104 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP.

wolf, to attend Reynard some part of his
journey. O he that had seen how gallant and
personable Reynard was, and how well his
staff and his mail became him, as also how fit
his shoes were for his feet, it could not have
chosen but have stirred in him very much
laughter. Yet the fox carried himself outwardly
very demurely, however inwardly he smiled at
the abuses he had cast amongst them, especially
to see his enemies now his attendants, and the
King, whom he had most palpably wronged
with false lies, aiding to all his vain desires,
and accompanying him also as if he had been
his companion.

But the fox being now started on his way,
he said to the King, ‘I beseech your Majesty
trouble yourself no further, but in respect of
your ease, and the danger might happen to
your royal person, for you have arrested two
capital traitors, who, if in your absence they
should get at liberty, the danger were infinite
which might ensue thereon.’

And this said, he stood upon his hinder feet,
and entreated the beasts that were in his com-
pany, and would be partakers of his pardon,
that they would pray for him; which done, he
departed from the King with an exceeding