12 The Rare Romance of

and put on the top a stone slab, on which were cut these
words: ‘Here lies Chan-ti-cleer’s child, Cop-ple, whom
Rey-nard the Fox hath slain. Mourn, ye who read this;
for her death was most swift and sad.”

So the King sent for his lords of State, to judge of the
mode in which the vile Fox should be dealt with. They
all took the same view of the case; and it was made known
that the Fox should come forth to the Court, and that,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bru-in the Bear should serve him with the King’s writ.

When the King had the Bear brought to im, Sir
Bru-in,” said he, “it is our will that you take these words
from us; yet have great heed. The Fox is full of craft,
and if you use not your wits, he will mock you, though
you be the most wise in the world.”

“ My liege,” said the Bear, “let me but get sight of the
Fox. I am not quite such a one as to be made his dane,
knave as he is.”