162 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP.

able. Goodness never forsaketh her own
servants.

‘This counsel would some take to their
hearts, the day would not appear so dark as it
doth to my cousin Reynard. It is well known
that both his grandfather and father ever bore
greater reputation in this court than either
Bruin or Lsegrim, or their whole generations.
Alas! when have their counsels or wisdoms
been worthy to have held comparison with
those of my cousin Reynxard’s? Why, the
passages of the world are to them prophecies
which they understand not, and the court is
turned topsy-turvy by his absence; the evil
are now advanced and the good suppressed ;
but how this can long endure I see not, since
the end of their labour is but the ruin of your
Majesty.’:

To this speech the King made this answer:
‘Dame, had the fox done that offence to you
that he hath done to others, your excuse would
couch in another nature; you cannot blame
me to hate him, since it is only he which
breaketh my laws and covenants. You have
heard him accused of theft, murder, and treason,
how can you then defend him? If you will
needs make him your saint, then set him upon