144 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP.

To play Placebo may now and then be borne
with; for whoso always speaks truth shall find
many rubs in his way; men may err for need
and mend it by counsel, since no trespass but
hath his mercy, nor any wisdom but at some
time dulleth.’

‘Then,’ said the brock, ‘uncle, you are so
wise you cannot fail in any purpose, and |
would grow enamoured of you; your reasons
so far surpass my understanding, that it is no
need of your shrift, for yourself may play
both the priest and confessor; you know the
world in such sort, that it is impossible for
any man to halt before you.’

With these and such manner of discourses
they held on their journey towards the court ;
the fox’s heart, for all his fair show, was sad
and heavy, yet his countenance betrayed it
not; but he passed without amazement through
all the press of the court, even till he came to
the presence of the King, and the brock
marched close by his side, saying, ‘ Uncle, be
not afraid, but be of good cheer; it is courage
of whom fortune is ever enamoured.’

‘Then,’ said the fox, ‘nephew, you say
true, and your comfort avails me.’

And so on he went, casting a disdainful