ILLUSCR&CeD HI "SB i REYNARD THE FOX THE COURT OF KING NOBLE THE MOST DELECTABLE HISTORY OF REYNARD THE FOX EDITED WITH INTRODUCTION AND NOTES BY JOSEPH JACOBS DONE INTO PICTURES BY W. FRANK CALDERON lonhon MACMILLAN AND CO. AND NEW YORK 1895 PREFACE NEXT to sEsop, Reynard the Fox is the best known of the tales in which animals play the chief part. It is natural, therefore, that a Cranford sEsop should be followed by a Cranford Reynard ; and in the present volume I have endeavoured to do for Reynard what I attempted to do for sEsop in its predecessor- provide a text which children could read with ease and pleasure, and at the same time give their parents, their cousins, and their aunts a short re"sum<* of the results which the latest research in folklore and literary history has arrived at with regard to the origin of the book. With regard to the text, I found that ready-made to my hand. The late Sir Henry viii REYNARD THE FOX Cole, of South Kensington fame, in his earlier days made an attempt to reform children's books, and may be regarded as the precursor of their improved position to-day. Under the name of " Felix Summerley " he produced a number of children's books, well printed, well written, and tolerably illustrated, which some of us remember as the chief treasures of our youth. Among these was a version of Reynard mostly adapted from Caxton's which I found, with some slight alteration, could easily be adapted for my present purpose, and, in the main, the text of the present book is a resuscitation of " Felix Summerley's " version. As regards Introduction and Notes, I have attempted to give the adult reader a condensed account of the latest results about the origin of this interesting and characteristic product of the Middle Ages. Much has been done during the present century to clear up the many obscurities attaching to Reynard the Fox, which PREFACE ix shares with ^Esop the distinction of being a piece of folklore raised into literature. I have tried to summarise the results reached by such authorities as Grimm, Voigt, Martin, and Sudre, in their various monographs on the subject. For the present I confine myself to a summary of their researches, as the small space at my disposal prevents me entering into any discussion of doubtful or controverted points. I have for some time been engaged in a more elaborate treatment of the subject, which will ultimately appear in the Bibliotheque de Carabas as a companion to my treatment of ssop in the same series. I owe it to the courtesy of Mr. Nutt that I am able to deal with it in a more popular manner before the publication of the results of my own research. For the present I confine myself to a summary of the researches of others. JOSEPH JACOBS. INTRODUCTION RAGINHARD was once a man's name, tolerably widely spread, both in Germany itself and in the Debatable Land between France and Germany which forms at once both the link and the bone of contention between the two countries. It is composed of two Teutonic roots, one of which is represented by our English hard, and the other which exists only in the Gothic ragin, with the sense of ' counsel.' Raginhard thus means * strong in counsel,' and, therefore, is well adapted for the name of the beast which, most of all animals, lives by its wits. In a slightly modified form it has become in French the only name by which the fox is known, the earlier form goupil having become replaced by renard, owing to the widespread popularity of the Beast Satire in which the fox plays so prominent a part. These philological facts are of somewhat INTRODUCTION RAGINHARD was once a man's name, tolerably widely spread, both in Germany itself and in the Debatable Land between France and Germany which forms at once both the link and the bone of contention between the two countries. It is composed of two Teutonic roots, one of which is represented by our English hard, and the other which exists only in the Gothic ragin, with the sense of ' counsel.' Raginhard thus means ' strong in counsel,' and, therefore, is well adapted for the name of the beast which, most of all animals, lives by its wits. In a slightly modified form it has become in French the only name by which the fox is known, the earlier form goupil having become replaced by renard, owing to the widespread popularity of the Beast Satire in which the fox plays so prominent a part. These philological facts are of somewhat xii REYNARD THE FOX more significance than the usual barren inquiry into the derivation of words. They lead us at once into most of the points of interest or dispute with which scholarly inquiry has con- cerned itself about Reynard the Fox. The relative importance of France and Germany, of the Celtic and the Teutonic genius, in originating the Satire, the significance of a proper name being attached to an animal species, the distinction between the Fable and the Beast Satire, the popularity of the latter among the Folk, and its relation to the Folk-tales dealing with the same subject all these topics are suggested by the mere consideration of the name of our hero. German and French scholars have, naturally, much to say upon a topic in which Germany and France are equally interested, and there can be no doubt that at times patriotic zeal has attempted to supply the place of historic fact. Yet that very zeal has served its purpose, for w r hen competent scholars fall out Truth comes by her own. Let us dismiss out of our way the more certainly attested facts relating to the early literary history of Reynard. Like most of the favourite medieval productions of the Romantic Period, versions of it occur in the INTRODUCTION xiu chief languages of Western Europe. There is the German Reinhart, dated by modern scholarship circa 1180. There is the French Roman de Renard, with its twenty-six or seven ( branches,' to the nucleus of which a provisional date of 1230 may be assigned, though many of the ' branches ' are earlier and some later. There is the Flemish Reinaert, the earliest part of which was composed by a certain Willem, near Ghent, about 1250. While there is beyond these a Latin poem, Ysengrimus, written at Ghent in 1148. Even in England a trace has been found of a metrical version of the Satire in the form of a thirteenth-century poem, entitled, Of the Vox and of the Wolf. Of the Italian Rainardo, and of the medieval Greek version, there is no occasion to speak, since they are out of the running in the race for priority. The results summed up in a few words above are the outcome of a long series of critical investigations by German, French, and Dutch scholars, started by the monograph of Jacob Grimm on Reinhart Fucks in 1824. He originated the theory that Reynard was the outcome of an ancient Teutonic Beast Epic of primitive origin. Every step in the investiga- xiv REYNARD THE FOX tion since his time has tended to strip his theory of every vestige of plausibility, and it may be now regarded as having gone the way of all exploded theories. All the versions referred to above are of literary origin, arid with the exception of the Ysengrimus, that origin, even the Germanists allow, is French. Both the Reinhart and the Reinaert are derived from French originals, now lost, which have been revised and extended to form the Roman de Rcnard. The whole family ;s thus derived from a French parent, who flourished somewhere between 1150 to 1170, though it is from a Flemish descendant that all modern versions, including Caxton's and Goethe's, and the one represented in the book befor ; us, have been derived. But though we can trace our book to a literary original, it does not follow that it is entirely or solely literary in origin. Man 'has been defined as a tale-telling animal ; it comes as natural to him to tell tales as to cook food. Thus, a tale may arise naturally among " the Folk, even though it must ultimately be written down by somebody who can write. One is, naturally, inclined to suspect a Folk origin for tales like those contained in sEsop's Fables, or INTRODUCTION xv Reynard the Fox, which represent animals act- ing and talking with all the duplicity of men. Accordingly, it is the tendency of recent re- search to attempt to discover how far and in what way certain Folk fables were worked up by the literary artist of the eleventh century, who was the father of the family of the Reynards. The question is complicated in various ways. Many incidents of the Reynard are mere modifications of ^Esopic fable, and might be only literary renderings of those popular tales. Thus, Voigt has traced all the incidents of the Latin Ysengrinms, the firstborn of all the Reynard family now in existence, to literary sources, whether /Esop, or the Physiologus, or to Peter Alfonsi. But the very medium in which it is composed proves that the Ysengrinms is a learned monkish product, and it is not, there- fore, strange that it should have an entirely literary origin. No such origin, however, can be claimed for many of the incidents common to the Reynard in its popular German, French, and Flemish forms. To take a striking example, the stratagem by which the Fox induces the Wolf to fish with his tail through a hole in the ice occurs nowhere in literature before the Reynard, and unless actually in- b xvi REYNARD THE FOX vented by the author must have been found among the Folk. It is found among the Folk, even to the present day, that incident of the Iced Wolfs Tail. Dr. Krohn, a Finnish savant, has found no less than a hundred and seventy-one variants of the incident collected by folklorists in all the four quarters of the globe. Still, nearly all of these have been printed this century, and it remains possible that they have been derived, directly or indirectly, from the Reynard itself. But though possible, this is far from being probable. It is little likely, for example, that the Finns, among whom no less than ninety- eight variants of the incident have been discovered, were at any time diligent students of Reynard, nor can we attribute similar learning to Uncle Remus, who also tells the tale. No, we must assume that the Iced Wolfs Tail has lived among the Folk for over a thousand years, and that it was from the Folk that the French satirist first adopted it. Some, indeed, would go further, and contend that it has lived among the Folk in all places where it is found, because it is natural to the Folk to think of wolves or bears fishing with their tails in the ice. But by going further in INTRODUCTION xvii this particular instance they certainly fare worse. For the story has spread into lands where there is no ice at all, and where, accordingly, it could not have arisen independently. If it could have spread to these lands, there is no reason to suppose that it could not have spread to lands favoured with ice in the winter. All we need assume for the present purpose is that it either originated in, or spread to, North- Eastern France in the twelfth century, and was there taken up by the original author of Reynard into his fable. What he did with the Iced Wolf's Tail he must have done with other incidents of the Cycle which are not found in earlier literary sources, but which are found among the Folk of to-day. In my Notes on the various incidents given in the book before us, I have pointed out which were probably derived from Fable Literature, and which from the Folk. One of the chief points of interest in the study of the Reynard is this mixture of literature and folk- lore which thus gave rise to a new form of literature. Investigation of this mixture has been begun by the capable hands of M. Sudre, but the investigation is by no means at an end. So much for the present on the origin of xviii REYNARD THE FOX the book. But the question of origins is far from being the only one which it raises. The very form in which the tale is told is original. The fable speaks of the Lion, the Wolf, or the Fox. The Reynard talks of Noble, of Isengrim, or of Reynard. The type is individualised and made personal. The artistic gain of such a procedure is clear, and is proved, above all, by the fact that the personal name of the Fox has, in France at least, replaced the name of the species. One might have thought, at first sight, that this individualising process had been performed by the literary artist to whom we owe the Reynard. But there is a curious piece of evidence proving that the Wolf at least received such an individualised name before any literary form of the Reynard had come into existence. In 1112 a tumult arose at Laon, during which the life of the Bishop Gaudri came into danger, and he concealed himself in a cask. Among his pursuers was one Teudegald, whom the Bishop had been accustomed to call Isengrim, on account of his wolf-like appearance. * For so,' adds the chronicler, * some are wont to call wolves.' When Teudegald came near the cask he tapped it and called out, Ms Isengrim at home?' INTRODUCTION xix and so had his revenge for the Bishop's insult. Both Gaudri and Teudegald were clearly familiar with the name of Isengrim, which was, therefore, current among the Folk before the rise of the Reynard Cycle. From a comparison of the earliest forms M. Gaston Paris, than whom no more competent authority can be cited, comes to the conclusion that among the animals which had individualised names from the first, were Reynard the Fox, Bruin the Bear, Baldwin the Ass, Belier the Ram, Tibert the Cat, Hirsent the Lady Wolf, Richut the Vixen. All these names are German in origin, and might seem at first sight to stand in the way of the French contention for a French origin to the Cycle. Not at all, answer M. Paulin Paris, and his son, German names were quite common among the Franks, and need not surprise us among the French. When pressed for details they are able to find these personal names in cartularies of the eleventh and twelfth centuries. They are, however, obliged to recognise the fact that some of these names are only to be found in documents relating to Lorraine, and it is, accordingly, in this district that we must seek for the origin of the names of the Cycle. xx REYNARD THE FOX Whether we are to call Lorraine French or German depends on which side of the Rhine we were born. From this side of the Channel one feels inclined to ' hedge ' and call the names Franco-Teutonic. Another set of names in the Cycle are of interest, because they are appellative and not personal. Noble the Lion, Chanticleer the Cock, Kyward the Hare derive their names from their qualities, and imply an allegorising tendency in those who acted as their godfathers. These names increase in the latter development of the fable, and thus afford the crucial test of the relative antiquity of the various branches. Thus, the earliest of them, as represented by the German Reinhart, contains only one such appellative name, Chanticleer, and that in such a form that it was clearly not appellative to the German writer. It is owing to the significance and critical importance of these names that I have devoted such attention to them in the annotations to this volume. The increasing tendency to give significant names to the various beasts introduced marks a change that came over the Reynard after the earlier stages of its development. When the beasts had only personal names given to them INTRODUCTION xxi their adventures were told by the Folk, as the adventures of persons are told, for the purpose of raising a laugh. Later on when significant names were given to the new beast personages introduced, there was a meaning, and often a bitter meaning, underlying the laugh. The Beast Jest had grown into the Beast Satire. The story of the adventures of Sir Wolf and Sir Fox, told first merely to raise a guffaw, became in the hands of the later developers of the thesis means of casting ridicule on the institutions of Medieval Society. The hypo- crisy of the Monk, the greed of the Noble, the craft of the Lawyer, the conquest of the world by cunning wickedness these were the themes which formed the farrago of the later branches of the Reynard Cycle. While seem- ingly only continuing the earlier adventures of their beast heroes, a change had come over the spirit of the Cycle : the Beast Epic had become a World Satire. The earlier critics of Reynard laid almost exclusive stress upon this satiric aspect of the Cycle. The Roman de Renard was regarded as an outcome of the same literary movement that produced the second and satiric half of the Roman de la Rose. Carlyle, in the remarks on xxil REYNARD THE FOX Reynard, which he included in his essay on Early German Literat^tre, regarded it almost solely from this point of view. ' A true Irony must have dwelt in the Poet's heart and head. Here, under grotesque shadows, he gives us the sadder picture of Reality ; yet for us without Sadness ; his figures mask themselves in uncouth bestial vizards, and enact gambolling ; their Tragedy dissolves into sardonic grins.' The progress of critical research has shown that Carlyle was mistaken in regarding Irony as the original motive force for the Reynard Cycle, which came in later in the French developments of it in consonance with the satiric tendencies of the Gallic genius. But in its inception the Reynard was a Beast Comedy rather than a Beast Satire. The Comedy came from the Folk, the Satire from the Literary Artist. The closest analogy is offered by those modern redressings of folk-tales like Thackeray's Rose and Ring, or Mr. Lang's Prince Prigio, worthy pendant to that other, in which the modern literary artist uses the Folk form in which to express his genial Satire. Reverting for a moment to the form in which the earlier adventures of Reynard are INTRODUCTION xxm found among the Folk we are enabled to guess with some precision, owing to the researches of M. Sudre, the set of tales on which the twelfth-century artist based his work. The outrage of Reynard on Dame Wolf, the Iced Wolfs Tail, the Fishes in the Car, the Bear in the Cleft, the Wolf as Bell-ringer, the Dyed Fox, together with the yEsopic Fables of the Sick Lion, the Lion's Share, the Fox and the Goat, and the Fox, Cock, and Dog these form the chief Folk ingredients out of which the artist of the Reynard made up his tale. But how ingeniously did he weld them into an artistic whole ! In his hands the insult offered by the Fox to Dame Wolf becomes the starting-point of a whole Beast Epic, dealing with the feud between the Fox and the Wolf, which, ultimately, draws in all the other animals in its train, till the court of King Noble becomes like Verona in the days of the Montagues and the Capulets. Curiously enough, Dr. Krohn has found these Folk incidents of the Cycle scattered separately among the Folk in all parts of the world. Still more curiously he finds all these incidents, and more also, current among the Finnish folk even at the present xxiv REYNARD THE FOX day. 1 He connects eleven incidents into a Folk History of the feud of the Wolf and the Fox, constituting a definite chain of tradition, each link of which is bound up inextricably with all the rest. Here, then, it would seem we have found among the Finnish folk of to-day the actual Beast Epic which the French artist of the twelfth century dressed up with his own adornments seven centuries ago. But closer investigation robs this thesis of most of its plausibility. The chain does not occur in Finland as a chain, but in separate links, so that the epic character of the so-called chain at once disappears. Many of the links, indeed, occur, as some of my readers may remember, in the tales collected from Uncle Remus by Mr. J. C. Harris, so that it is impossible to regard the existence of an original Folk Epic as substantiated by Dr. Krohn's ingenious researches. The interest of those researches lies in a different direction. M. Sudre's researches have shown that in the eleventh and twelfth centuries a series of folk-tales existed dealing 1 K. Krohn, Die geografische Verbreitung einer modischen Tliiermarchenkette in Finnland. In Fennia^ organ of the Helsingfors Literary Society, vol. iv. pt. 4. INTRODUCTION xxv with the enmity of the Fox and the Wolf, or, as some say, of the Fox and the Bear. Dr. Krohn has shown that precisely these traditions still exist as traditions among the Folk of to-day. We have, accordingly, evidence here of the continued existence of a fable among the Folk for at least seven centuries, during which it has spread through all the continents. M. Sudre and Dr. Krohn go even further. They think they can localise the original home and scene of at least one part of the tradition. The incident of the Iced Wolfs Tail, to which I have already referred, occurs in many places, especially in North Europe, as the Iced Bear's Tail, and is there used to explain why the Bear's tail is so short. It is, indeed, obvious, that the story as told in the Reynard Cycle loses much of its efficacy from the fact that the Wolf is nearly as well provided with a brush as Master Reynard himself. The Reynard story can only be told of an individual Wolf, the Northern folk-tale is appropriately applied to the Bear in general. If we regard the Northern Fable as the original, it is, in its way, a myth told to explain a natural pheno- menon, viz. ' Why the Bear's tail is so short,' the actual title of one of the folk-tales. xxvi REYNARD THE FOX Here, then, we seem to be getting back to the position of Grimm, that for at least one part of the Reynard Cycle there is a mytho- logical source current among the Northern European nations. But even this modicum of Grimm's position is rendered doubtful, as has been shown by M. Gaston Paris, by the fact that even the Northern nations are not unani- mous in keeping to the Bear. It is more probable that the mythological explanation was added when the Bear was substituted for the Wolf, than that the mythology was dropped when Isengrim took the place of the Bear. We are, accordingly, reduced to the conclusion that in this case the Great Bear does not point to the Pole. But after all, these investigations and theories as to the origin, meaning, and source of the Reynard have little bearing upon the attraction it had for our forefathers, and to a more limited extent for ourselves. Amid the com- plexities of life it is an obvious convenience to possess a means by which its problems can be presented in simpler terms. The | Fable or the Allegory is primarily intended to simplify the problem in this way. The Fable, in particular, does this by identifying the INTRODUCTION xxvn elementary virtues and vices with the characters of the best known birds, beasts, and fishes. Man may be the most interesting thing to man, but animals are more interesting to children and to men of childlike mind. The cynic has observed, * The more I know of men, the more ..I respect dogs.' But the fabulists invert the process and say that the more they observe animals the more they understand men. What applies to the simpler fable is even more applicable to the more elaborate Beast Satire, which is better suited to display the complicated forces which go to make up life. The life depicted in the Reynard is, indeed, a somewhat limited one. We have got down to ' hard pan,' as American miners say. It is, in truth, the bare struggle for existence that Reynard portrays, and is a fit outcome of the Feudal Age when for all but the barons life was but a bare struggle. Medieval literature presents us, for the most part, pictures of life as seen by those above the salt. Reynard, the Fabliaux, and Villon present us with life as it appeared to the Disinherited Folk. What a life is there presented ! Greed, hypocrisy^ brute force, and cunning rule the roast. Force REYNARD THE FOX / and cunning are the only two powers re- cognised, and if the book has a moral, it is merely the low one that cunning is more powerful than force. But it is scarcely the Moral, or the Allegory, which has attracted so many to Reynard the Fox. It is the adventurous, shifty, eponymous Hero who captures our interest. We have all a sneaking regard for the crafty villain who can control Circumstance, even though we salve our conscience by the implicit thought, ' But for the grace of God, there go I.' There is something artistic in the way the villain moulds Circumstance to his own ends which extorts our reluctant admiration. His career is a long series of making fools of his enemy, and to the primitive mind the ' sell ' is the most exquisite form of practical wit. To the medieval mind the triumphs of Reynard were even more attractive than they can be nowadays. When brute force un- /blushingly ruled the world cunning was your only remedy against the tyrant. Every district in those days had its Noble, its Isengrim, and its Bruin, and all the villagers who suffered from their cruelty felt a sympathetic interest in the triumphs of Reynard over them. Theo- INTRODUCTION xxix retically the Hero ought to represent our best self; if Reynard in some ways represented the worst, the medieval conditions of life were mainly to blame. There is another source of interest to which Reynard appealed, and still appeals. Mr. Vincent Crummies knew the human heart when he placed upon the Portsmouth stage a hero of five feet nothing combating successfully with three antagonists, all of larger inches. ' Go it, little un ' is the natural cry in an unequal battle of this description, and Reynard, in his multifarious intrigues against Noble, Isengrim, and Bruin, enlists our sympathy much as David or Jack the Giant-killer has us on his side in the conflict with the Giant. Reynard had another source of attraction in the Middle Ages and at the time of the Reformation. At times he manages to gain his ends by donning a monk's cowl. He confesses his sins, and is scarcely absolved before he longs to repeat them. He thus became a type of the hypocrisy of the monkish nature. A good deal of his popularity in Germany has been due to his Protestant proclivities. Earlier investigators were in- clined to lay overmuch stress on this side of xxx REYNARD THE FOX the Reynard. Writing was, in great measure, a monopoly of the monks in the Middle Ages, and there was, accordingly, evidence that most versions of the Reynard were written down, if not composed, by monks. This made the whole Cycle seem to be a confession of weakness by the monks. But more dis- passionate inquiry has shown that the satiric attack upon monkery is a later development, and cannot be in any sense regarded as a primary motif in the Cycle. Yet it adds many a quaint passage in the later forms of the book, and cannot be disregarded in any treatment of the subject, however cursory. Enough has now been said to put the reader in a position where he can best begin the read- ing of Reynard. He has to expect a novel of adventure in which animals play the part of men, and for the most part bear men's names. The traits of character he will be called upon to observe will be mainly those which men can be supposed to share with beasts. Through it all he will see Cunning clad in Fox pelt extricating itself against invincible odds out of the most desperate difficulties. Fables he knows of in the ancient world he will find repeated under novel circumstances ; while INTRODUCTION xxxi other fables, possibly as old as those, have been rescued by the Medieval Satirist from the Folk and woven cunningly into the narrative. And amidst it all he will remember that, while the story-teller was relating the shifts by which Reynard overcame Noble, Isengrim, and Bruin, he was, as often as not, pointing the sly finger of scorn at the Lawyer, the Squire, or the Parson of the Parish. CONTENTS CHAPTER I How the Lion proclaimed a solemn Feast at his Court, and how Isegrim the Wolf and his Wife, and Curtois the Hound, made their first complaints of Reynard the Fox Pages 1-7 CHAPTER II How Grimbard the Brock spake for Reynard before the King 8-1 1 CHAPTER III How Chanticleer the Cock complained of Reynard the Fox 12-18 CHAPTER IV The King's answer to the Cock's complaint, and how they sung the Dirge ..... 19-21 xxxiv REYNARD THE FOX CHAPTER V How Bruin the Bear sped with Reynard the Fox Pages 22-39 CHAPTER VI How the King sent Tibert the Cat for Reynard the Fox 40-45 CHAPTER VII How Tibert the Cat was deceived by Reynard the Fox 46-5 i CHAPTER VIII How Grimbard the Brock was sent to bid the Fox to the Court 52-54 CHAPTER IX How Reynard shrove him to Grimbard the Brock . 55-62 CHAPTER X How the Fox came to the Court^ and how he excused himself 63-68 CHAPTER XI How the Fox was arrested and judged to death . 6973 CONTENTS xxxv CHAPTER XII How Reynard made, his Confession before the King Pages 74-94 CHAPTER XIII How Reynard the Fo.v was honoured of all beasts by the Kings commandment . . . . 95-99 CHAPTER XIV How Isegrim and his wife Ereswine had their shoes plucked off, for Reynard to wear to Rome . . 100106 CHAPTER XV How Kywarcl the Hare was slain by Reynard the Fox, and sent by the Ram to the King . . . 107-1 17 CHAPTER XVI How Bellin the Ram and his lineage were given to the Bear and the Wolf . . . .118-124 CHAPTER XVII How the King was angry at these complaints, took counsel for revenge, and how Reynard was forewarned by Grimbard the Brock ..... 125-134 xxxvi REYNARD THE FOX CHAPTER XVIII How the Fox, repent i?ig his sins, doth make his confession and is absolved by the Brock . . Pages 135-145 CHAPTER XIX How Reynard the Fox excused himself before the King, and of the Kings answer .... 146-159 CHAPTER XX How Dame Rukenaw answered for the Fox to the King, and of the parable she told . . . 160-171 CHAPTER XXI How Reynard excused himself of Kyward's death, and all other imputations, got the King's favour and made a relation of certain Jewels . . . .172196 CHAPTER XXII How Reynard made his peace with the King, and how Isegrim the Wolf complained of him again . . 197-214 CHAPTER XXIII How Isegrim proffered his glove to Reynard to fight with him which Reynard accepted, and how Rukenaw advised the F ox how to carry him self in the fight . . 215-223 CONTENTS xxxvn CHAPTER XXIV Of the combat betwixt the Fox and the Wolf, the event, Passages, and victory . . Pages 224-237 CHAPTER XXV How the King forgave the Fox all things, and made him the greatest in his Land, and of his noble return home with all his kindred . . . .238-245 NOTES ..... 247-260 CHAPTER I How the Lion proclaimed a solemn Feast at his Court) and how Isegrim the Wolf and his Wife, and Curtois the Hound, made their first com- plaints of Reynard the Fox. IT was about the Feast of Pentecost (which is commonly called Whitsuntide), when the woods are in their lusty-hood and gallantry, and every tree clothed in the green and white livery of glorious leaves and sweet-smelling blossoms, and the earth is covered in her fairest mantle of flowers, while the birds with much joy entertain her with the delight of their har- monious songs. Even at this time and entrance of the lusty spring, the Lion, the royal King of beasts, to celebrate this holy feast time with all triumphant ceremony, intends to keep open court at his great palace of Sanden, and to that end, by solemn proclamation, makes B 2 (i . ,. ,,, THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP. known over all his kingdom to all beasts what- soever, that, upon pain to be held in contempt, every one should resort to that great celebration. Within a few days after, at the time appointed, all beasts both great and small came in infinite multitudes to the court, only Reynard the fox excepted, who knew himself guilty in so many trespasses against many beasts, that his coming thither must needs have put his life in great hazard and danger. Now when the King had assembled all his court together, there were few beasts found but made their several complaints against the fox, but especially Isegrim the wolf, who, being the first and principal complainant, came with all his lineage and kindred, and standing before the King, spoke in this manner : ' My dread and dearest Sovereign Lord the King, I humbly beseech you, that from the height and strength of your great power, and the multitude of your mercies, you will be pleased to take pity on the great trespasses and unsufferable injuries which that unworthy creature Reynard the fox hath done to me, my wife, and our whole family. Now to give your highness some taste of these, first know (if it please your Majesty) that this Reynard came i REYNARD THE FOX 3 into my house by violence, and against the will of my wife, where, finding my children laid in their quiet couch, he there assaulted them in such a manner that they became blind. For this offence a day was set and appointed wherein Reynard should come to excuse himself, and to take a solemn oath that he was guiltless of that high injury ; but as soon as the book was tendered before him, he that well knew his own guiltiness refused to swear, and ran instantly into his hole, both in contempt of your Majesty and your laws. This, my dread Lord, many of the noblest beasts know which now are resident in your court : nor hath this alone bounded his malice, but in many other things he hath trespassed against me, which to relate, neither the time nor your highness's patience would give sufferance thereunto. Suffice it, mine injuries are so great that none can exceed them, and the shame and villainy he hath done to my wife is such that I can neither bide nor suffer it unrevenged, but I must expect from him amends, and from your Majesty mercy.' When the wolf had spoken these words, there stood by him a little hound whose name was Curtois, who, stepping forth, made likewise 4 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP. a grievous complaint unto the King against the fox, saying that in the extreme cold season of the winter, when the frost was most violent, he being half starved and detained from all manner of prey, had no more meat left him to sustain his life than one poor pudding ; which pudding the said Reynard had most unjustly taken away from him. But the hound could hardly let these words fly from his lips, when, with a fiery and angry countenance, in sprang Tibert the cat amongst them, and falling down before the King, said, ' My Lord the King, I must confess the fox is here grievously complained upon, yet were other beasts' actions searched, each would have enough to do for his own clearing. Touching the complaint of Curtois the hound, it was an offence committed many years ago, and I REYNARD THE FOX 5 though I myself complain of no injury, yet was the pudding mine and not his ; for I won it by night out of a mill when the miller lay asleep, so that if Curtois could challenge any share thereof, it must be from mine interest.' When Panther heard these words of the cat, he stood forth and said, ' Do you imagine, Tibert, that it were a just or a good course that Reynard should not be complained upon ? Why the whole world knows he is a murderer, a vagabond, and a thief. Indeed he loveth not truly any creature, no not his Majesty himself, but would suffer his highness to lose both honour and renown, so that he might thereby attain to himself but so much as the leg of a fat hen ; I shall tell you what I saw him do yesterday to Kyward the hare, that now standeth in the King's protection. He promised unto Kyward that he would teach 6 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP. him his credo, and make him a good chaplain ; he made him come sit between his legs and sing and cry aloud credo, credo. My way lay thereby, and I heard the song : then coming nearer, I found that Mr. Reynard had left his first note and song, and begun to play his old deceit ; for he had caught Kyward by the throat, and had I not come at that time, he had taken his life also, as you may see by the fresh wound on Kyivard at this present. O my Lord the King, if you suffer this un- punished, and let him go quit, that hath thus broken your peace, and profaned your dignity, and doing no right according to the judgment I REYNARD THE FOX 7 of your laws, your princely children many years hereafter shall bear the slander of this evil.' * Certainly, Panther,' said Isegrim, ' you say true, and it is fit they receive the benefit of justice that desire to live in peace/ CHAPTER II How Grimbard the Brock spake for Reynard before the King. THEN spake Grimbard the brock, that was Reynard 's sister's son, being much moved with anger : ' Isegrim, you are malicious, and it is a common saw, Malice never spake well ; what can you say against my kinsman Reynard? I would you durst adventure, that whichever of you had most injured one another might die the death, and be hanged as a felon. I tell you, were he here in the court, and as much in the King's favour as you are, it would be much too little satisfaction for you to ask him mercy. You have many times bitten and torn my kinsman with your venomous teeth, and oftener much than I can reckon, yet some I will call up to my remembrance. ' Have you forgot how you cheated him with the plaice which he threw down from the CHAP, ii REYNARD THE FOX 9 cart, when you followed aloof for fear ? Yet you devoured the good plaice alone, and gave him no more but the great bones which you could not eat yourself. The like you did with the fat flitch of bacon, whose taste was so good, that yourself alone did eat it up, and when my uncle asked his part, you answered him with scorn, " Fair young man, thou shalt have thy share." But he got not anything, albeit he won the bacon with great fear and hazard, for the owner came, and caught my kinsman ^in a sack, from whence he hardly escaped with life. Many of these injuries hath Isegrim done to Reynard, which I beseech your lordships judge if they be sufferable. * Now comes Kyward the hare with his complaint, which to me seems but a trifle, for if he will learn to read, and read not his lesson aright, who will blame the schoolmaster Rey- nard if he give him due correction ? for if scholars be not beaten and chastened they will never learn. ' Lastly complaineth Curtois that he with great pain had gotten a pudding in the winter, being a season in which victuals are hard to find ; methinks silence would have become io THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP. him better, for he had stolen it ; and Male qua0 unjust anti lamentable. After this the King sent for his lords and wisest counsellors to consult how this foul murder of Reynard's might be punished. In the end it was concluded that Reynard should be sent for, and without all excuse to appear before the King to answer those trespasses should be objected against him, and that this message should be delivered by Bruin the bear. To all this the King gave consent, and calling him before him, said, ' Sir Bruin, it is our pleasure that you deliver this message, yet in the delivery thereof have great regard to yourself, for Reynard is full of policy, and knoweth how to dissemble, flatter, and betray. He hath a world of snares to entangle you withal, and without great exercise of judgment, will make a scorn and mock of the best wisdom breathing.' * My Lord,' answered Sir Bruin, ' let me alone with Reynard, I am not such a truant in iv REYNARD THE FOX 21 discretion, to become a mock to his knavery ; ' and thus full of jollity the bear departed ; if his return be as jovial, there is no fear in his well speeding. CHAPTER V How Bruin the Bear sped with Reynard the Fox. THE next morning away went Bruin the bear in quest of the fox, armed against all plots of deceit whatsoever. And as he came through a dark forest, in which Reynard had a bypath, which he used when he was hunted, he saw a high mountain, over which he must pass to go to Malepardus. For though Reynard have many houses, yet Malepardus is his chiefest and most ancient castle, and in it he lay both for defence and ease. Now at last when Bruin was come to Malepardus, he found the gates close shut, at which after he had knocked, sitting on his tail, he called aloud, ' Sir Reynard, are you at home ? I am Bruin your kinsman, whom the King hath sent to summon you to the court, to answer many foul accusations exhibited against you, and hath taken a great vow, that if you fail to appear to this summons, that your life CHAP. V REYNARD THE FOX shall answer your contempt, and your goods and honours shall lie confiscate at his highness's mercy. Therefore, fair kinsman, be advised of your friend, and go with me to the court to shun the danger that else w r ill fall upon you.' Reynard, lying close by the gate, as his custom was for the warm sun's sake, hearing those words, departed into one of his holes, for Malepardus is full of many intricate and curious rooms, which labyrinth-wise he could pass through, when either his danger or the benefit of any prey required the same. There he medi- tated awhile with himself how he might counterplot and bring the bear to disgrace (whom he knew loved him not) and himself to honour ; at last he came forth, and said, ' Dear uncle Bruin^ you are exceeding welcome ; 24 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP. pardon my slowness in coming, for at your first speech I was saying my even song, and devo- tion must not be neglected. Believe me, he hath done you no good service, nor do I thank him which hath sent you this weary and long journey, in which your much sweat and toil far exceeds the worth of the labour. Certainly had you not come, I had to-morrow been at the court of my own accord, yet at this time my sorrow is much lessened, inasmuch as your counsel at this present may return me double benefit. Alas, cousin, could his Majesty find no meaner a messenger than your noble self to employ in these trivial affairs ? Truly it appears strange to me, especially since, next his royal self, you are of greatest renown both in blood and riches. For my part, I would we were both at court, for I fear our journey will be exceed- ing troublesome. To speak truth, since I made mine abstinence from flesh, I have eaten such strange new meats, that my body is very much distempered, and swelleth as if it would break.' ' Alas, dear cousin/ said the bear, * what meat is that which maketh you so ill ? ' * Uncle,' answered he, ' what will it profit you to know ? the meat was simple and mean. We v REYNARD THE FOX 25 poor men are no lords, you know, but eat that , for necessity which others eat for wantonness, yet not to delay you, that which I ate was honeycombs, great, full, and most pleasant, which, compelled by hunger, I ate too im- measurably and am thereby infinitely dis- tempered.' 'Ha,' quoth Bruin, ' honeycombs ? do you make such slight respect of them, nephew? why it is meat for the greatest emperor in the world. Fair nephew, help me but to some of that honey, and command me whilst I live ; for one little part thereof I will be your servant everlastingly.' ' Sure,' said the fox, 'uncle, you but jest with me.' ' But jest with you,' replied Bruin ; l beshrew my* heart then, for I am in that serious earnest, that for one lick thereat you shall make me the faithfullest of all your kindred.' ' Nay,' said the fox, ' if you be in earnest, then know I will bring you where so much is, that ten of you shall not be able to devour it at a meal, only for your love's sake, which above all things I desire, uncle.' ' Not ten of us ? ' said the bear, ' it is im- possible ; for had I all the honey betwixt Hybla 26 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP. and Portugal, yet I could in a short space eat it all myself.' ' Then know, uncle,' quoth the fox, ' that near at hand here dwelleth a husbandman named Lanfert, who is master of so much honey, that you cannot consume it in seven years, which for your love and friendship's sake I will put into your safe possession.' Bruin> mad upon the honey, swore, that to have one good meal thereof he would not only be his faithful friend, but also stop the mouths of all his adversaries. Reynard, smiling at his easy belief, said, ' If you will have seven ton, uncle, you shall have it.' v REYNARD THE FOX 27 These words pleased the bear so well, and made him so pleasant, that he could not stand for laughing. Well, thought the fox, this is good fortune, sure I will lead him where he shall laugh more measurably ; and then said, ' Uncle, we must delay no time, and I will spare no pain for your sake, which for none of my kin I would perform.' The bear gave him many thanks, and so away they went, the fox promising him as much honey as he could bear, but meant as many strokes as he could undergo. In the end they came to Lanferts house, the sight whereof made the bear rejoice. This Lanfert was a stout and lusty carpenter, who the 28 REYNARD THE FOX CHAP, v other day had brought into his yard a great oak, which, as their manner is, he began to cleave, and had struck into it two wedges in such wise that the cleft stood a great way open, at which the fox rejoiced much, for it was answerable to his wish. So with a laughing countenance he said to the bear, * Behold now, dear uncle, and be careful of yourself, for within this tree is so much honey that it is unmeasurable. Try if you can get into it, yet, good uncle, eat moderately, for albeit the combs are sweet and good, yet a surfeit is dangerous, and may be troublesome to your body, which I would not for a world, since no harm can come to you but must be my dishonour.' ' Sorrow not for me, nephew Reynard,' said the bear, ' nor think me such a fool that I cannot temper mine appetite.' 1 It is true, my best uncle, I was too bold. I pray you enter in at the end, and you shall find your desire.' The bear with all haste entered the tree, with his two feet forward, and thrust his head into the cleft, quite over the ears, which when the fox perceived, he instantly ran and pulled the wedges out of the tree, so that CHAP, v REYNARD THE FOX 31 he locked the bear fast therein, and then neither flattery nor anger availed the bear. For the nephew had by his deceit brought the uncle into so false a prison that it was impossible by any art to free himself of the same. Alas, what profited now his great X strength and valour ? Why they were both fc causes of more vexation ; and finding himself 4 destitute of all relief, he began to howl and bray, and with scratching and tumbling to make such a noise, that Lanfert, amazed, came hastily out of his house, having in his hand a sharp hook, whilst the bear lay wallowing and roaring within the tree. The fox from afar off said to the bear in scorn and mocking, ' Is the honey good, uncle, which you eat? How do you? Eat not too much, I beseech you. Pleasant things 32 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP. are apt to surfeit, and you may hinder your journey to the court. When Lanfert cometh (if your belly be full) he will give you drink to digest it, and wash it down your throat.' And having thus said, he went towards his castle. But by this time, Lanfert, finding the bear fast taken in the tree, he ran to his neighbours and desired them to come into his yard, for there was a bear fast taken there. This was noised through all the town, so that there was neither man, nor woman, nor child but ran thither, some with one weapon, and some with another as goads, rakes, broom- staves, or what they could gather up. The priest had the handle of the cross, the clerk the holy water sprinkler, and the priest's wife, Dame Jullock, with her distaff, for she was then spinning ; nay, the old beldames came that had ne'er a tooth in their heads. This army put Bruin into a great fear, being none but himself to withstand them, and hearing the clamour of the noise which came thundering upon him, he wrestled and pulled so extremely, that he got out his head, but he left behind him all the skin, and his ears also ; insomuch that never creature beheld a fouler or more deformed beast. For the blood covering all v REYNARD THE FOX 33 his face, and his hands leaving the claws and skin behind them, nothing remained but ugliness. It was an ill market the bear came to, for he lost both motion and sight- that is, feet and eyes. But notwithstanding this torment, Lanfert, the priest, and the whole parish came upon him, and so be- cudgelled him about his body part, that it might well be a warning to all his misery, to know that ever the weakest shall still go most to the wall. This the bear found by experience, for every one exercised the height of their fury upon him. Even Houghlin with the crooked leg, and Ludolf with the long broad nose, the one with a leaden mall, and the other with an iron whip, all belashed poor sir Bruin, not so much but sir Bertolf with the long fingers, Lanfert and Ortam did him more annoyance than all the rest, the one having a sharp Welsh hook, the other a crooked staff well leaded at the end, which he used to play at stab ball withal. There was Birkin and Armes Ableqiiack, Bane the priest with his staff, and Dame Jullock his wife ; all these so belaboured the bear, that his life was in great danger. The poor bear in this massacre sat and sighed D 34 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP. extremely, groaning under the burden of their strokes, of which Lanferfs were the greatest and thundered most dreadfully ; for Dame Podge of Casport was his mother, and his father was Marob the steeple -maker, a passing stout man when he was alone. Bruin received of him many showers of stones till Lanferfs brother, rushing before the rest with a staff, struck the bear in the head such a blow, that he could neither hear nor see, so that awaking from his astonishment the bear leaped into the river adjoining, through a cluster of wives there standing together, of which he threw divers into the water, which was large and deep, amongst whom the parson's wife was one ; which the parson seeing how she floated like a sea-mew, he left striking the bear, and cried to the rest of the company, ' Help ! oh help ! Dame Jullock is in the water ; help, both men and women, for whosoever saves her, I give free pardon of all their sins and transgressions, and remit all penance imposed whatsoever.' This heard, every one left the bear to help Dame Jullock, which as soon as the bear saw, he cut the stream and swam away as fast as he could, but the priest with a great v REYNARD THE FOX 35 noise pursued him, crying in his rage, ' Turn, villain, that I may be revenged of thee ; ' but the bear swam in the strength of the stream and suspected not his calling, for he was proud that he was so escaped from them. Only he bitterly cursed the honey tree and the fox, which had not only betrayed him, but had made him lose his hood from his face, and his gloves from his fingers. In this sort he swam some three miles down the water, in which time he grew so weary that he went on land to get ease, where blood trickled down his face ; he groaned, sighed, and drew his breath so short, as if his last hour had been expiring. Now whilst these things were in doing, the fox in his way home stole a fat hen, and threw her into his mail, and running through a bypath that no man might perceive him, he came towards the river with infinite joy ; for he suspected that the bear was certainly slain : therefore said to himself, ' My fortune is as I wished it, for the greatest enemy I had in the court is now dead, nor can any man suspect me guilty thereof.' But as he spake these words, looking towards the river, he espied where Brian the bear lay and 36 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP. rested, which struck his heart with grief, and he railed against Lanfert the carpenter, saying, ' Silly fool that thou art, what mad- man would have lost such good venison, especially being so fat and wholesome, and for which he took no pains, for he was taken to his hand ; any man would have been proud of the fortune which thou neglectest.' Thus fretting and chiding, he came to the river, where he found the bear all wounded and bloody, of which Reynard was only guilty ; yet in scorn he said to the bear, ' Monsieur, Dieu vous garde! 1 O thou foul red villain,' said the bear to himself, ' what impudence is like to this ? ' But the fox went on with his speech, and said, ' What, uncle ? have you forgot any- thing at Lanferfs, or have you paid him for the honeycombs you stole ? If you have not, it will redound much to your disgrace, which before you shall undergo, I will pay him for them myself. Sure the honey was excellent good, and I know much more of the same price. Good uncle, tell me before I go, into what order do you mean to enter, that you wear this new-fashioned hood ? Will you be a monk, an abbot, or a friar? Surely REYNARD THE FOX 37 he that shaved your crown hath cropped your ears ; also your foretop is lost, and your gloves are gone ; fie, sloven, go not bare- handed, they say you can sing fleccavt rarely.' These taunts made Bruin mad with rage, but because he could not take revenge, he was content to let him talk his pleasure. Then after a small rest he plunged again 38 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP. into the river, and swam down the stream, and landed on the other side, where he began with much grief to meditate how he might get to the court, for he had lost his ears, his talons, and all the skin off his feet, so that had a thousand deaths followed him, he could not go. Yet of necessity he must move, that in the end compelled by extremity, he set his tail on the ground, and tumbled his body over and over, so by degrees, tumbling now half a mile, and then half a mile, in the end he tumbled to the court, where divers beholding his strange manner of approach, they thought some prodigy had come towards them ; but in the end the King knew him, and grew angry, saying, 'It is sir Bruin, my servant ; what villains have wounded him thus, or where hath he been that he brings his death thus along with him ? ' ' O my dread Sovereign Lord the King,' cried out the bear, ' I complain me grievously unto you ; behold how I am massacred, which I humbly beseech you revenge on that false Reynard, who, for doing your royal pleasure, hath brought me to this disgrace and slaughter.' Then said the King, ' How durst he do v REYNARD THE FOX 39 this ? now by my crown I swear I will take the revenge which shall make the traitors tremble ! ' Whereupon the King sent for all his council, and consulted how and in what sort to persecute against the fox, where it was generally concluded that he should be again summoned to appear and answer his tres- passes ; and the party to summon him they appointed to be Tibert the cat, as well for his gravity as wisdom ; all which pleased the King well CHAPTER VI How the King sent Tibert the Cat for Reynard the Fox. THEN the King called for sir Tibert the cat, and said to him, ' Sir Tibert, you shall go to Reynard, and say to him the second time, and command him to appear, and answer his offences ; for though he be cruel to other beasts, yet to you he is courteous. Assure him if he fail at your first summons, that I will take so severe a course against him and his posterity, that his example shall terrify all offenders.' Then said Tibert the cat, * My dread Lord, they were my foes which thus advised you, for there is nothing in me that can force him either to come or tarry. I beseech your Majesty send some one of greater power ; I am little and feeble. Besides, if noble sir Bruin, that is so strong and mighty, could not enforce him, what will my weakness avail ? ' CHAP, vi REYNARD THE FOX 41 The King replied, ' It is your wisdom, sir Tibert, I employ, and not your strength, and many prevail with art, when violence returns with lost labour.' ' Well,' said the cat, ' since it is your pleasure, it must be accomplished ; Heaven make my fortune better than my heart presageth.' This Tibert made things in readiness, and went towards Malepardus, and in his journey he saw come flying towards him one of Saint Martin s birds, to whom the cat cried aloud, ' Hail, gentle bird, I beseech thee turn thy wings and fly on my right hand.' But the bird turned the contrary way, and flew on his left side ; then grew the cat very heavy, for he was wise and skilful in augurism, and knew the sign to be ominous ; nevertheless, as many do, he armed himself with better hope, and went to Malepardus, where he found the fox standing before his castle gates, to whom Tibert said, * Health to my fair cousin Reynard, so it is that the King by me summons you to the court, in which if you fail or defer time, there is nothing more assured unto you than a cruel and a sudden death.' The fox answered, ' Welcome, dear cousin 42 REYNARD THE FOX CHAP, vi Tibert, I obey your command, and wish my Lord the King infinite days of happiness, only let me entreat you to rest with me to-night, and take such cheer as my simple house affordeth. To-morrow, as early as you will, we will go towards the court, for I have no kinsman I trust so dearly as yourself. Here was with me the other day the treacherous knight sir Bruin the bear, who looked upon me with that tyrannous cruelty, that I would not for the wealth of an empire have hazarded my person with him. But, my dear cousin, with you I will go, were a thousand sicknesses upon me.' Tibert replied, ' You speak like a noble gentleman, and methinks it is best now to go forward, for the moon shines as bright as day.' 'Nay, dear cousin,' said the fox, ''let us take the day before us, so may we encounter with our friends ; the night is full of danger and suspicion.' ' Well,' said the cat, * if it be your pleasure, I am content, what shall we eat ? ' Reynard said, ' Truly my store is small, the best I have is a honeycomb, too pleasant and sweet, what think you of it ? " Tibert replieth, ' It is meat I little respect. CHAP, vi REYNARD THE FOX 45 and seldom eat ; I had rather have one mouse than all the honey in Europe.' 1 A mouse,' said Reynard, l why, my dear cousin, here dwelleth a priest hard by, who hath a barn by his house so full of mice that I think half the wains in the parish are not able to bear them.' ' O dear Reynard,' quoth the cat, ' do but lead me thither, and make me your servant for ever.' * Why,' said the fox, ' love you mice so exceedingly ? ' * Beyond expression,' quoth the cat ; ' why, a mouse is beyond venison or the delicatest cates on princes' tables ; therefore conduct me thither, and command my friendship in any matter ; had you slain my father, my mother, and all my kin, I would clearly forgive you.' CHAPTER VII How Tibert the Cat was deceived by Reynard the Fox. THEN said Reynard, ' Sure you do but jest.' ' No, by my life,' said the cat. ' Well, then,' quoth the fox, * if you be in earnest, I will so work that this night I will fill your belly/ * It is not possible,' said the cat. * Then follow me,' said the fox, * for I will bring you to the place presently.' Thus away they went with all speed to the priest's barn, which was well walled about with a mud wall, where but the night before the fox had broken in, and stolen from the priest an exceeding fat hen, at which the priest was so angry, that he had set a gin or snare before the hole to catch him at his next coming, which the false fox knew perfectly, and therefore said to the cat, ' Sir Tibert, creep in at this hole, and believe it you shall not tarry a minute's CHAP, vii REYNARD THE FOX 47 space, but you shall have more mice than you are able to devour. Hark, you may hear how they peep ; when your belly is full, come again, and I will stay and await for you here at this hole, that to-morrow we may go together to the court. But, good cousin, stay not too long, for I know my wife will hourly expect us.' ' Then,' said the cat, ' think you I may safely enter in at this hole ? these priests are wise, and subtle, and couch their danger so close, that rashness is soon overtaken.' ' Why, cousin Tibertj said the fox, ' I never saw you turn coward before ; what, man, fear you a shadow ? ' The cat, ashamed at his fear, sprang quickly in at the hole, but was presently caught fast 48 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP. by the neck in the gin, which as soon as the cat felt and perceived, he quickly leaped back again, so that the snare running close together, he was half strangled, so that he began to struggle and cry out and exclaim most piteously. Reynard stood before the hole and heard all, at which he infinitely rejoiced, and in great scorn said, ' Cousin Tibert, love you mice ? I hope they be well fed for your sake ; knew the priest or Martinet of your feasting, I know them of so good disposition, they would bring you sauce quickly. Methinks you sing at your meat, is that the court fashion ? If it be, I would Isegrim the wolf were coupled with you, that all my friends might be feasted together.' But all this while the poor cat was fast, and mewed so piteously, that Martinet leaped out of bed, and cried to his people, ' Arise, for the thief is taken that had stolen our hens.' With these words the priest unfortunately rose up and awaked all in his house, crying, ' The fox is taken, the fox is taken ! ' and arising, he gave to Jnllock his wife an offering candle to light, and then coming first to Tibert, he smote him with a great staff, and after him vii REYNARD THE FOX 49 many other, so that the cat received many deadly blows, and the anger of Martinet was so great, that he struck out one of the cat's eyes, which he did to second the priest, thinking at one blow to dash out the cat's brains. But the cat perceiving his death so near him, in a desperate mood he leaped upon the priest, and scratched and tore him in so dread a manner, that the poor priest fell down in a swoon, so that every man left the cat to revive the priest. And whilst they were doing this, the fox returned home to Malepardus, for he imagined the cat was past all hope to escape. But the poor cat seeing all his foes busy about the priest, he presently began to gnaw and bite the cord, till he had sheared it quite asunder in the midst. And he leaped out of the hole and went roaring and stumbling, like the bear, to the King's court. But before he got thither, it was fair day, and the sun being risen, he entered the court like the pitifullest beast that ever was beheld ; for by the fox's craft his body was beaten and bruised, his bones shivered and broken, one of his eyes lost, and his skin rent and mangled. This when the King beheld, and saw Tibert so pitifully mangled, he grew infinitely angry THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP. and took counsel once more how to revenge the injuries upon the fox. After some con- sultation, Grimbard\he brock, Reynard s sister's son, said to the rest of the King's council, * My good lords, though my uncle were twice so evil as those complaints make him, yet there is remedy enough against his mischiefs. There- fore it is fit you do him justice as to a man of his rank, which is, he must be the third time summoned, and if then he appear not, make him guilty of all that is laid against him.' Then the King demanded of the brock whom he thought fittest to summon him, or who would be so desperate to hazard his hands, his ears, nay, his life, with so tyrannous and irreligious a being ? vii REYNARD THE FOX 51 ' Truly,' answered the brock, * if it please your Majesty, I am that desperate person who dare adventure to carry the message to my most subtle kinsman, if your highness but command me.' CHAPTER VIII Hoiv Grimbard the Brock was sent to bid tJie Fox to the Court. THEN said the King, ' Go, Grimbard, for I command you ; yet take heed of Reynard, for he is subtle and malicious.' The brock thanked his Majesty, and so taking humble leave, went to Malepardus, where he found Reynard and Ermelin his wife sporting with their young whelps ; then having saluted his uncle and his aunt, he said, ' Take heed, fair uncle, that your absence from the court add not more mischief to your cause than the offence doth deserve. Believe, it is high time you appear at the court, since your delay doth beget but more danger and punishment. The complaints against you are infinite, and this is your third time of summons ; therefore your wisdom may tell you, that if you delay but one day further, there is not left to you or yours any hope of mercy. For within three CHAP, vin REYNARD THE FOX 53 days your castle will be demolished, your kindred made slaves, and yourself exempted for a public example. Therefore, my best uncle, I beseech you recollect your wisdom, and go with me presently to the court, I doubt not but your discretion shall excuse you, for you have passed through many as eminent perils, and made your foes ashamed, whilst the innocence of your cause hath borne you spot- less from the tribunal.' Reynard answered, * Nephew, you say true, and I will be advised and go with you, not to answer offences, but in that I know the court stands in need of my counsel. The King's mercy I doubt not, if I may come to speak with his Majesty, though mine offences were ten times doubled ; for I know the court cannot stand without me, and that shall his highness understand truly. Though I know I have many enemies, yet it troubles me not ; for mine innocence shall awaken their injuries, and they shall know that in high matters of state and policy Reynard cannot be missing. They may well harp upon things, but the pitch and ground must come from my relation. It is the envy of others hath made me leave the court, for though I know their shallowness cannot 54 REYNARD THE FOX CHAI\ vm disgrace me, yet may their multitudes oppress me ; nevertheless, nephew, I will go with you to the court, and answer for myself, and not hazard the welfare of my wife and children. The King is too mighty, and though he do me injury, yet will I bear it with patience.' This spoke, he turned to his wife and said, ' Dame Ermelin, have care of my children, especially Reynardine my youngest son, for he had much of my love, and I hope will follow my steps ; also Rossel is passing hopeful, and I. love them entirely, therefore regard them, and if I escape, doubt not but my love shall requite you.' At this leave-taking Ermelin wept, and her children howled, for their lord and victualler was gone, and Malepardus left unprovided. CHAPTER IX How Reynard sJirove Jiiui to Grimbard the Brock. WHEN Reynard and. Grimdardhad gone a good way on their journey, Reynard stayed and said, ' Dear nephew, blame me not if my heart be full of care, for my life is in great hazard, yet to blot out my sins by repentance, and to cast off the burthen, give me leave to shrive myself unto you. I know you are holy, and having received penance for my sin, my soul will be at quiet.' Grimbard bade him proceed ; then said the fox, * Confitebor tibi pater' ' Nay,' said the brock, * if you will shrive you to me, do it in English, that I may under- stand you.' Then said Reynard, ' I have grievously offended against all the beasts that live, and especially mine uncle, Bruin the bear, whom I lately massacred ; then Tibert the cat, whom I ensnared in a gin. I have trespassed against 56 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP. Chanticleer and his children, and have devoured many of them ; nay, the King hath not been quiet of my malice, for I have slandered him and his Queen. I have betrayed Isegrwi the wolf, and called him uncle, though no part of his blood ran in my veins ; I made him a monk of Elmane, where I became also one of the order only to do him open mischief. I made him bind his feet to a bell-rope to teach him to ring, but the peal had like to have cost him his life, the men of the parish beat and wounded him so sore. After this I taught him to catch fish, but he was soundly beaten there- fore, and feeleth the stripes at this instant. I led him to steal bacon at a rich priest's house, where he fed so extremely, that not being able to get out where he got in, I raised all the town upon him, and then went where the priest was set at meat, with a fat hen before him ; which hen I snatched away, so that the priest cried out, " Kill the fox, for never man saw thing so strange, so that the fox should come into my house, and take my meat from before me. This is a boldness beyond knowledge." And with these words he threw his knife at me, but he missed me, and I ran away, whilst he pursued me crying, " Kill the fox, kill the fox," IX REYNARD THE FOX 57 and after him a world of people, whom I led to the place where Isegrim was, and there I let the hen fall, for it was too heavy for me (yet much against my will), and then springing through a hole, I got into safety. Now as the priest took up the hen, he espied Isegrim, and then cried out, " Strike, friends, strike, here is the wolf, by no means let him escape." Then the people ran all together with clubs and staves, and with a dreadful noise, giving the poor wolf many a deadly blow, and some throwing stones after him, hit him such mortal blows on the body that the wolf fell down as if he had been dead, which perceived, they took him and dragged him by the heels over stocks and stones, and in the end threw him into a ditch without the village, and there he lay all night, but how he got thence I know not. Another time I led him to a place where I told him were seven hens and a cock, set on a perch, all lusty and fat, and hard by the place stood a fall door, on which we climbed ; then I told him if he would creep in at the door he should find the hens. Then Isegrim with much joy went laughing to the. door, and entering in a little, and groping about, he said, "Reynard, you abuse me, for here is nothing." Then replied I, 58 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP. 11 Uncle, they are farther, and if you will have them, you must adventure for them ; those which used to sit there I myself had long since." At this the wolf going a little farther, I gave him a push forward, so that he fell down in the vault, and his fall was so great, and made such a noise, that they which were asleep in the house awaked and cried that something was fallen down at the trap-door ; whereupon they arose and lighted a candle, and espying him, they beat and wounded him to death. Thus I brought the wolf to many hazards of his life, more than I can now either remember or reckon, which as they come to my mind I will reveal to you hereafter. ' Thus have I told you my wickedness, now order my penance as shall seem fit in your dis- cretion.' Grimbard was both learned and wise, and therefore brake a rod from a tree, and said, ' Nephew, you shall three times strike your body with this rod, and then lay it down upon the ground, and spring three times over it with- out bowing your legs or stumbling. Then shall you take it up and kiss it gently in sign of meekness and obedience to your penance ; which done, you are absolved of your sins com- IX REYNARD THE FOX 59 mitted this day, for I pronounce unto you clear remission.' At this the fox was exceeding glad, and then Grimbard said unto him, ' See that henceforth, uncle, you do good works, read your Psalter, go to church, fast vigils, 60 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP. keep holy days, give alms, and leave your sinful and evil life, your theft, and your treason, and then no doubt you shall attain mercy.' The fox promised to perform all this, and so they went together towards the court ; but a little beside the way as they went, stood a religious house of nuns, where many geese, hens, and capons went without the wall ; and as they went talking, the fox led Grimbard out of his right way to that place. And finding the poultry walking without the barn, amongst which was a fat young capon, which strayed a little from his fellows, he suddenly leaped at and caught him by the feathers, which flew about his ears, but the capon escaped, which Grimbard seeing, said, ' Accursed man, what will you do, will you for a silly pullet fall again into all your sins ? mischief itself would not do it.' To which Reynard answered, ' Pardon me, dear nephew, I had forgotten myself, but I will ask forgiveness, and mine eye shall no more wander ' ; and then they turned over a little bridge ; but the fox still glanced his eye toward the poultry, and could by no means refrain it, for the ill that was bred in his bones still stuck to his flesh, and his mind carried his IX REYNARD THE FOX 6 1 eyes that way as long as he could see them ; which the brock noting, said, ' Fie, dissembling cousin, why wander your eyes so after the poultry ? ' The fox replied, ' Nephew, you do me in- jury so to mistake me, for mine eyes wandered not, but I was saying a paternoster for the souls of all the poultry and geese which I have slain and betrayed, in which devotion you hindered me.' ' Well,' said Grimbard, ' it may be so, but your glances are suspicious.' Now by this time they were come into 62 REYNARD THE FOX CHAP, ix the way again, and made haste towards the court, which as soon as the fox saw, his heart quaked for fear ; for he knew well the crimes he was to answer, that they were infinite and heinous. CHAPTER X How the Fox came to the Court, and Jiow he excused himself. As soon as it was bruited in the court that Reynard the fox, and Grimbard his kinsman were arrived there, every one, from the highest to the lowest, prepared himself to complain of the fox ; at which Reynards heart quaked, but his countenance kept the old garb, and he went as proudly as ever he was wont with his nephew through the high street, and came as gallantly into the court as if he had been the King's son and as clear from trespass as the most innocent whosoever ; and when he came before the chair of state, in which the King sat, he said, ' Heaven give your Majesty glory and renown above all the princes of the earth ; I assure your highness there was never king had a truer servant than myself have been to you, and yet am, and so will die. Nevertheless, my dread Lord, I know there be many in this court that 64 REYNARD THE FOX CHAP, x seek my confusion, if they could win belief with your Majesty. But you scorn the slanders of malice, and although in these days flatterers have the most room in princes' courts, yet with you it is not so, nor shall they reap anything but shame for their labour.' But the King cut him short at these words, and said, ' Peace, traitorous Reynard, I know your dissimulation, and can expound your flattery, but both shall now fail you. Think you I can be caught with the music of your words ? No, it hath too oft deceived me ; the peace which I commanded and swore unto, that have you broken.' And as he would have gone forward, Chanticleer crying out, ' O how have I lost this noble peace ? ' ' Be still, Chanticleer,' said the King, and then he proceeded, ' Thou evil among good ones, with what face canst thou say thou lovest me, and seest all those wretched creatures ready to disprove thee, whose very wounds yet spit bloody defiance upon thee ; and for which believe thy dearest life shall answer.' 4 In nomine patris, etc.' said the fox, 'my dread Lord, if Bruin s crown be bloody, what is that to me? If your Majesty employed him CHAP, x REYNARD THE FOX 67 in a message, and he would neglect it to steal honey at the carpenter's house, where he re- ceived his wounds, how shall I amend it? If revenge he sought, why did he not take it himself, he is strong and puissant ? As for Tibert, whom I received with all friendship, if he against my will or advice will steal into the priest's barn to catch mice, and there lose his eyes, nay, his life, wherein is mine offence, or how become I their guardian ? O my dread Lord, you may do your royal pleasure, and however mine innocence plead, yet your will may adjudge me to what death contents you. I am your vassal, and have no support but your mercy ; I know your strength and mine own weakness, and that my death can yield you but small satisfaction, yet whatsoever your will is, that to me shall be most acceptable.' And as he thus spake, Bellin the ram stepped forth, and his ewe dame Oleway, and besought the King to hear their complaint ; with them Bruin the bear and all his mighty lineage ; and Tibert the cat, Isegrim the wolf, Kyward the hare, and Panther, the boar, the camel, and Bruel the goose, the kid and the colt, Baldwin the ass, Bortle the bull, and Hamel the ox, the weasel, Chanticleer the 68 REYNARD THE FOX CHAP, x cock, and Partlet with all her children ; all these with one entire noise cried out against the fox, and so moved the King with their complaints, that the fox was taken and arrested. CHAPTER XI How the Fox was arrested and judged to deatJi. UPON this arrest a parliament was called, and every voice went that Reynard should be executed. Notwithstanding he answered every objection severally, though great art was used both in one and the other, to the wonderful admiration of all that heard him. But witnesses examined, and every proof made pregnant, the fox was condemned, and judgment was given, that he should be hanged till his body were dead ; at which sentence the fox cast down his head, for all his jollity was lost, and no flattery nor no words now prevailed. This done, Grimbard his nephew, and divers others near him in blood (which could not endure to see him die) took their leave of the King and departed from the court. When the King noted what gallant young gentlemen departed thence, all sad and weeping, being near of the 70 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP. fox's blood and alliance, he said to himself, * It behoveth us to take good and mature counsel ; though Reynard have some faults, yet he hath many friends, and more virtues.' As the King was thus thinking, the cat said to the bear, * Sir Bruin, and you, sir Isegrim, why are you slow in this execution ? The even is almost come, and here be many bushes and hedges ; if he escape and quit himself of this danger, his subtilty is so great that not all the art in the world shall ever again entangle him. If you mean to execute him, then proceed, for before the gallows can be made, it will be dark night.' At these words Isegrim, remembering him- self, said, ' There is a pair of gallows near at hand' (and with that fetched a deep sigh), which the cat noting, said, ' Are you afraid, sir Isegrim, or is this execution against your mind ? You may remember that it was only his work that both your brethren were hanged ; and sure had you judgment, you would thank him for the same, and not thus stand trifling time.' But Isegrim, half angry, answered, ' Your anger puts out the eye of your reason, yet had we a halter that would fit his neck, we would soon despatch him.' Reynard, that had been silent a great while, xi REYNARD THE FOX 71 said, * I beseech you, shorten my pain ; sir Tibert hath a cord strong enough, in which himself was hanged at the priest's house ; besides, he can climb well and swift. O let him be mine executioner, for it neither becometh Isegrim nor Bruin thus to do to their nephew. I am sorry I live to see it ; but since you are set to be my hangmen, play your parts and delay not ; go before, Bruin, and lead my way ; follow, Isegrim, and beware I escape not.' ' You say well,' said Bruin, ' and it is the best counsel I have heard you give.' So forth they went, and Isegrim and all his friends guarded the fox, leading him by the neck and other parts of his body. When the fox felt this usage, he was dismayed, yet said, ' O why do you put yourself, my best kins- man, to this pain, to do me hurt ? Believe it, I could well ask your forgiveness, though my pains be pleasant unto you, yet well I know, did my aunt, your wife, understand of my trouble, she would for old affection's sake not see me thus tormented. But I am subject to your will, and can endure your worst malice ; as for Bruin and Tibert, I leave my revenge to justice, and wish you the reward of traitors, if you do not to me the worst of your powers. I know my worst 72 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP. fortune, and death- can come but once unto me ; I wish it were past already, for to me it is no terror ; I saw my father die, and how quickly he vanished, therefore the worst of death is familiar unto me.' Then said Isegrim, ' Let us go, for his curse shall not light on me by delaying.' So he on one side, and Bruin on the other, led the poor fox to the gallows ; Tibert running before with the halter, hoped to be revenged of his wrong formerly received. When they were come to the place of execution, the King and Queen, and all the rest of the nobility, took their place to see the fox die. Then Reynard, full of sorrow, and busily bethinking himself how he might escape that danger, and how to enthral and disgrace his proud enemies, and also how to draw the King on his party, said to himself, ' Though the King and many others be offended with me, as they have reason, for I have thoroughly deserved it, nevertheless, yet I hope to live to be their best friend.' During this meditation the wolf said, ' Sir Bruin, now remember your injuries, take your revenge in a full measure, for the day is come we wished for. Tibert, ascend quickly, and bring the rope to the gallows, making a running noose, xi REYNARD THE FOX 73 for this day you shall have your will of your enemy ; and good sir Bruin, take heed he escape not, whilst I myself raise up the ladder/ When all things were prepared, the fox said, * Now may my heart be heavy, for death stands now in all his horror before me, and I cannot escape ; my dread Lord the King, and you, my Sovereign Lady the Queen, and you, my lords, that stand to behold to see me die, I beseech you grant me this charitable boon, that I may unlock my heart before you, and clear my soul of her burdens, so that hereafter no man may be blamed for me, which done, my death will be easy.' CHAPTER XII How Reynard made Jiis Confession before tJie King. EVERY creature now took compassion on the fox, and said his request was small, beseeching the King to grant it, which was done ; and then the fox thus spake : ' Help me, Heaven, for I see no man here whom I have not offended ; yet was this evil no natural in- clination in me, for in my youth I was ac- counted as virtuous as any breathing. This know, I have played with the lambs all the day long, and took delight in their pretty bleating, yet at last in my play I bit one, and the taste of their blood was so sweet unto me that I approved the flesh, and both were so sweet that since I could never forbear it. This liquorish humour drew me into the woods amongst the goats, where hearing the bleating of the little kids, I slew one of them, and after, two more, which slaughter made me so hardy, CHAP. XII REYNARD THE FOX 75 that then I fell to murder hens, geese, and other poultry. And thus my crimes increased by custom, and fury so possessed me, that all was fish which came to my net. After this, in the winter season, I met with Isegrim, where, as he lay hid under a hollow tree, he unfolded unto me how he was my uncle, and laid the pedigree down so plain, that from that day forth we became fellows and companions ; that knot of friendship I may ever curse, for then began the flood of our thefts and slaughters. He stole the great things, I the small ; he 76 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP. murdered nobles, I the mean subjects ; and in all our actions his share was still ever the greatest. When he got a ram, a calf, or wether, his fury would hardly afford me the horns to pick on. Nay, when he had an ox, or a cow, after himself, his wife, and his seven children were served, nothing remained to me but the bare bones to pick on. This I speak not in that I wanted (for it is well known I have more plate, jewels, and coin than twenty carts are able to carry), but only to show his ingratitude.' When the King heard him speak of this infinite treasure and riches, his heart grew inflamed with a desire thereof, and he said, ' Reynard, where is that treasure you speak of? ' The fox answered, ' My Lord, I shall willingly tell you, for it is true the wealth was stolen, and had it not been stolen in that manner which it was, it had cost your highness your life (which Heaven I beseech keep ever in their protection).' When the Queen heard that dangerous speech, she started, and said, ' What dangers are these you speak of, Reynard? I do command you, upon your soul's health, to unfold these doubtful speeches, and to keep xii REYNARD THE FOX 77 nothing concealed which concerns the life of my dread lord.' The fox, with a sorrowful and sad counte- nance, replied to the Queen, * O my dread Sovereign Lady, at what infinite ease were I, if I might die at this present ! But, gracious Madam, your conjuration and the health of mine own soul so prevaileth with me, that I will discharge my conscience, and yet speak nothing but what I will make good with the hazard of my life. It is true, the King should have been pitilessly murdered by his own people, and I must confess by those of my dearest kindred, whom I am unwilling to accuse, did not the health of mine own soul and my fealty to the King command the contrary.' The King, much perplexed at this dis- covery, said, ' Is this true, Reynard, which you protest ? ' The fox answered, * Alas, my dread Lord, you see the case wherein I stand, and how small a sand is left in my poor glass to run. Can your Majesty imagine I will now dis- semble ? What can the whole world avail me, when my soul perisheth ? ' At that he trembled, and looked so pitifully, that the Queen had great compassion of him, 78 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP. and humbly besought the King, for the safety of his own royal person, to take some pity of the fox, and to command all his subjects to hold their peace, and keep silence till he had spoken the uttermost of his knowledge ; all which was presently done, and the fox proceeded in this manner : ' Since it is the pleasure of my Sovereign Lord the King, and that his royal life lieth in the balance with my present death, I will freely and boldly unfold this capital and foul treason, and in the relation not spare any guilty person for any respect whatsoever, whether it be blood, greatness, or authority. Know then, my dread Sovereign Lord the King, that my father by a strange accident, digging in the ground, found out King ErmericKs treasure, being a mass infinite and innumerable ; of which being possessed, he grew so proud and haughty, that he held in scorn all the beasts of the wilderness, which before had been his kinsmen and companions. At last he caused Tibert the cat to go into the vast forest of Arden to Bridn the bear, and to tender to him his homage and fealty, saying, "If it would please him to be king, he should come into Flanders, where he would show him means XII REYNARD THE FOX 79 how to set the crown upon his head." Bruin was glad of this embassage (for he was ex- ceeding ambitious, and had long thirsted for sovereignty), and thereupon came into Flanders, where my father received him nobly. Then presently he sent for the wise Grimbard, my nephew, and for Isegrim the wolf, and for Tibert the cat ; then these five coming between Gaunt and the village called Elfe, they held a solemn council for the space of a whole night, in which, by the assistance of the evil one, and the strong confidence of my father's riches, it was there concluded, that your Majesty should be forthwith murdered. And, to effect this, they took a solemn oath in this manner : the bear, So THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP. my father, Grimbard, and the cat, laying their hands on Isegrim s crown, swore, first to make Bruin their king, and to place him in the chair of estate at Aeon, and to set the imperial diadem on his head ; and if by any of your Majesty's blood and alliance they should be gainsaid, that then my father with his treasure should hire those which should utterly chase and root them out of the forest. Now after this determination held and finished, it hap- pened that my nephew Grimbard, being on a time high flown with wine, he discovered this dread plot to Dame Slopecade his wife, commanded her upon her life to keep secret the same. But she, forgetful of her charge, disclosed it in confession to my wife, as they went a pilgrimage over an heath, with like conjuration of secrecy. But she, woman-like, contained it no longer than till she met with me, and gave me a full knowledge of all that had passed, yet so as by all means I must keep it secret too, for she had sworn by the three kings of Cologne never to disclose it. And withal she gave me such assurance by certain tokens, that I right well found all was true which she had spoken ; insomuch that the very affright thereof made my hair stand upright, XII REYNARD THE FOX 81 and my heart became like lead, cold and heavy in my bosom. This made me call to mind the story of the frogs, who being free and without subjection, complained to Jupiter, and desired they might have a king to rule and govern over them, and he presently sent them a stork, which ate and devoured them up ; so that by his tyranny they became the most miserable of all creatures ; then they complained again to Jupiter for redress, but it was then too late, for they which could not be content with their freedom must now of necessity suffer in thraldom. ' Thus I feared it might happen with us, and thus I sorrowed for your Majesty, although you little respect my grieving. I know that ambition of the bear, and his tyranny is so infinite great, that should the government come into his hands (as Heaven forbid) the whole commonwealth will be destroyed. Be- sides, I know your Majesty of so royal and princely birth, so mighty, so gracious, and so merciful, that it had been a horrible exchange to have seen a ravenous bear sit in the throne of the royal lion, for there is in the bear and in his generation more prodigal looseness and in- constancy than in any beast whatsoever. But G 82 REYNARD THE FOX CHAP, xn to proceed : from this sorrow I began to meditate how I might undo my father's false and wicked conspiracies, who sought to bring a base traitor and a slave into the throne imperial. For I well perceived as long as he held the treasure, there was a possibility of deposing your Majesty, and this troubled my thought exceedingly, so that I laboured how I might find out where my father's treasure was hid, and to that end I watched and attended night and day in the woods, in the bushes, and in the open fields. Nay, in all places where- soever my father laid his eyes, there was I ever watching and attending. Now it happened on a time, as I was laid down flat on the ground, I saw my father come running out of a hole, and as soon as he was come out, he gazed round about him, to see if any discovered him. Then seeing the coast clear, he stopped the hole with sand, and made it so even, smooth, and plain, that no curious eye could discern a difference betwixt it and the other earth. And where the print of his foot remained, that with his tail he stroked over, and with his mouth so smoothed, that no man might perceive it ; and indeed that and many other subtilties I learned of him there at that instant. When he had CHAP, xii REYNARD THE FOX 85 thus finished, away he went towards the village about his private affairs ; then went I presently towards the hole, and notwithstanding all his subtilty I quickly found it out, then entered I the cave, where I found that innumerable quantity of treasure which cannot be expressed. I took Ermelin my wife to help me, and we ceased not, day nor night, with infinite great toil and labour, to carry and convey away this treasure to another place much more con- venient for us, where we laid it safe from the search of any creature. Now during the time that my wife and I were thus employed, my father was in consultation with the rest of the traitors, about the death of the King ; in which consultation it was concluded that Isegrim the wolf should travel over all the kingdom, and 86 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF promise to all beasts that would take wages, and acknowledge Bruin for their sovereign, and defend his title, a full year's pay before- hand. And in this journey my father accom- panied him, carrying letters patent signed to that purpose, little suspecting that he was robbed of the wealth which should supply his treason. When this negotiation was finished between Elve and Soame, and a world of valiant soldiers raised against the beginning of the next spring, then they returned to Bruin and his consorts, to whom they declared the many perils they had escaped in the dukedom of Saxony, where they were pursued by huntsmen and hounds, so as they hardly escaped with life. After this relation they showed Bruin xil REYNARD THE FOX 87 their muster rolls, which pleased him ex- ceeding much, for there was of Isegrims lineage about twelve hundred sworn to the action, besides the bear's own kindred, the fox's, the cat's, and the dassen's, all which would be in readiness upon an hour's warning. All this I found out, I praise Heaven, by perfect intelligence ; now things being brought to this perfection, my father went to his cave of treasure, but when he found it open, spoiled, and ransacked, it is not in me to express the infinite agony and sorrow he fell into, that grief converting to madness, and madness to desperation, suddenly he went to the next tree and hanged himself. ' Thus by my art only was the treason of Bruin defeated, for which I now suffer ; from hence sprang all misfortune, as thus : these foul traitors, Bruin and Isegrim, being of the King's privatest council, and sitting in high and great authority, tread upon me, poor Reynard, and work my disgrace ; notwith- standing, for your Majesty's sake, I have lost my natural father. O my dread Lord, what is he, or who can tender you a better affection, thus to lose himself to save you ? ' The King and Queen having great hope 88 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP. to get this inestimable treasure from Reynard, took him from the gibbet, and entreated him to unfold where this great treasure was. But the fox replied, ' O my Lord, shall I make mine enemies my heirs ? shall these traitors which take away my life, and would devour yours, be possessed of the good I enjoy ? No, that is a madness I will never die guilty of.' Then said the Queen, ' Fear not, Reynard, the King shall save your life, and grant you pardon, and you shall henceforth swear faith and true allegiance to his Majesty.' The fox answered, ' Dearest Madam, if the King out of his royal nature will give credit to my truth, and forgive my former offences, there was never King so rich as I will make him.' Then the King staying the Queen, said, ' Madam, will you believe the fox ? know you not that it is his natural quality to lie, steal, and deceive ? ' The Queen answered, ' My dear Lord, now you may boldly believe him, for howsoever in his prosperity he was full of errors, yet now you may see he is changed. Why, he spareth not to accuse his own father, nay, xii REYNARD THE FOX 89 Grimbard, his dearest nephew and kinsman ; had he dissembled, he might have laid his imputations on other beasts, and not on those he loveth most entirely.' ' Well, Madam,' said the King, ' you shall at this time rule me, and all the offences of the fox I will clearly pardon ; yet with this protestation, that if ever again he offend in the smallest crime whatsoever, that not only himself, but his whole generation I will utterly root out of my dominions.' The fox looked sadly when the King spake thus, but was inwardly most infinitely glad at his heart, and said, ' My dread Lord, it were a huge shame in me, should I speak any untruths in this great presence.' Then the King taking a straw from the ground, pardoned the fox of all his trespasses which either he or his father had ever committed. If the fox now began to smile, it was no wonder, the sweetness of life required it ; yet he fell down before the King and Queen, and humbly thanked them for mercy, protesting that for that favour he would make them the richest princes in the world. And at these words the fox took up a straw, and proffered it unto the King, and 90 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP. said to him, ' My dread Lord, I beseech your Majesty to receive this pledge as a surrender unto your Majesty of all the treasure that the great King Ermcrick was master of, with which I freely Jnfeoff you, out of my mere voluntary and free motion.' At these words the King received the straw, and smiling, gave the fox great thanks for the same. But the fox laughed outright to think of the abuse ; from that day forward xii REYNARD THE FOX 91 no man's counsel prevailed with the King as the fox's, which the fox seeing, said to the King, ' My gracious Lord, you shall under- stand that at the west side of Flanders, there standeth a wood called Hustreloe, near which runneth a river named Crekenpit ; this is a wilderness so vast and impassable, that hardly in all the year there cometh either man or woman in the same. In it I have hid this treasure, whither I would have your Majesty and the Queen to go, for I know none but yourselves whom I dare trust in so great design ; and when your highness comes thither, you shall find two birchen trees growing by the pit, into which you shall enter, and there you shall find the treasure, which consisteth of coin, rich jewels, and the wealthy crown which King Ermerick wore. With this crown Bruin the bear should have been crowned, if his treason had succeeded according to his determination. There shall you see also many rich and costly precious stones, of which, when you are possessed, then remember the love of your servant Reynard! The King answered, ' Sir Reynard, you must yourself help me to dig for this treasure, for else I shall never find it. I have heard 92 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP. named Paris, London, Aix, and Cologne, but Crekenpit I never heard of, therefore, I fear, you dissemble.' The fox blushed at those words, yet with a bold countenance he said, * Is your Majesty so doubtful of my faith ? nay, then I will approve my words by public testimony ' ; and with that he called forth Kyward the hare from among the rest of the beasts, and commanded him to come before the King, charging him upon his faith and allegiance which he bore to the King and Queen, to answer truly to such questions as he should ask him. The hare answered, ' I will speak truth in all things, though I were sure to die for the same.' Then the fox said, ' Know you not where Crekenpit standeth ? ' ' Yes,' said the hare, ' I have known it any time these dozen years ; it standeth in a wood called Hiistreloe, upon a vast and wide wilder- ness, where I have endured much torment both of hunger and cold. Besides, it was there where father Simony the friar made false coin, with which he supported himself and his fellows. Yet that was before I and Ring the hound became companions.' xii REYNARD THE FOX 93 ' Well,' said the fox, ' you have spoken sufficiently, go to your place again ' ; so away went the hare. Then said the fox, ' My Sovereign Lord the King, what say you now to my relation am I worthy your belief or no? ' The King said, ' Yes, Reynard, and I beseech thee excuse my jealousies, it was my ignorance which did thee evil ; therefore forthwith make preparation that we may go to this pit where the treasure lieth.' The fox answered, * Alas, my Lord, do you imagine that I would not fain go with you ? if it were so that I might go without your dishonour, which I cannot do ; for you shall understand (though it be my disgrace) that when Isegrim the wolf, in the evil one's name, would needs grow religious and turn a monk,' that then the permission of meat which was for six monks, was too little for him alone. Whereupon he complained so pitifully unto me, that I, commiserating his case, being my kinsman, gave him counsel to run away, which he did. Whereupon I stand accursed, and excommunicated under the Pope's sentence, and am determined to-morrow, as soon as the sun riseth, to take my way towards Rome 94 REYNARD THE FOX CHAP, xn to be absolved, and from Rome I intend to cross the seas to the Holy Land, and will never return again to my native country, till I have done so much good, and satisfied for my sins, that I may with honour and reputation attend on your highness's person.' The King, hearing this, said, * Since you stand accursed in the censures of the Church, I may not have you about me, and therefore I will at this time take Kyward the hare, and some other with me to Crekenpit, and only command you, Reynard, as you respect my favour, to clear yourself of his holiness's curse.' ' My Lord,' said the fox, * it is the only reason of my going to Rome; neither will I rest night nor day till I have gotten a full absolution.' ' The course you take is good,' said the King, ' go on and prosper in your intent and purpose.' CHAPTER XIII How Reynard tlie Fox was honoured of all beasts by the King's commandment. As soon as this conference was ended, the royal King mounted upon a high throne made in manner of a scaffold, made of fair squared stone, and then commanded a general silence amongst all his subjects, and that every one should take his place according to his birth, or dignity in office, only the fox was placed between the King and the Queen. Then said the King, * Hear, all you noble- men, knights, gentlemen, and others of inferior quality ; this Reynard, one of the chief and supreme officers of my household, whose offences had brought him to the least reckoning of his life, as being in the hands of the law and justice, hath this day, in requital of these in- juries, done that noble and worthy service to the State that both myself and my Queen THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP. stand bound to render him our best grace and favour. Therefore know, that for divers things best known unto ourselves, we have freely given pardon to all his offences, and restored back to him whatsoever to us was confiscate; therefore, henceforth I command all of you, upon the pain and hazard of your dearest lives, that you fail not from this day forward to do all reverence and honour not only to Reynard himself, but also to his wife and children ; whensoever or xin REYNARD THE FOX 97 wheresoever you shall meet them, whether by night or by day. And let not any one hereafter be so audacious as to trouble mine ears with any more complaints of him ; for his wickedness he hath cast behind him, and will no more be guilty of wrongdoing, which to effect the better, to-morrow very early he taketh his journey towards Rome, where from the Pope he will purchase a free pardon and indulgence for all his offences, and then will go on pilgrimage to the Holy Land.' This speech, when Tisellin the raven heard, he flew to Bruin, Isegrim, and Tibert, and said, ' Wretched creatures, how are your fortunes changed ! or how can you endure to hear these tidings ? Why, Reynard is now a courtier, a counsellor, nay, the prime favourite ; his offences are forgiven, and you are all betrayed, and sold unto bondage.' Isegrim answered, ' It is impossible, Tisellin, nor can such a thing be suffered.' ' Do not deceive yourselves,' said the raven, ' for it is as true as that now I speak it.' Then went the wolf and the bear to the King, but the cat stayed, and was so sore affrighted with the news, that to purchase the fox's friendship again, he would not only have H 98 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP. forgiven the evils received, but willingly have run into a second hazard. But now Isegrim, with great majesty and pride tracing over the fields, came before the King and Queen, and with most bitter and cruel words inveighed against the fox in such a passionate and im- pudent manner, that the King, being infinitely moved with displeasure, caused the wolf and the bear to be presently arrested upon high treason ; which suddenly was done with all violence and fury, and they were bound hand and foot so fast, that they could neither stir nor move from the place where they were couched. Now when the fox had thus enthralled and entangled them, he so laboured with the Queen, that he got leave to have so much of the bear's skin as would make him a large scrip for his journey ; which granted, he wanted nothing but a strong pair of shoes to defend his feet from the stones in his travel ; whereupon he said to the Queen, ' Madam, I am your pilgrim, and if it would please your Majesty but to take it into your consideration, you shall find that sir Isegrim hath a pair of shoon, excellent long-lasting ones, which would you vouchsafe to bestow upon me, I should xin REYNARD THE FOX 99 pray for your Majesty's soul in all my travel, above any charitable devotion. Also mine aunt, Dame Ereswine, hath other two shoes, which would your Majesty bestow upon me, I should be most infinitely bound to you, nor should you do to her any wrong, because she goes seldom abroad.' The Queen replied, ' Reynard, I can per- ceive how you can want such shoes, for your journey is full of labour and difficulty, both in respect of the stony mountains and the gravelly ways, and therefore you shall have (though it touch their life never so nearly) from each of them a pair of shoes to accomplish and finish your journey.' CHAPTER XIV How Isegrim and his wife Ereswine had their shoes plucked off, for Reynard to wear to Rome. AFTER the fox had made this petition, Isegrim was taken, and his shoes pulled off in most cruel and violent manner, so that all the veins and sinews lay naked, nor durst the poor massacred wolf either complain or resist. After he had been thus tormented, then Dame Ereswine his wife was used on the same manner on her hinder feet, as her husband was on his forefeet ; which the fox seeing, said to her in a scornful manner, * Dear aunt, how much am I bound to you that take all this pains for my sake ! Questionless, you shall be a sharer in my pilgrimage, and take part in the pardon I shall bring from beyond the seas by the help of your shoes.' Then Ereswine (though speech were trouble- some to her) said, * Well, sir Reynard, you CHAP. XIV REYNARD TflE FOX 101 have your will accomplished, yet Heaven, I hope, will requite the misdoer.' This she said, but her husband and the bear lay mute, for their wounds were grievous unto them ; and surely had the cat been there also, he had not escaped some extreme punishment. The next morning, very early, Reynard, causing his shoes to be well oiled, put them on, and made them as fit to his feet as they 102 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP. were to the wolves', and then went to the King and Queen, and said, ' My dread Lord and Lady, your poor subject voweth before your Majesties, humbly beseeching your high- nesses to vouchsafe to deliver me my mail and my staff blessed, according to the custom due unto pilgrims.' This said, the King sent for Bellin the ram, and commanded him to say solemn mass before the fox, and to deliver him his staff and his mail ; but the ram refused, saying, ' My Lord, I dare not, for he hath confessed he is in the Pope's curse.' And the King said, * What of that ? Have not our doctors told us, that if a man com- mit all the sins in the world, yet if he repent himself, be shriven, do penance, and walk as the priest shall instruct him, that all is clearly for- given him? and hath not Reynard &QKS. all this?' Then answered Bellin, f Sir, I am loath to meddle herein, yet if your Majesty will bear me harmless against the bishop of Prendesor, my ordinary, and against the archdeacon Loosuyndy and Rapiamus his official, I will effect your commandment.' At this the King grew angry, and said, ' I scorn to be beholden unto you ' ; but when xiv REYNARD THE FOX 103 the ram saw the King offended, he shook for fear, and ran presently to the altar, and sang mass, and used many ceremonies over the fox, who gave little respect unto them, more than the desire he had to enjoy the honour. Now when Bellin the ram had finished his orisons, he presently hung about Reynards neck his mail, which was made of the bear's skin, and put into his right foot a palmer's staff; and thus being furnished of all things, he looked sadly upon the King, as if he had been loath to depart, and feigned to weep (though sorrow and he were never farther asunder), only his worst grief was, that all in that presence were not in the same case that the bear and the wolf were. Yet he took his leave of them, and desired every one to pray for him, as he would pray for them ; and then offering to depart (for knowing his own knavery, he was very desirous to be gone). The King said, ' Sir Reynard, I am sorry we must part thus suddenly.' Then said the fox, * There is no remedy, my Lord, nor ought I to be slow in so devout an action.' Then the King took leave, and commanded all that were about him, but the bear and the io 4 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP. wolf, to attend Reynard some part of his journey. O he that had seen how gallant and personable Reynard was, and how well his staff and his mail became him, as also how fit his shoes were for his feet, it could not have chosen but have stirred in him very much laughter. Yet the fox carried himself outwardly very demurely, however inwardly he smiled at the abuses he had cast amongst them, especially to see his enemies now his attendants, and the King, whom he had most palpably wronged with false lies, aiding to all his vain desires, and accompanying him also as if he had been his companion. But the fox being now started on his way, he said to the King, * I beseech your Majesty trouble yourself no further, but in respect of your ease, and the danger might happen to your royal person, for you have arrested two capital traitors, who, if in your absence they should get at liberty, the danger were infinite which might ensue thereon.' And this said, he stood upon his hinder feet, and entreated the beasts that were in his com- pany, and would be partakers of his pardon, that they would pray for him ; which done, he departed from the King with an exceeding XIV REYNARD THE FOX sad and heavy countenance. Then turning to Kyward the hare, and Bellin the ram, he said with a smiling countenance, ' My best friends, v shall we part thus soon ? I know your loves will not leave me yet ; with you two I was never offended, and your conversations are agreeable to my nature. For you are mild, 106 REYNARD THE FOX CHAP, xiv loving, and courteous ; religious, and full of wise counsel, even such as myself was when I was first a recluse ; if you have a few green leaves, or a little grass, you are well content as with all the bread and flesh in the world, and you are temperate and modest.' And thus with a world of such like flattering words he enticed these two, that they were content to go along with him. CHAPTER XV How Kyward the Hare was slain by Reynard tlie Fox, and sent by the Ram to the King. THUS marched these three together, and when Reynard was come to the gates of his own house he said to Bellin, ' Cousin, I will entreat you to stay here without a little, whilst I and Kyward go in, for I would have him a witness to some private passages betwixt me and my wife.' Bellin was well content, and so the fox and the hare went into Malepardus, where they found Dame Ermelin lying on the ground with her younglings about her, who had sorrowed exceedingly for the loss and danger of her husband ; but when she saw his return, her joy was ten times doubled. But beholding his mail, his staff, and his shoes, she grew into great admiration, and said, * Dear husband, how have you fared ? ' to whom he delivered from io8 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP. point to point all that had passed with him at the King's court, as well his danger as release, and that now he was to go a pilgrimage, having left Britin and Isegrim two pledges for him till his return. As for Kyivard, he said the King had be- stowed him upon them, to do with him what they pleased, affirming that Kyward was the first that had complained of him, for which, questionless, he vowed to be sharply revenged. When Kyward heard these words he was much appalled, and would fain have fled away, but he could not ; for the fox had got between him and the gate, who presently seized the xv REYNARD THE FOX 109 hare by the neck, at which the hare cried unto Bellin for help, but could not be heard, for the fox in a trice had torn out his throat ; which done, he, his wife, and young ones feasted therewith merrily, eating the flesh, and drink- ing the blood to the King's health ; but Ermelin, growing suspicious, said, ' I fear, Reynard, you mock me ; as you love me, tell me how you sped at the court.' Then he told her how extremely he had flattered the King and the Queen, and abused them with a feigned promise of treasure that was not, insomuch, that he knew when it should come to be revealed, the King would seek all the means he could to destroy him. * Therefore, wife,' said he, ' there is no remedy but we must steal from hence into some other forest where we may live in better safety, and in a place more fruitful, where we shall have all the delicate meats that can be wished for ; clear springs, fresh rivers, cool shades, and wholesome air. Here I know is no abiding, and now I have gotten my thumb out of the King's mouth, I will no more come within the danger of his talons.' ' Yet,' said Ermelin, ' I have no fancy to go from hence to a place where I am utterly i io THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP. unacquainted ; here we possess all that we desire, and you are a lord over all that lives about you, and it is but an indiscreet hazard to change a certain good for a hoped content- ment ; besides, we are here sale enough, and should the King besiege us never so straitly, yet have we so many passages and by-holes, that he can Cut from us neither relief nor liberty. O what reason have we then to fly beyond seas? but you have sworn it, that's my vexation.' ' Nay, Dame,' said the fox, ' grieve not at that ; the more forsworn, the less forlorn ; besides, I have heard some say, that a forced oath is no oath, nor do I make account that this pilgrimage will avail me a rush ; and there- fore I am resolved, and will not start from hence, but follow thy counsel. If the King do hunt after me, I will guard myself as well as I am able, and against his power apply my policy; so that being forced to open my sack, let him not blame me if he catch hurt by his own fury.' All this while stood Bellin the ram at the gate, and grew exceeding angry both against the fox and the hare, that they made him wait so long ; and therefore called out aloud for Reynard to come away, which, when Reynard heard, he went forth, and said softly to the ram, xv REYNARD THE FOX in ' Good Bellin, be not offended, for Kyward is in earnest conference with his dearest aunt, and entreated me to say unto you, that if you would please to walk before, he would speedily overtake you, for he is light of foot, and speedier than you ; nor will his aunt part with him thus suddenly, for she and her children are much perplexed at my departure.' ' Ay, but,' quoth Bellin, ( methought I heard Kyward cry for help.' ' How, cry for help? Can you imagine he shall receive hurt in my house ? Far be such a thought from you ; but I will tell you the reason. As soon as we were come into my house, and that Ermelin my wife understood of my pilgrimage, presently she fell down in a swoon, which, when Kyward saw, he cried aloud, " O Bellin, come, help my aunt, she dies, she dies ! " Then said the ram, ' In sadness I mistook the cry, and thought the hare had been in danger.' ' It was your too much care of him,' said the fox, ' but before he should have any injury in my house, I would leave to respect either wife or children. But letting this discourse pass, you remember, Bellin, that yesterday the King and his council commanded me, that before I H2 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP. departed from the land, I should send unto him two letters, which I have made ready, and will entreat you, my dearest cousin, to bear them to his Majesty.' The ram answered, ' I would willingly do you the service if there be nothing but honour- able matter contained in your letters; but I am unprovided of anything to carry them in.' The fox said, ' That is provided for you already, for you shall have my mail which you may conveniently hang about your neck ; I know they will be thankfully received of his Majesty, for they contain matter of great im- portance.' Then Bellin promised to carry them ; so the fox returned into his house, and took the mail, and put therein the head of Kyward, and brought it to the ram, and gave him a great charge not to look therein, till it was presented to the King, as he did expect the King's favour; and that he might further endear himself with his Majesty, he bade the ram take upon him the inditing of the letters, ' which will be so pleasing to the King, that questionless he will pour upon you many favours.' The ram was exceeding glad of this advice, and thanked the fox, saying, ' That the favours xv REYNARD THE FOX 113 he did him should not die unrequited ; and I know it will be much to mine honour when the King shall think I am able to indite with so great perfection ; for I know there be many in these days as ignorant as myself that are risen to high promotion, only by taking upon them the worth of other men's labours; and therefore, why may not I run the same course also ? Yet I pray you, Reynard, further advise me : is it meet that I take Kyward the hare along with me?' ' O by no means,' said the fox ; ' let him come after you, for I know his aunt will not yet part with him. Besides, I have other secret things to impart to him, which may not yet be re- vealed.' I 114 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP. This said, Bellin took leave of the fox and went toward the court, in which journey he made such speed that he came thither before noon, where he found the King in his palace sitting amongst the nobility. The King wondered when he saw the ram come in with the mail which was made of the bear's skin, and said, ' Whence comest thou, Bellin, and where is the fox, that you have that mail about you ? ' Bellin answered, ' My dread Lord, I at- tended the noble fox to his house, where, after some repose, he desired me to bear certain letters to your Majesty of infinite great im- portance, to which I easily consented. Where- xv REYNARD THE FOX 115 upon he delivered me the letters enclosed in this mail, which letters myself had formerly indited, and I doubt not but are such as will give your highness both contentment and satisfaction.' Presently he commanded the letters to be delivered to Bocart, his secretary, who was an excellent linguist, and understood all languages, that he might read them publicly ; so he and Tibert the cat took the mail from Belliris neck, and opening the same, instead of letters they drew out the head of Kyward the hare, at which, being amazed, they said, ' Woe, and alas, what letters call you these ? Believe it, my dread Lord, here is nothing but the head of poor murdered Kyward! Which the King seeing, he said, ' Alas, how unfortunate was I to believe the traitorous fox ? ' And with that, being oppressed with anger, grief, and shame, he held down his head for a good space, and so did the Queen also ; but in the end, shaking his curled locks, he groaned out such a dreadful noise, that all the beasts of the forest did tremble to hear it. Then spake sir Firapell the leopard, who was the King's nearest kinsman, and said, ii6 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP. ' Why is your Majesty thus vexed in heart ? This sorrow might serve for the Queen's funeral. I do beseech you, assuage your anguish ; are not you King and master of this country, and are not all things subject to your power ? ' The King replied, ' Cousin, this is a mischief beyond endurance ; I am betrayed by a base villain, and a traitor, and have been made to wrong and abuse my best friends and subjects, even those of my blood, and nearest counsel. I mean the stout Bruin, and valiant Isegrim, whose wrongs speak loud to my dishonour, yet in myself I found an unwillingness thereto, only my Queen's pity working upon the easi- ness of my belief, hath made me guilty of that which will evermore grieve me.' ' Why,' said the leopard, ' what of all this ? You are above your injuries, and with one smile can salve the greatest wound that can be made in honour ; you have power to re- compense, and what reputation is it that reward will not sawder ? As for the bear which lost his skin, the wolf, and his wife, Dame Ereswine, that lost their shoes, you may in recompense (since Bellin hath confessed himself a party in this foul murder) bestow xv REYNARD THE FOX 117 him and his substance on the parties grieved ; as for Reynard, we will go and besiege his castle, and having arrested his person, hang him up by the law of arms without further trial.' CHAPTER XVI How Bellin the Ram and his lineage were given to the Bear and the Wolf. To this motion of the leopard the King con- sented, so that Firapell forthwith went to the prison, where the bear and the wolf were, and said, ' My lords, I bring a free and general pardon from the King, with his love and a recognition of your injuries, which to re- compense in some large manner out of his princely bounty, he is pleased to bestow upon you both Bellin the ram and his whole genera- tion, with whatsoever they possess, and is now confiscate to his Majesty, to hold from henceforth to you and yours till doomsday ; with full commission to slay, kill, and devour them wheresoever you find them, be it in woods, fields, or mountains. And also the King granted unto you full power to hunt, kill, or wound Reynard the fox wheresoever you CHAP. XVI REYNARD THE FOX 4 find him or any of his lineage or generation ; and of this great privilege you shall receive letters patent at your pleasure, with only a reservation of your fealty and homage to be due to his Majesty, which I advise you to accept, for it will redound much to your honours.' 120 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP. Thus was the peace made between the King and these nobles by the leopard, and Bellin the ram was forthwith slain by them ; and all these privileges doth the wolf hold to this hour, nor could ever any reconcilement be made between them and the ram's kindred. When this peace was thus finished, the King, for joy thereof, proclaimed a feast to be held for twelve days after, which was done with all solemnity. To this feast came all manner of wild beasts, for it was universally known through the whole kingdom, nor was there wanting any delight or pleasure that could be imagined, as music, dancing, masking, and all princely re- creations ; as for several meats, they were in that abundance, that the court seemed a store- house which could not be emptied. Also to this feast resorted abundance of feathered fowl, and all other creatures that held peace with his Majesty, and no one missing but the fox only. Now after this feast had thus continued in all pomp the space of eight days, about high noon came Laprell the coney before the King and Queen, as they sat at dinner, and with a heavy and lamentable voice said, ' My gracious and great Lord, have pity upon my misery, XVI REYNARD THE FOX 121 and attend my complaint, which is of great violence, force, and murder, which Reynard the fox would yesterday have committed against me. As I passed by the castle of Malepardus, where, standing without his gates, attired like a pilgrim, I supposing to pass peaceably by him towards my nest, he crossed my way, saying his beads so devoutly, that I saluted him ; but he, returning no answer, stretched forth his right foot and gave me such a blow on the neck between the head and shoulders, that I imagined my head had been stricken from my body ; but yet so much memory was left me that I leaped from his claws, though most grievously hurt and wounded. At this he grieved extremely, 122 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP. because I escaped ; only of one of my ears he utterly deprived me, which I beseech your Majesty in your royal nature to pity, and that this bloody murderer may not live thus to afflict your poor subjects.' Now whilst the coney was thus speaking to the King, there came flying into the court Corbaitt the rook, who, coming before the King, said, ' Great King, I beseech you, vouch- safe to hear me, and pity the complaint I shall utter. So it is, that I went this morning with Sharpbeak my wife to recreate ourselves on the heath, and there we found Reynard the fox laid on the ground like a dead carcass, his eyes staring, his tongue lolling out of his mouth, like a dead hound, so that we, wondering at his strange plight, began to feel and touch his xvi REYNARD THE FOX 123 body, but found no life therein at all. Then went my wife (poor careful soul), laid her head to his mouth, to see if he drew any breath, which she had no sooner done, but the foul murderer, awaiting his time, snatched her head into his mouth, and bit it quite off. At that I shrieked out and cried, " Woe is me, what misfortunes are these ? " ' But presently the murderer started up, and reached at me with such a bloody intent, that with much trembling and anguish I was fain to fly up to a tree, where I saw him devour up my wife in such terrible manner, that the very thought is death to me in the repeating. ' This massacre finished, the murderer de- parted, and I went to the place and gathered the feathers of my lost wife, which here I humbly present before your Majesty, be- seeching you to do me justice, and in such manner to revenge mine injury, that the world may speak fame of your great excellence. For thus to suffer your laws, protections, and safe-conducts to be violated and broken, will be such disreputation and scandal to your crown and dignity, that your very neighbours and colleagues will note and point at your I2 4 REYNARD THE FOX CHAP. XVI remissness ; besides, the sufferance of the evil will make you guilty of the trespasses which arise from such sufferance. But to your great considerations I leave it, since I know your Majesty's own goodness will make you careful of your honour and royalty.' CHAPTER XVII How the King was angry at these complaints, took counsel for revenge, and how Reynard was fore- warned by Grimbard the Brock. THE royal King was much moved with anger when he heard these complaints both of the coney and the rook, so that his eyes darted out fire amongst the beams of majesty ; his countenance was dreadful and cruel to look on, and the whole court trembled to behold him. In the end he said, ' By my crown and the truth I evermore reverence and owe unto the Queen my wife, I will so revenge these out- rages committed against my crown and dignity, that goodness shall adore me, and the wicked shall die with the remembrance ; his falsehood and flattery shall no more get belief in me. Is this his journey to Rome and to the Holy Land? Are these the fruits of his mail, his staff, and other ornaments becoming a devout 126 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP. pilgrim ? Well, he shall find the reward of his treasons ; but it was not my belief, but the persuasion of my Queen ; nor am I the first that hath been deceived by that soft gender, since many great spirits have fallen through their enticements.' This said, he commanded all that were about him, all noble, worthy, and very discreet spirits, to assist him with their counsel, and to lay him down such sure ground for his revenge, that his honour and royalty might be anew revived, and every offender made to know and feel the heavy price for their most unjust actions. Isegrim the wolf and Bruin the bear, hearing the King's words, were wonderfully well repaid, and doubted not but now to gain their full revenge against Reynard ; yet still they kept silence and spake not a word. Insomuch that the King being much moved with their dumb- ness, and noting that none durst freely deliver their opinions, he began to bend his forehead. But the Queen, after solemn reverence, said to the King, * Mon Sire, pour Dieii croyez mie toutes choses quon vous dira, et ne jurez point tigerement, Sir, it is not the part of any ex- cellent wisdom to believe or protest in any- thing till the matter be made most apparent xvri REYNARD THE FOX 127 and pregnant to his knowledge. Neither should both his ears be engaged to any com- plaint, but one ever reserved to entertain the defence of any accused ; for many times the accuser exceedeth the accused in injury, and therefore Audire alterant partem, to hear the other party, is the act of perfect justice. For my own part, howsoever I have erred, yet I have strong ground for my persuasion, and whether Reynard be good or bad, yet it stands with your Excellency not to proceed against him but by the true form of your laws ; for he hath no power to escape you, but must obey whatsoever your severity can impose upon him.' When the Queen had thus spoken, Firapell the leopard, to second her entreaty, said, ' My Lord, the Queen hath spoken graciously, and I see not wherein your Majesty can stray from her judgment ; therefore let him take the due trial of your laws, and being found guilty of the trespasses whereof he is accused, let him be summoned, and if he appear not before your feast be ended, to clear himself, or submit to your mercy, then may your Highness proceed against him as it shall seem best to your pleasure/ 128 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP. To this speech Isegrim the wolf replied, * Sir Firapell, for my own part, I think not any in this assembly will dissent from your counsel, so it may stand with the pleasure of my Lord the King. Yet this I dare maintain, that how- ever Reynard shall clear himself of these and a thousand such like trespasses which shall be brought against him, yet I have that lodged in my bosom which shall approve he hath forfeited his life ; but at this time his absence shall make me silent, only touching the treasure of which he hath informed his Majesty to lie at Crekenpit in Hustreloe, there never came a falser informa- tion from the mouth of any creature ; for it was a lie made out of malice to wrong me and the bear, and get himself liberty to rob and spoil all that pass by his house as now he doth ; but, notwithstanding, I hold it meet that all things be done as shall seem good to his Majesty, or you, sir Firapell. Yet this believe, that if he had meant to have appeared, he had been here long since, for he hath had summons given him by the King's messenger.' To this the King answered, ' I will have no other course of summoning him, but command all that owe me allegiance, or respect mine honour, that forthwith they make themselves REYNARD THE FOX 129 ready for the war ; and at the end of six days appear before me with their bows, guns, bumbards, pikes, and halberds ; some on horse- back, some on foot, for I will besiege Male- pardus instantly, and destroy Reynard and his generation from the earth for ever ; this if any dislike, let him turn his back, that I may know him for mine enemy.' And they all cried with one voice, * We are ready to attend your Majesty.' When Grimbard the brock heard this determination he grew exceeding sorry, though his sorrow was desperate, and stealing from the rest of the company, he ran with all speed possible to Malepardus, neither sparing bush nor brier, pale nor rail ; and as he went he said to himself, ' Alas, my dear uncle Reynard, into what hazards art thou drawn, having but one K 130 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP. step betwixt thee and thy death, or at the best thine everlasting banishment ? Well may I grieve for thee, since thou art the top and honour of my house, art wise and politic, and a friend to thy friends, when they stand in need of thy counsel, for with thy sweet language thou canst enchant all creatures ; but all is now bootless.' With such manner of lamentations as these, came Grimbard unto Malepardus, and found his uncle Reynard standing at the castle gates, who had newly gotten two young pigeons as they came creeping out of their nest to try how they could learn to fly. But now be- holding his nephew Grimbard, he stayed, and said, ' Welcome, my best beloved nephew, the only one I esteem above all my kindred ; surely you have run exceeding fast, for you are wonderfully hot ; what news, man, how run the squares at the court ? ' ' Oh,' said Grimbard^ ' exceeding ill with you, for you have forfeited both your life, honour, and estate. The King is up in arms against you with horsemen, footmen, and soldiers innumerable ; besides, Isegrim and Bruin are now in more favour with his Majesty than I am with you, therefore it is high time xvn REYNARD THE FOX 131 you have great care of yourself, for their envy hath touched you to the quick ; they have informed against you, that you are a thief and a murderer ; and to second their informations, Laprell the coney and Corbaut the rook have made heinous complaints against you, so that but your shameful death, I see no escape or freedom.' ' Tush,' said the fox, ' my dear nephew, if this be the worst, let no sorrow affright you ; but let us be cheerful and pleasant together, for though the King and all the court would swear my death, yet will I be exalted above them all. Well may they prate and jangle, and tire themselves with their counsels ; but without the help of my wit and policy, neither can the court nor commonwealth have any long continuance. Come, then, my best nephew, let us enter into my castle and feast ; I have here a pair of fat pigeons for you, which are meat of pure and light digestion ; I love not anything better ; they are young and tender, and may be almost swallowed whole, for their bones are little other than blood. Yet come, I say, my wife Ermelin will receive you kindly ; but by all means report not to her of any clangers, for she is of soft and melting temper, 132 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP. and it might strike her into sudden sickness, for women are apt to entertain grief. When we have feasted, I will then to-morrow early in the morning go with you to the court, and if I can but obtain speech with the King, I shall gall some deep enough ; only this I desire, dear nephew, at your hands, that you will stand to me, as one friend and kinsman ought to do to another.' ' Doubt me not,' said Grimbard, l for both my life and goods shall be at your service.' ' I thank you, nephew,' said the fox, ' and you shall not find me ungrateful.' ' Sir,' said the brock, ' be bold of this, that you shall come and make your answer before the lords freely, for none shall dare to arrest or hold you, for that favour the Queen and the leopard have purchased from the King.' ' I am glad of that,' said the fox, ( nor care I then a hair for their worst malice.' And this said, they went into Malepardus, and found Ermelin sitting among her young- lings, who presently arose, and received the brock with all reverence, and he on the other part saluted her and her children with all courtesy. Presently the two pigeons were made ready, and they supped together, each XVII REYNARD THE FOX 133 taking their part, though none had so much as they desired. Then said the fox, ' Nephew, how like you my children Rossel and Reynardine ? I hope they will do honour to our family ; they are towardly, I assure you, for the one lately caught a chicken, and the other hath killed a pullet ; they are also good duckers, and can both deceive the lapwing and the mallard. I tell you true, I dare already adventure them far, only I mean first to instruct them how to escape the gins, and to avoid both the hunts- man and his hounds. They are of the right 134 REYNARD THE FOX CHAP, xvn hair, nephew, and like me both in countenance and quality ; they play grinning, entrap sooth- ing, and kill smiling ; this is the true nature of the fox, and in this they are perfect, which is great pride unto me.' CHAPTER XVIII How the Fox, repenting his sins, dotJi make his confession and is absolved by the Brock. ' UNCLE,' said the brock, ' you may be proud that you have such toward children, and I re- joice because they are of my blood.' ' I thank you, nephew,' said the fox, ' but I know your journey hath made you weary, therefore you shall go to your rest ' ; to which the brock consented, so they laid them down upon straw litter, and all slept soundly but the fox, whose heart was heavy with sorrow, and he lay studying how he might best excuse himself before the King. But as soon as the morning began to rise from the tops of the mountains, he arose and went with Grimbard towards the court ; yet before he went, he took leave of his wife and children, and said, * Think not mine absence long, dear wife and children, for I must go to 136 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP. the court with my cousin Grimbard, and though my stay be more than ordinary, yet take no affright thereat, and what tidings soever you hear, yet consider all things for the best, and be careful of yourselves, and keep my castle close and well guarded ; as for myself, doubt not but I will defeat all mine enemies.' * Alas, Reynard] said his wife, ' what moves you to take this sudden journey ? The last time you were at the court you know what dangers you escaped, and you vowed never to see it again. Will you now run a second hazard ? ' ' Dame,' said the fox, ' the occurrences of the world are divers and uncertain, and we are subject to the strokes of fortune ; but rest you content, there is necessity that I go, and I hope my stay shall not be above five days at the uttermost ' ; and so embracing his wife and children, he took leave and departed. And as they journeyed over the heath, Reynard said to the brock, * Nephew, since I was last shriven I have committed many sins, therefore, I beseech you, let me make before you my confession, that I may pass with less trouble through my worst dangers.' Then he proceeded and said, ' It is true, nephew, that I made the bear receive a great xviii REYNARD THE FOX 137 wound for the mail which I did cut off his skin ; and I caused the wolf and his wife to be stripped of their shoes ; I appeased the King only with falsehood. I feigned a conspiracy against his Majesty's life by the bear and the wolf, when there was never any such determination ; also I reported of great treasure to be hid in Hitstreloe, but it was as fabulous as the rest. I slew Kyward, and betrayed Bellin ; I wounded the coney, and killed Dame Sharp- beak, the rook's wife. Lastly, I forgot at my last shrift one great deceit which I committed, but I will reveal it ; and thus it was * As I went talking with the wolf between Houthlust and Elverding, we beheld a goodly bay mare grazing, with a black foal by her side, which was exceeding fat and wanton ; the wolf at that instant was almost dead with hunger, insomuch that he entreated me to go to the mare, and know if she would sell her foal ? I went and demanded the question. The mare said, " She would willingly sell it for money." I then asked the price? And she said, "The price was written in her hinder foot, which, if I pleased, I might come and read at my pleasure"; but I, that well understood her politic anger, said, " It is true that I cannot 138 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP. read, neither do I desire to buy your foal, only I am a messenger from the wolf, who hath a great desire to have it." " Then," said the mare, "let him come himself, and I will give him satisfaction." ' Then went I to the wolf, and told him what the mare said, assuring him that if he pleased, he might have his belly full of the foal, provided he could read, for the price was written in the mare's hinder foot. " Read," said the wolf, " what should ail me? I can, cousin, read Latin, French, English, and Dutch ; I have studied in Oxford, and argued with many doctors ; I have heard many stately plays, and sat in the place of judgment ; I have taken degrees in both the laws, nor is there that writing which I cannot decipher." ' So desiring me to stay for him there, away he went to the mare, and craved that he might see and read the price of the foal ; to which the mare consented, and lifting up her hinder foot, which was newly shod with strong iron and seven sharp nail heads, as the wolf looked thereon, she smote him just upon the forehead, so that she threw him over and over, and he lay in a dead swoon whilst a man might have ridden a mile and better, which done, away xviil REYNARD THE FOX 139 trotted the mare with her colt, and left the poor wolf bloody and wounded, insomuch that he howled like a dog. 140 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP. ' Then went I to him and said, " Sir Isegrim, dear uncle, how do you, have you eaten too much of the colt ? Indeed, you are unkind, that will give me no part with you. I went your message honestly, methinks you have outslept your dinner ; good uncle, tell me what was written under the mare's foot, was it in prose or rhyme? Indeed, I would fain know it ; I think it was a prick song, for I heard you sing ; nay, you show your scholarship in all the arts." * " Alas, Reynard, alas," said the wolf, " I pray you forbear to disdain me, for I am extremely wounded, and my anguish is so great that a heart of flint would pity me. The mare on her long leg hath an iron foot, and I took the nails to have been letters, on which I looked .; she hit me so full on the head that I think my skull is cloven." '"Dear uncle," said I, "is this truth which you tell me ? Believe it, you make me wonder ; why, I took you for one of the greatest clerks in this kingdom. Well, well, I perceive the old proverb is now made good in you : The greatest clerks are not the wisest men. Poor men sometimes may outstrip them in judgment, and the reason is, you great xvin REYNARD THE FOX 141 scholars study so much that you grow dull, in that you so much over-labour." * And thus with these mocks and taunts I brought the wolf within a hair's- breadth of destruction. And now, fair nephew, I have unladed my conscience, and delivered as many of my sins as I can call to my remembrance, wherefore, I beseech you, let me receive ab- solution and penance, and then come what chance shall at the court, I am armed against all dangers.' Then Grimbard said, ' Your trespasses are great and heinous, nevertheless, who is dead must abide dead. And therefore here I freely absolve you, upon assurance of your hearty repentance ; only the contempt you made in sending him Kyward's head, and the abuse of so many falsehoods will lie heavy upon you.' ' Why,' said the fox, ' he that will live in the world to see this, hear that, and under- stand the third, must ever converse with affliction. No man can touch honey but he must lick his fingers. I often feel touches of repentance, but reason and our will are ever in continual combat, so that I often stand still as at my wits' end, and cry out against my sins, feeling a detestation of them. But pre- 142 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP. sently the world and her vanities appear to me again, and when I find so many stones and rubs in my way, and the examples of the crafty men of all degrees, to enchant me, I am forth- with taken again. ' The world fills me with covetousness, and the flesh with wantonness, so that losing my good resolutions, I am only for evil and wickedness. I hear their singing, piping, laughing, playing, and all kind of mirth, and I see their words and actions so contrary, that nothing is more uncertain and various ; from them I learn my lying, and from lords' courts my flattery ; for certainly lords, ladies, and clerks use most dissimulation. * It is now an offence to tell great men truth ; and he that cannot dissemble cannot live. I have oft heard men speak truth, yet they have still graced it with falsehood ; for untruths many times happen into discourse unwillingly and without knowledge, yet having a handsome garment it ever goes for current. Dear nephew, it is now a fashion to lie, flatter, soothe, threaten, pray, and curse, and to do anything that may keep the weak in subjection ; who does other- wise is held foolish. But he that cannot wimple falsehood in truth's kerchief, hath neither art xviii REYNARD THE EOX 143 nor cunning ; but he that can do it, and de- liver error without stammering, he may do wonders, he may wear scarlet, gray, or purple ; he shall gain both by the laws spiritual and temporal, and write himself conqueror in every designment. ' There be many that imagine they can lie neatly, but their cunning oft fails them, so that when they think to feed of the fat morsels, they slip quite beside their trenchers. Others are blunt and foolish, and for want of method mar all their discourses ; but he that can give to his lie a fit and an apt conclusion, can pro- nounce it without rattling, and make it as truth appear fair and amiable ; that is the man, and worthy of admiration. * But to speak truth is no cunning, it never makes the evil one laugh. To lie well and with a grace ; to lift up wrong above right ; to make mountains and build castles in the air ; to make men juggle and look through their fingers, and all for the hope of gain only : this, nephew, is an art beyond expression ; yet ever- more of the end cometh misery and affliction. I will not deny but sometimes men may jest or lie in small things, for he that will speak all truths shall sometimes speak out of season. 144 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP. To play Placebo may now and then be borne with ; for whoso always speaks truth shall find many rubs in his way ; men may err for need and mend it by counsel, since no trespass but hath his mercy, nor any wisdom but at some time dulleth.' ' Then,' said the brock, * uncle, you are so wise you cannot fail in any purpose, and I would grow enamoured of you ; your reasons so far surpass my understanding, that it is no need of your shrift, for yourself may play both the priest and confessor ; you know the world in such sort, that it is impossible for any man to halt before you.' With these and such manner of discourses they held on their journey towards the court ; the fox's heart, for all his fair show, was sad and heavy, yet his countenance betrayed it not ; but he passed without amazement through all the press of the court, even till he came to the presence of the King, and the brock marched close by his side, saying, ' Uncle, be not afraid, but be of good cheer ; it is courage of whom fortune is ever enamoured.' 1 Then,' said the fox, ' nephew, you say true, and your comfort avails me.' And so on he went, casting a disdainful REYNARD THE FOX 145 countenance on those he liked not ; or as one would say, Here I am, what is it that the proudest of you dare object against me ? He beheld there many of his kin which he knew loved him not, as the Otter, the Beaver, and divers others which I will name hereafter ; and many he saw which loved him. As soon as he was come in the view of the King, he fell down humbly on his knee, and spake as followeth. CHAPTER XIX How Reynard the Fox excused himself before the King, and of the King's anszver. ' THAT divine power from whom nothing can be hid, save my Lord the King, and my Lady the Queen, and give them grace to know who hath right and who hath wrong, for there are many false shows in the world, and the countenance bewrayeth not the heart. This I wish were openly revealed, and that every creature's trespass stood written on his fore- head, albeit it cost me the uttermost of my substance, or that you, my Sovereign Lord, knew me as well as myself, and how I dispose myself early and late, labouring in your service. For which cause only malice makes all her complaints against me, striving to thrust me out of your grace and favour, insomuch that out of my anguish I must needs cry shame upon them which have so deadly belied me. CHAP, xix REYNARD THE FOX 147 ' Nevertheless, I know that you, my Lord and Sovereign Lady, are so excellent in your judgment, that you will not be carried away with falsehoods ; and therefore I most humbly beseech your Majesties to take into your wisdom all things according to the right of your laws. For it is justice I look for, and desire that he which is found guilty may feel the weight of his punishment. For believe it, dread Lord, it shall be known before I depart from your court who I am, that I cannot flatter, but will show my face with an un- blemished forehead.' All they that were in the presence stood amazed, and wondered when the fox spake so stoutly. But the King, with a stately countenance, said, ' Reynard, I know you are expert in fallacies, but words are now too weak to relieve you. I believe this day will be the last of your glory and disgrace ; for me, I will not chide you much, because I intend you shall live but a short time ; the love you do bear me you have showed to the coney and the rook, and your requital shall be a short life on earth. The ancient saying is, A pitcher may pass often to the water, but in the end it comes broken home. And your evils 148 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP. have so long succeeded, that they will now pay you the hazard.' At these words Reynard was stricken into a great fear, and wished himself far away ; yet he bethought himself that now he must bear through, what fortune soever came. Whereupon he said, ' My Sovereign Lord xix REYNARD THE FOX 149 the King, it is but justice that you hear me answer my accusations, for were my faults more heinous than envy can make them, yet equity gives the accused leave ever to answer. I have with my counsel done you service in former times, and may no less still. I have never started from your Majesties, but walked by your side when others have gone from your presence ; if then mine enemies with their slanders shall prevail against me, blame me not to complain. Time hath been it was otherwise, and mine may bring it to the old course, for the actions of good servants ought not to be forgotten. * I see here divers of my kindred and friends which now make no value of me, whom I can prove go about to deprive you of the best servant you possess. Can your Majesty imagine if I had been guilty in the least imagined crime that I would thus voluntarily have made my appearance even in the throng of mine enemies ? Oh, it had been too much indiscretion, nor would the liberty I had been so easily subjected. But Heaven be thanked I know mine innocence, and dare confront my worst enemy. ' Yet when my kinsman Grimbard first 150 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP. brought me the tidings, I must confess I was half distracted with anger, and had I not been in the censure of his church, I had appeared ere they had left complaining, but that detained me. And I wandered with sorrow on the heath, till I met with my uncle Martin, the xix REYNARD THE FOX 151 ape, who far exceedeth any priest in pastoral business, for he hath been attorney to the bishop of Camerick any time this nine years ; and seeing me in this great agony of heart, he said, " Dear cousin, why are you thus heavy in spirit, and why is your countenance dejected ? Grief is easy to carry when the burden is divided amongst friends ; for the nature of a true friend is to behold and relieve that which anguish will not suffer the oppressed to see or suffer." ' Then I answered him, " You say true, dear uncle, and the like is my fortune, for sorrow is without cause laid upon me, and of that I am not guilty ; I am accused by those I ranked with my best friends : as namely, the coney, who came yesterday to my house as I was saying Matins, saying he was travelling towards the court, but was at that time both hungry and weary, and therefore requested of me some meat. I willingly consented, took him in and gave him a couple of manchets and sweet butter, for it was on Wednesday, on which day I never eat flesh. Besides, it was then a fast, by reason the feast of Whitsuntide was near. At which time we must have cleansed and prepared hearts, Et vos e stole par ati. 152 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP. ' " Now when he had almost well refreshed himself, my youngest son Rosscl came in and offered to take away what he had left, for you know the nature of children is ever to be eating and craving ; but presently the coney smote Rossel on the mouth, that his teeth bled, and the poor fool fell down almost in a swoon, which when Reynardine, my eldest son, beheld, he forthwith leaped to the coney, and caught him by the head, and questionless had slain him, had I not come to the rescue. Which done, I went and gave my son correction for his fault. But presently Laprell the coney posted to my Lord the King, and gave information that myself sought means to murder him. Thus I am accused without cause, and brought in danger, that in truth have best cause to accuse others. ' " But not long after came Corbaut the rook flying to my house with a sad noise. And demanding what he ailed ? he answered, ' Alas, my wife is dead.' I craved the cause; he said, ' A dead hare lying on the heath full of maggots and vermin, of which she had eaten so much, that the worms had gnawed her throat in sunder ' ; and without speaking to me any more words, away he flew, leaving me much xix REYNARD THE FOX 153 amazed ; and now reports that I slew his wife, which how could I by any possible means do, considering she flieth in the air and I walk afoot on the ground ? Thus, dear uncle, you see how I am slandered, but it may be it is for my old sins, and therefore I bear it with more patience." * Then said the ape to me, " Nephew, you shall go to the court and disprove their false- hoods." "Alas, uncle," quoth I, " it cannot be, for the archdeacon hath put me in the Pope's curse, because I gave counsel to the wolf to forsake his holy orders, when he com- plained to me of his unableness to endure that strict life and much fasting ; of which act I now much repent me, since he repayeth my love with nothing but hatred and malice ; and with all the slanders he can invent, stirreth his Majesty daily against me. These things, dear uncle, bring me to my wits' end, for of necessity I must go to Rome for absolution ; and in mine absence, what injury may happen to my wife and children through the malice of these bloody wretches, any one may guess. Whereas, on the other part, were I free of the Pope's curse, then I could go to the court, and plead mine own cause, and turn their malice into their own bosoms." 154 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP. ' Then said the ape, " Cousin, cast off your sorrow, for I know the way to Rome well, and am experienced in these businesses, for I am called the bishop's clerk, therefore I will go thither, and enter a plea against the archdeacon, and in spite of his will, bring you from the Pope a well-sealed absolution. ' " Tut, man, I have many great friends there, as mine uncle Simon and others, Prentout, Waytescathe, and the like, all which will stand unto me ; besides, I will not go unfurnished of money, for I know praters are best heard with gifts, and the law hath no feet to walk on but money. A true friend is tried in necessity, and you shall find me without dissembling ; therefore cast off your grief, and go to the court as soon as you can, for I will presently to Rome, and in the meantime, here I quit you of all your sins and offences, and only put them upon myself. ' " When you come to the court you shall find there Dame Rukenaw my wife, her two sisters, and my three children, with divers others of our family. I pray you salute them from me, and show them mine occasions ; my wife is exceeding wise, and she shall find that her distressed friends shall not shrink when I xix REYNARD THE FOX 155 can help them. I know she is faithful, and as behoves her will never leave her friend in danger. At the uttermost, if your oppression be more than you can bear, send presently to me to Rome, and not an enemy that you have, be it king or queen, or subject, even from the highest to the lowest, but I will presently put them in the Pope's curse, and send back such an interdiction, that no holy or sacred duty shall be performed till you have right and justice restored you. ' " This assure yourself I can easily perform, for his holiness is very old and little regarded, and only now cardinal Paregold beareth all the sway in the conclave, as being young, and rich in many friends ; besides, he hath a favourite, of whom he is far enamoured, that he denies nothing she demandeth. His lady is my niece, and will do whatsoever I request her ; therefore, cousin, go boldly to the King, and charge him to do you justice, which I know he will, since he understands the laws are made for the use of all men." * This, my Sovereign Lord the King, when I heard him speak I smiled, and with great joy came hither to relate unto you the truth ; therefore, if there be any creature within this 156 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP. court that can charge me with any trespass whatsoever, and prove it by testimony as the law requireth, or if otherwise, he will oppose himself against me, person to person, grant me but a day, and equal lists, and in combat I will maintain my innocence against him, provided he be equal to me in birth and degree ; this law hath ever hitherto stood constant, and I hope neither in me, for me, or by me, it shall now be broken.' When all the assembly of beasts heard this, they were dumb and amazed to behold his stoutness. As for the coney and the rook, they were so scared they durst not speak, but privately stole away out of the court, and being far on the plain, they said, ' This devilish murderer hath such art in his falsehood, that no truth can look with better countenance, xix REYNARD THE FOX 157 which only ourselves know ; but having no other witness, therefore it is better we depart than try combat with him, which is so much too strong for us ' ; and so away they went. Isegrim the wolf, and Bruin the bear, were very sad when they saw these two forsake the court; whereupon the King said, ' If any will appeal the fox, let him come forth, and he shall be heard ; yesterday we were laden with com- plaints, where are they to-day? Here is the fox ready to answer.' Then said the fox, ' My Sovereign Lord, absence makes impudent accusers when presence daunts them, as your highness may see both by the coney and the rook. Oh, what it is to trust the malice of these cowards, and how soon they may confound good men ; but for me it matters not ; nevertheless, had they, at your Majesty's commandment, but asked me forgiveness, I had quickly cast all their offences behind me, for I will ever shake hands with charity, and not hate or complain of mine enemies ; my revenge I leave to Heaven, and justice to your Majesties.' Then said the King, ' Reynard \ you speak well, if the inward heart be like the outward 158 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP. show, yet I fear your grief is not such as you express it.' ' It far surmounts it/ said the fox. ' No,' quoth the King, ' for I must charge you with one foul treason, which is, when I had pardoned all your great transgressions, and you had promised me to go a pilgrimage to the Holy Land ; when I had furnished you with mail, state, and all things fitting that holy order ; then in the greatest despite you sent me back in the mail by Bellin the ram the head of Kyward the hare, a thing so notoriously to my disgrace and dishonour, that no treason can be fouler. This you have no colour to deny, for Bellin, our chaplain, at his death revealed the whole process, and the same reward which he then gained, the same you shall receive, or else right shall fail me.' At this sentence Reynard grew so sore afraid that he knew not what to say, but looked with a pitiable countenance upon all his kindred which stood round about him ; his colour went and came, and his heart fainted, but none lent him either hand or foot to help him. Then the King said, ' Thou dissembling and false traitor, why art thou now dumb ? ' xix REYNARD THE FOX 159 But the fox, being full of anguish, fetched a sigh as if his heart would have broken, so that every beast pitied him, save only the bear and the wolf, who much rejoiced to behold his sorrow. CHAPTER XX How Dame Rukenaw answered for the Fox to the King, and of the parable she told. DAME Rukenaw the she ape, being aunt unto Reynard, and a great favourite of the Queen, was much grieved when she saw this dis- traction ; and it was well for the fox that she was in the presence, for she was exceeding wise, and durst boldly speak ; and therefore rising up, after reverence done, she said, ' My Lord the King, you ought not to be possessed with anger when you sit in judgment, for it becometh not nobility to be void of reason ; it is discretion which should only accompany you in that reason ; for my own part, I think I know the laws as well as some which wear furred gowns, for I have read many, and put some in use. It is well known I had ever in the Pope's palace a bed of straw, when other beasts lay on the bare ground, and I was ever suffered to speak freely CHAP, xx REYNARD THE FOX 161 without interruption because I talk not beyond mine experience. 'It is Seneca s opinion, that princes are bound to do justice to all men, nor may the law waver or halt with any partiality. I do not think but if every man which standeth here should call to account all the actions of his life, he could not choose but pity much the state of my poor kinsman Reynard, and there- fore I wish every one to know himself, for none so sure but they may fall, and for him that never erred, he is so good that he needeth no amendment. To do amiss and mend it by counsel is humane and manly ; but to trespass and still gallop forward in iniquity is insuffer- M 1 62 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP. able. Goodness never forsaketh her own servants. ( This counsel would some take to their hearts, the day would not appear so dark as it doth to my cousin Reynard. It is well known that both his grandfather and father ever bore greater reputation in this court than either Bruin or Isegrim, or their whole generations. Alas ! when have their counsels or wisdoms been worthy to have held comparison with those of my cousin Reynard's ? Why, the passages of the world are to them prophecies which they understand not, and the court is turned topsy-turvy by his absence ; the evil are now advanced and the good suppressed ; but how this can long endure I see not, since the end of their labour is but the ruin of your Majesty.' To this speech the King made this answer : * Dame, had the fox done that offence to you that he hath done to others, your excuse would couch in another nature ; you cannot blame me to hate him, since it is only he which breaketh my laws and covenants. You have heard him accused of theft, murder, and treason, how can you then defend him? If you will needs make him your saint, then set him upon xx REYNARD THE FOX 163 the altar and do him worship ; but believe it, there is no one good thing in him ; and how- ever you imagine, yet search him and you shall find him rotten and deformed. There is neither kinsman nor friend but yourself that will assist him, and therefore your violence draws my greater wonder. What companion hath he that ever thrived by his society, or whom hath he smiled on, that his tail hath not after dashed out the eye of ? ' To this the she ape replied : ' My Lord, I love him, and have ever borne him a singular reverence, and I can well recount one noble and good action he did in your presence, for which then you thanked him, though it be now forgotten ; yet the heaviest thing should ever weigh the most, and men should keep a measure in their affections, and not hate nor love with violence, since constancy is the greatest ornament of a princely nature. We should not praise the day till the evening come, nor is good counsel available but to those which mean to pursue it. ' I remember about some two years since there came to this court a man and a serpent, to have judgment in a doubtful controversy; for the serpent attempting to go through a 164 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP. hedge was taken by the neck with a snare, so that there was no way for him to escape with life. A certain man passing by, the serpent called and cried unto him and desired his help, or else he should perish presently. The man taking pity of him said, " If thou wilt faithfully promise me neither to do me hurt with thy tooth or tail, nor other poison about thee, I will release thee." The serpent presently swore " he would not, neither at that time nor any time hereafter" ; so the man unloosed him and set him free, and they went forth and travelled together a long season. ' At the last the serpent grew exceeding hungry, and rushing upon the man offered to kill him ; but the man started aside, and said, "What meanest thou to do? hast thou for- gotten thine oath ? " The serpent replied, " No ; but I may justly kill thee since I am compelled thereto by hunger, which cancelleth all obligations." Then the man said, " If it be so, yet give me leave to live till we may meet with the next passenger which may judge the controversy." ' The serpent agreed thereto ; so they travelled till they met with Tisellin the raven, and Slinopere his son, to whom relating the xx REYNARD THE FOX 165 difference, the raven adjudged that the serpent should eat the man, hoping that he and his son should get a share also. But the man said, " How shall he that is a robber and lives by blood judge this cause ? It must not be one but divers, and such as know both law and equity, that must judge this contention : the raven is neither just nor indifferent." ' Then they travelled till they met the bear and the wolf, unto whom also they told the matter, and they adjudged as against the man likewise. Then the serpent began to cast his venom at the man ; but the man leaped away, and said, " You do me wrong thus to attempt to kill me" ; and the serpent said, " Hath not the judgment gone twice on my side ? " " Yes," said the man, " by such as are murderers them- selves, and such as never keep promise ; but I appeal unto the court, let me be tried by your King, and what judgment he giveth I will willingly abide." ' To this they all consented : so they came to the court before your Majesty, and the wolf's two children came with their father, the one was called Empty-bell, the other Ever-full, because they sought to devour the man. So the full process of the matter was declared to 1 66 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP. your Majesty ; both the man's kindness and covenant, the serpent's danger and faith breach, occasioned through the extremity of hunger. Remember how much your highness was per- plexed with their difference, and all your council also. For the man's sorrow, the serpent's hunger ; the man's goodness, and the serpent's ingratitude, equally raised much pity in your bosom. But in the end such doubts rose that not any in your court was able to judge it. ' At last, when no help could be found, then you commanded my kinsman Reynard to decide the business. Then was he the oracle of the court, nor was anything received but what he propounded ; but he told your Majesty it was impossible to give true judgment according to their relations ; but if he might see the serpent in that manner as he was fettered, and the greatness of his danger, then he knew well how to give judgment therein. Then you commended him, and called him by the title of Lord Reynard, approving that to be done which he had spoken. ' Then went the man and the serpent to the place where the serpent was snared, and Reynard commanded the serpent to be fastened as before in the snickle, which being done, xx REYNARD THE FOX 167 then said your Majesty, " Reynard, what judg- ment will you now give ? " and he replied, " They are now, my Lord, in the same state they were before at their first encounter : they have neither won nor lost ; therefore this is my censure, if it be your Majesty's pleasure. If the man will now loose and unbind the serpent upon the same promise and oath made formerly unto him, he may at his pleasure ; but if he think that hunger or other inconvenience will make him break his faith, then may the man go freely whither he will, and leave the serpent bound and enthralled as he first found him ; for it is fit that ingratitude be so repaid." 1 This judgment your Majesty then ap- plauded for most excellent, and held the wisdom of the fox unlimitable, terming him the preserver of your honour. When did ever the bear or wolf the like ? They can howl or scold, steal, rob, and eat fat morsels, make their sides crack with others' ruin, and con- demn him to death who takes a chicken ; but themselves which kill kine, oxen, and horses, oh, they go safe and be accounted as wise as Solomon, Avicenna, or Aristotle, and their deeds and statutes must be read for monuments. But if they come where virtue is to be exer- 1 68 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP. cised, they are the first which retreat and let the simple go foremost, whilst they follow in the retreat with shame and cowardice. ' These, my Lord, and their like are the fools of the corrupt times, yet destroy towns, castles, lands, and people ; nor care they whose house burneth so they may warm them by the fire ; for it is their profit only at which their aim bendeth. But Reynard the fox and all his family have ever made the honour of the King their renown and advancement, and ap- plied their counsel to do him service, not pride and boasting ; this hath been and is his exer- cise, though it now be thankless. But time, I hope, will produce whose merit is greatest. ' Your Majesty says his kindred are all fallen from him, and start at his fortune ; would any but your highness had affirmed it ; you should then have seen there could not be a thing of greater falsehood. But your grace may say your pleasure, nor will I in any word oppose you, for to him that durst so do would both he and we bend our forces. ' It is known we dare fight, nor are we de- scended of any base generation ; your highness may call to mind the worth of our pedigree, and how dearly from time to time they have xx REYNARD THE FOX 169 respected him, willing ever to lay down their lives and goods for the safety of their noble kinsman Reynard. For mine own part I am one myself, and albeit I am the wife of another, yet for him I would not stick to spend my dearest blood. Besides, I have three full- grown children, which are known valiant and strong in arms, yet for his sake I would ad- venture them all to the uttermost peril. Albeit 1 love them with that dear affection that no mother doth exceed me. My first son is called Bitelus which is most active and nimble, my second, F^llromp, the third is a daughter called Hatanet ; and these three are loving and dear to one another.' With that she called them forth unto her, and said, ' Come, my dear children, and stand with your kinsman the noble Reynard, and with you come all the rest of our ancient family, and be all petitioners to the King, that he would do to Reynard the equity of his laws and kingdom.' Then presently came forth a world of other beasts, as the squirrel and the ferret ; for those love poultry as well as Reynard doth. Then came the otter and Pantecrote his wife, which I had almost forgotten, because in 1 70 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP. former time they had taken part with the bear against the fox, but now they dare not but obey Dame Rukenaw, for they stood in awe of her wisdom and greatness ; and with these came above twenty other beasts for her sake and stood by Reynard. Then came also Dame Atrot and her two sisters, the weasel and ermine, the ass, the sow, the water-cat, and many others, to the number almost of a hundred, and stood by Reynard with such affection, as if his trouble did equally concern them. Then said the ape, * My Lord the King, now you may see that my kinsman hath friends which dare avow him, and we are your true and loyal subjects, which will never fail to do you faithful service. Therefore, let us with one voice beg of your Majesty, that Reynard may 'have justice ; and if he be not able to disprove his adversaries, and clear the crimes imputed against him, let the law pass, for we will not murmur to see his destruction.' Then said the Queen to Rukenaw, ' Thus much I told unto his Majesty yesterday, but his anger was so great he would not give ear to me.' xx REYNARD THE FOX 171 Also the leopard said, ' Sire, you must judge according to witness, for to be governed by will is tyrannous and ignoble.' Then answered the King, ' It is true you inform me ; but the disgrace done to my particular self in KywarcCs death and other informations so robbed me of patience, that I had no leisure to look back either to law or reason. Therefore, now let the fox speak boldly, and if he can justly acquit himself of the crimes laid against him, I shall gladly restore him his liberty, and the rather for you his dear friends' sake, whom I have ever found faithful and loyal.' Oh how infinitely glad was the fox when he heard these words, and said in himself, ' Thanks, my noble aunt, a thousand times, thou hast put me new blossoms on my dried roses, and set me in a fair path to liberty. I have one good foot to dance on ; and I doubt not but to use my art of dissimulation so bravely, that this day shall be remembered for my renown and victory.' CHAPTER XXI How Reynard excused liimself of Kyward's death y and all other imputations, got the King's favour, and made a relation of certain Jewels. THEN spake Reynard the fox to the King, and said, ' Alas, my Sovereign Lord, what is that you said? Is good Kyward the hare dead? Oh where is then Bellin the ram, or what did he bring to your Majesty at his return ? For it is certain I delivered him three rich and inestimable jewels, I would not for the wealth of India they should be detained from you ; the chief of them I determined for you my Lord the King, and the other two for my Sovereign Lady the Queen.' ' But,' said the King, ' I received nothing but the head of poor murdered Kyward, for which I executed the ram, having confessed the deed to be done by his advice and counsel.' CHAP, xxi REYNARD THE FOX 173 ' Is this true ? ' said the fox ; ' then woe is me that ever I was born, for there are lost the goodliest jewels that ever were in the possession of any prince living ; would I had died when you were thus defrauded ; for I know it will be the death of my wife, nor will she ever henceforth esteem me.' Then said the she ape, * Dear nephew, why should you sorrow thus for transitory wealth ? Let them go, only discourse what manner of jewels they were, it may be we shall find them again ; if not, the magician M. Alkarin shall labour his books and search all the corners of the earth. Besides, who- soever detains them shall be cursed in all parishes till he restore them to the King's Majesty.' ' O aunt,' said the fox, * do not persuade yourself so, for whosoever hath them will not restore them to gain an empire, they are so goodly and precious ; yet your words do some- thing appease me. But whom shall we trust in this corrupt age, when even sanctity itself walks masked and mistaken ? ' And then fetching a deep sigh, with which he gilded his dissimulation, he proceeded on and said, ' Hearken all you of my stock and 174 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP. lineage, for I will here discover what these rich jewels were, of which both I and the King are defrauded. The first of them, and which indeed I intended for his Majesty, was a ring of fine and pure gold, and within this ring next the finger were engraven letters enamelled with azure and sables, containing three Hebrew names. For my own part, I could neither read nor spell them ; but M. Adrian of Trere, the excellent linguist, who knoweth the natures of all manner of herbs, beasts, and minerals, to this famous Jew I showed the ring once, and he assured me that they were those three names which Seth brought out of Paradise when he brought to his father Adam the oil of mercy. And whosoever shall wear these three names about him shall never be hurt by thunder or lightning, neither shall any witchcraft have power over him ; he shall not be tempted to do any sins, neither shall heat nor cold ever annoy him. ' Upon the top of the ring was encased a most precious stone of three several colours : the first like red crystal, and glittering like fire, and that with such brightness, that if one had occasion to journey by night, the xxi REYNARD THE FOX 175 light thereof was so great as that at noon- day ; the other colour was white and clear, as if it had been burnished, and the virtue of it was to cure any blemish or soreness in the eyes, or any part of the body ; also by stroking the place grieved therewithal, it presently cured all manner of swellings, headache, or any sickness whatsoever, whether it were venom, weakness of stomach, colic, stone, strangles, fistula, or canker, either outwardly applied as aforeshown, or inwardly, by steeping the stone in water, and then drinking the same ; the last colour was green like grass mixed with a few small spots of purple ; and the learned affirmed for truth, that whosoever wears this stone about him could never be vanquished by his enemies, and that no creature were he never so strong and hardy, but he shall yield to him, and he should be victor day and night in all places. 1 Again, as far as one bore it fasting, into what company soever he chanced, albeit his worst enemies, yet should he be of them infinitely beloved, nor should any anger or evil turn be remembered. Also, if one should be naked in a vast wild field against i;6 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP. an hundred armed enemies, yet should not his heart fail him, but he should come off with honour and victory ; only he must be nobly bred, and of no churlish disposition ; for the ring gave no virtue to any which was not a true gentleman. Now all these virtues considered, I thought myself unworthy to keep it, and therefore I sent it to you, my Lord the King, knowing you to be the most excellent of all creatures living, and one on whom all our lives depend, and therefore fittest to be guarded with so rich a jewel. ' This ring I found in my father's treasure, and in the same place also I found a comb and a glass mirror, which my wife desired of me ; they were jewels of great wonder and admiration ; these were sent to my lady the Queen, because of her grace and mercy extended towards me. ' To speak of the comb, it can never be too much praised, for it was made of the bone of a noble beast named Panther, which liveth between the great India and earthly Paradise; he is so goodly and fair of colour that there is no beautiful colour under heaven but some splendour thereof appears in him ; xxi REYNARD THE FOX 177 also the smell of him is delicately sweet and wholesome, that the very savour cureth all infirmities, and for his excellent beauty and rare odour all other beasts attend and follow him, for he is the physician to all their sicknesses. ' The Panther hath one fair bone broad and thin, which, whensoever this beast is slain, all the virtues of the whole beast do rest in that bone, which can never be broken, nor ever rot, consume or perish either by fire, water, or other violence, yet it is so light a small feather may poise it. The smell of it hath that virtue, that whosoever smells it, taketh delight in no other thing whatsoever, and they are presently eased of all manner of diseases and infirmities, and the heart is cheerful and merry ever after. ' This comb is polished like unto fine silver, and the teeth of it are small and straight, and between the great teeth and the small in a large field or space, there is graven many an image, subtilely made, and cunningly enamelled about with fine gold ; the field is checked with sables and silver, and enamelled with cybor and azure ; and therein is contained the story how Venus, Juno, and Pallas strove for the N i;8 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP. golden ball in the mountain Ida, and how it was put to Paris, to give it to the fairest of them. * Now for the glass mirror, it was not inferior to either of the other ; for the glass which stood thereon was of such virtue that men might see and perceive therein what- soever was done within a mile thereof, whether it were the actions of men, or beasts, or any- thing else the owner would desire to know, and whosoever but gazed therein, if he had any malady whatsoever, it was presently cured. So great were the virtues of this rare glass, that wonder not if I shed tears to think of the loss ; for the wood in which this glass stood was light and fast, and is called catine, it will last for ever ; for no worms, dust, wet, or time can consume it ; and therefore King Solomon ceiled his temple with the same. The value exceeds far the value of gold ; it is like to the wood hebenus, of which King Crampart made a horse, for the love of the most beautiful daughter of King Morcadiges. ' This horse was made with such art within, that whosoever rode on it, if he pleased, he would run above an hundred miles in less than an hour, which was approved by Clamades REYNARD THE FOX 179 the King's son, who not believing in the engine, and being young and lusty, leaped upon the horse, and presently Crampart turning a pin that stood in the breast of the engine, moved and went out of the palace through the windows, and in the first minute he was gone at least ten miles. Clamades was much affrighted at the wonder, and imagined, as the story said, that he should never have returned back again ; but of his long journey, much fear, i8o THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP. great trouble, and infinite joy, when he had learned to manage and govern the wooden beast, I leave to speak for tediousness' sake, only the high virtue of all issued from the wood. ' Of this wood the glass case was made, being larger than the glass by half a foot and more square, upon which verge was deciphered divers many strange histories in gold, in silver, in sables, yellow, azure, and cynope ; and these colours were very curiously wrought and inter laid together, and under each history the words so engraven and enamelled, that any man might read the whole story. ' Believe it, the world never produced a thing of greater worth, lustre, or pleasure. In the upper part thereof stood a horse in his natural glory, fat, fair, and fiery, which braved a stately hart which ran before him ; but seeing he could not overtake the hart in swiftness, at which he infinitely disdained, he went to a herdsman standing by, and told him, if he would help him to take a hart which he would show him, he should have all the profit of the conquest, as the horns, skin, and flesh. ' Then the herdsman asked him what means he should use to get him. The xxi REYNARD THE FOX 181 horse said, " Mount upon my back, and I will bear thee after him, till with tiring we take him." The herdsman took his offer, and bestriding the horse followed the deer; but he fled away so fast, and got so much ground of the horse, that with much labour the horse grew weary, and he bade the herds- man alight, for he would rest himself awhile. But the herdsman said, " I have a bridle on thy head, and spurs on my heels, therefore know thou art now my servant, neither will I part with thee, but govern thee as seems best to my pleasure." Thus the horse brought himself into thraldom and was taken in his own net, for no creature hath a greater adversary than his own envy, and many which labour the hurt of others, still fall upon their own ruin. ( In another part were figured an ass and a hound, which were both the servants of a rich man. This man loved his hound exceedingly, and would oft play with him, and suffer the dog to fawn and leap upon him, and now and then to lick him about the mouth. Now when Baldwin the ass saw this, he began to envy the hound, and said, " What sees my master in this foul hound, that he suffers him thus to 1 82 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP. leap upon him and kiss him ? I see no profit- able service he doth him. I labour, bear and draw, and do more service in one week than the dog and his whole kind are able to do in a year, and yet have I not the tithe of his favours ; for he sitteth by his trencher, eats the fat of his meat, and lies on carpets and pillows ; when I that do all am fed only with nettles and thistles. Well, I will no longer endure it, but I will study to have my lord's favour as much as the hound, if not in greater measure." ' Anon, the master of the house came home, and the ass lifting up his tail leaped with his forefeet on his shoulders, and braying and grinning, and put forth his mouth to kiss him, and used such rude unmannerly action, that he rubbed all the skin from his master's ear, and almost overthrew him, so that the man was forced to cry out, " Help, help, for this ass will kill me." Then came in his servants with staves, and beat the ass so exceedingly, that he was almost slain, which done, he returned to his stall again, and was an ass as he was before. In the same manner, they which do envy and spite at others' welfare, if they receive the same reward, it is nothing more xxl REYNARD THE FOX 183 than is due to their merit ; for an ass is an ass and was born to eat thistles ; and where asses govern, there order is never observed, for they have no eye either on this side, or beyond their own private profit ; yet sometimes they are advanced, the more is the pity. * In another part was figured the story how my father and Tibert the cat travelled together, and had sworn by their troth that neither for love nor hate they would depart one from the other ; but it happened on a time they saw hunters coming over the fields with a kennel of hounds, from which they fled apace, for their lives were in danger. Then said the fox, "Tibcrt, whither shall we fly? for the hunters have espied us ; for mine own part, I have a thousand wiles to escape them, and as long as we abide together we shall not need to fear them." ' But the cat began to sigh, and was exceedingly afraid, and said, " Reynard, what needs many words ? I have but one wile, and that must help me " ; and forthwith he clambered up to the top of a high tree, where he lurked amongst the leaves, that neither huntsman nor hound could hurt him, and left my father to abide the whole hazard, for the i $4 REYNARD THE FOX CHAP, xxi whole kennel pursued him, horns and halloos echoing after him, " Kill the fox, kill the fox." 1 This when J^ibert saw, he mocked my father, and said, " Now, cousin Reynard, it is time to let loose all your wiles, for if your wit fail you, I fear your whole body will perish." This my father hearing from him he most trusted, and being then in the height of pursuit, wearied and almost spent, he let his mail slip from his shoulders, to make himself so much lighter ; yet all availed not, for the hounds were so swift they had caught him, had he not by chance espied a hole, into which he entered, and escaped the hounds and huntsmen. ' Thus you may see the false faith of the cat, whose like there be many living at this time, and though this might well excuse me from loving the cat, yet my soul's health and charity bind me to the contrary, and I wish him no hurt, though his misfortunes shall never be grievous to me ; not so much for hatred as the remembrance of his injuries, which often con- tends against my reason. * Also in that mirror stands another history of the wolf, how on a time he found upon a heath a dead horse, whose flesh being eaten away, he CHAP, xxr REYNARD THE FOX 187 was fain to gnaw and devour the bones, which he did with such greediness, that swallowing them too hastily clown, one fell so across his throat that he was almost choked, and hardly escaped with life ; whereupon he sought every place for the cunningest surgeons, pro- mising them great gifts to ease his torment ; but having lost much labour, in the end he met with the crane, and besought him with his long neck and bill to help him, and he would highly reward him. * The crane, greedy of gain, put his head into the wolfs throat, and brought out the bone. The wolf started at the pull, and cried out aloud, " Thou hurtest me ; but I do forgive thee ; yet do it not again I charge thee, for at another's hands I would not bear it." ' Then the crane said, " Sir Isegrim, go and be frolic, for you are whole. I look for no more but the reward you promised me." ' " How," said the wolf, " what impudence is this ? I suffer and have cause to complain ; yet he will be rewarded, he will not so much as thank me for his life, but forgets that his head was in my mouth, and how I suffered him to draw it out again without hurting ; albeit he has put me to exceeding much pain. I 1 88 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP. suppose it is I which deserve the reward, and not the crane." ' Thus you may see the fashion of ungrateful men in these days, how ever they reward good with evil ; for whereas pride is exalted, there honour is ever laid in the dust. There be in the world which ought to reward and do good to those that have advanced them, which now complain, and make those advancements in- juries ; but the guerdon will follow ; for it is the wisest counsel, that whosoever will go about to chastise another, should ever be sure of his own clearness. * All this and a world more than I can well remember was curiously wrought on this glass ; for the work -master thereof was the most cunning and profound clerk in all sciences that ever breathed. And because the jewels were too good and precious for me to keep, therefore I sent them to the King and Queen's Majesties as a present to witness my faith and service. Oh, he that had seen what sorrow my children made when I sent the glass away, would have wondered ! for by reason of the great virtue therein, they oft gazed in the same, both to behold themselves, and to see how their clothing and apparel became them. xxi REYNARD THE FOX 189 1 Little did I then imagine that good Kyward was so near his death, for except himself, and Bellin the ram, I knew no messengers worthy to carry so rich a present. But I will search the whole world, and I will find the murderer, for murder cannot be hid. It may be, he is in this presence which knows what is become of Kyward, albeit he do conceal it ; for the wicked walk like saints. * Yet the greatest wonder of all is, which troubled me most, that my Lord the King should say, that my father nor myself ever did good. But the troubles of affairs may well breed forgetfulness in Kings, otherwise your Majesty might call to mind how, when the King your father lived, and you were a prince not above two years old, my father came from the school at Mountpeloir, where he had studied five years the art of physic, and was expert in all the principles thereof, and so famous in those days, that he wore clothes of silk and a golden girdle. Now when he was come to the court, he found the King in great extremity of sickness, which was no little grief unto him, for he loved the King most dearly, and the King rejoiced at his sight, and would not suffer him to be out of his presence. All others 190 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP. might walk whither they would, only he must ever be near him. Then said your father, " Reynard, I am exceeding sick, and I feel my sickness increasing." My father answered, " My lord, let me feel your pulse, and as soon as I perceive your state, I will give my opinion." The King did as he was advised, for he trusted not any equal with him. Then said my father, " My best Lord, if you will be eased of your grief, you must needs eat the liver of a wolf of seven years old, or else your disease is incurable." * The wolf at that time stood by your father, but said nothing ; whereupon the King said, " Sir Isegrim, you hear how there is nothing which can cure me but your liver." The wolf xxi REYNARD THE FOX 191 replied, " Not so, my Lord, for I am not yet full five years old." " It is no matter," answered my father, " let him be opened, and when I see the liver, I will tell you if it be medicinal." Then was the wolf carried to the kitchen and his liver taken out, which the King ate, and was presently cured of his sickness. * Then the King thanked my father, and commanded all his subjects, on pain of death, from thenceforth to call him Master Reynard. So he abode still about the King, walked by his side, and was trusted in all things ; and the King gave him, for an honour, a garland of roses, which he must ever wear upon his head. But these remembrances are all lost and gone, and his enemies are now only advanced ; virtue is put back, and innocence lives in sorrow ; for when baseness and covetousness are made commanders, they neither know themselves, nor look at the lowness from whence they are risen. They have no hearts for pity, nor ears for the poor man's cause. Gold is the goal they run to, and gifts the god which they worship. What great man's gate doth not now lock up covetousness ? Where is not flattery entertained, and what prince takes hate at his own praises ? But should greatness 192 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP. need their honest service, well might they starve ere they could gain that employment ; for like wolves they had rather see their masters die than lend them the least part of their liver. ' This, my Lord, was an accident which fell in your youth, and you may well forget it ; yet, without boasting, I myself may say I have done to you both honour and service, and you haply also forget this which I shall repeat, which I vow I do not to upbraid your Majesty, for you are ever worthy of more than I can tender ; and my uttermost is but the rent of a loyal subject, which I am ever bound by the laws of God and nature to perform. ' So it was, that on a time Isegrim the wolf and I had gotten a swine under us, and by reason of his extreme loud crying, we were compelled to bite him to death. At which time yourself came out of a grove unto us, and saluted us friendly, saying, " That you and the Queen your wife, who came after you, were both exceeding hungry, and entreated us to give you part of our getting." ' Isegrim then whispered in such manner that none could understand him ; but I spake XXI REYNARD THE FOX 193 out aloud, " With all my heart, my Lord, and were it better than it is, it were too mean for your service." But Isegrim, according to his wont, departed grumbling, and took half of the swine, giving you and the Queen but one poor quarter, the other he himself unmannerly de- voured, and left me for my share but poor half of the lungs. When your Majesty had eaten your part, you were still hungry, but the wolf would deliver none ; so that you reached him a blow with your foot, which tore all the skin from about his ears, so that he ran away crying and howling with all extremity. But your Majesty commanded him to return again speedily and bring you more meat ; yet he went away grumbling. Then I besought your Majesty that I might go with him : and I well remember your answer. So away we went 194 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP. together, his ears dropping blood all the way as he went. ' In the end we took a calf, and when your Majesty saw us bring it, you laughed, and said to me, " I was a swift huntsman, and could find my game quickly, and therefore I was fit to serve in time of necessity." Then you bade me to divide it, and I did it, and gave one half thereof to your Majesty, the other half to the Queen. As for the liver, lungs, and all the inwards, I sent them to the young princes your children. As for the head, I gave it to Isegrim the wolf, and took unto myself but the feet only. Then said your Majesty, " Ah, Reynard, who taught you to make these courteous divisions?" "My Lord," answered I, " that did this priest which sits here with the bloody pate ; for he lost his skin for his too much inequality, and for his covetousness hath reaped nothing but shame and dishonour. But it matters not, for there be many wolves in these days that would even eat up their best friends and kindred nay, if they had power, even your Majesty also, for they make no respect either of friend or enemy. But woe to that commonwealth where such have the upper hand and government." xxi REYNARD THE FOX 195 1 My gracious Lord, this and many such like actions as this have I done for your Majesty, which were it not for tediousness' sake I could well repeat. But they are all now cast out of your remembrance ; time and my loyalty I hope will one day again recall them. I have seen the day when no matter was finished in the court without my advice and censure, though now that judgment is not so reputed ; yet it may be, the same reputation may spring up again, and be believed as firmly as before, as long as it swerves not from justice, which is the only thing I aim at. For if any one can charge me otherwise and prove it by witness, here I stand to endure the uttermost the law can inflict upon me ; but if malice only slander me without witness, I crave the combat ac- cording to the law and instance of the court.' Then said the King, * Reynard, you say well, nor know I anything more of Kywarcfs death than the bringing of his head unto me by Bellin the ram, therefore of it I here acquit you.' * My dear Lord,' said the fox, ' I humbly thank you : yet is his death so grievous unto me I cannot let it pass so easily. I remember my heart was heavy at his departure, and I was 196 REYNARD THE FOX CHAP, xxi ready to sink to the ground, which was a certain presage of the loss which happened.' These words, and the sad looks of the fox, so amazed all the beholders, that they could not choose but believe all that he uttered, so that every one bemoaned his loss, and pitied his sorrow. But the King and Queen were most touched with the same, and then entreated him that he would make diligent search for the finding of them out, for his praises had stricken them far in love with the jewels. And because he told them he had sent those jewels unto them, though they never saw them, yet they gave him as great thanks as if they had been in their safe possession, and desired him he would be a means they might be restored to them again. CHAPTER XXII Hoiv Reynard made his peace with the King, and how Isegrim the Wolf complained of him again. THE fox understood their meaning exceeding well, and though he little meant to perform what they entreated, yet he thanked the King and Queen for the comforts they gave him in his great extremity. He vowed not to rest, neither night nor day, but to search all the corners of the earth till he had found what was become of those jewels. Also he entreated his Majesty, that if they should be concealed in such places where he might be withstood by force, so as neither his prayers nor power might attain unto them, that then his highness would assist him both because it was an occasion which concerned him so nearly, and also a thing required from his office, being an act of perfect justice, to punish theft and murder, both which were contained in this action. 198 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP. Then the King assured him that so soon as it should be known where they were, no help or assistance should be wanting*. The fox gave the King humble thanks, for now he had gotten all his purposes to the wished end q he expected, and by his false tale and flattery f\ had so fastened the King unto him, that now he might go freely whither he pleased, and none should dare to complain of him. Only Isegrim the wolf stood all this while infinitely displeased, and not able to contain his anger any longer, he said, ' O my Lord the ^King, is it possible your Majesty should be so much childish or weak of belief as to fix your trust upon the falsehood of this ever-deceiving merchant, which hath nothing but shadows and chimeras wherewith to enchant you ? Oh be not so easily seduced ; he is a wretch all covered and besmeared with murder and treason, and even to your own face hath made a scoff of your Majesty. For my own part I am glad he is here in your presence, and I intend to ring him such a peal of contrary nature, that all the lies he can invent shall not bear him away with safety. ' So it is, my dread Lord, that this dis- sembling and false traitor not long since did REYNARD THE FOX 199 betray my wife most shamefully ; for it happened upon a winter's day, that they two travelled together through a very great water, and he persuaded my wife that he would teach her a singular art, how to catch fish with her tail, by letting it hang angle-wise in the water a good while, whereunto, he said, there would so much fish instantly cleave, that half a dozen of them should not be able to devour it. ' The silly fool, my wife, supposing all to be truth which came from him, went presently into the mire up to the middle before she came to the water, and coming into the depth of the water, as he directed her, she held her tail down still in the water, expecting when there the fish would cleave to it ; but the weather being sharp and frosty, she stood there so long that her tail was frozen hard to the ice, so that all the force she had was not able to pull it out. This no impudence can make him deny, for I came and saw him there. Oh how much jealousy, grief, and fury assailed me at (// that instant, I was even distracted to behold them ; and I cried, " Reynard, villain, what art thou doing ? " but he seeing me so near approaching, presently ran his way. ' So I went unto her with much sorrow and 200 REYNARD THE FOX CHAP, xxn heaviness, having a world of labour ere I could break the ice about her ; and in spite of all my cunning, yet she was compelled to leave a piece of her tail behind her : and indeed we both hardly escaped with our lives. For by reason of the great anguish she endured, she barked so loud, that the people of the next village rose up, and came with staves and bills, with flails and pitchforks, and the wives with their distaves, and so fiercely assaulted us, crying Kill, kill, and Slay, slay, that I was never in so desperate a taking. One slave amongst the rest, which was strong and swift of foot, hurt us sore with a pikestaff; and had not the night befriended us, we had never escaped the danger. From hence we came into a field full of brooms and brambles, where we hid us from the fury of our enemies. * Thus, my gracious Lord, you have heard how this traitor and murderer hath used us, and against the same we crave the right of your law and justice.' But Reynard answered and said, ' If this were true, I confess it would touch me near in honour and reputation ; but it is not possible that such a slander should be proved against me : I confess I taught her to catch fish, and CHAP, xxn REYNARD THE FOX 203 taught her how to enter the water and never touch the mire ; but her greediness so trans- ported her when she heard me name the fish, that she ran without respect of any path or direction, and so coming into the ice, she was there presently frozen by reason of her too long tarrying, for she had more fish than would have satisfied twenty reasonable appetites. But it is commonly seen that who all would have, all forego, for covetousness seldom bringeth any- thing well home ; yet when I saw her so fastened in the ice, I used all my best en- deavours to loosen her, and so indeed was heaving and shoving about her, but to little purpose, for by reason of her weight I was not able to move her. ' Now whilst this was doing, came Isegrim, and seeing me so busy about her, churl-like he most vilely slandered me, and threatened much vengeance against me, so that more to eschew his blasphemy than fury I went my way, and he came, and with as great ado, and as much heave and shove he helped her out ; which done, they then almost starved with cold, ran and skipped up and down the fields to get them heat : and that this is all truth which I have spoken, I will willingly be deposed, for I 204 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP. would not be the father of any falsehood before your Majesty, to be master of many millions ; however my fortunes go, I respect not, truth is my badge, and hath ever been the ensign of all my ancestors ; and if there be any scruple or C doubt made of mine assertion, I ask but eight \ days' liberty, that I may confer with my learned (counsel, and I will so approve all my words by Ithe oath and testimony of good and sufficient witness, that your Majesty and your honourable council shall accord to the justness of my protestation. ' As for the wolf, what have I to do with him ? it is well known already that he is a debauched and almost notorious villain, false both to heaven and to your Majesty ; and now his own words witness him a base slanderer of women, therefore I refer myself to the trial of his wife ; if she accuse me, let the world hold me guilty, provided she may be made free from her husband, whose tyranny will compel her to say anything, though never so unjustly.' At this forth stepped Dame Ereswine, the wolfs wife, and said, ' O Reynard, thou hast so oily a smooth tongue, and so dipped in flattery, that no man is safe from thine enchantment ; it is not once, but oft thou hast deceived me ; XXII REYNARD THE FOX 205 remember but how thou didst use me at the well with two buckets, hanging at one cord, and running through one pulley, which ever as one went down the other went up. I remember how thou getting into one of them, fell down into the bottom of the well, and there sat in great danger and peril, so that I ran thither with great haste, and heard thee sigh and make great moan ; then asking thee how thou earnest there, thou answeredst me that thou wert there a- fishing, and hadst much fish, of which thou hadst eaten so many that you were ready to break with swelling. ' Then I asked how I might come to thee, and thou saidst, " Aunt, leap into that bucket which 2o6 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP. hangeth there, and you will be presently with me " ; which I no sooner did, but being much heavier than thyself, I fell presently to the bottom of the well, and thou came up to the top ; at which when I seemed to be angry, thou said, " Aunt, this is but the fashion of the world ; ever as one comes up another must go down " ; and so said, you leaped out of the bucket and ran your way, leaving me there all alone, where I remained a whole day, pined with hunger and starved with cold ; and ere I could get out from thence, received so many blows, that my life was never in greater danger.' The fox replied, * Aunt, though the strokes were painful unto you, yet I had rather you should have them than myself, for you are stronger and better able to bear them ; and at that time of necessity, one of us could not escape them : besides, aunt, I taught you wisdom and experience, that you should not trust either friend or foe, when the matter he persuades to is the avoiding of his own peril ; for nature teacheth us to love our own welfare, and he which doth otherwise is crowned with nothing but the title of folly/ Then said Sir Isegrim to the King, ' I REYNARD THE FOX 207 beseech your Majesty mark how this dissembler can blow with all winds, and paint his mischief with false colours : a world of times hath he brought me into these hazards. Once he betrayed me to his aunt the she ape, where ere I escaped I was fain to leave one of mine ears behind me. If the fox dare tell the truth of the story, for I know his memory to be much better, besides he is apt to catch advantage from the weakness of my language, I desire no better evidence against him.' Then said the fox, ' Willingly I will do it, and without flattery or falsehood ; and there- fore I beseech your Majesty lend me your royal patience. Upon a certain time the wolf here came to me into the wood, and complained unto me that he was exceeding hungry, yet I never saw him fuller in my life ; but he would ever dissemble. At which presently I took pity on him, and said I was also as hungry as he : so away we went and travelled half a day together without finding anything. ' Then began he to whine and cry, and said he was able to go no farther. Then hard by the foot of a hawthorn tree we espied a hole all covered over with brambles, and heard a great 208 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP. rushing therein, but could not imagine the cause why : then I desired the wolf to go in, and look if anything were there to profit us, for something I knew there was. Then said he, " Cousin, I would not creep into the hole for a hundred pounds, till I knew certainly what was therein ; for there may be danger : but if you please to attempt it, who I know hath both art and wit to save yourself, I will stay here under this tree till you return ; but I beseech you make haste and let me know what is therein as soon as you perceive it." ' Behold, my dread Lord the King, thus he hath made me, poor silly beast, to go before into the hazard, and he who is great, strong, A. and mighty did abide without in peace, wherein I expressed no little friendship, for I would not endure the like danger for a king- dom. But to proceed : I entered into the hole, and found the way dark, long, and tedious ; in the end I espied a great light, which came in on the farther side of the hole, by which I saw there lying a great she ape, with eyes glimmering and sparkling with fire, her mouth set round with long sharp teeth, and on her hands and feet nails sharp as an elfin or bodkin. I imagined her at first a marmoset or baboon, REYNARD THE FOX 209 or else a mercat, for a more dreadful beast I never beheld in all my lifetime, and by her side lay divers of her children, which like herself were stern and cruel of countenance : when they saw me come towards them, they gaped wide with their mouths upon me, so that I grew amazed, and wished myself far from the harbour. * But resolving with myself that now I was in I must quit myself as well as I could, I looked more constantly upon her, and me- thought she appeared bigger than Isegrim the wolf, and the least of her brats much larger than myself; a fouler company I never saw, they were all laid in so bad litter, that I was almost poisoned with the place. For my own part I durst not but speak them fair, and therefore I said, " Aunt, God give you many good days, and bless you and my cousins, your pretty children ; questionless they are the fairest of their ages that ever I beheld, and so surpass in beauty and perfection that they may well be accounted of most princely issue. Truly, aunt, we are infinitely beholden to you that doth add this increase and glory to your family. For mine own part, dear aunt, when I heard you were laid down and indis- p 210 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP. posed, I could not stay but must needs come to visit you." * Then replied she, " Cousin Reynard, you are exceeding welcome ; you have found me like a slut, but I thank you for your kind visitation : you are a worthy gentleman, and through the King's dominions, for your wit and judgment, held of singular reputation, you do much honour to our kindred, and are famous for the means you work to their prefer- ment. I must entreat you to take the charge of my children, and instruct them in the rules of knowledge and science, that they may know hereafter how to live in the world. I have thought of you ever since they were born, and resolved upon this, cousin, because I knew your perfection, and that you accompanied yourself with none but the good and the virtuous." ' Oh how glad was I when I heard those words to proceed from her, which kindness was only because at first I called her aunt, who indeed was no soul kin unto me ; for my true aunt indeed is only Dame Rukenaw, who standeth yonder, who indeed is the mother of excellent children. Yet, notwithstanding, I answered this foul monster : " Aunt, my life xxn REYNARD THE FOX 211 and goods are both at your service, and what I can do for you, night or day, shall ever be at your command and your children's." ' Yet I most heartily wished myself far from them at that instant, for I was almost poisoned with their smell. And I pitied Isegrim who was sore griped with hunger all this while ; and offering to take my leave, and feigning that my wife would think it long till my return, she said, " Dear cousin, you shall not depart till you have eaten something. I shall take it unkindly if you offer it " ; then rose she up, and carried me into an inner room, where was great store of all kind of venison, both of the red deer, fallow deer, and roe ; and great store of partridges, pheasants, and other fowls, that I was amazed much from whence such store of meat should come. ' Now when I had eaten sufficiently, she gave me a side and half a haunch of a hind, to carry home to my wife, which I was ashamed to take, but that she compelled me ; and so taking my leave, and being entreated often to visit her, I did depart thence, much rejoiced that I had sped so well. ' Now being come out of the causey, I spied where Isegrim lay groaning pitifully, and I 212 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP. asked him how he fared ? He said, " Wondrous ill, and so extremely ill, that, dear nephew, without some meat I die presently " : then did I take compassion on him, and gave him my wife's token, which preserved his life, and for which then he gave me a world of thanks, though now he hates me extremely. ' But as soon as he had devoured up my venison, he said, " Reynard, my dear cousin, what found you in the hole ? believe it, I am now more hungry than I was before, and this small morsel hath but sharpened my teeth to eat more." Then said I to him, " Uncle, get you into that hole, and you shall find store of victuals, for there lieth my aunt with her children : if you can flatter and speak her fair, you need fear no hard measure, all things will be as you would wish it." ' I think, my gracious Lord, this was warn- ing sufficient, and that which might have armed any wise spirit ; but rude and barbarous beasts will never understand wisdom, and therefore they loathe the policies they know not. But yet he promised to follow my counsel ; so forth he went into that foul dismal hole, and found the ape in that filthy sort as before I described ; which when he saw, being affrighted, he cried xxn REYNARD THE FOX 213 out, " Woe and alas, I think I am come into evil ; did ever creature see such fearful goblins ? Drown them, for shame drown them, they are so ugly, they will scare all the world ; why, they make my hair stand on end with their horrid deformity." * Then said she, " Sir Isegrim, their creation is not my fault, let it suffice, they are my children, and I am their mother ; nor ought their beauty or hard favour to displease you : there was a kinsman of theirs here to-day, and is but newly departed, who is well known to exceed you, both in birth, virtue, and wisdom, and he accounted them fair and lovely ; for your opinion I care not, therefore you may depart at your pleasure." * Then he replied, " Dame, I would have you know that I would eat of your meat, it is much better bestowed on me than on those ugly urchins." But she told him, " she had no meat." " Yes," said he, " here is meat enough," and with that, offering to reach at the meat, my aunt started up with her children, and ran at him with their sharp nails, and so clawed him, that the blood ran about his ears, and I heard him cry and howl so extremely, that it appeared he had no defence but to run out 214 REYNARD THE FOX CHAP, xxn of the hole as fast as he could. For indeed he came out both extremely beaten, and extremely bitten, and all his skin slashed like a Spanish jerkin ; and one ear left behind as a pawn of his manners. ' This when I saw, I asked him if he had flattered sufficiently ? and he said he had spoken as he found, for the dame was a foul animal, and the litter most ugly monsters. Then I told him, how he should have com- mended their beauties, and taken them for his best of alliance. And he replied, he had rather have seen them all hanged. " Then," quoth I, " you must always receive such reward as now you do, but wisdom would do otherwise ; fair words never come out of season, and better than we hold it for a rule worthy imitation." ' Thus, my Lord, I have told you truly how he came by his red nightcap, which I know he cannot, nor dare not deny, for all is true with- out any addition.' CHAPTER XXIII How Isegrim proffered his glove to Reynard to figlit with him, which Reynard accepted, and Iwiv Rukenaw advised the Fox how to carry himself in the fight. THE wolf answered the fox, ' I may well for- bear, false villain as thou art, thy mocks and scorns ; but thine injuries I will not. You say I was almost dead for hunger, when you helped me in my need : but thou liest falsely therein, for it was nothing but a bare bone thou gavest me, when thou hadst gnawed all the meat thereof; and therefore know in this thou injurest my reputation. Again, thou accusest me of treason against the King, and to conspire his Majesty's death, for certain treasure thou sayest is in Hustreloe : also^hou hast abused and slandered my wife, which will ever be an infamy to her name if it be not revenged. 2i6 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP. ' These things considered, I have forborne you long, therefore now look not to escape ; wherefore seeing there is no other testi- mony but our own consciences, here before you, my Lord the King, and the rest of my noble lords, friends, and alliances, here I affirm and will approve to the last drop of my blood that thou, Reynard the fox, art a false traitor and a murderer ; and this I will approve and make good upon thy body within the lists of the field, body against body, by which means our strife shall have an end, and in witness whereof I cast thee here my glove, which I dare thee to take up, that I may have right for mine injuries, or else die like a recreant.' Reynard was something perplexed when he saw this, for he knew himself much too weak for the wolf, and feared to come by the worst ; but straight remembering the advantage he had, by reason that the wolf's fore-claws were pulled away and that they were not yet fully cured, he said, ' Whosoever he be that saith I am a traitor or a murderer I say he lieth in his throat, especially Isegrim above all others ; poor fool, thou bringest me to the place I desire, and to the purpose I wish for, in sign whereof I take up the gage, and throw REYNARD THE FOX 217 down mine, to approve all thy words lies and falsehoods.' This said, the King received their pledges, and admitted the battle, commanding them to put in their sureties, that the next morrow they should try the combat : then stepped forth the bear and the cat, and were sureties for the wolf; and for the fox were sureties Grimbard the brock and Bitelus. When all ceremonies were finished, the she ape took Reynard aside, and said, * Nephew, I beseech you take care of yourself in this battle, be bold 218 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP. and wise. Your uncle taught me once a prayer of singular virtue for him which was to fight ; and he learned it of that excellent scholar and clerk, the abbot of Budelo, and he that saith this prayer with a good devotion fasting, shall never be overcome in combat, and therefore, my best nephew, be not afraid, for to-morrow I will read it over to you, and the wolf shall never prevail against you.' The fox gave her many thanks for her favours, and told her his quarrel was good and honest, and therefore he had no doubt of happy success ; so all that night he rested with his kinsfolk about him, who drove away the time with pleasant discourse. But Dame Rukenaw> his aunt, still beat her brain how to work him advantage in the combat, wherefore she caused all his hair to be shaven off, even from his head to the tail, and then she anointed all his body quite over with oil of olive, so that she made it so smooth and slippery that the wolf could catch no hold of him. Besides he was round, fat and plump of body, which much availed to his advantage ; then she advised him, ' At these especial times keep your tail as close as can be between your legs, lest he catch hold thereon and pull you to the ground ; also XXIII REYNARD THE FOX 219 look carefully to yourself at the first, and by all means shun his blows, making him to toil and run after, especially there where most dust is, and spring it up with your feet, make it fly in his eyes, take your advantage, and smite and bite him where you may do him most mischief, ever and anon striking him on the face with your tail, and that will take from him both sight and understanding. Besides, it will so tire and weary him, that, his feet not being fully cured of their hurt by the loss of his shoes, which you caused to be pulled off, he will no be able to pursue you ; for though he is great, yet his heart is little and weak. 220 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP. ' This, nephew, is mine advice, and assure yourself in these cases art prevaileth as much as courage ; therefore regard yourself well, that not only yourself, but your whole family may gain honour and reputation from your fortune. As for the charm of prayer which your uncle Martin taught me, by which you may be invisible, it is this which followeth ' : then laying her hand upon his head, she said, ' Blaerd, Shay, Alphenio, Rasbue, G or sons, Arsbuntro. Now, nephew, assure yourself you are free from all mischief or danger whatsoever, REYNARD THE FOX 221 therefore go to your rest, for it is near day, and some sleep will make the body better disposed.' The fox gave her infinite thanks, and told her, ' She had bound him to her a servant for ever ; and in those holy words she had spoken he had placed his confidence unremovable ' ; and so he laid him down to rest under a tree in the grass, till it was sunrise, at which time the otter came unto him and awaked him and gave a fat young duck to eat, saying, * Dear cousin, I have toiled all this night to get this present for you, which I took from a fowler ; here take and eat it, and it shall give you vigour and courage.' The fox gave him many thanks, and said, ' It was a fortunate handsel, and if he survived that day he should find he would requite it ' ; so the fox ate the duck without bread or sauce more than his hunger, and to it he drank four great draughts of water, and then he went to the place appointed where the lists stood, with all his kindred attending on him. When the King beheld Reynard thus shorn and oiled, he said to him, ' Well, fox, I see you are careful of your own safety ; you respect not beauty so you escape danger.' 222 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP. The fox answered not a word, but bowing himself down humbly to the earth, both before the King and the Queen's Majesties, went forth into the field ; and at the same time the wolf was also ready, and stood boasting, and giving out many proud and vainglorious speeches. The marshals and rulers of the lists were the leopard and the loss. These brought forth a book, on which the wolf swore and maintained his assertion that the fox was a traitor and a murderer, which he would prove on his body, or else be counted a recreant. Then Reynard took the book, and swore he lied as a false traitor and a thief, which he would prove on his body, or be accounted a recreant. When these ceremonies were done, the marshals of the field bade them do their devoir. And then every creature avoided the lists, save Dame Rukenaw, who stood by the fox, and bade him remember the words and instructions she had given him, and call to mind how, when he was scarce seven years old, he had then wisdom enough to pass the darkest night without lantern or candle-light, or the help of the moon, when any occasion required him : and that his experience was much greater, REYNARD THE FOX 223 and his reputation of wisdom more frequent with his companions ; and therefore to work so as he might win the day, which would be an eternal monument to him and his family for ever. To this the fox answered, ' My best aunt, assure yourself I will do my best, and not for- get a tittle of your counsel. I doubt not but my friends shall reap honour and my foes shame by my actions.' To this the ape said amen, and so departed. CHAPTER XXIV Of the combat betivixt the Fox and the Wolf, the event, passages ', and victory. WHEN none but the combatants were in the lists, the wolf went toward the fox with infinite rage and fury, and thinking to take the fox in his forefeet, the fox leaped nimbly from him and the wolf pursued him, so that there began a tedious chase between them, on which their friends gazed. The wolf taking larger strides than the fox often overtook him, and lifting up his feet to strike him, the fox avoided the blow and smote him on the face with his tail, so that the wolf was stricken almost blind, and he was forced to rest while he cleared his eyes ; which advantage when Reynard saw, he scratched up the dust with his feet, and threw it in the eyes of the wolf. This grieved him worse than the former, so that he durst follow him no longer, for the dust CHAP, xxiv REYNARD THE FOX 227 and sand sticking in his eyes smarted so sore, that of force he must rub and wash it away, which Reynard seeing, with all the fury he had he ran upon him, and with his teeth gave him three sore wounds on his head, and scoffing said, ' Have I hit you, Mr. Wolf? I will yet hit you better ; you have killed many a lamb and many an innocent beast, and would impose the fault upon me, but you shall find the price of your knavery. I am marked to punish thy sins, and I will give thee thy absolution bravely. It is good for thee that thou use patience, for thy evil life is at my mercy. Yet, notwithstanding, if thou wilt kneel down and ask my forgiveness, and confess thyself van- quished, though thou be the worst thing living, yet I will spare thy life, for my pity makes me loath to kill thee.' These words made Isegrim both mad and desperate, so that he knew not how to express his fury, his wounds bled, his eyes smarted, and his whole body was oppressed. So that in the height of his fury he lifted up his foot and struck the fox so great a blow that he felled him to the ground. But Reynard, being nimble, quickly rose up again and encountered the wolf, that between them began a dreadful and doubtful combat. 228 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP. The wolf was exceeding furious, and ten times he leaped to catch Reynard fast, but his skin was so slippery and oily he could not hold him. Nay, so wondrous nimble was he in the fight, that when the wolf thought to have him surest, he would shift himself between his legs and under his belly, and every time gave the wolf a bite with his teeth, or a slap on the face with his tail, that the poor wolf found nothing but despair in the conflict, albeit his strength was much the greater. Thus many wounds and bitings passing on either side, the one expressing cunning, and the other strength, the one fury, the other temperance ; in the end the wolf being enraged that the battle had continued so long, for had his feet been sound it had been much shorter, he said to himself, ' I will make an end of this combat, for I know my very weight is able to crush him to pieces ; and I lose much of my reputation, to suffer him thus long to contend against me.' And this said, he struck the fox again so sore a blow on the head with his foot, that he fell down to the ground, and ere he could recover himself and arise, he caught him in his feet and threw him under him, lying upon him xxiv REYNARD THE FOX 229 in such wise, as if he would have pressed him to death. Now began the fox to be grievously afraid, and all his friends also, and all Isegrims friends began to shout for joy ; but the fox defended himself as well as he could with his claws, lying along, and the wolf could not hurt him with his claws, his feet were so sore, only with his teeth he snatched at him to bite him, which, when the fox saw, he smote the wolf on the head with his fore-claws, so that he tore the skin between his brows and his ears, and one of his eyes hung out of his head, which put the w r olf to infinite torment, and he howled out extremely. Then Iscgrim wiping his face, the fox took advantage thereof, and with his struggling got upon his feet. At which the wolf was angry, and striking after him, caught the fox in his arms, and held him fast ; never was Reynard in so great a strait as then, for at that time great was their contention ; but anger now made the wolf forget his smart, and griping the fox altogether under him, as Reynard was defending himself his hand lighted into Isegrims mouth, so that he was in danger of losing it. Then said the wolf to the fox, ' Now either yield thyself as 230 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP. vanquished, or else certainly I will kill thee ; neither thy dust, thy mocks, nor any subtle invention shall now save thee ; thou art now left utterly desperate, and my wounds must have their satisfaction.' When the fox heard this he thought it was a hard election, for both brought his ruin ; and suddenly concluding, he said, ' Dear uncle, since fortune commands me, I yield to be your servant, and at your commandments will travel for you to the Holy Land, or any other pilgrimage, or do any service which shall be beneficial to your soul or the souls of your forefathers. I will do for the King or for our holy father the Pope, I will hold of you my lands and revenues, and as I, so shall all the rest of my kindred ; so that you shall be a lord of many lords, and none shall dare to move against you. ' Besides, whatsoever I get of pullets, geese, partridges, or plover, flesh or fish, you, your wife, and children shall have the first choice, ere any are eaten by me. I will ever stand by your side, and wheresoever you go, no danger shall come near you ; you are strong, and I am subtle ; we two joined together, what force can prevail against us ? Again, we are so near in xxiv REYNARD THE FOX 231 blood, that nature forbids there should be any enmity between us ; I would not have fought against you had I been sure of victory, but that you first appealed me, and then you know of necessity I must do my uttermost. I have also in this battle been courteous to you, and not shown my worst violence, as I would on a stranger, for I know it is the duty of a nephew to spare his uncle ; and this you might well perceive by my running from you. I tell you, it was an action much contrary to my nature, for I might often have hurt you when I refused, nor are you worse for me, by anything more than the blemish of your eye, for which I am sorry, and wished it had not happened ; yet thereby know that you shall reap rather benefit than loss thereby, for when other beasts in their sleep shut two windows, you shall shut but one. ' As for my wife, children, and lineage, they shall fall down at your feet before you in any presence ; therefore, I humbly desire you, that you will suffer poor Reynard to live. I know you will kill me, but what will that avail you, when you shall never live in safety for fear of revengement of my kindred? Therefore, temper- ance in any man's wrath is excellent, whereas 232 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP. rashness is ever the mother of repentance. But, uncle, I know you to be valiant, wise, and discreet, and you rather seek honour, peace, and good fame than blood and revenge.' Isegrim the wolf said, ' Infinite dissembler, how fain wouldst thou be freed of my servitude ? Too well I understand thee, and know that if thou wert safe on thy feet thou wouldst forswear this submission ; but know all the wealth in the world shall not buy out thy ransom, for thee and thy friends I esteem them not, nor believe anything thou hast uttered. Too well I know thee, and am no bird for thy lime bush, chaff cannot deceive me. Oh how wouldst thou triumph if I should believe thee, and say I wanted wit to understand thee ; but thou shalt know I can look both on this side and beyond thee, thy many deceits used upon me have now armed me against thee. Thou sayest thou hast spared me in the battle ; but look upon me, and my wounds will show how falsely thou liest, thou never gavest me a time to breathe in, nor will I now give thee a minute to repent in.' Now whilst Isegrim was thus talking, the fox bethought himself how he might best get free, and thrusting his other hand down he xxiv REYNARD THE FOX 233 caught the wolf fast by the neck, and he wrung him so extremely hard thereby, that he made him shriek and howl out with the anguish ; then the fox drew his other hand out of his mouth, for the wolf was in such wondrous torment that he had much ado to contain himself from swooning ; for this torment exceeded above the pain of his eye, and in the end he fell over and over in a swoon ; then presently Reynard leaped upon him, and drew him about the lists and dragged him by the legs, and struck, wounded, and bit him in many places, so that all the whole field might take notice thereof. At this, all hegrims friends were full of sorrow, and with great weeping and lamentation went to the King, and prayed him to be pleased 234 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP. to appease the combat, and take it into his own hands; which suit the King granted, and then the leopard and the loss, being marshals, entered the lists, and told the fox and the wolf that the King would speak with them, and that the battle should there end, for he would take it into his own hands and determine thereof; as for themselves they had done sufficiently, neither would the King lose either of them. And to the fox they said the whole field gave him the victory. The fox said, ' I humbly thank them, and what pleaseth my Lord the King to command I am ready to obey, for mine ambition is no further than to be victor ; therefore, I beseech you, let my friends come to attend me, that I may proceed by their advice.' They answered it was reason ; so presently came forth Dame Slopecade and Grimbard her husband, Dame Rukenaw with her two sisters Bitelus and Fulromp, her two sons, and Malice her daughter, the field mouse, the weasel, and above an hundred which would not have come if the fox had lost the conquest ; for to him that hath honour will ever flock attendants ; but to him that is in loss will nothing but contempt follow. Also, the fox came to the xxiv REYNARD THE FOX 235 beaver, the otter, and both their wives Pauntecerrot and Ordegalc, and the Ostrole, the Marten, and the Fitchews, the Ferret, the Squirrel, and a world more than I can name, and all because he was the victor ; nay, divers which before had complained of him, were now of nearest kindred, and ready to do him all service. This is the fashion of the world ; he that is rich and in favour can never be poor or hungry for friendship, every one will seem to love him, every one will imitate his fashions. Then was a solemn feast held, trumpets were sounded, cornets winded, shawms, and all instruments warbled, and every one cried, 236 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP. ' Praised be Heaven for this glorious conquest.' Reynard thanked them all kindly, and received them with great joy and gladness ; then asked their opinions whether he should yield the victory to the King or no ; and Dame Slopecard said, ' Yea, by all means, cousin, for it stands with your honour, nor may you deny it.' And so, the marshals going before, they went all to the King, guarding the fox on every side, all the trumpets, pipes, and minstrelsy sounding before him. When Reynard came before the King he fell on his knees, and the King bade him stand up, and said to him, ' Reynard, you may well rejoice, for you have won much honour this day, therefore here I discharge you, and set you free to go whither your own will leads you, for all contestations I take upon myself, and will have it discussed by the wisest of the kingdom as soon as Isegrims wounds shall be cured, at what time I will send for you, and so proceed to judgment.' * My worthy and dread Lord,' said the fox, ' I am well repaid with anything that shall please you ; yet when I came first to your highness's court, there were many malicious persons which sought my life, whom I never XXIV REYNARD THE FOX 237 injured ; but they thought to overcome me by joining with mine enemies against me, and thinking the wolf had greater favour than I with your Majesty ; this was the ground of their indignation, wherein they showed their simplicity not to alter the end which followed.' CHAPTER XXV Hozu the- King forgave the Fox all things, and made Jiim the greatest in his Land, and of his noble return home with all his kindred. THE King said, * Reynard, you are one that owes me homage and fealty, and I hope I shall ever enjoy it ; and for your service here I make you one of the lords of my privy council. Take heed you do not anything unworthily, for here I place you in all your power and authority as formerly you were, hoping you will administer justice equally and truly. For as long as you employ your wit unto virtuous actions, so long the court cannot miss you ; for you are a star whose lustre exceeds all other, especially in finding out mischiefs and pre- venting them. Therefore, remember the moral you yourself told me, and be a lover of truth and equity. From henceforth I will be CHAP, xxv REYNARD THE FOX 239 governed by your wisdom, and there shall not breathe that creature in any kingdom which shall do you injury ; but I w r ill highly revenge it. This you shall proclaim through all the nation, and be the chief governor in the same, for the office of high bailiff here I freely bestow upon you, and I know you may reap great honour thereby.' All Reynards friends and kindred humbly thanked the King ; but he told them it was much short of that he intended to do for their sakes, and advised them all to admonish him to be careful of his faith and loyalty. This said Dame Rukenaw^ ' Believe it, my Lord, we will not fail in that point, neither fear you the contrary ; for should he prove otherwise, we would renounce him.' 240 REYNARD THE FOX CHAP, xxv Then the fox also thanked the King with fair and courteous words, saying, ' My gracious Lord, I am not worthy of these high honours you do me ; yet will ever study with my service how to deserve them ; nor shall my counsel at any time be wanting.' And this said, he took his humble leave of the King, and so departed with the rest of his friends and kindred. Now whilst these passages happened, Bruin the bear, Tibert the cat, and Ereswine and her children, with the rest of their lineage, drew the wolf out of the field and laid him upon soft litters and hay, and covered him all over very warm, and dressed his wounds, which were to the number of five -and -twenty, by the help of many skilful leeches and surgeons. His sickness and weakness was so great that his feeling was lost ; but they rubbed and chafed him on the temples and under the eyes, till he leaped out of his swoon, and howled so loud that all were amazed which heard him; but the physicians gave him cordials to drink, and a dormiture or potion to make him sleep ; and then comforted his wife, telling her there was no danger or peril of his life. So the court broke up, and every beast returned to his own home. CHAP, xxv REYNARD THE FOX 243 Amongst the rest Reynard the fox took his leave of the King and Queen ; she desired him not to be long absent from them. To whom he answered, ' That he would be ever ready at their service, as was his bounden duty, and not himself alone, but all his friends and kindred also.' And so begging license of his Majesty in all solemn manner and with fair speech, he departed from the court. WITH Reynard all his friends and kinsfolks to the number of forty took their leave also of the King, and went away with the fox, who was no little glad that he had sped so well, and stood so far in the King's favour. For now he had power enough to advance whom he pleased, and pull down any that envied his fortune. After some travel the fox and all his friends came to his borough or castle of Malepardus, where every one, in noble and courteous manner, took leave of each other, and Reynard did to every one of them great reverence, and thanked them for the love and honour he had received from them, protesting evermore to 244 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP. remain their faithful servant, and to send them in all things wherein his life or goods might be available unto them ; and so shook hands and departed. The fox went to Dame Ermelin his wife, who welcomed him with great tenderness. And to her and her children he related at large all the wonders which had befallen him at the court, and missed no tittle or cir- cumstance therein. Then grew they proud that his fortune was so excellent ; and the fox spent his days from thenceforth with his wife and children in great joy and content. There are many plays both comic and moral which figure out things that never were, only to make use and benefit of the example, that men may thereby the better shun vice and pursue virtues. In like manner this book, though it contain but matter of jest and sport, yet if he look seriously thereunto, he may haply find much moral matter and wisdom worthy his consideration. Goodness or any good men shall he not find in it disreputed, for all things are generally spoken, and every man may take his own part as his conscience shall instruct him. If any find himself too much oppressed, REYNARD THE FOX let him shake it off with amendment ; if any be clear, let him hold on his path and avoid stumbling. And if any take distaste or offence, let him not blame me but the fox, for it is only his language. NOTES The story of Reineke Fuchs is more than any other a truly European performance ; for some centuries the universal Household Possession and Secular Bible, read everywhere, in the palace and the hut. . . . It comes before us with a character such as can belong only to very few ; that of being a true World's Book which through centuries was everywhere at home, the spirit of which diffused itself into all languages and all minds. CARLYLE. IN the following Notes I have endeavoured to give rough indications of the parallels existing in other branches of the Reynard Cycle, together with references to modern critical investigations where these parallels are discussed. The references to the Roman de Renard are to the 'branches' of M. Martin's (Strassburg, 1882-87) edition, and are indicated by Ren. br. The German Reinhart Fucks is referred to as Rein. I have used the edition of Reissenberger (Halle, 1886). The Flemish verse is indicated by Reyn. (edit. Van Helten, Groningen, 1887). The Flemish prose version is, practically, the base of the one before us, and may best be paralleled by Caxton's version (edit. Thorns, Percy Society, 1844). CHAPTER I The beginning of the Plea. Ren. br. I., Rein, combines with the episode of the sick lion. Reyn. vv. 33 seq. The earliest form occurs in an Italian version, Rainardo, published by Teza (Pisa, 1869), Caxton, cc. i.-iii. Goethe i. 1-88. P. i. Sanden, Caxton, Stade. Other versions do not localise. P. 2, Reynard. For the etymology see Introduction, 250 REYNARD THE FOX p. xi. The y comes from the Flemish, the Middle English form was Reneward. Isegrim. The original form was Isengrini or possibly Isangrim, and was current among the Folk before it appeared in literature (see Introduction, p. xviii.). P. 3. House by violence, Ren. br., ii. Rein. 563-634. This incident of the adultery of Reynard with the she-wolf forms the central motif in the Roman, and was developed in the later branches. It occurs among folk-tales in which at times the she-bear takes the place of the she-wolf, while on other occasions the hare replaces the fox (cf. Sudre, Sources, pp. 153-157). Marie de France (c. 1200) tells the story of a fox and she-bear. Refused to swear. Referred to in a few lines, Ren. br. I. 37-42 as here, but developed at greater length in br. V. ; an earlier form in Rein. P. 4. Tibert. In Rein. Diepreht. As a personal name one of the earliest actors in the Cycle. Curtois. In the Roman this is applied to the ewe. P. 5. Panther, derived from the Pancer, in Rein. 126, which has probably only an accidental resemblance to the name of the beast. Kyward, from the Cuvaert of Reyn. In the later editions of Caxton it is misprinted Ruward. It is the same word with the same meaning as our ' coward.' CHAPTER II Continuation of the Plea, see chap, i., Caxton, chap. iv. P. 8. Grimbard does not occur in Rein., but probably one of the earlier names. Brock, that is, the badger. Reynard's sister's son. This is not an attempt at NOTES 251 phylogeny, but merely a relic of the original form of the Cycle which dealt with the feud between Isegrim and Reynard, and connected all the other beast actors by ties of relationship with the protagonists. P. 9. Fat flitch of bacon. A reference to an episode contained in Ren. br. V. P. 10. Malepardus. In Ren. Malpertius. In Rein. Ubelloch. Probably Maupertius in Champagne. P. ii. Chanticleer. Familiar to us in Chaucer's use of the name in his Nonne Preestes Tale. Occurs in Rein, as Schantecler. It is, obviously, a French descriptive term for the ' clear singing ' cock. CHAPTER III Chanticleer's Plaint. Ren. br. II., Caxton, chap. v. For the sources, see Sudre, chap, iv., section i. P. 12. Tantart, Cragant. In Reyn. Cantaert, craiant. Copple. A diminutive of Coppe of Reyn. Grimm compares the English 'copped hen ' (Rein. Fucks, ccxxxviii.) Chaucer calls Chanticleer's wife, Pertelote, whence the Shakespearian name, Partlet (/. King Henry IV., Act iii. sc. 3 ; Winter's Tale, Act ii. sc. 3). P. 14. Had made peace, derived from the ^Esopic fable of 'Fox, Cock, and Dog' (see Jacob's j Cranford edition, lix., and note, p. 214). CHAPTER IV Continuation of Chanticleer's Plaint (see chap. iii.). P. 19. Placebo. An anthem used in the office for the dead, and beginning with Ps. Vulg. cxiv. 9. P. 20. Bruin. In Rein. Brune. In Ren. Bruns. In 252 REYNARD THE FOX Reyn. Brun. The name is to be referred to the colour of bear-skin. CHAPTER V Bruin and the Honeycomb. Ren. br. I. 476-605. Caxton, chap. viii. For the source, see Sudre, loc. tit. pp. 180-188. P. 25. Honeycombs. Both in Russian and Finnish, one of the popular names of the bear is ' Honey Eater.' P. 26. Lanfert. One of the few names of men given in the story. In Ren. it is written Lanfroi. P. 28. Head into the cleft. A similar incident occurs in the Fables of Bidpai. See my edition, in the Bibl. de Carabas, p. 73, and references, p. Ixxi. P. 36. Dicu vous garde. In the old Flemish original it was Dieu vo saut. CHAPTER VI Embassage of Tibert. Ren. br. XV, Caxton, chap. x. P. 41. St. Martin's birds. The learned are not at one as to which birds these are. Some say the crow, some the goose, while others produce evidence of a wren, with long legs, named after St. Martin. Skilful in augurism. As is well known, the Ancients drew auguries from the side on which certain birds appeared. When starting on a journey the left was considered unlucky, cf. Hopf, Thierorakel und Orakelthiere (Stuttgart, 1888). CHAPTER VII Continuation of Tibert's Embassage (see chap. vi.). P. 48. Jullock. She was Bane, the priest's wife, a little while before (see p. 33). NOTES 253 CHAPTER VIII Grimbard's Embassage. P. 52. Ermelin. Not named in Rein. Hermeline in Ren. P. 54. Reynardim^ Rossel. In Ren. there are three sons, Malebranche, Percehaie, and Rousel. In Reyn. there are two, named Reinerdin and Rossel. The fox is named the Russet Dog by the Scotch peasantry. CHAPTER IX Reynard's Confession. Ren. br. VII. This is one of the incidents that have caused the book to be regarded as a satire upon monks, to which some of its popularity in Protestant Germany is due. P. 56. Bind his feet to a bell-rope. Told at length in Ren. br. VIII. In some of the medieval Latin fables the wolf sings in church. In two French folk-tales, collected by Blade, this is turned into pulling the bell-rope, as in the Reynard, from which this touch was probably derived (see Sudre, pp. 242-243). Catch fish. See infra, p. 200. Steal bacon. See supra, p. 9, and note. In one of the fables of Babrius, No. 86, repeated in the prose Greek sEsop, ed. Halm 31, it is the fox with swollen paunch who cannot escape (cf. Sudre, loc. cit. p. 247). CHAPTER X Reynard's Condemnation. Ren. br. V. P. 67. Bellin, not in Rein, Belin in Ren, 254 REYNARD THE FOX Oleway. In Reyn. Havi. Clearly not one of the early names. Bruel. Brunei in Reyn., not in Rein, or Ren. In Reineke Vos Alheit. Again a late invention. Baldwin. In Rein. Baldewin. One of the earliest names of the Cycle. Bortle. In Reyn. Boore ; in Ren. Bruiant. P. 68. Partlet. See supra, note on p. 12. CHAPTER XI P. 69. Reynard Arrested. Ren. br. VII. Not in Rein., but well told in Reyn. CHAPTER XII P. 74. Reynard's Confession. For occurrences in comparative literature, see chap. xi. The skill with which Reynard extracts himself from his perilous position is, perhaps, the most characteristic passage in the whole book. Not even Antony before the Roman mob has chosen so deftly the most effective of arguments. P. 77. What can the whole world. Reynard can quote Scripture for his own purposes. P. 78. King Ermerick. The great hoard of the Nibelungen, renowned in Teutonic myth. P. 79. Elfe. In Reyn. Waes, a district in Flanders. P. 80. Aeon. Aix-la-Chapelle. German Aachen. P. 90. Received the straw. In all transfers of real property under Roman and Feudal Law some material object, supposed to be taken from the land, was almost NOTES 255 invariably passed as a stipulation of surrender, whence the term. The author of Reynard makes a delicious use of this practice here to lend plausibility to his hero's deceit. P. 91. Hustreloe, properly Hulsterio. A wood between Hulst and Lillo in East Flanders. Crekenpit. In Reyn. Kriekepit. This river is unknown to geography. Grimm suggests that it was placed where c Greek meets Greek ' ; as Greek was used in Old German for anything strange and woeful. CHAPTER XIII P. 95. Reynard Restored. Caxton, chap. xiii. P. 97. Tisellin. In Rein. Diezelin. \\\ Ren. Tiecelins. Probably one of the original names. CHAPTER XIV P. ioo. Reynard Shod. Caxton, chap. xix. Of course in the original, Isegrim and his wife have their paws shod to make Reynard's shoes. P. 102. Prendesor, Rapiamus. These names of Church dignitaries are, of course, satirical, and helped towards the popularity of the Reynard in Protestant countries. Learned research is inclined to regard them as later additions and not in the original intention. P. 103. Used many ceremonies. There was a prescribed rule for starting on pilgrimages, the pilgrim being blessed by the priest (see Fosbrooke, British Monachism, p. 326). 256 REYNARD THE FOX CHAPTER XV P. 107. The Slaying of Kyward. Caxton, chap. xx. In the Ren. br. L, Couart escapes. P. 115. Firapell) i. e. Fier a poiL CHAPTER XVI P. 1 1 8. Caxton, chaps, xxii.-xxiv. P. 120. Laprell. Not in Rein, or Ren. P. 122. Corbaut. Not in Rein, or Ren. Sharpbeak. From the Reyn. Scerpenebbe. CHAPTER XVII P. 125. Caxton, chap. xxv. P. 133. Rossel and Reynardine. From Reyn. In Ren. the three sons are named Malebranche, Percehaie, and Rosel, though the latter is called Rousel in one place. This is clear evidence that the Fox's cubs are a later insertion. CHAPTER XVIII P. 135. Reynard's Confession. Ren. br. VII., Caxton, chap, xxvii. P. 137. Goodly bay mare. This episode is one of the most widely spread of the medieval editions to jEsop. It first occurs in Peter Alfonsi's Disdplina Clericalis, v. 4. For other references see my edition of Caxton's ^Esop t where it forms the first of the Fabulcc extravagantes, foe. dt. vol. i. p. 252. NOTES 257 P. 140. The greatest clerks. Cf. Chaucer, The Reves Tale, A. 4054. The greteste clerkes been noght the wysest men, As whylom to the wolf thus spak the mare. And Prof. Skeat's note thereto, who fails, however, to observe that the quotation in this connection proves that Chaucer had before him some form of The Reynard. We may have here another trace of the Middle English Reynard, of which the only other fragment that remains is that Of the Vox and of the Wolf. P. 141. He that will live. Here begins Reynard's Apologia pro Domo, the moral of the tone of the book, which is, in its way, a parody on the clerical morals attached to stories like those of the Gesta Romanorum. CHAPTER XIX P. 146. Reynard's Second Defence. Caxton, chap, xxviii., xxix. P. 150. Martin. Rein. Kunin. Not in Ren., therefore of very late addition. P. 155. Cardinal Paregold. A late and Protestant touch. CHAPTER XX P. 1 60. Rukenaw's Defence. Caxton, chap. Rukenaw. Not in Rein, or Ren. P. 163. A man and a serpent. This well-known story is also widely spread among folk-tales. Prof. Krohn has given references to no less than ninety-four parallels of it in his dissertation, Mann und Fuchs (Helsingfors, 1891), to which I have added a few others in Indian Fairy Tales, S 258 REYNARD THE FOX pp. 242, 243. I there contend for the Indian origin of the whole collection of variants. The earliest form occurs in Petrus Alfonsi, from whom it probably got into the Reynard, P. 169. BiteluS) Ful ro nip, Hatanet. Only in Reyn., and therefore very late additions. CHAPTER XXI P. 172. Caxton, chap. xxii. P. 173. Alkarin. Quite an imaginary personage. Possibly, I suggest, a confused reminiscence of Alkoran. P. 174. Abrion of Trere. Equally imaginary, and certainly unknown in the history of the Treves Jewry. Perhaps a ' Portmanteau ' word compounded of Abraham and Aaron. Seth brought out. The opening scene of the Legend of the Holy Cross, when Adam sends Seth to Paradise for some of the Oil of Mercy, instead of which he gets three Seeds of the Tree of Life, which afterwards grew up into the Cross. See Ashton, Legendary History of the Cross, woodcut i. P. 176. Panther. Not the panther of ordinary commerce, but an entirely legendary animal, a cross between lion and tiger. Great India, earthly Paradise. Smaller India was Abyssinia. The earthly Paradise is usually placed in medieval maps as an island, at the top, that is at the extreme east of the habitable world. See Bevan and Phillott, Medieval Geography, p. 25, and A. Graf, Miti Lcggende e Superstizioni, Turin, 1892. P. 178. Crampart. The Cambuscan of Chaucer's Squire's Tale, derived here from the romance of Cleomades NOTES 259 by Adeles Le Roi, Poet Laureate, to Henri III., Duke of Brabant, fl. 1250 (see Clouston, Magical Elements in the Tale, p. 409). P. 1 80. The horse. See my Cranford ^sop, xxxiii. P. 1 8 1. Ass and hound. See Cranford ^Esop, x. P. 183. My father and Tibert. See Cranford sEsop, xxxviii. P. 184. History of the wolf. See Cranford sEsop, v. P. 190. Liver of a wolf. This incident is given in Ren.) x. P. 191. Master Reynard. Master was applied mainly to qualified physicians. P. 192. Give a part. This is a variant of the fable of 'The Lion's Share,' on which I have commented, History of the sEsopic Fable, pp. 74, 166. M. Sudre develops my thesis, loc. cit. p. 128 seq. It is clear that we have here the original form of the fable with carnivorous fellow hunts- man of the lion as against his herbivorous comrades in Phsedrus's fable. CHAPTER XXII P. 199. Catch fish with her tail. See Introduction, pp. xv-xvii, and Krohn's Bar, Wolf, nnd Euchs, pp. 25, 44. Also Gerber's further references in Great Russian Animal Tales, pp. 48, 49. I have given a translation of the earliest literary version from a Hebrew fable by an English Jew in my Jews of Angevin England,^. 170-172. The Scotch Highland peasants tell the tale to explain ' How the bear lost his tail.' P. 205. Two buckets. Told at length in Ren. br. IV. M. Sudre, loc. cit. pp. 226-236, contends that the story has nothing to do with the ^sopic fable of c The Fox and the 260 REYNARD THE FOX Goat.' The Reynard occurs earliest in Petrus Alfonsi, and was probably derived from the East. P. 212. Foul dismal hole. In Ren. br. XIV. the wolf eats his fill and becomes too fat to get out again. CHAPTER XXIII P. 215. 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