XVII REYNARD THE FOX 127

and pregnant to his knowledge. Neither
should both his ears be engaged to any com-
plaint, but one ever reserved to entertain the
defence of any accused; for many times the
accuser exceedeth the accused in injury, and
therefore Audire alteram partem, to hear the
other party, is the act of perfect justice. For
my own part, howsoever I have erred, yet I
have strong ground for my persuasion, and
whether Reynard be good or bad, yet it stands
with your Excellency not to proceed against
him but by the true form of your laws; for he
hath no power to escape you, but must obey
whatsoever your severity can impose upon
him.’

When the Queen had thus spoken, /7vapell
the leopard, to second her entreaty, said, ‘My
Lord, the Queen hath spoken graciously, and I
see not wherein your Majesty can stray from
her judgment; therefore let him take the due
trial of your laws, and being found guilty of the
trespasses whereof he is accused, let him be
summoned, and if he appear not before your
feast be ended, to clear himself, or submit to
your mercy, then may your Highness proceed
against him as it shall seem best to your
pleasure,’