10 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP.

him better, for he had stolen it; and Male que-
ststt, et male perdidisti—that is to say, it is fit
that be evil lost which was evil won; who can
blame Reynard to take stolen goods from a
thief? It is reason that he which understands
the law and can discern right, being of great
and high birth as my kinsman is, do right unto
the law. Nay, had he hanged up Czurtozs when
he took him with the manner, he had offended
none but the King in doing justice without
leave ; wherefore, for respect to his Majesty, he
did it not, though he reaped little thanks for his
labour. Alas, how do these complaints hurt
him! mine uncle is a gentleman and a true
man, nor can he endure falsehood; he doth
nothing without the counsel of his priest. [
affirm, since my Lord the King proclaimed his
peace, he never thought to hurt any man. He
eateth but once a day, he liveth as a recluse,
he chastiseth his body, and weareth a shirt of
haircloth ; it is above a year since he ate any
flesh (as I have been truly informed by them
which came but yesterday from him); he hath
forsaken his castle AZalepardus, and abandoned
all royal state, a poor hermitage retains him,
hunting he hath forsworn, and his wealth he
hath scattered, living only by alms and good