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 1. POBTRAIT OF PROFESSOR WILSON. 
 
 2. DEDICATION 
 
 FAGI 
 
 3. AT HOME xn 
 
 i. THE EMPEACHMENT i 
 
 5 A WOLF IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING 
 
 t 
 
 6 BRUIN THE ROYAL MESSENGER II 
 
 7. MALEPARTUS CASTLE lit 
 
 k 8. TEMPTATION 33 
 
 :». DANGER 30 
 
 hi. THE ROYAL PHYSICIAN 85 
 
 li. THE PENITENT 16 
 
 L2. THE STRATAGEM . . 52 
 
 13. IRE 56 
 
 14. BORNE OFF THE FIELD 62 
 
 15 THE TRIUMPB 64 
 
 16 '."«in BYE . 71 
 
X -V X VV -V 'V ♦ 
 
 r*n- 
 
 ERHAPS no secular work, since the 
 
 invention of Printing, has obtained such 
 
 an extensive circulation and unbounded 
 
 J: 
 
 fif^ popularity as the story of "Reynard the Fox." 
 For centuries it has been a household possession, 
 perused in the palace and the hall, the grange 
 and the cottage; it has fascinated the young and 
 amused the old. " It has been lectured mi in 
 universities, quoted in imperial council-halls; it has 
 lain on the toilets of princes, and been thumbed to pieces 
 on the benches of artisans." Even the German Shakspeare, 
 Goethe, has made ii the subject of a great poem; and 
 kindred genius, in the person of Kaulbach. has illustrated 
 the work by the finest series of pictorial embellishments 
 
 * Carlyle. 
 
VI 
 
 %\t Stog of $*patfo % Jw. 
 
 with which a book was ever adorned. We are told by the 
 eminent authority above quoted, " that the oldest printed 
 edition of our actual Reynard is that of Liibeck in 1498, 
 of which there is a copy, understood to be the only one, 
 still extant in the Wolfenbiittel Library." 
 
 This ancient edition is in the Low German, and 
 appears to have been produced by Hinrek van Alkmer, 
 who, in his preface, calls himself " schoolmaster and 
 tutor of that noble and virtuous prince and lord, the 
 Duke of Lorrain ; " and says farther, that by order of the 
 same worthy sovereign, he " sought out and rendered the 
 present book from the Waloon and French tongues into 
 German, for the wholesome edification of whoso readeth 
 therein." Another version of the authorship, bearing date 
 some hundred years later, appeared, setting forth how that 
 the real author was one Nicholas Baumann, professor at 
 Rostock ; how he had been secretary to the Duke of Juliers, 
 but was driven from his service by wicked cabals; and so, 
 in revenge, composed this satirical adumbration of the 
 Juliers' court. In order to avoid consequences, he is said 
 to have put on the title-page the fiction of its being rendered 
 from the French and Waloon tongues, and the feigned name 
 
of Hinrek van Alkmer, who, for the rest, was never school- 
 master or tutor at Lorrain or anywhere else, but a mere 
 man of straw created for the nonce out of so many letters 
 of the alphabet. Excessive debate and learned sharp- 
 shooting ensued, with victorious shouts on both sides, but 
 into the claims of either party we do not enter, though 
 drawn sympathetically towards Hinrek. 
 
 In literary history, however, he is nowhere mentioned 
 or hinted at, except on this one occasion ; and whichever 
 way the dispute is settled, the victor could at most claim to 
 be the first German redactor of this fable. 
 
 The inventor must be sought for in a much remoter 
 period. There are even two printed versions of the tale 
 prior in date to this of Liibeck : a Dutch one at Delft in 
 1484, and one by Caxton in English in 1481. which seems 
 to be the earliest of all.* These two differ essentially from 
 Hinrek's ; still more so does the French Roman du Nouveau 
 
 * Caxton'8 edition, a copy of which is in the British Museum, hears title — 
 "Hystorye of Reynard the Foxe," and begins thus: — "It was aboute the tyme of 
 l'entecoste or Whytsontyde that the wodes comynly he lusty and gladsome, and the 
 trees clad with levys and blossoms, and the grounds with herhes and Mowers swede 
 smellying;" whereas in many other passages the fact that Caxton and Alkmer 
 had the same original before them is manifest enough. Our venerable printer says 
 
Vlll 
 
 %\t Mm at gjkparfc % $m. 
 
 Renard, composed by "Jacquemars Gielee at Lisle about the 
 year 1290," which yet exists in manuscript; however, they 
 sufficiently verify that statement of the German redactor's 
 having " sought and rendered " his work from the Waloon 
 and French, in which latter tongue, as we shall soon see, 
 some shadow of it had been known and popular, centuries 
 before that time. For besides Gielee's work, we have a 
 Renard Couronne of still earlier, and a Renard Contrefait 
 of somewhat later date ; and chroniclers inform us that, at 
 the noted festival given by Philip the Fair in the beginning 
 of the fourteenth century, among the dramatic entertain- 
 ments was a whole life of Reynard, wherein it must not 
 surprise us that he " ended by becoming pope, and still 
 under the tiara continued to eat poultry." From all which, 
 so much at least would appear, that the fable of Reynard 
 the Fox, which in the German version we behold completed, 
 nowise derived its completeness from the individual there 
 named Hinrek van Alkmer, or from any other individual 
 
 in conclusion — " I have not added ne mynnsshed, but have followed as nyghe as I can 
 my copye whych was in Dutche, and by me, Willm Caxton, translated into this rude 
 and symple Englyssh in the Abbey of Westminster, and fynnyshed the vi. daye 
 of Juyn, the yere of our Lord 1481, the 21 yere of the regne of Kynge Edward 
 the iiijth." 
 
or people, but rather, that being old and universally current, 
 it was taken up by poets and satirists of all countries ; from 
 each received some accession or improvement, and properly 
 has no single author. We must observe, however, that as 
 yet it had attained no fixation or consistency. No version 
 was decidedly preferred to every other. Caxton's and the 
 Dutch appear, at best, but as the skeleton of what after- 
 wards became a body. Of the old Waloon version, said to 
 have been discovered lately, we are taught to entertain a 
 similar opinion. In the existing French versions, which are 
 all older, there is even less analogy. Looseh conjoined, 
 therefore, and only in the state of dry bones, was it that 
 Hinrek, or Nicholas, or some Saxon, whoever he might 
 be, found the story; and blowing on it with the breath 
 of genius, raised it up into a consistent fable. 
 
 The farther history of Reynard is easily traced. In 
 this new guise, it spread abroad witli unexampled rapidity- — 
 fixing itself as a firm possession in most countries, where, 
 indeed, in this character, we still find it. It was printed 
 and translated innumerable times. In the original dialect 
 alone, the last editor lias reckoned up more than twenty 
 editions; in one of which, for example, we find such a 
 
%ty Stora a! $epartr % Jte. 
 
 name as Heinrich Voss. It was first translated into High 
 German in 1545, into Latin in 1567 by Hartmann 
 Schopper, and a new version into short German verse 
 appeared the century following. It was rendered into 
 prose for the use of the people, and was sold on stalls; 
 where still, with the needful changes in orthography, and 
 printed on the greyest paper, it tempts the speculative 
 eye. Thus has our old fable, rising like some river in the 
 remote distance from obscure rivulets, gathered strength out 
 of every valley, and out of every country, as it rolled on. 
 It is European in two senses ; for as all Europe contributed 
 to it, so all Europe has enjoyed it. It has been translated 
 into French, Italian, Danish, Swedish, Dutch, and English. 
 Nor was that same stall honour, which has been reckoned 
 the truest literary celebrity, refused it here. Perhaps 
 many a reader of these pages may, like the writer of 
 them, recollect the hours when, hidden from unfeeling 
 gaze of pedagogue, he swallowed the most pleasant and 
 delightful history of Reynard the Fox, like stolen waters, 
 with a timorous joy.* The importance of fable in the 
 earlier stages of society can never be overrated. The 
 
 * Abridged from the Foreign Quarterly Eeview. 
 
gwfaa. 
 
 XI 
 
 intolerable haughtiness which invariably accompanies des- 
 potic power blinds the understanding and warps the judg- 
 ment of its possessors, rendering them inaccessible to truth : 
 their ears were therefore to be reached only through alleg< >r\ 
 and fable. The first on record is by Jotham. who, by the 
 agency of an apologue, denounced the spurious usurper and 
 murderer who put threescore and ten of his brethren to 
 indiscriminate slaughter, seized the reins of government, 
 and became a ruthless tyrant for the space of three years, 
 when he perished by the hand of a woman at the tower of 
 Thebez.* By the instrumentality of fable, the conscience 
 of the poet-king of Israel was awakened, and his heart 
 pierced to its inmost core by remorse, and ultimately by 
 true repentance. f Lessons of reproof and morality were 
 continually delivered in this mode by the sages of antiquity 
 to the various classes of mankind, when instruction of a 
 more direct nature would not, or could not have reached 
 their hearts, or influenced their conduct. 
 
 Bui although our standard of morality is higher than 
 that of the ancients, and our sources of instruction infinitely 
 superior to theirs; yet, agreeable and ingenious fiction is 
 * Judges, chap. ix. t 2 Sam. chap. xii. I. 
 
Xll 
 
 %\t %ltit% at JJtparfr t\t $h. 
 
 oftentimes found necessary to allure the juvenile mind into 
 the path which leads to more important studies — to produce 
 habits of reading and reflection, and thus, by imperceptible 
 gradations, to imbue the youthful enquirer with a love of 
 letters. If, therefore, we can procure the attention of 
 the rising generation to matters of importance, through 
 the medium of salutary amusement, conveyed in purity of 
 language, and with earnestness of purpose, something has 
 been gained. While preparing a new impression of this 
 popular tale for the press, I have chiefly followed the 
 London edition of 1706. It is an octavo of some 300 
 pages, entitled " The Crafty Courtier, or the Fable of 
 Reynard the Fox; newly done into English verse from 
 the ancient Latin Iambics of Hartmann Schopperus." 
 But while this version preserves the narrative of Reynard 
 with all fidelity, it abounds with satirical episodes and 
 
 * Carlyle has told vis, with a degree of antiquarian research peculiar to himself, 
 that while poor Schopper was engaged on his translation, at Freiburg in Baden, he 
 was impressed as a soldier, and carried apparently in fetters to Vienna, having given 
 his work to another to finish. At Vienna he stood not long in the ranks — having 
 fallen violently sick, and being thrown out into the streets to recover there. He 
 says — « He was without bed, and had to seek quarters on the muddy pavement in a 
 barrel." Here, too, in the night, some excessively straightened individual stole from 
 
gnfacf. 
 
 Xlll 
 
 political pasquinades, now obsolete, together with impro- 
 prieties of language and unsuitable allusions; all which I 
 have deleted, and confined myself exclusively to the story 
 of Reynard, as it has descended to us through the lapse 
 of centuries, with the important addition of awarding thai 
 great state criminal, that poetical justice which none of 
 my predecessors have ventured to adjudge. 
 
 To have allowed this over-gorged public defaulter to 
 loll on the woolsack in ease and honour, while he fleeced 
 the lieges with impunity, — to bask in the sunshine of royal 
 favour, while he perverted the stream of justice, and Bel 
 the laws of the land at defiance, — to accumulate riches 
 equal to the public resources of the kingdom by fraud, 
 without impeachment, trial, and well-merited infamy, — 
 would have abetted the avaricious propensities of public 
 
 him his cloak and Babre. However, men were ao1 all hyaenas. One Joseph Huf- 
 nagel, unknown to him, but to whom by his writings he was known, took him under 
 roof, procured medical assistance, equipped him anew, so that, "in the harvest 
 ion, being half cured, he could return, or rather re-crawl to Frankfort on the 
 Mayne." There, too, "a Sfagister Johann Cuipius, Christian Egenolph'a son-in- 
 law, kindly received him," and encouraged him to finish hie translation, as accord- 
 ingly he <li<l — dedicating it to the Emperor, with doleful complaints, fruitless or not 
 it unknown. 
 
XIV 
 
 %\t Storg nf geparfl i\t $ax. 
 
 peculators, strengthened the hands of ingenious tyranny, 
 and our youthful aspirants after fame and fortune might 
 have forgotten the awful denunciation, that "fire shall 
 consume the tabernacles of bribery," and " the hope of 
 unjust men perish." D. V. 
 
 Preston Street, Edinburgh, 
 May 1852. 
 
§tonj of iUparo tlje $m. 
 
 Ijaptcr t|e Jflrst. 
 
 r HE Spring appeared in all its glory, and the husband- 
 man anticipated the coming season with joy; the trees 
 were clothed in verdure, and the fields were enamelled 
 with flowers ; the birds saluted the morning sun with 
 ; hymns of gladness, and poured forth vesper songs, as 
 the glorious Luminary descended behind the western mountains. 
 The brilliant Loveliness of nature, and the exhilarating influence 
 of the atmosphere, mollified the stem heart of the royal Lion. 
 
 King of beasts and birds, insomuch that he determined to hold 
 a solemn festival at his imperial palace, and, under the guise 
 
 of apparent condescension and friendly conviviality, investigate 
 an\ charges of partiality against his judges, or oppression on 
 the part of his other powerful subjects. Accordingly, he issued 
 
a proclamation, commanding all his lieges, both beasts and 
 birds, to attend his court, on pain of his royal displeasure ; 
 announcing at the same time, that a sumptuous entertainment 
 would be provided for them. When the important day arrived, 
 birds and quadrupeds from every quarter might be seen throng- 
 ing to court. The gates of the grand saloon were thrown 
 open, and the great feudatories — such as Bruin the Bear, Isegrim 
 the Wolf, Pard the Leopard, Grevincus the Badger, and Springer 
 the Hound, took their places near the throne, while the herd of 
 the commonalty kept at a respectful distance. 
 
 One of the most sagacious barons of the kingdom, however, 
 had absented himself. This was no less a personage than 
 Reynard the Fox. He had formerly held high office under his 
 Majesty; but while he pretended to live only for the good of 
 the commonweal and the honour of his master, self-interest was 
 his ruling passion; moreover, he had such a strong liking for 
 dainties, that he had been known to disguise himself, and purloin 
 the King's poultry on their way to the royal demesne ; and yet, 
 next day, with unequalled address and consummate dexterity, 
 he would throw the odium of the theft on some political rival 
 whom it was his interest to keep down; thus making the 
 prostrate body of an innocent competitor a stepping-stone to 
 power, and strengthening the royal partiality by unworthy 
 means. Conscious of guilt, the ex-minister pretended to be 
 grievously sick, and could not do himself the honour to wait 
 on his Majesty; while the fact was, that he was afraid to trust 
 the royal amnesty, as he well knew he should be accused by 
 
a be .^tori) of Bemud the rot. 
 
 3 
 
 certain of his political or personal enemies when they became 
 exhilarated by the influence of the delicious wine which was 
 sure to circulate with regal hospitality. After an interchange 
 of friendly greetings and salutary conversation, the august party 
 descended to the banqueting hall, where they found the table 
 furnished with regal magnificence. Each took his place with 
 decorum, while his Majesty addressed his guests with dignified 
 familiarity and amicable courtesy. The viands disappeared with 
 great rapidity from the well-replenished board; the goblet circu- 
 lated right royally; the company, who were at first awe-struck 
 by the imperial glance, were now at their ease; political disqui- 
 sitions became loud and fiery ; and atrocious stories were told of. 
 and heavy accusations made against Reynard the Fox. 
 
®|t Storj cf Jltpsrt tlrt Jfe. 
 
 Cjrafier ijt Shflrafo. 
 
 -«i 
 
 >P rose Isegrim the Wolf; and having made his 
 conge to the throne, bellowed forth his complaint 
 against Reynard until the gilded cornices rung 
 again. " I beseech you, dread Sovereign, take pity 
 on me and my wife for the injuries we have suffered 
 by that false craven Reynard. He intruded himself into 
 my house, insulted my dear partner, did violence to 
 my helpless children, whereby some of them lost their precious 
 eye-sight, and then, like a coward, slunk to his hole, without 
 giving me the satisfaction of a gentleman. Were I to record his 
 crimes, it would be a black indictment, and would fill many 
 volumes. By setting the laws at defiance, Sire, he slights you, 
 while he injures the public with impunity." Isegrim having 
 caught the eye of the Monarch, again made his obeisance, and 
 resumed his seat. Whereupon Springer started to his legs, and, 
 having crouched before the throne, accused the unhappy culprit 
 Reynard of robbing him of his perquisites of office, namely, the 
 
T H K IMl'K At' II M 
 
 ' 
 
%\t Siorn of ilcnnaro the jto 
 
 skeletons of geese and other fowls, beef and mutton bones, 
 together with rancid sausages and decayed bacon. He averred 
 that such proceedings were intolerable, and ought to be punished 
 by the laws of this and every well regulated kingdom ; and this 
 failing, such vagabonds should be proceeded against by fire and 
 sword. Upon which, Malkin the Cat, with a fiery countenance 
 and bristling whiskers, mewed forth a speech in the ears of 
 Majesty which plainly showed that self-interest had blinded her 
 judgment. So making a semicircle of her back, and stretching 
 out her tail, she said — " My lord, I confess that Keynard the Fox 
 is an atrocious villain, fraudulent, and a thief; but there are 
 certain others who may be proved as bad as he. Springer the 
 Hound has all the will to be a thief without the ability. The 
 bacon which he alleges to have been stolen from him by Reynard, 
 he meanly stole from me — although he knew very well I risked 
 life and limb in taking it out of the mill by night when the 
 miller lay asleep." Bruin the Bear, who thought himself the 
 handsomest person in the assembly, and anxious to display his 
 elocution before royalty, got upon his hind legs, and, leaning 
 on a pole to which he had been accustomed in a caravan, he 
 hoarsely complained of grievances and losses. He gazed in 
 the Monarch's face, and, unabashed, told his Sovereign that be 
 had more important information to lay before his majesty than 
 any that had yet been tendered; — "They are worthy of the 
 care of a prince and the anger of a king. Although your 
 Majesty has thoughl the Fox a saint heretofore, 1 will prove 
 him a fiend. His lather was hanged, his mother was burned for 
 
6 &Ij£ Storg at $*p»r& % $m. 
 
 sorcery, lie was inured to thieving from infancy, which malady 
 can only be cured by a rope. Often has he wished you laid 
 with your fathers, and made vows to evil spirits for your 
 destruction, in the vain hope of cajoling the giddy crowd and 
 ascending your royal throne. On the faith of treaties, a harm- 
 less Rabbit came to sojourn in your imperial city ; Reynard, 
 the villain, sneaked up to the simpleton, and smilingly asked 
 him if he would learn a song. The knave made him believe 
 that he would not only teach him music, but that he had 
 interest enough to introduce him at court, and procure him the 
 privilege of singing before royalty — when, if successful, his 
 fortune was made. The fool believed him, and elevated his 
 head and expanded his chest, as ordered by the singing master. 
 While in this attitude, he seized his victim by the throat, just 
 as he was warbling and quavering the first or second bars of an 
 Italian air; and would have doubtless murdered the innocent 
 but for me, who happily interfered at the critical moment. The 
 gash on his throat may yet be seen 5 and the silly wretch is 
 now here to prove my accusation. There are none secure from 
 his treasons. He deceives the rich, robs the poor, murders 
 the weak, and betrays the strong. Your Majesty's crown is in 
 danger if he is suffered to prowl longer through your dominions ; 
 and with one voice we cry for justice." The crowd rent the sky 
 with their plaudits, and all repeated, " Let the traitor perish ! " 
 
 Grevincus the Badger, who was Reynard's nephew, being 
 moved with high wrath and indignation on hearing his kinsman 
 thus impeached, and on the brink of condemnation, manfully 
 
stood up, and told the revellers in plain terms, that " if Reynard 
 were here, they durst not abuse the ear of their Sovereign with 
 falsehoods, nor give prominence to the faults of others to hide 
 their own. Thou, Tsegrim, now so loud and clamorous, hast found 
 him friendly, and publicly bepraised his high mental qualities. 
 The cunning which thou upbraidest has often saved thee from 
 starvation. Well dost thou remember when the fishmonger's 
 cart was driven through the village, how he stiffened his limbs, 
 drooped his head, and glazed his eyes. The hind, thinking he had 
 been dead, threw him into the cart, and, being snugly ensconced 
 there, threw thee out as many fish as served thy famishing 
 family for a fortnight. At the peril of life and limb, my 
 sagacious kinsman procured a fine sucking Pig, and while it 
 was becoming beautifully brown on the spit over a pool of 
 rich gravy, thou ingrate, didst thou not meanly and feloniously 
 tear it thence, and, like a craven as thou art, slink away to 
 the forest with it? thus doing treason to thy hospitable enter- 
 tainer, and giving a proof of thy worthlessness. As to the 
 charge against my traduced relative, made by Bruin, the 
 Rabbit was his scholar, and bound by oath to be his servant 
 also. Had not the master a right to chastise his servant, the 
 teacher to correct his pupil? Besides, the lad was both cox- 
 comb and dullard at the same time. It would have been the 
 simpleton's ruin if my friend had acted otherwise. Springer 
 the Hound pretends that he has been robbed! What exclusive 
 right he had to goods which he himself had stolen. I own 
 passes my comprehension. fair plunder in righteous wars is 
 
8 %\t $tax% at geparfo t|e $h. 
 
 approved of by our greatest generals ; but envy follows merit, 
 as surely as the shadow follows the substance. The humble, 
 I should say the lowly, condition in which my relation lives, 
 should move your pity rather than your hatred. Austere in 
 his dress, severe in his morals, frugal in everything except 
 charity, coarse his fare, and rigorous in his fasting and penances, 
 he lives an inflexible recluse, and only thinks of his latter 
 end. Besides, he is often insulted by the application of 
 opprobrious epithets, and assaulted by the meanest of your 
 Majesty's subjects ; his reformation is termed hypocrisy, and 
 the humility of his bearing cowardice. It was only the other 
 day, when meditating in the fields, and arrayed in full canonical 
 costume, he chanced unwittingly to pass a poultry yard; and 
 although he was armed with your Majesty's decree, commanding 
 peace and amity among the various tribes of your kingdom, the 
 whole colony rushed out on the harmless recluse with bludgeons, 
 brooms, pitchforks, and other deadly weapons, and but that he 
 was ' cunning of fence,' they would have taken his life ; and, to 
 crown the indignity, a contemptible Peacock, tricked out in gaudy 
 frippery, but a coward at heart withal, soared to a place of safety, 
 and screamed forth such a torrent of vile language as was never 
 heard in any of your Majesty's fishmarkets. If during the fray 
 some of the family of Gallus suffered in either life or limb, I 
 know not, but one thing I am certain of, that the intentions of 
 my much abused relative were in strict accordance with your 
 Majesty's decree." While Grevincus was labouring towards 
 his climax, he was stopt short by seeing a sad procession 
 

 y 
 
 
 Rf'?W'fillSlJv*ro'**v 
 
 
The ?tonj of ilcpnaro tbt row 
 
 approach the court. Callus the Cock, together with a Long 
 train of .sons and neighbours, advanced lamenting, and crying 
 for justice: and, to enhance the melancholy scene, the body of 
 Gallena, his daughter, was laid on a bier, win. had been lately 
 murdered by Reynard." 
 
 * See Frontiepii • 
 
io % \t Stag si S«j«srt \\t fat. 
 
 €\i}itx % Cprtr. 
 
 -S-5S+. 
 
 ALLUS the Cock stood before the King's tribunal, 
 impatient to avenge the blood of his beloved 
 p\ daughter. Her brothers bemoan their father's be- 
 r? reaved condition, and bewail the untimely fate of their 
 sister. When the first paroxysm of grief subsided a little, 
 Gallus addressed himself to the Monarch : — " Behold, Sire, 
 a loyal subject wretched and old; robbed of his children who 
 were dearer than life. I was the happy father of twelve stately 
 sons, and twenty fair daughters. They had board and education 
 in an abbot's yard, where their physical and moral health were 
 well looked after. They were guarded by six friendly mastiffs 
 day and night. This circumstance that culprit Reynard knew 
 full well, and despaired of ever catching them by surprise. He 
 accordingly resorted to stratagem, dressed himself like a monk, 
 covered his villain's head with a cowl, and produced your royal 
 mandate that feuds, and fear, and hostile acts should for ever 
 cease and determine. I saw the imperial seal on the document, 
 and bent my head in token of reverence and obedience. The 
 
%\t Starg irf §*p»rb i\t /ov. 
 
 11 
 
 wily thief spoke demurely and penitentially of his former immoral 
 courses ; told me that penance should be his daily task hereafter ; 
 that he should endeavour to divest himself of all earthly cares, 
 all worldly passions; that cooling herbs should be his food, and 
 these only to be used in sparing quantities. He, moreover, 
 produced a forged certificate to prove himself a member of the 
 brotherhood; and when the vesper bell rung, he counted his 
 beads, and went through certain devotional mummeries with the 
 dexterity of an adept. I heard, saw, and believed. The tidings 
 new over the whole yard. The gates were opened ; and the good 
 mastiffs, who had watched my children with so much fidelity, 
 were thrown off their guard. The hypocrite took advantage of 
 the negligence which his falsehood had produced. He rushed 
 in and devoured my daughters, and destroyed my sons. I have 
 only been able to save the relics of Gallena, which I lay before 
 your Majesty as a proof of the desolation which has overwhelmed 
 my house." 
 
 Maugre the imperial diadem and mantle, the golden sceptre, 
 and the jewelled throne, the Sovereign wept! and, frowning 
 sternly on Grevincus the Badger, exclaimed, "Hal is this the 
 way the new monastic spends his time? He seems to defy 
 •Jove's thunder and his Sovereign's mandates. We can bear this 
 insolence no longer. He dies! Inter the dend decently, and 
 proceed instanter with the vile assassin!" The funeral rites 
 being performed, the feudatories assembled, and debated the 
 [natter amicably, how the murderer might be broughl in justice 
 with the greatest speed and security. All seemed repugnanl to 
 
12 
 
 f J* Stow 0f impart % jfe. 
 
 the task, and many were the excuses offered. At length Bruin 
 the Bear, animated more by personal hatred than duty to his 
 King, undertook the task ; and with an oath — such as none but 
 bears use — promised to bring him up to justice, dead or alive. 
 
Hit *tori) of iirpart Hit f«. IS 
 
 Chapter tjrc lourtlj. 
 
 ■■iNl" 
 
 HE Monarch held out the golden sceptre to Bruin 
 the Bear, previous to his commencing his dangerous 
 '# mission — " Go, Bruin, I command, but take care that 
 1%. thou art not baffled by the strategy of the rebel ; give 
 no heed to his smiles; trust not his flattery; it is un- 
 worthy of a great statesman to be circumvented." [inpatient 
 of advice, Bruin felt a little hurt, and growled forth a gasconade. 
 " Hear me, I ) ( Isesar! If Reynard proves too cunning for me, lei 
 the darksome womb of the earth engulf a wretch unworthy of the 
 light." And bowing towards the throne, took Leave. Be tra- 
 versed many wilds, passed rapid Hoods, descended into caves, and 
 
 Searched the forests all round, but saw nothing of the outlaw, and 
 
 consequently ha<l to put up wiih "traveller's Lodgings" for the 
 night. Reynard had buill an impregnable fort, where guilt and 
 
 infanrj might find a retreat. He dug it deep, and compassed it 
 with walls, hedges, and a deep trench, lie al80 contrived a sally 
 port, known only to himself. This stronghold luiiin at Length 
 found out, and knowing it sheliered the rebel, he thundered at 
 
14 %\t %\mi of lUpaxfr tj* Jm 
 
 the door, and in tones of authority accosted Reynard, who gave 
 him a salute from the walls. " See," says Bruin, " the King's 
 august command; here is his signature, and this is the impres- 
 sion of the royal signet ; unbar your gates, and allow the 
 representative of majesty to enter." Reynard answered the 
 ambassador in the most polite manner, — " Read the King's com- 
 mission, if you please. Ancient feuds, you know, have passed 
 between us ; but when we are both safe, we may be free." 
 
 The Bear replied that his Majesty was highly exasperated 
 against him. " If you dare refuse to obey his summons, he vows 
 by his throne that he will put your person to the rack, and raze 
 your house to the ground." 
 
 When Reynard became assured that our egotistical envoy 
 was alone, he thought all was as it should be, so went down 
 and opened the narrowest wicket. " Your pardon, noble Bruin. 
 I have kept you waiting by far too long, but I hope you 
 will excuse my fright. My matin service is now over, and I 
 hasten to pay my duty. I am astonished to see such an august 
 guest within these poor walls as yourself. You renew your 
 former favours in this visit. Great was your journey ! Ah ! 'tis 
 very rare to see lords of your rank visit such humble individuals 
 as myself. Homely fare and a hearty welcome is all your 
 excellency must look for from me." 
 
 The insolence of office is sometimes laconic. " Come Sir ! my 
 time is short ; pack up your baggage and march, or I shall find a 
 method to quicken your movements." "If health permit, I shall 
 follow your excellency to-morrow ; they can never restrict a 
 

 
 
 Wi 
 
%\t Storgr of gtpndi tbc ja%. 15 
 
 person of your high rank to a day. I am brought low by pain 
 and sickness. Alas! I have scarcely strength to walk. My 
 stomach is weak, and I am prescribed to eat gruels and salads. 
 and to abstain from flesh altogether. I have as fine a chic-ken as 
 ever was turned on a spit, but Dr. Owl prohibits me from touch- 
 ing it." The ambassador, after his long and devious journey, 
 being somewhat sharp set, was already in fancy picking the bone. 
 " You are well provided, Reynard," said his excellency, in a 
 softened tone. " Time was, my lord, when I had enough and 
 to spare, but I cannot forage now as formerly ; I find myself at 
 once sick and poor. I have, however, plenty of honey, but eating 
 much of that brought on the colic. 'Tis rich and pleasant, but 
 by far too luscious and sweet for me and my ailments." " Ha ! 
 you astonish me; is honey really so plentiful here ? I prefer it to 
 flesh, or fish, or venison, or lobsters, sturgeon, jellies, or soups. 
 I shall never forget your favour, Sir, if you will oblige me with a 
 pot, and the larger the better." Reynard was delighted to find 
 that Bruill had swallowed the bait so greedily, and, bowing and 
 smiling, he said, u Since your lordship is such a lover of honey, 
 my neighbour the husbandman, 1 have to inform your lordship, 
 has such a Large stock of bees, that their hives will furnish you 
 with as much honey as you can consume in a month. If your 
 excellency will be pleased to walk, 1 will exert all mv remaining 
 strength to accompany you; 'tis only u short League." To the 
 husbandman's orchard, accordingly, they trudged on in the most 
 friendly manner; the envoy bent on delicacies, the rebel on 
 n-\ enge. 
 
16 %\t stdti of JJipsrlr'tJ* Jm 
 
 The orcliard having been reached under cloud of night, the 
 invaders surveyed the ground for a breach or opening whereby 
 they might enter. At length they found a great oak tree with 
 two wedges in it, and the cleft open. " I humbly beg your 
 excellency," said the Fox, " be careful, for within this tree is 
 much honey; eat moderately, for a surfeit is dangerous." " Leave 
 that to my prudence," says Bruin. So he entered the cleft with 
 eagerness, which his wily antagonist perceiving, pulled out the 
 wedges, and caught Bruin in so sharp a trap, that the poor 
 envoy howled with pain, while the Fox at a distance jibed and 
 jeered the crest-fallen statesman. " How does your excellency 
 like the honey? As you value your duty to the King, do not 
 surfeit yourself, seeing ye are on an important mission." The 
 noise alarmed the whole village, the inhabitants of which came 
 and belaboured the Bear's sides with clubs, and hoes, and pitch- 
 forks, until, mad with rage, he tore his bleeding face and paws 
 from the tree, and rushed blindly into a river that ran close by, 
 knocking into the water many of the boors, and among the rest 
 the husbandman's wife, for whose sake every one bestirred him- 
 self. Amidst the confusion the Bear limped away, and was no 
 more seen in that quarter. 
 
iilie Stirg of iUparo the fir*. 
 
 Chapter tbr tfiftlj. 
 
 KAXYVHILE, the slippery politician Reynard 
 having stolen a plump cockerel from the hus- 
 bandman's roost, carried it to lii< stronghold, 
 and having made a banquet thereon that mighl 
 r e served a cardinal, he sallied out by his secret 
 postern to procure drink, and sauntering along the 
 margin of the brook, lie came upon the unfortunate Bear, 
 growling in an under tone, and licking- his lacerated paws. 
 Adding' insult to injury, he sneeringly observed. " Ha ! I>\ 
 your looks you have fed upon delicious honey to repletion, 
 but 1 fear yon have paid too great a price for your Luxuries. 
 Your coat, too, has also changed colour. If I mistake not, if 
 was formerly sable, now I perceive it is crimson. Perhaps you 
 mean to leave the cares of Statesmanship, and retire into the 
 bosom of mother-church. Ah ! my dear friend, when yon 
 receive a cardinal's hat. i hope your eminence will remember 
 me, as my inclinations run in the same direction. -Why do you 
 
 employ Buch a clumsy barber? He has scraped your chin too 
 
18 ' %\t Stars of $epartr \\t Jta. 
 
 close, and scarified your jaw ! Your tusks — your very bones, 
 appear ; nay, as I live an honest life, lie hath denuded you of 
 half of one of your ears !" The discomfited Bear, writhing with 
 mental and physical anguish, replied not a word, but limped away 
 to the grand assembly, where, in dismal accents, he recounted the 
 sad trick that Eeynard had played him. The mighty autocrat 
 of birds and beasts was never known to be in such a towering 
 passion on any former occasion. He started from his throne — 
 his mane bristled, his eyes flashed fire, and his tail swung from 
 side to side like a pendulum; so, elevating his right paw, he 
 
 exclaimed — 
 
 " Now, by this earth and yon empyreal sky ! 
 
 The traitor shall with ignominy die ; 
 
 The forms of law from which we never swerve, 
 
 Our judges must advise, and we observe. " 
 
 The senate, nem. con., thanked him for his speech ; and an 
 impeachment was moved by the Bruin party. Grumble the Ass 
 was the foremost spokesman 5 he was an advocate by profession, 
 but was poor, proud, formal, obstinate, and dull. Nevertheless, 
 he stood up before the august assembly — for ignorance is always 
 impudent, and constantly self-possessed. He brayed a long 
 invective against the panel, exhibiting his crimes in the blackest 
 hues his ingenuity, such as it was, could suggest ; and urging 
 conviction, " for the honour of the Sovereign and the laws, the 
 safety of the weak, and the terror of the wicked." A bill was 
 drawn, read, and unanimously approved of, and Reynard was 
 condemned to capital punishment. It were wise, however, for 
 people to catch their fish before they count them. 
 
■ i : antoj i ■ 
 
 ni ui jk 
 
 MA I, K PK RTUS C A.STLE 
 
 Home! sweet home' 
 There's no place Like tome 1 
 
%\t *tori? of ilepara the fat. 
 
 l'.l 
 
 Chapter tljc Hirtjr. 
 
 T became necessary that a new commissioner be chosen, 
 [in order to bring the arch offender to justice, and the 
 choice of the house unanimously fell on Malkin the Cat, 
 who, conscious of the extreme hazard of the mission 
 imposed on him, and fearing disgrace and discomfiture, 
 urged a thousand reasons not to be employed on this piece 
 of state service, seeing how stronger beasts than he had been 
 hood-winked and circumvented. "It is your wisdom, Sir Malkin, 
 I employ," said the great King, "and nol your strength; many 
 prevail with art, when violence returns with losl Labour; we 
 brook not reply." With a heavy heart Malkin made ready for 
 his journey, and being well acquainted with the intricacies and 
 sinuosities of the road, arrived at Reynard's tbrtalice aboul 
 
 eventide. He found the object of his search sitting comfortably 
 with Dame Emelin, his wife, their children sporting around 
 tlnin. Alter a slight but kindly greeting, the new envoy 
 produced the King's summons, and assured the recusant that, 
 if the tenor of the document was not instantly complied 
 
20 %\t Btm 0f $*parlr % fa*. 
 
 with, " there is nothing more assured unto you than a cruel 
 and sudden death." " Welcome, welcome to my poor habita- 
 tion," said Eeynard ; " in you I behold the representative of my 
 master, whom I revere. We have a gracious King, and a just 
 senate. My life and lands are at his pleasure whom you serve ; 
 but you see it is late — so, walk in and spend the night in my 
 humble domicile. I shall carefully peruse the royal letters, while 
 my wife makes ready a cleanly, though, I fear, a coarse supper. 
 But pardon me, my dear cousin, what food do you fancy best ; we 
 have delicious honey." " You will pardon me for making so 
 free ; but I prefer a delicate mouse to all the honey and nectar in 
 the world." " Now, dear friend," says the Fox, " I can suit your 
 appetite better than the royal purveyor can do even to our impe- 
 rial master. My neighbour the parson has yards full of tithes, 
 dairies full of cheese, vaults full of corn, so that the mice there 
 are not only plentiful, but excel the finest venison in flavour." 
 " Ah ! " says Malkin, " the sooner you lead me there the better. 
 You know the old adage, 'A parson's mouse is most delicious 
 fare.' ' Then away they went to the parson's barn, which was well 
 walled about with a mud wall, where but the preceding night the 
 Fox had broken in and stolen a fat hen, at which the worthy parson 
 was so justly incensed, that he had set a snare before the hole to 
 catch him at his next coming, which the false Fox knew of, and 
 therefore said to the Cat, " Sir Malkin, creep in at this hole, and 
 you shall not tarry a minute's space before you have more mice of 
 the first quality than you are able to discuss ; hark ! how they 
 squeak ! When you are satiated, come to me again, for I will 
 
Z\n $tonj of SJtpartl thf |0*. 21 
 
 wait for you at this hole. To-morrow we shall go together to 
 court, but stay not too long, for I know my wife will hourly 
 expect us." Malkin sprang quickly in at the hole, but in a 
 moment was caught by the neck in the snare, by which he was 
 half strangled — the more so, indeed, as he struggled for life, and 
 mewed most piteously. "You sing most sweetly, dear cousin." 
 says the betrayer, "and [ make no doubt but you could dance 
 equally well, were it not for that confounded trap, which spoils 
 the gracefulness of your movements. As you are a cat of quality, 
 you should have had your mice cooked according to the canons ol 
 Soyer, and not rushed on the harmless creatures, like a rapacious 
 courtier as you are." The servants were all alarmed, and the cry 
 was set up, u The Fox is taken!" and away they all ran to where 
 poor Malkin was caught in the snare, and without finding out 
 their mistake, they beat him unmercifully, and wounded one of 
 his eyes. Mad with pain, the Cat suddenly gnawed the cord, 
 sprang on one of the head servants, and scratched him so severely 
 that he tainted; and when every one ran to afford his mite of 
 assistance, Malkin leaped out of the hole, and limped as fast as 
 his wounded legs would carry him to court, where the King was 
 extremely angry at the treatment he had received, and in rage com- 
 manded his council to nominate yet another messenger to bring 
 that audacious rebel Reynard to justice, when Grevincus the Badger, 
 Reynard's sister's son. fearing it would likely go hard with his 
 uncle, volunteered to carry his Majesty's message to his most subtile 
 
 kinsman, to which the King graciously Consented; BO GrBVUlOUfl 
 
 set forth, and ere long arrived ;it thf castle of his relatives. 
 
22 %\t Stunr uf JJtpjrlr % Jut. 
 
 C|a|to % Skiwrtjj. 
 
 •+m* 
 
 AVING saluted the Fox, he said, " Take heed, uncle, 
 
 that your refusal to come to court may not do you more 
 
 7"S harm than yon are aware of; for the complaints 
 
 gainst you are many and grievous. This is the third 
 
 summons, and if you delay coming, you and yours will 
 
 ■ 
 
 find no mercy, for in three days your castle will be demolished, 
 all your kindred made slaves, and you yourself a public ex- 
 ample, unless indeed you can make your innocence appear, 
 which I doubt not, but by discretion and ingenuity you can; 
 false pleading, you well know, is often as fortunate as true. 
 How many capital suits has Grumble the Ass gained, who seldom 
 speaks sense, and never speaks truth?" Whereupon Eeynard put 
 on a shew of candour, and said, " Why should I distrust the court, 
 or fear my judges '? My cause is just, my innocence is injured ; but 
 that I hope soon to clear up. If the Monarch and his ministers 
 encourage slander and slanderers, the demand will always bring a 
 supply ; but who in such a state of things can be safe. I grant 
 
T E M P T A T I C M '. 
 
 Sad memory "brings the lisSi 
 f ' i!: • I £LTi arc nn.l ni' ■ 
 
%\n Stonr of Jeparb the £qz. 
 
 23 
 
 that I have failings, but who are without tliem ? In trifles I 
 may now and then transgress, but nothing serious can be proved 
 against me. I'll go to Caesar. My honour has been injured, and 
 my name made a byeword. I shall obliterate all this, or bravely 
 fall." While wending his way to the royal presence his sincerity 
 was put to a severe test, having been required to pass a well- 
 known poultry yard, which had often contributed to his larder. 
 He triumphed, however, and on consideration, thought it would 
 not be altogether out of place to enumerate a few of his crimes, 
 which he had heretofore denominated failings, by way of confes- 
 sion, to his nephew Grevincus, who had always led an hermit's 
 life. The catalogue is by far too long for a place here, but it 
 consists of thefts, robberies, and murders — lambs, hares, rabbits, 
 geese, ducks, cocks, hens, pigs, all perished beneath the voracious 
 fangs of this irreclaimable freebooter. In one word, he was a 
 terror to the whole district where he lived; and although he had 
 address enough to elude his pursuers, he was well known In 
 every farmer, cottager, and gamekeeper in the country-side. He 
 even had the hardihood to glory in his misdeeds, and set some of 
 them to measure and music. Take the following as a specimen : — 
 
 "Eh," quo' the Tod, "it's a braw lighl night, 
 The win's i' the w;i-t, an' the mune shines bright, 
 The win's i' the wast, mi' the nrane shines bright, 
 
 An' 1 'II aw a' to the lomi, 0! 
 
 ■• I was down amang yon shepherd's serous, 
 I had like i" been worried by bis dogs, 
 But, by my sooth ! I minded his bo 
 
 Thai oighl I •■am' to the toon, !" 
 
24 
 
 Itonr jotf l^psri tftt fas. 
 
 He's ta'en the grey goose by the green sleeve, 
 " Eh, ye auld witch ! nae langer shall ye leeve ; 
 Tour flesh it is tender, your banes I maun preeve. 
 For that I cam' to the toun, !" 
 
 Up gat the auld wife out o' her bed, 
 An' out o' the window she shot her auld head — 
 " Eh, gudeman I the grey goose is dead, 
 
 An' the Tod has been i' the toun. ! " 
 
 ^*^->- 
 
fk jstorn of geparfr % |o*. 
 
 25 
 
 Chapter t|e (Jrtgjrtl). 
 
 •!-*-.■ 
 
 HE news of Reynard's arrival spread like wildfire 
 
 through the assembly. When he took his place near 
 
 - < ^y^ "' r ^ lc throne, every member of that august house stood 
 
 ■^vp&s* up in order to catch a glance of one so celebrated. Some 
 
 *\<6.y feared him — some pitied him — others despised him — and 
 
 * many hated him. \\ ith the withering glance of injured 
 
 innocence, he indignantly scowled on the junto, and, falling on his 
 
 knees before the throne, he called loudly for justice. " Lowly, ( I 
 
 Caesar! like my altered fortunes, I sue at your feet for law and 
 
 justice ! My greatest crime has been my inflexible attachment 
 
 to your person and government. Had J, like some pretended 
 
 loyalists, sold your subjects' charters and their lives, to enrich 
 
 myself — had I sent your favourite heroes to their certain fate — 
 
 had I betrayed your fleets and armies by secret correspondence 
 
 to your Majesty's enemies, I had not this day been encompassed 
 
 with such impending dangers. Like certain others, I might have 
 
 purchased Large estates, erected lordly mansions, and fostered mj 
 
 family on the Lap of wealth at the expense of my country : bnl mj 
 
26 
 
 %\t St0rg 0f $*pat& \\t |h. 
 
 patriotic principles were too strong, and my duty to your Majesty 
 paramount to my very existence. Believing your Majesty to be 
 wise and just, I troubled you with no petitions, knowing well that 
 rounded periods and florid eloquence, where truth is lacking, 
 would have been as smoke in your nostrils. Conscious that my 
 services were sincere, both in word and action, and secure in 
 rectitude, I considered myself above the reach of malice. They 
 have traduced me, but how can they prove their allegations ? 
 they have impeached me, but how can they bring home guilt to 
 me ? They have charged me with disloyalty and malversation — 
 let them prove it." Here, folding his arms across his breast, he 
 made a profound obeisance, and retired backward. " Peace, 
 recreant," exclaimed the King, I loathe to hear thy vile defence 
 and thy wicked plea. Thy crimes are enormous, so shall be thy 
 punishment. A more wretched cause than thine was never 
 vindicated — a more atrocious villain never stood up in a court of 
 justice, urging laws and citing precedents. Thy treason is already 
 proved; behold Bruin's wounds and Malkin's lacerations ! Were 
 such felons as thee allowed to go at large, our very slaves would 
 insult us !" 
 
 With more than Oriental humility in his demeanour, Reynard 
 ventured to ask, " Why should Bruin's folly be charged on me ? 
 Like a plunderer as he was and is, and while holding your 
 Majesty's seal of office, he went forth under cloud of night to rob 
 an honest man's bee-hives, and if he was caught in a cleft oak, 
 was that any fault of mine ? I humbly submit that he has 
 disgraced himself for ever — brought obloquy on the commission 
 
he bears — and that his evidence is inadmissible. The case of 
 Malkin is equally atrocious. In place of following up the letter 
 of his instructions, and making every thing give way, in order 
 that your Majesty's behests might be obeyed with promptitude, 
 the brainless coxcomb, giving way to his gluttonous propensities, 
 neglected or despised the high commission with which he was 
 charged ; and, like a common burglar, feloniously broke into the 
 parson's enclosures, to the disgrace of himself and the dishonour 
 of your Majesty; and if he was caught in a gin, and half strangled, 
 lacerated, and buffeted, he really deserved it, but I humbly 
 submit that I could neither foresee nor prevent what took place. 
 Tf it is your Majesty's high pleasure to put me to the rack, devour 
 me by fire, or suspend me from a gibbet, I shall gladly die a 
 martyr to the state; but historians hereafter will arise, who, I 
 hope, shall do justice to my memory ; the example will not be 
 lost, and I shall not have died in vain !" 
 
 fo.°* O"**** **«>•-. 
 
 ^ ^- 
 
Cjragter % jmt| 
 
 -HH* 
 
 ^#i^^^OT was the debate, and learned were the arguments 
 ^ which pervaded the assembly ; much eloquence and 
 j|( more verbiage were displayed for and against the 
 ^S? accused. Some attempted to vindicate Bruin ; others 
 stood up in favour of Malkin ; a small knot of third-rate orators 
 spoke in favour of Eeynard; but it was evident from the 
 beginning that the great majority would vote for the death 
 of the culprit at the bar. The bill was read thrice, and 
 ultimately it was touched with the golden sceptre, which was 
 decisive of the fate of the criminal. " Our very enemies," says 
 the Monarch, " will confess that lenity has been often fatal to 
 the throne and the laws, Traitors abuse the royal clemency. 
 A base impostor, intoxicated with the hopes of empire, which 
 hopes have been fed by the factious, has had his crimes laid 
 bare before us, and no doubt remains on our mind that he 
 has been bribed thereunto by foreign powers." Whereupon the 
 senate arose simultaneously, and yelled forth, " Long live the 
 King, and down with the rebel." The attainted baron was stript 
 of his cognisance, and fettered; and the Sheriffs with their 
 officials brought out the doomed from the presence, to be 
 
Zbj Sftati of lUnmtro the Jta. 
 
 29 
 
 consigned into the hands of the finisher. Reynard ever had few 
 friends, but now, when fortune had seemed to have forsaken him, 
 these diminished to half a dozen of his blood relations ; who wept 
 and lamented, not so much, perhaps, for the impending fate of 
 their kinsman as for the disgrace which his ignominious exit 
 would bring on themselves. " What a pity," cried they, " that 
 his untimely end should stain the ancient honours of our race ! 
 Why should Ave witness it '? — let us turn to Caesar and crave leave 
 to return to our homes, that we may mourn in secret and in 
 silence." " Peers, powers, and sages," replies the King, " I know 
 you to be loyal and just, nevertheless, I cannot trifle with justice. 
 Faction is in favour of Bruin, who has been anything but prudent, 
 and no doubt deserves to be executed', of that hereafter. But your 
 cousin must be hanged ; there is no mercy in store for such a 
 flagrant rebel, but that circumstance shall never make me part 
 with you, nor lose the benefit of your counsel." 
 
 Accordingly Bruin and Malkin pinioned Reynard's hands 
 behind his back ; and Isegrim the Wolf, although imbrued with 
 innocent blood, was as noisy and as eager to have Reynard 
 brought to the gallows, as if he had been as pure and as honest as 
 Keyward the Hare, or any other harmless beast. Shoving and 
 pressing through the gaping crowd, he cried, — "Come on, bring 
 the thief along ; let some fetch the halter, and let others bring the 
 ladder; I'll guard him safe, and sec him fairly swung. Haste! if 
 the rascal escapes, we shall have to pay dearly for our negligence. 
 Look sharp, the knave is as slippery as an eel ; perhaps he may 
 yet wriggle through our fingers. Lord Bruin, I entreat you, 
 
have a care of him." "My life for his," says the Bear, "until 
 you are entirely ready, leave the vagabond with nie; fix you 
 all the tackling securely, and see that the gibbet be well driven 
 into the ground. Meanwhile the Queen, radiant in beauty, and 
 glowing with gold and jewels, appeared on the ground to behold 
 the death-scene of such a notable public offender as Reynard. 
 Immediately all eyes were turned on her Majesty ; when Isegrim 
 the Wolf cried out with vehemence, " Are you mad to loose this 
 rogue ? I know his malice, as well as his cunning ; if he get 
 away from us, your necks will be in danger ! " Reynard, as a kind 
 of forlorn hope, appeals to the Wolf. " If, noble Isegrim, you 
 despise justice, friendship, or gratitude, never forget that my 
 blood circulates in your veins ; this should move your pity — your 
 care is needless. I am, alas ! too weak ; a silken thread or a 
 spider's filament would secure me ; for what, then, are you so 
 barbarous ? and why will you reward my good with evil?" "I'll 
 dash my halbert in your teeth," replies Bruin. " Come, noose 
 him quickly; we'll teach him, brother Isegrim, how to plot 
 against the state." All Reynard's arts of persuasion having 
 failed, he was at length pinioned, and carted to the foot of the 
 gibbet. Stung by terror and remorse, he begged leave, as a final 
 favour, to make a speech before the fatal noose was applied to his 
 neck. This piece of formality was reluctantly granted ; and, 
 protruding his snout over the cart, he said, — " Good people, my 
 destruction has been long threatened, and death has come at last ; 
 my crimes sit heavy on me, in pity let me ease my mind. If you 
 will petition your gracious Sovereign, he may yet prolong my daya: 
 
, > 
 
 D A H G I 
 
%bt Stern of Vitnnartr % fos. 31 
 
 I have much to confess, and, believe me, it is of great importance 
 to the state, but this I can only relate to the King. It is for my 
 Sovereign's interest, and that of the whole empire. Small venial 
 trespasses I will own here, such as robbing orchards, slaying 
 geese, chickens, turkeys, and all sort of fowl, young kids, pigs, 
 lambs, and various small quadrupeds. But Sir Isegrim, who is so 
 wondrous busy here to-day, shared the plunder, and should also 
 share the shame. We roamed together, and, in a friendly manner, 
 I invited him to my house. The winter stores which I had 
 provided, he stole again and again; and my family would have 
 starved but for the golden treasure which I discovered in a 
 ruin. I never revealed this piece of good fortune, although the 
 hoard was worth the ransom of ten kings. Some foreign enemy, 
 I suppose, had sent this great mass of golden ore to purchase 
 votes against the Government." As the sound of "gold" fell on 
 the tympanum of royalty, he cried loudly from a scaffold— 
 "Carman, hold! Inform us, Reynard, where this treasure is 
 hidden. Speak out, man, and despise the fury of thy enemies!" 
 "For what," says Reynard, "can such a heap of gold be hid 
 but for mischief to your Majesty? My enemies, it' I were 
 dead, believe that their treasonable plot would prosper; and 1 
 would have divulged this important Btate secret sooner, but your 
 Majesty was wroth, and would not grant me a hearing. I know, 
 of a truth, that the money is still in the same place where I found 
 it; and, if your highness will condescend, I will show your 
 Majesty the secret passage." The Kin-- drank in the Bton 
 greedily, and longed vehemently to touch the precious metal. 
 
32 
 
 n itou of ppara % f 0*. 
 
 Cjyapta i|e C*irt|- 
 
 ER Majesty tlie Queen sat and listened to the story 
 of this new Eldorado with more than ordinary atten- 
 , tion and solicitude ; and, smiling graciously on the 
 Fox, replied — " you must not think to impose on us 
 with your ingenious falsehoods ; but if you really speak 
 the truth, I shall use my feeble interest with his Majesty to 
 disengage you from the noose, and procure you a reprieve, 
 perhaps a pardon." — "Alas! madam," says Reynard, "this 
 is neither the time nor place to utter falsehoods. My friends 
 and brethren, I fear, will be found not wholly guiltless, as 
 I wish they were, but I durst not at this hour presume by 
 lies to avert a righteous sentence. His Majesty would soon 
 discover the deceit, and I should be more wretched than ever, 
 to be repinioned and sent back. I defy the most implacable 
 of my enemies to urge I ever would impose on wisdom and 
 sagacity, such as all the world knows his gracious Majesty 
 eminently possesses. If so, the world might well believe me to 
 be as great a fool as Isegrim, and as stupid as Bruin." Since 
 
%\t Stonr at gepartr t\t Jta, 33 
 
 the moment her Majesty heard of the golden tidings, her bowels 
 yearned for the treasure ; so, leaning fondly on the Monarch's 
 shoulder, she patted his cheek and said — u It grieves my heart 
 to the core, my lord, this cruel piece of business. Indeed, and 
 indeed, you must not hang poor Reynard. You will be the 
 cause of my death if you proceed any farther, especially when 
 you know that my whole heart is bent upon saving him. His 
 Majesty, with a combination of love and benevolence in his 
 looks, gazed on the Queen and said — "We desire him to reveal 
 all he knows, and as we like his story, so shall it be done unto 
 him; the noose may be relaxed, and the condemned permitted 
 to speak." Whereupon Reynard, with trembling lip and faltering 
 accent, made the following disclosure: — u My liege, the treasure 
 which I have alluded to, I willingly confess was stolen; and had 
 it not been stolen in that manner in which it was, it might have 
 cost your Majesty your life. Long may that inestimable life 
 be extended." When the Queen heard of her lord's life being 
 in hazard, she started up and said — " I command you, as you 
 value your own life, unfold all those doubtful speeches, and 
 keep nothing secret that concerns the life of my royal husband." 
 "Know then," says th doomed one, "my dread Sovereign, that 
 my father, by a strange accident, digging in the ground, found 
 a great mass of treasure, jewels innumerable, and gold beyond 
 calculation, of which being possessed, he grew so proud and 
 haughty, that he held all the beasts of the forest in scorn and 
 derision. At last he despatched Malkin the Cat to the forest of 
 Arden, where Brain the Bear sojourned for the time being, and 
 
tendered him fealty and homage, and offered to place the imperial 
 crown on his head — desiring him to come into Flanders, where 
 he would find ways and means to accomplish his traitorous 
 purpose. Bruin being excessively ambitious, and having long 
 thirsted for sovereignty, thereupon came to the place of rendez- 
 vous, where rny father received him with regal magnificence. 
 They were joined by Isegrim the Wolf, Malkin the Cat, and my 
 nephew Grevincus the Badger. These five held solemn council 
 for the space of a whole night ; and being intoxicated by my 
 father's inexhaustible wealth, it was agreed that your Majesty 
 should be forthwith murdered, and Bruin crowned king, with 
 immediate possession of all the rights, privileges, and immunities 
 which you or your royal predecessors ever enjoyed, together with 
 a complete monopoly of all the honey found in the various 
 bee-hives in the kingdom ; and if any of your blood or kin 
 gainsayed them, that assassins should be hired with a portion of 
 my father's treasure, who should exterminate them — root and 
 branch — from the forest.* To these horrid and treasonable 
 measures each and all of them took the big oath, with all its 
 formalities, to make it feel the more solemn and binding. Under 
 the influence of rich old champagne — a wine which he had never 
 been accustomed to — my nephew Grevincus blabbed the secret to 
 his wife, who, in great secrecy told the matter to my wife, and 
 she discovered it to me. It grieved me to the heart to think that 
 they should depose my own rightful Sovereign, to whom I had 
 sworn allegiance, and elevate a clumsy vulgarian like Bruin to 
 * See Centre Illustration of Frontispiece. 
 
. ;'""^i ^.",'.~v><= 
 
 ■ . ' 
 
 TUl'l ROYAL PHY SI CI AX 
 
 Knew marry an Amu Jet and. Gaaxm. 
 Thai would do neither £ood nor harm-. 
 
 JiVniHRJ. 
 
jstorg of llcnnarb the $nx. 
 
 the imperial purple ; and knowing- that money is the sinews of 
 treason as well as of war, I became desirous of finding- out my 
 father's treasure, and by constant watching, both by night and 
 day, I at length, to my infinite joy, discovered his hoard, and with 
 the assistance of my wife, removed it to a place more convenient 
 for us, where we laid it safe from the search of all and sundry. 
 When my unhappy father went to view his treasures, and found 
 them all taken away, he rent the air with his bowlings, and 
 wandered from place to place, but could find no rest. He at last 
 grew gloomy and morose, and, finding his misery beyond 
 endurance, he hanged himself. It is meet that I take thie 
 opportunity to remind your Majesty of my father's services as 
 court-physician; and that, soon after your Majesty's ascension to 
 the throne, having been struck down by a grievous malady, you 
 were restored to health, strength, and the functions of royalty, by 
 the medical skill and perseverance of him who is now no more. 
 Thus have I defeated Bruin's treason — thus have I circumvented 
 the deep-dyed traitor Isegrim — and hence all mv misfortunes 
 have accumulated on my devoted head. These foul conspirators 
 being of your Majesty's privy council, and having your royal 
 name constantly in their mouths, they traduce me, tread on me. 
 and work my disgrace. But although I have lost my natural 
 father for your sake, I would gladly lay down my own life also 
 for V"u; but I detest the idea of dying under the false accusations 
 of my political enemies. 'Tis that, and that alone, which 
 embitters the cup." Now their Majesties felt an ardent desire to 
 possess the treasure; and the Queen stepped forward, and 
 
whispered — " Discover where this immense wealth is concealed 
 ere it be too late ; I shall intercede for you ; his Majesty is not of 
 an implacable nature ; he is as generous as he is brave. Disclose 
 the secret, and trust to the King's clemency." " Why, Madam," 
 replied Reynard, " should I give this enormous treasure to one 
 who has condemned me? Your Majesties put implicit faith in 
 the asseverations of my enemies, who are thieves and murderers, 
 while you disbelieve every word I say in defence." " Courage, 
 Reynard ! my lord shall not only forget the past, but sign your 
 pardon also ; nay, more, a portion of the riches shall be reserved 
 for your especial use and benefit, while a small sum shall be 
 scattered among the rabble, in order to gain you popularity ; and, 
 no doubt, I will retain somewhat for my own private use, as a 
 remuneration for my intercession." " My most gracious princess," 
 says the accused, " if the King will vow in your presence that I 
 have his pardon, he shall be the most wealthy sovereign of the age 
 in which he lives!" "Believe not the arch deceiver," said the 
 King, " except when he confesses to robbery, murder, and 
 falsehood." The Queen put on one of her most fascinating 
 smiles, and said, — " No doubt Reynard's past life has not earned 
 for him either our regard or confidence ; but think only how he 
 has accused his own father — to me that sounds very like sincerity 
 of purpose; and therefore I implore your Majesty to extend your 
 clemency to him this once." " Well, on the faith of your 
 sagacity," said the King, "I'll pardon him; but it is the last 
 time, so let him be cautious for the future." Kneeling down, his 
 eyes glistening with pretended gratitude, the Fox looked upwards 
 
to their Majesties and exclaimed — " Imperishable honour and 
 enduring renown be yours ! your goodness I shall ever confi 
 Sooner shall envy cease to traduce merit, or modesty prevail over 
 impudence — sooner shall sectaries forget their hatred, or misers 
 their hoarded treasure, than I shall forget your Majesty's royal 
 clemency — this is, indeed, the brightest jewel in your imperial 
 crown. Now I will tell you where the treasure is hid, and shall 
 tell nothing but the truth : — 
 
 u There is a forest in Flanders which has as yet escaped 
 the ravages of war. Some give it one name, some another — 
 the neighbours call it Hustelo. A rapid river runs through 
 it, which, from its springs to where it debouches into the sea, 
 glides past a hundred towns. Here the larks warble matins. 
 and the nightingales sing their vesper songs. An enormous oak. 
 which has stood the shock of tempests for many ages, is con- 
 spicuous above all the trees of the forest; at its root Hows a 
 fountain, and hard by is a dark deep cavern. That no one may 
 reveal the secret, you must descend yourself and explore it in 
 person. You will find an imperial crown, worn formerly l>\ 
 Emmeric. The rebels, who so successfully abused your Majesty's 
 ear, had purchased it for the head of Bruin, when you should either 
 be decapitated <>r abdicate. There arc also hid precious pearls, 
 
 and valuable jewels tor his dowdy queen. And I humbly trust 
 that when your .Majesty is in undisputed possession of this great 
 treasure, you will not forget your loyal slave, who has impover- 
 ished himself and brought his father's memory to infamy, thai 
 your Majesty might be great, glorious, and tree." Whereunto flic 
 
38 fire Stflrfi of $*parfc ijre |h. 
 
 King replied, — " Reynard ! If thou art sincere, what need have 
 we to go so far ourselves? 'Tis below our state to travel; and 
 moreover, I have heard of Flerus and the Meuse, of Arden and 
 Enghien, of Cologne, Antwerp, Brussels, Namur, and Mons, but 
 never of Hustelo. In whose dominions does this forest grow? 
 In what map will we find it? Is it in Eutopia or the country 
 of Prester- John ? Ah, Reynard, I know thou lovest a lie ! and 
 I fear this is one." " It grieves me to the heart's core," says 
 Reynard, " that I should be thought capable of deceiving my 
 own Sovereign. Hustelo is in Flanders, which I shall prove by 
 the testimony of travellers who have been in the locality. With 
 your Majesty's gracious permission I shall cite the Hare as an 
 unimpeachable witness." The heralds call on Key ward the 
 Hare, who, at the summons, trembled in every limb ; the fear 
 of Reynard fell on him, and he confirmed the statement by 
 affirmation. * " When hinds and hounds pursued me, I have often 
 retreated to the forest of Hustelo, I think they call it ; and there 
 is a tradition that a profane prince, called Sylvio, hid money 
 there; and the story goes that the place has been haunted ever 
 since. This is vouched for by the wicked; as for me, I dare 
 attest no more than that the forest is there." 
 
 " Enough," replied the Sovereign. " We shall depart on the 
 important mission to-morrow, and you, Reynard, shall point out 
 the spot; so make preparation." 
 
 " I know of no higher honour, no greater distinction, than 
 the privilege of accompanying you, my beloved Sovereign, on 
 . * See Frontispiece. 
 
this or any other enterprise. No higher fortune could have 
 fallen on me; but, alas! Fortune has never been a Mend to me. 
 If I had been in a condition to have attended on your Majesty, 
 then poets would have celebrated my name in immortal verse. 
 I should have been recorded in history as the companion of a 
 king, and unborn generations would have sounded my praise. 
 But my company and companionship would scandalize your 
 Majesty. I am under the ban of Rome, and lie under the 
 sentence of the greater excommunication. I am ashamed <>f the 
 fact, but I must confess it. It will, I trust, be another link in 
 the chain of evidence, that my whole testimony is honest and 
 candid. Tsegrim took it into his silly head to become a friar; 
 lu- sported the cowl, tied a cord around his waist, went through 
 all the stages of discipline, fed on monastic fare, such as herbs 
 and roots, begged from door to door even for that. I became 
 vexed to sec his hones protruding through his hide, and aided 
 and assisted him to desert the church and take refuge in my 
 poor domicile. The rage of the bishop knew no hounds. Be 
 declared me a reprobate, cursed me from the altar, and accused 
 me of heresy. What would your subjects say if they saw your 
 Majesty holding intercourse with a spiritual outlaw, lie-ides, [a 
 it decent to have intimate communication with a newly pardoned 
 felon? By waiting on your Majesty on the present occasion. I 
 should rather disgrace you than be of service to you. My name 
 would reflect on yours, and the Flemings would make a jesl of 
 yourself, your mission, and your train. No, no; I mus! en 
 the Alps, make my appearance before the sovereign pontiff, 
 
propitiate liim by gold and penitence, purchase large quantities 
 of indulgences, kiss the toe of St. Peter's successor, and obtain 
 absolution; and when I return with a newly scoured conscience, 
 with your Majesty's pardon in one pocket and the Pope's in 
 the other, my fame shall have been recqyered and my mind at 
 peace, and then shall I follow you to Flanders, or where you 
 please." The King approved of his reasons, and ordered him to 
 proceed on his pilgrimage forthwith ; enjoining him to procure 
 the counsel of some pious and discreet friend, and to observe 
 fasting, and let his future life atone for the past. A throne was 
 erected on the green, to which the King and his royal consort 
 mounted. Silence was declared, on pain of forfeiture. Not the 
 least murmur was heard through the crowd. The nobles lay 
 dejected on the sward, while Reynard is preferred to a distin- 
 guished place. Though all envy the distinction, none dare 
 condemn the favour that advanced him there. Bis Majesty told 
 them that he preferred lenity to severity. " If the laws are 
 cruel I am not so. We cherish the great and we maintain the 
 poor. All have relief and succour in this court. Your just 
 rights shall be supported, and we desire only to reign in your 
 hearts. I have state reasons for striking the chains off Reynard. 
 Whom I bound I can loose ; and throughout my wide empire 
 I declare him free, and whoever wrongs him injures me." 
 
%\t Stati «f llcparii ttrc f«. u 
 
 Chapter tl)t (tlcbnttlj. 
 
 iW^^fc^HE tidings of Reynard's pardon ran through the woods 
 with great rapidity; having so suddenly grown great 
 in his master's favour, indicated danger to the persons 
 or offices of certain statesmen, who had recently hoped 
 to feasl their eyes, and glut their vengeance on then 
 implacable foe. A general discontent crept over the multitude; 
 many grew jealous at his rapid elevation in courl favour, while 
 Isegrini and Bruin were almost reduced to despair. Snapping bifi 
 budget on his back, and grasping his pilgrim's staff, Reynard, al 
 the proper time, commenced his journey, making pious genu- 
 flexions, and appearing as simple as a new made novice. Man\ 
 were the farewells be uttered, rendered half inarticulate b) sighs 
 and sobbing. He was attended in bis pilgrimage l>\ I'.ellin the 
 Ram as domestic chaplain, and the Rabbit, who had pitied him 
 
 very much when fortune had apparently forsaken him; and 
 having gathered a basket of delicious fruit, be broughl it along 
 with him. to lie presented to the pilgrim at their firsl baiting 
 
 place; for the Rabbit being rather a siuiple youth, and well 
 
42 %\% %in% at Itpartr t\}t $a%. 
 
 disposed, was highly gratified at the apparent piety of Eeynard, 
 and considered it his duty to encourage reformation, not only in 
 his sagacious neighbour, but also in all carnivorous animals — 
 for the poor Rabbit was a strict vegetarian, and often attempted to 
 infuse a taste for vegetables among his associates. On the party 
 journeyed, but in place of proceeding to the city of the seven 
 hills, the leader made the best of his way to his fortalice of 
 Malepartus. " Bellin, my reverend friend," says the pilgrim, 
 " remain outside and enjoy the sweet grass ; I will take my young 
 companion in with me to console my poor wife, for the, tones of 
 his voice are much softer than mine, and fitter for a lady's ear." 
 So the poor Eabbit went in with Eeynard, where he found Dame 
 Ermelin sorrowing in a dark chamber, for she had despaired of 
 ever beholding her husband again. Seeing him enter with staff, 
 scrip, and scallop shell, she burst into a frenzy of joy, and said, 
 "Eeynard, my love, how has it gone with you." "Ah!" he 
 said, " I was condemned upon false evidence, but the King 
 extended his pardon. ' I left him as a pilgrim, and Isegrim and 
 Bruin have become bail for me. His Majesty bestowed the Eabbit 
 on me as a peace-offering 5 we may do with him as best suits us, 
 for the King told me at parting that it was he who betrayed me." 
 The fear of death descended* on the Eabbit, and he sought to 
 escape ; but Eeynard stood in the doorway, and seized him by the 
 neck. Loud were his cries for help from Bellin : "I am undone ! 
 The pilgrim murders me." But he did not cry long, for the Fox 
 soon bit his throat asunder. " Come now, and let us dine on 
 him, — 'tis the first time the simpleton has been good for 
 
%\t Storn of VicnnarD the fur*. 43 
 
 anything." It was thus he received his too trusting friend and 
 visitor. During the repast, Dame Ermelin was very inquisitive 
 as to how he acquired his freedom ; but Reynard told her the 
 story was too long and intricate for recital on the present occasion. 
 " This much I will say, however, that the friendship between 
 me and his Majesty will be of short duration. When he dis- 
 covers the truth, I have no more mercy to expect.'" Meanwhile 
 Bellin cried impatiently on the Rabbit to come forth, whereupon 
 Reynard went out and said, u My dear sir, my young friend 
 entreats that you will pardon him ; he is enjoying the society 
 of my wife, who is his near relation, and he begs that you will 
 amuse yourself for a few minutes longer." Then said Bellin, 
 " I heard what appeared to me to be cries of murder. Have 
 you done any mischief to him?" The Fox replied, " I was 
 talking of the perils of my pilgrimage, at which my wile 
 became so alarmed that .she fainted. This frightened the 
 innocent Rabbit, and he screamed for help ! " " 1 know," 
 said the Ram, " that he cried as in agony." " Not a hair of 
 him has been hurt," swore the Fox. "Now I beg vmi will lull 
 your suspicions asleep, and listen to me!* I have matters of 
 grave importance which the King begged me to write down for 
 him. I have just finished them, and I wish to entrust von with 
 these letters. They contain prudent counsel, which is only meant 
 to meet the royal eye." " Have a care then." says Bellin, " that 
 you close them well, because I forgot my pocket-book, and wen 
 the seals to break it might get me into trouble." " Leave that to 
 
 Frontispii 
 
44 %\t Starg at $*parfo tty Jm 
 
 me. There is a scrip made out of Bruin's hide, it is thick and 
 strong, and will just hold the packet. You will be honourably 
 rewarded, and who knows what you may yet obtain?" The Fox 
 hastened back into the house, and stuffed the poor Eabbit's head 
 into the scrip. " Hang the scrip round your neck, and be careful 
 not to pry into the missives. I have tied it with a secret knot, 
 known only to the King and myself, so that if you open it you 
 will be assuredly found out. If you wish to secure the King's 
 especial favour, you may tell him, when you come into the 
 presence, with a joyful air, that you have brought a valuable 
 packet, and that you helped to make it up. This, I think, will 
 secure you the !*».__...* of our gracious master." The Earn was 
 overjoyed, and hastened to court at the top of his speed. When 
 the King saw him enter with the satchel, jbe exclaimed, " "What 
 does all this mean '? Where is your friend the Eabbit ? Speak 
 man!" "Gracious King," replied Bellin, " Eeynard bade me 
 carry those letters ; you will find them contain important matters. 
 What they enclose has been put in by my advice ; here they are ; 
 Eeynard tied the knot. It was not for me to pry into your 
 Majesty's affairs." When the head of the Eabbit was drawn forth, 
 the King stood aghast, and several members of government 
 fainted. Such an atrocity was unprecedented, and such an insult 
 was not to be borne. The Monarch was convulsed with rage ; he 
 made his throne to tremble under him, and in the whirlwind of 
 his passion he doomed the reverend chaplain to the rack and the 
 gibbet ; and, moreover, reflected severely on his own conduct in 
 being swayed by the advice of the Queen. None durst attempt to 
 
calm him but the Pard, who had a double right, being president of 
 the council, and also the Sovereign's near kinsman. " If passion 
 is vile i^ a slave, consider how it becomes a King; to rave and 
 threaten is beneath your Majesty ; you know the murderer, and 
 you bear the sword of justice. Order Brain and Isegrim to be 
 liberated Prom prison, restore order, punish Bellin according to his 
 deserts, fo r he openly and impudently confessed that he advised 
 the death f the Rabbit. We will then march forth against 
 Reynard, investigate his conduct, probe his crimes, and let the 
 irresistible arm of the law do what is fitting and proper on so 
 momentous an occasion. The goods and chattels of Bellin the 
 Hani may be <•, m'^ seated, and gifted over to the widowed Babbit, 
 while Bruin an}d Isegrim may be pensio?'(m as a solatium to their 
 
 wounded feeliiW and liaAnony re.«toiliu « ( lousing says the 
 King, " I like jfeai counsel. Fetch the two. barons; they shall 
 sit in the highest place next ourselves; all shall do homage to 
 them ; and as an atonement to those gentlemen, I will give up 
 Bellin to them and their heirs for ever." The Ram was 
 executed; and all his relations, and all his posterity arc hunted 
 by the race of Isegrim to this day. 
 
Cjrapier i\t CMfijr. 
 
 ■<***• 
 
 IGH wassail and rich banqueting were held at court 
 
 '<? for the space of eight days, in honour of tile liberation 
 
 of the two great barons Bruin ard Isegrim, while 
 
 ^ Eeynard k^d^Within his stronghold. I The King sat 
 
 at table beside tn^ -^l, , / 
 
 " And all went merry as a marriage bell," 
 
 When the Hare came before them bleeding, and exclaiming — 
 " Sire, have pity on me. In obedience to your Majesty's pro- 
 clamation, I hastened to court, and, taking the nearest way, I 
 unhappily came near the gate of Eeynard' s castle. There he 
 sat in a pilgrim's habit, reading what appeared to me to be 
 some breviary or missal. He advanced towards me and saluted 
 me politely ; but, when opportunity served, he seized me by the 
 ears with such violence, that I thought my head was off. For- 
 tunately I made a sudden spring, and, being swift of foot, escaped 
 the fangs of the felon, but left one of my ears behind me. See 
 how I bleed ! Look on these four holes in my neck. Sire, who 
 

 • 
 
f 
 
f be Storg a{ Beparfr % |os. 47 
 
 can travel to your court, if robbers are thus suffered to waylay 
 your subjects?" Before lie bad finished his complaint, in hopped 
 Merkenau the Crow, and related a piteous story, how Reynard 
 shammed dead on the heath one morning. " His eyes were 
 twisted in his head, and his tongue hung out of his open mouth. 
 I screamed again and again in order to ascertain if he was really 
 dead ; my wife screamed also, but nothing seemed to move him ; 
 I tapped on his breast and his head, my wife approached near 
 to his chin, to hear if he breathed ; but no. We both were 
 persuaded that he was quite dead. In her sorrow, my poor 
 thoughtless wife put her bill into the rascal's mouth, and in one 
 moment he snapped her head off. He made a dart at me also, 
 but I flew up and sat on a tree. I saw the miscreant devour 
 the dear creature; and when he was gone, I looked, and found 
 a little blood and feathers only. Have compassion on your loyal 
 subjects, Sire; for if the traitor escapes, the world will say that 
 there are neither law nor justice within your realm." No sooner 
 had the two complainants laid their grievances before the throne, 
 than the Monarch took an oath in the presence of his two nobles, 
 Bruin and Isegrim, that he would destroy Reynards family, root 
 and branch. " My wife persuaded me, but I am not the first who 
 has followed a woman's counsel and repented of it afterwards. 
 Decide now, my loyal barons, how this culprit may be brought 
 to judgment." The two barons liked the tenor of the royal 
 speech, but dared not deliver their opinion, because the royal 
 temper was a good deal ruffled; but her Majesty, knowing her 
 influence over her lord, said — u Make no rash promise, especially 
 
48 %\t Stffrg 0f g*par& t\i $m. 
 
 when your Majesty is a little chafed. Reynard has not been 
 heard. His accusers would perhaps be silent were he here to 
 explain matters. I thought Eeynard prudent and sensible, but 
 he certainly gives his enemies occasion to scandalize his name. 
 I may have been in error about him, but he undoubtedly is 
 clever as a councillor, and his connections are influential. You 
 will not make things better by too much precipitation ; and 
 moreover, you are master here — with a code of just laws before 
 you, which should be administered with impartiality and due 
 deliberation." "With all respect and affection," replied his 
 Majesty, "I might command, but I entreat you, our Queen, to 
 be silent. War is determined on. His house shall be utterly 
 laid waste, and his name blotted out. So let our nobles and 
 their retainers get ready, with harness on their backs, together 
 with bows, spears, and other weapons. We will lay siege to his 
 castle of Malepartus, and take a survey of the inside thereof." 
 Whereupon the assembly, with a great shout, agreed to his 
 Majesty's proposal. When Grevincus, his cousin, heard that 
 evil was determined against Eeynard, he hastened to his castle 
 to communicate the fatal information, and put him on his guard. 
 When he nearly reached it, he found the proscribed retreating 
 homeward with two unfledged doves which had fallen to the 
 ground, and which the gourmand had snapped up, for he was 
 remarkably fond of fowl. Having seen Grevincus at a distance, 
 he ran to meet him, and tendered a kindly welcome, paying him 
 all manner of compliments. But the Badger, with unwonted 
 haughtiness, desired him to desist from such fulsome and unmean- 
 
mj Storij of Bcnnarb the Jta. 49 
 
 ing stuff. "Sir, you are in peril! You have brought rain on 
 yourself and your house by your fraudulent actions; you have 
 provoked the King beyond all endurance ; he vows to extirpate 
 you and yours. In six days you will behold his army under 
 your walls, led by Field-Marshall Isegrim ; while Bruin, who 
 is ao-ain taken into favour, will collect such a mass of evidence 
 against you as will quite overwhelm you." "If that be all. 
 says the Fox, " I care not a rush. Though they have sworn to 
 execute me over and over again, you see I have still escaped; 
 aye, and still shall. They may debate, and do debate; bur it 
 all cuds in smoke. Come in, cousin, and sup with me. These 
 doves are young and tender — they require little mastication — 
 their bones are sweet— they melt in the mouth — they arc half 
 blood, half milk. Light diet suits me, and my wife is of the 
 game opinion. Come in, then. She will be delighted to see you, 
 only do not tell her what you came here for. The merest trifle 
 makes her nervous. To-morrow I shall go to court with you, 
 and face those mighty chiefs whose rage I shall laugh at, know- 
 ing that I am always safe in their folly. I trust, nevertheless, 
 that you will give me all the assistance in yum power, like a 
 good kinsman." "All that a friend or brother should hazard foi 
 yon will I do; and if* I have any little influence in high places. 
 it is very much at your service." The Fox conducted the Badger 
 into his house with great ceremony, and presented him to Dame 
 Ermelin and her young family as a near relation. 
 
50 
 
 %\t Stojj 0f $*partr t\t $0*. 
 
 Chapter % CjfiritentJL 
 
 jw* 
 
 ^HE lady of tlie mansion spread the board with good 
 things 5 the two tender doves were not forgotten ; each 
 partook of the dainty with zest ; and Grevincus was in 
 ecstasies with the flavour of everything. When the 
 cloth had been removed, and familiar chit-chat had 
 taken place, Reynard said to his cousin the Badger, — "How 
 do you like my family '? Do you not admire my children ? My 
 eldest son, for instance, is he not like me every inch ? My second 
 son, too, a strapping little fellow. He has his mother's leer, and 
 he'll be the wag of the family. The rogues are both ripe already. 
 They'll filch a pullet or nim a goose with the most practised of 
 our sept • in truth they are fit for anything, and they will get on 
 in the world, or they are no sons of mine. I would send them 
 oftener out to hunt, but I must not neglect their education. They 
 have to be taught prudence and foresight, and how to escape the 
 snare, the huntsman, and the hound. When they have finished 
 their education, they shall go out into the world and labour on 
 their own accounts. Already they bite like a vice, and their leap 
 
%\t §torn of Alcpiuo the /o*. 51 
 
 is as certain as tin- return of an unpaid creditor.'' Grevineus, like 
 a sage, laid Ins paws upon their noddles, and tendered a long 
 catalogue of good advices, much easier given than acted up to. 
 The night waned apace, and the friends retired to their respective 
 places of repose; but in place of sleeping, Reynard fell into a 
 train of thinking, and slept none. Conscious guilt is a bad 
 soporific, especially on the eve of appearing before one's accusers 
 and judges; so he arose from his uneasy couch, and said to his 
 w ife — "I am invited to court by our cousin Grevineus, which 
 invitation I mean to comply with. Do not make yourself uneasy. 
 Stop quietly at home. If anybody asks for me, you knoAv what 
 to say, and you know full well how to take care of the castle."' 
 Dame Ermelin used all her eloquence, and practised all her blan- 
 dishments, to dissuade her lord from going to court. Every argu- 
 ment she could think of was used to induce him to stay at home; 
 hut all to no pm-pose. "Be calm, I entreat you; there is nothing 
 to distress you rself about. I have business of importance; and 
 in five or six days you will see me here again." So he set out for 
 the court, together with Grevineus the Badger. The two friends 
 scampered to court by paths only known to themselves, and, to a 
 casual observer, they seemed to be in high glee. Guilt, never- 
 theless, was pressing on the mind of the Fox ; and he could not 
 help feeling misgivings as to his ultimate' acquittal. a I have 
 abused his Majesty's ear; 1 have slain his faithful servant; 1 
 have falsely entrapped Bellin, and had him unjustly executed: 
 I wounded the Hare; I pul the Crow to death; and what I 
 believe will tell against nie worst of all, is a trick I played on 
 
Isegrim. One day, as we travelled over a flowery meadow, we 
 saw a beautiful Colt sporting by the side of its dam, and, being 
 somewhat anxious for a tit-bit for dinner, I offered to buy the Colt 
 of its mother, and asked the price. The Mare replied that the 
 price was written on her hoof, and that it was ready cash. I 
 pretended that I was no great scholar ; and Isegrim, wishing to 
 display his abilities, put his spectacles on his nose, and pored 
 over her hoof, as if he had been employed to cut her corns. 
 Taking advantage of the precise moment, the lady salutes him 
 with a tremendous kick, which sent him spinning breathless. 
 His snout was battered, and his face was besmeared and clotted 
 with gore — in one word, he cut a pitiable figure, while I sat on 
 the park wall, and jeered him with all the ironical questions 
 which occurred to me. He raved, and roared, and threatened; 
 while I was thrilled by the very acme of enjoyment. There 
 now, nephew, I have made confession; teach me how to obtain 
 pardon." "Ah!" says Grevincus, "you are laden with fresh 
 sins. They follow at your heels, and you have no time to escape 
 them, for I fear you are near your end. You can never think to 
 be forgiven for the death of the Babbit and the Crow; and the 
 affront you have put on the noble baron Isegrim can neither be 
 forgotten nor forgiven. How could you behave so rashly?" 
 " Pooh," said Reynard, " one has to make one's way in the 
 world. One can't behave as if he were in a monastery. He 
 who sells honey, licks his fingers now and then. The Babbit's 
 fat little body tickled me, and I forgot both love and prudence. 
 As for Bellin, his stupidity gave me a great deal of trouble ; 
 
but Ave will change the subject. Were I to speak my mind I 
 could tell you who are robbers and manslayers of the first order ; 
 but I know full well my want of privilege, and therefore shall be 
 silent." "I am astonished, uncle," said the Badger, "that von 
 should confess the sins of other people, when you have so many 
 of your own to think of." So they came near the court, and met 
 Martin the Ape travelling out as a pilgrim. They stopped by the 
 way, and Reynard had some confidential conversation with him. 
 Reynard told how he was persecuted by his enemies, and, being 
 under ban, was yet afraid to go to Rome, and leave his family 
 in the vicinity of Bruin, one of his most deadly foes. The Ape 
 enlightened his friend Reynard upon the practice of the Church 
 of Rome; and having himself great interest with the Pope, 
 promised to get the Fox his absolution, — for what says the 
 couplet made by his Holiness' laureate? 
 
 •• Pardons, indulgences, I buy and sell, 
 They're good commodities, ami answer well. 
 Willi money, yon your agenl musl supply, 
 To bribe the Court, and what you want to buy 
 The Pope will favour, and defend yen here, 
 Lei heretics and unbelievers sneer." 
 
 Reynard thanked his friend Martin the Ape for Ins kindness, 
 and proceeded to court without farther delay with his kinsman the 
 Badger. Saving again arrived at court. Reynard knelt before Ins 
 Sovereign ; and asci ibing honour to his master in the mosl courth 
 style of Language; nor did he forgel to pay those compliments to 
 the Queen which was most agreeable to her royal husband's ear, 
 
 
and secretly pleasing to herself. The courtiers pressed round, 
 astonished at his audacity ; but the King appeared fierce and 
 implacable. " Renowned Monarch," said Eeynard, " you are 
 crowned — not with the imperial diadem only — but with Valour, 
 Victory, and Justice. Eewards and punishments are alike yours. 
 The world expects that you should reward virtue and punish vice. 
 All pretend to truth and honesty, but were our crimes written on 
 our foreheads, Bruin and Isegrirn would not sit so near your royal 
 person, nor loll upon the bench while I am trembling at the bar. 
 I should then need no witnesses to prove my zeal and devotion to 
 the person and government of my master. But I must check 
 myself; I can have no reason to fear when you judge my cause." 
 With an ingenious eloquence, he explained away the non- 
 performance of his pilgrimage ; rebutted with great tact and talent 
 the accusation of the Hare ; proved to the secret conviction of 
 every one that the Crow had made a false accusation against him, 
 and not only so, he proved that the Crow had committed the 
 murder himself. Keyward the Hare and the Crow then left 
 the court ; all shunned a war of words with such an accomplished 
 orator; and Reynard was apparently on the eve of triumph, 
 when the King arose in royal ire, terrific in his gestures and 
 terrible in untamed majesty — reminding the horror-struck specta- 
 tors of the sublime quatrain of the poet : — 
 
 " He waved his sceptre north away, 
 The Arctic ring was rift asunder ; 
 And through the sky the startling bray 
 Burst louder than the loudest thunder." — Hogg. 
 
Here the favourite nurse, whose untiring attention to the wants 
 and weaknesses of majesty had entitled her to the high privilege 
 of being seated in the royal presence, became hysterical with 
 sheer terror, and the page upon her lap was b\ no means 
 insensible to the probable consequences of such a paroxysm ; and 
 having rolled himself into as small a space as possible, laid his 
 head meekly on his paws, like an Oriental slave previous to 
 decapitation ; while the moles penetrated into their deepesl 
 fastnesses; and the crawling worms, with all the rapidity oi 
 which they were capable, transformed themselves into little red 
 globules, so as to be mistaken for damaged berries. 
 
56 
 
 |.e Stori of %t%mt)x t\t $m. 
 
 Cjrapto % Jf0nrt«iit|. 
 
 EYNARD alone retained his equanimity in the 
 midst of the hurricane, trusting to his unrivalled 
 powers of persuasion. The Monarch babbled in- 
 cessantly of the Rabbit's murder, and the execution 
 of Bellin; but extreme passion diverted the current of his 
 thoughts from their right channel, and choked his utterance 5 
 ' whereupon Reynard interposed in the blandest of his tones, 
 but somewhat tremulous for the sake of effect, asked — " What do 
 I hear ? Is the Rabbit dead, and is Bellin no more ? Alas ! I 
 have lost a treasure with them, such as the most wealthy Jews 
 have never been in possession of. They were the bearers to 
 you of gold and gems, such as the world has seldom seen. 
 Who could have believed that Bellin would have murdered 
 the Rabbit, in order to rob his most gracious master the King? 
 Alas ! this world is full of danger and deceit." The King did 
 not listen to Reynard, but retired to his private chamber in very 
 bad humour, where the Chamberlain was closeted with the 
 Ape's wife, who pleaded hard for Reynard, and reminded his 
 

 
* 
 
Majesty of his ability, and of his wise decision in a certain 
 contest between a countryman and a serpent. The King, a 
 little soothed, returned into the judgment hall, still, however, 
 threatening the Fox with death; while Reynard eloquently 
 regretted the lost gifts, which, if he were free, he would live 
 only to recover. He proceeded to describe the treasures with 
 a minuteness that had all the appearance of truth, and with 
 an air of sincerity and candour: — "I sent your Majesty a ring, 
 on which were inscribed mystic letters, which only Abryon, the 
 Jew of Treves, could read. He who wore it could not Buffer 
 from cold or hunger; could not be defeated in a contest; could 
 not be hated by a beholder; knew no darkness; and could not 
 suffer by water or fire. There was a comb also, with a mirror, 
 intended for the Queen, the wonders of which yet surpassed tin 
 wonders of the rinff. Pictures were engraved on each." Reynard 
 explained the fables appertaining to them, lie reminded the 
 King of the services performed by his father as court physician; 
 and who unhappily committed suicide from the pangs of fell 
 
 remorse, for having for a moment swerved from his loyalty to 
 
 his Majesty through weakness and evil companionship. lt The 
 benefits which I received from your father are of such ;iu ancient 
 
 date thai I forget them; but what good did I ever receive from 
 you?" "I dare not bandy words with my royal master," said 
 Reynard, ••hut I refer your Majesty to the testimony of your own 
 heralds, who have publicly recorded many things honourable to 
 my loyalty, and the reverse to my enemies. It would look life 
 Belf-glorification were I to remind your Majesty of what 1 have 
 
58 
 
 re St0rg at I*par& tty Jta. 
 
 done for you, and which I cannot help believing you remember 
 full well." Reynard again accused Isegrim of dastardly conduct, 
 and, in an indignant style of eloquence, denounced him as a 
 coward and a swindler, who was utterly incapable of practising 
 honesty ; and that he was a disgrace to the assembly in which he 
 sat, and to the court to which he was attached. The Bear was 
 also characterised as a devourer of the weak, an insulter of the 
 people, and an abuser of the royal power ; and lastly, with a loud 
 voice and lofty bearing, he defied his accusers to mortal combat, 
 — casting such a look on the Wolf as could neither be mistaken 
 by the court or the challenged. The King was secretly overjoyed 
 with Reynard's proposal, and instantly secured bail for the 
 appearance of the combatants ; and ordered the lists to be pre- 
 pared for the judicial duel. During the night, Reynard's friends 
 did all in their power to prepare him for the combat. Dame 
 Ruckenan the Ape, who had considerable experience in such 
 matters, exhorted him to go fasting to the field, and to use the 
 utmost strategy when engaged with his antagonist. " 'Tis not 
 always strength that either obtains or secures victory, and there- 
 fore you should lose no advantage. Let Grevincus, your relative, 
 shave your body all over, except the continuation of the spine ; 
 then have yourself anointed with a quantity of palm oil which I 
 shall send you. Run round and round the lists until your enemy's 
 heart palpitates, and his breathing grows difficult. You will see 
 a small pool of water on the east side of the lists oozing from a 
 brooklet, and thickened with dust. Immerse your brush there as 
 you pass, and dash it in the eyes of your opponent. Do this 
 
%\t „§torn of iUnnart) the rov. 
 
 59 
 
 
 
 several times ere you come to close quarters with him; then, 
 when lie is endeavouring to clear his optics, seize him by the 
 throat, and, if possible, throw him to the ground. The ladies 
 are wholly on your side, and when you have the semblance of an 
 advantage, we will wave our handkerchiefs and cheer. This will 
 not only encourage you, but it will depress the spirits of your 
 adversary." The sinking hopes of the champion now revived ; 
 and he attended minutely to the good counsel he had received, 
 except in the matter of going to the field " fasting ; " for an 
 unfortunate goose, happening to cross his path that eventful 
 morning, never returned to the pond of her nativity ; and Reynard, 
 having wiped his lips, wended his way to the lists, surrounded by 
 his kinsmen and allies. 
 
 s* 
 
60 
 
 Mm% of lepart t\t Jm 
 
 Cjrapter \\t jfifietn% 
 
 lOT only was lie shaved and anointed agreeably to 
 i instruction, but Ms joints ay ere lubricated with a 
 peculiar kind of ointment; lie was, moreover, per- 
 fumed with balm and other essences. His Majesty 
 N^ was highly delighted to see him so spruce, and laughed 
 frh> immoderately when he inspected his smooth well-oiled 
 J body. " Go, Reynard ; glory or justice, or both, call thee 
 to the lists. It is meet that thou shouldst defend thy fair fame at 
 the hazard of thy life ; for to be imfamous is not to live, but to 
 drag out a miserable existence." Lowly bowed the champion to 
 his master, and eloquent were the thanks which he tendered him ; 
 and T looking up with one of his blandest smiles, he bowed to the 
 ground before her Majesty, and entered within the enclosed ground, 
 declaring, that if he should prove dastardly enough to fly from 
 his antagonist in her royal presence, that he deserved to be hanged, 
 drawn, and quartered. While the whole assembly anxiously and 
 painfully awaited the onset, the trumpet sounded, and the Wolf 
 came roaring on the Fox, fierce as the angry Caspian when 
 agitated by mountain blast ; but Reynard, in place of grappling 
 
%\i f torn of ilei)n;iro the /ov. 
 
 61 
 
 with, his mortal enemy, ran against the wind and scraped up dust 
 into his pursuer's eyes. Occasionally he dipped his brush into 
 the small pool of water, which had been secretly deepened a 
 little, and dashed it with unerring aim full in the two glaring 
 orbs of his foe. Again and again, like a skilful tactician, he 
 practised this mode of desultory warfare, until [segrim became 
 almost blinded; and, to add to his disasters, one of his eyes was 
 almost torn from the socket by a random blow from the fore-foot 
 of Reynard as he whisked round him. Long and arduous was 
 the conflict; and the Fox, believing lie would soon be master of 
 the field, began to shout after the manner of ancient heroes, to 
 shame his adversary, and to exult in anticipated victory. Bui 
 [segrim, in a state of mind bordering on despair, and regardless 
 of laceration and pain, put forth all his strength, and by one 
 fortunate effort laid his foe prostrate, and caught one of his 
 fore-feet between his teeth, which he held with all the tenacity 
 of a double screw. "Yield thee, thou dastard!" muttered the 
 Wolf through his throat. Reynard became completely paralysed 
 with terror; his last shadow of hope had evaporated like mist 
 before the noonday sun. Like a craven he begged for his 
 
 worthless life. lie shed a flood of tears; he implored pitv; he 
 
 confessed himself an unhappy wretch; promised to proclaim 
 [segrim the victor wherever he went; thai he would be his slave 
 
 for ever; and that he would fetch his family to kneel before 
 
 him. in token of the most abjecl submission. Moreover, he 
 promised to become the WOlf's purveyor. All ducks, 
 
 hens, or lishes, which he migbl hereafter catch, should he placed 
 
<j2 %\t Storg 0f $*par& % $h. 
 
 at the victor's disposal ; and his chivalrous bearing should ever 
 thereafter be the theme of songs, more during than brass or 
 adamant. " No !" says Sir Isegrim ; " thou shalt cheat no more ! 
 I'll rid the world of a flatterer and a thief. The ravens and the 
 crows shall behold thy bones whitening the common, or thrown 
 into the river." Whereupon Eeynard, thinking it was all over 
 with him, renewed the attack, struggled desperately, and, by 
 a lucky movement, clenched his fangs in the Wolf's throat. 
 Isegrim shrieked with open mouth, and Eeynard drew out his 
 foot, and with his two paws he nearly deprived him of his skin. 
 They rolled together in a pool of blood, into which, ever and 
 anon, the Fox saturated his brush, and did tremendous havoc 
 thereby on the enemy. Lacerated, crippled, and blind, Sir 
 Isegrim' s friends implored the Monarch to put an end to the 
 combat. The heralds accordingly received the royal mandate • 
 the conflict was ended, and Eeynard proclaimed victorious ; 
 whereupon the whole assembly rent the air with shouts of accla- 
 mation. The entire monarchy was agitated, from its depth to its 
 surface, by a turbulent concurrence with the royal decision ; and 
 golden opinions were uttered relative to the dignity and urbanity, 
 as well as the justice, of the Sovereign. Grumble the Ass, 
 although bred to the bar, had, like many of his .relations, a 
 strong propensity for verse-making ; and accordingly he struck 
 off an extemporaneous ode for the occasion, which was set to 
 music with equal rapidity by no less a personage than Gallus 
 the Cock, doctor of music, and sung by all and sundry who 
 hoped for court favour. 
 
. 
 
 
dbt *tont of ilcmuro the firs. 
 
 63 
 
 Oitpter tl)f ^ivtmttlj. 
 
 •HH- 
 
 INCE more the Monarch of the Woods commanded 
 silence, and selected the Leopard as his representa- 
 tive, who uttered his royal master's will in some such 
 terms as follow: — L - Victorious Reynard! I bring a 
 v laurel wreath from my august Sovereign, to be placed 
 upon your hrow as a symbol of conquest. He decrees a 
 triumph in your honour.'" " I have compelled the foe to 
 yield," said Reynard; "the disputed field is mine. I have added 
 
 vi< -mil to my family name: I have earned undying glory to 
 myself by clearing my injured fame: therefore, in accordance 
 with the wishes of my gracious and redoubted Sovereign, let 
 what is past be forgotten : let none hereafter insultingly name 
 
 him who was overcome: let Sir [segrim be restored to the favour 
 
 of his Sovereign. Generous victors do not conquer to insult tlic 
 
 proud, but to tame them. 
 
 A thousand friend-, whose names he had never heard of before, 
 
 now thronged round him with fills e congratulations. I 
 
 those who voted for his condemnation offered him a lari 
 
64 %\i Storg of Jpparfc % |ol 
 
 of plate, and tendered their political support. But neither beast 
 of the field nor fowl of the air was half so obsequious as Grumble 
 the Ass, and poet ; who, kneeling at Reynard's feet, supplicated 
 the high honour of carrying him. to court on his. back, which 
 humble request being complied with, the bard pricked up his 
 ears to an unusual length, looked with contempt on the undis- 
 tinguished mob around him, and laboured under the hallucination 
 that he possessed more wisdom than Rajah the Elephant, and was 
 a greater proficient in music than Cloudlet the Lark or Arnoret 
 the Nightingale. Preliminaries being adjusted, a regular proces- 
 sion was formed, and to court they marched, through lanes of 
 troops in new uniforms, passing occasionally beneath triumphal 
 arches, adorned by wreaths and chaplets ; while the joyous 
 inmates of the public seminaries strewed the path with flowers, 
 and repeated quatrains from Grumble's ode. Nor were the 
 fascinations of music forgotten. Rajah the Elephant, as band- 
 master, struck up a Hindoo air, which had originally been 
 composed in honour of Bramah, and had been a " march " in the 
 Rajah's family for many hundred years ; and he had judiciously 
 selected Trickster the Monkey, a countryman of his own, and 
 placed him on his shoulders, because he was conversant both with 
 the instrument and the music. Poodle, a third cousin of Springer 
 the Hound, thundered on the big drum, which happily drowned 
 the discord elicited by Jackoo the Baboon from an old cracked 
 banjee or violin with his sinister arm, while the tambourine passed 
 from hand to hand as an instrument which required little previous 
 practice. One ludicrous incident occurred however, which it may 
 
■■ 
 
 
be Storn of gipsrt the Jfos. 
 
 Go 
 
 be as well to explain. Grunter the Hog had been appointed 
 standard-bearer, but he became so bewildered with the magni- 
 ficence of the solemn train, and the elevated part therein assigned 
 him, that he stupidly attached the wrong end of his broad 
 pennant to the staff. His enemies, however, scruple not to say. 
 thai he had been indulging in strong grains that morning. This 
 piece of court scandal, however, may or may not be true; certain 
 it is, that the mistake was committed. On rolled the excited 
 throng toward the royal residence, accumulating in its progress 
 like some mighty river in its transition to the ocean. The hills 
 and valleys rung with Io Paeans, and the streets of the metropolis 
 echoed to the exhilarating notes of the music, and the lusty cheers 
 of the crowd. On approaching the royal presence, the observed 
 of all observers bowed to his peers, but knelt to the Monarch, who 
 graciously raised him from the ground, and after a brief speech, 
 which monarchs sometimes find it necessary to make for the sake 
 of being thought courteous, he concluded by emoting a piece 
 of Grumble's doggerel, who was already smacking his Lips in 
 anticipation of the butt of sack — 
 
 Vniir woes arc righted, give the Wolf your hand, 
 
 I liailc- the war and n<>v. tin- peace command. 
 
 "Your Majesty's will," said Reynard, " has ever been the rule of 
 my life. To accomplish your desires I have struggled through 
 good and bad report. Your royal ear has often been poisoned, but 
 your princely discrimination has as frequently repelled its viru- 
 lence. 1 know of no greater lu.\ur\ than to live and die in your 
 
66 
 
 \t Sicnr of $*pw& tin $t&. 
 
 Majesty's service. I appeal to my honourable antagonist if I did 
 aught to heighten his despair during the conflict ; and now that 
 it is over, I deeply grieve to see his pretended friends basely 
 desert their patron ; but it will ever be thus. When wealth, or 
 royal favour — which is better — set in on you, like the fertilizing 
 waters of the Nile, friends will accumulate, and flattery resound 
 through your hall ; let riches and influence depart, and your 
 fawning wheedlers will follow." 
 
(The .§torp of Tirpnarb the jo*. 
 
 67 
 
 (Lljaptcr tjjc ^ebcntcentlj 
 
 •HH- 
 
 EATED on his throne, in the midst of his senate, the 
 Monarch of Beasts and Birds addressed them thus: — •• M\ 
 T7T. lords and gentlemen, we have listened to all your com- 
 * plaints — have taken them into our serious consideration. 
 We -hall grant remedy to those who may have heen injured, 
 and dismiss those statements that appear frivolous. Meanwhile. 
 it is our will and pleasure to redress the wrongs of our faithful 
 liegeman Reynard, and reward his worth. His wisdom, expe- 
 rience, and zeal, deserve our favour, and we have determined !>• 
 strengthen our government by his vast political knowledge, his 
 high legal experience, and that personal influence which genius 
 alone can exercise over the masses. We commission him I" 
 perforin the onerous duties of Lord High Chancellor, to he the 
 
 keeper of our royal conscience, and to utter those decisions in 
 
 equity, from which there rs no appeal. A> our bighesi Legal 
 
 functionary, we will hear no murmuring at the conclusions he 
 
 arrives at, and wherever he sit-, you are to believe the King 
 
 i> there. lie shall receive emha-sies in our name, with pOWST 
 
68 
 
 %\t %imi 0f SLegnarJr \\t $0*. 
 
 to treat and to conclude, and we command all our loving subjects 
 to obey him, as they hope for our favour. He is no bigot, no lazy 
 thoughtless drone — a burthen to himself and his colleagues in the 
 cabinet ; he is active and eloquent, ever on the alert ; his judg- 
 ment is not to be biassed, even by our own royal will 5 neither 
 power nor party interest will tempt him from the path of rectitude ; 
 he'll fear no faction, and he'll accept no bribes. Such is the person 
 which we have elevated to the highest post in our realm — 'tis 
 yours to obey." The members of senate were struck dumb with 
 astonishment ; they glared upon each other with amazement ; but 
 opposition to the royal will would have brought on confiscation, 
 banishment, or even death, to any daring individual possessed of 
 the temerity ; so all were silent, which his Majesty construed into 
 loyalty and acquiescence. Painfully anxious to return to his 
 castle of Malepartus, where Dame Ermelin was suffering the sorrow 
 of uncertainty in a darkened chamber, Reynard humbly solicited 
 the royal permission to revisit his desponding spouse for a short 
 space. The request was granted on condition that he should return 
 to court with all convenient speed ; for his presence and oracular 
 wisdom had become almost necessary to the royal pair. Being so 
 overwhelmed by regal grace, he scarcely wist what to say ; but 
 kneeling to the throne, and kissing the feet of the beauteous Queen, 
 he said — " I bend with awe before your imperial Majesty, and 
 also before you, the fairest Queen the sun ever shone upon. Long 
 may you reign in the hearts of your subjects. Under your benefi- 
 cent auspices may the age of iron depart, and the age of gold 
 return. May you live, not only in plenty, but in peace • and may 
 
<Tbe §toni of ilcnuara the rov. 
 
 69 
 
 you not only prove a blessing to your own subjects, but to the era 
 in which you flourish." So, laden with royal presents, he departed 
 for Malepartus, accompanied by a numerous train of friends. 
 suitors, and time-servers, who, from motives of self-interest, Mut- 
 tered round the new made Chancellor, as winged moths do round 
 a lighted candle. Beguiling the way with " diverting talk." Rey- 
 nard remarked — " You see our mighty foes, although impelled l>\ 
 envy and malice, could not prevail against me; we must forgel 
 past peril and past disgraces : the times are changing for the 
 better. Our royal master is bountiful, generous, and good ; he 
 prefers blunt, unassuming honest v. to clever chicanery : and. what 
 is more uncommon still, he prefers wisdom to gold.'" When the 
 towers of his residence burst Oil his view, he halted for a Little, 
 and flattered his satellites, buoyed up their hopes as to their future 
 fortunes through his patronage, retained a chosen few as his com- 
 panions, to swell his triumph when he should appear in the 
 presence of his wife and family, and bowed an obsequious farewell 
 to the residue, although he despised them in his heart. Rumour, 
 with her thousand tongues, hail already proclaimed to the world 
 the altered circumstances of him who was recently arraigned in 
 
 the high court of justice, ns a felon, for great crimes and treason- 
 able practices. Sis trembling consort could hardly trust the testi- 
 mony of her eyes, when he sprung to her embrace. I ler articu- 
 lation was restored after she had shed ;i tlo.nl of tears, :iud she 
 
 welcomed him joyfully. His sons were transported with happiness, 
 and his very servants exulted with pride to Bee their venerated 
 
 master once more. After mutual felicitations, he gave B modesl 
 
70 %\t jfctorg jirf Jjpaxfo \\t fe. 
 
 narrative of the challenge, the duel, the victory, and the favour- 
 able change in the royal mind regarding him. " I am now 
 honoured with the highest position which a subject may hold; 
 my friends are in ecstasies at my elevation ; my enemies depressed 
 and despondent. But albeit I have them in my power, I shall 
 not blight the verdure of my laurels by crushing them precipi- 
 tantly, nor provide for my friends too hastily ; my opinions, never- 
 theless, are beyond control, and my power absolute. Moreover, 
 the King, my master, as the climax of his powers, tendered me 
 the Great Seal with his own hand ; 
 
 Bade me enjoy it with the place and honours, 
 During my life, and to confirm his goodness, 
 Tied it by letters patent ; 
 
 So that I may truly say in the language of another great 
 personage, ' I am the state.' " 
 
 After having recruited his health, feasted his retainers, and 
 gleaned golden opinions from his neighbours and dependants, he 
 repaired to the metropolis, entered his court, mounted the bench, 
 and awarded such decisions as if he had been an embodiment of 
 Truth, with Justice and Equity for his assessors. But the novelty 
 of acting justly and honourably wore off — the glare of popularity 
 ceased to dazzle him. A compound of avarice, fraud, and 
 cunning, his judicial conduct had been a piece of acting ; and his 
 determinations gave him pain in proportion as these approximated 
 to truth and righteousness. " Why should I injure my health, 
 and waste my intellect, like a small pettifogger in the courts 
 
%\t ?torn of ilfiinaro the fff*. 
 
 71 
 
 below, for a poor limited remuneration? [f my position Is lofty, 
 
 my expenses correspond therewith; and if I am the second in 
 the monarchy, why should not my revenue be second only to 
 that of the monarch himself? Besides. 1 am ambitious of 
 becoming the founder of a family, and of transmitting, nor only 
 my name and honours, but also something of a more tangible 
 nature to my descendants ; and I must make hay while rlie sun 
 shines." Such were the cogitations of the rapacious Chancellor as 
 be twirled his paws or stroked his beard in his own court, 
 while he pretended to give his most attentive consideration to the 
 pleadings of the barristers in Chancery, and endeavoured to pass 
 for an oracle of wisdom, and a prodigy of legal integrity. Ir is 
 said, that "a crafty knave needs no broker:" it may he true in 
 ordinary eases, but such was the depravity of this mushroom 
 Chancellor's nature — such was his vehement desire tor the 
 accumulation of filthy lucr< — such his insatiable craving for the 
 mammon of unrighteousness, that, like the horse-leech, he sucked 
 the blood alike of pursuer and defendant, rich and poor, as 
 opportunities presented themselves. Nay, not content with this 
 
 abominable procedure, his hired emissaries beset those who 
 
 resorted to bis court, together with their kith, kin, and alii 
 
 Throughout the various provinces of the kingdom, fraud and 
 extortion were the order of the day. Decisions in Chancery were 
 
 known to be marketable commodities, and the whole department 
 
 Voted a delusion and a snare. Sir Isegrim the Wolf drew up ;i 
 
 memorial on the subject, largely and mfluentially subscribed, and 
 presented it to the King, entreating his Majesty to remove the 
 
72 
 
 %\t Stars of |Uparfo % Jto. 
 
 > 
 
 arch-offender from liis high office. Grumble the Ass — who had 
 failed in obtaining the laurel — fired off paper pellets at the head 
 of the wicked and fraudulent official, in shape of dull pasquinades 
 and pointless epigrams, together with a satirical lyric, which 
 obtained some popularity, not from its own merits, but from the 
 beautiful air to which it was set by Dr. Gallus. Eajah the Elephant 
 amused the lieges by playing the significant air, entitled " The 
 Highway to Newgate," and Poodle, the third cousin of Springer 
 the Hound, beat the " Eogue's March" every evening at sunset — 
 the import of which was well known to all within hearing. Grunter 
 the Hog, who had previously acted as standard-bearer, defaced 
 the hated name from his pennon, and bartered it — staff and all — 
 with Jackoo the Baboon, who conducted a brewery, for a bushel 
 of his strongest grains. Even Malkin the Cat, who never either 
 forgot or forgave her laceration, bequeathed her skin to the author 
 of the best essay on " Tyranny under colour of Equity." Society 
 was fast verging towards anarchy, and various constitution-makers 
 had begun to labour in their vocation, when happily the King 
 took the alarm, and made minute and laborious investigation 
 into the alleged malversations of his Chancellor. The result was, 
 that he revoked his letters patent, deprived him of the Great Seal, 
 and determined once more to have him impeached and tried 
 before his peers as a great state criminal — 
 
 '■ " He is attack'd, 
 
 Call him to present trial. If he may 
 Find mercy in the law, 'tis his ; if none, 
 Let him not seek't of us." — 
 
%\t jstorg of S^psri tbe |o*. 
 
 
 
 Meanwhile the sleepless vigilance which had hitherto charac- 
 terised the degraded ex-official had not diminished. His eyes 
 were open to every movement, his ears to every whisper. His 
 emissaries were to be found everywhere ; but the more informa- 
 tion which they collected the darker grew the page on which it 
 was written, while his unrivalled sagacity assured him that he 
 could hope for no clemency, except the axe and the block, as 
 substitutes for the more vulgar halter and gibbet. 
 
 " His high-blown pride at length broke under him," 
 
 And, accordingly, he concerted secret measures with his cousin 
 Grevincus the Badger, for depriving an ungrateful community of 
 his eminent services, or, in other words, for absconding like a 
 felon from the scorn and contempt of an insulted and injured 
 people. Well did the arch-peculator know that eloquence would 
 prove ineffectual and ingenuity* powerless ; that the prejudice of 
 the multitude would be confirmed by irrefragable facts; and that 
 acquittal was hopeless — condemnation certain. Whereupon the 
 wily politician was reduced to the bitter alternative of choosing 
 between ignominy and exile, or certain death. Alter some hours 
 of agony spent in deliberation, he preferred the former; and 
 calling up all his sagacity, he started an hour before dawn. 
 
74 
 
 Stffrg 0f impart % $ax. 
 
 CJrapte % €igjta% 
 
 -HM- 
 
 HIS movement, however, was anticipated by the 
 police authorities. Scouts had been stationed in the 
 'k various localities through which it was likely the 
 fugitive would pass, and sentinels placed on the heights. 
 The alarm was at length given, and the whole posse, 
 under the guidance of Springer the Hound, gave chase to 
 the hated delinquent, who exerted himself with all the energy 
 arising from the impulsive powers of despair, and love of life. 
 With masterly dexterity he evaded the fury of Sir Isegrim the 
 Wolf, and the fleetness and fangs of Springer the Hound, who 
 hung upon his haunches for several hours; but torn, bleeding, 
 and breathless, he was at last obliged to give up the chase, 
 and call off his broken-down followers. Thus Keynard escaped 
 decapitation; but history and tradition are silent as to the country 
 of his adoption, his future career, or the termination of his 
 existence. This much may be affirmed, that remorse with her 
 cat-o'-nine tails would haunt his meditations by day and his 
 
■ 
 
 . 
 
 
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%\t Storg of geparfr \\t «yo*. 
 
 75 
 
 dreams by night, and he himself would exclaim in the Language 
 
 of the poet — 
 
 •• My conscience hath a thousand several tongues, 
 And every tongue brings in a several tale." 
 
 Agreeably to the juridical canons of the monarchy, a writ, 
 bearing the signature of the Sovereign, was issued from the 
 Council Office, summoning "Reynard the Fox to appear at tin- 
 bar of the Privy Council, to answer to the charge of having com- 
 mitted high crimes against the state." The members of thai august 
 body met, and citation made, but no answer was returned either by 
 principal or attorney. Upon which, sentence of outlawry was 
 passed against the fugitive; his real and movable possessions 
 escheated to the crown, and his family, with whose concurrence 
 and assistance he had acted, attainted, declared incapable of 
 serving the state from henceforth, and rendered infamous for ever. 
 
 It is admitted on all hands, that the expatriated Ex-chancellor 
 possessed all the requisites which form a great character. lie was 
 sagacious and penetrating, acute and observant, an orator of the 
 firsl order, and one whose ingenuity was seldom or never at fault. 
 His legal knowledge was above and beyond that of all his 
 compeers; and his urbanity and courtesy, especially when they 
 suited his own purposes, were fascinating. His business habits 
 were exact and methodical, and his wisdom proverbial; but thai 
 wisdom was alloyed by low cunning, that sagacity and penetration 
 by extreme selfishness, that legal knowledge by a morbid avarice 
 
 which lie sometimes could ill conceal, and thai inflexible justice 
 
 which he was elevated by his Sovereign to dispense to all the 
 
76 
 
 %\t Starg 0f $*psrfo % $m. 
 
 lieges, was perverted by the lust of procuring wealth, and an 
 insatiable covetousness which he neither could, nor sought to 
 repress. Hence, with all his transcendant talents, and the favour 
 of an indulgent Sovereign, he was precipitated from his place of 
 pride and power, and became an outlaw, an exile, and a 
 vagabond ; proving the truth of the proposition promulgated by 
 the illustrious fictionist, that "guilt, though it may attain 
 temporal splendour, can never confer real happiness. The evil 
 consequences of our crimes long survive their commission ; and, 
 like the ghosts of the murdered, forever haunt the steps of the 
 malefactor. The paths of virtue, though seldom those of worldly 
 greatness, are always those of pleasantness and peace." 
 
 EDINBURGH: PRINTED BY R. X- R. CLARK.