244 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP.

remain their faithful servant, and to send them
in all things wherein his life or goods might be
available unto them; and so shook hands and
departed.

The fox went to Dame Avmeln his wife,
who welcomed him with great tenderness.
And to her and her children he related at
large all the wonders which had befallen him
at the court, and missed no tittle or cir-
cumstance therein. Then grew they proud
that his fortune was so excellent; and the
fox spent his days from thenceforth with
his wife and children in great joy and
content.

There are many plays both comic and moral
which figure out things that never were, only
to make use and benefit of the example, that
men may thereby the better shun vice and
pursue virtues. In like manner this book,
though it contain but matter of jest and sport,
yet if he look seriously thereunto, he may haply
find much moral matter and wisdom worthy
his consideration. Goodness or any good men
shall he not find in it disreputed, for all things
are generally spoken, and every man may take
his own part as his conscience shall instruct
him. Ifany find himself too much oppressed,