CHAP. VI REYNARD THE FOX 45

and seldom eat; I had rather have one mouse
than all the honey in Zurofe.’

‘A mouse, said Reynard, ‘why, my dear
cousin, here dwelleth a priest hard by, who
hath a barn by his house so full of mice that
I think half the wains in the parish are not
able to bear them.’

‘O dear Reynard, quoth the cat, ‘do but
lead me thither, and make me your servant for
evict

‘Why,’ said the fox, ‘love you mice so
exceedingly ?’

‘Beyond expression,’ quoth the cat; ‘why,
a mouse is beyond venison or the delicatest
cates on princes’ tables; therefore conduct me
thither, and command my friendship in any
matter; had you slain my father, my mother,
and all my kin, I would clearly forgive you.’