XIX REYNARD THE FOX 155

can help them. I know she is faithful, and as
behoves her will never leave her friend in
danger. At the uttermost, if your oppression
be more than you can bear, send presently to
me to Home, and not an enemy that you have,
be it king or queen, or subject, even from the
highest to the lowest, but I will presently put
them in the Pope’s curse, and send back such
an interdiction, that no holy or sacred duty
shall be performed till you have right and
justice restored you.

‘« This assure yourself I can easily perform,
for his holiness is very old and little regarded,
and only now cardinal Paregold beareth all the
sway in the conclave, as being young, and
rich in many friends; besides, he hath a
favourite, of whom he is far enamoured, that
he denies nothing she demandeth. His lady is
my niece, and will do whatsoever I request her ;
therefore, cousin, go boldly to the King, and
charge him to do you justice, which I know he
will, since he understands the laws are made
for the use of all men.”

‘This, my Sovereign Lord the King, when
I heard him speak I smiled, and with great
joy came hither to relate unto you the truth;
therefore, if there be any creature within this