XVII REYNARD THE FOX 131

you have great care of yourself, for their envy
hath touched you to the quick; they have
informed against you, that you are a thief and
a murderer; and to second their informations,
Laprell the coney and Corbaut the rook have
made heinous complaints against you, so that
but your shameful death, | see no escape or
freedom.’

‘Tush,’ said the fox, ‘my dear nephew, if
this be the worst, let no sorrow affright you;
but let us be cheerful and pleasant together,
for though the King and all the court would
swear my death, yet will I be exalted above
them all. Well may they prate and jangle,
and tire themselves with their counsels; but
without the help of my wit and policy, neither
can the court nor commonwealth have any long
continuance. Come, then, my best nephew,
let us enter into my castle and feast ; I have
here a pair of fat pigeons for you, which are
meat of pure and light digestion; I love not
anything better; they are young and tender,
and may be almost swallowed whole, for their
bones are little other than blood. Yet come, I
say, my wife Armelin will receive you kindly ;
but by all means report not to her of any
dangers, for she is of soft and melting temper,