Vv REYNARD THE FOX 25

poor men are no lords, you know, but eat that
for necessity which others eat for wantonness,
yet not to delay you, that which I ate was
honeycombs, great, full, and most pleasant,
which, compelled by hunger, I ate too un-
measurably and am thereby infinitely dis-
tempered.’

‘Ha,’ quoth ruc, ‘honeycombs? do you
make such slight respect of them, nephew?
why it is meat for the greatest emperor in the
world. Fair nephew, help me but to some of
that honey, and command me whilst I live; for
one little part thereof I will be your servant
everlastingly.’

‘Sure,’ said the fox, ‘uncle, you but jest with
men

‘But jest with you,’ replied Bruznz , ‘ beshrew
my heart then, for I am in that serious earnest,
that for one lick thereat you shall make me the
faithfullest of all your kindred.’

‘Nay,’ said the fox, ‘if you be in earnest,
then know I will bring you where so much is,
that ten of you shall not be able to devour it at
a meal, only for your love’s sake, which above
all things I desire, uncle.’

‘Not ten of us?’ said the bear, ‘it is im-
possible ; for had J all the honey betwixt 7yd/a