210 : THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP.

posed, I could not stay but must needs come
to visit you.”

‘Then replied she, ‘Cousin Reynard, you
are exceeding welcome; you have found me
like a slut, but I thank you for your kind
visitation: you are a worthy gentleman, and
through the King’s dominions, for your wit
and judgment, held of singular reputation, you
do much honour to our kindred, and are
famous for the means you work to their prefer-
ment. I must entreat you to take the charge
of my children, and instruct them in the rules
of knowledge and science, that they may know
hereafter how to live in the world. I have
thought of you ever since they were born, and
resolved upon this, cousin, because I knew
your perfection, and that you accompanied
yourself with none but the good and the
virtuous.”

‘Oh how glad was I when I heard those
words to proceed from her, which kindness
was only because at first I called her aunt, who
indeed was no soul kin unto me; for my true
aunt indeed is only Dame Rukenaw, who
standeth yonder, who indeed is the mother of
excellent children. Yet, notwithstanding, I
answered this foul monster: ‘Aunt, my life