THE STORY

OF

REYNARD THE FOX.

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Axsovt the feast of Whitsuntide, when the woods were in their
lustyhood and gallantry, when every tree was clothed in the green
and white livery of glorious leaves and sweet-smelling blossoms,
when the earth was covered with her fairest mantle of flowers, -
and the sweet birds entertained the groves with the delight of
their harmonious songs, the Lion, the Royal King of Beasts, made
solemn proclamation that all quadrupeds whatsoever should attend
his court, and celebrate this great festival.

Now when the king had assembled all his subjects together,
there was no one absent save Reynard the Fox, against whom
many grievous accusations were laid. First came Isegrim the
Wolf, with all his family and kindred, who, standing before the
King complained loudly how that Reynard had ill-treated his
wife and children. Then there came a little hound named Curtise,
who accused the Fox of having stolen his pudding in the extreme
cold winter-time, when he was nigh dying of starvation. But
scarcely had the hound finished his tale, when, with a fiery
countenance, in sprang Tibert the Cat, and accused Curtise of
having stolen this pudding from himself, and declared that Rey-
nard had righteously taken it away.