110 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP.

unacquainted ; here we possess all that we
desire, and you are a lord over all that lives
about you, and it is but an indiscreet hazard
to change a certain good for a hoped content-
ment; besides, we are here safe enough, and
should the King besiege us never so straitly,
yet have we so many passages and by-holes,
that he can cut from us neither relief nor liberty.
O what reason have we then to fly beyond seas?
but you have sworn it, that’s my vexation.’
‘Nay, Dame,’ said the fox, ‘grieve not at
that; the more forsworn, the less forlorn;
besides, I have heard some say, that a forced
oath is no oath, nor do I make account that
this pilgrimage will avail me a rush; and there-
fore I am resolved, and will not start from
hence, but follow thy counsel. If the King do
hunt after me, I will guard myself as well as I
am able, and against his power apply my policy;
so that being forced to open my sack, let him
not blame me if he catch hurt by his own fury.’
All this while stood Belin the ram at the
gate, and grew exceeding angry both against
the fox and the hare, that they made him wait
so long; and therefore called out aloud for
Reynard to come away, which, when Reynard
heard, he went forth, and said softly to the ram,