XNXI REYNARD THE FOX 193

out aloud, “ With all my heart, my Lord, and
were it better than it is, it were too mean for
your service.” But /segrim, according to his
wont, departed grumbling, and took half of the
swine, giving you and the Queen but one poor
quarter, the other he himself unmannerly de-
voured, and left me for my share but poor half
of the lungs. When your Majesty had eaten

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

your part, you were still hungry, but the wolf
would deliver none; so that you reached him
a blow with your foot, which tore all the
skin from about his ears, so that he ran away
crying and howling with all extremity. But
your Majesty commanded him to return again
speedily and bring you more meat; yet he
went away grumbling. Then I besought your
Majesty that I might go with him: and I well
remember your answer. So away we went
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