20 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP.

Copple,
Chanticleer’s daughter,
whom Reynard the Cor hath slain,
lieth here buried ;
Mourn thou that readest it,
fov Her death twas unjust and lamentable.

After this the King sent for his lords and
wisest counsellors to consult how this foul
murder of Aeynard’s might be punished. In
the end it was concluded that Reynard should
be sent for, and without all excuse to appear
before the King to answer those trespasses
should be objected against him, and that this
message should be delivered by Bruzx the
bear. To all this the King gave consent, and
calling him before him, said, ‘Sir Bruzn, it is
our pleasure that you deliver this message, yet
in the delivery thereof have great regard to
yourself, for Reynard is full of policy, and
knoweth how to dissemble, flatter, and betray.
He hath a world of snares to entangle you
withal, and without great exercise of judgment,
will make a scorn and mock of the best wisdom
breathing.’

‘My Lord,’ answered Sir Bruzn, ‘let me
alone with Reyxard, | am not such a truant in