136 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP.

the court with my cousin Griméard, and though
my stay be more than ordinary, yet take no
affright thereat, and what tidings soever you
hear, yet consider all things for the best, and
be careful of yourselves, and keep my castle
close and well guarded; as for myself, doubt
not but I will defeat all mine enemies.’

‘Alas, Reynard, said his wife, ‘what moves
you to take this sudden journey? ‘The last time
you were at the court you know what dangers
you escaped, and you vowed never to see it
again. Will you now run a second hazard?’

‘Dame,’ said the fox, ‘the occurrences of
the world are divers and uncertain, and we are
subject to the strokes of fortune; but rest you
content, there is necessity that I go, and I
hope my stay shall not be above five days at
the uttermost’; and so embracing his wife and
children, he took leave and departed.

And as they journeyed over the heath,
Leeynard said to the brock, ‘Nephew, since I
was last shriven I have committed many sins,
therefore, I beseech you, let me make before
you my confession, that I may pass with less
trouble through my worst dangers.’

Then he proceeded and said, ‘It is true,
nephew, that I made the bear receive a great