XXI REYNARD THE FOX Ig

replied, ‘‘ Not so, my Lord, for I am not yet
full five years old.” ‘It is no matter,” answered
my father, “let him be opened, and when I see
the liver, I will tell you if it be medicinal.”
Then was the wolf carried to the kitchen and
his liver taken out, which the King ate, and
was presently cured of his sickness.

‘Then the King thanked my father, and
commanded all his subjects, on pain of death,
from thenceforth to call him Master Reynard.
So he abode still about the King, walked by
his side, and was trusted in all things; and the
King gave him, for an honour, a garland of
roses, which he must ever wear upon his head.
But these remembrances are all lost and gone,
and his enemies are now only advanced ; virtue
is put back, and innocence lives in sorrow;
for when baseness and covetousness are made
commanders, they neither know themselves,
nor look at the lowness from whence they are
risen. They have no hearts for pity, nor ears
for the poor man’s cause. Gold is the goal
they run to, and gifts the god which they
worship. What great man’s gate doth not
now lock up covetousness? Where is not
flattery entertained, and what prince takes
hate at his own praises? But should greatness