72 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP.

fortune, and death can come but once unto me;
I wish it were past already, for to me it is no
terror; I saw my father die, and how quickly
he vanished, therefore the worst of death is
familiar unto me.’

Then said /segrim, ‘ Let us go, for his curse
shall not light on me by delaying.’ So he on
one side, and Bruzz on the other, led the poor
fox to the gallows; Z7zéert running before with
the halter, hoped to be revenged of his wrong
formerly received. When they were come to
the place of execution, the King and Queen, and
all the rest of the nobility, took their place to
see the fox die. Then Reynard, full of sorrow,
and busily bethinking himself how he might
escape that danger, and how to enthral and
disgrace his proud enemies, and also how to
draw the King on his party, said to himself,
‘Though the King and many others be offended
with me, as they have reason, for I have
thoroughly deserved it, nevertheless, yet I hope
to live to be their best friend.’

During this meditation the wolf said, ‘ Sir
Bruin, now remember your injuries, take your
revenge ina full measure, for the day is come we
wished for. Zzdert, ascend quickly, and bring
the rope to the gallows, making a running noose,