XI REYNARD THE FOX 71

said, ‘I beseech you, shorten my pain; sir
Tibert hath a cord strong enough, in which
himself was hanged at the priest’s house;
besides, he can climb well and swift. O let him
be mine executioner, for it neither becometh
Lsegrim nor Bruin thus to do to their nephew.
Iam sorry I live to see it; but since you are
set to be my hangmen, play your parts and
delay not; go before, Bruzu, and lead my way ;
follow, /segrim, and beware I escape not.’

‘You say well,’ said Bruzn, ‘and it is the
best counsel I have heard you give.’

So forth they went, and /segrim and all his
friends guarded the fox, leading him by the
neck and other parts of his body. When the
fox felt this usage, he was dismayed, yet said,
‘O why do you put yourself, my best kins-
man, tothis pain, to do me hurt? Believe it, I
could well ask your forgiveness, though my pains
be pleasant unto you, yet well I know, did my
aunt, your wife, understand of my trouble, she
would for old affection’s sake not see me thus
tormented. But I am subject to your will, and
can endure your worst malice; as for Bruen and
Trbert, | leave my revenge to justice, and wish
you the reward of traitors, if you do not to me
the worst of your powers. I know my worst