XXI REYNARD THE FOX : 195

‘My gracious Lord, this and many such like
actions as this have I done for your Majesty,
which were it not for tediousness’ sake I could
well repeat. But they are all now cast out of
your remembrance; time and my loyalty |
hope will one day again recall them. I have
seen the day when no matter was finished in
the court without my advice and censure,
though now that judgment is not so reputed ;
yet it may be, the same reputation may spring
up again, and be believed as firmly as before,
as long as it swerves not from justice, which is
the only thing I aim at. For if any one can
charge me otherwise and prove it by witness,
here I stand to endure the uttermost the law
can inflict upon me; but if malice only slander
me without witness, I crave the combat ac-
cording to the law and instance of the court.’

Then said the King, ‘ Reynard, you say
well, nor know I anything more of Ayward’s
death than the bringing of his head unto me
by Belin the ram, therefore of it I here acquit
you.’

‘My dear Lord,’ said the fox, ‘I humbly
thank you: yet is his death so grievous unto
me I cannot let it pass so easily. I remember
my heart was heavy at his departure, and I was