XII REYNARD THE FOX 79

how to set the crown upon his head.” Brudz
was glad of this embassage (for he was ex-
ceeding ambitious, and had long thirsted for
sovereignty), and thereupon came into /Vanders,
where my father received him nobly. Then
presently he sent for the wise Griméard, my

 

nephew, and for J/segrvim the wolf, and for
Tibert the cat ; then these five coming between
Gaunt and the village called ZJ/e, they held a
solemn council for the space of a whole night, in
which, by the assistance of the evil one, and the
strong confidence of my father’s riches, it was
there concluded, that your Majesty should be
forthwith murdered. And, to effect this, they
took a solemn oath in this manner: the bear,