XIII REYNARD THE FOX 97

wheresoever you shall meet them, whether by
night or by day. And let not any one hereafter
be so audacious as to trouble mine ears with any
more complaints of him; for his wickedness
he hath cast behind him, and will no more be
guilty of wrongdoing, which to effect the better,
to-morrow very early he taketh his journey
towards Rome, where from the Pope he will
purchase a free pardon and indulgence for all
his offences, and then will go on pilgrimage to
the Holy Land.’

This speech, when 77se¢dn the raven heard,
he flew to Brutn, Tsegrim, and Tibert, and
said, ‘Wretched creatures, how are your
fortunes changed! or how can you endure to
hear these tidings? Why, Reynard is now a
courtier, a counsellor, nay, the prime favourite ;
his offences are forgiven, and you are all
betrayed, and sold unto bondage.’

Lsegvim answered, ‘It is impossible, Z77zsed/n,
nor can such a thing be suffered.’

‘Do not deceive yourselves,’ said the raven,
‘for it is as true as that now I speak it.’

Then went the wolf and the bear to the
King, but the cat stayed, and was so sore
affrighted with the news, that to purchase the
fox’s friendship again, he would not only have

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