XIX REYNARD THE FOX 149

the King, it is but justice that you hear me
answer my accusations, for were my faults
more heinous than envy can make them, yet
equity gives the accused leave ever to answer.
‘I have with my counsel done you service in
former times, and may no less still. I have
never started from your Majesties, but walked
by your side when others have gone from
your presence; if then mine enemies with
their slanders shall prevail against me, blame
me not to complain. Time hath been it was
otherwise, and mine may bring it to the old
course, for the actions of good servants ought
not to be forgotten.

‘I see here divers of my kindred and friends
which now make no value of me, whom I can
prove go about to deprive you of the best
servant you possess. Can your Majesty
imagine if I had been guilty in the least
imagined crime that I would thus voluntarily
have made my appearance even in the throng
of mine enemies? Oh, it had been too much
indiscretion, nor would the liberty I had been
so easily subjected. But Heaven be thanked
I know mine innocence, and dare confront my
worst enemy.

‘Yet when my kinsman Griméard first