THE STORY OF REYNARD THE FOX. 93

told to his uncle all that had happened. Reynard received him
with great courtesy, and the next morning accompanied him back
to court, confessing on his way many heinous sins, and obtaining
absolution from the badger. The King received him with a severe
and ately countenance, and immediately asked him touching the
complaint of Laprell the Rabbit.
To which Reynard made answer: “ Indeed, sire, what Laprell
reeeived he most richly deserved. I gave him a cake when he was
hungry ; and when my little son Rossel wanted to share a bit, the
rabbit struck him on the mouth and made his teeth bleed; where-
upon my eldest son Reynardine forthwith leaped upon him, and
would have slain him had I not gone to the rescue.’ Then the
rabbit, fearmg Reynard, stole away out of court.
“ But,” quoth the King, “I must charge you with another
foul treason. When I had pardoned all your great transgressions,
and you had promised me to go a pilgrimage to the Holy Land;
when I had furnished you with mail, scrip, and all things fitting
that holy order; then, i the greatest despite, you sent me back
in the mail, by Bellin the Ram, the head of Kyward the Hare;
a thing so notoriously to my disgrace and dishonour, that no
treason can be fouler.”’
- Then spake Reynard to the King, and said, “ Alas, my sove-
reign Lord, what is that you have said? Is good Kyward the Hare
dead? Oh, where is then Bellin the Ram, or what did he bring
to your Majesty at his return? For it is certain I delivered him
three rich and inestimable jewels, I would not for the wealth of
- India they should be detained from you; the chief of them I de-
termined for you my Lord the King, and the other two for my
sovereign Lady the Queen.”

“But,” said the King, “I received nothing but the head of

N