XVI REYNARD THE FOX 121

and attend my complaint, which is of great
violence, force, and murder, which Reynard the
fox would yesterday have committed against
me. As I passed by the castle of AZalepardus,
where, standing without his gates, attired like
a pilgrim, I supposing to pass peaceably by
him towards my nest, he crossed my way,

 

saying his beads so devoutly, that I saluted
him; but he, returning no answer, stretched
forth his right foot and gave me such a
blow on the neck between the head and
shoulders, that I imagined my head had been
stricken from my body; but yet so much
memory was left me that I leaped from his
claws, though most grievously hurt and
wounded. At this he grieved extremely,