232 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP.

rashness is ever the mother of repentance.
But, uncle, I know you to be valiant, wise, and
discreet, and you rather seek honour, peace,
and good fame than blood and revenge.’

Isegrim the wolf said, ‘Infinite dissembler,
how fain wouldst thou be freed of my
servitude? Too well I understand thee, and
know that if thou wert safe on thy feet thou
wouldst forswear this submission ; but know all
the wealth in the world shall not buy out thy
ransom, for thee and thy friends I esteem them
not, nor believe anything thou hast uttered.
Too well I know thee, and am no bird for thy
lime bush, chaff cannot deceive me. Oh how
wouldst thou triumph if I should believe thee,
and say I wanted wit to understand thee; but
thou shalt know I can look both on this side
and beyond thee, thy many deceits used upon
me have now armed me against thee. Thou
sayest thou hast spared me in the battle; but
look upon me, and my wounds will show how
falsely thou liest, thou never gavest me a
time to breathe in, nor will I now give thee a
minute to repent in.’

Now whilst /segvzm was thus talking, the
fox bethought himself how he might best get
free, and thrusting his other hand down he