XVII REYNARD THE FOX 129

ready for the war; and at the end of six
days appear before me with their bows, guns,
bumbards, pikes, and halberds ; some on horse-
back, some on foot, for I will besiege ak-
pardus instantly, and destroy Reynard and his
generation from the earth for ever; this if any
dislike, let him turn his back, that I may know
him for mine enemy.’

 

And they all cried with one voice, ‘We are
ready to attend your Majesty.’

When Grimbard the brock heard this
determination he grew exceeding sorry, though
his sorrow was desperate, and stealing from
the rest of the company, he ran with all speed
possible to Malepardus, neither sparing bush
nor brier, pale nor rail; and as he went he said
to himself, ‘Alas, my dear uncle Reynard, into
what hazards art thou drawn, having but one

Kk