especially I think I have done it to purpose You have indeed good Cousin replied the Wolf and I and mine shall always acknowledg our selves beholding to you not only for the time present but ever after during life But how I shall pass the censure of the commons I cannot tell Tush said the Fox let me alone for that do but follow my advice and all shall be well your advice Cousin said the Wolf that I will as long as I have breath Well then quoth the Fox do thus first of all trim your self handsomly then take Bellin's furr Gown and make it as fit to your body as is possible that head ears and all may be covered having done this those Beasts which before hated and fled from you will now follow love and adore you especially if you under that garment conceal your Covetous Persons are easily perswaded to disguise themselves and to dissemble their churlish natures for effecting honour and prâ—fit own churlish nature pardon me Uncle that I speak so Good Cousin said Sir Isegrim think not that I will take offence where I am to take advice Well then if it be so said the Fox I will proceed further I beseach you good Uncle as you love your self and me shew not your teeth at any time when you are among the 〈◊〉 in the day time in the night use your liberty Provision must be had You speak wisely saith the Wolf I could never have thought of all this but good Cousin tell me what I shall do when I come to say masse the hoarsness of my voice will bewray me O good Uncle said the Fox are you so weak as not to find an excuse for that tell them to whom you are to read that you have gotten a grievous cold I but Cousin said the Wolf that excuse will serve but once Ah Uncle said Reynard if you mean to thrive in your office you must not stick to lye apace Besides you being chief need not appear above once a year your children and the youngest of your kindred have not so hoâ—rse a voice as you when they grow old they must read but seldom but now being young they will stand you in good stead if they be exactly cloathed with the Gowns of Bellin's kindred otherwise Uncle all is nothing worth and be sure to give them the same advice I now give you that is not to shew their teeth in the ray time c. Indeed Uncle I wonder you should think the excuse of saying you have a cold will not hold water do you not well know that the Ram's Kindred have colds often and cough much It is true good Cousin said the Wolf I well remember it for when I went to hunt for any of them in the night I usually was directed to the place where they were by their coughing Well then said Reynard I hope Uncle you own my Counsel as right and good Yes with all my heart Cousin said Isegrim but now I think of it you spake of my Children and Kindred I perceive not as yet that any thing was said of them by the King and Lords at this last counsel Uncle said Reynard you seem to be very serupilous and to doubt where there is no cause know you not that every Captain puts who he will in place under him and why not every chief Prelate Blame me not good Cousin said Isegrim for I fear the Commons so soon as they hear my name will all cry out Not Isegrim not Isegrim Well Uncle said the Fox if that be your suspition we will seek some way to avoid what you most fear I my self will hasten to the King and acquaint him what hath passed between us as also with this most material cause of fear and when I have communed with him for some time I will request him to send for you then do you be sure to come with Bellin's Gown exactly fitted to your Body into the Kings Presence and doubt not but the success shall answer your desire In the mean while let us both go home to our Râ—pasts and early in the Morning I purpose to go to the King do you wait in readiness at home till you are sent for So the Fox returned to his Castle and the Wolf to his own house CHAP. III. How the Fox communed with the King touching Sir Isegrim's doubt and thereupon Sir Isegrim was sent for to Court and created Earl of Pitwood EArly in the morning the Fox came to Court and being suddenly admitted after obeysance made he said Hail my Soveraign Lord. The King seeing him looked pleasantly upon him and said what are you and your Uncle good Friends Yes said the Fox I humbly thank your Majesty all malice and rancor is laid aside and all the evening last I was instructing him how he should behave himself in this high Office your Mâ—jesty hath conferred upon him You did well Reynard said the King but did you mind him of wearing Bellin's fur Gown Yes noble Sir said the Fox and he is so far resolved of it tâ—at I judg ere this he hath fitted the Gown to his own body If so saith the King it is well then there is no doubt but he will be well liked of I have given commandment already that the heads of all the families of the Commons be summoned to appear here after the third day now next coming Therefore I would hâ—ve Sir Isegrim be reâ—â—â— at the time appointed Then the Fox said ready he will be to be sure aâ—d â—f he observe all that I advised him to wâ—â—â—â—â—doubtedly gain the Commons to be on his side Nâ—â—eâ—heless there is one thing which troubles him and mâ—kâ—s me suspiâ—iâ—us also and that is lest when your Majâ—â—â— shall present him by the name of Sir Isegrim which name â—ll the Commons know they immediately not miâ—â—ing his Garment or Person cry out No Isegrim â—o Isegrim 'T is true Reynard said the King this is a considerable matter and I wish I could remedy the sâ—me Sir sâ—id the Fox you may very well for if your Majesty be pleased to honour him with the title of Count it matters not of how mean a place he shall bear the name of that place and not his own name any longer Well then said the King I will do so here is a Wood not far from this place near his own house and it is called Pitwood that Wood I will settle upon him and his heirs for ever and he shall be created Eâ—cl of Pitwood Therefore send for him immediately to come before us Then Reynard stepping forth called to Sir Tibert who waited in the Court and commanded him to go presently and bring Sir Isegrim to the Kings presence Sir Tibert ran speedily to the House and when he had entred the House and saw Sir Isegrim he knew him not until he had more strictly observed his countenance and disage then he knew him and said Certes I knew you not Sir in this new fashioned Gown
carry fare to you and me yet if he partake not of part of our Wealth he may in time prove a bitter enemy Likewise Sir Firrapel the Libbard and Sly-look the Panther are esteemed great yet we well know that some small pittance from us will be so thankfully accepted by them as we shall ever after oblige them firmly to us And Uncle it is a very necessary point to be thought on for if we be diligent in obliging Friends so mighty what is it we may not do Yet you must be sure to be mindful of your own Servitors that they may not repine at your wealth especially look into your Secretaries profits if they be not large enough to content him you must add more till he holds himself well contented For he who would retain the greatness he at present hath must not forget to reward his Attendants so as they never utter one word in his discommendation Cousin said the Wolf I well understand you and purpose to put in practice what you have advised So for that time they parted and the Wolf distributed his Goods among the before-recited Nobles as freely and as liberally as ever Wolf did And the Fox according to the advice he had given himself did also largely reward those of whom he thought he stood in greatest need or in time to come might have occasion to use and in his bounty exceeded the Wolf by far CHAP. X. How the Fox behaved himself in his Office and of two Causes by him decided THe Fox who knew it was no less wisdom to keep what is gotten than to get the same notwithstanding his other affairs which now by reason of his Office were many waits and tends upon the King as formerly always making great Protestations of his Loyalty touching which the King doubted not at all the Fox had so craftily insinuated himself into his affections All being well on this side we now come to speak of his Decision of Causes and manifest differences among the meaner sort of Subjects And of these at this time we mention only two After this there happened a great difference betwéen certain Daws and Rooks. The occasion take as follows In an high Tower appertâ—ining to a Country-Town where men formerly had dwelt a company of Dawes took up their habitations and had dwelt there so long as until they became very numerous Right against this Tower wère planted Elmes which in length of time were grown up to a very great height in the upper part of which at first a few and afterwards many Rocks butâ—t Nâ—sts â—nd setled their These two kinds kinds being so near Nâ—ighbouâ—s at length grew into acquaintance and familiarity one with another the Rooks pretending great kindness to the Dâ—wes were by them admitted into their Houses and sometimes feasted the Rooks likewise invited thâ— Daws to them feasting them after the same manner This reciprocal entertainment continued a long time until a scarce and hard Season came Then the Rooks watching their opportunity when the old Dawes were gone forth for it was Spring-time and they had young ones being greatly pressed with hunger agreed all together to rob the Dawes and fearing the noise of the young Dawes would bewray their intentions it was resolved among them first to kill all they found in every house With this resolution they all at once flew out and one or two of them went into every house and slew all the young ones some of which in carrying out they let fall by reason of their haste but as many as they could hold they carryed into their own Nests and returned immediately and took away all the Provisions they could find which was not much by reason of the scarcity of the time and carryed that home also Then with speed some of them flew out to purvey as at other times but by reason of their own hunger mâ—de haste home By this time were the old Dawes also returned with provision for their Young whom they never more saw alive Therefore smelling the deceit some of the boldest of them flew over to their Neighbours and coming unawares upon theâ— could easily see the torn limbs of their children Others of them flying again downwards espied under the Tower-walls several of their younglings lying dead At this they were all so much enraged as had not some of the wisest among them dissâ—aded them from it they would have suddenly in an hostile manner assailed their Enemies Therefore they took up this resolution namely that they would complain of their Grievances to the King of Beasts But after it was told them that the King himself would not meddle in their matters because he had deputed his Cousin Reynard they all fly to him and lighting on a Trée nighth the place of Iudicature they called aloud Iustice Noble Lord Reynard Reynard being informed of this Cry immediately came forth and sitting down said What is the matter They said my Lord avenge our cause of those persidious Rooks who have slain our Children and robbed us of all our substance To this the Fox replied how shall I know your complaint is just unless I also hear those that be accused At this they all flew away home and being there called to their Neighbours the Rooks telling them they must appear before the Lord Reynard To this the Rooks answered that was no lawful Summons nevertheless they would not stick to appear being sufficiently able to clear themselves So some of the oldest of the Rooks flew first to the Court of Iudicature the Daws seeing that made haste after them When both had lighted on Trees as near the Foxes seat as they could the Dawes as before exhibit their complaint To this the Rooks answer My Lord these Dawes here present belye us shrewdly for we as well as they were gone forth to purvey for Necessaries but their young ones intheir absence crawled out and fell down and so died some of which are to be seen at this present broken to pieces against the Stones and this is the cause why these Varlets accuse us who are as innocent as your Lordship To this the Fox answered it is strange that all the young ones in every house should at one time be alike disposed to crawl out I suspect the truth of this matter and cannot acquit you unless you can by substantial Witnesses evidence the truth of your Assertion Then the oldest of the Rooks said My Lord we are able to produce Witnesses enough some of which saw this downfall of the young Dawes Go to then said the Fox produce them Then hasted one or two of the Rooks and in a short time produced all the rest of their It is dangerous for guilty persons to come within the Judg his power fellows who had an hand in the former Massacre of the Dawes When these Witnesses were come the Fox commanded them down to be sworn Therefore down they came though unwillingly and after they were sworn and ready to give evidence he would
be first called So when they were brought before the King his Majesty asked them how they durst take up arms against himself Some of them answered they were hired Soldiers hired by the Lord Reynard and by him led forth the last night but about what or for what cause they never knew till some of the other Lord's Soldiers run in among them saying the whole Army was either killed or taken then indeed said they we mistrusted we were led against your Majesty but yet of that could not be assured because those that fled from before the Court-gates unto us could not tell who were their Enemies only they said they who set upon them came all out at the Court-gates The King hearing the simplicity of their answer dismissed them and all the other Prisoners strictly charging them to be ready at his Summons when he thought good to hunt the Traytor Reynard They all bowing themselves promised they would couragiously fight against the Kings Enemies So they all departed safely to their own homes This being done the King said now my Friends I perceive that this is Reynard's work it is managed so craftily for I plainly see that not one of the Commons is guilty of this Treason because they knew not what they went about Therefore let the Lord Pitwood be first called So Pitwood was brought in before the King and his Friends with Bellin's Gown on his back quaking and trembling The King no sooner saw him but he sternly said Pull off the Villain 's disguise that we may see him as he is Then did Sir Firrapel Mâ—â—essctors oâ— base spirit and â—lâ—ttonâ—â— dâ—spositions are in their affâ—ction more dejected than others and the â—ercour of punishment is most â—â—eâ—â—â—s to such because thâ—â—â—â—exation â—â—seth not â—â—m the hoâ—â—â—â—â— and â—etesâ—â—â—on oâ— their â—oâ—eâ—aised evils but from a sense of being utterly depâ—ived of liberty to persist in that courseâ— of liâ—e and his Cousin Sly-look immediately tear off Bellin's Gown and when all the Company saw it was Isegrim the Wolf they laughed heartily As soon as they were all silent the King said Thou wretch what moved thee to conspire my death who from a low and vile estate advanced thee to so great Honour Is Treason Religion Or is Murder and Treason virtue in a Priest At these worâ—s the Wolf was so frighted as he pist for fear At length he said The Lord Reynard gave me presents often and often spake to me that I should commend him before the Lords and at length perswadâ— them to establish him in the Royal Throne And was that all said the King Yes all indeed Sir said the Wolf and then pist again except that we must with hired Soldiers who must know nothing before-hand of the Business come hither and kill your Majesty and all the Royal Family and then set the Crown on Reynard's Head Enough enough said the King Take away the Villain and chain him to a stake and so keep him with bread and dirty water until I call for him So the Keeper who had charge of this Prisoner took him away and bound and fed him according to the King's will CHAP. XX. How the Fox with his Soldiers made incursions the next day so eagerly on several of the Neighbouring Beasts that they complain to the King DVring the time the Fox was in prosperity and had abundance of all things either given by way of Presents or obtained by Delinquents forfeitures the Neighbouring Beasts that dwelt not far from Reynards Castle had rest and peace and therefore without fear were wont to walk abroad in the day-time all there about But when Reynard was fled home in fear and great danger with his Soldiers intending there to abide a Siege and protract the time as long as was possible for he knew he was now uncapable of mercy he on a sudden set forth with two hundred Soldiers who he commanded all to go silently along by the Hedges which encompassed a large Warren where many Conies dwelt These Conies fearless and suspecting Commonly the most peaceable feel the first strokes of War nothing played and skipped about in the Sun-shine as they were daily wont to do but suddenly Reynard with his Soldiers rushed in among them and flew two hundred outright presently all which he bore away to his Castle And immediately returned again where several She-goats fed their young ones all which young ones he and his Soldiers seized and carried home Many other Incursions he made that day further into the Country and made great havock and spoil At this all the Neighbouring Beasts were alarum'd and resolved to stand upon their defence But when they understood by the eldest of the Goats and Conies who it was had done their Neighbours this great wrong they resolved joyntly to go together to the Court and complain to the King for by this time they had all notice of Reynard's Treason and Rebellion and therefore had no doubt but they should be heard So they in the Evening come in troops to the Court-gates where the Guard seeing them demand the cause of their comming thus in multitudes They answer We are come to complain to his Majesty of the great Outrages Reynard and his company have committed So the Guard acquainted the King who immediately came forth to them saying Who is it that hath wronged you The Conies answer If your Majesty be pleased to hear us we will truly declare what we have suffred The King said speak we will hear you Then one of the eldest among them said Dread Soveraign We your Majesties peaceable Subjects being imployed about our occasions in tending our young ones drew them forth to take the Air in the morning the Traytor Reynard lying in wait as it seems with many Soldiers suddenly slew two hundred of us for so many young and old are missing and bear away the Bodies to his Castle of Malepardus for there we saw him plainly go in with all his Soldiers every one of them bearing one of our dear Friends and Kinsfolks dead this we could not have known had not some of us adventured to run after them to see which may they went and who they were Thus spake the Conies The Goats also made a like complaint of sudden surprising their Kid before they were aware And all the other Beasts who had sustained wrong exhibited their Complaints with tears in their eyes earnestly requesting his Majesty to take compassioon of them and to avenge their cause of such a bloody Murtherer The King in a rage shaking his curled locks said Be content if I live I will avenge my self and you on that cursed Traytor Reynard to morrow by this time if possible So they bowing themselves very submissively departed CHAP. XXI How the King with his Kinsfolks and the Soldiers of Sir Firrapel and his Cousin Sly-look marched out of the Court to Malepardus and there summoned the Fox to surrender himself EArly in the Morning the King willed Sir Firrapel and his
the Hands and Heads of Reynard and Isegrim fixed upon Poles as is said The King and his Nobles being come home sat down together in the Court all of them pondering much the words of Reynard touching Belâ—ins death At length the King as one greatly perplexed said My Lords Friâ—nds it grieves me not a little that our Chapl. Bellin was long since so basely put to death and his Family ruined so as I question whether any of that Stock be now remaining in the World To Although in nocent persons may long remain injured yet in process of time the cause of their oppression comes to be known and then the â—â—dreâ—â— is nigh at hand this one of the Kings Friends who was present when Isegrim was chose chief Prelate said Soveraign Lord think not so for I am certain that many of them were living when Isegrim was made Prelate because I there saw several of them but would not be known I saw them for fear of your Majesties displeasure against them Sure said the King it is not possible I suppose your eye deceived you however if it were so then it is too probable that they are all dead since because the Sons and KIndred of Isegrim although very numerous had all of them Furr-Gowns like Bellin's which Isegrim himself wore not long after they were confirmed in the Priestly Function for many more of Isegrim's Kindred came into him after the choice of the Commons than were that day present upon the Scaffold with us and yet all these had such Fur-Gowns which they could never have had if so many of Bellin's Kindred had not been first slain and stript c. To this the same Lord replied Noble Sir I am most certain that in secret places of your Majesties Realm there are thousands of them yet living It is well if it be so said the King After this Discourse was ended the King again said Worthy Friends I too well know that we have confirmed the Priestly Office not on Isegrim only but on his whole Lineage and Kindred who are all revenous Beasts void of all goodness nay I think the worst of all Creatures living although the Fox by his subtilty blinded my eyes and Isegrims pretended demure carriage alienated my Iudgment For had honest Bellin yet lived treacherous Reynard could never have thought of working our ruin nor ever could that cursed Miscreant Isegrim have contributed any assistance to his disloyal intentions The young Prince seeing his Father speak with so great earnestness said Royal Father why is your Majesty troubled at the Advancement of Isegrims Lineage let it be signified by Proclamation that in their Father's Crime they have all forfeited their Offices and besides that upon good and sure grounds your Majesty well knows that they are the Destroyers of your Subjects and continually in their masked Habits and under a pretence of Sanctity they rob and pill them so bare as of necessity your Kingdom must be ruined if they be permitted to live in all excess and riot for of all the Beasts under your Majesties Authority there are none so debauched and vicious as they This Spéech of the Prince was seconded by several others of the Kings Friends all inveighing bitterly against Isegrim's Lineage The King hearing this said Sirs what think you is best to be done If we lay aside this Generation I mean displace them of their Offices and yet let them hold their Wealth they may in time by their Riches work us great wrong To this that Friend of the Kings Prudent advice to avoid Vulgar censure who first spake said Noble Sir to lay aside this impious stock is honourable but to take away their Wealth will have no good aspect in the eyes of the Vulgar whose censure is seldom right because they will impute their displacing to arise from no other cause then that they were rich or to speak more plainly because your Majesty was disposed to Many men willingly are blinded and by cunning Sycophants oppâ—essed because they judâ— of things aâ—â—eâ—appâ—a and not â—â— they reaâ—y are in themselves seize on all they had Therefore if your Majesty please to displace the Wolves there needs no care to be taken of the Wealth they have for if other of your Subjects whose eyes are open do but once find that they are out of your Majesty's favour which way the wealth of these Miscreants must néeds go any one without the help of Astrology may easily conjecture because whensoever they are displaced and out of favour there will be so many Complaints made of their Extortions as undoubtedly all they have will be too little to make recompence for the wrong they have done Besides if none of all this be they are such monstrous Gluttons as will be necessitated to eat up all in a short time You say well said the King I heartily believe if all those Wolves were but stript of this their disguise and compelled to put off their Furr-Gowns the Blind then would as clearly see as the Maâ—ks and Disguises constrain mâ—st men to judg amiâ—s other clear sighted Beasts you speak of It is true noble King said the same Lord pull but off the Mask there needâ— no more Well then said the King that I will not fail to do spéedily CHAP. XXIX How the King made Proclamation that no Beasts should walk disguised in other Garments than what were naturally theirs and what ensued thereupon THe next day early the King caused a Proclamation to be drawn the tenour whereof ran thus Leo Rex Whereas several of our Subjects wear Disguises and since under such Masks and false Habits many Mischiefs have been committed and some of those Persons allowed to wear such like Disguises have proved Traytors to our Royal Crown and Dignity We therefore will and command all our Subjects in general whether high or low of what state or condition so ever that after ten days next ensuing the Publication hereof they presume not to wear any Disguise whatsoever nor at any time day or night to walk clothed in other Garments than what are naturally their own upon pain of being proceeded against as Traytors to our Royal Crown and Dignity c. Having said this he dismissed the Lords who were sat in Counsel with him So the Wolves departed sad enough CHAP. XXX How the King desirous to see some of Bellins Kindred caused three of the oldest of them to be sent for c. AFter the Wealth of the Wolves was thus taken and the Kings jealousie thereabout allayed he became very pleasant and merry and in that merry mood said My When the cause of jealousie is removed cheerfulness necessarily follows Friends I should be glad to see some of the Rams Kindred therefore if any of you know them our pleasure is that he go to them and bring two or three of the oldest among them before us Then the Lord who had before told the King there were thousands of them living in
SECOND PART OF THE Most Pleasant and Delightful HISTORY OF Reynard the Fox Containing Much Matter of Pleasure and Content WRITTEN For the Delight of Young Men Pleasure of the Aged and Profit of all To which is added many Excellent Morals Here read the Fox his Nature and his Art Who in this Story acts the greatest Part. Him here you find advanced highly and In this his Grandeur for a time to stand Till he aspiring further Treachery Contrived and did for his Treason die LONDON Printed by A. M. for Edward Brewster at the Sign of the Crane in St. Pauls Church yard 1672. TO THE READER Courteous Reader IT is well known that publick Works necessarily undergo a publick Censure and how diligently careful soever any Man is who exposeth this or that to the view of all he shall meet with praise or dispaise more frequently according to the understanding or affection of the Censurer than according to the worth or invalidity of what he presents Therefore since I beg not the Patronage of any nor would I by any Man be misunderstood and so causlesly censured as an impertinent Writer I have to the subsequent Work which I was minded to have committed to the Press without Marginal Notes added a Moral or Exposition of my own in doing which I hope no Man will be so disingenious as to wrest my words to a sense contrary to my true and proper intent I in the following History aim not at the reproach or slander of any Man or Men whatsoever but do only desire thy Content and Recreation with delight and profit Farewell Read and peruse this Little Book when care And pensive thoughts to be expelled are THE CONTENTS HOw the King and Reynard the Fox consulted together about chusing a chief Prelate in the place of Bellin the Ram and how Isegrim the Wolf was chosen c. Chap. 1. How the Fox advised the Wolf and his Children to wear Bellin's Gown and the Clothing of Bellin's Kindred Chap. 2. How the Fox communed with the King about Isegrim's Doubt and thereupon Sir Isegrim was sent for to Court c. Chap. 3. How the Bear and Cat conspired Sir Isegrim's Death c. Chap. 4. Of the Assembly of the Commons c. Ch. 5. How the King feasted his Nobles Chap. 6. Of the Discourse between the King and Reynard about the advancement of the Bear and Cat c. Chap. 7. How the Fox Bear and Cat were honoured c. Chap. 8. How the Wolf went to Malepardus to discourse with his Cousin Reynard c. Chap. 9. How the Fox behaved himself in his Office and of two Causes decided by him Chap. 10. How the Fox liberally bestowed what he got c. Chap. 11. How Bitelas the Ape informed Reynard of what passed at a Meeting of the Lords Ch. 12. Of the Discourse between the Fox and Wolf and of another Meeting of the Lords Chap. 13. Of their last Meeting and how they determined to surprise the King and Court c. Chap. 14. How Sir Firrapel the Libard and his Cousin Slylook revealed their Treason to the King Ch. 15. How the Forces of the Lords met at the place appointed c. and how the Traytors were surprised Chap. 16. How the Fox consulting with Bitelas the Ape returned to his own Castle c. Chap. 17. How the Fox was pursued c. Chap. 18. The Examination of Traytors and Prisoners taken c. Chap. 19. How the Fox and his Soldiers made Incursions c. Chap. 20. The King Summons the Fox to surrender his Castle c. Chap. 21. The Fox assaults the Kings Camp in the Night c. Chap. 22. The King proclaims all Traytors that assist Reynard c. Chap. 23. How the Fox's Castle was stormed and all but himself killed and he taken alive Ch. 24. Of the Dissolution of the Kings Army and how the Fox was carryed Prisoner to the Court Ch. 25. The Fox examined Chap. 26. His Confession and Execution as also of all the other Traytors c. Chap. 27. How the King and the Nobles ruminated the Fox's Confession Chap. 28. How the King made Proclamation no Beast should walk disguised c. Chap. 29. How the King caused three of the Ram's Kindred to be brought before him c. Chap. 30. How the Wolves were suddenly ruined Chap. 31. How the King distributed the Wealth of the Wolves among the Commons and then openly shewed his love to Bellin's Kindred c. Chap. 32. THE SECOND PART Of the Pleasant and Delightful HISTORY OF Reynard the FOX CHAP. I. How the King and Reynard the Fox consulted together about chusing a chief Prelate in the place of Beâ—â—in the Ram who as you heard in the former Part was convicted of the murder of Keyward the Hare though falsly and so put to Death and how Isegâ—im the Wolf was made chief Prelate c. The Fox and be reconciled NOW after the Fox his Vidory against Isegrim the Wolf he was not only honoured by the King and all his Subjects with the Title of Lord Reynard â—â—t elâ—e grew very inward and familiar with the King himself insomuch as none could â—e admitted to any private conference with his Majesty unless he first made way by the favour of the Lord Reynard Most puissant King the cause of my silence was not because I was unwilling to undergo any charge or trouble for the good of your Majesty and whole Kingdom but because I was ashamed of the discord that had been between my Lord Reynard my self and some other of your Loyal Subjects about matters not worthy to be mentioned in so noble an Auditory for that cause only was I silent We said the King remit and forgive all that hath passed between my Lord Reynard Sir Bruin your self or any other and will have no more mention made thereof My Lord Reynard hath highly commended you to me which surely no enemy would do He hath also praised Sir Bruin so as I will not forget to honour him also And for Sir Tibert because he is swift of foot and fit for imployment also politick and subtil I as soon as opportunity serves will think of some office wherein he may benefit himself and please me With these words they were all highly contented the Wolf gave his hand to the Fox in token of friendship the Bear and Cat also shook hands with the Fox After these Ceremonies were passed they all sate down And by a General Vote Sir Isegrim was chose chief Prelate CHAP. II. How the Fox advised the Wolf and his Children to wear Bellin's Gown and the cloathing of Bellin's kindred THe Fox and Wolf being thus reconciled held a counsel together how they might strengthen each other in the power they had thus obtained The Fox begun his discourse in this manner My most dear Uncle I remembring the wrong I did you more than once and now by the Kings favour having an opportunity to recompence you and my Cousin Bruin but you
journey to your own homes his Royal Majesty and all his noble Lords here present have commanded me to dismiss you and you are dismissed for this time Vpon this the Assembly brake up some greatly contented others doubtful and not a few plainly sorrowful for what had passed When the Field began to be emptyed and it was thought there was way enough for the King and his Nobles to walk to the Palace The King first descended after him Knaves and Foâ—l the first for self-ends the last iâ— imitation honour the worthy and most wicked the Lord Reynard then the Lord Pitwood and his Lineage with such seeming soberness as many of the Commons that stayed to see the fight admired the gravity of him and his The Fox observing the Lord Pitwood was gazed upon stept a little back and walked directly before him bare-headed the Bear and Cat seeing this placed themselves on each side of him likewise bare headed after him followed his Lineage all in order and after them the Nobles and lastly Grimbard the Breck leading a great Treop of Seâ—vitors that attended on the King and Nobles In this Equipage marched they till the King was ready to enter his own Palace then did the Trumpets sound and all manner of other Musick was heard in a melodious manner constantly playing until all the whole company was entred the Royal Palace CHAP. VI. How the King invited his Nobles the next day to a Feast and what pafled thereat WHen all the Nobles and their Followers were entred the Palace the King willed them all to sit down and told them the business of the day holding so long and the issue also of the same being dubious he would not resolve what to do but now his affairs being setled according to his wish he desired they would all accompany him on the morrow at a Feast which should be prepated for them and then he would further declare his mind They hearing this all took their leaves and departed every one to his own home In the mean while the King sent out his Purveyors into all parts who provided store of Venison and other Cates in abundance When the morrow was come and noon drew nigh they all came much about one time and after obeysance made all took their places at the Table the Fox sitting down on the right hand of the King and the Wolf on his left and all the other Nobles in order giving place still to Pitwood's Lineage so as they sate all intermixt among them When they were all sate the Servitors brought in Meat dressed in divers manners with curious Sauces and set it before them Grace being ended the King cuts first of the Dish that stood nearest him bidding his Guests to fall to They all in like manner lay hands of what was nearest them and soon made a clear board Then those empty platters removed other full Dishes provided for a second course were set on the Table while this was doing the King calls to his Servitors for Wine which was brought and the Cup given into the Kings hand he drank to all his Guests bidding them welcome withal commanding to fill unto every one that sate at the Table This being done they fall to the second course and then began to talk a little The Servitors fearing by their eating so much Gluttons will always eat greedily although siâ—â—ting at the Table of a King none would be left for them take away the second course and bring in the third without bidding and as before fill Wine to the King first and afterward to the whole Assembly And this order they kept in all the following courses till the Feast was done Now when the Feast was ended the King and all the Company looked very chearfully one upon another and the King first of all said How bravely did our Cousin Reynard manage his business yesterday To this the Wolf who during the Feast had said nothing least his Téeth should be séen too plainly by the Servitors replyed he did indeed most Puissant Prince act no otherwise then as if he had been inspired by an Oracle in truth I was afraid all would not be well when that rumour and murmuring noise was heard among the Commons That verily put me also to a stand said the For and I was a little troubled till I heard what the matter was then I knew I was able to put an end to that murmuring I am glad all things are so well said the King it will be our parts now to endeavour It is honourable in a King to give good Counsell but it is baseness in a Subject not to regard the same as this Chapter and the whole History following clearly prove for although here the Wolf for himself by his silence and the Fox for him by a long and lying discourse solomnly promise to observe all the King commanded or advised to yoâ— they neither of them ever in tended to perform the same to keep them so Therefore to you my Lord Pitwood I now speak I hope the Honour we have conferred on you and yours here present will never be forgot for whosoever is unmindful of benefits deviates from all honesty Our Subjects are numerous and all of them as I well noted did not consent to your Approbation though the major part which is sufficient indeed did very cheerfully For this cause I would have you to consider you have Enemies as well as Friends which will be apt to espy all advantages and ready to exclaim against you so soon as they can find any occasion which will by nothing be sooner given than by pride and licentious living of which though I thus speak I hope I shall have no occasion to be jealous Then stood up Reynard the Fox and said Most dread Sovereign I dare engage my honour yea life and all for the good deportment of my Uncle For the reason why he heretofore was reputed churlish and licentious was because of his penury this now being totally removed by the office your Majesty hath given him can be no cause of stirring up in him such vices as were in times past condemnable in him because had he now no other estate to live on than his profits not to mention other Perquisites he must needs have so ample a competency as that he shall need to desire no more Yea I say his riches will be so great as he will be in a capacity rather to give to others than to need any thing more than what his office daily supplies him with Besides I consider him by my self it is well known to your Majesty how I was continually complained of by my Enemies accused of Murder Theft and Rapine as my former troubles do well witness untill your Majesty was pleased to advance me and conser on me so ample Treasures as I now possess Since this time not one Beast of all your Majesty's Subjects hath so much as opened his mouth against me It is true Reynard said the
Staffe we give you power over all our Subjects and therefore constitute you Lord chief Baily of all our Dominions After the King had spoke this the Fox bowing himself said Dread Soveraign I shall never be able sufficiently by words to express my thankfulness being wholly overcome by your Majesties immense Bounty but my Actions shall testifie my gratitude to all your Subjects Then the King nodding his head and smiling said nothing to him but called Sir Bruin and said Sir Bruin I create you Earl of the Forests and if hereafter I have so ample a testimony of your Loyalty as I at this time perswade my self I shall I will confirm the same honour on your Heirs and Successors for ever The Bear hearing this made obeysance and humâ—â—y thanked his Majesty To this the King said he had reason â—â—â—ewise to be thankful to his Cousin Reynard who had 〈◊〉 this great honour for him Then the Bear turned himself and gave the Fox great thanks also This being Oathes taken by wicked Persons are no longer binding to them than till they can see an opportunity of falcifying the same to promote their ambitious intents as by the following story is evident in the Fox and Bear now sworn before the King done the King said now there remains nothing but that you two swear Fealty to us our Heirs and Successors Then the Wolf whose office it was to swear them gave them the Book on which he bade each of them to lay his right hand and then say after him So the Fox and Bear after him repeated these words We swear to be true and faithful to our Soveraign Lord the King and directly or indirectly to practice nothing against his Royal Crown and Dignity c. Having said this he bad them kiss the Book so they did and then rose up for they took their Oath kneeling This being done the King dismissed all his Nobles and to the Fox particularly said Now my Lord Reynard see that you deal justly to all my Subjects in deciding their causes impartially for I am willing you should your self redress the Grievances of my meaner Subjects and what difference shall arise among you my Nobles and Friends of that I my self will have the Decision Then the Fox bowed himself and said All your Majesties commands shall be exactly obeyeâ— by me your most obliged Then Grimbard the Brock receiving the Staff of Reynard bore it before him and Pitwood the Wolf Bruin the Bear and all the other Nobles followed after and attended the Fox to his own Castle gates where they took their leaves of him and returned every one to his own home CHAP. IX How Pitwood the Wolf went to Malepardus to commune and advise with his Cousin Reynard about his own Affairs and what was the Result of that Discourse AFter this some-time being elapsed Pitwood the Wolf thought it necessary to go to his Cousin Reynard Therefore coming to Malepardus he knocked and one of Reynard's Sons roming to the gate opened it and bowed himself to the Lord Pitwood saying My Father is within if your Lordship would speak with him I will go in and call him I pray thee do said the Wolf for I come for that end So Reynards Son told his Father the Lord chief Prelate was come to speak with him He hearing this hasted to the Gate and there saluted his Uncle in these words Reverend Uncle I joy to see you I think it not expedient to invite your Lordship to come into my House therefore we going to younder hedg shall have a very convenient place to sit down and talk together for I know we shall there have more privacy then we can have within doors Honourable Cousin said the Wolf I am always obliged to you for your readiness to serve me but especially for your providence and forecast your self being so circumspect and wise as to be able to foresee conveniency or inconveniency as oft as need is By this time they were come to the Hedg where the Fox sitting down first invited his Uncle to set by him When he was sat the Fox began thus Uncle Pitwood I suppose by this time you perceive the profits of your office Yes Cousin said the Wolf I have indeed reaped no small benefit by my office the Perquisites are large and I have received great presents and those of so great variety as I never in all my life saw the like besides there quantity is so great as my own House will hardly contain them I am glad to hear it said the Fox but how fares it with all my Cousins your Children and Nephews do they also thrive in their offices Yes very well said the Lord Pitwood they tell me they have enough and I believe them for three or four of them have lately taken Surfeits with eating poor hearts O Uncle said the Fox that 's nothing perhaps their Stomachs were weak but they will be well enough in a little time Yes yes Cousin said the Wolf I doubt it not But good Cousin let me have your advice in some few things Suppose I have more than I can tell where to bestow what shall I do with the remainder shall I give it to the King This Chapter shews that Liberality is one main upholder of Greatness that without it Envy and Malice may so â—ar prevail as to be able to shake if not totally to ruin these that are in great honour and yet very câ—vetous Besides gifts blind the eyes and alter the understanding so as men are easily induced to approve of that now which they the day before did contemn as monstrous or build my House larger to receive all that comes and your advice shall I give to the King and so ingratiate my self further with him Not so said the Fox for the King seeing your great affluence of Riches will begin to cut short your other Revenues supposing you will in time grow too mighty for him That 's very considerable quoth the Wolf what then I perceive you allow of enlarging my house No said the Fox if you will take my advice I see no security in that but would rather perswade you to inrich your Friends How say you what Friends can I have in this high estate which every one envies To this the Fox answers Uncle did you ever know any one envied for giving It is not your high estate that causeth envy but the hatred of others against you is because they can reap no benefit by your greatness Therefore you cannot do better for your self nor better secure your own Grandeur than by pleasuring some few of the Nobles with a small part of your wealth now and then Well Cousin said the Wolf I will do so but you must advise me to whom for I know not what to do in such a case as this What to do said the Fox why know you not that the Earl of the Forests although mighty to sée to is but poor and though he as yet
After this the bowing himself began to speak thus Worthy Friends it is well known unto us all that we have need of the Commons for as no man can work without hands so we can never accomplish what we intend without the assistance of many more than we out selves are Also for procuring their assistance we must not publickly invite or solicite any or otherwise hire and list as is usual in such Cases Therefore there is but one way left us and that is best and will be most secure The way is this Let every one of us here present by promise and reward oblige as many of the Commons as we can telling them we require their assistance in a private quarrel and therefore would have them be ready but secretly in Arms till we do call for them This way will both conceal our design and our selves until we Here it appearâ— that Flattery and Dissimulation are necessary concomitants of Treason for had not the Fox waited on the King as formerly his absence had given cause of suspition think good to disclose our selves and it The Nobles hearing the Foxes proposal approved thereof and highly praising his Wisdom said They would put in practise what he had so prudently advised to Then he again stood up and said Worthy Friends if you think good to put in practice our advice we also judg it expedient that all speed possible be used because delay may produce danger and indeed such designs as this should be as soon executed as thought on Therefore I request you and as Confederates adjure you to use all diligence this evening and all day too morrow to oblige as many as you can and then to meet here to morrow-night that we may determine what to do and appoint the hour in which we will set about the business and dispatch it Having said this the Meeting broke up and the Lords went forth one by one as privily as they could CHAP. XIV Of their last meeting and how they determined to surprise the Also Misereants before they attempt dangerous Designes forecast how in secure themselves if it happen their intentions befrustrated as here is evident by the â—ox his â—ortilying and furnishing his Castle to abide a siege if need should be King and Court the next night following THe next day the Fex went to Court and tarried with the King until Dinner-time then with great submission and seeming Loyalty he took his leave of him who doubting nothing dismissed the Fox with great chearfulness When Reynard came home he was not idle but stayed at home all that day not only to view the Fortifications of his Castle for he under pretence of repairing it had already fortified it strongly which he liked well but also to examine his stores of Provision observing what was deficient and supplying the same that day that if need were he might abide a Siege to the confusion of his Enemies as he still stedfastly hoped Therefore such Soldiers as he levied privily he kept there with a plentiful allowance of all that was needful CHAP. XV. How Sir Firrapel the Libbard and his Cousin Sly-look revealed the whole Treason to the King c. ON the morrow when Sir Firrapel and his Cousin met they both looked less theerful then they were wont and therefore asked each other the cause of his sadness The Libbard first spake thus Cousin I am troubled with the thoughts of what we are going about for I consider we have no reason to be Traytors Relenting thoughts in Conspirators prove dangerous to grand Projectors to our Soveraign because he never in the least degraded or injured us but always admitted us as Friends and Companions and indeed he is a Prince deserving the love and not the hatred of all his Subjects much more of his Lords and in an especial manner of the Lord Reynard and his Uncle Isegrim since called Pitwood But now engaged as we are we are in such a streight as what to do I cannot tell Then the Panther said Truly Cousin I know not what to think I have been so perplexed all this night with the consideration of my Disloyalty as I am now even at my Wits end If we bewray the Plot to the King he is so well conceited of the Lord Reynard as he will not believe us and so we are in danger of death for falsly accusing him who is the falsest of all living and will not stick to ruin all us so he may but escape himself Besides his language is so smooth and he is so crafty and subtile as it will be impossible to prove a tittle of all we can say against him No no said the Libbard if we having declared all to the King request him to detain us in his Court but for one day until our Loyalty be proved or disproved and in the mean while not be known we have bewrayed the Plot we when the time appointed is come may look over the Battlements and call to Sir Tibert who will be sure to lie very near that he may give intelligence telling him the King and his Sons are dead the Lord Reynard may now come in securely then we shall quickly sée our selves out of danger and the Authors of our trouble brought to condign punishment Cousin said the Panther I like your counsel well but if we be detained in Court all day and come not with our Soldiers in the Evening to the place of Rendezvouz Reynard will presently smell the matter and let fall his present design but immediately run to Court and accuse us 'T is true indéed said the Libbard we are in a bad case if we reveal the Treason and it is very hazardous if we reveal it not and any other do our danger will be the greater Therefore since we are so straitned it is better for us of these two Evils to chuse the least and speedily to reveal the Treason let the event be what it will To this the Panther consented and so they went together to Court When they were come before the King and This Chapter shews that some men are easily wrought upon to consent to Treason yet will very un willingly put the same in practice but rather to save themselves reveal the whole Conspiracy as here the Libbard and Panther did had vowed themselves they thought to have spoke but neither of them could for shame and grief The King noting their dejected Countenances said Friends why are you so sad O Sir said the Libbard the consideration of your Majesties clemency and our own unworthiness is the cause of our present grief Why said the King speak you thus Because Sir said the Panther we have been so unworthy and indeed so false to your Majesty as to know of a Treason intended against your Royal Person Crown and Dignity for at least four days and not to reveal it and that which most of all perplexeth us is that we gave our consents and promised to aid and assist