CHAP. V REYNARD THE FOX 23

shall answer your contempt, and your goods
and honours shall lie confiscate at his highness’s
mercy. Therefore, fair kinsman, be advised of
your friend, and go with me to the court to
shun the danger that else will fall upon you.’
keynard, lying close by the gate, as his
custom was for the warm sun’s sake, hearing

 

those words, departed into one of his holes, for
Malepardus is full of many intricate and curious
rooms, which labyrinth-wise he could pass
through, when either his danger or the benefit
of any prey required the same. There he medi-
tated awhile with himself how he might
counterplot and bring the bear to disgrace
(whom he knew loved him not) and himself to
honour; at last he came forth, and said, ‘ Dear

uncle Bruin, you are exceeding welcome;