196 REYNARD THE FOX CHAP, XXI

ready to sink to the ground, which was a certain
presage of the loss which happened.’

These words, and the sad looks of the fox,
so amazed all the beholders, that they could
not choose but believe all that he uttered, so
that every one bemoaned his loss, and pitied
his sorrow. But the King and Queen were
most touched with the same, and then entreated
him that he would make diligent search for the
finding of them out, for his praises had stricken
them far in love with the jewels. And because
he told them he had sent those jewels unto
them, though they never saw them, yet they
gave him as great thanks as if they had been
in their safe possession, and desired him he
would be a means they might be restored to
them again.