CHAP. X REYNARD THE FOX 67

in a message, and he would neglect it to steal
honey at the carpenter’s house, where he re-
ceived his wounds, how shall I amend it? If
revenge he sought, why did he not take it
himself, he is strong and puissant? As for
Tibert, whom I received with all friendship, if
he against my will or advice will steal into the
priest’s barn to catch mice, and there lose his
eyes, nay, his life, wherein is mine offence, or
how become I their guardian? O my dread
Lord, you may do your royal pleasure, and
however mine innocence plead, yet your will
may adjudge me to what death contents you.
J am your vassal, and have no support but your
mercy; I know your strength and mine own
weakness, and that my death can yield you but
small satisfaction, yet whatsoever your will is,
that to me shall be most acceptable.’

And as he thus spake, Bedlim the ram
stepped forth, and his ewe dame Oleway, and
besought the King to hear their complaint ;
with them Bruin the bear and all his mighty
lineage; and Zvdert the cat, /segrim the wolf,
Kyward the hare, and Panther, the boar, the
camel, and Bruel the goose, the kid and the
colt, Baldwin the ass, Bortle the bull, and
Flamel the ox, the weasel, Chanticleer the