26 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP.

and Portugal, yet I could in a short space eat
it all myself.’

‘Then know, uncle,’ quoth the fox, ‘that
near at hand here dwelleth a husbandman
named Laxfert, who is master of so much honey,
that you cannot consume it in seven years,

 

which for your love and friendship’s sake I will
put into your safe possession.’

Lruin, mad upon the honey, swore, that
to have one good meal thereof he would not
only be his faithful friend, but also stop the
mouths of all his adversaries.

Reynard, smiling at his easy belief, said,
‘If you will have seven ton, uncle, you shall
have it.’