CHAP. V REYNARD THE FOX 31

he locked the bear fast therein, and then
neither flattery nor anger availed the bear.
For the nephew had by his deceit brought
the uncle into so false a prison that it was
impossible by any art to free himself of the
same. Alas, what profited now his great
strength and valour? Why they were both
causes of more vexation; and finding himself

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destitute of all relief, he began to howl and
bray, and with scratching and tumbling to
make such a noise, that Lanfert, amazed, came
hastily out of his house, having in his hand
a sharp hook, whilst the bear lay wallowing
and roaring within the tree.

The fox from afar off said to the bear in
scorn and mocking, ‘Is the honey good,
uncle, which you eat? How do you? Eat
not too much, I beseech you. Pleasant things