XII REYNARD THE FOX 87

their muster rolls, which pleased him ex-
ceeding much, for there was of J/segrim’s
lineage about twelve hundred sworn to the
action, besides the bear’s own kindred, the
fox’s, the cat’s, and the dassen’s, all which
would be in readiness upon an hour’s warning.
All this I found out, I praise Heaven, by
perfect intelligence ; now things being brought
to this perfection, my father went to his cave
of treasure, but when he found it open, spoiled,
and ransacked, it is not in me to express the
infinite agony and sorrow he fell into, that
grief converting to madness, and madness to
desperation, suddenly he went to the next tree
and hanged himself.

‘Thus by my art only was the treason of
Bruin defeated, for which I now suffer; from
hence sprang all misfortune, as thus: these
foul traitors, Bruin and Jsegrim, being of the
King’s privatest council, and sitting in high
and great authority, tread upon me, poor
Reynard, and work my disgrace ; notwith-
standing, for your Majesty’s sake, I have lost
my natural father. O my dread Lord, what
is he, or who can tender you a better affection,
thus to lose himself to save you?’

The King and Queen having great hope