170 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP.

former time they had taken part with the
bear against the fox, but now they dare not
but obey Dame Rukenaw, for they stood in
awe of her wisdom and greatness; and with
these came above twenty other beasts for
her sake and stood by Reynard. Then came
also Dame A/¢rvof and her two sisters, the
weasel and ermine, the ass, the sow, the
water-cat, and many others, to the number
almost of a hundred, and stood by Reynard
with such affection, as if his trouble did
equally concern them.

Then said the ape, ‘My Lord the King,
now you may see that my kinsman hath
friends which dare avow him, and we are
your true and loyal subjects, which will never
fail to do you faithful service. Therefore, let
us with one voice beg of your Majesty, that
Reynard may have justice; and if he be not
able to disprove his adversaries, and clear
the crimes imputed against him, let the law
pass, for we will not murmur to see _ his
destruction.’

Then said the Queen to Rukenaw, ‘Thus
much I told unto his Majesty yesterday, but
his anger was so great he would not give
ear to me.’