234 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP.

to appease the combat, and take it into his own
hands; which suit the King granted, and then the
leopard.and the loss, being marshals, entered
the lists, and told the fox and the wolf that
the King would speak with them, and that
the battle should there end, for he would take
it into his own hands and determine thereof;
as for themselves they had done sufficiently,
neither would the King lose either of them.
And to the fox they said the whole field gave
him the victory.

The fox said, ‘1 humbly thank them, and
what pleaseth my Lord the King to command
I am ready to obey, for mine ambition is no
further than to be victor; therefore, I beseech
you, let my friends come to attend me, that I
may proceed by their advice.’

They answered it was reason; so presently
came forth Dame Svopecade and Grimbard her
husband, Dame ARukexnaw with her two sisters
Lritelus and Fulronp, her two sons, and Malice
her daughter, the field mouse, the weasel, and
above an hundred which would not have come
if the fox had lost the conquest; for to him
that hath honour will ever flock attendants;
but to him that is in loss will nothing but
contempt follow. Also, the fox came to the