CHAP. 1. How the Lion Proclaimed a solemn Feast at his Court, and how Isegrim the Wolfe and his Wife, and Curtise the Hound, made their first complaints of Reynard the Fox.

ABOVT the Feast of Pentecost (which is commonly called Whitsontide) when the woods are in their lusty hood and gallantry, and every Trée cloathed in the gréen and white livery of glorious leaves, and swéet smelling blossomes, and the earth covered in her fairest mantle of Flowers, which the Birds with much [...]oy entertain with the delight of their harmonious songs.

Even at this time and enterance of the lusty Spring, the Lyon the Royall King of beasts, to celebrate this holy Feast-time with all triumphant cerimonie, he intended to keep open Court at his great Palace of Sanden, and to that end (by solemn Proclamation) makes knowne over all his Kingdome, to all Beasts whatsoever, that upon paine to be held contemptuous, every one should resort to that great celebration: so that within few daies after (at the time prefixed) all Beasts both great and [Page]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 comming thither must néeds have put his life in great hazard and danger.

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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 Wolfe, who being the first and principallest complaint, came with all his Lineage and kindred, and standing before the King, said in this manner.

My dread and dearest Soverain 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 pitty on so great trespasses, and unsufferable injuries which that unworthy creature Reynard the Fox hath done to me, my wife and our whole family: of which to give your high­ness some taste, first know (if it please your Majesty) that this [Page]

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Reynard, came into my house by violence, and against the wil of my wife, where finding my children laid in their quiet couch, he there be-pist them in so rank a manner, that with the sharp­ness of his urine they fel instantly blind for this offence a day was set and appointed wherein Reynard should come to excuse himselfe, and to take a solemne oath that he was guiltlesse of that high injury: but as soone as the book was tendred before him (he that wel knew his own guiltinesse) 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 trespast against me, which to relate, neither the time, nor your highnesse patience would give sufferance there­unto: suffice it mine injurys are so great that none can excéed them, and the shame and villany he hath done to my wife is such, that I can neither abide nor suffer it [...]eve [...]ged, but I must expect from him amends, and from your Majestie mercy.

When the Wolfe had spoken these words, there stood by him a little Hound whose name was [...], made likewise a grievo [...]us complaint, [...] [...]nst the Fox, saying, that in the extre [...]m [...] inter when the frost was most violent he being half [...] and de­tained from all manner of [...]r [...]y, had no more [...] left him to sustain his life, then one poore Pudding: which Pudding (he said) Reynard had most uniustly taken away from him.

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But the Hound could hardly let these words [...]ie from his lips, when with a fiery and angry countenance, in sprang Tibert the Cat amongst them, and falling downe before the King, said; My Lord the King, I must confesse the Fox is here grievously complained upon, yet were other Beasts [...] searched, each would have enough to do for his own clearing. Touching the complaint of Curtise the Hound, it was an offence committed many years ago, and though I my selfe complain of no injury, yet was the Pudding mine, and not his; for I got it by night out of a Mill when the Miller lay a­sleep, so that if Curtise 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 murtherer, a ravisher, and a thief, and that indeed he loveth not truly any creature, no not his Majesty himselfe, but would suffer his Highnesse to lose both Honour and renowne, so that he might thereby attaine to him­self but so much as the legge of a fatte Hen: I shall tell you what I saw him do yesterday to Kyward the Hare, that now standeth in the Kings protection, he promised unto Kyward that he would teach him his Credo, and make him a good Chaplaine, he made him come sit between his leggs, 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 began to play his old deceit for he had caught Kyward by the throat, and had I not at that time come, he had taken his life also, as you may see by the fresh wound no Kyward at this present. O my Lord the King, if you suffer this unpunished, and let him go quit that hath thus broke your peace, and prophaned your dignity, and doing no right according to the judgment of your Laws, your Princely children many yeares hereafter shal bear the slander of his evill. Certainly Panther (said Isegrim) you say true, and it is fit they receive the benefit of Iustice, that desire to live in peace.

CHAP. 2. How Grimbard the Brock, spake for Reynard before the King.

THen spake Grimbard the Brock (that was Reynards sisters Sonne) being much moved with anger: Isegrim,

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[Page]You are malicious, and it is a common Proverb? Malice never spake well? what can you say against my kinsman Reynard? I would you durst adventure, that which of you had most in­jured one another, might die the death, and be hanged as a fel­lon? I tell you, were he here in the court, and as much in the Kings favour as you are, it would be much too little satisfa­ction for you to aske mercy: you have many times bitten and torne my kinsman with your venemous teeth, and oftner much then I can reckon, yet some I will cal up to my remem­brance.

Have you forgot how you cheated him with the Plaise which he threw downe from the Cart, when you followed a­loofe for fear? yet you devoured the good Plaise alone, and gave him no more but the great boanes, which you could not eat your self: the like you did with the fat flitch of Bacon, whose taste was so good, that your selfe alone did eat it up, and when my Vnckle asked his part, you answered him with scorne, Faire young man thou shalt have thy share: but he got not any thing, albeit he wonne the Bacon with great feare and hazard; for the owner came, and caught my kinsman in a Sack, from whence he hardly escaped with life: many of those injuries hath Isegrim don to Reynard, which I beseech your Lordships judge if they be sufferable: again, he complaineth that my kinsman hath wronged him in his wife: 'tis true, and I con­fesse Reynard hath lien with her, yet it was seven yeares before Isegrim did wed her, and if my uncle out of courtesie did her a pleasure, what was that to him? she was soon healed of the sore: nor ought he to complaine of any thing not belong­ing to him; wisedome would have concealed it, for what credit gets he by the slander of his wife, especially when she is una­grieved?

Now comes Kayward the Hare with his complant, which to me seemed but a tri [...]e, for if he will learn to read, and read not his lesson aright, who will blame the Schoole-master Rey­nard if he give him due correction? for if scholers be not beaten and chastised, they will never learn.

Lastly complaineth Curtise, that he with great paine had [Page]gotten a Pudding in the winter, being a season in which vi­ctuals are hard: me thinks silence would have become him better for he had stollen it: and Malè quefisti, & malè per­didisti, 'its fit it was evil lost, 'twas evil wonn, who can blam [...] Reynard to take stollen goods from a thief; It is reason that he which understands the Law, and can discerne right, being of great and high birth as my kinsman is, do right unto the law Nay had he hanged up Curtise when he took him with the manner, he had offended none but the King, in doing Iustice without leave; wherefore for respect to his Majestie, he did it not, though he reapt little thankes for his labour: alas how do those complaints hurt him; mine Vncle is a Gentleman, and a true-man, nor can he indure falshood, he doth nothing without the counsell of the Priest: and I affirme, since my Lord the King proclaimed his peace he never thought to hurt any man: for he eateth but once a day, he liveth as a Recluse, he chastiseth his body, and weareth a shirt of hair cloth: it is above a yeare since he eat any flesh (as I have been truly in­formed by them which came but yesterday from him) he hath forsaken his Castle Malepardus, and abandoned all royaltie, a poor hermitage retaines him, hunting he hath forsworne, and his wealth he hath scattered, living onely by armes and good mens charities; doing infinite pe [...]ance for his sins, so that he is become pale and leane with praying, and fasting, for he would faine be with God.

Thus whilest Grimberd his nephew stood preaching, they perceived coming downe the hill vnto them, stout Chante­cleere the Cock, who brought upon a Beer a dead Hen, of whome Reynard had bitten off the head, and was brought to the King to have knowledge thereof.

CHAP. 3. How Chantecleere the Cock complained of Reynard the Fox.

CHANTICLEERE marched formost, smote pitiously his hands and feathers, whilst on the other side the Bier went [Page]

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two sorrowfull Hens, the one was Tantart, the other the good Hen Cragant, being two of the fairest Hens between Hol­land & Arden? these Hens bore each of them a straight bright burning Ta [...]er, and these Hennes were sisters to Coppell (which lay dead on the Bier) and in the marching they cried piteously, alack and well-a-day for the death of Coppell our [Page]deare sister. Two young Hens bare the beer, which cackled so heavily, and wept so loud for the death of Coppel [...] their mo­ther, that the hils gave an eccho to their clamour: thus being come before the King, Chantecleere kneeling down, spake in this manner.

Most mercifull and my great Lord the King, vouchsafe, I beseech you to heare our complaint, and redre [...]e these injuries which Reynard hath unjustly don to me, and my children that here stand weeping; for so it is (most mighty Sir) that in the beginning of Aprill, when the weather was faire, I being then at the height of my pride and glory, because of the great stock and linage I came of, and also in that I had eight vali­ent sonnes, and seven faire daughters, which my wife had hatched, all which were strong and fat, and walked in a yard well walled and fenced round about, wherein they had in se­verall sheds for their guarde, sixe stout Mastife Dogges, which had torne the skinnes of many wild Beasts; so that my chil­dren feared not any evil which might happen unto them: But Reynard, that false and dissembling traytor, envying their hap­pie fortune because of their safety, many times assailed the walles, and gave such dangerous assaults, that the Dogges divers times were let forth unto him, and hunted him away; yea once they light upon him, and bit him, and made him pay the price for his theft, and his torn skinne witnessed, yet ne­verthelesse he escaped, the more was the pitty; yet wee were quiet of his trouble a great while after: at last he came in the likenesse of a Hermit, and brought me a Letter to reade, sea­led with your Majesties Seale, in which I found written, that your Highnesse had made peace throughtout all your Realm, and that no manner of Beasts or Fowle should do injurie one to another, affirming unto me that for his own part he was become a Monke, or cloystred Recluse, vowing to performe a daily penance for his sinnes; shewing unto me his beads, his bookes, and the haire shirt next to his skinne, saying in humble wise unto me, Sir Chanticleere, never henceforth be affraid of me, for I have vowed never more to eat flesh.

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I am now wa [...]ed old, and would onely remember my soule, therefore I take my leave: for I have yet my noon and my even-song to say: which spake, he departed, saying his Credo as he went, and layed him down under a Hauthorn: at this I was exceeding glad, that I tooke no heed, but went and clocked my children together, and walked without the Wall, [Page]which I shall even rue; for false Reynard lying under a bush came creeping betwixt us and the gate, and suddainly surpri­sed one of my children, which he thrust up in his male and bore away to my great sorrow, for having tasted the sweetnesse of our flesh, neither hunter, nor hound, can protect or keep him from us: Night and day he waites upon us with that greedi­ness, that of fifteen of my children, he hath left me but four unslaughtred, and yesterday Coppel my daughter (which here lieth dead on the Bier) was (after her mother) by a kennel of hounds rescued from him; This is my complaint, and this I leave to your Highness mercy to take pitty of me, and the losse of my fair children.

CHAP. 4. The Kings answer to the Cocks complaint, and how they sung the Dirge.

TPen spake the King, Sir Grimbard, hear you this of your uncle the Recluse? he hath fasted and prayed well: well, believe it, if I live a year, he shall dearely abide it: as for you Chantecleere, your complaint is heard, and shall be cured: to your daughter that is dead, we wil give her the right of burial, and with solemn Dirges bring her to the earth with wor­ship; which finished, we will consult with our Lords, how to do you right and Iustice against the murther. Then be­gan the Placedo Domine, with all the verses belonging to it, which are too many to recite: and as soon as the Dirge was done, the body was entered, and upon it a fair Marble stone laid, being polished as bright as glasse; in which was in­graven in great letters this inscription following, Coppell Chanticleers daughter, whom Reynard the Fox hath slain, lieth here buried; mourn thou that re [...]est it, for her death was unjust and lamentable. After [...] the King sent for his Lords and wisest Counsellore, to [...] how this foul murther of Reynards 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 these trespasses [Page]

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should be objected against him and that this message should be delivered by Bruine the Bear: to all this the King gave con­sent, & calling him before him said sir B [...]ui [...] it is our pleasure that you deliver this message, yet in the delivery thereof have great regard to your self, for Reynard is full of policie, and knoweth how to dissemble, flatter, and betray, he hath a world of snares to intangle you withall, and without great exercise of judgment, will make a scorn and mock of the best wisdom [Page]breathing. My Lord (answered sir Bruine) let me alone with Reynard, I am not such a truant in discretion, to become a mock to his knavery: and thus full of jollitie the Bear de­parted: if his return be as jovial, there is no fear in his well-spéeding.

CHAP. 5. How Bruine the Bear sped with Reynard the Fox.

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THe next morning away went Bruine the Bear in quest of the Fox, armed against all plots of deceit whatsoever, and as he came through a dark Forrest, in which Reynard had a by-path, which he used when he was hunted, he saw a high mountain, over which he must passe to go to Malepar­dus: for though Reynard have many houses, yet Malepar­dus is his chiefest and most antient Castle, and in it he lay both for defence and ease: Now at last when Bruine 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 Bruine 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 summon, that your life shall answer your contempt, and your goods and honors shall lie confiscate at his Highness mercie: Therefore fair kinsman, be advised by your friend, and go with me to the Court to shun the danger that else will fall upon you. Reynard lying close by the gate (as his custome was for the warme Su [...]ne sake) hearing those words, de­parted into one of his holes, for Malepardus is full of ma­ny intricate and curious Rooms, (which labyrinth-wise hee could passe thorow, when either his danger, or the benefit of any prey required the same) where meditating a while 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 Vncle Bruine, you are exceeding welcome, pardon my slownesse in coming; for at your first speech I was saying my Even-song: and de­votion must not be neglected: believe me he hath done you no good service, nor do I think 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 mine own accord, yet at this time my sorrow is much lessened, in as much as your counsel at this present may return mee double benefit: Alas Cousin, could his Majestie finde no meaner a [Page]

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messenger then your noble self to imploy in these trivial af­fairs? truly it appears strange to me: especially since next his royal self, you are of greatest renowne both in Blood and Riches: for my part I would we were both at Court, for I fear our journey will be exceeding troublesome: for to speak troth, since I made my abstinence from Flesh, I have eaten such strange new meats, that my bodie 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? Vncle (answered he) what will it profit you to know? the meat was simple and mean; we poor men are no Lords you know, but eat that for necessity, which others eat for wantonnesse: yet not to delay you; that which I eat was honey-combs, great, full, and most pleasant which compelled by hunger, I eat too unmeasurably, and am there­by infinitely distempered. Ha (quoth Bruine) honey-combs? do you make such slight respect of them. Nephew? why it is meat for the greatest Emperour in the world: Fair Ne­phew; [Page]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 (Vncle) you but jest with me: but just with you (replied Bruine) beshrew my heart then: for I am in that serious earnest, that for one lick thereat you shall make me the faithful'st 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, onely for your love sake, which above all things I de­sire, Vncle, Not ten of us (said the Bear?) it is impossible: for had I all the honey betwixt Hibla and Portugal, yet I could in a short space eat it all my self. Then know Vncle (quoth the Fox) that near at hand here dwelleth a Husband­man named Lauferr, who is master of so much honey, that you cannot consume in seven years, which for your love and friend­ship sake I will put into your safe possession. Bruine mad upon the honey, swore, that to have but one good meal thereof, he would not onely be his faithful friend, but also stop the mouths of all his adversaries. Reynard smiling at his easie beliefe, said, If you will have seven tun, Vncle, you shall have it. 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, Vncle, 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 lustie Carpenter, who the other day had brought into his yard a great Oak, which (as their manner is) he began to cleare, and had struck into it two wedges, in such wise, that the clost stood a great way open: at which the Fox rejoiced much, for it was answerable to his wish, so that with at laughing countenance he said to the Bear, Behold now dear Vncle, and be careful of your [Page]

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self, for within this tree is so much honey, that it is unmea­surable, trie if you can get into it, yet good Vncle eat mode­rately: for albeit the combs are sweet and good, yet a surfet is dangerous, and may be troublesom to your bodie, which I would not for a world, since no harme can come to you, but must be my dishonour, Sororw not for me, Nephew Reynard [Page]said the Bear) nor think me such a fool, that I cannot tem­per mine appetite. It is true my best Vncle, I was too be so, I pray you enter in at the end, and you shall finde your desire. The Bear with all hast entered the tree, with his two feet for­ward, and thrust his head into the clost, quite over the ears: which when the Fox perceived; hee instantly ran and pull'd the wedges out of the tree, so that he lock'd the Bear fast there­in, and then neither flattery nor anger availed the Bear, for the Nephew had by his deceit brought the Vncle into so false a prison, that it was impossible by any Art to free himself of the same. Alas, what profiteth now his great strength and valour? why they were both causes of more vexation: and finding himself 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, whilest the Bear lay wallowing and roaring within the tree, which the Fox a far off seeing, hee said to the Bear in scorn, Is the honey good (Vncle) which

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[Page]you eat: how do you? eat not too much I be [...]ech you: plea­sant things are apt to surfet, and you may hinder your jour­ney to the Court: when Lanfert cometh (if your bellie 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 is a Bear fast taken there. Which being noised thorow all the Town, there was neither man, nor woman, nor childe, 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 Crosse; the Clerk, the holy-water sprinkled and the Priest's wife Dame [...]ullock with her distaffe, for she was then spin­ning: nay, the old Beldames came, that had nere a tooth in their heads. This armie put Bruine into a great fear, be­ing none but himself to withstand them, and hearing the cla­mour of the noise which came thundering upon him, he wrast­led and pulled so extremely, that he got out his head, but left behinde him all the skin, and his ears also: insomuch that never creature beheld a fouler or more deformed Beast; for the blood covering all his face, & his hands leaving the claws and skin behinde them, nothing remained but uglinesse; 'twas an ill market the Bear came to, for he lost both motion and sight, feet and eies: but notwithstanding this torment, Lan­fert the Priest, and the whole Parish came upon him, and so be [...]cudgell'd him about his bodie-part, that it might well be a warning to all his miserie, to know that ever the weakest shall still go most to the walls: This the Bear found by ex­perience, for every one exercised the height of their furies up­on him; even Houghlin with the crooked legg, and Ludolf with the long broad nose, the one with a leaden Mall, and the other with an iron whip, all to be-lashed poor sir Bruine, not so much but sir Bertolf with the long fingers, Lanfert and Ortam did him more annoyance then all the rest, the one havink a sharp Welsh-hook, the other a crooked staffe wel leaded at the end, which he used to play at stab-ball with­all, [Page]there was Birkin, and Armes-Ablequake, Bane the Priest with his staffe, and dame Jullocke his wife, all these so bela­boured the Bear, that his life was in great danger: the poore Bear in this Massacre sate and sighed extreamly, groaning under the burthen of their stroaks, of which Lanferts were the greatest, and thundered most dreadfully, for Dame Podge of Casport was his Mother, & his Father was Marob the Stée­ple-maker a passing stout man when he was alone: Bruine re­ceived of him many showers of stones, till Lanferts Brother rushing before the rest with a staffe, struck the Bear in the head such a blow, that he could neither hear nor sée, so that awaking from the astonishment, the Bear leapt into the River ad­joyning, through a cluster of wives there standing together, of which he threw divers into the water, which was large and deep, amongst whom the Parsons wife was one, which the Parson séeing how she floated like a Sea-mew, he left striking the Bear, and cried to the rest of the company, help, oh help? Dame Jullocke is in the water, help both men and women, for whosoever saves her, I give free pardon of all their sinnes and transgressions, and remit all penance imposed whatsoever: this heard, every one left the Bear to help Dame Jullocke, 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 noise pursued him, crying in his rage, Turn villain, that I may be revenged of thée, 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: onely he bitterly curst the Honey-trée, and the Fox, which had rot onely betrayed him, but had made him lose his hood from his face, and his gloves from his fingers: in this sort he swam some thrée miles down the wa­ter, in which time he grew so weary, that he went on the land to get ease, where blood trickled down his face, he groaned, sighed, and drew his breath so short, as if his last houre had been exspiring: Now whil'st these things were in doing, the Fox in his way home stole a fat Hen, and threw her into his male-and running thorow a by path that no man might perceive him, he came towards the River with infinite joy: for he suspected [Page]that the Bear was certainly slainl; therefore said to himselfe, My fortune is as I wisht 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 Bruine the Bear lay resting, which struck his heart with grief, and he railed against Landfert 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 bén 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 onely guilty yet in scorn he said to the Bear, Mon Sire, Dieu vous garde. O thou foul red villains, said the Bear to himselfe, what impudence is like this? But the Fox went on with his spéech, and said, What Vncle? have you forgot any thing at Lanfert [...], or have you payed him for the honey-combes you stole? if you have not, it will redound much to your disgrace, which before you shall undergo, I will pay him for them my selfe: sure the honey was excellent good, and I know much more of the same price; G [...]d Vncle, tell me be­fore I go, into what order do you mean to enter, that you wear this new fashoned Hood? will you be a Monk, an Ab­bot, or a Frier? surely he that shaved your crown, hath cropt your ears, also your fore-top is lost, and your gloves are [...]; fie sloven, go not bare-handed, they say you can sing [...]eccavi rarely. These taunts made Bruine 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 into the Ri­ver, and swam down the streame; and landed on the other­side, 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 féet, so that he had a thousand deathes followed him; he could not go, and yet of necessity he must move, that in the end compelled by extremity, he set his but­tocks on the ground, and tumbled his body over and over; so by degrées tumbling now half a mile, and then half a mile, in [Page]the end he tumbled to the Court; where divers beholding his strange manner of approach, they thought some prodigie had come towards them, but in the end the King knew him, and grew angry, saying, It is Sir Bruine my servant, what villains have wounded him thus, or where hath he béen that he brings his death thus along with him? O my dread Soveraigne Lord the King, (cryed out the Bear) I complain mée grie­vously unto you: behold how I am massacred, which I humbly beséech you revenge on that fals Reynard, who for doing your royall pleasure, hath brought me to this disgrace and slaughter. Then said the King, How durst he do this? now by my crown I swear I will take revenge, which shall make the traytors tremble: whereupon the King sent for all his Counsell, and consulted, how, and in what sort to prosecute against the Fox; where it was generally con [...]ed, that he should be again summoned to appear and answer his trespasses; and the par­ty to summon him they appointes to be Tibert the Cat, as well for his gravity as wisdome: all which pleased the King well.

CHAP. 5. How the King sent Tibert the Cat for Reynard the Fox.

THen the King called for Sir Tybert the Cat, and said to [...]him Sir Tybert, 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 shal terrifie 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 beséech your Majesty send some one of greater power, I am little and feeble: besides if noble Sir Bruine, that is so strong & mighty, could not inforce him, what will my weakness avail? The King replied, It is your wis­dome, [Page]Sir Tibert, I imploy, and not your strength, and many prevail with Art, when violence returnes with lost labour. Well, said the Cat, since it is your pleasure, it must be ac­complished, hea [...]en make my fortune better then my heart presageth. This Tibert made things in readiness, and went towards Mallepardus, and in his journey, he saw come flying towards him one of Saint Martins Birds, to whom the Cat, cried aloud, Hail gentle bird, I beseech thee turn thy wings and flie 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 skilfull in Augurisme, and knew the signs to bs ominous, neverthelesse (as many do) he armed himselfe with better hope: and went to Mall [...]pardus, where he fonnd the Fox standing before the Castle gates, to whom Tibert sai [...]. Health to my fair Cousin Reynard: so it is that the King by me summo as you to the Court in which if you fail or deferre time, there is nothing more assured unto you, then a cruell, and a suddain death. The Fox answered, Welcome dear cou­sin Tibert, I obey your command, & wish my Lord-the King in­finite days of happinesse, onely let me intreat you to rest with me to night, and take such chear as my simple house affordeth, and to morrow as early as you will, we [...]ill [...]o towards the Court, for I hare no kinsm [...]n I trust so dearly as your self. Here was with me the other day the trech [...]rous Knight Sir Bruine the Bear, who look'd upon me with that tyra [...]nou cru­eltie, that I would not for the wealth of an Empire 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 me thinks it is best now to go forward, for the Moon shines as bright as day. Nay dear cousin (said the Fox) let us take day before us, so may we incounter with our friends the night is full of danger, and suspitions. Well, said the Cat, if it be your pleasure I am con­tent, what shall we cat? Reynard said truly my store is small, the best I have is a honey-comb too pleasant and sweet, what think you of it? Tibert replieth, it is meat: I little respect, and seldom eat: I had rather have one Mouse, then all the honey-in [Page] Europe. A mouse said Reynard) why my deare cousin heere dwelleth a Priest hard by, who hath a Bar [...]e by his house so full of mice, that I think half the Wains in the Parish are not able to beare them. O dear Reynard (quoth the Cat) do but lead me thither, and make me your servant for ever: why (said the Fox) but love you mice so excéedingly? 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.

CHAP. 7. How Tibert the Cat was deceived by Reynard the Fox.

THEN said Reynard, Sure you do you but jest. No by my life, said the Cat, Wel then (quoth the Fox) if you be in earnest, I will so work that this night I will fill your belly; 'tis not yossible, 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 Priests Barne, which was well walled about with a mu [...]-wall, where but the night before the Fox ha [...] broken in, and stole from the Priest an excéed­ing fat Hen; at which the Priest was so angry, that he had set a grin or snare before the hole, to catch him at his next com­ming, 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 tarrie a minutes space, but you shall have more mice then you are able to devour: harke, you may hear how they péepe: when your belly is full, come again, and I will stay and wait 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 subtill and couch [Page]

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their danger oft close, that rashness is soon overtaken. Why cousin Tibert (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 by the neck in the Grin, which as soon as the Cat felt and perceived, he quickly leapt back againe: so that [Page]the snare running close together, he was half strangled, so that he began to strugle, and cry out, and exclaim most piteous­ly: Reynard stood before the hole and heard all, at which he infinitely rejoyceth, 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; me thinks you sing at your meat, is that the Court fashion; if it be, I would Isegsim the Wolf were coupled with you, that all my friends might be feasted together: but all this whlie the poor Cat was fast, and mewed so pitiously, that Mar­tinet leapt out of his bed, and cryed to his people? Arise, for the thief is taken that had stolne 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 stark naked, he gave to Jullock his wife an offering candle to light, and then came first to Tibert, hee smote him with a great staffe, and after him many other: so that the Cat received many deadly blowes, and the anger of Martinet was so great, that he struck out one of the Cat's eies which he did, to second the naked 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 leapt between the Priests leggs, and with his claws and teeth so fast'ned on his genitors, that in all the great Turks Seraglio, there was not a clearer Eunuch: which when Dame Jullock his wife saw, she cried out and swore, she had rather have lost the whole Offerings of seaven years, then that one poor little mor­sel: and witha [...]l earst that ever the Grin was invented, and calling Martinet, See, my Son, this thy Fathers delight, and my Iewell, but it is [...]ow spoiled, to his shame, and my utter losse for ever: for howsoever he be cured, yet to me he can never more be comfortable. All this while Reynard stood before the hole, and saw what passed, and laughed so extreamly, that his bodie was ready to break, saying to Dame Jullock, Fie woman, do not torment your selfe so, the Priest hath lost but one stone, you may yet receive due bene­violence: [Page]

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there is many a Chappell in which but one Bell rings. Now whil'st the Fox thus scoffed the Priest's wife, the poor Priest fell down in a swound: so that every man left the Cat, to revive the Priest: which whil'st they were doing, the Fox returned home to Malepardus, for he imagi­ned the Cat was past all hope to escape: but the poore Cat [Page]seeing all her [...]ors busie about the Priest, hée presently began to gnaw and [...] the cord till he had sheared it quite asunder in the [...] one he leapt out of [...]he hole, and went roaring & tumbling [...]ke the Bear; to the Kings Court. But before he got thither, it was fair day, and the Sunne being risen, he entred the Court, like the pittifullest beast that ever was beheld, For by the Foxes craft his body was beaten and bruised, his bones [...]ivered and broken; one of his eyes lost, and his skin [...] and mangled. This when the King beheld, and saw Tibert so pittifully mangled, he grew infinitely angry, and took counsel once more, how to revenge the injuries upon the Fox. After sam consultation, Grimbard the Brock, Reynards Sisters son, said to the rest of the Kings counsel, My good Lords, though my Vncle were twice so evil as these com­plaints make him, yet there is remedy enough against his mischeifs: therefore it is fit you do him Iustice as to a man of his ranck, which is, he must be the third time summoned, and then it 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 desparate to hazard his hands, his eares, nay his life with one so tyrannous and irreligious? Truly (answered the Brock) if it please your Majesty, I am that desperate person, who dare adventure to carry the message to my most subtill Kinsman, if your highness but command me.

CHAP. 8. How Grimbard the Brock was sent to bid the Fox to the Court.

THen said the King, Go Grimbard, for I command you [...] yet take heed of Reynard, for he is subtill and malicious. The Brock thanked his Majesty, and so taking humble leave, went to Mallepardus, where he found Reynard Ermelin his wife, sporting with their young whelps; then having saluted his Vncle and his Aunt, he said: Take héed fair Vncle, that [Page]your absence from the Court, and not more mischief to your cause, then the offence doth deserve: believe it, it is high time you appear to 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 wisedom may tell you, that if you delay but one day further,

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[Page]there is not left to you or yours any hope of mercie, for within thrée daies your Castle will be demolished, your kindred made slaves, and your self exempted for a publick example. There­fore my best Vncle, 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 past thorow many as eminent perils and made your foes ashamed, whilst the Inno­cence of your cause hath born you spotlesse 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 Kings mercie 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 policie, Reynard cannot be missing: they may well harp up­on things, but the pith and ground must come from my relati­on: it is the envie of others hath made me leave the Court, for though I know their shallowness cannot disgrace me, yet may their multitudes oppress me: nevertheless (Nephew) I will go with you to the Court, and answer for my self, and not hazard the welfare of my Wife and Children, the King is too mightie; and though he do me injurie, yet will I bear it with patience. This spoke he turn'd to his wife and said Dame Er­melin have care of my children, specially Revnikin my young­est son for he had much of my love, and I hope will follow my steps; also Rossell is passing hopeful, and I love them intirely; 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.

CHAP. 9. Mow Reynard shrove him to Grimbard the Brock.

WHEN Reynard and Grimbard had 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 with repentance, and to cast off the burthen, give me leave to shrive my self unto you; I know you are holy, and having received penance for my sin, my soul will be quiet. Grimbard bad him procéed. Then said the Fox, Confi [...]ebor tibi pater. Nay said the Brock, if you will shrive to me, do it in English, that I may understand you: Then said Reynard, I have grievously offended against all the Beasts that live, and especially mine Vncle Bruine the Bear, whom I lately massacred; and Tybert the Cat whom I insnared in a grin: I have trespassed against Chanteclere and his Children, and have devoured ma [...]y of them; nay the King hath not been quit of my malice, for I have slandred him and his Queen, I have betrayed Isegrim the Wolf. and called him Vncle, though no part of his blood ran in my veins. I made him [...] Monk of Elmane, where I became also one of the order, only to do him open mischief I made him bind his soot to the bell­rope to teach him ring, but he p [...]al 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 therefore, and feeleth the strip [...]s at this instant. I led him to steal Bacon at a rich Priest's house, where he fed so extream­ly: 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 snatcht away, so that the Priest cried out, Kill the Fox, for never man saw thing so strange, 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 mist me, and I ran away [Page]

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whil'st he pursued me crying. Kill the Fox, Kill the Fox, and after him a world of people, whom I led to the place where Isegrim was, and there I let my Hen fall, for it was too heavie for me (yet much against my will) and then s [...]ringing through a hole I got into safety. Now as the Priest tooke up the Henne, he espied Isegrim, and then cried out, Strike [Page]

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friends, strike, here is the Wolf, by no means let him escape us: Then the people came 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 bodie, that the Wolf fell down as if he had bin dead, which perceived, they took him and drag'd him by [Page]the héels 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 pearch, all lustie and fat, and hard by the place stood a false door, on which we climed: then I told him if he would creep in at the door, he should finde the Hens. Then Isegrim with much joy went laughing to the door, and entring in a little, and groping about, he said, Reynard, you abuse me; for here is no­thing: then replied I, Vncle, they are further; and if you will have them, you must adventure for them: those which used to sit there, I my self had long since; at this the Wolf going a little further I gave him a push forward, so that he fell down into the house, and his fall was so great, and made such a noise, that they which were asleep in the house, awaked, and cried, that somthing was fallen down at the trap-door; whereupon they arose, and lighted a candle, espying him, they beat and wounded him to death. Thus I brought the Wolf to [...]a [...]y hazards of his life, more then I can now either remember or reckon, which as they come to my minde, I will reveal to you hereafter. I have also grievously offended against Dame A [...]se­winde his Wife of which I must repent me for it was highly to her dishonour. Vncle, said Grimbart, I understand you not, you make your shrift unperfect; for you say you have offended, but declare not in what. Pardon me, Nephew, I know you hate to hear dishonour of Women: the truth is, I have laien with her: Thus have I told you my wickednesse now order my penance as shal seem fit in your discretion, Grimbart was both learned and wise, and therefore brake a rod from a tree, and said, Nephew, You shall three times strike your bodie with this rod, and then lay it down upon the ground, and spring three times over it without bowing of your leggs, or stumbling: then shall you take it up, and kisse it get fly, in sign of meekness and obedience to your penance: which do [...]e, you are absolved of your sins committed to this day, for I pro­nounce unto you clear remission. At this the Fox was excee­ding glad, and then Grimbart said unto him: See that hence­forth [Page]Vncle you do good works, read your Psalter, got [...] Church, fast vigils, keep holy days, give almes, and leave your sinfull and evill life, your theft and your treason, and then no doubt you shall attain mercy. The Fox promised to per­forme all this, and so they went together towards the Court, but a little besides the way as they went, [...] a religious hous of Nunnes, where many Geese, Henns, and Capons went without the wall: and as they went talking the Fox led Grim­bert out of his right way to that place, and finding the Pullat [...] walking without the Barn, amongst which was a fat young Capon, which straye [...] a little from his fellows: at which he suddainly leapt and caught him by the feathers, which flew about his ears; but the Capon escaped: which Grimbert sée­ing, said, Accursed man, what will ye do, will you for a silly Pullet fall again into all your sinns? mischeife it self would not do it: to which Reynard answered Pardon me dear. Ne­phew, I had forgotten my self, but I will ask forg [...]eness, and mine eye shall no more wander: and then they turned over

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[Page]a little Bridge: but the Fox still glanced his eie towards the Pullen, and could by no means refrain it; for the ill that was bred in his bones, still stuck to his flesh, and his minde car­ried his eies that way as long as he could see them: which the Brock noting, said, Fie, dissembling Cousin, why wander your eyes so after the Pullen? The Fox replied, Nephew, you do me injury so to mistake me, for mine eies wandred not, but I was saying a Pater Noster for the souls of all the Pullen and Geese which I have slain and betraied, in which devotion you hindred me. Well, said Grimbart, it may be so, but your glances are suspicious. Now by this time they were come into 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, for they were in­finite and hainous.

CHAP. 10. How the Fox came to the Court, and how hee excused himself.

AS soon as it was bruited in the Court, that Reynard the Fox, and Grimbart 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 stréet, and came as gallantly into the Court, as if he had been the Kings son, and as clear from trespasse, as the most innocent whatsoever: and when he came before the chair of State in which the King sate, he said. Heaven give your majestie glorie and renown a­bove all the Princes of the earth: I assure your Highness there was never King had a truer servant then my self have been to you, and yet am, and so will die: Neverthelesse (my dread Lord) I know there be many in this Court that seek my confusion, if they could win belief in your Majestie; but you scorn the slanders of malice, and although in these [Page]

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dayes flatterers have the most rooms in Princes Courts, yet with you it is not so, nor shall they reap any thing but shame for their labour. But the King cut him short at these words, and said, Peace traiterous Reynard, I know your dissimula­tion, and can expound your flatterie, but both shall now fail you: think you I can be caught with the musick of your [Page]words? no, it hath too often deceiv'd me: the Peace which I com­manded and swore unto, that have you broken. And as hee would have gone forward, Chaunticleere crying out, O how have I lost this noble Peace? Be still Chanticleere (said the King) and then he proceeded. Thou Devil among good ones, with what face canst thou say thou invest me, and seest all those wretched creatures readie to disprove thee, whose very wounds yet spit bloodie defiance upon thee: and for which believe thy dearest life shall answer. In nomine Patris, &c. said the Fox, My dread Lord, if Bruins crown be bloodie what is that to me? If your Majestie imploied him in a message, and he would neglect it to steal Honie at the Carpenters house, where he re­ceived his wounds, how shall I amend it: If revenge he sought, why did he not take it himself? he is strong and puissant, it was not for to be lookt for at my wickedness. As for Tibert the Cat (whom I received with all friendship if he against my will or advice, will steal into the Priests Barn to cath Mice, and there lose his eies, nay his life, wherein is mine offence? or how become I their guardian? O my dread Lord, you may doe your royall pleasure, and how-ever mine innocence plead, yet your will may adjudg me to what death contents you: I am your vassaile, and have no support but your mercy: I know your strength and mine owne weaknesse, and that my death can yeeld you but small satisfaction, yet whatsoever your will is, that to me shall be most acceptable. And as [...]e thus spake, Bellio the Ram stept forth, and his Ewe-dame Oreway and be sought the King to heare their complaint, with them Bruine the Bear, and all his mighty linage: And Tibert the Cat, Ise­grim the Wolfe, Kyward the Hare, and Panther the Bore, the Cammel and Bruel the Goose, the Kid and the Colt, Bauld­win the Asse, Bortel the Bul, and Hamell the Ox, the Weesel, Chantecleere the Cock, and Pattler with all her children. All these with one entire noyse cried out against the Fox, and so moved the King with their complaints, that the Fox was ta­ken and arrested.

CHAP. 11. How the Fox was Arrested and judged to death

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 wonderfull admiration of all that heard him But witnesses examined, and every proofe made pregnant, the Fox was condemned & judge­ment was given, that he should be hanged till his bodie were dead. At which sentence the Fox cast down his head, for all his Iollity was lost, and no flattery nor no words now pre­vailed. This done, Grimbart his Nephew, and divers others neer him in blood, (which could not indure to see him die) took their leave of the King & departed from the Court. When the King roted what gallant young Gentlemen departed thence, all sad and weeping, being neer of the Foxes blood and alliance, he said to himselfe, It behoveth us to take good and mature counsel; though Reynard have some faults, yet he hath many friends, and more vertues. As the King was thus thinking, the Cat said to the Beare: Sir Bruine, and you Sir Isegrim, Why are you slow in this Execution? the Even is almost come, and here be mary bushes and hedges, if he escape and quit himselfe of this danger, his subtiltie is so great, that not all the Art in the World shal ever again intangle him: If you mean to exe­cute him, then proceed, for before the Gallowes can he made, it will be darke night. At these words Isegrim remembring him­selfe, said, There is a paire of Gallowes neere at hand (and with that fetch'd a deep sigh) which the Cat noting, said: Are you afraid sir Isegrim, or is this execution against your mind? you may remember it was onely his worke, that both your brethren were hanged: and sure had you Iudgment, you would thanke him for the same, and not thus stand trifling time. But Isegrim, half angrie answered, Your anger puts out tho eye of your reason, yet had we a halter that would fit his [Page]neck, we would soon dispatch him. Reynard that had been silent a great while, said, I beseech you shorten my pain; Sir

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Tibert hath a Cord strong enough, in which himself was hang'd at the Priests house, when he bit off the Priests geni­tors, besides he can climb well and swift: O let him be mine [Page]Executioner, for it neither becometh Isegrim nor Bruine thus to doe 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: goe before Bruine, and lead my waie; follow Isegrim, and be­ware I escape not: you saie well said Bruine, 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 bodies when the Fox felt this usage, he was dismaied, yet said: O why do you put your selves (my best kinsemen) to this pain, to do me hurt? beleeve it I could well ask you forgivenesse, though my pai [...]es be plea­sant unto you? yet well I know, did my Aunt your wife under­stand of my trouble, she would for old affection sake not see me thus tormented. But I am subject to your will, and can endure your worst malice: as for Bruine and Tybert, I leave my revenge to justice, and with you the reward of Traitors, if you do not to me the worst of your powers: I know my worst 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 Bruine on the other, led the poor Fox to the gallows; Tybert run­ing before with the halter, hoped to he revenged of his wrong formerly received. When they were come to the place of Exe­cution, the King and Quéen, and all the rest of the Nobilitie, 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 inthral and disgrace his proud enemies, and also how to draw the King on his partie, saying to himself, Though the King & many others be offended with me, as they have reason, for I have throughly deserved it, neverthelesse yet I hope to live to be their best friend. During this meditation the Wolf said; Sir Bruine, now remember your injuries, take your revenge in a full measure, for the day is come wee wisht for; Tibert, ascend quickly and bring the rope to the Gal­lows, making a running nooz, for this day you shall have your [Page]will of your enemie: and good sir Bruine take heed he escape not, whilst I my selfe raise up the Ladder. When all things were prepared, the Fox said, Now may my heart be heavie, 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 Quéen, and you my Lords that stand to behold to see mee die, I beséech you grant me this charitable Boon; that I may unlock my heart before you, and clear my soul of her burthens, so that hereafter no man may be blamed for me? which done, my death will be easie, and the assistance of your praiers will raise my soul to heaven.

CHAP. 12. How Reynard made his Confession before the 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, Hearen: for I see no man here whom I have not offended: yet was this evil no natural ine [...]iation in me, for in my Youth I was accounted as virtuous as any breathing: this know, I have plaid with the Lambs all the day long, and took delight in their prettie bleating, yet at last in my plaie I bit one, and the taste of the Blood was so sweet, that since I could never forbear it; This liquorish humor 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 hardie, that then I fell to murther Hens, Geese, and other Pullen. And thus my crimes increased by custom, and furie so possest mee, that all was fish which came to my net. After this in (the Winter season) I met with Isegrim whereas he lay hid under a hollow tree, and he unfol­ded unto me how he was my Vncle, and laid the Pedegree down so plain, that from that day forth we became fel­lows and companions: Which knot of friendship I may ever curse, for then began the flood of our thefts and slaughters; [Page]hée stole the grat things, I the small; he murthered Nobles, I the meanest Subjects: and in all our actions his share still

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was ever the greatest: when he got a Ram, a Calf, or Wether, his furie would hardly afford me the horns to pick on: nay when he had an Oxe, or a Cow, after himself, his [Page]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, Iewels, and coine, then twenty Carts are able to carry) but onely to shew 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 stolne, and had it not been stolne in that manner as it was, it had cost your Highnesse your life (which heavens I beseech keep ever in their protection). When the Quéen heard that dangerous speech, she started, and said; What dangers are these you speak of, Reynard? I do command you upon your souls health, to unfold these doubtfull speeches, and to kéep nothing concealed which concernes the life of my dread Lord. The Fox with a sorrowfull and sad countenance replied to the Queen, O my dread Soveraign Lady, at what infinite ease were I, if I might dfe 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 dam­nation. 'Tis true, the King should have béen piteously murdred by his own people, and I must confesse by those of my dearest kindred, whom I am unwilling to accuse, did not the health of mine own soul, and the fealty to the King com­mand the contrary: The King much perplext at this disco­very, said: Is this true Reynard, which you protest? the Fox answered, Alas, my dread Lord, you sée the case wherein I stand, and how small a sand is left in my poor glasse to run: Can your Majesty imagine I will now dissemble? what can the whole world avail me, when my soul perisheth? and at that he trembled and look'd so pitifully, that the Quéen had great compassion of him, and humbly besought the King for the safety of his own Royall person to take some pity of the Fox and to command all his subjects to hold their peace, and kéep silent till he had spoke the uttermost of his knowledge: [Page]all which was presently done, and the Fox procéeded in this manner: Since it is the pleasure of my sovereign Lord the King, and that his royal life lieth in the ballance 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, greatnesse, or authoritie: Know then, my dread sovereign Lord the King, that my father by a strange accident, digging in the ground, found out King E [...]mericks treasure; being a masse infinite and innumerable, of which being possest, he grew so proud and haughtie: that he held in scorn all the Beasts of the Wilder­nesse, which before had been kinsmen and companions; at last he caused Tybert the Cat to go into the vaste Forest of Arden to Bruine the Bear, and to tender to him his homage and fealtie; faying, If it would please him to be King, he should come into Flaunders, where he would shew him means how to set the Crown upon his head. Bruin was glad of this Em­bassage (for he was exceeding ambitious and had long thir­sted for sovereignty) and thereupon came into Flaunders, where my Father received him nobly. Then presently hée sent for his wife Grimbart my Nephew, and for Isegrim the Wolf, and for Tybert the Cat: then these five coming be­twéen Gaun [...] and the village called Elfe, they held a selemne Council for the space of a whole night: in which by the assi­stance of the Divel, and the strong confidence of my fathers riches, it was there concluded, that your Majestie should bée forthwith murthered; which to effect, they took a solemn oath in this manner: The Bear, my Father, Grimbart, and the Cat, laying their hands on Isegrims Crown, swore first to make Bruine their King, & to place him in the Chair of Estate at Acon, and to set the Imperial Diadem on his head: and if by any of your Majesties blood and alliance they should bée gain-saied, that then my Father with his treasure should hire those which should utterly chase and root them out of the For­rest. Now after this determination held and finished, it hap­ned that my Nephew Grimbart being on a time high flown with wine, he discovered this damnable plot to dame Slo­pard [Page]his wife, commanded her upon her life to kéep secret the same: but she forgotfull of her charge, disclosed it in confession to my wife, as they went a Pilgrimage over an Heath, with like conjuration of secresie: but she (women-like) contained it no longer then till she met with me, and gave me a ful know­ledge of all that passed; yet so, as by all meanes I must kéep it secret too: for she had sworn by the three Kings of Cullen never to disclose it: and withall, she gave me such assurance by certain tokens, that I right well scund all was true which she had spoken, insomuch, that the very affright thereof made my hair stand upright, and my heart became like Lead, cold and heavy in my bosome, which made me call to mind the sto­ry of the Frogs, who being free 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 eat and devoured them up: [...] that by his tyranny they became the most miserable of all creatures; then they com­plained again to Jupiter for redresse, but it was then too late; for they that could not be content with their fréedom, must now of necessity suffer in thraldome.

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 great; that should the Government come into his hands, (as heaven forbid) the whole Common-wealth will he de­stroyed? Besides, I know your Majestie of so royall and Princely birth: so mighty, so gracious, and so mercifull, that it had been a damnable exchange, to have seen a ravenous Bear to sit in the throne of a royall Lyon; for there is in the Bear, and in his generation, more prodigall loosnesse and in­constancie, then in any Beast whatsoever. But to proceed, from this sorrow, I began to meditate how I might undo my Fathers false and wicked conspiracies, who sought to bring a base Traitor and a slave into the throne Emperiall: for I well perceived as long as he held the Treasure, there was a pos­sibility of deposing your Majesty, and this troubled my thought excéedingly, so that I laboured how I might find out where [Page]my Fathers Treasure was hid, and to that end I watcht and attended night and day in the Woods, in the Bushes, and in

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the open fields: nay, in all places wheresoever my father laid his eyes, there was I ever watching and attending. Now it hapened on a time as I was laid down flat on the ground, I [Page]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 rye could discerne 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 it that no man might perceive it: and indéed that and many other sub­tilties, I learned of him there at that instant: when he had thus finished away he went towards the village about his private affaires: then went I presently towards the hole, and not­withstanding all his subtiltie, I quickly found it out, then en­tres I the Cave, where I found that innumerable quantity of treasure, which cannot bée expressed: which sound, I took Ermelin my wife to help me, and wée ceast not day nor night, with infinite great toyle and labour, to carry and convey away this treasure to another place, much more convenient for us, where we laid it safe from the search of any creature. Now during the time that my wife and I were thus imployed, my father was in consultation with the rest of the traytors about the death of the King: in which consultation it was conclu­ded, that Isegrim the Wolf should travaile over all the King­dome, and promise to all Beasts that would take wages, and acknowledge Bruine for their soveraigne, and defend his ti­tle, a full yeares pay beforehand. And in this journey my Fa­ther accompanied him, carrying letters Patents signed to that purpose, little suspecting that he was rob'd of the wealth which should supplie his treason: When this negotiation was fini­shed betwéen Elve and Soame, and a world of valiant souldi­ers raised against the begining of the next spring: then they re­turned to Bruine and his consorts, to whom they declared the many perills they had escaped in the Dukedome of Saxony: where they were pursued by Huntsmen and Hounds, so as they hardly escaped with life: after this relation they shewed Eruine the muster-rolls, which pleased him exceeding much, for there was of Isegrims lineage about twelve hundred sworne to the actions, besides the Beares own kindred, [Page]the Foxes, the Cats, and the Dassens, all which would be in readinesse upon an hours 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, spo [...]'d and ransackt, it is not in me to expresse the infinite agony and sorrow he fell in­to, that grief converting to madnesse, and madnesse to de­speration: suddainly he went to the next trée and hanged him­self.

Thus by my Art onely was the Treason of Bruine defeat­ed, for which I now suffer: from hence sprang all misfor­tune as thus: These foule traytors Bruine and Isegrim, be­ing of the Kings privatest Counsell, and sitting in high and great Authority, tread upon me poor Reynard, and work my disgrace: notwithstanding for your Majesties sake, I have lost my naturall 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 Quéen having great hope to get this inestimable treasure from Reynard, tooke him from the Gibbet, and intreated him to unfold where this great trea­sure was. But the Fox replied, O my Lord, shall I make mine enemies my heirs? shall these Traytors which take away my life, and would devour yours, be possest of the good I injoy? No, that's a madness I'le never dye guilty of. Then said the Quéen, fear not Reynard, the King shall save your life, and grant you pardon, and you shall henceforth swear Faith and true Allegeance to his Majesty. The Fox an­swered: Dearest Madam, if the King out of his Royall 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 Quéen, said: Madam, will you believe the Fox? know you not that it is his naturall quality to lye steal, and deceive? The Quéen 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 Grimbard his dearest Nephew and kinsman; had he dissembled, he might [Page]have laid his imputations on other Beasts, and not on those he loveth most intirely. 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 onely 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 swéetnesse of life required it: yet he fell down before the King and Queén, and humbly thanked them for their mercie, 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 profered it unto the King, and said to him; My dread Lord, I beseech your Majestie to receive this pledg as a surrender unto your Majestie of all the Treasure that the great King Ermerick was master of, with which I fréely infeoffe you out of my meer voluntary and frée motion. At these words the King received the straw, and smiling, gave the Fox great thanks for the same. But the Fox laughed out-right to think of the abuse. From that day for­ward no mans counsel prevailed with the King as the Foxes; which the Fox seeing, said to the King: My gracious Lord! you shall understand, that at the West-side of Flanders there standeth a Wood called Husterloe, near which run­neth a River named Crekenpit this is a Wildernesse so vaste, and unpassable, 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 Majestie and the Queen to go, for I know none but your selves whom I dare trust in so great a design: and when your Highness comes thither, you shall finde two Birchin trees growing by the pit, into which you shall enter, and there you sha [...]l finde the Treasure, [Page]which consisteth of the Coine, rich Iewels, and the wealthy Crown which King Ermerick wore. With which Crown Bruine the Bear should have been Crowned, if his trea­son had succeeded according to his determination: there shall you sée also many rich and costly precious stones, of which when you are possest, then remember the love of your servant Reynard. The King answered, Sir Reynard, you must your self help to digge for this Treasure, for else I shall never finde it. I have heard named Paris, London, Acon, and Cul­len, 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 doubtfull of my faith? nay then I will approve my words by publique testi­mony: and with that he called forth Kayward the Hare, from amongst 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 Quéen, 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 dye for the same. Then the Fox said: Know you not where Cre­kenpit standeth? Yes said the Hare, I have known it any time this dozen yeares, it standeth in a wood called Husserloe, upon a vast and wide Wildernesse, where I have in [...]ured much torment both of hunger and cold: Besides, it was there where Father Simony the Fryer made false Coine, with which he supported himselfe and his fellows. Yet that was before I and Ring the Hound became companions. Well said the Fox, you have spoken sufficiently: go to your place again: so away went the Hare, Then said the Fox. My soveraign Lord the King, what say you now to my relation, am I worthy of your beliefe or no? the King said, Yes Reynard, and I beseech thee excuse my Iealousies, it was my ignorance which did thee evill: therefore forthwith make preparation that we may go to the pit where this Treasure lyeth. The Fox answered, Alas my Lord, do you imagine that I would sain go with you: If it were so that I might go without your dishonour, which I cannot do; For you shall under­stand, [Page](though it be my disgrace) that when Isegrim the Wolf in the Devills name, would needs grow religious and turn a Monke: that then the permision 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 consell to run away, which he did: Whereupon I stand accursed, and excommunicated under the Popes sentence: and am determined to morrow as soon as the Sun ariseth, to take my way towards Rome to be absolved, and from Rome I intend to crosse 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 Highnesses 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 Kayward the Hare, and some o­thers with me to Crekenpit: and onely command you Reynard, as you respect my favour, to clear your self of his Holinesses curse. My Lord (said the Fox) it is the onely 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.

CHAP. 13 How Reynard the Fox was honoured of all Beasts by the Kings Commandment.

AS soon as this conference was ended, the royall King mounted upon his high Throne made in manner of a scaffold, made of fair squared Stone, and then commanded a generall silence amongst all his Subjects and that every one should take his place according to his Birth, or dignity in Office, onely the Fox was placed between the King and the Qéen. Then said the King: Hear all you Noble men, Knights, Gentlemen, and others of inferiour quality: This Reynard, one of the chief and supreame Officers of my [Page]houshould, whose offences had brought him to the least reck­ning of his life; as being in the hands of the Law and Iustice:

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hath this day in requitall of those Injuries, done that Noble and worthy, service to the State, that both my selfe and my Quéen, stand bound to render him our best grace and favour. [Page]Therefore know, that for divers things best known unto our selves, 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 onely to Reynard himself, but also to his Wife and Children, wher­soever or wheresoever you shall meet them, whether by night, or by day: not that any one hereafter be so audacious, as to trouble mine ears with any more complaints of him: for his wickednesse he hath cast behinde him, and will no more be guilty of wrong doing: 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 on Pilgrimage to the Holy-land. This speech when Tisellin the Raven heard, he flew to Bru­ine, Isegrim, and Tibert, and said; Wretched creature! how are your fortunes changed? or how can you indure to hear these ttioings? Why Reynard is now a Courtier, a Counsel­lour; nay the prime Favorite: his offences are forgiven, and you are all betraied. And sold unto bondage. Isegrim answer­ed, It is impossible Tisellin, nor can such a thing be suffered: do not deceive your selves (said the Raven) for it is true as that now I speak it. Then went the Wolf and the Bear to the King; but the Cat staid, and was so sore af­frighted with the newes, that to purchase the Foxes friend­ship again, she would not onely have forgiven the exile re­ceived, but willingly have run into a second hazard. But now Isegrim with great majestie and pride tracing over the Fields, came before the King and Quéen, and with most bitter and cruel words, inveighed against the Fox in such a passionate and impudent 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 [Page]had thus inthralled and intangled them, he so laboured with the Quéen, that he got leave to have so much of the Bears skin, as would make him a large Scrip for his Iourney:

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Which granted, he wanted nothing but a strong pair of Shoo's to defend his feet from the stones in his travel: [Page]Whereupon he said to the Quéen; Madam, I am your Pil­grim; and if it would please your Majestie but to take it into your consideration, you shall find that Sir Isegrim hath a pair of excellent long lasting ones, which would you vouchsafe to bestow upon me, I would pray for your Majesties soul in all my travel, above my charitable devotion. Also mine Aunt, dame Arsewinde, hath other two shoo's, which would your Majestie 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 Quéen replied, Reynard, I cannot perceive how you can want such shoo's, for your journey is full of labour and difficulty, both in respect of the stonie mountains, and the gravelly waies, and thereforè you shall have (though it touch their life never so nearly) from each of them a pair of Shoo's to accomplish and finish your journey.

CHAP. 14. How Isegrim and his wife Arsewind had their shoo's plucks off for Reynard to wear to Rome.

AFter the Fox had made this petition, Isegrim was ta­ken, and his shoo's 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 Arsewinde his wife was used on the same manner on her hinder-féet, as her husband was on his fore-feet: which the Fox séeing, said to her in a scornful manner: Dear Aunt, how much an I bound to you, that takes all this pains for my sake? questionlesse you shall be a sharer in my Pilgrimage, and taken part in the pardon I shall bring from beyond the Seas by the help of your Shoo's. Then Arsewinde (though speech were troublesome to hor) said: Well Sir Reynard, you have your will accomplisht; yet heaven (I hope) will requite the mis-doer. 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 [Page]also, he had not escap'd some extreame punishment. The next morning very early, Reynard causing his shooes to be wel oyled, put them on, and made them as fit to his féet, as they were to the Wolvs, and then went to the King and Quéen, and said, My Lord, and Lady, your poor subject boweth himself before your Majesties, humbly beséeching your Highnessss, to deli­ver me my male and my staffe blest, according to the custome due unto Pilgrims.

This said, the King sent for Bellin the Ramme, and com­manded him to say solemne Masse before the Fox, and to de­liver him his staffe, and his male: but the Ram refused say­ing, My Lord, I dare not, for he hath confessed he is in the Popes curse: and the King said, what of that; have not our Doctors told us, that if a man commit all the sinnes in the world, yet if he repent himself, be shriven, do penance, and walke as the Priests shall instruct him, that all is clearely for­given him? and hath not Reynard done all this? then answer­ed Bellin, Sir, I am loath to meddle herein, yet if your Ma­jestie will bear me harmlesse against the Bishop of Pren [...]lor, (my ordinary) and against the Arch-deacon of Loos-wind, and Rapiamus his Officiall, I will effect your commandment. At this the King grew angry, and said, I scorne to be beholding unto you: but when the Ram saw the King offended, hée shook for fear, and ran presently to the Altar; and sung Mass, and used many ceremonies over the Fox, who gave little re­spect unto them, more then the desire he had to enjoy the ho­nour. Now when Bellin the Ram had finished his Orizons, he presently hung about Reynards neck his male, which was made of the Bears skin, and put into his right foot a Palmers staffe: and thus being furnished of all things, he looked sad­ly upon the King, as if he had been loath to depart; and fained to wéep (though sorrow and he were never farther a­sunder) onely 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 [Page]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 be slow in so devout an action. Then the King took leave, and commanded all that were about him (but the Bear and the Wolf) to attend Reynard some part of his journey. O he that had seen how gallant and personable Reynard was, and how well his staffe and his male became him: as also how fit his shoos were for his féet, it could not have chosen but have wirred 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 sée his enemies, now his attendants, and the King, whom he had most palpably wronged with false lies, to be aiding to all his vain desires, did accompany him also as if they dad been his commpanions. But the Fox being now on­ward his way, he said to the King, I beséech your Majesty trouble your self no further, but in respect of your ease, and the danger that might happen to your royall person, for you have arrested two capitall Traitors, who if in your absence they should get at liberty, the danger were infinite, which might insue thereon. And this said, he stood upon bis hinder féet, and intreated the bests that were in his company, and would be partakers of his pardon, that they would pray for him: which done, he departed from the King with an excéeding sad and heavy countenance: Then turning to Kayward the Hare, and Bellin the Ram, he said with a smiling countenance: My best friends, shall we part thus soon? I know your lov's will not leave me yet: with you two I was never offended, and your conversations are agréeable to my nature: for you are mild, loving, and courteous, religious, and full of wise coun­sell, even such as my self was when I was first a Recluse: if you have a few gréen leaves, or a little grasse, you are well content, as with all the bread and fish in the world, and you are temperate and modest: and thus with a world of such like flattering words, be inticed thes two, that they were content to go along with him.

CHAP. 15. How Kayward the Hare was slain by Reynard the Fox, and sent by the Ram to the King

THVS marched these three together, and when Reynard was come to the gates of his own house, he said to Bellin cousin, I will intreate you to stay here without a little, whil'st I and Kayward go in: for I would have him a witness of some private passages betwixt me and my wife, Bellin was well content, and so the Fox and the Hare went into Mallepar­dus, where they found dame Ermelin lying on the ground, with her younglins about her; who had sorrowed exceedingly for the losse and danger of her husband: but when she saw his re­turn, her joy was ten times doubled: But beholding his male, his staffe, and his shoowes, shee grew into great admi­ration, and said, Dear husband, how have you fared? to whom he delivered from point to point, all that had passed with him at the Kings Court; as well his danger, as release, and that now he was to go a pilgrimage, having left Bruine and Ise­grim to pledge for him till his returne: as for Kayward, he said, the King had bestowed him upon them, to do with him what they pleased, affirming, that Kayward was the first that had complained of him, for which questionlesse he vowed to be sharply revenged. When Kayward heard these words, he was much appaled, and would fain have fled away, but he could not: for the Fox had got between him and the Gate, who presently ceazed the Hare by the neck: at which the Hare cried unto Bellin for helpe, 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 drinking the blood to the Kings health. but Ermelin grow­ing suspitious, said, I fear, Reynard, you mock me? as you love me, tell me how you sped at the Court. Then he told her how extreamly he had flatttered the King and the Quéen, and abused them with a fained promise of treasure, that was not, in so much, that he knew when it should come to be revealed, [Page]the King would séeke all the meanes he could to destroy him. And therefore Wife, said he there is no remedie but we must steale from hence, into some other Forest where we may

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live in better safety, and in a place more fruitfull, where we shall have all the delicate meates that can be wisht for cleare [Page]Springs, fresh Rivers, cool shades, and wholsom aire: here I know is no abiding: and now I have gotten my thumb out of the Kings mouth, I will no more come within the danger of his ta [...]o [...]s. Yet (said Ermelin) I have no fancy to go from hence, to a place where I am utterly unacquainted: here we possesse 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 certaine good for a hoped contentment: besides, we are here safe enough, and should the King besiege us never so straightly, yet have we so many passages and by-holes, that he can neither cut from us reliefe, or liberty. O what reason have we then to flie beyond Seas? but you have sworne it, that's my vexation, Nay Dame (said the Fox) grieve not at that: the more forsworne, the lesse forlorne: Besides I have heard some say, that a forc't Oath is no Oath, nor do I make account that this pilgrimage will not avail me a rush. And therefore I am resolved, and will not start from hence, but follow thy counsell: If the King do hunt after me, I will guard my selfe as well as I am able, and against his Power apply my Policy: so that being forced to open my sacke, let him not blame me if he catch hurt by his owne fury.

All this while stood Bellin the Ram at the Gate, and grew excéeding angry, both against the Fox and the Hare, that they made him waite so long: and therefore called out aloud, for Reynard to come away: Which when Reynard heard, he went forth, and said softly to the Ramme, Good Bellin be not offended: Kyward is in earnest conference with his dea­rest Aunt, and intreated me to say unto you, that if you would be pleased te walke before, he would spéedily overtake you, for he is light of foot and spéedier then you: nor will his Aunt part with him thus suddenly, for she and her children are much perplexed at my departure. I but (quoth Bellin) me thought I heard Kyward cry for help. How, cry for helpe? can you imagine he shall receive hurt in my House far be such a thought from you: but I will tell you the reason: as­soone as we were come into my house, and that Ermelin my [Page]Wife understood of my pilgrimage, presently she fell downe in a swoone: which when Kyward saw, he cried aloud: O Bellin come and help my Aunt, she dies, she dies: then said the Ram, In sadnesse I mistook the cry, and thought the Hare had béen 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 passe, you remember Bellin, that yesterday the King and his Councell commanded me, that before I depar­ted from the Land, I should send unto him two Letters, which I have made ready, and will intreat you my dearest Cousin to bear them to his Majestie. The Ram answered, I would wil­lingly do you the service, if there be nothing but honourable matter contained in your Letters: but I am unprovided of any thing to carry them in. The Fox said, that is provided for you already, for you shall have my male, which you may con­veniently hang about your neck: I know they will be thank­fully received of his Majestie, for they contain matter of great importance. Then Bellin promised to carry them: So the Fox returned into the house, and tooke the male, and put therein the head of Kyward, and brought it to the Ram, and gave him a great charge not to looke therein, till it was presented to the King, as he did expect the Kings favour: and that he might farther indeare himselfe with his Majestie, he bade the Ram take upon him the inditing of the Letters. which will be so pleasing to the King, that questionlesse he will poure upon you many favours.

The Ram was excéeding glad of his advice, and thanked the Fox, saying that the favours he did him should not die unrequited: [...]nd I know it will be much to mine honour, when the King shall thinke I am able to indite with so great perfection: for I know there be many in these daies as igno­rant as my selfe, that are risen to high promotion, onely by taking upon them the worth of other mens Labours: And therefore why may not I run the same course also? Yet I pray you Reynard farther advise me: is it méets that I take Kyward the Hare along with me? O by no meanes (said the) [Page]Fox) let him come after you, for I know his Aunt will yet not part with him. Besides, I have other secret things to impart to him, which may not yet be revealed. This said, Bellin tooke 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.

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The King wondred when he saw the Ram come in with the male which was made of the Beares skin, and said: Whence comest thou Bellin, and where is the Fox, that you have that about you? Bellin answered: [...]y dread Lord, I attended the noble Fox to his house, where after some re­pose, he desired me to beare certaine Letters to your Ma­jestie of infinite great importance, to which I easily con­sented. Whereupon he delivered me the Letters inclosed in this male, which Letters my self had formerly indited, and I doubt not but are such as will give your Highnesse both con­tentment and satisfaction. Presently he commanded the Let­ters to be delivered to Bocart his Secretary, who was an ex­cellent Linguist, and understanding all Languages: that he might reade them publickly: so he and Tybart the Cat tooke the male from Bellins 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 murthered Kyward. Which the King seeing (hée said) Alas! how unfortunate was I to believe the traiterous Fox? And with that being opprest with anger, grief, and shame, hee held down his head for a good space, and so did the Queen also: but in the end shaking of his curled locks, he groa [...]ed out such a dreadful noise, that all the beasts of the Forrest did tremble to hear. Then spake Sir Firapel the Libard, who was the King's nearest kinsman, and said: Why is your Majestie thus vexed in heart? this sorrow might serve for the Quéens Funeral, I do be­seech you asswage 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 indurance, I am betraied by a hase villain, and 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 my self I found an unwilling­nesse thereto, onely my Queens pitie working upon the ea­sinesse [Page]

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of my belief, hath made me guilty of that which will evermore grieve me. Why (said the Lybard) what of all this? you are above all [...], and with one smile can salve the greatest wound that can be made in honour, you have po­wer to recompence, and what reputation is it that reward wil not sawder? as for the Bear which lost his skin, the Woolfe and his wife Dame Arsewinde, that lost their shooes, you may in recompence (since Bellin hath confest himself a party in this foul murder) bestow him and his substance upon 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 farther trial.

CHAP. 16. How Bellin the Ramme, and his Lineage, were given to the Bear and the Wolfe.

TO this motion of the Libard the King consented, so that Firapell forthwith went to the prison, where the Bear [Page]and the Wolfe were, and said: My Lords, I bring a frée and generall pardon from the King, with his love, and a re­cognition of your injuries: which to recompence in some large

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manner out of his Princely bounty, he is pleased to bestow upon you both Bellin the Ram, and his whole generation, with [Page]whatsoever they possesse, and is now confiscate to his Maje­stie, to hold from henceforth, to you and yours, till dooms-day, with full Commission to slay, kill and devour them whereso­ever you finde 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 finde him, or any of his lineage or generation: and of this great privilege you shall receive Lettere Patents at your pleasure, with onely a reservation of your fealty and homage to be due to his Ma­jestie, which I advise you to accept, for it will redound much to your honours. Thus was the peace made between the King and these Nobles by the Lybard, and Bellin the Ram was forthwith slain by them; and all these Privileges doth the Woolf hold to this hour, nor could ever any reconcile­ment be made between them and the Rams kindred. When this peace was thus finished, the King for joy thereof pro­claimed a Feast to be held for twelve daies after, which was done with all solemnitie.

To this feast came all manner of wilde Beasts for it was universally known through the whole L [...]f [...] g [...]o [...] nor [...] there wanting any delight or pleasure that [...], as musick, dancing, masking and all Princely [...]: As for several meats they were in that abundance, that the Court seemed a store-house which could not be emptied. A [...]o to this seest resorted abundance of [...]ather [...] fowl, and all other Creatures that held peace with his Majestie, and no one missing but the Fox onely. Now after this feast has thus continued in all pomp the space of eight daies about high-noon came Laprell the Cony before the King and Queen, as they sate at dinner, and with a heavie and lamentable voice, said; My gracious and great Lord have pitie upon my misery, and attend my complaint, which is of great violence, force and murther, which Reynard the Fox would [...]rss [...]rd [...]y have committed against me, as I passed by the Castle of Malepar­dus, where standing without his gates, attired like a P [...] ­grime, I supposing to passe peaceably by him toward my [...]est: hee crost my way, saying his Bea [...]s so devoutly, that I [Page]saluted him: but he returning [...] answer, stretcht forth his right foot, and gave me such a blow on the neck, betwéen the

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head and shoulders, that I imagined my head had been stricken from my body: but yet so much memory was left me, that I leapt from his clairs; though most grievously hurt and [Page]wounded. At this he grieved extreamly, because I escaped, onely of one of my eares he utterly deprived me; which I beséech your Majesty in your royall nature to pitty, and that this bloody murtherer may not live thus to afflict your poor Subjects. Now whil'st the Conie was thus speaking to the King, there came flying into the Cout, Corbant the Rook, who coming before the King, said: Great King, I beséech you vouchsafe to hear me, and pitty the complaint I shall ut­ter: so it is that I went this morning with Sharpbeake my wife, to recreate our selves on the Heath, and there we found Reynard the Fox laid on the ground like a dead carkasse, his eyes staring, his tongue lolling out of his mouth, like a dead Hound, so that wée wandering at his strange plight, began to féel and touch his body, but found no life therein at all: then went my wife (poor carefull soul) and laid her head to his mouth, to see if hée drew any breath: which she had no sooner done; but the foule murtherer awaiting his time, snatched her head into his mouth, and bit it quite off. At that I screaked out, and cried: Woe is mée, what misforiunes are these? But presently the murtherer starts up, & reached at me with such a bloody intent, that with much trembling and anguish, I was fain to flye up into a trée, where I saw him devour up my wife in such terrible manner, that the very thought is death to me in the repeating.

The massacre finished, the murtherer departed, and I went to the place, and gathered the feathers of my lost wife, which here I humbly present before your Majesty, beséeching 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 a [...] broken, will be such disreputation and scandall to your Crown and Dignity, that your very neighbours and Colleagues, will note and point at your remissnesse: besides the sufferance of the evill will make you guilty of the trespas­ses which arise from such sufferance: But to your great consi­derations I leave it: since I know your Majesties own good­nesse will make you carefull of your honour and royalty.

CHAP. 17. How the King was angry at these complaints, took counsel for revenge; and how Reynard was forewarned 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 eies darting out fire amongst the beams of Majestie, 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 Quéen my Wife, I will so revenge these outrages committed against my Crown and Dignity, that goodnesse shall adore me, and the wicked shall die with the re­membrance: his falshood and flatterie shall no more get belief in me.

Is this his journey to Rome, and to the Holy Land? are these the fruits of his Male, his Staffe, and other ornaments be coming a devout Pilgrim? Well, he shal find the reward of his Treasons: but it was not my belief, but the perswasion of my Quéen; nor am I the first that hath been deceived by that soft gender, since many great spirits have fallen through their inticements. And this said, he commanded all that were about him, both Noble, worthy, and every discréet spirit to assist him with their counsel, and to lay him down such sure ground for his revenge, that his honour and royaltie might be anew re­vived, and every offender made to know and féel the heavie price for their most unjust actions.

Isegrim the Wolf, and Bruine the Bear, hearing the Kings words, were wonderfully well apaid, 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 dumbnesse, and noting that none durst fréely deliver their opinions: He began to bend his forehead: but the Quéen after solemne reverence, said to the King; Mounsieur, Pour Dien croyez mei toutes [Page]

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choses qu'on vous, & ne jurez point legerement. Sir, it is not the part of any excellent wisdom to believe or protest in any thing, till the matter be made most apparent and preg­nant to his knowledg: neither should both his ears be in­gaged to any complaint, but one ever reserved to enter­taine the defence of any accused: For many times the accuser [Page]exceedeth the accused in injurie. And therefore Audire alteram Partem, to hear the other Partie, is the act of perfect Iustice: For my own part howsoever I have erred, yet I have strong ground for my perswasion, and whether Reynard be good or bad, yet it stands with your Excellencie not to procéed against him, but by the true form of your Lawes: for he hath no power to escape you, but must obey whatsoever your sobriety can impose upon him. When the Quéen had thus spoken, Fi­rapel the Libard to second her intreatie, said; My Lord, the Quéen hath spoken graciously, and I sée not wherein your Ma­jestie can straie from her judgment: Therefore let him take the due trial of your Laws, and being found guiltie 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 mercie; then may your Highnesse procéed against him, as it shall séem best to your pleasure.

To this spéech Isegrim the Wolf replied; Sir Firapel, for my own part, I think not any of this assemblie will dissent from your counsel, so it may stand with the pleasure of my Lord the King: yet this I dare maintein, that howsoever Reynard shall clear himself of these, and a thousand such like trespasses which shall be brought against him: Yet I have that lodgeth in my bosome, which shall approve he hath for­feited his life: but at this time his absence shall make me silent, onely touching the treasure of which he hath informed his Majestie to lie at Crekenpit in Husterloe, there never came a falser information from the mouth of any creature: for it was a lie made out of malice to wrong me and the Bear, and get himself libertie to rob and spoil all that passe by his house, as now he doth: but not withstanding I held it meet that all things be done as shall seem god to his majestie, or you Sir Firapel: Yet this believe, that if he had meant to have appeared he had béen here long since for he had summons given him by the Kings 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 [Page]ready for the war: and at the end of six daies appear before me with their Bowes, Gunns, Bumbards, Pikes and Halberds; some on horse-back, some on foot, for I will be­siege Malepardus 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 enemie. And they all cried with one voice, we are ready to attend your Majestie. When Grimbard the Brock heard this determina­tion he grew excéeding sorry (though his sorrow was despe­rate) and stealing from the rest of the company, hee ran with all speed possible to Mallepardus, neither sparing bush nor brier, pale nor rail: and as he went, he said to himself; Alas my dear Vncle Reynard! into what hazards art thou drawn, ha [...]ing but one step betwixt thée and thy death, or at the best, thine everlasting banishment? Well may I grieve for thée, since thou art the top and honour of my house, art wise and politick, and a friend to thy friends when they stand in need of thy counsel; for with thy swéet language thou canst inchant all creatures, but all is now bootlesse. With such manner of lamentations as these, came Grimbard u [...]to Mallepardus, and found his Vncle Reynard standing at the Castle gates, who had newly gotten two young Pigeons as they came créeping out of their nest, to try how they could learn to flie. But now beholding his Nephew Grimbard, he staid, and said, Welcome my best beloved Nephew, the onely hee I esteem above all my kindred: Surely you have run exceeding fast, for you sweat wonderfully: What newes man, how runs the squares at the Court? O said Grimbard, exceeding ill with you; for you have forfeited both your life, honour, and estate. The King is up in armes against you with horse-men, and foot-men, and souldiers innumerable: be­sides Isegrim and Bruine are now in more favour with his Majestie, then I am with you; therefore it is high time you have great care of your self, for their envie hath toucht you to the quick; they have informed against you, that you are a thief and a murtherer: and to second their informations. La­prel the Coney, and Corbant the Rook have made hainous [Page]complaints against you, so that but your shamefull death, I sée no escape or freedome.

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Tush (said the Fox) my dear Nephew, if this be the worst, let no sorrow affright you: but let us be chéerfull and pleasant together, for though the King and all the Court [Page]would swear my death, yet will I be exalted above them all, well may they prate and jangle, and tire themselves with their counsells, but without the help of my wit and policie, neither can the Cour or Common-wealth have any long con­tinuance. Come then my best Nephew, let us enter into my Castle and feast, I have a pair of fat Pigeons for you, which are meat of pure and light digestion; I love not any thing better, they are young and tender, and may be almost swallower whole, for their bones are little other then blood; yet come I say, my wife Ermeline will receive you kindly, but by all meanes report not to her of any dangers, for she is of soft and melting temper, and it might strike her into suddain sickness, for women are apt to entertain grief. When wée have feasted, I will then to morrow early in the morning go with you to the Court, and if I can but attain speech with the King, I shall gall some deep enough, onely this I desire (dear Nephew) at your hands, that you will stand to me, as one friend and kinsman ought to do one by another. Doubt me not (said Grimbard) for both my life and goods shal be at your service. I thank you Nephew (said the Fox) and you shall not find me ingratefull. Sir (said the Brock) be bold of this, that you shall come and make your answer before the Lords fréely, for none shall dare to arrest or hold you, for that favour the Quéen and the Libard have purchast from the King. I am glad of that (said the Fox) nor eate I then a hair for their worst malice. And this said, they went into Male­pardus, and found Ermelin sitting amongst her younglings, who presently arose, and received the Brock with all reve­rence, and he on the other part saluted her and her chidren with all courtesie. Presently the two Piegons were made rea­dy, and they supped together, each 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 Chicken, and the other hath killed a Pullet: they are also good Duckers, and can both deceiv the Lapwing and the Mallard: I tell you true, I dare already [Page]adventure them farre, onely I mean first to instruct them how to escape the Grins, and to prevent both the Huntsman and his Hounds; they are of the right heir Nephew, and like me, both in countenance and quality; they play grinning, in­tangle soothing, and kill smiling: this is the true nature of the Fox, and in this they are perfect, which is great pride unto me.

CHAP. 18 How the Fox repenting his sin [...], doth make his confession, and is absolved by the Brock.

UNCLE, said the Brock, you may be proud that you have such toward children: and rejoice 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, lay studying, how he might best excuse himself before the King. But as soon as the morning began to rise from the top of the Mountaines 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 the Court with my Cousin Grimbart, and though my stay be more then ordinary, yet take no affright thereat; and what tidings soever you hear, yet consider all things for the best; and be carefull of your selves, and keep my Castle close, and well guarded: as for my self doubt not but I will defeat all mine enemies. Alas Reynard (seid his wife) what moves you to take this suddain journey? the last time you were at the Court, you know what daggers you escaped; and you vowed never to sée it again. Will you now run a second hazard? Dame (said the Fox) the occurrants 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 [...] [Page]at the uttermost, and so imbracing his wife & children, he took leave and departed: and as they journied over the Heath, Reynard said to the Brock: Nephew, since I was last shri­ven, I have committed many sins, therefore I beséech you let me make before you my confession, that I may passe with lesse trouble through my worst dangers.

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Then he procéeded, and said: It is true Nephew that I made the Bear receive a great wound for the Male which I o [...] cut off his skinne; and I caused the Wolf, and his wife to

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be stript of their shoes: I appeased the King one [...]y with false­hood; I fained a conspiracie against hi [...] Majesties life, by the Bear and the Wolf, when there was never any such determi­nation: [Page]also I reported of great treasure to be hid in Huster­lo, but it was as fabulous as the rest: I slew Kyward, and betrayed Bellin. I wounded the Conie, and killed Dame Sharpbeake, the Cooks 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, wée beheld a goodly Bay Mare grasing, with a black Fole by her side; which was exceeding fat and wan­ton: the Wolf at that instant was almost dead for hunger, in so much that he intreated mée to go to the Mare, and know if she would sell her fole? 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 it at my pleasure; but I that well understood her politick anger, said, It is truth that I cannot read, neither do I desire to buy your Fole, onely I am a messenger from the Wolf, who hath a great [...]d sire 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 Fole: provided he could read, for the price was written in the Mares hinder foot. Read (said the Wolf) what should a [...]e me; I can, Cousin read, both Latine, French, English, and Dutch, I have studyed in Oxford, and argued with many Doctors; I have heard many stately Plays, and sitten in the p [...]ace of Iudgement: I have taken degrees in both the Laws; nor is there that writing which I cannot discipher: So desi­ring me to stay for him there; away he went to the Mare, and craved that he might sée and read the price of the Fole: to which the Mare consented and lifting up her hinder foot, which was newly shod with strong iron, and seven sharp naile-heads, as the Wolf look'd thereon, she smote him so just upon the fore-head, that she threw him over and over, and he lay in a dead sound whil'st a man might have ridden a mile and bet­ter; which don, away trotted the Mare with her Colt, [Page]and left the poor Wolf bloody and wounded, in so much that he howled like a Dog: then went I to him, and said Sir Isegrim, dear Vncle, how do you, have you eaten too much of the Colt? indeed you are unkind, that will give mee no part with you. I went your message honestly; me thinks you have out slept your dinner: good Vncle tell me what was written under the Mares foot, was it in Prose or Rime? in­deed I would fain know it: I think it was a Prick-song, for I heard you sing? nay, you shew your scholer-ship in all the Arts.

Alas, Reynard, (alas said the Wolf) I pray you forbeare to disdain me, for I am extreamly wounded, and mine an­guish is so great, that a heart of flint would pitty me; The damned Mare on her long legge 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, I think my scull is cloven. Dear Vncle (said the Fox) is this truth which you tell me? believe it, you make me wonder, why I took you for one of the greatest Clarks in this Kingdom: Well, I perceive the old Proverb is now made good in you: The greatest Clarks are not the wisest men. Poor men somtimes may out-strip them in Iudgment; and the reason is, you great Schollers, study so much, that you grow dull, in that you so much over­labour. And thus with these mocks and taunts, I brought the Wolf within a haires breadth to destruction. And now fair Nephew. I have unladed my Conscience, and delivered as many of my sins as I can call to remembrance; where­fore I beseech you let me receive absolution and penance: and then come what cha [...]ce shall at the Court, I am armed against all dangers. Then Grimbard said, your trespasses are great and heinous, neverhelesse who is dead, must abide dead. And therefore here I freely absolve you, upon assu­rance of your hearty repentance: onely the contempt you made in sending him Kywards head, and the abuse of so many falshoods, will lye heavy upon you. Why (said the Fox) he that will live in the world to see this, or hear that, and understand the third, must ever converse with affliction. [Page]No man can touch Honey, but he must lick his fingers. I often féel touches of repentance, but reason and our will, are ever in continual combate; so that I oft stand still, as at my wits end: and cry out against my sins, féeling a detesta­tion of them. But presently 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 Prelates, and rich Priests to inchaunt me, that I am forthwith taken a­gain? the world fills me with covetousnese, and the flesh with wantonness; so that loos [...]ing my good resolutions. I am onely for Hell 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, Priests, and Clerkes, 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 grac'd it with falshood: for untruths many times happen into dis­course unwillingly and without knowledge: yet having a handsome garment, it ever goes for currant. (Dear Nephew) it is now a fashion to lye, flatter, sooth, threaten, pray and curse, and to do any thing that may kéep the weak in sub­jection; who do otherwise is held foolish: but he that can­not wimble falshood, in truths kerchiefe, hath neither Art nor cunning: but he that can do it, and deliver errour without stammering, he may do wonders; he may we [...]r Scarlet. Gray or Purple: he shall gain both by the Laws spiritu­all and temporall, and write himself conquerour in every designment. There be many that imagine they can i [...] neatly: but their cunning oft failes them: so that when they think to féed of the fat morsells, they slip quite besides their tren­chers. Others blunt and foolish, and for want of me­thod marre all their discourses, but he that can give to his lie a fit and an apt conclusion, can pronounce it without rat­ling, and make it as truth, fair and amiable: That is the man, and worthy of nomiration. But to speak truth is [Page]no cunning, it never makes the Devill laugh: foly [...] well and with a grace: to lift up wrong above right, to make mountains and build Castles in the aire: to make men juggle and look thorow their fingers, and all for hope of gain onely. This Ne­phew, is an Art beyond expression; yet evermore of the end cometh misery and affliction. I will not deny but somtimes men may jest or lye in small things, for he that will speak all truths, shall somtimes speak out of season. To play Place­bo, may now and the be born with; for who so speaks all­ways truth, shall finde many rubs in his way: men may erre for néed, and mend it by counsell, since no trespass but hath his mercy: nor any wisdom but at somtime dulleth. Then (said the Brock) Vncle; you are so wise you cannot fail in any purpose, and I would grow inamored of you; your reasons so far surpass my understanding, that it is no néed of your shrift; for your self may both play 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: yet the Foxes heart (for all his fair shew) was sad and heavy; yet countenance bewrai'd it not: but he past without amazement through all the press of the Court, even till he came to the presence of the King, and the Brock march'd close by his side; saying, Vncle, be not a­fraid, but be of good chéer, it is courage of whom Fortune is ever enamoured Then (said the Fox) Nephew, you say true, and your comfort avails me: and so on he went casting many disdainful countenances on those he lik'd not; or as who would say, Here I am: what is it that the proudest of yon dare object against me? he beheld there many of his kin which hée knew loved him not, as the Otter, the Bever, 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 knée, and spake as followeth.

CHAP. 9. How Reynard the Fox excused himself before the King, and of the Kings answer.

THat divine power from whom nothing can be hid, save my Lord the King, and my Lady the Quéen, and give them grace to know who hath right, and who hath wrong, for

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[Page]here are many false shewes in the world, and the counte­nance bewraieth not the heart: which I with were openly revealed, and that every creatures trespasse stood written in his forehead, albeit it cost me the uttermost of my substance or what you (my sovereign Lord) knew mée as nearly as my self, and how I dispose my self early and late, labouring in your service. For which cause onely malice makes all her complaint against me, shi [...]ing to thrust me out of your grace and favour. Insomuch that out of my anguish I must néeds cry shame upon them which have so deadly belied me. neverthelesse I know that you my Lord, and sovereign Lady, are so excellent in your Iudgment, that you will not bee carried away with falshoods: and therefore I most hum­bly bes [...]eech your Majesties, to take in to your wisdoms all things according to the right of your Laws: for it is Iustice I look for, and desire that hee 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 shew my face with an un­blemished forehead.

All they that were in the presence stood amazed, and won­dred 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 glorie 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 shewed to the Coney and the Rook, and your requital shall be a short life on earth, The ancient saying is A Pot pass may long to the wa­ter, but in the end comes broken home. And your evils have so long succeeded, that they will now pay you the hazard. At these words Reynard was strucken into a great fear, and wish'd himself far away, yet he be-thought himself that now hée must bear thorow, what fortune soever came: Where­upon he said (My sovereign Lord the King) it is but Iustice that you hear me answer my accusations, for were my faults more hainous then envie can ma [...]e the [...] yet equity [Page] [...] [Page] [...] [Page]gives the accused leave ever to answer. I have with my counsels done you service in former time, and may no love still: I have never started from your Majestie, but walked by your side, when others have gon from your presence: if then my enemies with their slanders shall prevail against me, blame me not to complain. Time hath been it was o­therwise, and time 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 approve, 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? O it had been to 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 Grimbart first brought me the tidings, I must confess I was halfe distract with anger; and had I not been in the censure of his Church, I had appear'd ere they had left complaining; but that detai­ned me. And I wandred with sorrow on the heath, till I met with my Vncle Martin, the Ape, who farre exceedeth any Priest in Pastorall busines; for he hath been Atturney to the Bishop of [...]am [...]rick any time this nine years: and séeing me in this great agony of heart, he said, Deare Cousen, why are you thus heavy in spirit, and why is your countenance de­jected? grief is easie to carry, when the burthen 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 [...]le, and the like is my fortime, for sorrow is without cause said 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 Martins, Saying, he was travelling towards the Court, but was at that time both hungery and weary: and therefore reque­sted of me some meat, I willingly consented, took him in and [Page]gave him a couple of Manchets, and sweet Butter: For it was on Wednseday, on which day I never eat flesh. Be­sides it was then a fust, by reason the feast of Whitsontide

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was neer. At which time wee must have cleansed and prepa­red hearts, Et vos estote Parati. Now when he had almost [Page]

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well refreshed himselfe, my youngest sonne Rossell came in, and offered to take away what he had left (for you know the nature of Children is even to be eating and craving.) But presently the Coney smot Rossel on the mouth that his téeth bled mid the poore foole fel downe almost in a swound, which when as Reynardine (my eldest sonne) beheld: he forth­with leapt to the Coney, and caught him by the head, and questionlesse had slain him, had I not come to the rescue. Which done, I went and gave my sonne correction for his fault. But presently Laprell the Coney posts to my Lord the King, and informes that I (my lesse) sought meanes to [...]urther 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 Co [...]brant the Rooke flying to my house with a sad noise, and demanding what hee ailed? Hee an­swered: Alas, my wife is dead. I craved the cause [...]: A dead Hare lying on the heath full of mothes and Veri [...]i [...], of which she had eaten so much, that the wormes had gnawed [Page]hee throat in sunder; and without speaking to me any more words, away he flew, leaving me much amazed, and now re­ports that I slew his wife, which how could I by any po [...]ble meanes do, considering she flieth in the aire, and I walke a foot on the ground? Thus dear Vncle you may see how I am slandered, but it may be it is for my old sinnes, and therefore I bear it with more patience. Then said the Ape to me. Ne­phew, you shall go to the Court and disprove their false­hoods. Alas, Vncle (quoth I) it cannot be, for the Archdea­con hath put me in the Popes curse, because I gave counsell to the Wolfe to forsake his holy orders, when he complained to me of his unablenesse to indure that strict li [...]e, and much fasting: of which Act I now much repent me, since he repay­ed my love with nothing but hatred and malice, and with all the sland [...]s he can invent, stirreth his Majestie daily against me, These things (dear Vncle) bring me to my wits end, for of necessity Inrust go to Rome for absolution, and in mine absence, what [...] may happen to my wife and chil­dren through the malice of these bloody wretches, any one may guesse: whereas on the other part were I free of the Popes curse, then I could go to the Court, and plead mine own cause, and turne their malice into their own bosomes

Then said the Ape, Cousin, cast off your sorrow for I know the way to Rome wel and am experienced in these businesses for I am called the Bishops Clerke, therefore I will go thither, and enter a plea against the Archdeacon, and in spight of his will bring you from the Pope a will seel'd absolution.

But, man I have many great friends there as [...] Vncle Sim [...], and others, Pren tour, Wai [...], and the like, all which will stand unto me: besides I will not go unfurnished of money, for I know Paratersare best heard with gift; and the Law hath no feet to walke on but money: a true friend in tried in necessity, and you shall finde me without dissem­bling: therefore cast off your griefe, and go to the Court as [...], for I will presently to [...] and in the mea [...]e time, here I quit you of all your [...]nues and [...]sences and an [...]y p [...]t them upon my selfe: when you come to the [Page]Court you shall finde 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 shew them mine occasions: my wife is excéeding wife, and she shall finde that her distressed freinds shall not shrinke when I can help them I know she is faithfull and as behoves her, will never leave her friend in danger. At the uttermost If your oppression be more then you can beare, send presently to me to Rome, and not an enemy that you have, be it King or Queene, or Sub, ject even from the highest to the lowest, but I will presently put them in the Popes curse, and send back such an Inter­diction, that no holy or sacred duty shall be performed till you have right and Iustice restored you.

This assure your selfe I can easily performe, for his Holy­nesse is very old, and little regarded; onely now Cardinall Pare-gold beareth all the sway in the Country, as being young, and rich in many friends: besides, he hath a Concu­bine: of whome he is farre enamoured: that he denies no­thing she demandeth: his Lady is my Niece, and will doe whatsoever I request her: therefore Cousin, goe boldly to the King, and charge him to do you Iustice, which I know hee will, since he understands the Lawes are made for the use of all men.

This (my Soveraigne Lord the King) when I heard him speak, I smil'd, and with great joy came hither to relate unto you the truth? that can charge me with any Creature within this Court, that can charge me with any trespass whatsoever, and prove it by testimony, as the Law requireth, or if other­wise, he will oppose himselfe against me, person to person, grant me but a day, and equall lists, and in combate I will maintaine my innocency 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 shal now be broken.

When all the assembly of Beasts heard this, they were dumbe, and amazed to behold his stoutnesse, As for the Coney and the Rooke, they were so scared they durst not speake, but [Page]

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privately stole away out of the Court, and being farr on the plaine, they said, This develish murtherer hath such Art in his falshood, that no truth can look with better countenance, which onely our selves know, but have no other witness, therefore it is better wée depart, then try combate with him, which is so much too strong for us, and so away they went.

Isegrim the Wolfe, and Bruine the Beare, were very sad when they saw these two forsake the Court: whereupon the King said, If any will appeale the Fox, let him come forth, and he shall be heard: Yesterday wee were laden with com­plants, where are they to day? Here is the Fox ready to an­swer. Then said the Fox, My soveraign Lord, absence makes impudent accusers bold, when presence dants them, as your Highness may sée both by the Coney and the Rooke: O what it is to trust the malice of these Towards! and how soon they may confound good men: but for me it matters not: nevertheless had they (at your Majesties commandment) but askt me forgiveness, I had quickly cast all their offences [Page]behind mée, for I will never shake hands with charitie, nor ever hate or [...] mine enemies: my revence I [...] to heaven, and Iustice by your Majestie [...] said the King Reynard. you speake well i [...] the inwar [...] heart be like the out­ward shew, yet I [...] your griefe is not such as you expresse it: It far surmo [...] is it said the Fox: No quoth the King [...] I must [...] you with one foule treason, which is, when I had [...] your great transgressions and you had promised me [...] pilgrimage to the holy Lord: when I had furnished you with male, with staffe, and all things fit­ting that holy order, then in the greatest despite you se [...]t me back in the male by Bellin the Ram the head of Reynard the Hare, a thing so nowriously to my disgrace and dishonour, that no treason can be fōmer. This you have no colour to [...] ­ny for Bellin (our Chaplain) at his death revealed the whole processe, and the same reward which he then gained, the same you shall receive, or else right shall fail mée.

At this sentence Reynard grew so fore afraid, that he knew not what to say, but looked with a pitifull countenance upon all his kindred which stood round about him; his colour went and came, and his heart fainted, but none sent him either hand or foot to helpe him: then the King said, Thou dissembling and false T [...]aytor, why art thou now so dumbe, But the Fox being full of anguish, fetch a sigh as if his heart would have broke; so that every beast pitied him, save onely the Bear and the Wolf, which rejoiced to see his sorrow.

CHAP. 20. How Dame Rukenaw answered for the Fox to the King, and of the Parable she told him.

DAme Rukenaw the she-Ape (being Aunt unto Reynard, and a great favorite of the Quéens) was much grieved when she saw this distraction, and it was well for the Fox that she was in the presence: for she was excéeding wise, and durst boldly speak: and therefore rising up (after reverence done) she said, My Lord the King, you ought not to be possest [Page]

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with anger when you sit in judgment, for it becommeth not Nobility to be void of reason: it is discretion which should onely accompany you in that season: for mine owne part I think I know the Lawes as well as some which wear furred Gown [...]s, for for I read many, and put some in use: It is well knowne, I had ever in the Popes palace a bed of straw, [Page]when other Beasts lay on the bare ground, & I was ever suf­fered to speak freely without interruption, because I talked not beyond my experience. It is Senecas opinion, that Prin­ces are bound to do Iustice to all men, nor may the law waver or halt with any partiality. I doe not thinke but If every man which standeth here should call to account all the actions of his life, he could not chuse but pitty much the estate of my poore kinsman Reynard, & therefore I wish every one to know himselfe, for none so sure but they may fall, and for him that never erred, he is so good he needeth no amendment; To doe amisse and mend it by counsel, is humane and manly: but to trespasse and still gallop forward in iniquitie, is devilish and unsufferable: the holy Booke saith, Be merciful and judge not, least you be judged. And in another place when the Pha­risies brought a woman taken in adultery, and would have stoned her to death, asked our Lord what he said thereto: he Answered: Which of you all is without sinne: let him cast the first stone: But they all departed and left her: In mine opinion it is so here to day, for here be many that find straws in other eyes but see not the beames in their own: he that fal­leth off, and in the end ariseth and cometh to mercy, cannot he said to be damned: goodnesse never forsaketh her own servants. This counsel, would some take to their hearts, the day would not appear so darke as it doth to my Cousin Reynard. It is well known that both his Grand-father and Father ever bare greater reputation in this Court, then ei­ther Bruine or Isegrim, or their whole generation. Alas, when have their counsels or wisdomes been worthy to have held comparison with those of my cousin Reynards? why, the passages of the World are to them Prophesies, which they understand not, and the Court is turned topsie turvy by his absence: the evill are now advanced, and the good suppressed: but how this can long indure I see not, since the end of their labour is but the ruine of your Ma [...]esty.

To this speech the King made his answer: Dame, had the Fox done that offence to you he hath done to others, your ex­cuse would couch in another nature, you cannot blame me to [Page]hate him, since it is onely he which breaketh my laws & co­venants? you have heard him accused of theft, murther and treason, how can you then defend him? if you will néeds make him your Saint, then set him upon the Altar, and do him wor­ship, but believe it, there is no one good thing in him: and how­ever you imagine, yet search him, and you shall find him rot­ten and deformed, there is neither kinsman nor friend (but your self) 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 smil'd on, that his tail hath not after dasht out the eie of.

To this the she-Ape replied: My Lord, I love him, and have ever born 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 now forgotten: yet the heaviest thing should ever weigh the most, and men should kéep a measure in their affections, and not hate, nor love with violence; since constancie is the greatest ornament of a Prince­ly nature. We should not praise the day til the evening come, nor is good counsel availeable, 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 controversie: For the Serpent attempting to go through a he [...]g, was taken by the neck with a snare so that there was no way 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 pitie of him (said) If thou wilt faithfully promise me neither to do mee hurt with thy tooth or tail, or other poison about thée, 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, & rushing upon the man, offered to kill him: but the man started aside, and said; What meanest thou to do? hast thou forgotten [Page]

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thine oathe the Serpent replyed 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 controversie.

The Serpent agreed thereto; so they travelled till they met [Page]with Tisellin the Raven, and Slinopere his sonne: to whom relating the 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 Wolfe, unto whom also they told the matter, and they adjudged 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 Iudgment gone twice on my side? Yes (said the Man) by such as are murtherers themselves, and such as ne­ver kept promise: but I appeale to the Court, let mee be tryed by your King, and what judgment he giveth, I will willingly abide. To this all consented: So they came to the Court before your Majesty, and the Wolfes two children came with their Father, the one was call Empty-Belly, the other Navel-full, because they sought to devour the Man. So the full processe of the matter was declared to your Maje­stie: But the Mans kindnesse and covenant, the Serpents danger and Faith-breach, occasioned through the extremitie of hunger. Remember how much your Highnes was perplexed with their difference, and all your Counsell also: For the Mans sorrow, the Serpents hunger: the Mans good­nes, and the Serpents ingratitude, equally raiseth much pitty in your bosome. But in the end such doubts rose, that not any in your Court was able to judge it. At the last, when no helpe could be found, then you commanded my kinsman Reynard to decide the businesse: the a was he Oracle of the Court, nor was any thing received, but what he propounded: But he told your Maiesty it was impossïble to give true Iudgment according to their relations, but if he might sée the Serpent in what manner he was fettered, and the great­nesse of his danger, then he knew wel how to give Iudgment [Page]therein. Then you commended him, and called him by the the title of Lord Reynard, aproving that to be done which he had spoken.

Then went the man and the Serpent to the place where the Serpent was snar'd, and Reynard, commanded the Serpent to be fastned as before in the snickle, which being done, then said your Maiesty, Reynard what Iudgment will you now

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give? And he replied, They are now my Lord in the same estate they were before at their first incounter, they have nei­ther wonne nor lost: Therefore this is my censure, if it bée your Majesties pleasure, If the man will now loose and un­bind the Serpent, upon the same promise and oath made for­merly unto him, hee 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 hée will. and leave the Serpent bound and inthrailed as he first found him: for it is fit that ingratitude be so repaid. This Iudge­ment [Page]your Maiesty then applauded for the most excellent, & held the wisdom of the Fox unlimitable, tearming him the pre­server of your Honour. When did ever the Bear or Woolf the like? they can howle or scold, steale, robb, and eat fat morsels, make their guts crack with others ruines: and condemne him to death which takes a Chickin: but them selves which kill Kine. O [...]e [...], and Horses: O they goe safe, and be accounted as wise as Solomon, Avicen, or Aristotle, and their deeds and Statutes must be read for monuments. But if they come where vertus is to be exercised, they are the first which retreat and let the simple goe for most, whitest they follow in the retreat, with shame and cowardise. These (my Lord, and their like, are the fools of these corrupt times yet destroy Towns, Castles, Lands and People: nor care they whose house burneth, so they may warme them by the fire: for it is their profit onely at which their aime bendeth. But Rey­nard the Fox, and all his Family, have ever made the honour of the King their renown and advancement, and applyed their counsel to do him service, not pride and b [...]sting: this hath been and is his exercise, though it now be thanklesse. But time I hope will produce whose merit is greatest: Your Maiesty, says his kindded is fallen from, him and start at his fortune: would any but your Highnesse had affirmed it, you should then have séen, there could not be a thing of grea­ter falshood: But your grace may say your pleasure, nor will I in any word appose you: for to him that so durst doe, would both he and we bend our forces. It is known we dare fight, nor are we descended of any base generation: Your Highness may call to mind the worth of our Pedigree, and how dearly from time to time they have respected him, willing ever to lay down their lives & goods for the safety of their noble kinsman Reynard, For mine own part I am one my selfe, and allbeit I am the Wife of another, yet for him I would not sticke to spend my dearest blood. Besides, I have three full growne Children, which are known valiant and strong in arms, yet for his sake I would adventure them all to the uttermost pe­rill. Allbeit I love them with that deare affection that no Mo­ther [Page]doth exceed me: my first sonne is called Bitelas which is most active and nimble, my second Fulrumpe, the third is a daughter called Hatanet, a girle that can look a mans head, and picke out lice more nimbly then all the combs in Chri­stendome: and these three are loving and deare to one ano­ther: and with that she called them forth unto her, and said

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Come my deare 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 hée will doe to Reynard the equitie of his Laws and Kingdome. Then pre­sently came forth a world of other Beasts, as the Squirill, and the Ferret: for these love Pullen as well as Reynard doth; Then came the Otter and Pentecro [...] his wife, which I had almost forgotten, because in 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 wisdome and greatness? and with these came above twenty [Page]her beasts for her sake, and stood by Reynard. Then came also dame A [...]o [...] and her two sisters, the [...] easel and Hermel the Asse, the Beck, the water-Cat, and many others, to the number almost or an hundred, and stood by Reynard with such affection, as if his trouble did equally concern them. Then said the shee-Ape, My Lord the king, now you may see that my kinsman hath friends which ta [...]e avow him, and we are your true and ioyal Subiects, which will never fail to do you faithful service. Therefore let us with one voice beg of your Majestie, that Reynard may have Iustice, and if hée bee not able to disprove his adversarie, and clear the crimes imputed against him, let the Law passe, for wee will not murmure to see his destruction.

Then said the Queen to Rukenaw: Thus much I told into his Majestie yesterday, but his anger was so great, hee would not give ear to me. Also the Libero said, Sir, you must iudge according to witness: for to be governed by will is tyrannous and ignoble. Then a [...]swered the King, It is true you inform me? but the disgrace done to my particular self in Kywards death, and others informations robb'd me of pati­ence, that I had no leisure to look back either to Law, or rea­son: Therefore now let the Fox speak bold'y, and if he can [...]ustly acquit himself of the crime 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.

O how infinitely glad was the Fox when hée heard th [...]se words, and said in himself, Thanks my noble Aunt a thou­sand times, thou hast put me new blossoms on my dry'd Ro­ses, and set me in a fair path to libertie. I have one good f [...]t to dance on: and I doubt not but to use my Art of di [...]im [...]la­tion so bravely, that this day shall be remembred for my renown and victory.

CHAP. 21. How Reynard excused himself of Kaywards death, and all other imputations; got the Kings favour, and made relation of certain Jewels.

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THen spake Reynard the Fox to the King, and said; Alas m [...] sovereign Lord, what is that you said? Is good Kay­ward the Hare dead? O where is then Bellin the Ram, or what did he bring to your Majestie at his return? For it is certain I delivered him thrée rich and inestimable Iewels, I would not for the wealth of India they should bee detained from you: the chief of them I directed to you my Lord the King, the other two to my sovereign Lady the Queen. But (said the King) I received nothing but the Head of poor murdered Kayward, for which I executed the Ram, having confest the déed to be done by his advice and counsel. Is this truth (said the Fox), then wo is me that ever I was [Page]born, for there are lost the goodliest Iewels 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 shée ever henceforth esteem me. Then said the shee-Ape: Dear Nephew, why should you sorrow thus for transitorie wealth? Let them go, onely discourse what man­ner of Iewels they were, it may be we shall finde them a­gain: If not, the Magician M. Alkarin shall labour his books, and search all the corners of the earth. Besides, whosoever deteins them, shall be curst in all Parishes, till he restore them to the Kings Majestie. O Aunt (said the Fox) do not perswade your self so, for whosoever hath them will not re­store them to gain an Empire, they are so goodly and preci­ous: yet your words do something appease me. But whom shall we trust in this corrupt age, when even sanctitie it self walks maskt and mistaken? And then fetching a deep sigh, with which he guilded his dissimulation, he proceeded on and said, Hearken all you of my stock and lineage, for I will here discover what these rich Iewels were, of which both I and the King are defrauded. The first of them (and which indeed I intended to his majestie) was a Ring of fine and pure gold, and within this Ring next the finger, were engraven Letters enamelled with Azure and Sables, conteining three Hebrew names. For my own part I could neither read nor spell them, but M. Ab [...]ion of Trere, the excellent linguist, who knoweth the nature of all manner of Hearbs, Beasts, and Minerals, to this famous Iew I shewed the Ring once, and he assured me, that they were those three Names which Seth brought out of Paradice, when he brought to his Father Adam the Oyl of Mercie. 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: Hee shall not bee tempted to do any sinn, neither shall heat or cold ever annoy him. Vpon the top of the Ring was encast a most precious Stone of thrée several colours; The first lik red Chrystal, and glittering like fire, and that with such brightness, that if one had occasion to journey by night, [Page]

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the 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 b [...]emish, or sorenesse in the eies, or any part of the body: Also (by stroking the place agrieved therewithall) it presently cured all manner of swel­lings, head-ache, or any sicknesse whatsoever: Whether it [Page]were venome, weaknesse of stomach, chollick, stone, strangu­lion, Fistula, or Canker, either outwardly applied as afore­shewed, or inwardly by stéeping the stone in water, and then drinking the same. The last colour was gréen like grasse mixt with a few small spots of purple: and the learned affirmed for truth, that whosoever wears this stone about him, could never be vanquisht by his enemies; and that no creature, were he never so strong and hardy, but would yield unto him, and he should be victor day and night in all places. Again, as far as one bore it fasting, into what company soever he chanced (and be his worst enemies) yet should he be of them infinitly beloved nor should any anger or ill turn be remembred: Also if one should be naked in a vast wild field, against an hundred armed enemies, yet should not his heert fail him, but he should come off with honor and victory: onely he must be No­bly bred, and of [...]o churlish disposition; for the King gave no virtue to any which was not a true Gentleman. Now all these virtues considered, I thought my self unworthie to kéep it: and therefore I sent it to you my Lord the King, knowing you to be the excellent of all creatures living, and one on whom all our lives depend, and therefore fittest to be guarded with so rich a Iewel.

This Ring I found in my Fathers treasure, and in the same place also I found a Comb, and a glasse-Mirrour, which my wife desired of me: they were Iewels of great wonder, and a [...]miration: these were sent to my Ladie the Quéen, because of her grace and mercie extended towards me: To speak of the Combe; it can never be too much praised, for it was made of the done of a noble brast ramed Panchera, which liveth between the [...]reater India and earthly Paradise: he is so goodly and fair of colour that there is no beautiful colour under heaven but some splendor thereof appears in him: also the smell of him is so delicately swéet and wholso [...], 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. Then Pan [...]hera hath one fair bone broad and thin, which whens [...]ver this beast is [Page]slain, all the virtues of the whole Beast do rest in that bone, which can never be broken, neither ever rot, consume or perish,

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either by fire, water, or other violence: yet it is so light, a smal feather may poise it: the smell of it hath that virtue, that whosoever sents it, taketh delight in no other smell whatso­ever, and they are presently eased of all manner of diseases and infirmities; and the heart is chearful and merry ever after.

This combe is polished like unto fine silver, and the téeth of it be smal and streight, and between the great teeth and the small, in a large field or space, there is graven many an Image subtilly made, and eunningly enamelled about with fine gold: the field is checked with Sables and Silver, and enamelled with Eybor and Azure: and therein is contained the story how Venus, Juno, and Pallas strove for the golden Ball in the mountain Ida, and how it was put to Paris, to give it to the fairest of them.

Paris at that time was a Shpherd, and kept his Flocks [Page]with Oenon on that hill, and as soon as he had receiv'd the Ball, Juno promis'd, if he would bestow it on her she would make him the richest man in the world. Pallas said, That she might have it, to make him the wisest man in the world, and the most fortunate against his enemies. But when Venus said, What needst thou wealth, wisdom or valour? Art thou not Priamus son, and Hectors brother, which have all Afia under their power? Art thou not one of the heirs of mighty Troy? come give me the Ball, and I will give thee the good­liest treasure of the world, and that shall be the fairest Lady breathing; she, whose like no Sun shall ever again behold: so shalt thou be richer then riches, and climbe above all in glo­ry: that's the wealth none can praise too much, since beauty is that heavenly Elixar, which turns all things in man to joy and contentment.

When Paris heard this, he desired to know the Ladie; and Venus said, It is Hellen of Greece, the wife of King Mene­laus; she that is the Iem of the world, the treasure of beauty, and the glory of all eies which did be hold her: then presently Paris gave her the Ball, and confirm'd her fairer then the other Goddesses. Then another place was figured how he won Hel­len, brougt her to Troy, the solemnitie at the marriage, the honour at the triumphs, and all things else contein'd in that large story.

Now for the Glasse-mirror, it was not inferior to either of the other: for the glasse which stood thereon was of such vir­tue, that men might sée and perceive therein whatsoever was done within a mile thereof, whether it were the actions of men, or beast, or any thng else the owner should desire to know, and whatsoever but gazed therein, if he had any malady what­soever, it was presently cured. So great were the virtues of this rare Glasse, that wonder not if I shed tears to think of the losse: for the wood in which this glasse stood, was light and fast, and is called Oatine, it will last ever: for worms, dust, wet, nor time can consume it; and therefore King Solo­mon séeled his Temple with the same: the va [...]ue excéeded far the value of gold, it is like to the wood Habenus, of which King [Page]

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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 hee pleased, he would run above an hundred miles in lesse then an hour, which was appproved by Clamades the Kings son; who not believing in the Engine, & being young and lustie, leapt upon [Page]the Horse, and presently Crampart turning a pin that staid in the brest of the Engine, moved, and went out of the Palace through the windows, and in the first minute he was gone at least ten mile, Clamades was much affrighted at the won­der and imagined (as the storie said) that he should never have returned back again: but of his long journey, much fear, great trouble, and infinite joy when he had learned to manage and govern the wooden beast. I leave to speak for tediousness sake, onely the high virtue of all issued from the wood.

Of this wood the Glasse-case was made, being larger then the Glasse by half a foot and more square, upon which verge was decyphred divers many strange Histories, in Gold, in Sil­ver, in Sables, Yellow, Azure and Cynope: and these colours were very curiously wrought and interlaid 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 a greater worth, lustre, or pleasure. In the upper part thereof stood a Horse in his naturall glory, fat, fair, and fiery, which braved a stately Hart which ran before him: but séeing he could not overtake this Hart in swiftness, at which he infinitely disoained, he went to a Heardsman standing by, and told him, if he would help him to take a Hart which he would shew him, he should have all the profit of the conquest, as the hornes, skin, and flesh: Then the Heardsman asked him what meanes he should use to get him: the Horse said, mount upon my back, and I will bear thée after him, till with tyring we take him. The heardsman took his offer, and bestriding the Horse, followed the Dear: 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 Heardsman light, for he would rest himself awhile. But the Heardsman said; I have a bridle on thy head, and spurrs on my héebs, therefore know thou art now my servant, neither will I part with thée, but govern thée as séems best to my pleasure. Thus the Horse brought himself into thral­dome, and was taken in his own net for no creature [Page]hath a greater adversary then his own envy, and many which labour the hart of others still fall upon their own ru­ines.

In another part was figured an Asse and an 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 faun and leap upon him, and [...]ow and then to lick him about the mouth. Now when Baeldwin the Asse saw this, he began to envy the Hound, and said, Whet sees my Master in this foul Houmd, that he suffers him thu [...] to leap upon him, and kisse him? I sée no profitable service he doth him. I labour, bear and draw, and do more service in one wéek, then the dog and his whole kind are able to do in a year, and yet have I not the tythe of his favours: for hée sitteth by his trencher, eats the fat of his meat, and lies on Carpets and pillows: when I that do all, am fed onely with Netties and Thistles: well I will no longer indure it, but I will study to have my Lords favour as much as the Hound if not in greater measure. Anon the Master of the house came home; and the Asse lifting up his tail, leapt with his fore-féet on his shoulders, and braying and grinning, and put forth his mouth to kisse him, and used such rude unman­nerly actions, that he rub'd all the skin from his Masters eares, and almost overthrew him: so that the man was forced to cry out help, help, for this Asss will kill me. Then came in his servants with staves, and beat the Asse so excéedingly, that he was almost slain: which dore, he returned to his stall a­gain: and was an Asse as he was before. In the same man­ner they which do envy and spight at others welfare, if they receive the same reward, it is nothing more then is due to their merit: for an Asse is an Asse, 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 pitty.

In another part was figured the Story, how my Father and Tybert the Cat travailed together, and had sworn by their [Page]troath, that neither for love nor hate they would depart one from the other: but it happened on a time, they saw Hu [...]ters coming over the fields with a Kennell of Hounds, from which they sled apace, for their lives were in danger, Then said the Fox, Tybert, whither shall we flie: 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 néed to fear them. But the Cat began to sigh, and was excéed­ingly afraid, and said, Reynard, what néeds many words? I have but ore wile, and that must help me, and forthwith hee clambered up to the top of a high Trée, where he lurk'd a­mongst the leaves that neither Huntsman nor Hounds could hurt him, and left my Father to abide the whole hazard, for the whole Kennell pursued him, horns and hallows ecchoing after him: kill the Fox, kill the Fox.

This when Tybert saw, he mocked my Father: and said: New Cousin Reynard, it is time to let loose all your wiles for if your wit foil 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 male [...]ip from his shoulders, to make himself so much lighter, yet all avai [...]ed not, for the Hounds were so swift they had caught him, had he not by chance espied a hole, into which he entred, and escap [...]d the Hounds and Huntsmen. Thus you may sée 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 souls health and charity binds 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 contends against my reason.

Also in that Myrror stands another History of the Wolf, how on a time he sound upon a Heath a dead Horse, whose flesh being eaten away, he was sain'to gnaw and devour the bones, which he did with such gréediness, that swallowing them too hastily down, one fell so crosse his throat, that he was almost choak'd, and hardly escap [...]d with life: whereupon [Page]he sought every place for the cunningest Surgions promising them great gifts to ease his torments: 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 gréedy of gain, put in his head into the Wolfs throat, and brought out the Bone. The Wolf started at the pull, and cried out aloud, thou hurt'st me, but I do forgive thee, yet do it not again I charge thee, for at anothers hands, I would not bear it: then the Crane said: Sir Isegrim, go and be frolick, for you are whole, I look for no more but the reward you promised mée: How (said the Wolf) what impudence is this? I suffer and have cause to complain, yet he will be rewarded, hée will not so much as thank me for his life, but forgets that his head was in my mouth, and how I suffered dim to draw it out again without hurting, albeit hée put me to excéeding much pain: I suppose it is I which deserve the reward, and not the Crane.

Thus you may sée the fashion of ungratefull men in thése days, however they reward good with evill: for where as pride is exalted. there honour is ever laid in the dust. There be a world which ought to reward, and do good to those that have advanc'd them, which now complain, and make those advancements injuries, but the gu [...]r [...]on will follow: for it is the wisest counsail, that whosoever will go about to chastise another, should ever be sure of his own cleareness. All this, and a world more then I can well remember, was curiously wrought on this Glass: for the work-master thereof was the cunningest and profoundest Clark in all Sciences that ever breathed. And because the Iewels were too good and precious for me to kéep, therfore I sent them to the King & Quéens Ma­jesties as a present, to witness my faith and service: O hée that had séen what sorrow my Children made when I sent the Glass away! would have wondred; for by reason of the great vertue therein, they oft gazed in the same; both to behold themselvs, and to sée how their cloathing and apparell became them.

Little did I then imagine that good Kyward was so néere his death, for then but himself, and Bellin the Ram, I knew no messenger worthy to carry so rich a present. But I will search the whole world, but I will find the murtherer, for murther cannot be his. It may bée hée is in this presence which knows what is become of Kvward, albeit he do con­ceal it; for many devi [...]s walk like Saints, Yet the greatest wonder of all is (which troubled me most,) that my Lord the King thould say, that my Father, nor myself, ever did good. But the troubles of affaires may well bréed forgetfullness in Kings, otherwise your Majesty might call to mind how when the King your Father lived, and you were a Prince not above two yeares old: My Father came from the School at Moun [...]pelio [...], where he had studied five years the Art of Phy­sick, and was expert in all the principles thereof; and so Famous in those days, that he wore cloathes of Silk, and a Golden Girdle. Now when he was come to the Court hée 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 might walk whither they would, onely hée must ever be néer him Then said your Father, Reynard I am exceeding sick, and I féel my sickness increasing. My Father answered; my Lord, here is a Vrinall, make water therein, and as soon as I behold your state, I will give mine opinion. The King did as he was advised (for he tru­sted not any equall with him.) Then said my Father, My best Lord, if you will be eased of your grief, you must needs eat the Liquor of a Wolf of seven yeares 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 heare how there is nothing which can cure mée but your Liquor. The Wolf replied: not so my Lord, sor I am not yet full five yeares old. It is no matter (answered my Father) let him be opened, and when I sée the Liquor, I will tell you if it bée medicinable: Then was the Wolf carried to the Kit­chin, [Page]and his Liquor taken out, which the King did eat, & 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, walking 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 onely advanced, vertue is put back, and Innocence li [...]es in sorrow: for when baseness and covetousness are made Com­manders, they neither know themselvs, nor look at the low­ness from whence they are risen. They have no hearts for pit­ty, nor ears for y ^e par mans cause. Gold is the go [...]e they run to, and gifts the god which they worship. What great mans Gate doth not look upon Covetousness? where is not flattery entertained, and what Prince takes hate at his own praises? But should greatness néed their honest service, well might they starve ere they could gain that imployment: For like Wolvs, they had rather sée their Masters dye, then lend them the least part of their Liquor.

This my Lord was an accident which fell in your youth, and you may well forget it: Yet (without boasting) I my self 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 then I can tender, and my uttermost is but the rent of a loyall Subject, which I am ever bound by the lawes 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 extreame lowd crying, we were compelled to bite him to death. At which time your self came out of a Grove unto us, and saluted us friendly, saying: That you and the Qéen your wife which came after you, were both excéeding hungry, and intreated us to give you part of our getting: Isegrim then whispered in such manner, that none could understand him, but I spake out aloud: With all my heart my Lord, and were it better then [Page]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 Qeen but one poor quarter, the other he himself unmannerly devoured, and left me for my share but p [...]r [...]alf of the Lungs. When your Majesty had eaten your part, you were still hungry, but the Wolf would deliver none: so that you reach'd him a blow with your foot, which tore all the skin from about his eares, so that he ran aw [...]y crying and howling with extremity. But you Ma­jestie commanded him to return again spéedily, and bring you more meat, but he went away grumbling. Then I be­sought your Majestly, that I might go with him: and I well remember your answer. So away we went together, his eares dropping blood all the way as he went: In the end we took a C [...]if, and when your Majesty saw us bring it, you laughed, and said to me, I was a swift Huntsman, and could finde my game quickly and therefore I was fit to serve in time of necessitie: Then you bade me to divide it, and I did it, and gave one half thereof to your Majesty, the other half to the Quéen: As for the Muggets, 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 my self but the féet onely. Then said your Majesty, ha Reyna [...]d, who taught you to make these courteous divisions? My Lord (answered I) that did this Priest which sits here with his bloodly pate: for he lost his skin for his too much in­equality, and for his covetousness hath reap'd nothing but shame and dishonour. But it matters not, for there be many Wolvs 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 Common-wealth where such have the upper hand and goverment.

My gracious Lord, this and many such like actions as this have I done for your Majesty, which were it not for tedious­nesse sake, I could well repeat. But they are all now cast out of your remembrance, but time and my loyalty I hope will [Page]one day again recall them. I have séen the day when no mat­ter was finished in the Court without my advice and censure, though now that Iudgment is not so reputed: yet it may be, the same reputation may spring up again, and be believed as firmely as before, as long as it swerves not from Iustice, which is the onely thing I aim at. For if any one can charge me otherwise, and prove it by witness, here I stand to indure the uttermost the Law can inflict upon me: But if malice onely slander me without witness, I crave the combate accor­ding to the Law and instance of the Court. Then said the King, Reynard, you say well; nor know I any thing more of Kywards death, then 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 easie: I remember my heart was heavy at his departure, and I was ready to sink to the ground, which was a certain presage of the losse which happened.

These words, and the sad looks of the Fox, so amazed all the beholders, that they could not chuse but believe all that he uttered, so that every one bemoan'd his loss, and pittied his sorrow. But the King and Qéen were most touched with the same, and then intreated him that he would make diligent search for the finding of them out, for his praises had stricken them far in love with the Iewels? And because he told them, he had sent those Iewels unto them (though they never saw them) yet they gave him as great thanks, as if they had béen in their safe possession, and desired him he would be a meanes they might be restored to them again.

CHAP. 22. How Reynard made his peace wich the King, and how Isegrim the Wolf complained of him again.

THe For understood their meaning exceeding well, and though he little meant to perform what they intreated

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[Page]yet he thanked the King and Quéen for the comforts they gave him in his great extremitie, vowing not to rest neither night nor day, but to search all the corners of the earth till he had scund what was become of those Iewels: also intreat­ing his Majestie, 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 Highnesse would assist him: both because it was an oc­casion which concerned him nearly, as also a t [...]ing required from his Office, being an Act of perfect Iustice, to pu­nish these and murther, both which were conteined in this action.

Then the King answered 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 he expect­ed, and by his false tale and flatterie, had so fastned the King unto him, that now he might go freely whither he pleased, and none should dare to complain upon him: onely Isegrim the Wolf stood all this while infinitely displeased, and not a­ble to contein his anger any longer; he said, O my Lord the King [...] is it possible your Majestie should be so much childish or weak of belief, as to fix your trust upon the falshood of this ever-deceiving merchant, which hath nothing but sha­dows and Chymera's wherewith to inchant you? O be not so easily seduced, he is a wretchall covered and besmeared with murther and treason, and even to your own face hath made a scoffe of your Majestie. For my own part I am glad hee is here in your presence, and I intend to ring him such a peal of contray nature, that all the lies he can invent, shall not bear him away with safety.

So it is (my dread Lord) that this dissembling and false Traitor not long since did betraie my wife most shamefully: for it hapned upon a a Winters day, that they two travelled together through a very great water, and he perswaded 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 [Page]good while: whereunto he said, there would so much fish in­stantly cleave, that half a dozen of them should not be able to

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devour it. The sillly fool my wife (supposing all to be truth which come from him) went presently into the mire up to the belly before she came to the water; and coming into the [Page]depth of the water (as he directed her) she held her tail down still in the water, expecting when there the fish should cleave to: but the weather being sharp and [...]ro [...]tie, and shée 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: but when this lustful villain beheld that, he presently leapt upon her and ra [...]ished her, in such beastly and shameful manner, that no modest ear is able to hear the odiousnesse of the action. My poor Wife being disarmed of all resistance, well might she shrink, cry, and féed upon the brine of her own tears, but all to no purpose, the deed was done, and the villain trium­phed. This no impudence can make him deny, for I came and took him in the action. O how much jealousie, grief, and fury assail'd me at that instant, I was even distracted to behold them: and cried, Reynard, villain what art thou do­ing: but he séeing me so near approaching, presently leapt from her and ran his way: So I went unto her with much sorrow and heavinesse, having a world of labour [...]re I could break the Ice about her: and in despight of all my cunning, yet she was compell'd to leave a piece of her tail behind her: and indéed we both escaped hardly with our lives. For by reason of the great anguish she indured, she barked so loud, that the people of the next village rose up and came with staves, and bills, with flairs and pitch-forks, 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 among the rest, which was strong, and swift of foot, hurt us sore with a Pike-staffe, and had not the night be­friended us, wée had never escaped that 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 murtherer hath used us, and against the same we crave the right of your Law and Iustice.

But Reynard answered, and said, If this were true, I con­fesse it would touch me near in honour and reputation: but God forbid that such a slaunder should bee proved against [Page]me. I confesse I taught her to catch fish, and taught her how to enter the water, and never touch the mire: but her gréedi­nesse so transported her when she heard me name the fish, that shee ran without respect of any path or direction; and so comming into the Ice, the was there presently frozen, by rea­son of her too long tarrying; for she had more fish then would have satisfied twentie reasonable appetites: but it is com­monly seen, that who all would have, all forego: for covetous­nesse seldom bringeth any thing well home: yet when I saw her so fastned in the Ice, I used all my best indeavours to loosen her, and so indéed was heaving and shoving about her, but to little purposé; for by reason of her weight I was not able to move her.

Now whilst this was in doing came Isegrim, and séeing me so busie about her, Churle-like hée most vilely slandered me, like a profuse Wittal, which takes delight to bée accoun­ted a Cuckold: but believe it, my gracious Lord, all was false, and his wife virtuous, for any thing within my know­ledge: whence I am perswaded, that surely his eye dazled; for indéed he uttered many a grievous curse, and threatned much revengement against me; so that more to eschew his blasphemy then fury. I went my way, and he came; and with as great ado, and as much heave and shove, he helpt her out: which done, (they then almost starved with cold) ran and skipt 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 would not be the father of any falshood before your Ma­jestie, to be master of many millions: however my fortunes go, I respect not, truth is my badge, and hath ever been the Ensigne of all my Ancestors: and if there be any scruple or doubt made of mine assertion, I aske but eight daies li­berty, that I may confer with my learned Counsel, and I will so approve all my words by the oath and testimony of good and sufficient witnesse, that your Majestie, and your ho­norable Counsel shall accord to the justnesse of my prete­station. As for the Wolf, what have I to do with him? It is well known already that he is a debausht and almost noto­rious [Page]villain; false both to heaven and to your Majestie, and now his own words witnesse him a base slanderer of women: therefore I refer my self to the trial of his wife: if she accuse me, let the world hold me guilty; provided she may be made frée from her husband, whose tyranny will compell her to say any thing, though never so unjustly.

At this, forth stept dame Arsewinde the Wolfs wife, and said; O Reynard, thou hast so oylie a smooth tongue, and so dipt in flattery, that no man is safe from thine inchantment: it is not once, but oft thou hast deceived me; remember but how thou didst use me at the Well with two buckets: which 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'st down to the bottom of the Well, and there safest in great danger and peril, so that I ran thither with great haste, and heard thee sigh and make great mone: then asking thee how thou camest there? and thou answeredst me, that thou wert there a fishing; and hadst so

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[Page]much fish, of which thou hadst eaten so many, that thy belly was ready to break with swelling: then I asked how I might come to thee; and thou saidst, Aunt, leap into that bucket which hangeth there, and thou wilt be presently with me: which I no sooner did, but (being much heavier then thy self) I fell presently to the bottom of the Well, and thou camest up to the top: at which when I seemed to be angry, thou saidst; Aunt, this is but the fashion of the world: ever as one comes up, another must go down; and so said, you leapt out of the bucket, and ran your way, leaving mee there all alone, where I remained a whole day, pined with hunger, and starved with cold; and ere I could get out from thence, receiving so many blows, that my life was never in greater danger. The Fex replied; Aunt, though the strokes were painful unto you, yet I had rather you should have them then my self, for you are stronger, and better able to hear 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 perill: 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 dame Arsewinde to the King: I beseech your Ma­jestie, mark how this dissembler can blow with all windes, and paint his mischiefs with false colours: a world of times hath he brough me into these hazards. Once he betrai'd me to my Aunt the shee-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 memorie to be much better: besides he is apt to catch advantage from the weaknesse of language) I desire no better evidence against him. Then said the Fox, willingly I will do it, and without flattery or falshood, and therefore I beséech your Majestie lend me your Royal patience.

Vpon a certain time the Wolf here came to me into the Wood, and complained unto me that he was exceeding hun­gry, [Page](yet never saw him fuller in my life) but he would ever dissemble: at which presently I took pity of him, and said, I was also as hungry as he: so away he went and travelled half a day together without finding any thing; then began he to whine and crie, and said, he was able to go no further. Then hard by the foot of a Hathorn trée, we espied a hole all covered over with Brambles, and heard a great rushing there­in, but could not imagin the cause why: then I desired the Wolf to go in and look if any thing were there to profit us, (for some thing I knew there was) then said he; Cousin, I would not créep into the hole for a hundred pounds, till I know 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 your self, I will stay here under this Trée till you return: but I beséech you make haste, and let me know what is there in 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, and mighty, did abide without in peace, wherein I ex­prest no little friendship, for I would not endure the like dan­ger for a Kingdom: but to procéed, 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 further side of the hole, by which I saw there lying a great shée-Ape, with eies glim­mering and sparkling with fire, her mouth set round with long sharp téeth, and on her hands and nails sharp as an Elsin, or Bodkin. I imagined her at first a Marmazin, or Ba­boon, or else a Mercat, for a more dreadful beast I never be­held in all my life time; and by her side lay divers of her chil­dren, which like her selfe were cruel and sterne of counte­nance: when they saw me come towards them, they gaped wide with their mouths upon me, so that I grew amazed, and wish'd my self far from the harbor. But resolving with my self, that now I was in, I must quit my self as well as I could; I looked more constantly upon her, and me thought she appeared bigger then Isegrim the Wolf, and the least of her brats much larger then my self (for a fouler [Page]company I never saw) they were all laid in foul litter, rot­ten and durtie, with their own pisse, they were all daubed and clogged with their own dung, which stunk so filthie, that I was almost poisoned with the smell. For my own part I durst not but speak them fair, and therefore I said, Aunt, God give you many good daies, and blesse you and my Cou­sins your prettie children: questionlesse they are the sairest of their ages that ever I beheld, and so surpasse in beautie and perfection, that they may well be accounted of most princely issue. I ruly Aunt, we are infinitely beholden to you that doth adde this increase and glorie to your familie. For mine own part (dear Aunt) when I heard you were laid down and de­livered, I could not stay, but needs must come and visit you: Then replied she, Cousin Reynard, you are exceeding wel­come: you have found me like a slut, but I thank you for your kinde visitation: you are a worthie Gentleman, and (thorow the Kings Dominions) for your wit and judge­ment, held of singular reputation; you do much honour to our kindred, and are famous for the means you work to their preterment: I must intreat you to take the charge of my children, and instruct them in the rules of knowledge and sci­ence, that they [...]ay 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 your self with none but the good and the virtuous.

O how glad was I when I heard those words to proceed from her, which kindnesse was onely because at first I called her Aunt, who indeed was no foul kin unto me: for my true Aunt indeed is onely dame Ruk [...]naw, which standeth yonder: who indeed is mother of excellent children. Yet not­withstanding I answered this foul monster; Aunt, my life and goods are both at your service, and what I can do for you night or day, shall ever be at your commandement and your childrens. Yet. I most heartily wisht my self farre from them at that instant, for I was almost poisoned with their stink. And I pitied Isegrim, who was sore griped with [Page]hunger all this while? and offering to take my leave, and fain [...]ing that my wife will think it long till my returne, She said, Dear Cousin, you shall not depart till you have ea­ten something, I shall take it unkindly if you offer it, then rose wee up, and carried mee into an inner Room, where was great store of all kinde of Venison: both the Red Deer, F [...]llow Deer, and Roe: and great store of Partridge, Pheasant, and other Fowls, that I 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 Hinde, to carrie home to my Wife, which I was ashamed to take, but that she compelled me: and so taking my leave, and being intreated often to visit her, I did depart thence, much joied that I had sped so well.

Now being come out of the Causey, I spied whereas Isegrim lay groaning pitifully, and I asked him how he fa­red? He said, wondrous ill, and so extreamly ill, that (dear Nephew) without some meat I die presently: then did I take compassion on him, and gave him my wifes Token, which preserved his life, and for which then he gave me a world of thanks, though now he hate me extreamly. 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 hungrie then I was before, and this small morsel hath but sharpned my téeth to eat more. Then said I to him, Vncle, get yon 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 néed fear no hard measure, all things will be as you would wish it.

I think (my gracious Lord) this was warning sufficient, and that which might have armed any wise spirit, but rude and barbarous beasts will never understand wisedom. And therefore they loath the policies they know not. But yet he promised to follow my counsel: so forth he went into that foul stinking hole, and found the Ape in that filthie sort as before I described, which when he saw, (being affrighted) he cried out, Wo and alas, I think I am come into hell: did [Page]ever creature sée such fearful goblins? drown them, for shame drown them, they are so ugly, they are able to scare the Divel, why they make my hair stand an end with their hor­rid deformitie. Then (said she) Sir I [...]egrim, their creation is not my fault, set it suffice, they are my children, and I am their Mother. Nor ought their beautie or hard favour to dis­please you: here was a kinsman of theirs to day, and is but newly departed, who is well known to exceed you both in birth, virtue and wisdome, and he accounted them fair and lovely, for your opinion I care not: therefore you may de­part at your pleasure. Then he repli'd (Dame) I would have you know, that I would eat of your meat, it is much better bestowed one mee, then on those uglie Vrchins. 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 start up with her children, and ran at him with their sharpe nailes and so clawed him, that the blood ran about his eares, and I heard him erie and howle so extreamly, that it appeared he had no defence, but to run out of the hole, as fast as he could. For in­déed he came out both extreamly beaten, and extreamly bitten, and all his skin slasht like a Spanish Ierkin: and one year left behind as a paune of his manners.

This when I saw, I asked him if he had flattred suffici­ently? and he said he had spoken as he found, for the Damme was a foule Bitch, and the Litter most ugly monsters. Then I told him, how he should have commended their beauties, and take them for his best of alliance. And he replied, he had rather have séen them all hang'd. Then (quoth I) you must alwaies receive such reward as now you do, but wisdome would do otherwise, a lie somtimes as much a [...]a [...]eth, as a true tale: and faire words never come out of season, and bet­ter then we, hold it for a rule worthy Imitation.

Thus my Lord, I have told you truly how he came by his red night-cap, which I know he ca [...]mot, nor dare to [...], for all is true without any addition.

CHAP. 23. How Isegrim profered his Glove to Reynard to fight with him, which Reynard accepted; and how Rukenaw advised the Fox how to carrie himself in the fight.

THe Wolf answered the Fox: I may well forbear (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 helpt me in my need: but thou [...]iest falsely therein, for it was nothing but a Hare-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 Majesties death, for certain treasure thou saiest is in Husterloe: also thou hast abused and slandered my wife, which will ever be an infamie to her name, if it be not revenged: these things considered, I have for born you long therefore now look not to escape; where­fore séeing there is no other testimony but out own conscien­ces; here before you my Lord the King, and the rest of my Noble Lords, friends and alliances, here I will affirm, and approve to the lost drop of my blood, that thou Reynard the Fox, art a faise Traitor and a murtherer; and this I will ap­prove and make good upon thy bodie within the Lists of the field bodie against bodie by which means our strife shall have an end; and in witnesse whereof I cast thée here my Glove, which I dare thée to take up, that I may have right for mine injuries, or else die like a Recreant.

Reynard was somthing perplexed when he saw this, for he knew himself much too weak for the Wolf, and feared to come by the worst: but straight remembring the advantage he had, by reason the Wolfs fore-claws were pulled away, and that they were not yet fully cured, he said, Whatsoever he be that saith I am a Traitor, or a murtherer, 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 signe whereof I take up the gage, and throw down mine, to approve all thy words, lies and falshoods.

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This said, the King received their pledges, and admitted the battel, commanding them to put in their suretie, that the next morrow they should try the combate: then stept forth the Bear, and the Cat, and were sureties for the Wolfe: and for the Fox were sureties Grimbard the Brock, and Bytelus. [Page]

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When all ceremonies were finished, the she Ape tooke Rey­nard aside and said, Nephew, I beseech you take care of your selfe in this battell, be bold and wise, your Vnckle taught me once a prayer of singular vertue, for him which was to fight: and he learned it of that excellent Scholler and Clarke, the Abbot of Audelo, 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 Wolfe shall never prevatie against you. The Fox gave her many thanks for her favours, and told her his quarrell was good and honest and therefore he had no doubt of his happy successe: so all that night he rested with his kins folkes about him, who drave away the time with pleasant discourse. But Dame Rukenaw his Aunt, still beat her braine how to work him advantage in the combat, where­fore she caused all his haire to be shaved of even from his head to the taile and then she anointed all his body quite over with dyle Olive, so that she made it so smooth and slippery, that the [Page]Wolf could catch no hold of him: besides he was round, fat, and piumpe of bodie, which much availeth to his advantage: when shée advised him that night to drink excéeding much, that he might be more apt to pisse in the morning, but in no wise to shed any still he come into the field: then (said she) when you are in the fight, and sée time fitting, pisse upon your bush tail, and strike it in the Wolfs face, and as near as you can into his eies, by which means blinding his sight, he shall be little able to offend you: and but at these especial times keep your taile as close as can be between your leggs, least hee catch hold thereon, and pull you to the ground: also look carefully to your self at the first, and by all means shun his blows making him to toyle and runne after, especially there where most dust is, and spring it up with your sect, make it flie in his eies, 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 taile full of pisse and that will take from him both sight and understanding: besides, it will so tire and wearie him, that his feet not being fully cured of their hurt by the losse of his shoo's, which you caused to bee pulled off) he will not be able to pursue you: for though he be great, yet his heart is little and weak. This (Nephew) is mine advice, and assure your self in these cases, Art preval­eth as much as courage: therefore regard your self well, that not onely your selfe, but your whole family may gain ho­nour and reputation from your fortune: as for the charme of praier which your Vncle 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, Gorsons, A [...]sbuifr [...]o. Now Nephew, assure your selfe you are frée from all mischiefe or danger whatsoever, therefore go to your rest, for it is neer day, and some sleep will make the bodie 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 iremovable and so he laid him downe to rest under a Tree in the grasse, till it [Page]was Sun rise: at what time the Otter came unto him and awaked him, and gave him a fat young Duck to cat, saying, Dear Cousin, I have toile [...] ali [...]ti i [...]ight 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, i [...] was fortunate hansel, and if he

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[Page]survived that day, he should finde he would require it: so the Fox eat the Duck without bread or sawce, more then 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 opled, he

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[Page]said to him: Well Fox, I see you are careful of your own safetie: you respect not beautie so you escape danger. The Fox answered not a word, but bowing himself down hum­bly to the earth, both before the King and the Quéens 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 [...]ai [...] orious speeches. The Marshals and Ru­lers of the Lists, were the Lib [...]rd, and the Losse. These brought forth a book, on which the Wolf swore, and main­teined his assertion, That the Fox was a Traitor and a Mur­therer, which he would prove on his bodie, or else be counted a Recreant. Then Reynard took the book, and swore, belied as a false Traitor and a Thief, which he would pro [...]e on his bodie, or be accounted a Recreant.

When these ceremonies were done, the Marshalls of the Field bad them do their devoir. And then every creature a­voided the Lists, save Dame Rukenaw, who stood by the Fox, and had him remember the words and instructions she had [...]i­ven him, and call to minde, how when he was scarce seven years old, he had then wisdom enough to pisse the darkest night, with­out Lanthorn or Candle-light, or the help of the Moon, when any occasion required him: and that his experience was much greater, and his reputation of wisdome 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 your self I will do my best, and not forget 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.

CHAP. 24. Of the Combate betwixt the Fox and the Wolf; the event, passages, and victori.

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WHen none but the Combatants were in the Lists, the Wolf went toward the Fox with infinite rage and furie, and thinking to take the Fox in his fore-feet, the Fox leapt nimbly from him, and the Wolf pursued him; so that there began a tedious chase between them, on which their friends gaxed. The Wolfe taking larger strides then 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, which was all to b [...]ist; so that the Wolf was stricken almost blinde, the pisse smarted so extreamly. And he was forced to rest while he glaired his eies, which advantage when Reynard saw, he scratched up the dust with his feet, and threw it in the eies of the Wolf. This grieved him worse then the former, so that he durst follow him no lon­ger, for the dust and sand sticking in his eies smarted so sore, [Page]that of force he must rub and wash it away, which Reynard séeing, with all the furie he had he ran upon him, and with his téeth gave him thrée fore wounds on his head, and s [...]o [...] ­fing said; have I hit you Mr. Wolf? I will yet hit you bet­ter: you have kill'd many a Lamb, and many an innocent beast, and would impose the fault upon me, but you shall finde the price of your knavery: I am markt to punish thy sins, and I will give thee thy absolution bravely. It is good thou use patience, for Hell is Purgatory, and thy life is at my mer­cie: Yet notwithstanding, if thou will kneel down, and aske me forgivenesse, and confesse thy self vanquished (though thou béest the worst thing living) yet I will spare thy life, for my pity makes me loath to kill thee. These words made Isogrim both mad and desperate, so that he knew not how to expresse his fury; his wounds bled, his eies smarted, and his whole body was oppressed. So that in the height of his fury he lift up his foot, and struck the Fox so great a blow, that he fell'd him to the ground. But Reynard being nimble, quickly rose up again, and encountered the Wolf, that between them be­gun a dreadful and doubtful combate. The Wolf was ex­ceeding furious, and ten time he leaped to catch Reynard fast, but his skin was so slippery and oylie, 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 bellie, and every time gave the Wolf a bite with his téeth, or a swap 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 cuning, and the other strength; the one fu­rie, the other temperance. In the end the Wolf being inra­ged that the battel 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 combate; 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 [Page]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 in such wise, as if he would have prest them to death.

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Now began the Fox to bée grievously afraid, and all his friends also, and all Isegrims friends began to shout for joy: [Page]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; onely with his teeth he snat­ [...] at [...] 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 eies hung out of his head, which put the Wolf to infinite torment, and he howled out extremely: then Isegrim wiping his face, the Fox took advantage thereof, and with his strugling got upon his feet.

At which the Wolf was angrie, 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 desending himself, his hand light into Isegrims mouth, so that he was in danger to lose it. Then said the Wolf to the Fox, now either yield thy self as vanquished, or else certainly I will kill thee; neither thy dust, thy pisse, thy mocks, nor any subtil 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 ruine; and suddenly concluding, he said; Dear Vncle, since fortune commands me, I yield to be your servant; and at your commandement 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 soul of your fore-fathers: 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 Pullins, Geese, Partringes or P [...]oter, flesh or fish, you, your wife and children shall h [...]ve the first choice ere any come in my belly. I will ever stand by your side, and wheresoever you go, no dan­ger shall come ne [...]r you: you are strong, and I am subtil, we two joined together, what force can prevail against us: [Page]Again, wee are so near in blood, that nature forbids there should be any enmitie 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 battel been courteous to you, and not shews my worst violence, as I would on a stranger, for I know it is the dutie of a Nephew to spare his Vncle: and this you might well perceive by my running from you, I tell you it was an acion much contrary to my nature; for I might often have hurt you when I refused, nor are you worse for me by any thing, more then the blemish of your eie, for which I am sorrie, and with it had not hapned: yet there­by know that you shal reap rather benefit then lose thereby, for when other Beasts in their sleep shut two windows, you shall shut but o [...]. 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 reverg­ment of my kindred? Therefore temperance many man's wrath is excellent, whereas reshnesse is ever the mother of repen­tance but Vncle, I know you to be valiant, wise, and discreet, and you rather seek honor, peace, and good same, then blood and revenge.

Isegrim the Wolf said; Infinite dissembler, how fain wouldst thou be free'd of my servitude? Too well I understand thee, and know that if thou were safe on thy féet, thou wouldst forswear this submission: but know, all the wealth in the world shall not buy out thy ransome; for thee and thy friends I esteem them not, nor believe any thing thou hast uttered: too well I know thee and am no bird for thy Lime-bush chaffe cannot deceive me: O 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 [...]ow armed me against thée. Thou saist thou hast spared me in the battel: but look upon me, and my wounds will spew how falsely thou liest, [Page]thou never gavest me a time to breath in, nor will I now give thée a minute to repent in; and the rather when I think of the dishonour thou didst to my bed, and how inhumanely thou didst ravish my dear wife, Dame Arsewinde.

Now whilst Isegrim was thus talking, the Fox be thought himself how he might best get free, and thrusting his other hand down between his leggs, he caught the Wolf fast by the stones, and he wrung him so extreamly and hard thereby, that he made him shrink 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 con­tein himself from swounding: for this torment exceeded above the pain of his [...]ie, and in the end he fell over and over in a swound: then presently Reynard leapt upon, and drew him about thè Lists, and dragg'd 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 Isegrims friends were full of sorrow, and with great weeping and lamenting went to the King, and praied him to be pleased to appease the combat, and take it into his own hands: which suit the King granted, and then the Ly­bard and the Lesson (being marshals) entered the Lists, and told the Fox and the Wolf that the King would speak with them, and that the battel 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 Kinglose 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 then to be victor: therefore I beséech you let my friends come to attend me, that I may procéed by their advice. They answered, it was reason: so presently came forth dame Slopecard and Grimbart her husband, dame Rukenaw with her two sisters, Bitelus and Fulrumpe her two sons, and Malice her daughter, the field Mouse, the Weasel, and above an hundred which would not have come, [Page]if the Fox had lost the conquest: for to him that hath honour, will over flock attendants; but to him that is in losse, will no­thing but contempt follow. Alas, the Fox came to the Bever, the Otter & both their wives Pauntcerrote, and Ord [...]gale, and the Olt [...]o [...]e, the Mar [...]in, & the Fi [...]chews, the Firri [...], the Squirril, and a world more then I can name, and all because hée 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.

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Then was a solemne feast held; Trumpets were sounded, Cornets winded, shawms, and all instruments warbled, and every one cried, Praised be heaven for this glorious con­quest. Reynard thanked them all kindely, and received them with great joy and gladnesse: then asked their opinions whe­ther he should yield the victory to the King or no: and Dame [Page] Slopard said, yea by all meanes Cousin, for it stands with your honour, nor may you deny it. And (so the Marshalls going before) they went all to the King, garding the Fox on every side, all the Trumpets, Pipes and Minstrills sound­ing before him.

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When Reynard came before the King, he fell on his knées, and the King bade him stand up and said to him Reynard, you may well rejoice, for you have wen much honour our this day; therefore here I discharge you and set you frée, to go whither your own will leads you, for all contestations I ta [...]e upon my self, and will have it discust by the wisest of the Kingdom, as soon as Isegrims wounds shal be cured, at what time I wil send for you, and so procéed to judgment.

My worthie and dread Lord (said the Fox) I am well ap­paid with any thing that shall please you: yet when I came first to your Highnesse Court, there were many malicious persons which sought my life (whom I never injured) but they thought to overcome me, by joining with mine enemies against me, and thinking the Wolf had greater favour then I with your Majesty: this was the ground of their indigna­tion, wherein they shewed their simplicitie, not to alter the end which followed.

These men (my Lord) are like a great kennel of Hounds which once I saw standing at a Lords house on a dunghill, where they waited for such as should bring them meat, a­non they saw a Hound come out of the Kitchen, which had thence brought a goodly rib of Beef: but the Cook pursu­ing him, threw hot scalding water after him, and scalded all his hinder parts: but notwithstanding away he went with his booty: but when his fellows perceived him, they called to him, and said; O how much art thou bound to the good Cook which hath given thee that goodly bone so well furnished with flesh; but the Dog replied, You speak accor­ding to your knowledg, and praise me in such sort, as you see me before with the bone in my mouth; but if you please to look upon me behinde on my buttocks, you shall finde how dearly I paid for it; and they beholding how he was scalded, and all the hair and skin flayed from his hinder loins: they began to be agast and amazed at his torment; neither would they any more of his fellowship, but fled and ran away from him. In the same sort (my Lord) these faise and unworthie Beasts, when they are made Lords, possesse [Page]their desires, and are mighty and renowned: then do they extort, pill and pell the poor and needy, and cat them up like so many hungry starved Hounds; for they are the dogs with bones in their mouths, no man dare to meddle with them, but praise all their actions: no man dare offend them; nay, many assist and help them in their unlawful actions, onely that they may lick their fingers, and be partakers of their ex­tortions

O (my dear Lord)! how can those men go safely, which go thus blind-fould? Or how can they expect but a shameful fall, whose steps are so uncertain? neither can any man pity them when their works are disclosed; but continual curses and upbraidings follow them to the grave with destruction: many of these have lost their hair (which is their friends) as the Hound did, and have none left to cover their mischiefs, but all forsake them as the Hounds did the dog which was scalded.

My gracious Lord, I beséech you remember this moral ex­ample, and it will nothing impair the greatnesse of your vir­tue, for doubtlesse mary of these evil exrorting creatures are under your subjection, both in Towns, Cities, and great Lords houses, who out-face the poor, and sell away their free­doms and privileges, and threaten things upon them which they never knew, thought, or imagined, and all to make up the Common-wealths of their own particular profits: but the ends of such are vile, and heaven hath for them a judge­ment: but of these errors I hope none shall justly accuse me, nor any of my kindred, but we shall acquite us nobly from the same, I fear no creatures accusations; For I will ever be the Fox, though all my foes swear to the contrary. My Lord, you I adore above all mortal creatures living; nor can any wis­dom divert me from you, but I will abide by you to the last gasp: and though malice have told your Highnesse to the con­trary, yet I have ever disproved them, and so will do to the last moment.

CHAP. 25. 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.

THe King said; Reynard, you are one that owe mée ho­mage and fealtie, and I hope I shall ever enjoy it: And for

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[Page]your service, here I make you one of the Lords of my Privy Counsel. Take heed you do not any thing unworthily, for here I place you in all your power and authority as formerly you were, hoping you will administer Iustice equally and tru­ly. For as long as you imploy your wit unto virtuous acti­ons, to long the Court cannot misse you: for you are a Star, whose lustre exceeds all other, especially in finding out mis­chiefs, and preventing them. Therefore remember the Mo­ral you your self told me, and be a [...]over of trush and equitie. From henceforth I will be governed by your wisdom, and there shall not breath that creature in any Kingdom which shall do you injury, but I will highly revenge it. This you shall proclaim through all the Nation, and be the chiefest Governour in the same; for the Office of High-Bay­liff 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 loialty. 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. Then the Fox also thanked the King with fair and courteous words, saying; My gracious Lord! I am not worthie of these high honours you do me, yet will ever studie with my service how to deserve them: nor shal my best 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 hapned, Bruin the Bear, Ti­bert the Cat, and A [...]sewinde and her childdren, with the rest of their Linage, drew the Wolf out of the field, and laid him upon soft Litter 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 Léeches and Surgions. His sicknesse and weaknesse was so great, that his féeling was lost: but they rubbed and chafed him on the tem­ples [Page]

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and under the eies, till hee leapt out of his [...], 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 brake up, and every Beast returned to his own home.

Amongst the rest, Reynard the Fox took his leave of the King and Quéen, they 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 li­cence of his Majestie in all solemne manner, and with fair spéech, he departed the Court.

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Was never creature that ever flatterd braver, or to better purpose, for he that could do the like might be a Master of the eight liberall Sciences. And no Lord whether Spirituall or Temporall, but would have an eare open for all his language. Nor dyed he without issue, for he hath Children almost in all places.

And indéed he that hath no alliance to him in the Art of dis­simulation, shall hardly prosper, as the world goeth: Though he want his heir, yet if he have his heart, it is enough to make him accepted.

Plain dealing is now an exile, and Coveteousness and fraud have taken possession of his Tenements: not the Popes Pa­lace, the Court of Emperours, Kings and Princes cannot be excepted of this error.

Money is now grown the onely Favorite of the times; the very Church-Idol, and the Countrey worship: it can purchase all things, defend all things, and confound all things: And mad men travell over the world, to gain this folly, this fashion: Who is not a true Fox, is but a beast of base estima­tion.

This is the worlds custome, and what will become of the use, the wise man can hardly judge or imagine: Onely that these hainous sins of falshood, Theft, Murther and Ambiti­on, can never walk but hand in hand with Iudgment: From which I heartily pray that the hand of the Highest will defend us, and make us walk in those paths which shall be su­table to vertue and piety. With which I conclude, since these misdeeds are not fit Theames for me to treate of, since at the last day every one is sure to give an account for his own bur­then.

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 creature tha [...] he had sped well, and stood so far in the Kings favour: for now he had power enough to advance whom he pleased, and pull down any that envied his fortune.

After some travell the Fox and all his friends came to his Borough, or Castle of Mal [...]pardus, where every one (in noble and courteous manner) took leave of other, and Reynard did

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to every one of them great reverence, and thanked them for the love and honour hée had received of them; protesting ever­more to remain their faithfull servant, and to second them in [Page]all things wherein his life or goods might be available unto them: and so shook hands and departed.

The Fox went in to Dame Ermeli [...] 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 mist no tittle or circumstance 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.

Now whosoever shall relate unto you (of the Fox) more or lesse then you have heard: I would not wish you to build any faith upon his reports. Onely this which you have alrea­dy heard or read, you may believe at your best pleasure: Or if any refuse, he shall notwithstanding be accounted an He­retick, since he that onely saw it, may best give credit unto it; and yet many in this world believe the things they have not séen.

Besides, there are many Plays, both Comick and Morall, which figure out things that never were, onely to make use and benefit of the example: That men may thereby the better shun Vice, and pursue Vertues. In like manner, this Book, though it contain but matter of jest and sport, yet if he look se­riously thereinto, he may haply find much Moral matter and wisdome, worth his consideration. Goodness nor any Good man shall he find in it disreputed, for all things are generally spoke, and every man may take his own part as his Conscience shall instruct him: If any man find himself too much oppressed, let him shake it off with amendment: If any man be clear, let him hold on his path, and av [...]yd stumbling: And if any take distast or offence, let him not blame me, but the Fox, for it is onely his language. But if all things suit to my wish'd imiginations, I shall then be encouraged to salute the world with a second part: clad in some neater English, déeper matter, and if not more, yet every whit as pleasant Morals.