(ClsVAIP INS AX CID

How Reynard the Fox excused himself before the

King, and of the King’s answer.

‘Trat divine power from whom nothing can
be hid, save my Lord the King, and my Lady
the Queen, and give them grace to know who
hath right and who hath wrong, for there
are many false shows in the world, and the
countenance bewrayeth not the heart. This
I wish were openly revealed, and that every
creature’s trespass stood written on his fore-
head, albeit it cost me the uttermost of my
substance, or that you, my Sovereign Lord,
knew me as well as myself, and how I dispose
myself early and late, labouring in your service.
For which cause only malice makes all her
complaints against me, striving to thrust me
out of your grace and favour, insomuch that
out of my anguish I must needs cry shame
upon them which have so deadly belied me,