126 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP.

pilgrim? Well, he shall find the reward of his
treasons; but it was not my belief, but the
persuasion of my Queen; nor am I the first
that hath been deceived by that soft gender,
since many great spirits have fallen through
their enticements.’

This said, he commanded all that were about
him, all noble, worthy, and very discreet spirits,
to assist him with their counsel, and to lay him
down such sure ground for his revenge, that
his honour and royalty might be anew revived,
and every offender made to know and feel the
heavy price for their most unjust actions.

Lsegrim the wolf and Brucn the bear, hearing
the King’s words, were wonderfully well repaid,
and doubted not but now to gain their full
revenge against Reynard, yet still they kept
silence and spake not a word. Insomuch that
the King being much moved with their dumb-
ness, and noting that none durst freely deliver
their opinions, he began to bend his forehead.

But the Queen, after solemn reverence, said
to the King, ‘Mon Sire, pour Dieu croyez mite
toutes choses qu'on vous diva, et ne jurez potnt
légerement, Sir, it is not the part of any ex-
cellent wisdom to believe or protest in any-
thing till the matter be made most apparent