24 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP.

pardon my slowness in coming, for at your first
speech I was saying my even song, and devo-
tion must not be neglected. Believe me, he
hath done you no good service, nor do I thank
him which hath sent you this weary and long
journey, in which your much sweat and toil far
exceeds the worth of the labour. Certainly had
you not come, I had to-morrow been at the
court of my own accord, yet at this time my
sorrow is much lessened, inasmuch as your
counsel at this present may return me double
benefit. Alas, cousin, could his Majesty find no
meaner a messenger than your noble self to
employ in these trivial affairs? Truly it appears
strange to me, especially since, next his royal
self, you are of greatest renown both in blood
and riches. For my part, I would we were both
at court, for I fear our journey will be exceed-
ing troublesome. To speak truth, since I made
mine abstinence from flesh, | have eaten such
strange new meats, that my body is very
much distempered, and swelleth as if it would
break.’

‘Alas, dear cousin,’ said the bear, ‘what
meat is that which maketh you so ill?’

‘Uncle,’ answered he, ‘ what will it profit you
to know? the meat was simple and mean. We