CHAP. XXV REYNARD THE FOX 243

Amongst the rest Reynard the fox took his
leave of the King and Queen; she desired him
not to be long absent from them. To whom
he answered, ‘That he would be ever ready
at their service, as was his bounden duty, and
not himself alone, but all his friends and
kindred also.’

And so begging license of his Majesty in
all solemn manner and with fair speech, he
departed from the court.

Wirn Reynard all his friends and kinsfolks to
the number of forty took their leave also of
the King, and went away with the fox, who
was no little glad that he had sped so well, and
stood so far in the King’s favour. For now
he had power enough to advance whom he
pleased, and pull down any that envied his
fortune.

After some travel the fox and all his friends
came to his borough or castle of Malepardus,
where every one, in noble and courteous
manner, took leave of each other, and Reynard
did to every one of them great reverence, and
thanked them for the love and honour he had
received from them, protesting evermore to