{20 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP.

Thus was the peace made between the
King and these nobles by the leopard, and
Bellin the ram was forthwith slain by them;
and all these privileges doth the wolf hold to
this hour, nor could ever any reconcilement be
made between them and the ram’s kindred.
When this peace was thus finished, the King,
for joy thereof, proclaimed a feast to be held
for twelve days after, which was done with all
solemnity.

To this feast came all manner of wild
beasts, for it was universally known through
the whole kingdom, nor was there wanting any
delight or pleasure that could be imagined, as
music, dancing, masking, and all princely re-
creations; as for several meats, they were in
that abundance, that the court seemed a store-
house which could not beemptied. Also to this
feast resorted abundance of feathered fowl, and
all other creatures that held peace with his
Majesty, and no one missing but the fox only.

Now after this feast had thus continued in
all pomp the space of eight days, about high
noon came Laprell the coney before the King
and Queen, as they sat at dinner, and with a
heavy and lamentable voice said, ‘My gracious
and great Lord, have pity upon my misery,