CHAP. XIX REYNARD THE FOX 147

‘Nevertheless, I know that you, my Lord
and Sovereign Lady, are so excellent in your
judgment, that you will not be carried away
with falsehoods; and therefore I most humbly
beseech your Majesties to take into your
wisdom all things according to the right of
your laws. For it is justice I look for, and
desire that he which is found guilty may feel
the weight of his punishment. For believe
it, dread Lord, it shall be known before I
depart from your court who I| am, that I cannot
flatter, but will show my face with an un-
blemished forehead.’

All they that were in the presence stood
amazed, and wondered when the fox spake
so stoutly. But the King, with a stately
countenance, said, ‘ Reynard, 1 know you are
‘expert in fallacies, but words are now too
weak to relieve you. I believe this day will
be the last of your glory and disgrace ; for me,
I will not chide you much, because I intend
you shall live but a short time; the love you
do bear me you have showed to the coney
and the rook, and your requital shall be a
short life on earth. The ancient saying is,
A pitcher may pass often to the water, but im
the end it comes broken home, And your evils