CHAP. VI REYNARD THE FOX 41

The King replied, ‘It is your wisdom, sir
Tibert, 1 employ, and not your strength, and
many prevail with art, when violence returns
with lost labour.’

Wiel, said™ the cat, “since it is your
pleasure, it must be accomplished; Heaven
make my fortune better than my _ heart
presageth.’

This Zzéert made things in readiness, and
went towards Malepardus, and in his journey
he saw come flying towards him one of Saint
Martin's birds, to whom the cat cried aloud,
‘Hail, gentle bird, I beseech thee turn thy
wings and fly on my right hand.’ But the bird
turned the contrary way, and flew on his left
side; then grew the cat very heavy, for he was
wise and skilful in augurism, and knew the
sign to be ominous; nevertheless, as many do,
he armed himself with better hope, and went
to Malepardus, where he found the fox standing
before his castle gates, to whom 77%éer7 said,
‘Health to my fair cousin Reynard, so it
is that the King by me summons you to the
court, in which if you fail or defer time, there
is nothing more assured unto you than a cruel
and a sudden death.’

The fox answered, ‘Welcome, dear cousin