198 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP.

Then the King assured him that so soon as
it should be known where they were, no help
or assistance should be wanting. The fox
gave the King humble thanks, for now he
had gotten all his purposes to the wished end
he expected, and by his false tale and flattery
had so fastened the King unto him, that now
he might go freely whither he pleased, and
none should dare to complain of him.

Only /segrim the wolf stood all this while
infinitely displeased, and not able to contain
his anger any longer, he said, ‘O my Lord the
King, is it possible your Majesty should be so
much childish or weak of belief as to fix your
trust upon the falsehood of this ever-deceiving
merchant, which hath nothing but shadows and
chimeras wherewith to enchant you? Oh be
not so easily seduced; he is a wretch all
covered and besmeared with murder and
treason, and even to your own face hath made
a scoff of your Majesty. For my own part I
am glad he is here in your presence, and I
intend to ring him such a peal of contrary
nature, that all the lies he can invent shall not
bear him away with safety.

{50 jit 1s. anyecdteads lord. that this dis:
sembling and false traitor not long since did