XXIV REYNARD THE FOX 231

blood, that nature forbids there should be any
enmity between us; I would not have fought
against you had I been sure of victory, but
that you first appealed me, and then you know
of necessity I must do my uttermost. I have
also in this battle been courteous to you, and
not shown my worst violence, as I would on a
stranger, for I know it is the duty of a nephew
to spare his uncle; and this you might well
perceive by my running from you. I tell you,
it was an action much contrary to my nature,
for I might often have hurt you when I
refused, nor are you worse for me, by anything
more than the blemish of your eye, for which
I am sorry, and wished it had not happened;
yet thereby know that you shall reap rather
benefit than loss thereby, for when other beasts
in their sleep shut two windows, you shall shut
but one.

‘As for my wife, children, and lineage, they
shall fall down at your feet before you in any
presence ; therefore, I humbly desire you, that
you will suffer poor Reyxard to live. I know
you will kill me, but what will that avail you,
when you shall never live in safety for fear of
revengement of my kindred? ‘Therefore, temper-
ance in any man’s wrath is excellent, whereas