted are his eyes ! 
 I felt his head and breast, but not 
 A sign of life was there I wot, 
 Grieved for his loss, and with my mate, 
 Lamented his unhappy fate, 
 
 And course so early run. 
 My wife meanwhile, draws near his chin, 
 And listens if perchance within, 
 
 Some sign of life remains ; 
 When snap ! her head is off, and he 
 Bounds from the earth, and makes at me. 
 I 'scaped, I know not how, into a tree ; 
 Unconscious terror must have winged my 
 
 flight : 
 And thence I saw, oh heavens ! what a 
 
 sight ! 
 
 Sooner, alas ! would I have lost my life ! 
 I saw the Murderer mangle my dear Wife ; 
 Her tender flesh I saw his talons tear,
 
 REYNARD THE FOX. 
 
 The crunching of her bones too could 1 hear. 
 So mad with hunger seemed the Cannibal, 
 That he devoured flesh, feathers, bones and 
 
 all! 
 That hour of anguish ne'er will be forgot ! 
 
 
 The Wretch now satiated left the spot ; 
 And I alighted on that cursed ground, 
 But nothing there save drops of gore I found, 
 And these few feathers from my poor Wife's 
 
 wing, 
 Which here in Court, to prove my case, I 
 
 bring. 
 
 " My tale is ended, Sire ! my task is done : 
 I've humbly laid my griefs before the Throne. 
 From his misdoings, all the Realm complains 
 'T is Reynard rules, and not the King that 
 
 reigns. 
 For those who have the power such crimes to 
 
 stem, 
 
 And yet repress them not, encourage them. 
 Forgive me if too bold in what I say ; 
 But grief is voluble and will have way." 
 Now all the court had heard these tales of 
 
 woe, 
 
 Both from the gentle Rabbit and the Crow. 
 And much incensed was Noble, King of 
 
 beasts, 
 
 Who liked not this disturbance in his feasts. 
 Thus then he spake in angry tones though 
 
 sad; 
 " Much have I borne with ; but this is far too 
 
 bad ! 
 
 In vain it seems that my behests are spoken ; 
 My laws are outraged and my peace is 
 
 broken. 
 
 This traitor has deceived me once before ; 
 But never, never shall deceive me more ! 
 Nor my fault is't that such a Criminal 
 Is still at large ; the Queen has done it all. 
 I shall not be the last, as not the first, 
 By woman's idle counsels to be curst. 
 But if this rebel Thief go longer free, 
 The name of justice will a mock'ry be. 
 Take council, then, my Lords, and do your best 
 To rid our kingdom of this common Pest." 
 
 Pleased were the Bear and Wolf this 
 
 speech to hear ; 
 And thought their hour of vengeance now 
 
 was near ; 
 
 But prudently were silent, seeing both 
 The King so much disturbed and deeply 
 wroth. 
 
 At length the Queen in gentle accents 
 
 spake ; 
 " Do not, dear Lord, your plans too rashly 
 
 make ; 
 
 Calm dignity will best assert the Right ; 
 Of angry words th' eifect is oft but slight. 
 Men oft blame Others their own guilt to hide; 
 Justice demands to hear the other side ; 
 Of those who're loudest in his absence, some, 
 If he were present, would perchance be dumb. 
 For Reynard ; skilful, wise and wary still 
 I knew him, and suspected nought of ill. 
 All I advised was with the best intent, 
 Though the result has prov'd so different. 
 From all I ever heard or understood, 
 If bad his deeds, yet his advice was good. 
 Behooves us to remember in this case 
 His num'rous Followers and powerful Race. 
 With over-haste affairs but badly speed ; 
 But what your Royal will shall have decreed, 
 That shall your faithful Subjects execute ; 
 And thus ripe counsels yield their proper 
 fruit." 
 
 Then spake the royal Libbard thus; "My 
 
 Lord, 
 
 Permit me humbly to throw in a word ; 
 I own I think that Reynard should be heard. 
 With ease You can Your objects carry out. 
 When he comes hither, as he will, no doubt. 
 I think this is the general view ; I mean, 
 We all would take the same view as the 
 Queen." 
 
 Then Isegrim spake out; "Forgive me, 
 
 Prince, 
 
 Your words, though wise, do not my mind 
 convince.
 
 REYNARD THE FOX. 
 
 45 
 
 Put case that Reynard now were present here, 
 And from this doi/ble charge himself could 
 
 clear ; 
 
 Yet would I undertake to show good cause 
 His worthless life lies forfeit to the laws. 
 But of such matters better silent be 
 Until we have him safe in custody. 
 Have you forgot the wondrous tale he told 
 About King Emm'rick's hidden store of gold? 
 At Husterlow, near Krekelburn, he swore 
 It would be found, and fifty falsehoods more. 
 Both me and Bruin hath he brought to shame ; 
 And life we hold less dear than our good name. 
 And yet at freedom roams the Rebel still, 
 And steals and murders whom and what he 
 
 will. 
 
 If to the King and Council this seem fit, 
 We, howsoever wronged, must needs submit. 
 Prince Libbard though suggests he may ap- 
 pear 
 
 E'en yet at Court ; but why is he not here ? 
 The Royal missive bade all Lieges come ; 
 But he. the skulking Thief ! remains at home.' ' 
 Then said the King of Beasts ; " Why more 
 
 delay ? 
 
 Why for the Traitor's coming longer stay ? 
 My Royal will is, ye all ready be 
 On the sixth day from this to follow me. 
 Unless our pow'r shall quite be set at nought, 
 These ills, my Lords, must to a close be 
 
 brought. 
 
 Prepare yourselves at once for battle's din ; 
 Come, armed with sword and bow and jave- 
 lin ; 
 
 Let each right worthily his weapons wield, 
 So he may merit knighthood on the field. 
 My Subjects I expect will aid their Liege; 
 The fortress Malepartus we'll besiege ; 
 And all its myst'ries into daylight bring." 
 Then cried they all aloud ; " Long live the 
 
 King!" 
 Thus were the Monarch and the Peers 
 
 agreed ; 
 
 And Reynard's certain doom now seemed de- 
 creed. 
 
 But Greybeard, at the banquet who had been, 
 In secret left the gay and festive scene. 
 He hastened off the wary Fox to find, 
 And let him know what now was in the wind. 
 And as alone his weary way he sped, 
 Thus to himself the grieving Badger said ; 
 
 "Ah! Uncle dear ! how I deplore thy case ; 
 Thou prop and ornament of all our Race ! 
 
 With thee to aid us and to plead our cause 
 We never feared the rigor of the laws." 
 Thus he arrived at Malepartus' gate, 
 Where in the open air Sir Reynard sate. 
 Two youthful Pigeons he his prey had made, 
 Who their first flight that morning had es- 
 
 say'd ; 
 
 But ill-supported by their new-fledged wings, 
 They fell, and he pounced on the poor weak 
 
 things. 
 
 Soon as he saw the Badger drawing near 
 He rose and said ; " Ah, welcome, Nephew 
 
 dear ! 
 
 For dear you are to me 'fore all my Kin ; 
 But what a mortal hurry you seem in ! 
 How hot you are ! and how you puff and 
 
 blow ! 
 You bring some cheerful news for me, I 
 
 know." 
 
 "Alas!" said Greybeard, panting, "any- 
 thing 
 
 But cheerful, Uncle, are the news I bring. 
 For all, excepting honor, now is lost : 
 Ne'er have I known King Noble seem so crost ; 
 Deep hath he vowed a shameful death shall be 
 The doom of Reynard and his Family. 
 He and his Barons bold, a doughty Band, 
 Armed at all points, for such is his com- 
 mand, 
 
 With bow and sword and javelin and spear, 
 On the sixth day from this will all be here. 
 Bethink you then in time ; for what can you, 
 'Gainst such an army, single-handed do? 
 Bruin and Isegrim are with the King 
 Quite reconciled ; their will is every thing. 
 The Wolf of crimes of every sort and kind 
 Accuses you, and sways the Royal mind. 
 He has, as you will but too shortly see, 
 Been raised to a Field Marshal's dignity. 
 The Crow and Rabbit have been both at Court, 
 And of your doings made a sad report. 
 Should the King this time get you in his 
 
 pow'r, 
 Your life's not worth the purchase of an 
 
 hour." 
 " That all ? Your story moves me," quoth 
 
 the Fox, 
 
 "As summer breezes do primaeval rocks. 
 As for the King and all his Council too, 
 I'll warrant me they'll have enough to do ; 
 At least to talk about ; because, in fact, 
 They'll prate and prate for ever, and not act. 
 About such trifles, Nephew, do not fret ;
 
 46 
 
 REYNARD THE FOX. 
 
 But just step in and see what we can get. 
 You see these nice young Pigeons I've just 
 
 caught ; 
 
 They are the best of eating, to my thought ; 
 Their bones and flesh like jellied milk and 
 
 blood : 
 So light; and I'm compell'd to take light 
 
 food; 
 
 My Wife too is of the same taste as I ; 
 Come in ; she'll welcome you right heartily. 
 She is not well though, so I would not let her 
 Know why you come ; for trifles quite upset 
 
 her. 
 
 We'll start to-morrow ; and I'm nought afraid 
 
 But you'll afford me kind and kindred aid." 
 
 Quoth Greybeard, " I would die for you with 
 
 pleasure." 
 Quoth Reynard, "You oblige me past all 
 
 measure. 
 
 And if I live, as well I trust I may, 
 Be sure that I your kindness will repay.' ' 
 "Go," said the other, "go before your 
 
 Peers, 
 
 With that brave honest heart, devoid of fears ; 
 At least a hearing you'll obtain from them. 
 Even Prince Libbard says they can't condemn, 
 Until they've heard all you may have to say ; 
 And the Queen thinks precisely the same way. 
 This hint to your advantage you may guide." 
 '' Be sure I will ; " the crafty Fox replied ; 
 " Howe'er the King may storm ; in his de- 
 
 spight, 
 
 I have no doubt to make the matter right ; 
 I know the bait at which he'll surely bite." 
 
 So into Reynard's dwelling now they went ; 
 The Housewife welcomed them with kind 
 
 intent ; 
 
 The hospitable board was quickly spread, 
 And on the Pigeons daintily they fed ; 
 Duly divided each one had his share ; 
 Much were they relished and was nought to 
 
 spare. 
 
 They could, for it was but a scanty feast, 
 Have eaten half a dozen more at least. 
 
 The meal concluded, they to chat begin ; 
 And the fond Father has the Children in ; 
 And as they climb and cling about his knees 
 They waken his parental sympathies : 
 
 " Are they not charming little Rogues?" 
 
 he said, 
 
 " So frolic, yet so thoroughly well-bred. 
 Russell is such a Scamp ; and his young 
 
 Brother, 
 
 Greykin, will one day prove just such another. 
 
 Never will they their lineage disgrace ; 
 
 Their principles do honor to their Race. 
 
 One a young straggling Bantam up shall pick, 
 
 The other pounce upon a Guinea-chick ; 
 
 Nor do they rest contented on dry ground, 
 
 But plunge for Ducklings in the Parson's 
 pond. 
 
 To hunt I'd send them oft'ner, if I durst ; 
 
 But care and prudence they must study first ; 
 
 Learn never to be taken unawares, 
 
 And to avoid all Hunters, Dogs and snares. 
 
 And when by habit they expert shall grow, 
 
 And courage, tempered with due caution, show, 
 
 In search of prey then daily shall they roam, 
 
 And never shall we want for food at home 
 
 Slow stealthy step, low crouch and steadfast 
 aim, 
 
 Sure Spring and firm grip ; that is Rey- 
 nard's game ; 
 
 Thus have we still upheld the credit of our 
 
 name." 
 
 "Ay, Children are in truth great blessings, 
 Sir;" 
 
 Said Greybeard, who was still a Bachelor. 
 
 " Pledges of holy and of lawful love, 
 
 A constant joy and solace must they prove ; 
 
 Centered in them the happy Parents see 
 
 The pleasures both of Hope and Memory ; 
 
 And if sometimes they prove a source of 
 trouble, 
 
 That makes, no doubt, the latter pleasure 
 double. 
 
 Nor are your joys confined to you alone ; 
 
 /love your Children as they were my own." 
 " Suffice it for to-day;" then Reynard 
 said ; 
 
 " We all are sleepy ; let us now to bed." 
 Then on the floor, soft strewn with leaves 
 and hay, 
 
 Their weary limbs adown to rest they lay. 
 
 But Reynard could not sleep for haunting 
 cares, 
 
 So grave appeared the posture of affairs. 
 
 He tossed and tumbled all the livelong night, 
 
 With aching eyes he met the morning light. 
 
 Then to the Partner of his joys and woes 
 
 Thus did he speak, as from his couch he rose ; 
 " Be not alarmed ; to Court I go again 
 
 At Greybeard's wish; at home you'll safe re- 
 main. 
 
 That no one know where I am gone 'twere 
 best;
 
 REYNARD THE FOX. 
 
 47 
 
 Be of good cheer and leave to Heav'n the 
 
 rest." 
 "What!'' cried Dame Ermelyne, "Again 
 
 to Court ! 
 Methinks your foes would wish no better 
 
 sport. 
 
 Are you obliged to go ? Bethink you well 
 Of what on your last visit there befell." 
 "Indeed," quoth Reynard, "it was past 
 
 a jest, 
 I ne'er remember to have been so prest. 
 
 But nothing certain is beneath the sun ; 
 No matter how a thing may be begun, 
 None can say how 'twill finish, till 'tis 
 
 done. 
 
 Albeit 'tis needful that to Court I go, 
 For I have much that's weighty there to do, 
 Be calm, I beg you ; there is nought to fear ; 
 A week at furthest I'll again be here. 
 Adieu then, for a time, dear Love ; " he cried ; 
 Then off he starts with Greybeard at his side. 
 
 CHAPTER THE EIGHTH. 
 
 THE JOURNEY. 
 
 Towards King Noble's Court without delay, 
 Greybeard and Reynard now held on their 
 
 way. 
 And the Fox said, " My heart feels quite 
 
 elate, 
 
 This journey will, I know, prove fortunate. 
 And yet, dear Nephew, since I last confest, 
 My life has truly not been of the best. 
 Hear what fresh crimes I now have to de- 
 plore ; 
 Some too which I forgot to tell before. 
 
 " A good stout scrip I've had from Bruin's 
 
 hide: 
 
 The Wolf and his good Lady have supplied 
 My tender feet, each with a pair of shoes ; 
 
 'Tis thus I've wreaked my vengeance on my 
 
 Foes. 
 
 The King too, I confess, I've badly treated, 
 And with gross falsehoods scandalously 
 
 cheated. 
 Further, for nought will I conceal from 
 
 you, 
 I killed the Hare, and what's more, ate him 
 
 too : 
 
 His mangled head by Bcllyn I sent back, 
 Trusting the King would stretch him on the 
 
 rack. 
 
 The Rabbit too, I tried to make my prey ; 
 Although thank Heav'n for that ! he got 
 
 away. 
 
 Th' offence of which the Crow doth now com- 
 plain 
 
 Is not without foundation in the main : 
 For why should I the simple truth disguise ? 
 I did devour his wife before his eyes. 
 
 " These my chief sins are since my last 
 
 confession ; 
 
 But I omitted then an old transgression ; 
 A trick, for which I hope forgiv'n to be, 
 Against the Wolf, mine ancient Enemy. 
 
 " One day we happened to be travelling 
 The road between Kaktyss and Elverding; 
 When we a Mare perceived with her young 
 
 Foal, 
 
 The Dam and Daughter each as black as coal ; 
 ' Bout four months old the Filly seemed to be ; 
 Said Is' grim, who was nearly starved, to me, 
 ' See, prithee, Nephew, if you can entice 
 ' Yon Mare to sell her Foal at any price.' 
 Rash was the venture, I was well aware ; 
 But up I trotted, and addressed the Mare , 
 ' Say, dearest Madam, may I make so bold 
 ' To ask if this sweet Creature's to be sold ? 
 ' If so, for it belongs to you, I see, 
 ' I trust upon the price we may agree.' 
 Said she : ' Yes, if I get the sum I want, 
 ' I '11 sell her ; and 'tis not exorbitant ; 
 ' You '11 find it written on my near hind hoof.' 
 I guessed her meaning and kept well aloof. 
 ' Alas !' I cried, as though I nought suspected ; 
 ' My education has been sore neglected ; 
 ' Reading and writing are beyond my pow'r ; 
 ' My parents have a deal to answer for. 
 ' Not for myself the dear Child I desire ; 
 ' It was the Wolf who bade me to inquire.' 
 ' He'd better come himself,' replied the Mare ; 
 Quoth I, ' I'll tell him what your wishes are.' 
 So where he waited I joined Isegrim :
 
 
 48 
 
 REYNARD THE FOX. 
 
 ' The Foal is to be had,' said I to him ; 
 
 'The price is written on the Mare's hind 
 hoof; 
 
 ' She kindly offered me to see the proof ; 
 
 ' But. 'twas no use to me, who cannot read ; 
 
 ' My life, alas ! has sadly run to seed. 
 
 ' But you, dear Uncle, soon will make it out ; 
 
 'Approach and read, for you can read.no 
 doubt.' 
 
 Said Isegrim, ' I rather think I can ; 
 
 ' German, French, Latin and Italian. 
 
 ' To school I went at Erfurt, theo to college, 
 
 ' Where I picked up a vast amount of know- 
 ledge ; 
 
 ' Took duly my degrees and honors too ; 
 
 ' I swear I quite forget how much I knew : 
 
 ' All one learns there is wondrously abstruse, 
 
 'Though not, perhaps, in practice of much use. 
 
 ' I'll go and the inscription read at once, 
 
 ' To prove that, though a Scholar, I'm no 
 Dunce.' 
 
 So off he started to the Mare, quite bold, 
 
 Asked for how much the Foal was to be sold ; 
 
 She gave the answer she had giv'n before ; 
 
 And down he stooped the writing to explore. 
 
 Her hoof she lifted gently from the grass ; 
 
 Fresh shod and armed with six new nails it 
 was ; 
 
 And fetched him a full plumper on the head, 
 
 That down he tumbled, stunned, and lay for 
 dead. 
 
 Then off she galloped with her frisky Foal, 
 
 And whinnied as she went, for joy of soul. 
 
 For a good hour the Wolf lay on the ground, 
 
 Then 'gan to howl, like any beaten Hound. 
 
 I hastened up to him, and, 'Uncle, say,' 
 
 Quoth I, ' What causes you lament this way ? 
 
 ' Have you your bargain made with Ma- 
 dam Mare ? 
 
 'And eaten up her Foal? that's not quite 
 fair! 
 
 ' Sure, for my pains I should have had 
 my share. 
 
 ' And, as you are so learned, prithee do 
 
 ' Expound to me the writing on the shoe ? ' 
 
 ' Ah me ! I am derided ! ' he made moan ; 
 
 ' My suff 'rings though might melt a heart of 
 stone. 
 
 ' Never before did I so badly fare. 
 
 ' Oh ! may the Devil fetch that long-legged 
 Mare ! 
 
 ' Six bleeding wounds I have in my poor 
 head. 
 
 ' The only wonder is I am not dead.' 
 
 " Thus I've confessed, as far as I am able. 
 And made my conscience clean and comfort- 
 able. 
 
 Now that is done, I trust to hear from you 
 Some ghostly counsel what is next to do." 
 
 Him Greybeard answers thus ; " 'Tistrue 
 
 indeed 
 
 Of ghostly counsel you stand sore in need ; 
 For from your tone I gather that, as yet, 
 Your crimes you rather boast of, than regret. 
 'Tis true, regret for past misdeeds is vain ; 
 It cannot bring the Dead to life again. 
 Your sins I must in charity forgive, 
 Seeing how short a time you have to live ; 
 For certainly the worst results I dread : 
 You never can get over that Hare's head. 
 It was in sooth a most audacious thing 
 To aggravate the anger of the King ! 
 More mischief to your cause thereby you've 
 
 done 
 Than in your thoughtlessness you reckon 
 
 on." 
 " Nay, not a jot," replied th' undaunted 
 
 Rogue ; 
 
 "Self-interest will always be in vogue, 
 Those in the world who live must look to 
 
 rough it, 
 And meet with many a kick and many a 
 
 buffet, 
 He who would best get on must rant and 
 
 roister, 
 
 Nor think to pass his time as in a cloister. 
 As for the Hare, I own he tempted me ; 
 He skipped and sprang about so saucily, 
 And looked so plump, that howsoe'er I 
 
 strove,
 
 
 REYNARD THE FOX. 
 
 49 
 
 My appetite proved stronger than my love. 
 For the Ram's fate I do not care a pin ; 
 His was the suflfring ; mine may be the sin. 
 'Tis not my worst misdeed by many a one ; 
 My penance otherwise were quickly done. 
 To love our Neighbors we are told, 'tis true ; 
 But Most do just what they ought not to do. 
 What's done though can't be helped; and, as 
 
 you said, 
 
 'Tis worse than useless to regret the Dead. 
 Useless indeed, I think, is all regret ; 
 Save some advantage from it one can get. 
 
 "Enough of this ! we live in awful times ! 
 No Rank or Station seems exempt from 
 
 crimes ! 
 Corruption from the Rich spreads to the 
 
 Poor ; 
 
 Good men the gen'ral 111 can but deplore ; 
 And though we dare not speak, we think the 
 
 more. 
 "The King himself will plunder, that we 
 
 know, 
 
 As much as any of his Subjects do ; 
 And, what he does not take himself, de- 
 volves, 
 
 As lawful prey, upon the Bears and Wolves. 
 To speak the truth dares not a single Soul, 
 The mischief may be ne'er so great or foul. 
 The Clergy keep quite silent ; and no won- 
 der ; 
 
 They have a decent portion of the plunder. 
 If of extortion any one complains, 
 He only has his trouble for his pains. 
 If aught that you possess the Great allures, 
 Then may you safely say it has been yours. 
 But Few to tales of grievance will attend ; 
 And they are sure to weary in the end. 
 Noble, the Lion, is our Lord and King ; 
 He acts as he were Lord of every thing ; 
 He calls us oft his Children ; and, 'twould 
 
 seem, 
 
 Forsooth, that all we have belongs to him. 
 For let me speak my mind ; our gracious 
 
 King 
 Loves ever those the most, who most can 
 
 bring ; 
 And who will dance as he may choose to 
 
 sing. 
 
 The Many suffer, though but Few complain ; 
 The Bear and Wolf are now in pow'r again ; 
 They steal and rob and pillage, left and 
 
 right; 
 And yet find favor in the Royal sight. 
 
 VOL. IV. W. H. 
 
 While each who might have influence is 
 
 dumb, 
 Living in hopes that his own time may 
 
 come. 
 
 Let a poor Devil, like myself, but take 
 A paltry chicken, what a howl they make! 
 They're all upon his back without remorse, 
 And he's condemned to suffer, as of course. 
 For those who crimes commit of deeper dye, 
 No mercy show to petty larceny. 
 
 " Such thoughts, I own, have often crossed 
 
 my mind 
 
 When to repentance I have felt inclin'd ; 
 And to myself I've said, in Reason's spite, 
 That what so many do must sure be right. 
 Conscience indeed within me sometimes stirs, 
 And says, with that peculiar voice of hers . 
 ' Reynard, why seek thus to deceive thy- 
 self? 
 
 ' No good came ever of unrighteous pelf.' 
 Then deep remorse I've felt for doing wrong ; 
 Deep for the moment, but not lasting long. 
 Because, look round the world which way I 
 
 would, 
 
 I saw the Bad fared better than the Good. 
 Not, as times go, can every one afford 
 To cherish Virtue as its own reward. 
 
 " The people too, save their nobility, 
 In all their Betters' secrets love to pry ; 
 Their faults they will observe and con by 
 
 rote, 
 
 And pick holes e'en in Honor's petticoat. 
 '' But the worst feature of this pinchbeck 
 
 age, 
 Which, if my scorn it mov'd not, would my 
 
 rage, 
 
 Is, that all sorts of public men we see 
 Merged in the slough of mediocrity. 
 There will they plunge and wade and flounce 
 
 and flounder, 
 
 Endeav'ring each to keep the other under ; 
 For if one strive, by merits of his own, 
 To rise, his Neighbors pelt and pull him 
 
 down, 
 As though 't were quite agreed that little 
 
 men 
 
 From a dead level had the furthest ken ; 
 That by example might the World be 
 
 schooled 
 With what a small amount of wisdom it is 
 
 ruled. 
 
 " In private, too, all paltry vices flourish ; 
 Men are morose and selfish, sly and currish :
 
 50 
 
 REYNARD THE FOX. 
 
 
 Backbiting, malice, lying and false-swearing 
 Have become matters of familiar bearing. 
 Hypocrites and false Prophets so abound 
 That Truth, save in a well, can ne'er be 
 
 found. 
 
 " If to remonstrate with them you should try, 
 Quickly and coolly will they thus reply ; 
 'The sins you mention cannot serious be, 
 Or sure the Clergy from them would be 
 
 free.' 
 
 Thus, following those of a superior station, 
 The People sin, like Apes, by imitation. 
 Thinking and acting much as Monkeys do, 
 They often get the same allowance too. 
 
 " Truly the Priesthood better should be- 
 have; 
 With common care, their credit they might 
 
 save. 
 
 But it quite marvelous appears to me 
 The slight in which they hold the Laity. 
 Before our very eyes they do not mind 
 To act in any way they feel inclin'd ; 
 As though we all, like Bats, or Moles, were 
 
 blind. 
 
 And ev'ry one, his eyes who uses, knows 
 What kind of store they set upon their vows. 
 Beyond the Alps, 'tis said, that ev'ry Priest 
 Holds consort with one Mistress at the least ; 
 And what is winked at by the Court of Rome 
 No wonder should be practised here at home. 
 The holy Fathers, if truth may be spoke, 
 Have Children just like any married Folk ; 
 And, with paternal love, take care enough 
 None of their Offspring shall be badly off ; 
 These, never thinking what was their Mam- 
 ma, 
 
 To lawful Children will not yield the pas ; 
 Others they treat with as much slight and 
 
 scorn, 
 
 As they were honestly, nay, nobly born. 
 Clad in the armor of sheer impudence, 
 They have of shame or modesty no sense. 
 Time was, these base-born Sons o'th' Clergy 
 
 knew 
 
 What was their proper place, and kept it too. 
 But now they go about as brave and bold 
 As any Lords. Such is the pow'r of gold. 
 " You see the Priest possessed, go where 
 
 you will, 
 Of toll and tribute from each farm and 
 
 mill ; 
 
 And thus the World is disciplined to ill. 
 No marvel the poor People go astray, 
 
 When, blind themselves, the Blind lead them 
 
 the way. 
 
 " Where for that pattern Pastor shall we look 
 Content to feed and not to shear his flock ; 
 Who the pure precepts of the Gospel teaches, 
 And practises the doctrines that he preaches ; 
 Who, if he suffer Wrong, will pardon it, 
 And turn his right cheek if his left be smit ; 
 Who upon worldly treasures sets no store, 
 But sells his all and gives it to the Poor ? 
 Alas ! much readier a Priest you'll find 
 To pride, revenge, and avarice inclin'd. 
 Such set the Laity a vile example, 
 And on all precepts of their Master trample. 
 " As for their Bastards, would they quiet be, 
 No one on earth would notice them, you see. 
 'Tis but their vanity that we condemn ; 
 For most unjust it were to carp at them. 
 It is not Race that makes us great or good ; 
 Nor shame nor honor come by birth or blood. 
 Let Heralds draw what fancied lines they can, 
 Virtue and Vice alone mark man from man. 
 The honest Priest will ever honored be ; 
 The bad be shunned, whate'er his pedigree ; 
 How good soe'er the sermons he may preach, 
 Folks will contrast his actions with his speech. 
 ' What does he for the Church ? ' they'll argue 
 
 thus, 
 
 ' He who is ever preaching up to us 
 "Be sure you keep your Church in good 
 
 repair, 
 " My Brethren, if of Grace you wish to 
 
 share : ' ' 
 ' For aught he does himself, while us he 
 
 fleeces, 
 
 ' The sacred edifice might fall to pieces.' 
 " In costly fare and sumptuous array 
 They squander more than half their wealth 
 
 away. 
 Engrossed with worldly thoughts, how can 
 
 they spare 
 
 Their time for acts of piety and pray'r ? 
 While the good Pastor so at least I've 
 
 heard 
 
 Devotes his life to th' service of the Lord ; 
 With modest temperance and sober gaiety, 
 Setting a good example to the Laity. 
 
 " Full well too do I know the hooded class ; 
 A dirty, frowzy, hypocritic Race ; 
 A tribe of prowling, prying Creatures, which 
 Spend their whole time in hunting up the 
 
 Rich. 
 Adepts in flattery, they reckon most
 
 REYNARD THE FOX. 
 
 51 
 
 How they may use it on a liberal Host. 
 If one but get a footing, three or four 
 Are sure to follow, if not many more. 
 Who in the cloister only longest prates 
 Is sure to gain promotion o'er his Mates ; 
 Reader he's made, Librarian or Prior, 
 Or he may even mount to something higher. 
 Others, as good as he, are thrust aside ; 
 The prizes so unfairly they divide. 
 Some pass their time in fasting and in pray'r, 
 While others sleep or sumptuously fare. 
 " As for your Papal Legates, Prelates, 
 
 Deans, 
 Your Abbesses, your Nijns, and your Be- 
 
 guines, 
 
 What tales might I tell of them if I would ; 
 Yet little I regret, to say, that's good. 
 One cry they always have, and one alone ; 
 'T is, ' Give me yours and let me keep my 
 
 own.' 
 
 But few there are, not Ten assuredly, 
 Who strictly with their Founder's rules com- 
 
 piy. 
 
 'T is thus the Church acquires a doubtful 
 
 name, 
 Is brought to weakness, and sometimes to 
 
 shame." 
 
 " Uncle," the Badger said, " I cannot guess 
 Why you should other People's sins confess. 
 If they've done 111, what Good is that to 
 
 you? 
 
 With your own matters you've enough to do. 
 Why should you meddle with the Priests and 
 
 Nuns? 
 Sure Mother Church can manage her own 
 
 Sons. 
 
 Let each his own peculiar burdens bear ; 
 Let each th' account of his own deeds pre- 
 pare ; 
 
 The audit-day will surely come, which none, 
 Or in, or out a cloister-walls, can shun. 
 "You talk too much though of all sorts of 
 
 things ; 
 
 Scarce can I follow all your wanderings ; 
 I sometimes fear you'll leave me in the lurch ; 
 Pity you did not go into the Church. 
 Great as your lore, you'd there find scope for 
 
 it; 
 
 I should, with Others, reap the benefit. 
 The most of us, I own, are Brutes indeed, 
 And of good doctrine stand in awful need." 
 Now the Court's precincts they approached 
 
 at last ; 
 
 Said Reynard to himself " The die is cast ! " 
 When on the road Martin the Ape they met, 
 Who off upon a tour to Rome had set ; 
 And both he kindly greeted. " Uncle dear," 
 Thus to the Fox, "be of good heart and 
 
 cheer." 
 
 Then questions put he to him, not a few, 
 Although the state of matters well he knew. 
 " My good luck seems for ever to have fled," 
 To Martin then the wily Reynard said ; 
 "Some scurvy Comrades, moved by dirty 
 
 spleen, 
 
 Again, I find, accusing me have been. 
 The Rabbit and the Crow complain, I hear, 
 That one has lost a Wife, and one an ear. 
 But what on earth has that to do with me ? 
 That would I make them pretty quickly see, 
 If to the King I could but get to speak ; 
 My cause I know is strong, as theirs is weak. 
 But still I labor 'neath the Papal Ban, 
 A wretched excommunicated man ! 
 There's not a Soul, except the Prebendary, 
 Can rescue me from out this sad quandary. 
 Unhappily, though why I cannot tell, 
 I don't stand, somehow, with the Clergy 
 
 well. 
 
 This and more evils to a vast amount, 
 I suffer upon Isegrim's account. 
 
 "A Monk he once became ; but one fine day 
 He from the monastery ran away : 
 The rules he found too rigid, and he sware 
 He lost his time in fasting and in pray'r. 
 I helped his flight ; a cause of deep regret, 
 Which I have ever felt and do so yet ; 
 For nought since then he's done but slander 
 
 me, 
 
 And work me ev'ry kind of injury. 
 What if I made a pilgrimage to Rome ; 
 How would my family get on at home? 
 Isegrim then would cause them endless 111 ; 
 He'd have the pow'r, as he now has the will. 
 And many Others are there who design 
 All sorts of mischief both to me and mine. 
 If from this awful Ban I were but freed, 
 My cause at Court were certain to succeed " 
 Said Martin, " I am glad 'tis in my pow'r 
 To do you service in this trying hour. 
 I am just starting on a tour to Rome; 
 And may do much t' ameliorate your doom. 
 You are my Kinsman ; set your mind at 
 
 rest ; 
 
 I will not suffer you to be oppress' d. 
 I've some weight, as the Bishop's Secretary ;
 
 52 
 
 REYNARD THE FOX. 
 
 I'll make him cite to Rome the Prebendary ; 
 Against him in your cause will I make fight, 
 And, Uncle, they shall do you ample right. 
 The doom of Ban, reversed shall shortly be, 
 Your absolution I'll bring back with me. 
 Your Foes their long hostility shall rue, 
 Losing their labor and their money too. 
 I know how causes may at Rome be won, 
 And what is best to do, what leave undone. 
 My Cousin, Simon, has great influence ; 
 For our name's sake he'll favor your de- 
 fence : 
 
 There's Gripeall too, Greedy and Eitherside, 
 And Turncoat, and I know not who beside. 
 For I have at the College many a Friend, 
 Who to our cause their able aid will lend ; 
 Or, rather let me say, their aid will sell ; 
 For only those they help who fee them well. 
 I've sent my money first, for that alone 
 Will there ensure that justice shall be done. 
 Loudly they talk of justice, and such cant, 
 But 'tis your money that they really want. 
 How crooked be a cause, or intricate, 
 The touch of gold will make it plain and 
 
 straight. 
 
 With that to find a welcome you are sure, 
 Without it, closed against you ev'ry door. 
 "Do you then, Uncle, stay at home ; while 
 
 I 
 
 Your knotty cause will manage to untie. 
 To Court 'twere best you should at once re- 
 pair ; 
 Seek out my Wife, Dame Ruckenaw, when 
 
 there ; 
 She 's a shrewd Soul, and with the King and 
 
 Queen 
 
 A special Favorite has ever been. 
 Take her advice, whate'er she recommend ; 
 There 's nothing but she'll do t' oblige a 
 
 Friend. 
 On many a staunch Ally you there will 
 
 light; 
 
 Such often help one more than being right. 
 Her Sisters two are sure with her to be, 
 And my three Children, for I have but three ; 
 And many others of our common Kin, 
 Who '11 stoutly stick by you, through thick 
 
 and thin. 
 
 Should justice be denied you, send to me, 
 And what my pow'r is you shall quickly see.- 
 An awful Evil on this land shall fall, 
 On King, Men, Women, Children, one and 
 all; 
 
 An Interdict shall on the realm be laid ; 
 No service shall be sung, no mass be said ; 
 No Christian grave receive th' unhouselei 
 
 Dead. 
 
 The land a heathen desert will I make ; 
 Be of good cheer then, Coz, and comfort take. 
 " The Pope is old, nor sound in mind or 
 
 limb; 
 But Few he cares for, and None care for 
 
 him. 
 
 'T is Cardinal Wiseacre rules the Church, 
 And crows, as roosted on the highest perch ; 
 To which no doubt one day he may aspire, 
 For he is full of craft and full of fire. 
 He is enamoured of a certain Dame, 
 Whom well I know, and, if I would, coulJ 
 
 name. 
 
 Her wishes she has only to make known ; 
 And what she wishes, is as good as done. 
 " But many tricks and frauds are playcJ 
 
 at Rome, 
 Which to the Pope's ears never chance to 
 
 come. 
 
 But no one can get on without some aid ; 
 Friends must one make, or buy them ready- 
 made. 
 
 Rely on me, dear Coz ; the King well knows, 
 I will not see you fall before your Foes ; 
 'T were just as well, he should remember too 
 How Many kindred claim, with me and you : 
 For sober counsel, not a Family 
 At Court can with the Apes and Foxes vie. 
 This cannot fail your dangers to allay, 
 Let matters even take what turn they may." 
 Reynard replies, "There's nothing, dearest 
 
 Coz, 
 Gives me such comfort as your friendship 
 
 does: 
 
 I shall remember it, an I get free." 
 Then each the other greeted courteously ; 
 And tow'rds the Court, to face his angry Foes, 
 Reynard, with no escort but Greybeard goes. 
 
 CHAPTER THE NINTH. 
 
 THE ADVOCACY. 
 
 REYNARD had now reached Court, and still 
 
 had hope 
 
 With his accusers he might safely cope ; 
 Yet when his numerous foes he saw arrayed, 
 All eager for revenge, he felt dismayed ; 
 But though his heart might tremble, with firm 
 
 stride
 
 REYNARD THE FOX. 
 
 He passed the Barons, Greybeard by his side. 
 Unto the Monarch's throne they both drew 
 
 near, 
 When Greybeard whispered thus in Reynard's 
 
 ear; 
 
 '' Take courage, Uncle, for the King is gra- 
 cious ; 
 
 And, we know, fortune favors the Audacious : 
 The brave love danger on its own account, 
 And are more pleased the greater its amount." 
 And Reynard answered, " What you say 
 
 is true ; 
 
 Sage your advice and comfortable too ; 
 Were you in my place I'd so counsel you." 
 With searching eye he glanced th' assembly 
 
 round, 
 Where many Kinsmen, but few Friends, he 
 
 found ; 
 
 For at his hands the most but ill had fared ; 
 The Otter nor the Beaver had he spared ; 
 None but he'd played some pranks on, great 
 
 or small ; 
 
 Yet with assurance now he greets them all. 
 And down before the throne he lowly knelt, 
 And boldly spake, howe'er he may have 
 
 felt; 
 " May Heav'n above, from whom no thought 
 
 or thing 
 
 Is hidden, long preserve my Lord the King ; 
 And my good Lady too and gracious Queen, 
 Whose humblest Vassal I am proud t' have 
 
 been ; 
 And grant you both sound judgment, clear 
 
 and strong, . 
 The difference to discern 'tween Right and 
 
 Wrong. 
 
 For falsehood now is rife in ev'ry spot ; 
 Almost all men appear what they are not. 
 Would each man's thoughts were writ upon 
 
 his brow, 
 
 So that his secret soul the King might know ; 
 Then would it plainly to the world appear 
 How true and loyal is the heart I bear. 
 I know the Wicked rage together still, 
 And howl against me, as they always will. 
 In ev'ry way to injure me they strive, 
 And of Your countenance would quite de- 
 prive ; 
 
 As though I were the veriest Wretch alive. 
 But love of Justice is a mighty thing; 
 None own its pow'r more than my Lord and 
 
 King. 
 Let men seek to mislead him as they may, 
 
 From the straight path of Right he ne'er will 
 
 stray." 
 While thus he spake the Courtiers round 
 
 him throng, 
 All wond'ring at the boldness of his tongue. 
 
 His crimes so flagrant and notorious were, 
 
 That each was anxious his defence to hear. 
 " Thou Rascal Reynard ! " thus the Mon- 
 arch said, 
 
 "Thy glozing speech thy cause can little aid ; 
 
 On thy persuasive arts no more depend, 
 
 Thy shameless course at length hath reach' d 
 its end. 
 
 Thy truth and loyalty we all well know, 
 
 As witness here the Rabbit and the Crow. 
 
 Full is the measure of thy wickedness, 
 
 And craft can nought avail thee, boldness 
 
 less." 
 Reynard, uneasy at this Royal speech, 
 
 Feared now the King he might not over-reach, 
 
 For he had spoke in terms precise and plain ; 
 
 Ah ! how he wished he were safe home again ! 
 
 But wishing now could do him little good ; 
 
 He must get through it the best way he could. 
 " Noblest and mightiest of Kings ;" he said. 
 
 " Though you decree my life is forfeited, 
 
 I fain may hope that You will hear me first ; 
 
 You've heard but one side, and that side the 
 worst. 
 
 When clouds and tempests o'er the State were 
 hovering, 
 
 Firm have I stood and faithful to my Sove- 
 reign, 
 
 When some, that I could name, have fled 
 their post, 
 
 Some who are now esteemed and favored 
 most, 
 
 Who bravely take each opportunity, 
 
 When I am absent, most to slander me. 
 
 Hear only my defence and then decide ; 
 
 My doom, whate'er it be, I must abide. 
 ' ' Forgotten is my service to the State ? 
 
 How I have early watched and labored late? 
 
 If of all crimes not quite exempt I were, 
 
 Of my free will should I now venture here ? 
 
 I should have shunned Your presence con- 
 science-scared, 
 
 Nor my Accusers thus to meet have dared. 
 
 Nay, the world's treasures, heaped up seven- 
 fold, 
 
 Should not have drawn me forth from my 
 strong-hold. 
 
 Upon my native heather I was free,
 
 54 
 
 REYNARD THE FOX. 
 
 And none might touch me with impunity ; 
 But my good Greybeard with the message 
 
 came 
 
 That I was wanted here, and here I am ! 
 I had been counsel holding with the Ape, 
 How from the Papal Ban I might escape ; 
 And he had promised to remove the whole 
 Of that oppressive burden from my soul. 
 ' I will myself," said he, ' to Rome resort ; 
 ' Do you, without delay, repair to Court ; 
 ' I'll undertake your character I'll clear.' 
 Such his advice ; he'd own it were he here. 
 Our Bishop knows the truth of much I state ; 
 Five years has Martin been his Surrogate. 
 
 "And here I find complaint upon complaint ; 
 Enough to wear the patience of a Saint. 
 The ogling Rabbit has, I hear, a case ; 
 Let him stand forth and meet me, face to face ! 
 ' T is a light task the Absent to accuse ; 
 But none to hear my answer can refuse. 
 Scurvy Companions, are they, by my troth ! 
 My Guests they've been, the Crow and Rab- 
 bit, both. 
 
 " 'T was but the morning before yesterday, 
 The latter tow'rds my dwelling came his way ; 
 He greeted me in passing, soft and fair ; 
 I'd just begun the form of Morning Pray'r. 
 He let me know that he for Court was bound ; 
 I said, ' Heav'n grant you get there safe and 
 
 sound.' 
 
 He spoke of empty stomach, weary feet ; 
 I asked, 'Will you take anything to eat?' 
 ' I fear I might intrude ; ' was his reply. 
 ' Oh ! not the slightest in the world,' said I. 
 I fetched some wheaten bread and cherries 
 
 fresh ; 
 
 (On Wedn'sdays T t is my rule to eat no flesh ;) 
 And Master Bunny seemed contented quite, 
 And ate his bread and fruit with appetite. 
 My youngest Son, a forward little Chap, 
 Suddenly jumped into the Rabbit's lap, 
 To see if he might chance pick up a scrap, 
 'T was rude, I own, but the Boy meant no ill ; 
 Children you know, Sire, will be Children 
 
 still. 
 
 But, making no allowance for his youth, 
 The brutal Rabbit struck him in the mouth. 
 Poor little Russell ! 't was too bad indeed ; 
 For the blow made his lips and nostrils bleed. 
 And then my eldest, Greykin, quick as 
 
 thought, 
 Leapt up and seized th' Aggressor by the 
 
 throat ; 
 
 His game he played and 'venged his Brother 
 
 well ! 
 
 'T is thus exactly how the thing befell. 
 I ran directly that I heard the noise, . 
 Rescued the Rabbit, and chastised the Boys. 
 I do not sympathize with him a jot, 
 For richly he deserved whate'er he got. 
 Had I meant ill, I had not interposed ; 
 The Young Ones his account would soon have 
 
 closed. 
 
 And this is now my thanks ! He says, I hear, 
 'T was I myself that tore his stupid ear. 
 A blund'ring tale ! I think my powers I know 
 Rather too well to botch a bus'ness so. 
 
 "As for the Crow, he came quite out of 
 
 breath, 
 
 And said his Wife had ate herself to death. 
 Some great Fish she had gorged, gills, bones 
 
 and all, 
 Had choked her, as her swallow was but 
 
 small. 
 
 The truth he best knows ; but the Slanderer 
 Now dares assert that I have murdered her ; 
 May-be he did, himself; there's none can 
 
 tell; 
 
 For my own part, it were impossible ; 
 These dingy Devils, when they choose to fly, 
 No spring of mine could reach, however high. 
 " Those who bring forward charges such as 
 
 these 
 
 Should prove them by trustworthy witnesses. 
 This ev'ry Freeman may of right demand ; 
 And on my Right I boldly take my stand. 
 Are there no proofs ; another course is clear ; 
 Lo ! ready to do battel am I here ! 
 Let both the day and place be now assign'd ; 
 And if a worthy Advers'ry I find, 
 In birth my equal, I'll the combat dare; 
 And he the honor who then wins may wear. 
 Such ever was the rule of law of yore ; 
 So be it now, for I desire no more." 
 
 All stood and heard and wondered, Beasts 
 
 and Birds, 
 
 At the audacity of Reynard's words. 
 The Crow and Rabbit both felt dire dismay, 
 And secretly from Court they stole away ; 
 Nor did they dare another word to say. 
 They muttered to each other ; " 'T were 
 
 indeed 
 
 Unwise against him further to proceed. 
 Do what we may, no better should we be ; 
 For after all, what Witnesses have we? 
 The truth unto ourselves is only known,
 
 !;.:':> // 
 
 -*
 
 IN, SCULP 
 
 /? 
 
 G V. H B 1 f, & CO
 
 
 REYNARD THE FOX. 
 
 55 
 
 For with the Felon we were each alone. 
 
 So in the end the loss on us would fall. 
 
 Oh ! would the Devil seize him, once for all ! 
 
 And he proposes battel now ! To us ! 
 
 Truly the thought is too preposterous ! 
 
 So powerful and cunning as he is ; 
 
 So full of vigor and of trickeries ! 
 
 'T would take to face him five as good as we, 
 
 And even then he'd beat them easily." 
 
 Both Isegrim and Bruin groaned with ire, 
 When from the Court they saw the Twain re- 
 tire. 
 "Are any present here," then said the 
 
 King, 
 "Who against Reynard have a charge to 
 
 bring ? 
 
 If any such there be, let them advance ; 
 For he stands here on his deliverance. 
 There were enough to threaten yesterday ; 
 And now their time is come ; but where are 
 
 they?" 
 Said Reynard, " Ah ! 't is ever the old 
 
 game ; 
 
 Those who against the Absent most declaim, 
 Boasting what they could do, would he but 
 
 come, 
 
 When he arrives, stay prudently at home. 
 These Sland'rers vile, the Rabbit and the 
 
 Crow, 
 Fain would have brought poor me to shame 
 
 and woe. 
 
 But I forgive, since they are penitent ; 
 Most thoroughly ashamed away they went. 
 How dangerous it is, you all have seen, 
 T' encourage those who slander absent men. 
 They scruple not the truth aside to wrest, 
 And victimise the Wisest and the Best. 
 To Others only do these words apply, 
 Of little moment to the State am I." 
 
 "Hear me!" exclaimed the King, " thou 
 
 Traitor wild ! 
 
 Say, where is Puss, the Gentle and the Mild ''. 
 My brave and trusty Courier was he, 
 And treacherously slain hath been by thee. 
 Had I not pardoned thee thy numerous 
 
 crimes ? 
 
 Equipped thee forth to visit holy climes, 
 With scrip and staff and other pilgrim gear, 
 Believing thy repentance was sincere ? 
 And thy first act was my poor Puss to kill ! 
 Bellyn thou mad'st thy Messenger of ill : 
 He in thy wallet brought the mangled head ; 
 And here in open Court unblushing said, 
 
 He brought despatches which you both had 
 
 framed, 
 
 Though he the larger share of merit claimed : 
 But in the wallet was the head alone ! 
 Bellyn hath paid the penalty 
 And the same fate awaits on thee. 
 One though hath suffered for the base design ; 
 Bellyn hath lost his life ; look thou to thine !" 
 "Great Heav'ns ! What do I hear?" sly 
 
 Reynard said, 
 "Puss murdered! Gracious Pow'rs! and 
 
 Bellyn dead ! 
 
 Oh, fatal hour ! oh, cursed love of pelf! 
 Alas! alas! that I were dead myself! 
 With them the choicest treasures have I lost ! 
 Jewels, such as the wide world cannot boast ! 
 The rarest things by them I sent for You ; 
 For I believed them loyal both, and true. 
 Of Bellyn who would credit such a thing, 
 His Friend to murder and to rob his King ? 
 Who on this earth could e'er expect to find 
 Such craft with such simplicity combin'd ?" 
 To hear him out the Monarch would not 
 
 stay, 
 
 He rose and tow'rds his palace took his way; 
 Nor caught distinctly all that Reynard spake : 
 Determined was he deep revenge to take. 
 To his own closet did he straight withdraw, 
 And found the Queen there with Dame Rucke- 
 
 naw ; 
 
 A special Fav'rite had she ever been, 
 The sly She-ape, both with the King and 
 
 Queen ; 
 
 She haply now might do the Fox some good ; 
 For she was wise and wary, sage and shrewd. 
 Full soon the shrew Dame Ruckeuaw 
 Observed the cloud on Noble's brow, 
 And sought to lull the storm to rest, 
 Which raged within the Monarch's breast, 
 " Dread, sire ! " quoth she, " if in thy rage 
 Thine humblest servant dare to wage 
 A word, impute it to the zeal 
 I ever for thine honor feel ; 
 Sir Reynard whatsoe'er he be, 
 Is of my blood and family, 
 And as at Court he has appeared, 
 'T is fit that his defence be heard. 
 Had not his Father, whose fame still endures, 
 And who was graced and countenanced by 
 
 Yours, 
 
 With evil tongues for ever to contend, 
 And from false charges his good name de- 
 fend?
 
 66 
 
 REYNARD THE FOX. 
 
 But still his Foes he baffled in the end. 
 When thoroughly was sifted the affair, 
 'T was found what close inspection it would 
 
 bear. 
 Although his Sland'rers charged him many a 
 
 time 
 
 With incapacity, as well as crime ; 
 Yet he retained his station to the last, 
 And, as the Bear and Wolf are now, was 
 
 grac'd. 
 'Twould be as well if they themselves could 
 
 clear 
 From all that 'gainst their characters we 
 
 hear. 
 
 But of the rules of Right they nothing know ; 
 Both what they say proves this, as what they 
 
 do." 
 
 Then the King answered ; " Can you won- 
 der, Dame, 
 
 That Reynard's conduct should my wrath in- 
 flame ? 
 
 My trusty Hare did he not basely slay ? 
 And lead that Simpleton, the Ram, astray ? 
 And now presumes in open Court, forsooth, 
 To boast about his loyalty and truth ; 
 When by the gen'ral voice accused he stands, 
 Of crimes unnumbered as the ocean sands ! 
 'T is proved beyond the shadow of a doubt, 
 He breaks My peace and sets My laws at 
 
 nought. 
 
 With robberies and murders, day and night, 
 My land and Lieges doth he vex and fright ! 
 I'll bear no more ! " Then answered the She- 
 ape; 
 
 " Not ev'ry one his course can wisely shape. 
 'T is hard to please all men, and giv'nto few 
 Both to deserve success and get it too : 
 And he who prospers, in his path shall find 
 Honor before, Envy and Hate behind ; 
 His Foes in secret will his ruin scheme, 
 When open fight too dangerous they deem. 
 " And many a time has this to Reynard 
 
 happed. 
 
 It cannot have Your memory escaped, 
 How often to your rescue he hath come, 
 With counsel sage, when all the rest were 
 
 dumb. 
 What fine discernment through his judgment 
 
 ran 
 
 In that late leading case of ' Snake and Man.' 
 None could decide the issue that was raised, 
 But he alone ; how was his wisdom praised ?'' 
 Noble the King reflected a brief space, 
 
 Then answered ; " Yes, I recollect the case ; 
 
 But all the details I have quite forgot. 
 
 'T was most confused and tangled ; was it 
 
 not? 
 
 I pray you, if you can, the facts relate." 
 " Briefly," said she, "the whole affair I'll 
 
 state. 
 
 " Two years ago, a Snake of Dragon race 
 Loudly accused a Peasant to Your Grace. 
 The Man refused her justice, she complained, 
 Though twice against him she had judgment 
 
 gained. 
 
 The Man appearing to defend the wrong, 
 She entered on her case with eager tongue. 
 " Through a small op'ning in a hedge one 
 
 day 
 The Snake, it seem'd, had tried to force her 
 
 way ; 
 
 A springe there was before the op'ning plac'd, 
 Which, as she entered, caught and held her 
 
 fast. 
 She must perforce have perished where she 
 
 lay. 
 
 But that a Trav'ller chanced to pass that way ; 
 To whom she loudly cried ; ' Oh ! pity me ! 
 ' Let me implore thee, Sir ! and set me free ! ' 
 And the Man said ; Well, I will let thee 
 
 loose ; 
 ' 'T is hard to see thee strangling in that 
 
 noose. 
 
 ' Yet ere I do it, thou must frankly swear 
 ' From ev'ry mischief tow'rds me to forbear.' 
 A solemn oath the anxious Dragon vowed, 
 Ne'er to harm him to whom her life she owed. 
 Then from the snare the Man the Snake re- 
 leased ; 
 All gratitude she was, or seemed at least. 
 
 '' They travelled on together, but ere long 
 The Dragon felt the pains of hunger strong, 
 And in a moment on the Man she flew, 
 Thinking to strangle and devour him too. 
 With fearful energy he sprang aside, 
 And ' Oh ! is this your gratitude ? ' he cried, 
 ' Is this the way you keep that awful oath ? ' 
 Said she, 'To break it I am truly loath, 
 ' But I am positively faint with hunger ; 
 ' I feel a gnawing I can bear no longer. 
 ' I know how shocking is ingratitude ; 
 ' But cannot perish here for want of food.' 
 ' Spare me a little yet ; ' the Man replied ; 
 ' Some People we may meet who shall decide, 
 ' Impartial Judges betwixt thee and me.' 
 ' Well ! ' tartly said the Snake ; ' so let it be !'
 
 REYNARD THE FOX. 
 
 67 
 
 " They journey'd on, till, coming to a pond, 
 Strongnib, the Raven, with his Son they 
 
 found ; 
 His name was Little Beaky. These the 
 
 Snake 
 
 Begged the arbitrament to undertake. 
 The Raven heard the case with thoughtful 
 
 care, 
 
 And, hoping to himself might fall a share, 
 Straight gave his judgment that the Man be 
 
 eaten. 
 ' Now,' cried the Snake triumphant, ' I have 
 
 beaten ; 
 ' My honest purpose shall no more be crost.' 
 
 * Nay,' said the Man, ' I have not fairly lost. 
 
 How shall a Thief on life and death decide ? 
 ' Or such a case by one sole Judge be tried ? 
 ' I stand upon my Right and shall appeal ; 
 ' A Court of four or ten I safe might feel.' 
 4 Come on then,' said the Snake ; and off they 
 
 set; 
 Ere long with both the Wolf and Bear they 
 
 met. 
 The poor Man now was seized with mortal 
 
 terror ; 
 
 Sure five such Judges never sat in error ; 
 A Bear, a Wolf, two Ravens, and a Snake ; 
 Well might th' Appellant for his safety 
 
 quake. 
 
 The hungry Court were soon unanimous ; 
 And the grim Wolf delivered judgment 
 
 thus ; 
 ' The Snake beyond all doubt the Man might 
 
 kill, 
 4 Yet keep her conscience quite unburdened 
 
 still ; 
 
 * 'T was plain no law necessity could know, 
 4 And hunger would release from any vow.' 
 
 " Anxious enough the Man was, for the 
 
 five 
 Had plain made up their minds he should 
 
 not live. 
 Then darting forth her forked and pois'nous 
 
 tongue 
 
 Again the Snake upon the Trav'ller sprung. 
 He leap' d aside with prompt dexterity, 
 Crying, 'Who gave thee power over me? ' 
 'Twice thou thyself hast heard it;' she re- 
 plied ; 
 
 'Twice has the judgment been upon my side.' 
 Then said the Man, ' Judges yourselves ye 
 
 call! 
 Robbers and Murd'rers are ye, one and all !' 
 
 ' You and your judgment I repudiate; 
 ' King Noble only shall decide my fate ; 
 ' To him do I appeal ; to his decree 
 ' Will I submit, though adverse it should be.' 
 " Then said the Wolf and Bear with jeering 
 
 grin, 
 
 ' You'd better try ; the Snake is sure to win.' 
 They thought no doubt that the assembled 
 
 Peers 
 Would counsel You, Sire, just like Wolves and 
 
 Bears. 
 Five pressed against poor One, his life to 
 
 take ; 
 The Wolf, the Bear, the Ravens, and the 
 
 Snake. 
 
 The Wolf indeed put in a triple claim ; 
 His Sons, Thinpaunch and Greedyguts by 
 
 name, 
 Each hoped to have a share of the poor 
 
 Man ; 
 
 A terrible disturbance these began ; 
 Howling and clamoring in such a sort, 
 That both were promptly ordered out of 
 
 Court. 
 
 " Humbly imploring justice of your Grace, 
 Then did the Man begin to state his case ; 
 The Snake now wish'd to kill him, heedless 
 
 both 
 
 Of all his kindness, and her solemn oath. 
 The facts the Snake knew could not be denied, 
 
 hence 
 
 She pleaded, in confession and avoidance, 
 Th' almighty power of hunger was the cause, 
 Which owns no master, and obeys no laws. 
 "Sore puzzled were You, Sire, how to de- 
 cide ; 
 
 Solution it appeared the case defied ; 
 Hard to condemn the honest Man it seemed ; 
 And hard to bear sharp hunger's tooth, You 
 
 deemed. 
 Your Council then You summoned to Your 
 
 aid, 
 
 Who only more involved the question made ; 
 Most part gave judgment that the man should 
 
 die, 
 
 But gave their reasons too, unluckily ; 
 And these so bad and inconsistent were, 
 The more they gave the more they 'broiled 
 
 th' affair. 
 
 For Reynard, as a last resource, You sent; 
 He came and heard afresh the argument ; 
 You the decision left to him alone, 
 And said as he adjudged, it should be done.
 
 58 
 
 REYNARD THE FOX. 
 
 "Then Reynard said, 'Ere I decide the 
 
 case, 
 
 1 'T is needful I should go and view the place ; 
 And see the very way the Snake was bound, 
 1 When by the Traveller she first was found.' 
 So to the spot they sallied, and when there, 
 The Snake again was fastened in the snare ; 
 Thus matters stood exactly as they were. 
 " Then Reynard gave his judgment : 
 
 4 Things are now 
 
 ' Just as before the cause arose below ; 
 4 And neither party can of triumph boast, 
 ' For neither now has won, and neither lost ; 
 ' And as the circumstances now appear, 
 1 The justice of the case to me seems clear : 
 4 If the Man please to do so, from the noose 
 1 The Snake, upon her oath, he may let loose ; 
 4 If not, then he can let her hang there still, 
 4 And go about his bus' ness if he will. 
 4 Such are my views : if better here there 
 
 be, 
 4 Impart them ; or, if not, use these with 
 
 me.' 
 
 44 Reynard's decision of this weighty cause 
 Met at that time with general applause, 
 From you, my Liege, and all who knew the 
 
 laws. 
 The Man vowed better it could not have 
 
 been ; 
 It even gained th' approval of the Queen. 
 
 " 'T was on all hands agreed that fitter far 
 Bruin and Is 'grim were to serve in war; 
 For they were known and feared in ev'ry 
 
 spot, 
 And gladly went where plunder might be 
 
 got. 
 Strong are they, big and bold; that none 
 
 denies, 
 Yet are their words more bold and big than 
 
 wise ; 
 And too much of their strength alone they 
 
 brag, 
 
 While in the field behind they often lag. 
 At home the Bravest of the Brave are they ; 
 At home too always they prefer to stay : 
 In sooth the Bears and Wolves eat up the 
 
 land ; 
 'Gainst their united force there 's nought can 
 
 stand. 
 What matters it to them whose house may 
 
 burn? 
 To warm them by the flames will serve their 
 
 turn. 
 
 What matters it to them who pine or starve ? 
 While their own meals they take good care to 
 
 carve. 
 They gulp the yolk, and leave the shell, and 
 
 swear 
 
 That the partition is most just and fair. 
 Reynard the Fox though, on the other hand, 
 The rules of justice well doth understand ; 
 And if some evil he perchance have done, 
 Remember, Sire, he is not made of stone. 
 A wiser Counsellor You ne'er shall meet ; 
 Hence am I bold his pardon to entreat." 
 
 And the King said ; "I must awhile reflect. 
 The judgment I distinctly recollect; 
 Justice was done unto the Snake, 't is plain ; 
 Yet still a Rogue is Reynard in the main. 
 Who trusts him is deceived beyond all 
 
 doubt ; 
 
 No bonds so tight but he will wriggle out. 
 The Wolf, the Bear, the Cat before ; and now 
 Hath he assailed the Rabbit and the Crow ; 
 One of an eye, another of an ear, 
 A third of life itself he spoils, you hear ; 
 And yet, though why I cannot comprehend, 
 You seek the odious monster to defend." 
 
 " Ah ! Sire, I cannot from myself conceal 
 
 The service he hath done the Commonweal ; " 
 
 Thus the Ape answered ; " nor will you deny 
 
 How num'rous are his Friends and Family." 
 
 Then rose the King of Beasts and issued 
 
 straight 
 To where th' assembled Court his coming 
 
 wait. 
 
 Round that vast circle as he cast his eyes, 
 A host of Reynard's Relatives he spies; 
 To vindicate their Kinsman's cause they came, 
 And in such numbers they were hard to name ; 
 They ranged together close : on th' other side 
 The num'rous Foes of Reynard he descried ; 
 The Court they seemed between them to di- 
 vide. 
 And thus began the Monarch ; 4l Reynard, 
 
 hear; 
 Thyself from this one crime how canst thou 
 
 clear ? 
 
 By thee, with Bellyn's help, the Hare is dead ; 
 And as a despatch thou send'st Me back his 
 
 head. 
 'T was done to mock My pow'r, that well I 
 
 know ; 
 
 But Bellyn has atoned, and so must thou." 
 44 Woe's me ! would I were dead ! " the Fox 
 
 replied ;
 
 REYNARD THE FOX. 
 
 59 
 
 " But as You find the truth, Sire, so decide. 
 
 If I am guilty, let me die, and shame 
 
 Fall as a heritage upon my name. 
 
 Bellyn, the Traitor vile, hath filch'd from me 
 
 The rarest Treasure eye did ever see. 
 
 To him and Puss 't was giv'n ; and sure I am, 
 
 That Puss was robbed and murdered by the 
 
 Ram. 
 Oh ! could it be but found ; though much I 
 
 fear 
 
 It never more to daylight will appear." 
 "Nay," said the sly She-ape, "why thus 
 
 despond ? 
 
 If 't is on earth it surely may be found. 
 Early and late we'll seek and never tire ; 
 Of Priests, as well as Laymen, we '11 inquire. 
 But, that our labor may not be in vain, 
 What were the Jewels like 'twere best ex- 
 plain." 
 "Ah, well-a-day ! " said Reynard; "but 
 
 they were 
 Such wondrous costly things, so rich and 
 
 rare! 
 
 To get them back I have but little hope ; 
 None but an Idiot e'er would give them up. 
 How will it vex poor Ermeiyne, my wife ; 
 I fear she '11 not forgive me all her life. 
 For, doubting Bellyn, if not Pussy too, 
 She begged me not to let the Treasures go. 
 "I would commence the search this very 
 
 day ; 
 
 But these false charges force me here to stay ; 
 I 'm bound in honor to defend my Right, 
 By the bold ordeal of judicial fight. 
 If I succeed, as sure succeed I must, 
 Since I am innocent and Heav'n is just, 
 Unsought I will not leave one spot of ground, 
 But these lost Jewels shall again be found." 
 
 CHAPTER THE TENTH. 
 
 THE SECOND PARDON. 
 
 " My Liege !'' thus ran the Fox's crafty 
 
 speech ; 
 
 "Before my Friends a hearing I beseech ; 
 What Treasures let them learn for You were 
 
 sent; 
 For though 't was foiled, yet good was mine 
 
 intent ; 
 
 On me the blame falls not, but on the Thief." 
 " Say on ; " the Monarch answered, " but be 
 
 brief." 
 
 " Honor and Faith, alas ! from earth have 
 
 fled ! " 
 With well-dissembled grief then Reynard 
 
 said : 
 
 " The first of these choice Jewels was a Ring ; 
 Designed a special present for my King. 
 Of finest, purest gold this Ring was cast ; 
 Yet was the substance by the work surpass' d ; 
 E'en the Crown Jewels 't would not have dis- 
 
 grac'd. 
 
 On th' inner side, that next the finger worn, 
 Engraven letters did the hoop adorn ; 
 Three Hebrew words of meaning strange they 
 
 were; 
 
 Few in this land could read the character. 
 To Master Abryon of Triers alone, 
 The meaning of those mystic words was 
 
 known : 
 
 He is a wise and very learned Jew, 
 Skilled in all tongues 'twixt Luen'burg and 
 
 Peru; 
 
 With stones and herbs is he acquainted well ; 
 Knows of what use each one is capable. 
 He said, when unto him I showed the Ring ; 
 ' Concealed here lies full many a curious thing ; 
 ' These three engraven names, from Paradise 
 ' Were brought of yore by Seth, the Good and 
 
 Wise; 
 
 ' When he, of coming Ills to Man fore-taught, 
 ' In Eden's bow'rs the Oil of Mercy sought. 
 ' Who on his finger wears this Ring shall be 
 ' From ev'ry risk and peril always free ; 
 ' Lightning nor thunder-bolt nor magic charm 
 ' Shall potent be to work him woe or harm.' 
 And furthermore the cunning Master said, 
 Whose finger bore that Ring, so he had read, 
 Should never freeze in winter's direst cold, 
 And calmly live in years and honors old. 
 
 " On th' outer side was set a precious Stone, 
 A brilliant Carbuncle by night that shone, 
 And, with its clear and phosphorescent ray, 
 All things discovered, plain as it were day. 
 Great pow'rs too had this Stone the Sick to 
 
 heal ; 
 Whoso but touched it free from crime should 
 
 feel; 
 
 Nor grief nor trouble could his mind disturb ; 
 The pow'r of Death alone it could not curb. 
 And the sage Master unto me made known 
 The future virtues of this wond'rous Stone ; 
 As thus ; the proud Possessor of the Gem 
 Both fire and water may alike contemn ; 
 Safe from the power of each Enemy,
 
 60 
 
 REYNARD THE FOX. 
 
 Betrayed or captured can he never be. 
 
 If fasting, on the Stone he gaze, fourscore 
 
 Of Foes shall he o'ercome in fight, and more. 
 
 The virtues of that Jewel can reduce 
 
 The strength of poison and each deadly juice. 
 
 Hate it at once will quell ; nay, e'en will oft- 
 en 
 
 The hearts of those you have befriended soft- 
 en. 
 
 " But who could count this Jewel's virtues 
 o'er? 
 
 I found it haply 'mong my Father's store ; 
 
 And kept it ever sacred for my King : 
 
 Myself I knew unworthy such a Ring. 
 
 Of right it appertained to him alone, 
 
 Whose virtues shed a lustre on his Throne ; 
 
 On whom depend our hopes and welfare still, 
 
 Whose life I've ever guarded, ever will. 
 " I trusted also, luckless that I am ! 
 
 A Comb and Mirror to that treach'rous Ram. 
 
 I hoped that they accepted might have been, 
 
 As a memorial, by my gracious Queen. 
 
 They were, in sooth, most precious works of 
 art, 
 
 And form'd too of my Father's hoard a part. 
 
 Coveted were they greatly by my Wife, 
 
 And caused, alas ! between us, frequent strife ; 
 
 She fairly longed for them, she used to say ; 
 
 But yet I ne'er a single inch gave way. 
 
 " Both Comb and Mirror I, with best intent, 
 
 Unto my gracious Lady freely sent. 
 
 A benefactress kind in Her I see ; 
 
 From Evil hath she ever shielded me ; 
 
 When slan'drous charges 'gainst me were pre- 
 ferr'd, 
 
 She oft hath interposed a friendly word. 
 
 Royal She is by qualities and birth ; 
 
 And both by words and works She proves her 
 worth. 
 
 None so deserved those Treasures as my 
 Queen ; 
 
 And yet their beauty hath She never seen ; 
 
 And ah ! that I should say so never will ! 
 
 To find them now, I fear, is past all skill. 
 " First of the Comb to speak. To fashion 
 that, 
 
 The Artist took bones of the Civet-cat ; 
 
 That wond'rous Beast that lives on flow'rs 
 and spice, 
 
 And dwells 'twixt India's shores and Para- 
 dise. 
 
 Dyed is his skin with tints of various hues ; 
 
 And sweetest odors round doth he diffuse ; 
 
 Hence do all other Beasts his footsteps trace, 
 And follow him about from place to place ; 
 For they all feel and know, his very smell 
 Is certain to preserve them sound and well. 
 'T was of such bone this precious Comb was 
 
 made ; 
 
 His rarest skill the Artist had displayed ; 
 It equalled polished silver in its brightness, 
 And e'en surpassed it in its lustrous white- 
 ness ; 
 
 Its scent excelled cloves, pinks and cinna- 
 mon ; 
 
 For the Beast's odor lives in ev'ry bone ; 
 Corruption may his fleshly frame assail, 
 But o'er his skeleton can nought prevail ; 
 This never knows decay or gives oflence, 
 But keeps away all plague and pestilence. 
 " Upon the Comb's broad back one might 
 
 behold 
 A large blue Stone engrained with threads of 
 
 gold ; 
 
 Where stood in figures, carved in high relief, 
 The tale of Paris, the young Trojan Chief; 
 Who one day, sitting by a river's strand, 
 Three Godlike Women saw before him stand ; 
 Juno, Minerva, Venus, were they named ; 
 Each for herself had long an Apple claimed ; 
 Though once 't was common to them all in- 
 deed; 
 
 To end this strife, at length they thus agreed ; 
 Paris the golden Apple should decree 
 To her he judged the Fairest of the Three, 
 And hers alone it evermore should be. 
 All Three the Vouth with curious eve sur- 
 veyed ; 
 
 ' Let me be fairest held,' thus Juno said ; 
 ' Let but the Apple be decreed as mine ; 
 ' And riches infinite henceforth are thine.' 
 Minerva then ; ' The prize on me bestow, 
 ' And mighty shalt thou be on earth below ; 
 ' Dreadful thy name alike to Friend and Foe.' 
 Last, Venus; 'Why to Wealth or Might 
 
 aspire ? 
 
 ' Is not King Priamus of Troy thy Sire ? 
 ' Are not thy Brethren, Hector and the rest, 
 ' Supreme in wealth and pow'r by All con- 
 fessed ? 
 ' And while their arms still shelter Troy, your 
 
 sway 
 
 'Does not this land, and foreign realms obey? 
 ' If Beauty's Prize thou unto me award, 
 'Thine the best treasure Earth can e'er af- 
 ford;
 
 REYNARD THE FOX. 
 
 61 
 
 ' That treasure is a Woman past compare, 
 'As noble and prudent, virtuous and fair : 
 ' Give me the Apple ; Greece's peerless Queen 
 'Thou shalt possess; Helen the famed, I 
 
 mean.' 
 
 To her the Apple then awarded he, 
 Adjudging her the Fairest of the Three. 
 He by her friendly aid that Lady gay, 
 The Spouse of Menelaus, stole away ; 
 And long did her sweet fellowship enjoy, 
 Secure within the sacred walls of Troy. 
 
 " Carved was this story on a middle field ; 
 Round which, with graven words, stood many 
 
 a shield ; 
 
 That whoso took the Comb up in his hand, 
 The fable there might read and understand. 
 
 " Next of the Mirror hear. In lieu of glass, 
 A clear and beauteous Berylstone there was ; 
 All things were shewn therein, though miles 
 
 away ; 
 
 And that, by night as plainly as by day. 
 Whoso upon his face or speck or spot, 
 Or in his eye perchance a cock had got, 
 Let him but gaze upon that Mirror clear, 
 And ev'ry blemish straight should disappear. 
 Who would not, having such a treasure, 
 
 boast? 
 
 Who would not grieve for such a treasure lost ? 
 
 " Out of a costly wood was made the frame, 
 
 Close-grained and shining ; Shittim is its 
 
 name; 
 
 No worm can pierce it ; and men justly hold, 
 'T is more than equal to its weight in gold, 
 The nearest that comes to it in degree, 
 For its rare qualities, is Ebony. 
 'T was of this wood, so shining and close- 
 grained, 
 In days of yore, when King Crompardes 
 
 reign'd, 
 
 A cunning Artist framed a wond'rous Steed, 
 Of mighty powers and unrivalled speed ; 
 His Rider in a short hour's space he bore, 
 With greatest ease, one hundred miles, or 
 
 more. 
 
 I know not all the facts ; but any how 
 A Steed like that you cannot meet with now. 
 "The Mirror's border, for a good foot wide, 
 With exquisite carved work was beautified ; 
 And 'neath each subject an inscription stood, 
 In golden letters, which its meaning shew'd. 
 " Briefly of each of these will I discourse: 
 First came the story of the envious Horse ; 
 Who, racing for a wager with a Stag, 
 
 Was greatly vexed so far behind to lag. 
 
 ' Shepherd, on the plain, he thus address'd; 
 
 1 1 '11 make thee wealthy, do but my behest. 
 
 A Stag has hid himself in yonder brake ; 
 
 ' I '11 carry thee ; mount boldly on my back ; 
 
 ' Him thou shalt slay, and flesh and horns 
 and fell 
 
 ' In the next market town canst dearly sell. 
 
 ' Mount on my back at once ; we '11 give him 
 chase ; 
 
 ' I '11 venture,' said the Swain, ' in any case ; 
 
 ' No harm can come of the experiment.' 
 
 So up he mounted, and away they went. 
 
 The Stag they saw a little way ahead ; 
 
 They followed fast, and fast away he fled, 
 
 Till the earth trembled under their thunder- 
 ing tread. 
 
 Long the Chase lasted, but the nimble Hart 
 
 Of his Pursuers had, and kept the start ; 
 
 Until at length, relaxing in his speed, 
 
 Thus spake, panting, the over-wearied Steed ; 
 
 ' Prithee dismount, for I am quite distrest ; 
 
 1 Heavy thou art, and I have need of rest.' 
 
 ' No, by my soul ! ' the Shepherd Man re- 
 plied ; 
 
 ' It was thyself invited me to ride ; 
 
 1' ve got thee and I'll keep thee in my 
 power.' 
 
 And Man's Slave has the Horse been since 
 that hour. 
 
 Thus Evils, which for Others had been sped, 
 
 Will oft rebound on the Projector's head. 
 "Now further hear, while I with truth 
 allege 
 
 What next was carved around the Mirror's 
 edge: 
 
 How once upon a time it came to pass, 
 
 A rich Man owned a Spaniel and an Ass ; 
 
 The Dog was never known to bark or bite, 
 
 And was deservedly a Favorite ; 
 
 At table by his Master's side he sate, 
 
 Fish, flesh and fowl together with him ate ; 
 
 Or rested in his lap, and there was fed 
 
 With dainty morsels of best wh eaten bread. 
 
 The Spaniel then, who was a Hound of 
 grace, 
 
 Would wag his tail, and lick his Master's 
 face. 
 
 Now Neddy, when he saw the Dog's good 
 luck 
 
 With envy and astonishment was struck ; 
 
 1 With my Lord's tastes,' said he, ' how can it 
 suit
 
 62 
 
 REYNARD THE FOX. 
 
 ' To be so partial to that lazy Brute ? 
 
 ' Up in his lap it jumps, and licks his beard, 
 
 1 As though by such strange antics 't were 
 
 endear' d ; 
 
 ' While I must toil and travail, in and out, 
 ' Fetch faggots home, and carry sacks about. 
 ' I wish my Lord would think the matter o'er, 
 ' And take a dozen Dogs, or e'en a score ; 
 I'd wager, in a year they'd not get through 
 ' One half the work that in a month I do. 
 ' While with the best his Dogship fills his 
 
 maw, 
 ' Half starved am I, or only stufled with 
 
 straw. 
 
 ' On the hard earth my couch has ever been : 
 ' And jeered and mocked am I, wherever 
 
 seen. 
 
 ' I can and will this life no longer bear ; 
 ' In my Lord's favors I will have my share.' 
 Just as he spoke, his Master chanced to pass ; 
 His game at once begins that stupid Ass ; 
 Cock* up his bended tail, lays back his ears, 
 And o'er his frightened Lord curvetting 
 
 rears ; 
 Brays long and loudly, while his beard he 
 
 licks, 
 
 And strives to imitate the Spaniel's tricks, 
 Caressing him with hard and lusty kicks. 
 His terror-stricken Master sprang aside : 
 ' Oh ! take this horrid Asis away,' he cried ; 
 ' Kill him at once ! ' His Servants run in 
 
 haste; 
 
 With showers of blows poor Neddy's sides 
 
 they baste ; 
 
 Then in his stable lock him up again : 
 And thus the Ass he was he doth remain. 
 
 '' How many are there of this self-same 
 
 brood, 
 
 Who, envying Others, do themselves no good. 
 Set these in place or power, and just as soon 
 Might you feed Porkers with a silver spoon. 
 Let the Ass still his burdens duly bear : 
 Of straw and thistles make his bed and fare : 
 Treat him in any other way you will, 
 The Brute retains his former habits still ; 
 And, taking human nature for his guide, 
 Seeks his own ends, and cares for nought be- 
 side. 
 
 " Further will I this narrative pursue ; 
 If these long tales, Sire, do not weary You. 
 Around the Mirror's border next was placed, 
 Carved in relief, with proper legends graced, 
 The story how Sir Tybalt, heretofore, 
 Eternal friendship with my Father swore : 
 Each vowed to Each to prove a firm Ally, 
 And common danger jointly to defy. 
 Trav'lling along one day they chanced to hear 
 A cry of Hounds and Huntsmen in their rear. 
 ' Hark to those sounds,' cried Tybalt ; ' good 
 
 advice 
 
 ' Were worth, at such a moment, any price.' 
 The old one said, ' Your terrors, prithee, lull ; 
 ' Of wiles and shifts I have a budget full. 
 ' Let's stick together, nor forget our oath ; 
 ' And they shall Neither of us have, or Both.' 
 (He said this merely Tybalt to console ; 
 He had no shifts or wiles, good simple Soul !) 
 ' Bother the oath ! ' replied the treach'rous 
 
 Cat; 
 
 ' Methinks I know a trick worth two of that.' 
 Into a tree, as fast as he could tear, 
 He climbed, and left his Uncle planted there. 
 The poor Soul stood awhile in anxious doubt ; 
 While near and nearer came that Hunter 
 
 rout. 
 Then said the Cat ; ' Uncle, as you don't 
 
 climb, 
 'You'd better ope your budget; now's the 
 
 time ! ' 
 
 Just then the Beagles caught my Sire in view ; 
 The Huntsmen shouted, and their horns they 
 
 blew ; 
 
 Off ran my Father ; after him the Hounds ; 
 Amid a perfect Babel of mad sounds ; 
 Barking and bellowing and bugle-blowing, 
 Enough to set the very Devil going. 
 My Father swate again for very fright, 
 His fewmets cast, and made himself more 
 
 light ;
 
 REYNARD THE FOX. 
 
 And so at length he 'scaped his Foes by flight. 
 Thus by his best of Friends was he betray 'd, 
 By him to whom he trusted most for aid. 
 His life was perilled, for those Dogs were 
 
 swift ; 
 
 The hole he fled to was his only shift ; 
 And had he not remembered that in time, 
 His Foes would soon have made short work 
 
 of him. 
 " Would of such scurvy Scum the world 
 
 were rid, 
 
 Who treat their Friends as subtle Tybalt did. 
 How can I love or honor such a Knave, 
 Who's sinned the more, the more I pardoned 
 
 have ? 
 
 All this was figured round the Mirror's frame, 
 With legends fit to mark the moral aim. 
 "Upon the next compartment might be 
 
 view'd 
 
 A specimen of lupine gratitude. 
 The Wolf had found a Horse's skeleton, 
 For little was there left of it but bone ; 
 He gnawed voracious, and, by evil luck, 
 A pointed fragment in his gullet stuck ; 
 His sufferings were terrible to see, 
 He was as nearly choked as Wolf could be. 
 He sent forth Messenger on Messenger 
 To call the Doctors in, from far and near ; 
 But though he promised they should well be 
 
 paid, 
 
 Not one could render him the slightest aid. 
 At length appeared the learned Doctor Crane, 
 With crimson bonnet and gold-pommelled 
 
 cane. 
 
 ' Oh ! help me, Doctor ! ' cries the Invalid ; 
 ' Oh ! help me, I beseech you, and with speed ; 
 ' But from my throat take out this cursed 
 
 bone, 
 
 < And any fee you name shall be your own.' 
 The Crane of his professions felt no doubt ; 
 He stuck his long bill down the Wolf's huge 
 
 throat, 
 
 And in a jiffey pulled the sharp bone out. 
 'Zounds!' howled the Wolf; 'you give me 
 
 monstrous pain ! 
 
 ' Take care you never hurt me so again ! 
 ' I pardon you ; had it another been, 
 ' I might not have so patient proved, I ween.' 
 'The bone's extracted;' said the cautious 
 
 Crane ; 
 
 ' You're cured ; so never mind a little pain. 
 ' As other Patients are expecting me, 
 ' I'll go, if you'll oblige me with my fee.' 
 
 Hark to the Simpleton ! ' the rude Wolf 
 
 said ; 
 He's hurt me, and yet wishes to be paid. 
 
 ' 'T would seem the stupid Idiot cannot know 
 ' How much to my forbearance he doth owe. 
 ' His bill and head, which both were in my 
 
 maw, 
 
 ' Unharmed have I allowed him to withdraw: 
 ' Methinks that I should ask for the reward ! ' 
 'T is thus the Strong all justice disregard. 
 "These tales, and others of a kindred 
 
 taste, 
 
 In high relief artistically chas'd, 
 With legends graved in characters of gold, 
 Around the Mirror's frame one might behold. 
 Too good for me so rare a work had been, 
 For I am all too humble, all too mean ; 
 Therefore I sent it for my gracious Queen. 
 To her and You, my Liege, I hoped 't would 
 
 prove 
 
 A token of my loyalty and love. 
 Much did my Children, little Dears, lament, 
 When from their home away the Glass was 
 
 sent. 
 
 Before it, they were wont, the livelong day, 
 To skip about and dance and frisk and play, 
 And laugh in childish innocence of mind, 
 To see their long thick brushes trail behind. 
 Ah ! little did I then anticipate 
 The Ram's foul treason or the Hare's sad 
 
 fate! 
 I thought they both were beasts of honest 
 
 worth, 
 And the two dearest Friends I had on earth.
 
 64 
 
 REYNARD THE FOX. 
 
 Accursed the Murd'rer's inem'ry I denounce ! 
 All hope though will I not as yet renounce ; 
 Where' er the Treasures are, I make no doubt 
 To find them still ; like Murder, Theft will 
 
 out. 
 
 Much I suspect that Some there present are, 
 Who know the truth about the whole affair ; 
 Both what befell the Jewels and the Hare. 
 " Full well I know, my Liege, what weighty 
 
 things 
 
 Must daily occupy the minds of Kings. 
 It does not stand with reason to expect, 
 Each trifling matter You should recollect. 
 Then let me that most wonderful of cures 
 Recall, which once my Sire performed for 
 
 Yours. 
 
 " Sick lay the King and dangerously ill ; 
 He must have died, but for my Father's skill. 
 
 Who say then, Sire, that neither he nor I 
 Have e'er done service to Your Majesty, 
 Not only speak the thing that is not true, 
 But utter a gross calumny on You. 
 
 " Forgive me, Sire, nor deem my tongue too 
 
 bold. 
 
 With Your good leave that tale I will unfold, 
 My Sire was known, as far as Fame could 
 
 reach, 
 
 To be a learned and a skilful Leech. 
 All diagnostics of disease he knew, 
 Judged by a Patient's pulse, and water too ; 
 Could heal an injury in any part, 
 And aided Nature with his wondrous Art. 
 Emetics of all kinds he understood, 
 And what was cool and thinning for the blood. 
 With skill and safety could he breathe a vein, 
 And draw a tooth without the slightest pain. 
 
 You will not, Sire, remember this the least, 
 For You were then a Suckling at the breast. 
 'T was when drear Winter's pall the earth 
 
 o'erspread, 
 
 Sick lay Your Father and confined to bed ; 
 So sadly weak that he could not stir out ; 
 They were obliged to carry him about. 
 All who could medicine were bade to come, 
 From ev'ry spot between this Court and Rome. 
 Not One of them encouraged any hope ; 
 But All, without exception, gave him up. 
 Then my poor Father they called in at last, 
 Though not till ev'ry chance of cure seemed 
 
 past. 
 He felt the Monarch's pulse, and shook his 
 
 head ; 
 
 ' May the King live for ever ! ' then he said ; 
 ' Though much I fear he hath not long to live : 
 ' To save his life, mine own I'd gladly give. 
 ' The contents of yon vase let me inspect, 
 ' To see what mischief I may there detect.' 
 ' Do as he bids ; ' the King said to the Nurse ; 
 'Do what you will; I'm getting worse and 
 
 worse.' 
 
 " Upon the Mirror's rim was fair engraved 
 The mode in which Your Sire by mine was 
 
 saved. 
 
 The contents of the vessel they had brought 
 My Sire examined, with reflective thought ; 
 Then said ; ' To save Your health is but one 
 
 way; 
 
 < And that will not admit the least delay : 
 
 < Your life is gone, unless, within the hour, 
 ' The liver of a Wolf you shall devour ; 
 
 ' He must too, at the least, be sev'n years old ; 
 ' And you must eat it, Sire, ere it. be cold. 
 ' All scruples on the point must be withstood ; 
 ' The water here is thick and red as blood.' 
 It chanced the Wolf was standing near the 
 
 bed, 
 
 And with disgust heard all my Father said. 
 To him with feeble voice the Monarch spake ; 
 ' You hear, Sir Wolf, the physic I must take. 
 ' Quick, then, about it! to effect my cure, 
 ' You will not grudge your liver, I am sure.' 
 ' Of no use mine would be ; ' the Wolf replied, 
 ' I am but five years old next Lammas-tide.' 
 ' Nonsense ! ' my Father cried ; ' we soon shall 
 
 see; 
 
 ' For we must lay you open instantly.' 
 Off to the kitchen then the Wolf was brought ; 
 And out they cut his liver, quick as thought. 
 'T was dished up smoking on a silver plate,
 
 REYNARD THE FOX. 
 
 65 
 
 And by Your Royal Father eaten straight. 
 From that same hour he was quite cured and 
 
 well ; 
 
 Restored to health as by a miracle. 
 What gratitude the King, Your Father, 
 
 shewed ; 
 
 The style of Doctor He on mine bestowed : 
 At Court none dared this title to neglect, 
 Or treat him with the slightest disrespect. 
 Before th' assembled Peers he wore a cap 
 Of crimson velvet, with a golden snap ; 
 His place was ever at the King's right hand, 
 And honored was by All throughout the land. 
 "Of his poor Son how diff'rent is the lot ! 
 The Father's virtues now are all forgot. 
 The greediest Rogues are now advanced to 
 
 pow'r, 
 
 Who only seek for what they may devour. 
 Int'rest and Gain are thought of now alone, 
 And Right and Justice but by name are 
 
 known. 
 Great Lords are those, who Servants were 
 
 before, 
 
 And without mercy grind the suff ring Poor : 
 Blindly they strike their former Mates 
 
 among, 
 Norheed theleast the ranks from whence they 
 
 sprung. 
 
 Their own advantage their sole end and aim, 
 They still contrive to win, whate'er the game. 
 'T is such as these that on the Wealthy fix, 
 Their flatt'ry choking All on whom it sticks : 
 No man's petition will they ever heed, 
 If not by costly gifts accompanied : 
 By rapine and extortion still they live, 
 And, like the Horse-leech, ever cry, ' Give ! 
 
 give ! ' 
 " Such greedy Wolves as these, the choice 
 
 tit-bits 
 
 Would always keep, as their own perquisites : 
 When a prompt sacrifice their King might 
 
 save, 
 
 Time for reflection they will ever crave. 
 You see how, in this case, the Wolf preferr'd 
 To save his liver, rather than his Lord ; 
 And what a liver too ! The selfish Brute ! 
 For I without reserve will speak my thought. 
 In ought that danger to the King involves, 
 What signifies the death of twenty Wolves ? 
 Nay, without loss, the whole Tribe might be 
 
 slain, 
 
 So but the King and Queen their lives retain. 
 None seek pure water from a puddled source, 
 VOL. IV W. H. 
 
 Or from a Sow's ear make a silken purse. 
 
 No doubt, Sire, You the whole affair forget ; 
 
 For you were much too young to notice it : 
 
 I'm sure though of the truth of what I say, 
 
 As though it happened only yesterday. 
 
 "'Graved on the Mirror all this story 
 stood ; 
 
 For 't was my Father's special wish it should. 
 
 Fair was the work and beauteous to behold, 
 
 Adorned with Jewels, and inlaid with gold. 
 
 Oh ! for the chance to get that Mirror back, 
 
 Fortune and life how gladly would I stake! " 
 " Reynard ! " said Noble, " I your speech 
 have heard, 
 
 And all your tales and fables, ev'ry word. 
 
 Your Father may have been both good and 
 great, 
 
 And haply did vast service to the state : 
 
 It must have happened a long time ago ; 
 
 I never heard one word of it till now. 
 
 But of your evil deeds I learn each day ; 
 
 Your sport is death ; so all My People say. 
 
 If these are but old tales, as you declare, 
 
 Strange that no good of you e'er meets mine 
 
 ear.'' 
 
 " Sire !" said the Fox, " allow me to ex- 
 plain. 
 
 What you have said has caused Me deepest 
 pain. 
 
 To you no good I e'er have done, You 
 state ; 
 
 But not a word will I retaliate : 
 
 Forbid it, Heaven ! for full well, I know, 
 
 To You the service of my life I owe. 
 " Permit me one adventure to repeat, 
 
 Which I am certain You will not forget. 
 
 Is'grim and I once chanced a Boar to hunt ; 
 
 We caught him soon ; good Saints ! how he 
 did grunt ! 
 
 You came, and much of hunger You com- 
 plain' d, 
 
 And said Your Spouse was following close 
 behind : 
 
 If we would Each give up a little bit, 
 
 We should on both confer a benefit ; 
 
 A portion of our booty we might spare ; 
 
 And Is'grim answered, 'Yes ; ' with such an 
 air ; 
 
 While all the while between his teeth he mut- 
 tered, 
 
 So that one could not hear a word he uttered. 
 
 Said I, ' Sire! have Your wish ! I but de- 
 plore 
 
 5
 
 REYNARD THE FOX. 
 
 ' Instead of one Swine we have not a score. 
 
 Say, Which of us the booty shall divide ? 
 
 ' The Wolf! ' You then with dignity replied. 
 
 Well pleased was Is' grim, and with shame- 
 less front, 
 
 'Gan to divide, according to his wont. 
 
 One quarter, Sire, he placed aside for You ; 
 
 Another, to Your Royal Spouse as due ; 
 
 The other half he claimed as his own share, 
 
 And greedily began the flesh to tear ; 
 
 My humble part, beside the ears and snout, 
 
 Was half the lung, and that was all I got ; 
 
 And all the rest he kept himself ; to us 
 
 In sooth he was not over-generous. 
 
 Your portion soon was gone ; but I perceived 
 
 Your appetite was by no means relieved. 
 
 Isegrim though, just like a greedy beast, 
 
 Pretended not to see it in the least ; 
 
 Continuing still to gnaw and champ and 
 chew, 
 
 Nor offered, Sire, the smallest bit to You. 
 
 But then Your Royal Paws did You uprear, 
 
 And smite him heavily behind the ear ; 
 
 It tore his skin, and swift away he sped, 
 
 Howling like mad, with bald and bleeding 
 head. 
 
 ' Thou blund'ring Glutton ! ' after him You 
 cried, 
 
 ' I '11 teach thee how thy booty to divide: 
 
 ' Hence ! quick ! go fetch us something more 
 to eat ! ' 
 
 Then I said, Sire, You should not want for 
 meat ; 
 
 I'd follow quickly upon*Is'grim's track, 
 
 And I'd be bound, we'd soon bring some- 
 thing back. 
 
 And You were pleased to say, You were 
 content ; 
 
 So after Isegrim with speed I went. 
 
 He shewed his wound, and grumbled bitterly ; 
 
 But I persuaded him to hunt with me. 
 
 We fell in with a Calf, which we pursued, 
 
 And caught him ; 't was, I knew, Your fav'- 
 rite food ; 
 
 We brought and laid it at Your Royal feet ; 
 
 It was an off 'ring for a Monarch meet ; 
 
 You saw 't was fat, and to reward our toil, 
 
 With gracious condescension deigned to smile ; 
 
 And many a kindly word to me You spoke, 
 
 And said my hunting always brought good 
 luck ; 
 
 Adding, Now, Reynard, you divide the 
 Calf.' 
 
 I answered, ' Sire, to You belongs one half ; 
 
 ' That, with Your leave, I place aside for 
 You; 
 
 ' The other to Your Royal Spouse is due; 
 
 ' The entrails, such as liver, heart, and lungs, 
 
 ' All this to your dear Children, Sire, be- 
 longs : 
 
 ' I'll take the feet, for those I love to gnaw ; 
 
 ' And with the head the Wolf may cram his 
 maw.' 
 
 Then, did You thus address me ; ' Where, I 
 pray, 
 
 ' Learnt you to carve in such a courtly way ? ' 
 
 ' Yonder my Teacher stands, my Liege ; ' I 
 said ; 
 
 ' The Greedy Wolf, with bald and bleeding 
 head. 
 
 ' Had I not learnt, it were indeed a shame ; 
 
 ' For, Swine or Calf, the principle's the 
 
 same.' 
 
 " Thus pain and sorrow did the Wolf be- 
 fall ; 
 
 And sure his greediness deserved it all. 
 
 Alas ! there are too many of the kind ; 
 
 To sacrifice all else to Self inclin'd. 
 
 Their constant thoughts all bent in one direc- 
 tion, 
 
 They grind their Vassals, calling it ' Protec- 
 tion.' 
 
 The Poor perchance are starved, but what 
 care they ? 
 
 Ah ! wretched is the land that owns their 
 sway! 
 
 Far otherwise, mine honored Liege, You see, 
 
 That You have always been esteemed by 
 me; 
 
 All that I ever either reap or glean 
 
 I dedicate to You and to my Queen. 
 
 Whate'er I chance to gain, or great or small ; 
 
 You surely have the largest share of all. 
 
 Think of this story of the Calf and Swine ; 
 
 Then judge to whom reward You should as- 
 sign. 
 
 But ah ! poor Reynard's merits have grown 
 dim ; 
 
 All favors now are heaped on Isegrim ! 
 
 All must submit perforce to his commands ; 
 
 All tribute pass through his tenacious hands. 
 
 But little for Your int'rest doth he care, 
 
 Not e'en con tent with half for his own share. 
 
 You heed alone what he and Bruin say, 
 
 While Reynard's wisest words are thrown 
 away.
 
 REYNARD THE FOX. 
 
 67 
 
 " But now I am accused and shall not 
 
 budge ; 
 
 I know I stand before an upright Judge. 
 Let whoso will, bring forth what charge he 
 
 please, 
 
 Let him bring forward too his Witnesses ; 
 And pledge, upon the issue of the strife, 
 As I will do, his wealth, his ears, his life. 
 Such were the law and practice heretofore 
 To these I now appeal, and ask no more." 
 " Happen what may," then said the King, 
 
 ' ' by me 
 
 The path of Justice shall not straitened be. 
 Though thou art tainted, by Suspicion's 
 
 breath, 
 
 To have a hand in gentle Puss's death 
 My trusty Messenger ! I loved him well ; 
 And mourned his loss, far more than tongue 
 
 can tell ! 
 
 How did I grieve when I the Beaver saw 
 That bleeding head from out thy wallet draw ! 
 His crime the Ram atoned for on the spot ; 
 But thou hast leave to fight the matter out. 
 " We pardon Reynard's treasons 'gainst the 
 
 Crown, 
 
 For many services which he hath done. 
 If Any aught against him have to say, 
 Let him stand forth and prove it as he may ; 
 Or by sworn Witnesses, or else by fight ; 
 For here stands Reynard to defend his Right." 
 Then thus the Fox replied ; " My gracious 
 
 Lord! 
 
 My humblest thanks are all I can afford. 
 To ev'ry one You freely lend an ear ; 
 And e'en the Meanest meet with Justice here. 
 Heav'n is my witness, with how sad a heart 
 I suffered Puss and Bellyn to depart ; 
 Some strange foreboding of their fate had I ; 
 For, oh ! I loved them both right tenderly." 
 Thus cunningly did Reynard play his game ; 
 Thus artfully his endless fables frame. 
 Another triumph thus his wit achieved, 
 For he again by all was quite believed. 
 He spake with so much earnestness, in sooth, 
 It was scarce possible to doubt his truth. 
 Some with him even for his loss condoled ; 
 And thus once more his Sov'reign he cajoled ; 
 The story of the trinkets pleased the King ; 
 He longed to have them, 'specially the Ring; 
 He said to Reynard, " Go, in peace of mind, 
 Go, and seek, far and near, the Lost to find. 
 Do all you can ; more will I not require ; 
 My aid you may obtain, when you desire." 
 
 "Thanks, Sire;" said Reynard, "for this 
 act of Grace ; 
 
 Now, in my heart, Despair to Hope gives 
 place. 
 
 To punish Crime, and Falsehood to refute, 
 
 This is, my Liege, Your noblest Attribute. 
 
 Though Darkness still the whole affair en- 
 shrouds, 
 
 Ere long shall Light dispel the murky clouds. 
 
 The quest forthwith, Sire, will I expedite, 
 
 Incessantly will travel, day and night ; 
 
 And when I find the Treasures which I seek, 
 
 If to retake them I should prove too weak, 
 
 Then will I venture that kind aid to pray, 
 
 Which You have offered graciously this day. 
 
 Ah ! let me at Your feet but lay them down, 
 
 Repaid shall be my toil ; my loyal truth made 
 
 known." 
 
 The Monarch seemed well pleased to be de- 
 ceived, 
 
 And all the Court as readily believed ; 
 
 So cleverly the Fox his falsehoods wove, 
 
 That what he only said, he seemed to prove. 
 
 And Reynard's mind was wonderfully eased, 
 
 For he was free to wander where he pleased. 
 But Is'grim could his wrath no more re- 
 strain ; 
 
 He gnashed his teeth, and thus began com- 
 plain ; 
 
 " My Liege, and can you once more yield 
 belief 
 
 To this thrice-damned Perjurer and Thief? 
 
 Perceive you not, Sire, that in boasting thus, 
 
 He but deludeth You and beardeth us ? 
 
 Truth doth he from his very soul despise ; 
 
 And all his wit is spent in feigning lies. 
 
 But I'll not let him off so lightly now ; 
 
 What a false Knave he is I soon shall shew ; 
 
 Him of three grievous crimes I now indict ; 
 
 And 'scape he shall not, even should we fight. 
 
 He talks of calling Witnesses forsooth ; 
 
 As though that were the way to get the 
 Truth ! 
 
 They might stand here and witness all the 
 day; 
 
 He 'd manage to explain their words away ; 
 
 And there might be no Witnesses at times ; 
 
 Should therefore all unpunished be his crimes ? 
 
 But who will dare the Culprit to accuse, 
 
 When he is sure his time and suit to lose ; 
 
 And from that time for ever, wrong or right, 
 
 Be a marked object for the Ruffian's spite ? 
 
 E'en You Yourself, Sire, by experience know,
 
 68 
 
 REYNARD THE FOX. 
 
 As well as we, what mischief he can do. 
 To-day I have him safe ; he cannot flee ; 
 So let him look to 't ; he shall answer me! " 
 
 CHAPTER THE ELEVENTH. 
 
 THE DEFIANCE. 
 
 THUS Isegrim, the Wolf, commenced his 
 
 plaint ; 
 Though words would fail his mighty rage 
 
 to paint ; 
 
 " My Liege, this Reynard is a Scoundrel 
 still, 
 
 He ever has been one, and ever will. 
 
 And there he stands, and dares my wrath 
 defy, 
 
 Sland'ring myself and all my Family. 
 
 My black Beast has he ever been, through 
 life! 
 
 What endless Evils has he wrought my wife ! 
 
 He once contrived the poor Thing to per- 
 suade 
 
 Into a mill-pond through a bog to wade. 
 
 He promised she should gratify her wish, 
 
 And catch that day a multitude of Fish ; 
 
 She'd but to slip her tail into the pond, 
 
 And leave it hanging close upon the ground ; 
 
 Fast would the Fishes fix; she'd soon take 
 more 
 
 Than Three besides herself could well devour. 
 
 Partly she waded on, and partly swam, 
 
 Till to the sluice she got beneath the dam ; 
 
 There, where the waters stood most still and 
 deep, 
 
 Should she her tail drop down, and quiet 
 keep. 
 
 Tow'rds ev'ning-tide there came a nipping 
 breeze, 
 
 And bitterly did it begin to freeze ; 
 
 She had not borne it long ; but, in a trice, 
 
 Her tail was fairly frozen in the ice. 
 
 She thought 't was owing to the Fishes' 
 weight 
 
 She could not move it, and that all was right. 
 
 Reynard perceived her case, the Repro- 
 bate ! 
 
 And then but what he did I dare not state 
 
 He shall not now escape me, by mine oath ! 
 
 That outrage costs the life of One or Both ! 
 
 Prate as he will, he'll not impose on me ; 
 
 Nor shall his lying tongue now set him free ! 
 
 I caught him in the very act, I say 
 
 It was the merest chance I passed that way 
 
 I heard her cry, the poor deluded One ! 
 Fast was she fixed there, and defence had 
 
 none. 
 
 I came, and with my own eyes saw a sight 
 Oh Heav'ns ! why did my heart not break 
 
 outright ? 
 ' Reynard ! what art thou doing there ?' I 
 
 cried ; 
 
 He heard me, and away the Coward hied. 
 I hastened to the spot in grief and wrath, 
 Slipping and slith'ring on the glassy path. 
 Ne'er had I greater trouble in my life, 
 Than then, to break the ice and free my Wife. 
 But my best efforts did not quite avail ; 
 She was obliged, poor Soul ! to tug and hale; 
 And left behind a fourth part of her tail. 
 Loudly she howled, and long ; some Peasants 
 
 near 
 
 Her cries of bitter anguish chanced to hear. 
 They hurried thither and soon spied us out, 
 And to each other 'gan to bawl and shout; 
 Across the narrow dam in haste they swarmed, 
 With spades and mattocks, pikes and axes 
 
 armed ; 
 The Womankind with spindles ; how they 
 
 screamed and stormed ! 
 ' Catch them and kill them ! curse them ! ' 
 
 One and All 
 
 Thus to each other did they loudly call. 
 Such deep alarm I never felt before, 
 Nor my poor Gieremund, till that sad hour. 
 We saved our lives, though with the greatest 
 
 pain, 
 
 And had to run till our hides smoked again. 
 There was one Fellow, curses on his Soul ! 
 Armed with a long and iron-headed pole, 
 Who, light of foot, kept foil' wing in our track, 
 For ever poking at my sides and back. 
 Had not the night approached with friendly 
 
 gloom, 
 
 We from the spot alive had never come. 
 And what a hubbub did the Women keep ! 
 Swearing, the Hags ! we had devoured their 
 
 Sheep. 
 As they were armed with neither pikes nor 
 
 prongs, 
 They tried to wound us with their spiteful 
 
 tongues. 
 
 We tow'rds the water took our course again, 
 And crept among the sedges in the fen. 
 The Hinds dared not in this pursuit embark, 
 For luckily it now had grown pitch-dark ; 
 So they returned, sore disappointed, home :
 
 REYNARD THE FOX. 
 
 69 
 
 And thus we just escaped our threatened doom. 
 " You see, my Liege, how grave was this 
 offence ; 
 
 A mesh of treachery and violence. 
 
 Such crimes Your love of justice must con- 
 demn ; 
 
 For None are safe unless You punish them." 
 The King heard this complaint with pa- 
 tient ear ; 
 
 Then said, "Be sure you shall have justice 
 here ; 
 
 Her rights are ever sacred, come what may : 
 
 But We will hear what Reynard has to say." 
 The Fox replied : ' If true this tale were 
 found, 
 
 Much to my credit would it not redound ; 
 
 The charge is grave; but gracious Heav'n 
 forbid, 
 
 I e'er should act as Is'grim says I did. 
 
 All I have done was at his Wife's own wish : 
 
 I don't deny I taught her to take Fish ; 
 
 I told her where they would abound, and 
 shew'd 
 
 How she might get there by the nearest road. 
 
 But soon as ever of the Fish I spoke, 
 
 With greedy haste, away from me she broke ; 
 
 Without reflection hurried to the spot, 
 
 And all my rules and cautions quite forgot. 
 
 Then if she happened to get frozen in, 
 
 From sitting there so long it must have been ; 
 
 Had she but pulled her tail more quickly out, 
 
 She'd have got Fish enough, I make no doubt. 
 
 But Gluttony, a vice to be abhorr'd, 
 
 Like Virtue, often brings its own reward. 
 
 The heart that never will be satisfied 
 
 Must needs oft prove a drear and aching void. 
 
 Whoso the Spirit hath of Greediness 
 
 Will lead a life of trouble and distress ; 
 
 Him nothing satisfies : this, Gieremund, 
 
 When frozen in, by sad experience found. 
 " And thus it is my trouble is repaid ! 
 
 Thus am I thanked for all iny honest aid ! 
 
 I shoved and strove my best to set her free ; 
 
 But much too heavy for my strength was she. 
 
 While in this charitable act engaged, 
 
 Came Isegrim, and furiously he raged ; 
 
 He had, it seems, been prowling round the 
 shore ; 
 
 And there he stood, and fiercely cursed and 
 swore ; 
 
 I never heard such rude and savage tones ; 
 
 They made my flesh quite creep upon my 
 bones ; 
 
 Once, twice, and thrice at my poor head he 
 
 hurl'd 
 
 The wildest execrations in the world. 
 Thinks I then to myself, ' It seems to me 
 ' My safest course at once to fly will be ; 
 ' For it were better sure to run away 
 ' Than to this jealous Madman fall a prey.' 
 And well it was I fled, or, by my faith ! 
 Beyond a doubt I had been torn to death. 
 When two Dogs fight together o'er a bone, 
 The victory can but remain to one. 
 I thought it therefore far the safer course 
 To flee his anger and his brutal force. 
 For that he is a Brute he can't deny; 
 Ask his own Wife ; she knows as well as I ; 
 Ask her, and she no doubt will answer true. 
 With him, the Liar ! what have I to do ? 
 " When he perceived bis Wife in such a 
 
 plight, 
 
 No doubt he went to help her ; well he might, 
 If by the peasant Rabble they were press'd, 
 I guess it happened really for the best ; 
 It cannot but have done the She-Wolf good, 
 Have stirred her sinews, and have thawed 
 
 her blood. 
 
 'T is truly infamous, upon my life, 
 To hear him now so scandalize his Wife. 
 But ask herself; think ye, if truth he spoke, 
 She would not vengeance on my head invoke ? 
 " Meanwhile a week's imparlance will I 
 
 crave, 
 Means to consult my Friends that I may 
 
 have; 
 
 And see what answer it were best to frame, 
 To meet the Wolf's absurd and groundless 
 
 claim.'' 
 
 " Nothing but Rogu'ry,'' answered Giere- 
 mund, 
 
 " In all you say and do is ever found ; 
 Tricks, treason, treach'ry, stratagems, and 
 
 lies, 
 
 Falsehood, in short, in ev'ry shape and guise. 
 Who trusts your glozing and deceitful tongue, 
 For his credulity will suffer long. 
 This no one better than myself can tell ; 
 Witness what happened lately at the well. 
 " Two buckets there were hanging ; you in 
 
 one 
 Wherefore I knew not had yourself let 
 
 down ; 
 
 And nohow able to get up again, 
 Of your position loudly did complain. 
 At morning to the spot I chanced repair,
 
 70 
 
 EEYNARD THE FOX. 
 
 And asked you what you could be doing 
 
 there ; 
 You answered, ' Cousin dear, come down here 
 
 too ; 
 ' There 's no good luck I would not share 
 
 with you. 
 
 ' Get in the bucket and descend with speed ; 
 ' Of Fish I promise you a glorious feed.' 
 " It was some Demon led me, sure, that 
 
 way, 
 
 And made me credit what you pleased to say; 
 I to your oaths should ne'er have trusted 
 
 more ; 
 
 Well do I recollect what oaths you swore : 
 Not only that of Fish you'd had your fill, 
 But you had even ate till you were ill. 
 My sympathy my judgment over-ruled ; 
 Ass that I was to let myself be fooled ! 
 
 " Into the bucket did I thoughtless get ; 
 And down it went ; the other mounting 
 
 straight ; 
 
 And we about midway together met. 
 Astonished and alarmed, I called to you ; 
 ' In Heaven's name, where am I going to? ' 
 ' Here we go up and down ! ' you answered 
 
 thus ; 
 
 ' So goes it in the world, and so with us. 
 ' Nor let it be a subject of surprise ; 
 ' By our own merits we must fall or rise.' 
 Safe mounted, on the edge you lightly stepp'd 
 Out of your bucket, and away you leapt ; 
 While at the bottom of the well I lay, 
 In sad distress of mind, the livelong day, 
 And suffered endless blows before I got 
 
 away. 
 
 " Some Boors came to the well at eventide, 
 Nor was it long before poor Me they spied ; 
 Piteous indeed was my unhappy state, 
 As, cold and wet and hungry, there I sate. 
 Then to each other said the Boors ; ' Hallo ! 
 ' See ! in yon bucket sits our ancient Foe ! 
 ' The Thief, from whom we nothing safe can 
 
 keep ; 
 ' Who eats our Kidlings and devours our 
 
 Sheep ! ' 
 ' Just pull him up ! ' said One ; ' I'll wait for 
 
 him ; 
 ' And he shall catch it, when he reach the 
 
 brim.' 
 'He for our Sheep shall pay!' another 
 
 said : 
 
 I think the debts of all my Tribe I paid. 
 Blows upon blows fell on me, thick and fast ; 
 
 A sadder hour than that I never past ; 
 
 I deemed each moment must have been my 
 
 last." 
 
 Then Reynard answered ; " If you but re- 
 flect, 
 Those blows, you'll own, had all a good 
 
 effect. 
 
 For mine own part, I honestly admit 
 They 'd not have suited with my taste a 
 
 bit; 
 And as the matter stood, you see quite 
 
 well, 
 
 For both to 'scape had not been possible. 
 To censure me is anything but just : 
 In such a case you '11 ne'er Another trust 
 A lesson for the future let it be ; 
 The world you know is full of roguery.'' 
 " Now," said the Wolf, " what need of 
 
 further proof? 
 
 From this vile Traitor have I borne enough. 
 Of yet another outrage I complain ; 
 The marks whereof I even still retain. 
 Through him I got into the worst of scrapes, 
 In Saxony among a brood of Apes. 
 Induced by him I went into the lair ; 
 He knew what mischief I should meet with 
 
 there. 
 
 Had I not fled with timely haste away, 
 Both eyes and ears I should have lost that 
 
 day. 
 
 But with his lying tongue he told me first 
 Ah ! be that lying tongue for ever curst ! 
 That I should find his Lady Aunt within ; 
 Dame Ruckenaw I fancied he must mean. 
 Of me he wished, I doubt not, to be rid, 
 And grieved I got away, e'en as I did. 
 He sent me down, the sly and juggling Elf! 
 Into that horrid nest ; I thought ' twas Hell 
 
 itself." 
 Reynard replied before th' assembled 
 
 Lords, 
 
 Malicious meaning lurking in his words ; 
 "To pity Isegrim I'm half inclin'd ; 
 I doubt if he is in his perfect mind. 
 If this adventure he desire to tell, 
 To state it truly would be just as well. 
 " About three years ago, to Saxony, 
 With a vast store of booty, travelled he ; 
 I followed ; so far truth I recognise 
 In what he states ; the rest 's a pack of lies. 
 And those whose cruelty he now bemoans, 
 They were not Apes at all, but just Baboons. 
 With them no kinship have I ever claimed ;
 
 REYNARD THE FOX. 
 
 71 
 
 Of such alliance I should feel ashamed. 
 Martin the Ape, and Ruckenaw his Spouse, 
 They are my Kin, as Ev'rybody knows ; 
 I honor him as Uncle, her as Aunt ; 
 Of their affinity I well may vaunt : 
 He is a Notary, well versed in law, 
 Can sign his name, and protests deftly draw. 
 In what of those vile Creatures Is' grim spoke, 
 Your scorn at my expense he would provoke. 
 Relationship with them I quite repel ; 
 For they are like the very Fiends of Hell. 
 If I then called the old Hag Aunt,' 't was 
 
 done 
 
 For prudent reasons to myself best known : 
 I nothing lost thereby, I fairly own. 
 Her honored Guest, I sumptuously fared ; 
 Or else she might have choked, for aught I 
 
 cared, 
 
 " You see, my Lords, Sir Isegrim and I 
 Left the high-road and passed a mountain by. 
 A cavern in the rear we chanced to mark, 
 Deep it appeared, and long, and wondrous 
 
 dark. 
 
 My Friend complained, as usual, of a sink- 
 ing ; 
 
 He's got a Wolf inside him, to my thinking ; 
 For let him eat as much as e'er he will, 
 Who ever heard him own he'd had his fill? 
 I said to him ; ' The Inmates of this cave 
 ' Will certainly good store of victuals have ; 
 < I make no doubt they'll let us have a share ; 
 ' Most seasonable is our coming here.' 
 But Isegrim replied, ' Go in and see ; 
 ' I '11 wait for you meanwhile beneath this 
 
 tree. 
 
 ' Your social talents no one can deny ; 
 ' You make Acquaintance easier far than I. 
 ' Go in, good Coz ; I'm sure you'll be so good 
 ' To call me, if you meet with any food ' 
 He wanted me to face the danger first ; 
 It being more, the Dastard ! than he durst. 
 "I entered; nor without a shudd'ring 
 
 dread 
 
 Did 1 the long and sinuous passage thread ; 
 And what I saw oh ! not for worlds of gold, 
 Would I again that awful sight behold ! 
 A nest of ugly Monsters, great and small, 
 And their Dam with them, ugliest of them all. 
 With long black teeth bristled her frightful 
 
 jaws, 
 Her hands and feet with long and crooked 
 
 claws, 
 A long and hairy tail behind she bore ; 
 
 Such a grim Wretch I never saw before ! 
 Her swart, gaunt Children had the strangest 
 
 shapes, 
 And looked, for all the world, like goblin 
 
 Apes. 
 
 She gazed upon me with an evil eye ; 
 ' Would I were safe out of this house ! ' 
 
 thought I. 
 
 Than Isegrim she was a bigger Beast ; 
 Some of her Young too were as big, at least. 
 This horrible and hideous Brood I found 
 Bedded on rotten hay on the dank ground, 
 With filth all slobbered o'er. There oozed a 
 
 smell 
 
 On ev'ry side them, as from pitch of Hell. 
 The honest truth to speak, for I '11 not lie, 
 I felt small pleasure in their company ; 
 They were so many, and alone was I. 
 With mine own bosom then 1 counsel sought, 
 How from this cursed place I might get out. 
 I greeted them with many a friendly word ; 
 Although such a deceit my soul abhorr'd ; 
 But thought it just as prudent to be civil ; 
 E'en as I would be to the very Devil. 
 I called the old One, 'Aunt;' the young ones, 
 
 ' Cousins,' 
 
 And gave them tender epithets by dozens. 
 ' May gracious Heaven grant you lengthened 
 
 days ! ' 
 
 Thus I began ; ' and prosper all your ways ! 
 < Are these your Children ? But I need not 
 
 ask ; 
 
 ' Their likeness it were difficult to mask. 
 ' I vow my very soul with joy it cheers, 
 ' To see them look so well, the little Dears ! 
 ' So fresh and nice do you contrive to make 
 
 'em, 
 ' Strangers might for the Royal Children take 
 
 'em. 
 
 ' And grateful am I, as I ought to be, 
 ' That you should thus augment our Family, 
 ' And graft such worthy scions on our tree. 
 ' Who has such Kinsfolk is most blest indeed ; 
 ' For they may aid him in the hour of need.' 
 As thus lip-honor forth to her I dealt, 
 Far different, in truth, from what I felt, 
 She, on her side, of me made much ado ; 
 Was very civil ; called me ' Nephew,' too ; 
 Although the old Fool knew, as well as I, 
 She bore no kinship to my Family. 
 I thought, to call her 'Aunt,' was no great 
 
 crime ; 
 Albeit with fear I sweated all the time.
 
 
 72 
 
 REYNARD THE FOX. 
 
 With kindliest words by her was I address' d ; 
 ' Reynard, dear Kinsman ! welcome, as my 
 
 Guest ! 
 
 ' 'T is very good of you, that I will say, 
 ' To drop in on us in this friendly way. 
 ' From your instructions shall my Children 
 
 gain 
 
 ' The skill how they to honor may attain.' 
 Her Courtesy thus did I cheaply earn ; 
 A trifling sacrifice just served my turn ; 
 Claiming her kin, though she was so uncouth, 
 And holding back some disagreeable truth. 
 Most gladly would I then have gone away ; 
 But she entreated me that I would stay ; 
 ' So short a visit surely you'll not make ; 
 At least some slight refreshment you will 
 
 take : ' 
 And saying thus, she brought me heaps of 
 
 food, 
 More than I might describe, all fresh and 
 
 good ; 
 Fish, ven'son, wild-fowl, and all sorts of 
 
 game ; 
 Much did I wonder whence the Deuce it 
 
 came. 
 
 Of all these to my heart's content I ate, 
 And heartily enjoyed the bounteous treat. 
 And even when I 'd had my utmost fill, 
 She kept on urging me to take more still : 
 For some there are so over-hospitable, 
 Would force their Guests eat more than they 
 
 are able. 
 
 A joint of fine buck ven'son then brought she 
 A present for my Wife and Family. 
 I thanked her, as behoved me, for her cheer ; 
 She was all gracious ; called me ' Cousin 
 
 dear ; ' 
 
 And said, ' I hope to see you often here.' 
 I promised all she asked ; indeed I would 
 Have promised anything, as matters stood. 
 
 " At length I managed to get safely off, 
 Without an accident, and pleased enough ; 
 For nothing found I there, you may suppose, 
 Either to gratify the eyes or nose. 
 Through the dark gall'ries did I swiftly flee, 
 And hastened to the op'ning by the tree : 
 There on the greensward Isegrim still lay, 
 Sighing and groaning in a grievous way. 
 ' How fares it with you, Uncle mine ? ' I cried ; 
 ' Ah ! nearly dead with hunger ; ' he replied. 
 I pitied him, and just his life to save, 
 The meat I brought to him I freely gave. 
 He ate it up with grateful gluttony ; 
 
 Though now he has forgotten all, you see. 
 His meal concluded, he desired to know, 
 Who were the Dwellers in the cave below : 
 ' What sort of Folk are they down there ? ' he 
 
 said ; 
 
 ' And was your entertainment good or bad ? ' 
 I told him just the pure and naked truth ; 
 The nest was vile, the Inmates most uncouth ; 
 In manners wild, uncourteous, and rough ; 
 To make amends though there was food 
 
 enough : 
 
 And if he wished himself to have a share, 
 He 'd nought to do but enter boldly there ; 
 Only he must be mindful Truth to spare. 
 ' Though Falsehood is almost the worst of 
 
 crimes, 
 
 ' Truth is not to be spoken at all times.' 
 This I repeated to him o'er and o'er, 
 And added sev'ral sage instructions more : 
 ' He who unwisely swaggering about Truth, 
 ' Has it for ever wobbling in his mouth, 
 ' Is sure to meet with endless grief and woe, 
 ' And persecution wheresoe'er he go ; 
 ' Others caressed and prosp'rous shall he find ; 
 ' While he in ev'ry place will lag behind.' 
 1 fully warned him what he might expect, 
 If he these warnings madly should neglect : 
 ' He who but speaks what Others like to hear 
 ' Is sure to be respected far and near.' 
 
 *' These are the very words, Sire, that I 
 
 spake, 
 Both for his guidance, and my conscience' 
 
 sake : 
 
 But if he chose to act quite contrary 
 And suffer'd for it, who to blame but he ? 
 His locks with age are grizzled, but 't is plain 
 One seeks for judgment under them in vain. 
 Such stupid Brutes on bluntness lay a stress, 
 And disregard all prudence and finesse ; 
 And, groping underground with mole-like 
 
 eyes, 
 
 Affect the light of Wisdom to despise. 
 The sole advice I pressed on him, forsooth, 
 Was not to be too spendthrift of the Truth : 
 He rudely answered, ' I should think I know 
 ' How to behave, at least as well as you.' 
 Into the cave then did he boldly trot ; 
 And you shall hear what welcome there he got. 
 "He finds the frightful Dam within her 
 
 lair, 
 
 Like some old dotard Devil crouching there : 
 The young ones too ! With terror and sur- 
 prise,
 
 REYNARD THE FOX. 
 
 73 
 
 ' Help ! help ! what hideous Beasts ! ' he 
 
 wildly cries ; 
 ' Are these your Offspring, pray ? Faugh ! 
 
 how they smell ! 
 ' Worse than the slime-engendered Spawn of 
 
 Hell! 
 ' Take them and drown them ! that is all 
 
 they ' re worth ; 
 
 ' Lest the unclean Brood overrun the earth ! 
 4 An they were mine, I 'd have them throttled 
 
 straight ; 
 1 To catch young Devils they might serve as 
 
 bait ; 
 ' Onfe need but take them down to some bog's 
 
 edge, 
 ' And let them hang there, fastened to the 
 
 ' Bog-apes indeed ! it is a name that suits 
 ' Their nature well, the nasty, dirty Brutes ! ' 
 The outraged Mother answered with a shriek, 
 For haste and anger scarce would let her 
 
 speak ; 
 
 ' What Devil sent this bouncing Knave to us ? 
 ' In my own house to be insulted thus ! 
 ' The vulgar Ruffian ! My poor Children 
 
 too! 
 
 ' Ugly or handsome, what is that to you ? 
 < Reynard the Fox, with fifty times your 
 
 sense, 
 
 ' A man of knowledge and experience, 
 ' Has only just now left us ; he avow'd 
 ' My Young were handsome, and their man- 
 ners good ; 
 ' Nay e'en to call them Cousins he was 
 
 proud. . 
 
 ' A short time back, and in this very place, 
 ' All this he stated frankly to my face. 
 * If you they do not please, as they did him, 
 ' Remember you came here of your own 
 
 whim ; 
 
 ' Nobody asked you, Gaffer Isegrim ! ' 
 But he demanded food of her, and said ; 
 ' Bring it at once, or I your search may aid ; 
 ' I cannot stand your vanity to please.' 
 With that he strove upon her store to seize. 
 Nor prudent was the thought, or wise the 
 
 deed ; 
 
 But little did he all my cautions heed. 
 Upon him, quick as thought, herself she 
 
 threw, 
 And bit and scratched him, that the blood 
 
 she drew. 
 Her children too were all as bad as she, 
 
 And tore and clawed and mauled him fear 
 
 fully. 
 
 He did not dare return their blows again ; 
 But howled and screamed in agony of pain. 
 He sought, the only chance his life to save 
 With hasty steps, the op'ning of the cave. 
 " I saw him come, with mangled cheeks 
 and lips, 
 
 His torn hide hanging down in gory strips ; 
 One ear was split and bloody was his nose ; 
 He looked, in short, one wound from head to 
 
 toes. 
 
 I asked, for his condition moved my ruth, 
 ' You surely have not gone and spoke the 
 
 Truth ? ' 
 
 But he replied ; ' I said just what I thought. 
 Oh! to what sad disgrace have I been 
 
 brought ! 
 
 ' The uprly Witch ! Ah, would I had her here ! 
 ' I 'd make her pay for my dishonor, dear ! 
 ' What think you, Reynard? Have you ever 
 
 seen 
 
 ' So vile a Brood ; so nasty and obscene ? 
 ' I told her so, and surely I did right ; 
 ' But straight I lost all favor in her sight. 
 ' I came but badly off, upon my soul ! 
 ' Would I had never seen the cursed hole ! ' 
 Then answered I, ' You must be mad, I 
 
 swear ; 
 
 ' How widely different my instructions were , 
 ''Your Servant, dearest Aunt," you should 
 
 have said, 
 ' It never injures one to seem well-bred ;
 
 REYNARD THE FOX. 
 
 
 " The world, I hope, goes ever well with you, 
 " And your sweet darling little Children 
 
 too. 
 
 " The joy I feel is more than I can tell 
 " To see you looking all so nice and well." 
 But Isegrim impatiently broke in ; 
 ' What ! call that Bitch my Aunt ! those Cubs 
 
 my Kin ! 
 
 ' The Devil may make off with all the Fry ; 
 ' He their relationship may claim, not I ! 
 ' Faugh ! but they are a foul and filthy race ! 
 ' Ne'er again may I meet them face to face ! ' 
 " Such were his actions, such was his re- 
 ward ; 
 
 Judge then if I betrayed him, good my Lord. 
 He can't deny that what I 've said is true ; 
 At least 't will not much help him if he do.' 1 
 Then Isegrim replied with wrathful tongue, 
 His breast with sense of deep injustice 
 
 wrung ; 
 
 " What boots this idle war of angry words ? 
 Can we decide our feud with woman's 
 
 swords ? 
 
 Right still is Right, whate'er the Bad pre- 
 tend ! 
 
 And he who hath it, keeps it to the end. 
 Reynard now bears himself as vauntingly 
 As though the Right were his ; but we shall 
 
 see. 
 " With me you shall do battel ; thus 
 
 alone 
 On which side truth is marshalled shall be 
 
 known. 
 
 A pretty tale forsooth is this you tell 
 Of our adventure at the She-ape's cell ; 
 That I was starving and was fed by you ! 
 But in what manner gladly I would know ; 
 For what you brought me was just nought 
 
 but bone ; 
 You best yourself know where the flesh was 
 
 gone. 
 And there you boldly stand, and flout and 
 
 jeer 
 By Heav'n ! but this doth touch mine honor 
 
 near! 
 Suspicions vile your false and slanderous 
 
 tongue 
 
 On my good name and loyalty hath flung ; 
 That I, devoid of 'legiance and faith, 
 Had compassed and imagined my King's 
 
 death : 
 
 While you to Him with idle fables prate 
 Of stores and treasures, at a shameless rate. 
 
 Treasures and stores, forsooth ! to my poor 
 
 mind, 
 
 Such wonders will be somewhat hard to find. 
 But what doth most my vengeful wrath 
 
 arouse 
 Is the deep shame you've done my dearest 
 
 Spouse. 
 " For all these grievances, both old and 
 
 new, 
 
 I will do battel to the death with you. 
 Here to your face do I proclaim you are 
 A Traitor vile, a Thief, a Murderer ; 
 And I will make it good, life against life ; 
 And thus, and not by chiding, end our strife. 
 What I avouch, I am prepared to prove ; 
 Whereof in token here I fling my glove ; 
 Thus formally the battel do I wage ; 
 Stoop then if you have heart, and lift my 
 
 gage. 
 My Sov' reign Liege and all th' assembled 
 
 Lords 
 Have heard and know the import of my 
 
 words ; 
 
 They will assist this trial of the right, 
 As Witnesses of our judicial fight. 
 But you shall not escape me anyhow, 
 Until our feud is settled ; that I vow ! " 
 Then with himself did Reynard counsel 
 
 take; 
 
 ' Fortune and life are now indeed at stake : 
 ' For big and strong is he ; I, weak and 
 
 small ; 
 
 ' 'Twere sad if ill mine efforts now befall ; 
 ' Vain then were all my cunning and my 
 
 skill ; 
 
 ' Yet will I hope a good conclusion still. 
 ' Of some advantage I may fairly boast ; 
 ' Since his fore-claws he hath but lately lost : 
 ' And, in the end, unless his passion cool, 
 ' He may perchance be foiled, presumptuous 
 
 Fool ! ' 
 
 Then to the Wolf he boldly thus spake out : 
 " I stuff the Traitor's name back down your 
 
 throat ! 
 
 Charge upon charge against me you devise, 
 But I denounce them all as groundless lies ; 
 You offer battel now, and haply think 
 That from the trial I in fear may shrink ; 
 But long I've wished this means my truth to 
 
 prove ; 
 
 The challenge I accept ! Lo ! here my glove ! '' 
 
 Then Noble, King of Beasts, agreed to hold 
 
 The gages proffered by these champions bold ;
 
 
 REYNARD THE FOX. 
 
 75 
 
 And said, " Bring forth your Sureties now 
 
 as bail 
 
 That at to-morrow's fight you shall not fail, 
 Both sides I've heard, but understand no 
 
 more 
 
 Nay, less I may say than I did before." 
 As Is' grim' s Sureties stood the Cat and 
 
 Bear, 
 
 Tybalt and Bruin ; those for Reynard were 
 Greybeard and Monkie, Martin's Son and 
 
 Heir. 
 To Reynard then thus spake Dame Rucke- 
 
 naw ; 
 "Coolness and prudence now must be your 
 
 law. 
 
 My Husband, who is on his road to Rome, 
 Taught me a pray'r last time he was at 
 
 home ; 
 
 Good Abbot Gulpall did the same compose, 
 And gave it, as a favor, to my Spouse. 
 He said it was a pray'r of wond'rous might, 
 A saving spell for those about to fight : 
 He who, the morning, this should fasting 
 
 hear, 
 
 Nor pain nor peril all that day need fear ; 
 Vanquished he could not be by any Foe, 
 Nor death nor wounds of any nature know. 
 This pray'r o'er you to-morrow will I say ; 
 Then, Nephew dear, be jocund for to-day." 
 "Thanks, dearest Aunt," said Reynard, 
 
 " for your care ; 
 
 Deeply beholden am I for your pray'r ; 
 But mostly do I trust, and ever will, 
 The justice of my cause, and mine own skill." 
 All night his Friends remained with him, 
 
 and sought 
 With cheerful chat to scare each gloomy 
 
 thought. 
 Dame Ruckenaw, more thoughtful than the 
 
 rest, 
 
 Was ever busied how to serve him best. 
 From head to tail she had him closely 
 
 sheared, 
 
 And then with fat and oil his body smeared ; 
 He stood all smooth and sleek from top to 
 
 toe, 
 
 That he no grip should oifer to his Foe. 
 Then thus she spake ; " We must be cir- 
 cumspect, 
 
 And on all chances of the fight reflect. 
 Hearken to my advice ; a Friend in need, 
 Who gives good counsel, is a Friend indeed. 
 To-night, whate'er you do, before you sleep, 
 
 Of light Liebfrauenmilch drink pottle-deep : 
 To-morrow, when you enter in the lists 
 Attend me well, herein the point consists 
 Wet well your brush I need not tell you 
 how 
 
 Then fly upon your unsuspecting Foe ; 
 
 Lash at his face, and salve him right i' th* 
 
 eye; 
 
 His smarting sight will darken instantly : 
 This cannot fail to cause him sore distress, 
 And in the combat profit you no less. 
 Next must you take to flight, as though in 
 
 fear ; 
 
 He will be sure to follow in your rear ; 
 You will take heed to run against the wind, 
 While your swift feet kick up the dust behind ; 
 So shall his lids be closed with sand and dirt; 
 Then on one side spring sudden and alert ; 
 And while he stops his smarting eyes to wipe, 
 Upon them deal another stinging stripe ; 
 Thus, blinded, at your mercy shall he be, 
 And yours the undisputed victory. 
 
 " Yourself to rest now, dearest Nephew, 
 
 lay; 
 
 We will be sure to wake you when 't is day. 
 But first, as now the midnight hour is past, 
 Ere yet you slumber, and while still you fast, 
 Your heart to strengthen, should it chance be 
 
 weak, 
 Those sacred words of power I '11 o'er you 
 
 speak." 
 Then both her hands she placed upon his 
 
 head, 
 And with a solemn voice these words she said :
 
 REYNARD THE FOX. 
 
 ' Tiw rof tfo sessap hsir'bbig gnidnuos-hgih ! ' 
 
 Now ev'ry adverse charm you may defy." 
 They laid him then to rest beneath a tree ; 
 
 And there he slept both long and tranquilly. 
 Soon as the morning o'er the hill-tops 
 brake, 
 
 The Beaver came his Kinsman to awake ; 
 
 With him the Otter ; greeting kind they gave ; 
 
 Bade him arise, and bear him bold and brave - 
 
 And laughing said, he had no need to shave. 
 The Otter brought with him a nice young 
 duck, 
 
 And handing it to Reynard, thus he spoke : 
 
 "For this I've toiled, while you were fast 
 asleep ; 
 
 And it hath cost me many a parlous leap ; 
 
 I caught it at the mill near Huenerbrod ; 
 
 Eat it, dear Coz; and may it do you good ! " 
 " Gramercy for the handsel!" Reynard 
 said, 
 
 With cheerful heart as out he skipped from 
 bed; 
 
 " So choice a present I would never slight ; 
 
 I pray that Heav'n your kindness may re- 
 quite." 
 He ate and drank unto his heart's content ; 
 
 Then to the lists with all his Friends he went ; 
 
 Down to a sandy level near a field, 
 
 Where the appointed combat should be held. 
 
 CHAPTER THE TWELFTH. 
 
 THE BATTEL. 
 
 WHEN Reynard thus before the throne ap- 
 peared, 
 
 Shorn of his hair, with oil and ointment 
 smeared ; 
 
 The good King was so tickled with the sight, 
 
 He could not choose but fairly laugh outright. 
 
 " Why, Fox, who taught thee such a trick ? " 
 
 he cried, 
 " As shave thy hair away, to save thy hide ! 
 
 Reynard the Fox well may they christen thee. 
 
 For all thy life is full of foxery ; 
 
 No matter how involved may be the scrape, 
 
 Thou 'rt sure to find some loop-hole for 
 
 escape." 
 Low to the King, with reverential mien, 
 
 Bowed Reynard, and still lower to the 
 Queen ; 
 
 Then gaily did he leap the lists within, 
 
 Where waited Isegrim with all his Kin ; 
 
 Who prayed the Fox might find a shameful 
 fate, 
 
 And showered upon him words of threat' ning 
 
 hate. 
 The Lynx and Libbard, Marshals of the 
 
 list, 
 
 Brought forth the holy relics in a chest ; 
 The while, bare-headed stood the Champions 
 
 both, 
 
 The Wolf and Fox, and took the wonted oath. 
 With many angry words and scowling 
 
 looks, 
 
 First Isegrim the Wolf swore 'gainst the Fox : 
 He was a Traitor, Murderer and Thief; 
 Guilty of ev'ry kind of crime, in brief; 
 False unto him and outraging his Wife ; 
 This he would prove against him, life for life. 
 Then Reynard swore, upon the other side, 
 That Isegrim, the Wolf, most foully lied ; 
 A Traitor and a Perjurer was he, 
 While he himself from ev'ry crime was free. 
 The doughty Marshals then, ere they with- 
 drew, 
 
 Bade both the Champions their devoir to do, 
 And truly keep the rules of lawful fight ; 
 And Heav'n in justice would defend the 
 
 Right ; 
 
 The lists then duly cleared of ev'ry one, 
 They left the Champions in the midst alone. 
 To Reynard though Dame Ruckenaw drew 
 
 near, 
 
 And, as she passed, thus whispered in his ear ; 
 " Remember, Nephew, the advice I gave ; 
 My counsel follow, and your credit save.'' 
 
 To her, in cheerful tones, the Fox replies ; 
 " My heart your kindly warning fortifies; 
 My wiles have carried me through many a 
 
 scrape, 
 
 Through risks of ev'ry kind and ev'ry shape ; 
 Nor fear I but they shall assist me now 
 To baffle yonder fierce and savage Foe. 
 Shame upon him and his I look to heap, 
 While all my Friends shall fame and honor 
 
 reap." 
 
 Now stand the Champions in the lists alone, 
 While husht and still the anxious Crowd look 
 
 on. 
 Wildly and savagely, with outstretched 
 
 claws, 
 
 With bristling hair, and wide-distended jaws, 
 Is'grim, the Wolf, the onset first began, 
 And, swift as thought, at his Opponent ran. 
 The wily Fox dared not the charge abide, 
 But, light of foot, sprang actively aside ; 
 Nor did he now his Aunt's advice forget ;
 
 T . 
 
 * .- * 
 
 ,-' -* 
 
 REYNARD THE FOX
 
 REYNARD THE FOX. 
 
 77 
 
 His bushy tail already had he wet ; 
 On ev'ry side this did he whisk and flirt, 
 And so besmear it well with sand and dirt. 
 Thought Isegrim, "I surely have him now;" 
 But Reynard dealt him so severe a blow, 
 Across his eyes, with his bedraggled tail, 
 That the Wolfs eight and hearing 'gan to fail. 
 'T was not the only time this trick he'd 
 
 played ; 
 
 Others this stinging ointment had essayed ; 
 Isegrim's Children he half blinded so, 
 As has been hinted at some time ago ; 
 And now he hoped to blind the Father, too. 
 
 Having to Is' grim' s eyes this salve applied ; 
 Again the wily Reynard sprang aside ; 
 And taking care to run against the wind, 
 He stirred a mighty cloud of dust behind. 
 This filled the Wolf's eyes, that they smarted 
 
 sore ; 
 The more he rubbed, they smarted all the 
 
 more ; 
 
 And worse he fared than he had done before. 
 Meanwhile the crafty Reynard did not fail 
 To ply with vigor his assiduous tail ; 
 Lashing his Adversary left and right, 
 Till wholly he deprived him of his sight. 
 Faint he became, and dazed, and all con- 
 fused : 
 
 The wary Fox quick his advantage used : 
 "Aha, Sir Wolf, 
 How many a Lamb and other harmless 
 
 Beast 
 Your maw have furnished with a guilty 
 
 feast ; 
 While I have borne the scandal and the 
 
 blame, 
 And your bad deeds have sullied my good 
 
 name ; 
 
 But your iniquities henceforth shall cease ; 
 And the poor Innocents may rest in peace. 
 A boon as gainful 'tis to you, as them, 
 Your further guilty progress now to stem ; 
 Your only chance is this your soul to save ; 
 Yet if my pardon you will humbly crave, 
 And freely own that vanquished now you are, 
 I will have mercy, and your life will spare." 
 He said; and gripping hard his Foeman's 
 
 throat, 
 
 Again his bleeding cheeks he fiercely smote. 
 But Is'grim's strength no longer idle lay ; 
 He gave two vig'rous twists, and tore away. 
 But Reynard at his face once more lets fly, 
 And sharply striking him, tears out an eye: 
 
 A deep arid ghastly wound ! the smoking 
 
 blood 
 
 Adown his cheek in crimson current flow'd. 
 " See ! " quoth the taunting Fox ; " he hath 
 
 it now ; 
 
 Avenged am I, and vanquished is my foe ! " 
 But mad with pain and heedless of his 
 
 wound, 
 The savage Wolf, with one tremendous 
 
 bound, 
 On Reynard sprang, and bore him to the 
 
 ground : 
 
 He seizing in his fearful jaws, 
 One of Sir Reynard's foremost paws 
 Shewed him the fight was not yet done 
 And taught him that to change his tone, 
 Good reason might be found. 
 No other way was there to choose, 
 Unless indeed his paw to lose 
 
 Which still he hoped to save; 
 Meanwhile the Wolf in angry voice 
 And wrathful words this wretched choice 
 
 To his opponent gave ; 
 " Thrice perjured Knave, thy hour has come, 
 Yield thee or death shall be thy doom. 
 Thine hour is come ! it little shall avail 
 To scratch the dust up, or bewet thy tail ; 
 To save thy hair ; to smear thyself with 
 
 grease ; 
 Woe on thee, Miscreant ! thou'st run out thy 
 
 lease ! 
 Thou'st wrought me countless ills ; told many 
 
 a lie ; 
 
 Wounded me sorely, and tore out mine eye ; 
 But now, escape thou shalt not ; yield or 
 
 die ! " 
 Thought Reynard then ; " This is an evil 
 
 hour ! 
 
 What shall I do on earth t' avoid his pow'r? 
 Me, if I yield not, will this Savage slay ; 
 If I do yield, disgraced am I for aye. 
 I've earned his hate, for I've abused him 
 
 still, 
 
 With wrong and insult, to my utmost skill." 
 Then, with sweet words and accents soft 
 
 and smooth, 
 He strove his fierce Opponent's wrath to 
 
 soothe ; 
 
 " Hear me, good Uncle ! I with joy will be 
 Your Vassal, I and all my Family ; 
 A pilgrimage with pleasure, for your sake, 
 Unto the Holy Sepulchre I'll make ; 
 I'll visit ev'ry church upon my track,
 
 
 78 
 
 REYNARD THE FOX. 
 
 And endless absolutions bring you back ; 
 Your soul to benefit these cannot fail ; 
 Your blessed parents too they may avail ; 
 Though they may now be in a better place ; 
 Who is there does not need a saving 
 
 Grace? 
 
 I'll honour you, as though the Pope you were ; 
 The deepest and most solemn oaths will swear, 
 That I myself and all my Relatives 
 Shall do you homage for our goods and lives ; 
 And suit and service will we yield to you, 
 More than to our liege King we even do. 
 "Take then my offer, Uncle, while you 
 
 may; 
 And all the land shall quickly own your 
 
 sway; 
 
 All that I catch myself, to you I'll bring ; 
 Fish, Fowls, Ducks, Geese and Pigeons 
 
 everything ! 
 Yourself, your Wife and Children, of all 
 
 pelf 
 
 Shall have first choice, ere I will taste my- 
 self. 
 
 Your safety will I watch with anxious eye, 
 That harm or danger ne'er approach you 
 
 nigh. 
 
 They call me cunning, powerful are you ; 
 Together what great things may we not do ! 
 What a confed'racy were this of ours ! 
 Wisdom and Strength ! who could withstand 
 
 such pow'rs ! 
 
 To join together thus though, but to fight 
 That, dearest Uncle, never can be right ! 
 This combat I had done my best to shun, 
 If but it might with honor have been done. 
 But, as the public challenge came from you, 
 What, in the name of honor, could I do ? 
 My courtesy I've carried such a length, 
 I've not put forth one quarter of my strength : 
 For to myself I said, ' Now, have a care ; 
 ' It is but right you should your Uncle spare.' 
 Had I but given way to hate or spleen, 
 How different the issue might have been ! 
 You have not suffered much ; if your poor 
 
 eye 
 
 Have met with an untoward injury, 
 It happened by the purest accident, 
 For which, with all my soul, do I lament. 
 I know a simple and a certain cure, 
 In which you shall participate, be sure : 
 Or if the hurt be greater than my skill, 
 You'll have one comforting advantage still : 
 If you at any time would fain repose, 
 
 Only one window will you have to close ; 
 While we, unless we always keep awake, 
 A double trouble have to undertake. 
 
 " Bethink you then, dear Uncle ; all my 
 
 Kin 
 
 Shall kneel before your feet, my grace to win : 
 Here, in full Court, my Children and my 
 
 Wife 
 
 From you shall pray my pardon and my life. 
 Here will I even publicly declare, 
 The crimes, I charged you with, but slanders 
 
 were ; 
 
 That I have grossly lied ; nay, I will vow, 
 That nought against your character I know ; 
 That, for all future time, I never will 
 Or breathe or think against you aught of 111. 
 
 " This freely will I do to soothe your ire : 
 What expiation can you more desire ? 
 Kill me ; and where will be the slightest 
 
 good? 
 My Friends and Kindred will keep up the 
 
 feud. 
 Spare me ; and think how in renown you 
 
 rise ; 
 
 For all will deem you generous and wise. 
 Prove thus how truly noble is your mind ; 
 Another chance you may not quickly find. 
 But do your pleasure ; for you will, I see : 
 To live or die is all the same to me ! " 
 
 "False Fox!" replied the savage Wolf; 
 
 " how fain 
 
 Thou from my grapple wouldst be loose again ! 
 But were the world one lump of fire-tried 
 
 gold, 
 
 And offered here, my vengeance to withhold, 
 I would not, base Dissembler, let thee go : 
 What value are thine oaths, full well I know. 
 What for thy Friends or Kindred do I care ? 
 Their enmity methinks I well may bear. 
 Well might'st thou at my silly weakness scoff, 
 If protestations now could get thee off. 
 Of thy forbearance thou didst boasting speak ! 
 How is 't mine eye hangs bleeding on my 
 
 cheek ? 
 
 By thine infernal claws is not my hide 
 In twenty places scored and scarified ? 
 When panting I was worn almost to death, 
 What leisure didst thou grant to fetch my 
 
 breath ? 
 
 Pardon and Mercy ! That is not the way 
 That Injury and Insult I repay! 
 Me thou hast basely wronged ; and my poor 
 
 Wife
 
 REYNARD THE FOX. 
 
 79 
 
 Ah ! thou shalt pay the forfeit with thy life !" 
 Thus spake the Wolf; the crafty Fox mean- 
 while, 
 Who saw that nothing could be gained by 
 
 guile, 
 
 Using the other hand he still had free, 
 Gripped hold of his Opponent savagely 
 And in so very sensitive a part, 
 The startled Wolf howled with the sick'ning 
 
 smart. 
 
 Swift then the Fox withdrew his other paw 
 From the huge chasm of that portentous jaw ; 
 With both his Foeman hard and fast he 
 
 clenched, 
 And lugged and scratched and haled and 
 
 nipped and wrenched, 
 
 That Isegrim screamed out, till blood he spate, 
 And brake with pain into a seething sweat. 
 Glad Reynard deemed his conquest now 
 
 secure ; 
 Yet, tooth and nail, held firm, to make all 
 
 sure ; 
 While the Wolf, spent and sprawling under 
 
 most, 
 
 Stifled and blind, himself gave up for lost 
 The sanguine stream in copious currents 
 
 flows, 
 Adown his beard, from eyes and mouth and 
 
 nose. 
 Oh ! not for heaps of wealth and boundless 
 
 gold, 
 
 The triumph of that hour had Reynard sold ! 
 The more his Foe grew faint and weak, the 
 
 more 
 He griped and pinched and bit and clawed 
 
 and tore ; 
 I' th' dust the Wolf rolled, with dull, hollow 
 
 sobs, 
 
 Gestures unseemly and convulsive throbs. 
 With wailings loud his Friends the Monarch 
 
 prayed 
 He would command the combat might be 
 
 stayed : 
 
 The King replied ; " E'en so then let it be, 
 If you all wish it ; 't is all one to me. 1 ' 
 
 Then Noble bids the Marshals of the list 
 To cause the champions from the fight desist. 
 The Lynx and Libbard quick are at their 
 
 post, 
 
 And Reynard as the Conqueror thus accost ; 
 ' Enough ! the King doth now his mandate 
 
 send 
 The combat shall conclude, the strife shall end. 
 
 He wills you spare the life of Isegrim, 
 And leave the issue of the day to Him. 
 If either of the Twain should lose his life, 
 We all had reason to regret the strife. 
 The vict'ry, Reynard, rests with you ; we own 
 That you right nobly your devoir have done ; 
 And have from all golden opinions won." 
 Then Reynard said; "To all my thanks I 
 
 pay; 
 
 And gladly will the King's behests obey ; 
 Too proud to do whatever he require : 
 Victor ! what triumph can I more desire ? 
 But that my cause I may not prejudice 
 I humbly crave to ask my Friends' advice." 
 Then Reynard's Friends with one accord 
 
 replied ; 
 
 " We think it best the King were satisfied." 
 And round him gathered in tumultuous 
 
 flocks 
 
 The Relatives of the victorious Fox ; 
 The Beaver and the Otter and the Ape, 
 With Greybeard, wished him joy of his es- 
 cape. 
 
 And many greeted him as Friends, of those 
 Who heretofore had been his dearest Foes ; 
 The Squirrel and the Weasel and the Stoat, 
 The Ermine too, and some of lesser note, 
 Who formerly would scarcely speak his name, 
 Kindred with him are now too glad to claim. 
 In fine, he found no end of Relatives, 
 Who brought with them their children and 
 
 their Wives ; 
 
 While Great and Little with each other vie, 
 To lavish compliments and flattery. 
 
 In the World's circle fares it ever thus ; 
 Good wishes rain upon the Prosperous ; 
 But the unfortunate or needy man 
 May e'en get through his troubles as he can. 
 
 So fares it now ; and all the Courtiers strive 
 How honor to the Victor they may give. 
 Some sing ; some play the flute ; the hautboy, 
 
 some ; 
 Some blow the trumpet ; others beat the 
 
 drum ; 
 
 And his now num'rous Friends in chorus cry ; 
 " Hail ! happy day of joy and victory ! 
 Hail ! conqu'ring Hero ! unto whom we trace 
 The honor and renown of all our Race. 
 How did we grieve when wounded there you 
 
 lay! 
 
 How glad we greet the issue of the fray ! " 
 And Reynard answered; "Thanks, my 
 
 worthy Friends ;
 
 
 80 
 
 REYNARD THE FOX. 
 
 For all I've borne your kindness makes 
 
 amends : ' ' 
 Then, while behind in swarming crowds they 
 
 prest, 
 Marched onward with the Marshals of the 
 
 list: 
 
 And thus with acclamations loud they bring 
 The Conqueror in triumph to the King. 
 
 So soon as they arrived before the throne, 
 The Fox with humble bearing knelt him 
 
 down ; 
 
 But the good Monarch motioned him to rise, 
 And then addressed him thus, in gracious 
 wise; 
 
 " The day is yours by right of victory ; 
 And from all forfeit We pronounce you free. 
 With all Our Aarons, counsel shall be ta'en, 
 
 So soon as Isegrim is whole again ; 
 Then will We judge the cause as best we may. 
 The matter is concluded for to-day." 
 
 "Your resolution, Sire;" with bow pro- 
 found 
 
 Said wily Reynard, " is both wise and sound. 
 Thou know'st, when first I did appear, 
 I stood accused before thy throne, 
 And that, by some now standing here, 
 Of crimes, which I had never known ; 
 This was to please the Wolf, for he 
 Avow'd himself mine enemy, 
 
 And sought mine overthrow. 
 They saw that he held lofty place, 
 And had thy favor and thy grace, 
 Therefore, they join' d him to decry 
 My fame, and yell'd out 'Crucify!' 
 
 A sorry pack, I trow ! 
 They're like those hungry dogs of yore, 
 That gather'd round a kitchen door; 
 Hoping the cook their plight might see, 
 And throw a bone, for charity. 
 While thus they gazed, another hound, 
 They saw from out the kitchen bound ; 
 And in his mouth a piece of meat, 
 Which he had stol'n; but his retreat 
 The cook had mark'd hot water thrown, 
 And scalded him unto the bone, 
 
 But still he kept his prize. 
 ' Ah, Ah ! ' the others cry ' see, see ! 
 Gad' -/.oiiks, a lucky dog is he, 
 And stands in favor with the cook, 
 Heavens, what a piece ! nay, only look ! ' 
 
 But quickly he replies : 
 ' My friends, 'tis not as you suppose 
 Small favor have I had, God knows, 
 
 And as you all may see ! 
 Seen from the front, no doubt you find 
 My case is good ; but look behind, 
 
 And you will pity me ! ' 
 They look'd, and saw his scalded tail 
 And back, on which the hair did fail ; 
 And gazed in horror and dismay, 
 Hung down their tails, and slunk away, 
 
 Leaving him there alone. 
 
 " Such is the fate, Sire, of the Covetous ; 
 They prosper and they perish ever thus : 
 In pow'r they find no lack of eager Friends, 
 Who fawn upon them for their selfish ends ; 
 With kind indulgence all their foibles treat, 
 Because their mouths are haply full of meat : 
 From All they look for and receive respect ; 
 For who will dare the Prosp'rous to neglect ? 
 Allies in Old and Young alike they find, 
 Until misfortune falls on them behind ; 
 Their enviable lot then alters quick, 
 Their former Friends to them no longer stick ; 
 But right and left fall off, like scalded hair, 
 And leave them in their sorrow, lone and 
 
 bare; 
 
 Or as that sycophantic pack of Hounds 
 Forsook their comrade, when they saw his 
 wounds. 
 
 " Ah ! Sire; all humble though he be, and 
 
 weak, 
 Shall None of Reynard thus have cause to 
 
 speak. 
 
 I set some value on my honest name ; 
 My Friends through me shall never come to 
 
 shame. 
 
 One only mission have I to fulfil ; 
 To learn and execute my Sov'reign's will." 
 
 ''What need more words?" thus did the 
 
 King reply ; 
 
 " We comprehend the matter perfectly. 
 To you as a free Baron We restore 
 All privileges you e'er held before. 
 Henceforth at Court Our favors shall you 
 
 meet, 
 
 And at Our Privy Council take your seat. 
 To pow'r and honor will we raise you up ; 
 And you shall well deserve it, as we hope. 
 Whatever faults are charged on you, 't is 
 
 clear 
 
 We never can afford to miss you here. 
 Of all your Peers none can above you rise, 
 If only you prove virtuous as wise. 
 No fresh complaints against you will We 
 hear,
 
 
 W KAULSACH. PINX. 
 
 I MC COFFIN. SCULP 
 
 KEYNARD THE FOX 
 
 GKBBIE & CO.
 
 .*-
 
 REYNARD THE FOX. 
 
 M 
 
 No matter what Complainants may appear. 
 Nay, to evince Our confidence still more, 
 We now appoint you Lord High Chancellor ; 
 
 Then did the Fox before the Monarch 
 
 kneel, 
 Saying ; " Ah ! could I speak the thanks I 
 
 feel 
 
 To You, Sire, and my gracious Lady dear, 
 And, I may add, to everybody here ! 
 May Heav'n eternal blessings on you shower; 
 Would to confer them were but in my power. 
 ' And now with grateful, though with hum- 
 ble heart, 
 
 I crave Your kind permission to depart ; 
 And to my Wife and Children home return, 
 Who still with anxious tears my absence 
 
 mourn." 
 "Depart in peace!" replied the mighty 
 
 King; 
 "And fear not any man or any thing." 
 
 So Reynard left with all his Kin ; two score 
 There were who with him journeyed, if not 
 
 more. 
 
 All full of triumph and of joy they are, 
 And in their Kinsman's glory hope to share. 
 While he himself his transports noway veils; 
 But stalks as proud as though he had two tails ; 
 To think he'd won such honor by sheer wit, 
 And how the bravest use to make of it. 
 " This realm henceforth (thus to himself 
 
 thought he), 
 
 On true Fox principles shall governed be, 
 By members only of my Family. 
 A certain truth the world may thus behold, 
 How much more wisdom is of worth than 
 
 gold." 
 
 Thus he, with all his Friends, as an escort, 
 Reached Malepartus, his domestic fort. 
 He thanked them for the sympathy they'd 
 
 shewn, 
 
 When he in peril's harm had stood alone ; 
 And promised all their kindness to repay ; 
 Then they departed and went each his way. 
 
 His dwelling then he entered, where he 
 
 found 
 
 His Wife and Children haply safe and sound. 
 How Ermelyne rejoiced to v see her Lord 
 To her fond arms alive and well restor'd ! 
 And earnestly she prayed him to relate 
 
 #- 
 
 V 
 
 
 
 '.I 
 
 By what good chance he 'scaped his threat- 
 ened fate. 
 
 Reynard replied ; " It was not chance, 
 
 dear Wife, 
 But skill and cunning that have saved my 
 
 .Jife. 
 
 Again with Noble reconciled am I ; 
 Ne'er in his favor have I stood so high. 
 He's called me to his Council, as of yore, 
 And in full Court has named me Chancellor ; 
 Has given into my keeping the Great Seal : 
 So henceforth I shall rule the Commonweal. 
 
 The Wolf have I in battel overcome ; 
 In future are his lips for ever dumb ; 
 Wounded he lies, disabled and disgraced ; 
 My marks of vengeance on him have I placed. 
 Her streams of sorrow may his Wife unsluice ; 
 Henceforth her Husband is of little use. 
 But nothing shall I grieve on that account ; 
 Vanquished is he, and I, Lord Paramount. 
 Be of good cheer then, Love ; for happy 
 hours
 
 82 
 
 REYNARD THE FOX. 
 
 The future has in store for us and ours." 
 Great was the Vixen's gladness ; while her 
 
 Boys 
 Their Sire half deadened with their frantic 
 
 joys. 
 
 They frisked and sprang about on ev'ry side; 
 "Oh, happy day! oh, joyful hour!" they 
 
 cried ; 
 
 " Who upon earth so fortunate as we ? 
 For honored through our Father shall we be. 
 Our Enemies we now may set at nought, 
 And have it our own way, as Foxes ought." 
 Now Reynard lives in honor and in state ; 
 Then let us all his wisdom imitate ; 
 Eschew the Evil and select the Good : 
 This moral points our tale, when understood. 
 The truth with fables hath the Poet mixed, 
 That Virtue in your hearts may be infixed ; 
 And you who purchase and peruse this poem 
 May see the ways o' th' world, and learn to 
 
 know 'em ; 
 
 As it has been, is now, and aye will be. 
 Here then ends Reynard's life and history ; 
 And with a bow we here lay down our pen. 
 The Lord preserve us evermore. Amen ! 
 
 The scribe who erst this tale did write, 
 Now wends him to the Wolf's sad plight; 
 Tells how his friends, the Bear and Cat, 
 
 In rueful council o'er him sat j 
 And bore him from the lists away, 
 Upon a litter stuffed with hay. 
 How learned leeches dressed each wound, 
 How all his hurts were salved and bound, 
 And twenty-six, in number found. 
 How some rare herb, rubb'd in his ear, 
 Caused signs of life to re-appear ; 
 And how in piteous case he lay, 
 Stretch'd on his bed for many a day. 
 
 His wife attended him with care, 
 But mourn'd the loss she had to bear, 
 For faith ! unto their mutual pain, 
 He ne'er was quite himself again. 
 
 THE END OF REYNARD THE FOX.
 
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