XXX REYNARD THE FOX

the Reynard. Writing was, in great measure,
a monopoly of the monks in the Middle Ages,
and there was, accordingly, evidence that most
versions of the Reynard were written down,
if not composed, by monks. This made the
whole Cycle seem to be a confession of
weakness by the monks. But more dis-
passionate inquiry has shown that the satiric
attack upon monkery is a later development,
and cannot be in any sense regarded as a
primary motif in the Cycle. Yet it adds many
a quaint passage in the later forms of the book,
and cannot be disregarded in any treatment of
the subject, however cursory.

Enough has now been said to put the reader
in a position where he can best begin the read-
ing of Reynard. He has to expect a novel
of adventure in which animals play the part of
men, and for the most part bear men’s names.
The traits of character he will be called upon
to observe will be mainly those which men can
be supposed to share with beasts. Through it
all he will see Cunning clad in Fox pelt
extricating itself against invincible odds out
of the most desperate difficulties. Fables he
knows of in the ancient world he will find
repeated under novel circumstances; while