132 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP,

and it might strike her into sudden sickness,
for women are apt to entertain grief. When
we have feasted, I will then to-morrow early in
the morning go with you to the court, and if I
can but obtain speech with the King, I shall
gall some deep enough; only this I desire,
dear nephew, at your hands, that you will
stand to me, as one friend and kinsman ought
to do to another.’

‘Doubt me not,’ said Grimbard, ‘for both
my life and goods shall be at your service.’

‘T thank you, nephew,’ said the fox, ‘and
you shall not find me ungrateful.’

‘Sir,’ said the brock, ‘be bold of this, that
you shall come and make your answer before
the lords freely, for none shall dare to arrest or
hold you, for that favour the Queen and the
leopard have purchased from the King.’

‘T am glad of that,’ said the fox, ‘nor care |
then a hair for their worst malice.’

And this said, they went into Malepardus,
and found Zyvmefn sitting among her young-
lings, who presently arose, and received the
brock with all reverence, and he on the other
part saluted her and her children with all
courtesy. Presently the two pigeons were
made ready, and they supped together, each