112 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP.

departed from the land, I should send unto him
two letters, which I have made ready, and will
entreat you, my dearest cousin, to bear them to
his Majesty.’

The ram answered, ‘I would willingly do
you the service if there be nothing but honour-
able matter contained in your letters; but I am
unprovided of anything to carry them in.’

The fox said, ‘That is provided for you
already, for you shall have my mail which you
may conveniently hang about your neck; I
know they will be thankfully received of his
Majesty, for they contain matter of great im-
portance.’

Then Belin promised to carry them; so the
fox returned into his house, and took the mail,
and put therein the head of Kyward, and
brought it to the ram, and gave him a great
charge not to look therein, till it was presented
to the King, as he did expect the King’s favour;
and that he might further endear himself with
his Majesty, he bade the ram take upon him
the inditing of the letters, ‘which will be so
pleasing to the King, that questionless he will
pour upon you many favours.’

The ram was exceeding glad of this advice,
and thanked the fox, saying, ‘ That the favours