XIV REYNARD THE FOX 103

the ram saw the King offended, he shook for
fear, and ran presently to the altar, and sang
mass, and used many ceremonies over the fox,
who gave little respect unto them, more than
the desire he had to enjoy the honour.

Now when Beddin the ram had finished his
orisons, he presently hung about Keyxara’s
neck his mail, which was made of the bear’s
skin, and put into his right foot a palmer’s
staff; and thus being furnished of all things,
he looked sadly upon the King, as if he had
been loath to depart, and feigned to weep
(though sorrow and he were never farther
asunder), only his worst grief was, that all in
that presence were not in the same case that the
bear and the wolf were. Yet he took his leave
of them, and desired every one to pray for him,
as he would pray for them; and then offering
to depart (for knowing his own knavery, he was
very desirous to be gone).

The King said, ‘Sir Reynard, | am sorry
we must part thus suddenly.’

Then said the fox, ‘ There is no remedy, my
Lord, nor.ought I to be slow in so devout an
action.’

Then the King took leave, and commanded
all that were about him, but the bear and the