CHAP. I.

WHen the Sun return'd to rescue the drooping Earth from the cold Em­braces [Page 6] of Winter, and cloathed each Tree and Field in a pleasant Livery of Green, enamell'd over with fragrant Flowers of various Colours; then it was, the noble Li­on, King of Beasts, sent out his Royal Man­dates to all his Subjects, the Inhabitants of Woods, Forests, and Fields, to attend him at his Royal Palace of Sanden, there to celebrate the annual Feast of Pentecost: Which was no sooner signified to 'em, that it was his Pleasure they should give their Atten­dance, without any Excuse or Delay, but they stock'd thither in great Numbers, (as well to shew their Obedience, as to avoid his Displeasure) at the Time appointed; and being call'd over, none was found wanting but the Fox; who, conscious of Guilt for the many Injuries he had done, kept close in his Den, as fearing they would make such just Complaints against him, as might en­danger his Life: Nor were his Fears vain, or suggested; for the King with the Queen on his right Hand, and the Leopard, his Kinsman, on the left, being feated on the Throne, under the Canopy of a spacious Oak, and Silence being commanded, he proceeded to commend them for their ready Obedience, in giving such exact and punctu­al Attendance; but missing the Fox, he [Page 7] wonder'd how he alone should neglect be­ing there at this so solemn a Meeting, since he had always held him as a Friend, in high Esteem; which made them enquire about his Welfare, supposing some Sickness or Misfortune had befel him: But while his Wonder lasted, Sir Isgrim, the Wolf, stood up and accused him in this manner:

My most Gracious Sovereign Lord, I well know, that it is neither Sickness or any Ill­hap, that makes Reynard decline appearing before your Majesty, with the rest of your Subjects; but his great Guilt for the many Outrages and Violences he has committed against a number here present, whose just Complaints he fears will be laid against him, to bring him to deserv'd Punishment and Disgrace, for abusing not only us, but your Majesty, in condemning your Orders and Commands, notwithstanding your Cle­mency towards him heretofore, and the ma­ny Favours you've heap'd upon him; and particularly, as to the great Injury he has done me and my Family, I have brought ma­ny to testifie it, and which, being plainly prov'd, I doubt not of your Majesty's Con­sent to Redress and Revenge my Wrongs. Then thus, Dread Sovereign it was, My Wife and Children being at home, and [Page 8] basking at their Ease, whilst I was ranging abroad, Reynard coming that way, enter'd my House forcibly, against my Wife's Con­sent, and after many Scofflings and Taun­tings at her, and my young Ones, in a scorn­ful kind of sporting manner, whisking up his Tail, he so bepiss'd their Eyes, that by the stink and sharpness of his Urine, they immediately became blind, and have ever since continued so, to the great Grief and Sorrow of me and my poor Wife: And altho' a Day was set that he should come to answer for this Injury, and the Book was tender'd him to swear, whether he was Guilty of it, or not; yet he refus'd to do it, in Contempt of your Majesty's Com­mand and Royal Authority. Many more Injuries I could reckon up, as divers noble Beasts here present can testifie; but they are so many, and grievous, that should I tell 'em all, they would tire your Patience, and discompose your Majesty with too great an Anger: and therefore expecteing the Ju­stice of the Law, for what I have related, and more particularly for the Shame and Villany he offer'd my Wife, which in this Place I am unwilling to mention, I shall at this Time say no more, lest I should seem too tedious to your Grace.

[Page 9] He had no sooner ended, but Curtis the Hound, (formerly a Lady's Lap-dog, but turn'd off when French Spanels came into Favour) in a pitious Tone, began to yel'p out his Complaint against the Fox, saying, May it please your Majesty, Tho' I was brought up tenderly, lay warm, and far'd sumptuously at my Lady's Table every Day, yet, losing my Mistress's Favour, to make room for a French Cur, I was thrust out of Doors in a cold Winter, and forc'd to ram­ble up and down till almost starv'd; but at last Fortune turn'd a little favourable, and gave me a good Chance to find a Pudding; which, tho' Reynard knew it was all I had to live on, he violently took it from me, so that thro' Cold and Hunger, as your High­ness may plainly see, I am almost starv'd to death; and therefore I demand Justice a­gainst him.

Sir Tibert, the Cat, hearing this, and be­ing akin to Reynard, in a Rage started out of the Throng, and humbly besought his Majesty's Leave to speak; which the King granting, he proceeded in this wise:

May it please my Sovereign Lord, I own that grievous Complaints are made against my Kinsman Reynard, in his absence; yet were their Actions narrowly search'd into, [Page 10] who make the Complaints, they would ap­pear worse to your Majesty, than what they lay to the Fox's Charge: For tho' I pretend not in every thing to vindicate him, yet thus much I must say, touching the Ac­cusation of this scoundrel Hound, If Rey­nard took the Pudding from him, he only deceiv'd the Deceiver; for this Thief, my Liege, stole it from me after I had ventur'd my Life for't in a Mill, by taking it thence whilst the Miller was tumbling a handsome Wench on the Sacks; and he meeting me before I could convey it to my Store-house, by purposely crossing the Way upon me, without a Word speaking, took it by Vio­lence from me: Besides, this is long since, and seeing it was most properly mine, and I forgive my Kinsman, there can be no just ground of Indictment against him upon his Accusation, since according to the old Pro­verb, To deceive the Deceiver, is no Deceit. And further, if, without offending, I might produce Evidence, I doubt not but to prove the Wolf's Accusation malicous, and to clear the Fox in all Points.

At these last Words, the Panther rising from his Seat with a compos'd Countenance, said; Sir Tibert, you are carried too far by the Bonds of Friendship, in Vindication of [Page 11] your Kinsman, more than he deserves, since most know him to be a Theif and a Blood­sucker, a Dettroyer of the King's peaceable Subjects, and a Hater of them all, making it his Study how to bring them into Mis­chief, and then his Pastime to insult over, and devour such as are too feeble for him, or not wife enough to shun his Craftiness; a Person altogether regardless of the King's Honour, which he would not only contemn, but suffer the utmost, for so small a thing as the Leg of a fat Hen or Goose.

And to make this more plain, I shall on­ly instance what I was an Eye-witness of, in relation to poor Keyward the Hare, who now is under the King's Protection, by whose Royal Goodness he is defended from Reynard's Insults: This crafty Villian, Rey­nard, pretending to be in Orders, and a Chaplain, so far insinuated on the poor Hare's Belief, with a shew of Sanctity, cloak­de with Hypocrisie, in hopes of satisfying his own End, that the silly Creature agreed he should teach him his Creedo, and being by that means in his Power, he made him sit be­tween his Legs to sing; but it had like indeed to have been his last Song, for the Fox catch'd him so fast by the Throa, that had I not been passing by, and at the Cry [Page 12] rush'd in to his assistance, he had died there, and serv'd Reynard and his Family for a Holiday-feast. And that this, my Lord the King, is true, you may easily perceive by the yet bleeding Wound on Keyward's Throat.

Therefore, may Liege, if you suffer such Outrages to go unpunish'd, it will be a Dishonour to your Royal Dignity, a mani­fest Violation of the Laws; and not only reflect on your self, but on your Children, that are now, or shall hereafter be begot­ten, and many Years to come will not be able to blot out the Slander of this Evil.

This was applauded by most, and the King by 'em intreated to execute the Laws in punishing of the Fox; but especially the Wolf urg'd it vehemently, saying, The Pan­ther has spoke the Truth, and therefore his Advice and Council ought not to be rejec­ted.

But whilst the King was about to give Sentence, his Eyes sparking like Fire, and groaning within himself, so that most Beasts trembled, up started Grimbard the Brock, Nephew to Reynard, intreating, That in his Uncle's absence he might plead for him, to the Accusation laid to his Charge; which, with some difficulty, the King con­sented [Page 13] to; and then he proceeded in this manner:

As to the Wolf, said he, my Dread So­vereign, you cannot, I hope, but conceive in your Princely Wisdom, what he says a­gainst my Uncle proceeds only from Malice; and that, according to the old Proverb, Never speaks well; Kings as well as mea­ner Persons, are not exempted from it.

Then turning to him, said, Sir Isgrim, notwistanding all that you have alledg'd, I wish you durst to venture your Honesty with my Kinsman's, upon the Tryal of both your Lives, that he, who upon plain Proof and Conviction, should be found guil­ty of the greatest Crimes, might die in a Halter. I boldly tell you, here in the Face of the Court, and as much as you suppose you stand in the King's Favour, on such a Tryal your Guilt will appear so hanious, that if you were not asham'd to do it, it wou'd be in vain to ask Mercy: How of­ten, with your venomous Teeth, have you maliciously worred and wounded my Kins­man, put him in peril of his Life, and de­frauded him of what he labour'd and ven­tur'd hard for, that you might satisfie your greedy Maw? Amongst many of which In­juries and Outrages, I shall here, for Bre­vity's [Page 14] sake, reckon up but a few: You have perhaps forgot how you cheated him of a large Plaice, which he, at the hazard of his Life, ventur'd into a Cart for, and throwing it down, you immediately took it by Violence from him, and for his share, gave him only the Bones, which you durst not eat, for fear they shou'd stick in your Throat, and made you howl, as when you implor'd the Crane's Aid, and prov'd in­grateful to her, in denying her the promis'd Reward, tho' by putting her long Neck down your Throat, she had eas'd your Mi­sery, and in all probability sav'd you from being chok'd. At another time you serv'd my Kinsman a base fraudulent Trick, by taking from him a Flitch of Bacon, which he got out of a Chimney, not without dan­ger of breaking his Neck; and tho' he was so kind, when he perceiv'd you almost starv'd, to offer you Part, nothing would serve you but the Whole; tho' till you came to devour the last Morsel, you all along promis'd to leave him a sufficient Share; and finding he was deluded by you, he went only away sighing, without making any just Reproach. Nor was this all, for fol­lowing him at a distance, you perceiv'd he was going in search for Provision, you soon [Page 15] found he, by his Cunning, had sung a large Sow asleep, and gotten from her one of her fattest Pigs, which you likewise gree­dily seiz'd, tho' at his return, in hopes to get another, he was not only torn by the inrag'd Sow, but taken by the Owner in a Sack, out of which he gnaw'd his way, whilst the Peasant carried him at his Back, to have him worried in the Market-place by Mastiffs. These, and innumerable other Injuries, have you at sundry times done my Kinsman Reynard; wherefore you, and not he, ought to be punish'd.

And therefore I beseech his Majesty to consider these things, and to judge impar­tially. I confess, there is one Accusation of Sir Isgrim's of no weight, which is, That my Kinsman has lain with his Wife; it is very true, he has done so but it was at her own Intreaty, and six Years before she was married; and she was so pleas'd with the Kindness he did her, that she has ever since born a tender Affection to him; and therefore it is a Folly for him to complain, who at that time had no Interest in her, as to her Honesty or Dishonesty.

The Brock had no sooner ended his Di­scourse, in Vindication of his Kinsman, but Keywood the Hare, in a pitious Tone; be­gan [Page 16] his Complaint in the manner as the Panther related.

To which the Brock again replied, That if the Hare would undertake to learn, and prov'd a Dunce, it was not reasonable, that Reynard, as his School-master, should correct him; for if Scholars have not due and moderate Correction, it is impossible there should be any capable of managing Matters in State and Religion.

Lastly, The Hound, forsooth, makes his Complaint for the loss of his Pudding; he might have behav'd himself better in his Mistress's Service, than to have been turn'd out to a desperate Fortune; besides, we hear what Sir Tibert says, he stole it first from him; so that had my Cousin hang'd him up when he took him, he had offended none but the King, in doing Justice with­out his Leave, which he forbore to do, in regard to your Majesty, as being Wise, and well understanding the Laws: Besides, how can he do amiss, who does nothing with­out the Advice of the Priest? He is a Gen­tleman, and a true Man, and since your Majesty's Proclamation for a Cessation of Hostilities, he has so far complied, that he has injur'd none, keeping his Body under by Abstinence, eating but once a Day, of­ten [Page 17] chastising it, and wearing a Hair-shirt next to his Skin: and, as I have been in­form'd, it is above a Year since he eat any Flesh, by those that came but very lately from him. He has forsaken his Castle of Malepardus for a poor Hermitage, forswear­ing Hunting, and all other Recreations, living by Alms, doing infinite Good, and repenting him of his Sins; so that he is grown meager and lean, sequestring himself from Company, as one weary of the Va­nities of this transitory World.

Whilst the Brock was thus labouring to excuse and vindicate Reynard, the whole Assembly was surpriz'd at the approach of Chanticleer the Cock, who, with two Hens, in a mournful manner, came down the Hill towards 'em, bringing upon a Bier a dead Hen, with her Head bitten off; as he ap­proach'd, he smote his Wings against his Sides in a melancholy manner, whilst the two Hens cackled out great and doleful Lamentations, each of them bearing a Ta­per, their Names being Cragant and Tantart, and were found to be the Daughters of Cop­pel the dead Hen. But whilst the Wonder lasted, after they had made a great Wailing, and were come before the King, the Bier was no sooner set down, but Chanticleer [Page 18] humbled himself, and crav'd Audience; which being granted, he thus proceeded:

Great and just Prince, I humbly beseech you to hear and revenge the Injuries done to me by Reynard the Fox, as also to my Children: For thus, most gracious Sove­reign, it happen'd, that when the Spring appear'd in its Glory, I, by reason of the great Stock my Wife Coppel had brought forth, being in the height of my Pride and Gallantry, having then eight valliant Sons and seven beautiful Daughters, which walk'd at pleasure in a well-fenc'd Yard, guarded by several fierce Mastiffs, I thought my self the happiest of all Creatures; but, alas! my Joy was soon turn'd into Mourn­ing, and I cast from the height of my ima­gined Felicity to the depth of Misery; for whilst we remain'd there fearless of Danger, deceitful Reynard came one Day (after he had many times attempted to leap the Walls in vain, and had been hunted away by the Mastiffs) in a religious Habit, telling over his Beads, and making Signs of Humi­lity and Devotion, he call'd to me thro' the Wicket in a friendly manner, shewing me your Majesty's Letter seal'd with your great Seal, wherein I found you had made an Universal Peace among Beasts and Fowls, [Page 19] throughout your whole Empire; yet, knowing him a Dissembler, and suspecting them to be counterfeit, as I since under­stand they were, I at first but lightly cre­dited him, till with many Oaths and Pro­testations he avowed it to be truth; and, that for his part he had done with the World, and was become a Monk, intending to take a long Pilgrimage to repent of his Sins; shewing me his Books, Beads, Hair-shirt, and all other religious Accoutrements; and persevering to affirm it with such seem­ing Sanctity, that I could not any longer mistrust; and being willing to walk at large, seeing him go away sighing, saying his Credo, and telling over his Beads, I call'd my Family about me, and inform'd 'em of the News, who were exceeding glad there­of; so that by Consent we flew over the Walls to range in the Fields; tho' I may ever rue that Day; for as we carelesly pick'd about, the Fox, who lay' behind a Bush, crept on his Belly till he came be­tween the Wall and us, and suddenly sur­priz'd one of my Sons, whom he murder'd­pack'd up, and bore away, to my unspeak­able Grief; and having had so sweet a Bait, neither the Mastiffs or Hunters cou'd keep him away, till at several Surprizes, [Page 20] he had stoln away thirteen of my Children, leaving me but two; and yesterday, Cop­pel, my dear Wife, was surpriz'd by this Traytor, whose Head, as your Majesty may perceive, he bit off, and had born away her Body, but being pursued by the Hounds, he was compell d to let her fall, and fly for his Life.

And thus your Majesty, having heard my Wrongs, I implore you, by that Justice and Compassion that reigns in your Royal Breast, to revenge 'em on the bloody-minded Rey­nard.

Moral.] By this we see however wicked Men flatter 'emselves with escaping unpunish'd by hi­ding 'emselves from Justice; yet it the more proves their Guilt, by imboldening, in their absence, their Enemies to complain against 'em: Which is de­monstrated by the Wolf, who, as guilty as the Fox, nevertheless takes this time to make his Com­plaints against him; and so gives Encourage­ment to others, who in all likelihood otherwise would not have done it. The Brock's pleading for the Fox, denotes, that rich Men and Flat­terers, tho' never so vicious rarely want any Ad­vocate to excuse 'em, tho' they shame 'emselves in doing it, as the Brock did, when the Cock appear'd with his fresh Complaint against the Fox, &c.

CHAP. II.

UPon the Complaint of Chanticleer, the King grew exceeding angry, and turning his Eyes on Grimbard the Brock, who had thus labour'd to excuse and Justi­fie Reynard, he sternly said, What think you now, Sir Grimbard, of this Recluse? Where is the Fox's Penitency? See how he [Page 22] has fasted, prayed, and mortified his Bo­dy, to your Shame, that dare to vindi­cate such a Traytor and Murderer. But, by my Crown, I swear, if I have Life long remaining in me, he shall dearly pay for this. But at present, Sir Chanticleer, all that we can do for you, is to give Cop­pel your dear Wife honourable Burial, which shall be at my Charge. And in the mean time, I will call a Council, to consider of Ways and Methods to do you Justice and Right against her Murderer. Whereupon he appointed the Goat and Ram to sing Mass at the Interment of Coppel, and that great Mourning should be made over her; so, upon this the Bier was taken up, and carried before the Cock and his two Daugh­ters, who follow'd in Mourning-hoods, at­tended by many other Courtiers, making a doleful Lamentation.

Whilst these Things pass'd, the King was at close Council with his Nobles, consulting how he might bring the Fox to deserv'd [Page 23] Punishment; and, after some Debates, it was concluded, he should be immediately sent for, to make his personal Appearance before the King, without any Excuse to Delay, there to answer such Matters as he stands charg'd with; and that Sir Bruin the Bear should deliver him the Summons, seal'd with the King's Signet; whereupon the King call'd him in him, saying,

Sir Bruin, it is our Pleasure you carry this Mandate to Reynard; but, withal, I advise you beware of him, for he is full of Policy, being a Craft-master at Flattery and Dissi­mulation, lest he betray you into Snares and Intanglements, and bring you to Scorn or Mockery; therefore let me advise you not to rely upon your Strength too much, but use Policy and Caution, that you may return in Safety and Honour.

The Bear hearing this, and that the Trust of fetching Reynard to Court, was repos'd in him, could not refrain laughing to him­self, a while, for the hopes he expected of being reveng'd on him; and boldly made this Reply to the King: My Lord, said he, let me alone with the Fox, I have Discre­tion enough to deal with him; I shall defeat his Designs, and baffle all Pretensions he can have on me. And so the Bear departed [Page 24] that Night, that he might be going early in the Morning on wards of his Journey to­wards Malepardus.

The next Morning, Sir Bruin, taking the King's Letter with him, set forward, passing over Mountains and thro' many thick For­rests, till he came to Reynard's chief Castle, when scorning to go in, but resolving Rey­nard should do him the Honour to come and wait on him without, sitting on his Tail before the Gate, he lifted up his Voice, saying, Reynard, come forth to me, your Kinsman Bruin, who am come with the King's Mandate, to summon you to Court, to answer the Complaints there laid to your Charge; therefore I advise you, in a friend­ly manner, to come forth and go along with me, thereby to shun the Danger, that for the Contempt of Royal Authority, [...] further befal you.

The Fox heard this, but made no answer, till he had consulted how to be reveng'd on the Bear, whom he well-knew had no Love for him, but was rather his mortal Enemy; and having cast several things in his mind, whilst the Bear lay clamouring again for him to come out, he immediately threw open the Gates, and embracing him, said,

Dear Uncle Bruin, I am over-joy'd to see [Page 25] you; pardon, I pray you, my slowness of coming, for when you first began to call, I was in the middle of my Evening-song; and Devotion, you know, must be minded be­fore all other Business. Truly you sweat, Uncle, and seem much tir'd, pray enter in and rest you; Cou'd the King, in all his Court, sent no meaner a Servant than your noble Self (who is both Rich, and Wise, and Powerful, nearly ally'd to him in Blood) on such an unworthy Errand? I am exceeding sorry for it; but if he had not sent, I intended to have been at Court to Morrow; However, dear Uncle, since you are come, the hope of good Council I expect from you, much lessens the Weight of my Dread; only what grieves me is, I fear in accompanying you I shall be tedi­ous to you, my Body is so much distem­per'd since I have left off eating Flesh, and be taken me to a new Diet, which has grievously swell'd me.

What Meat is that, Nephew? said the Bear.

Alas, reply'd Reynard, it is of so poor a sort, that it signifies nothing for me to tell it to you; you eat of the daintiest and most costly Fare: However, not with standing this Excuse, which the Fox purposely [Page 26] made, to make the Bear mere eager to know it; he pressing him to declare what it was, Reynard told him it was Honey, of which he had found such abundance, that it could not, but in a long time, be exhausted. This made the Bear hug him­self in Joy, for there is nothing in the World, that that Creature loves more than Honey, so that many times they run the hazard of their Eyes being stung out in rifling the Treasure, both of the wild and tame Bees, by unadvisedly thrusting their Heads in a­mong 'em, when the little Creatures, find­ing the Bears shagged Skin impe [...]rable by their short Weapons, cluster about their Eyes, Nose, and Mouth, and sting them in a furious manner.

The remembrance of this, however; did not frighten Sir Bruin, for without asking whether it was in Hives or Trees, he in­stantly imbrac'd the Fox, telling him, if he would help him to as much of that lordly Fare as would suffice him, he would be his Friend for ever, and stand by him against his greatest Enemies, till he had made them silent and asham'd of their Accusations.

Upon this, the Fox having consider'd how to lay a Trap for the credulous Bear, tho' he had been per-admonish'd by his So­vereign, [Page 27] to beware of his Wiles, found an easy Advantage herein; for remembering that when he had stole a Pullet in Lanfret, the Carpenters Yard, the Night before, he perceiv'd two Wedges sticking in a mighty Oak, which being about the middle, di­vided one end to a great wideness; and, thought he, if I get the Bear to put in his Head, that I might draw out the Wedges and catch him by the Ears, I should make fine Sport.

Whilst Reynard was musing on this Pro­ject, the Bear lay urging him to declare where this Treasure was; which, he said, were he a King, he would give his Crown and Kingdom to be possessed of.

Why, truly Uncle, said Reynard, not to keep you much longer from what you de­sire, if I thought you were in earnest, I could conduct you to the Yard, where is no less there than ten Tun.

Aye; but are you in earnest, dear Cou­sin? said the Bear.

Why do you think, said Reynard, I jest in this Matter?

No, no, dear Nephew; come along; ob­lige me in this, and bind me to you for ever.

So away they went together, the Prior in expectation, and the Fox laughing in his [Page 28] Sleeve, to think how finely he should fool his Great-uncle; travelling together in di­vers Discourses till they came within sight of the House, which Reynard no sooner shew'd to Bruin, but he exceedingly re­joyc'd; and as they approach'd it, the Fox said to him in Derision, Pray, Uncle, be moderate in eating, for scuh luscious Meat will put you into a Surfeit.

Let me alone for that, said the Bear; I warrant you I know well enough how to govern my Appetite.

Well, said the Fox, Uncle, I know you are discreet; and leave it to you.

By this Time they were come into the Yard, where the Fox shew'd him the Cleft of the Tree, telling him, there were some part of the Honey; which, when he had dispatch'd, he would shew him more. The Bear, greedy of the Morsel, not mistrust­ing the Treachery of his Kinsman, thrust in his Head and Fore-feet; but whilst he was searching about, Reynard pull'd out the Wedges, and catch'd him in the Cleft.

The Bear, finding himself thus unexpect­edly surpriz'd, thro' Shame and Pain, roar'd out most hideously, so that he rais'd not only the Carpenter's Family, but upon their Cry, the Village; who came running [Page 29] with Staves, Clubs, and all sorts of Wea­pons; and, among the rest, Dame Jollock, the Parson's Wife, came running with her Distaff in her Hand; so that poor Sir Bruin was extreamly belabour'd, whilst the Fox stood at a Distance, fleering and scoffing at his Calamity: But finding his Lise in in danger by the Blows that were laid on him, he put too all his Strength, and with much strugling rent his Head and Feet out of the Cleft; yet with the loss of his Ears, part of the Skin of his Face, and most of that of his Feet: whose bloody Face, and furious Teeth, frighting the whole Assem­bly, they parted in a Lane, and gave way for him; yet follow'd, as soon as he was pass'd, with might Stroaks, till the Bear making to the River plung'd into it, and by the force of his Body, threw Dame Jollock and some others into the Water, where they floated like Shittle-cocks; to whose Relief the Priest, and others came running; the Former offering a full Pardon and Indulgence for seven Years to come, to any that would save Dame Jollock; so, at last, this occosion'd the saving of them all, and prov'd a Kindness to Sir Bruin; for whilst they were busy about it, he had [...]wam a League down the River with the [Page 30] Current; and then got on Land, to be­moan his unadvis'd trusting the Fox, after he had been forewarn'd about it; but as it happen'd he landed on the same side the Fox was on, who had just then stole a Hen out of a Farm-yard, and was going home with great Joy; concluding Bruin was dead of the Effusion of Blood that slow'd from him, and the mighty Blows he had receiv'd: but when he saw him there, he was extreamly griev'd, yet he resolv'd to scoff him, thereby to encrease his Misery, saying, How now, Uncle? it seems you would not take my Advice, but have over-eat your self; see what comes of Greediness; now, perhaps you may fall into a Surfeit, and complain of me at Court; tho' what I did was well meant, and at your earnest Desire.

A Plague take you, reply'd Sir Bruin, for your Kindness; was I able to catch you, you should dearly pay for this Trick you have put upon me: Fool that I was, to be­lieve a profess'd Villian, especially when I had so much Warning before-hand; but I hope to live to revenge this Treachery.

Well, said the Fox, that you must plot; and so fare you well.

The Bear was more grieved at these Taunts than at his Wounds, tho' the Blood [Page 31] ran suriously from his Face and Feet; but finding no Remedy, after many Groanings, he threw himself in the River again, and swam to the other side, where landing, and not being able to use his Fore-feet to go, he tumbled over Head and Heels, till he came to the Court.

The Lyon no sooner saw him in this Con­dition, but he suspected some Treachery; and demanded who durst so misuse him: Sir Bruin having taken Breath, roared out, in a piteous Tone. O my Lord, revenge me of this wicked Villian, Reynard, who has done me all this Injury and Disgrace. Then he proceeded to tell the whole Story of his Misfortune, as it had befel him.

The Royal Lyon hearing this Relation, groa [...]'d within him for Anger, saying, How durst that Villian be so hardy, as thus to abuse my Messenger, and one of so noble a Rank? By my self, I swear, it shall be reta­liated with the bloodiest Revenge that ever Traytor suffer'd, as a Warning to all others.

Then he call'd a Council, to devise how to bring his Purposes about; and after many Debates, it was concluded he should be summoned to appear; else to be Out­law'd for High Treason on his Refusal, and all his Honours and Estate confiscated.

[Page 32] Then they order'd, that Sir Tybert the Cat, who was wise and judciious, should be sent to fetch him to Court; who being call'd, and having before pleaded in Rey­nard's behalf, against the Complaint of Curtis the Hound, would fain have excus'd this Undertaking; but the King's Injucti­on being strickly laid on him to perform it, he obey'd; only saying, That if the Bear, who was of mighty Strength, had been so abus'd by him, it was not likely but his Misfortunes would be greater, as being weak; and that those who advised his Ma­jesty to send him, were his Enemies.

However, Sir Tybert went with his Sum­mons, and being on his way, a Swallow flew towards him, which is one of St. Martin's Birds, which he intreated to turn on the right Hand, but the Bird turn'd on the left, which he thought an ill Augury; yet went with heavy Cheer, till he came to Male­pardus, where he found Reynard sitting be­fore the Gate, to whom he produced his Summons.

The Fox hereupon welcom'd him with all the Blandishments and Flatteries ima­ginable, saying, I will obey it: Yet, said he, dear Cousin Tybert, after your great Travel; let me intreat you to enter my poor [Page 33] House and refresh yourself with such Pro­visions as I have, which are, indeed, but mean; and in the Morning I will go with you, for you I dearly love, and can trust; the Bear indeed was with me, but used such brutish Rudeness, that I was afraid to ac­company him, lest he should destroy me by the way: but as for you, I know you to be wise, learned, and good-natur'd; so that were I labouring under any Disease, I would put forth all my Strength to accompany you.

Well, said Tybert, I believe you; but I remember a little while since, you were talking of Provision, I must confess my te­dious Journey has rais'd an Appetite in me, pray Cousin, what have you got to eat.

Truly, replied Reynard, I am but slender­ly provided at this time, my best Fare is only a few Honey-combs and to those you shall be heartily welcome

Alas, said Sir Tybert, that's Meat too dainty and luscious for me; besides, I'm not us'd to eat of it; but if you could help me to half a dozen Mice, you would infinitely oblige me, and make me your Servant for ever,

Mice, replied Reynard, love you them so well? sure you are but in Jest, but if in Ear­nest, take no farther care, for here's a Priest [Page 34] that has a Barn hard by, where they swain in such abundance, that you and all your Kindred are not able to destroy them.

Well, said Tybert, lead me to the Place where these Delicates are, and you shall find how faithful I will ever be to you.

Follow me then, said the Fox; and so together they went to the Barn.

Now it had so fallen cut, that the Fox, the Night before, had stolen a fat Hen, and the Priest, in hopes to take him at his next coming, had placed a Gin at the entrance of the Hole, of this he was aware, and laugh'd to himself to think how the Cat would be noos'd in it; saying, Hark, Sir Tybert, how they squeak; here's the Hole, enter in, and you will not fail of having your Belly full in a few Minutes; in the mean while I will stay and watch without, that none come to interrupt you. But dear Cou­fin, be not too tedious, for I know my Wife will be impatient to see and embrace you.

Aye, but, said the Cat, do you imagine I may safely enter at this Hole? These Priests are crafty Fellows, and couch Dan­ger in the most seeming Places of Security.

O! ne'er fear it, said the Fox: Why, what will you turn Coward, and be faint­hearted? I ne'er perceiv'd this Timer ous­ness [Page 35] in you before; in Man, in, and fear no Danger.

Upon this the Cat sprung in, and was immediately taken in the Gin, which Dan­ger he no sooner perceived, but he would a sprung out again, which drew it so close, that he was almost strangl'd, struggling and crying out bitterly: All this while, Reynard was a Lo [...]ker on, greatly rejoycing and scoffing in thin manner: Hah. Cousin Ty­best, have you laid hold on the Mice? I hope they are fat, for your sake; methinks you sing merrily at your Meat; Pray is it the Court-fashion? If the Priest knew you was there, he would afford you such Sauce to your Meat, the [...]ke you never tasted before: I wish the Wolf was here, and coupl'd with you, then your Mewing and his How [...]g, would make a curious Con­sort for the Bear to dance to.

The Cat all this while, making a sloun­cing to and fro, to get loose, awak'd the Parson; who, supposing it had been the Fox that had been taken, alarm'd his whole Family, and ordering Dame Jollock, his Wife, to light up an Offering-candle, he leap'd out of Bed, and run down Stairs, being follow'd by Martinet his Son, and o­thers, who laid so unmercifully on Tybert, [Page 36] that they not only wofully bruis'd him, but Martinet, thinking at one Blow to de­prive him of Life, beat out one of his Eyes, which the Cat perceiving, and finding what danger he was in, taking a desperate Leap between the naked Priest's Legs, with his Claws and Teeth caught hold of his Geni­tals, and brought 'em clear away, which made him a perfect Eunuch; this Dame Jol­lock seeing, cry'd out most pitiously, and swore she had rather have lost ten Years Offerings, than one small Morsel of those precious Jewels; cursing her hard Misfor­tune, and the time that ever the Gin was plac'd there, to occasion this Loss and Sor­row; saying to her Son, See Martinet, thy Father's Delight, and my Jewel, taken a­way by the cursed Cat, so that now it is quite spoil'd; and tho' he may be reco­ver'd, and live long, yet he can never be recover'd to my Satisfaction, or be any ways useful to me; but it is spoil'd to his Shame, and my utter Loss; O Woe is me!

Whilst she thus lamented, the Parson fell down in a Swound; while Reynard lay fleer­ing at a distance, saying, Dame Jollock, be not so griev'd, there is many a Chapel has but one Bell in it, and that is sufficient to call the good Wives together: here is something [Page 37] yet left, therefore be not so discontented.

Now it so happen'd, whilst they were reviving the Priest from the Swound his Pain and Anguish had put him into, one rubbing his Temples, another running for Holy-water to sprinkle his Face, and the rest very busy about him, that Sir Tybert took the opportunity to gawn the Cord in sunder, and give 'em the slip; which the Fox seeing, much griev'd that he had es­cap'd; he rerurning to Melapardus, and the Cat, in that miserable plight, to the Court, there to complain of Reynard's Treachery.

The King was exceedingly enrag'd upon hearing and beholding what had happen'd to his second Messenger, thro' the Fox's Villany, vowing a cruel Revenge, and call'd a Council how to contrive it, so that he might be brought to speedy Justice. But, here Grimbard the Brock, Reynard's Kins­man, once more persum'd to interpose on his behalf: saying, May it please my Lord, Tho' my Uncle were more Wicked than these Complaints make him, yet there are sufficient Remedies against his Mischiefs: Therefore if you proceed to Justice, I be­seech your Majesty it may be done as ap­pertains to one of his Rank, which is, to give him a third Summons, and then, upon [Page 38] his Refusal to Appear, you may pronounce Judgment and Sentence of Death against him.

Upon this the King stornly demanded of the Brock, if he knew any one that world trust him, seeing two of his faithful Servants had been betray'd already to the hazard of their Lives.

That will I, said Grimbard, if your Highness pleases to command it; and no doubt but I shall bring him with me.

Then the King ordered him to prepare for his Journey; and above all things, to take heed to his Safety: and so the Coun­cil broke up.

Moral.] This sheweth, that the Brook being disgrac'd for standing up for his Kinsman, gave not over to vindicate him; so some Men, innocent 'emselves, think all so, and run 'emselves into Hazards, by vindicating their vicious Actions. The King's decently buiying the Hin, shew the Effects of a good Disposition to the Injured, in giving what present Satisfaction they can. In the Bear's Readiness to fetch the Fox, we find those that hate us, will take hold of any Advan­tage to do us Mischief, tho' they run a Hazard in doing it; as we find by his being intrapped by the Fox's Cunning, with a feigned Bait of Ho­ney. [Page 39] By the Cat's going unwillingly, signifies Prudence not to venture upon an Undertaking a­gainst cunning crafty Men, lest we be unadvisedly ensnared, as the Cat was in hopes of Mice.

CHAP. III.

EArly the next Morning Grimbard, the Brock, took leave of the King, and went on his Journey to Malepardus, where [Page 40] he found Reynard and Ermilin his Wife play­ing with their Young; and when they had saluted one another, he said, Dear Uncle, take heed to your self, almost ever one at Court is against you, and your Death will certaintly ensue, with those of your Wife and Children; also the Destruction of this your fair Palace and other Edifices, if you speedily appear not to vindicate your self; which if you do, upon this third Summons, you will foil your Adversaries, and put 'em to Silence; for you know better how to plead your own Cause then any one; you have pass'd thro' many Dangers, and came off with Safety: then do not incense the King in standing out, but go along with me.

I fear not, replied Reynard, and there­fore will go to Court; not to answer to Crimes, but because I know it stands in need of my Council; nor do I doubt to make my Defence, and shame my Accusers.

Accusers, indeed, in Men absence are bold, said the Brock, but when they come Face to Face, they have little to say to 'em.

Hereupon Reynard, being about to de­part, address'd him to his Wife, saying, Dame Ermilin, take care of my Children, Reynardine and Rossel, and doubt not, but, if I escape, I shall make quick returu to you.

[Page 41] Then he took his leave, and went with the Brock, leaving them Weeping, and in great Heaviness for his Departure.

Reynard and Grimbard had not gone a­bove a Mile on their way, before the Fox sighed grievously, and appear'd very pen­sive; of which Alteration the Brock de­manding the Reason, the Fox fetching a deeper Sigh than before, replied, Dear Nephew, since I am going to venture my Life, and some things lie heave on my Con­science, it is but reasonable to disburthen myself of 'em, and confess 'em to you, that so, according to your Wisdom, you being in Orders, may absolve me of them, that I may speak the more boldly, when I come to make my Defence.

Content, said the Brock, so that for the future you'll become a true Penitent.

This the Fox promis'd, and began to make his Confession: I have, said he, griev­ously offended against almost all Creatures: Bruin the Bear, was brought near unto Death by me; Tybert the Cat I likewise snar­ed, and caus'd to lose his Eye; Chanticleer I have abused, and devoured many of his Children; nay the King and Queen have not been free from my Malice; the Wolf I have injur'd many ways, calling him Un­cle, [Page 42] the better to delude him into Danger, tho' he is not any ways akin to me, no part of his filthy Blood running in my Veins, however, by this Decoy, I gain'd so upon his Easiness, as to make him believe he was exceeding learned, and that I would prefer him to be a Parish clerk, which he joyfully hearkening to, I told him, the first Step to it was to toll the Bell: Well, he desired me that I would teach him to do it; so finding out Day the Chappel-door careles­ly left open, I fasten'd his Foot to a Bell­rope, when making a Jangling with the Bell, the Vill ge rose upon him and almost mur­der'd him; I taught him to catch Fish with his Tail in the frosty Weather; and led him to a rich Priest's House to steal Bacon, where feeding so unreasonably that he could not get out at the Hole he enter­ed, I snatch'd a Hen from the Priest's Ta­ble and running away with it, dropt it where the Wolf was, where my Pursuers found him, and having, as they thought, beat him to Death, they dragg'd him out and threw him into a Ditch; where not­withstanging, he revived, and crawl'd home with broken Bones, cursing me all the way; But the more the Fox is curs'd, the better he thrives; for I catch'd by the [Page 43] way a Stubble-goose, and putting her up into my Mail, went to Malepardus, and made merry with my Wife and Children: Another time I led him to a Place where I told him, there was seven Hens and a Cock, which indeed there was before I had stole [...], and convey'd them to my Den, and there I thrust him on a Trap-door, so that he fell down into the House many Stories, raised the Family, who crying out; The Wolf, the Wolf, rose with Tongs and Sho­vels, and so belabour'd him, that had he not escaped at a Door, left open by Care­lesness, they had there ended his Life. Thus at sundry times I've brought him to the Brink of the Grave: yet, like a true Fox, can deny it upon the account of any Dan­ger to my self, as confidently as if I had never seen him in all my Life: I have of­fended Dame Arsewind his Wife, of which I must likewise repent, tho' I am now a­sham'd before you, who are a very modest Person, to express the manner of it:

Nay, said Grimbard, if you make your Shrift imperfectly, I know not how to allot your Pennance, and absolve you.

Truly, reply'd the Fox, I've often lain with her; first by force, when I perswaded her to thrust her Head and Fore-feet into [Page 44] a Yoak, telling her it was a Nun's Veil and that I'd teach her to sing her Ave Mary and afterwaads often by her Consent, since she has been married to Isgrim; and now I've told you all; order me my Pennance.

Well, said Grimbard, break of that Ha­zel-wand with your Teeth. Which the Fox readily did; then said the Brock, Give yourself three Stripes on the Body. With this he also complied; then said the Brock Lay it down and leap over it, without bowing your Legs thrice. This he did likewise. Now, said Grimbard, there re­mains but one thing more, and I absolve you, and that is, take it up and kiss it gent­ly, in token of your Repentance and Hu­mility.

This done, the Brock absolved him of his Murders, Thefts and other Crimes to that Day: So that the Fox exceedingly re­joyced, not that he fancied it signified any thing, but that it being told at Court, might stand him in stead with the Over­credulous, and beget in them a better O­pinion of him for the future. Yet for all this, Reynard could not long dislemble, for as they passed by a Nunnery where many Geese and Pullen were straggling on the Common, he leap'd at a fat Hen, but she [Page 45] struggled and got away from him, leaving him only his Mouth full of Feathers; for which the Brock extreamly chid him, put­ting him in mind of what he had lately pro­mised; but it signified little, for till they were out of sight, he looked back and kept his Eyes on them, his Chops watring after [...] dainty a Morsel; for which, when the Brock again chid him; he replied,

Dear Nephew, you do me Injury, for I was only looking towards yon holy Place, and saying a Placedo for all the Souls of the Hens, Geese, Ducks, &c. that have been wounded and devoured by me.

Ah, said Grimbard, I am afraid you are of the Nature of the Cat in the Fable, whom [...] young Man so intirely loved, that he prayed in the Temple of Venus, till, for his sake, the Goddess turned her into a Wo­ [...]han; but no sooner was she in Bed with her Bridegroom, in the height of Joy and Delight, but seeing a Mouse on the Floor, [...]he leaped from her Husband's Arms to [...]ursue her, forgetting how she was chang­ed and designed for other things; which so [...]nraged Venus, that she transformed her a­ [...]ain into her former Likeness. You are [...]ise, Uncle, and can make a Moral Con­struction of this; fit to be applied to your [Page 46] present Circumstance; therefore be cauti­ous, and well consider your Ways for the future.

Whilst this Discourse continued, they came within sight of the Court, which made Reynard tremble; however, he resolv'd to face the Storm; and so, with the Por­ter's leave, they entered the Gates of the Royal Palace of Sanden.

No soone was the Fox's Arrival known, but all the Beasts whom he had injur'd pre­pared to exhibit their Complaints against him, but as he passed thro' Troops of 'em, he kept his Countenance, without any sign of Fear, or Regard of their threatning Looks, as if he had been the innocentest Creature in the World. When he came be­fore the King, who sat in a Chair of State. his Queen on the right Hand, and his Coun­sellors about him, he fell on his Knees, craving the Blessing of Heaven and Earth on their Majesties and all their Royal Pro­geny, wishing them Success, Health and Victory, with many other flattering Ex­pressions, to curry Favour; but they were little minded by any, as knowing they pro­ceeded rather from Fear than Reverence or Re pect; hovever, he thus craftily be­gan to excuse himself:

[Page 47] I do not doubt, most gracious Sovereign, [...]t tho' I am the truest of all Servants to our Majesty, yet I am envied for it by ma­ [...]y in this Court, who labour to rise by my [...]ll; yet tho' Flatterers always look in Prin­ces Courts with their false Tales, and set [...], to abusy Royal Ears, yet your Majesty is known to be of a more discern­ing Judgment than so to be imposed on; herefore I doubt not but those who would [...]us [...] you with unjust Complaints against [...] your faithful Servant, will be brought [...] deserved Shame.

He would have proceeded, but the King [...]grily interrupting him said, Hold your [...]eace, Traytor; I know, by Dissimulation and fair Speeches you would evade your punishment, and lay Crimes to the Charge [...]f others; but your Blandishments will [...]ot now avail you, you have too often de­ [...]ved me, and broken the Peace I strictly [...]mmanded to be inviolably kept.

Then all present began to cry out against [...] Fox of the several Injuries he had done [...]em; but the Lyon commanded Silence, [...]nd thus proceeded: Thou wicked Wretch, [...]ost thou see how many accuse thee? and [...]arest thou pretend to be Innocent? With [...]hat Face can'st thou say thou art my [Page 48] faithful Servant, since so often you have wilfully broken my Commands? But a se­vere Punishment hangs over thy Head.

Alas replied the Fox, I see many powerful Enemies here, who, by their rash Unadvisedness, or covetous Inclinations, have rushed into Mis­fortunes, and now are prepared with Malice e­nough to lay the Fault on me: Could I help it, if Sir Bruin got a bloody Pate by his greedy Search after Honey in the Carpenter's Yard? Had [...] had any regard of your Majesty's Affairs, [...] would have immediately returned to give an Ac­count of his Errand, and not, by preferring his own Advantage, fallen into the Hands of Men who so misused him. As for the Cat, his Fault was the same, to prefer a few silly Mice before your Interest, or the Regards of your Commands; and tho' being took in the Priest's Barn in a Gin, he lost an Eye, yet by biting off the Priest's Ge­nitals, he has disappointed all the young Women in the Parish, who used to be refreshed with that most comfortable Morsel: These Injuries the Bear and Cat received, were none of my Offence it is plain, but sought by themselves. But you, my gracious Lord, may do your Pleasure with your humble Slave who has no other Hope against such powerful Opponents, but in your Royal Cle­mency, tho' my Death is too mean a Sacrifice for your Anger, and can yield you little Profit; yet [Page 49] whatever you determine, I shall patiently submit to.

When Reynard had proceeded thus far, Bellin the Ram, and Oseway the Ewe, stept from among the Crowd, and humbly be­sought the King, that they might have a fair Hearing; and so did some hundreds more who had been injuried by him, all with one Cry imploring Justice against him. This made Reynard look pale, especially when he found the King was no longer to be won on his side, for he caused him immediately to be arrested, and upon plain Proof of many notorious Crimes, by several credible Wit­nesses against him, Sentence was passed up­on him, That he should be executed on a Pair of Gallows of twenty Foot high [...] which Sentence was immediately recorded.

This made Sir Reynard look very melan­choly and dejected, especially because the King had strictly commanded, that none of his Friends should interceed for his Pardon; but his Enemies greatly rejoyced, as not doubting but they should now be revenged on him; which made the Brock, and others of his Blood, seeing they could do him no Good, retire from Court, discontented, which the King observing, said to his Council, It is needful that we take mature De­liberation [Page 50] on this weighty Matter; For the Fox has Faults, that have created him many Ene­mies, yet I perceive his Virtue has chain'd to him close many fast Friends.

Whilst the King was thus discoursing, the Cat, impatient of Revenge, urg'd the Wolf and the Bear to hasten Reynard's Exe­cution, alledging, the Night was at hand, and then he would give them the slip, and escape into some Hole, Bush or Brake, where they should not, without great Difficulty, if at all, recover him: Besides, Sir Isgrim, consider it was by his means your two Bro­thers were hang'd some Years since, where the Gallows is yet standing; let us convey him thither.

At this Reproach Isgrim grew very angry, [...]et resolved to be reveng'd; they lead him [...]the Bear before and the Wolf behind) to [...]e place of Execution, where Tybert, who [...]as appointed Hangman, had got with the [...]ozed Rope; and there when the King, Queen, and Nobles had plac'd them on [...]affolds, to see his last, they rais'd the [...]dder, and the Cat let him to the middle [...]it with the Rope about his Neck; when [...]rning to that side the King and Queen [...] on, he said, Now I am in great Sorrow, [...]rounded with the Terrors of Death, tho' I [Page 51] have seen my Father die this way with much Gentleness, yet as a poor dying Wretch, all I intreat is, That I may disburthen my Conscience, and open the Secrets of my Heart, to die with the more Ease, that I may not be disturbed in my Grave, by going out of the World with any thing that may be burthensome to my Conscience.

This Request was thought reasonable by all, and the King thereupon giving Reynard leave to speak; after fetching a deep sigh, he thus proceeded: Alas! I see few here whom I have not offended in a grievous manner, tho' in my Youth I was accounted Vertuous; but playing with Lambs, at last I fortunated to bite one, and tasting the sweetness of his Blood, I could not forbear till I had murthered many, this carried me likewise among the Goats, to destroy many of their Kids, then I fell upon Hens, Geese, &c. and so by degrees my Crimes encreased to greater matters, till roving in the Winter, I met with Sir Isgrim, who lay in a hollow Tree almost famish'd, and made him believe he was my Uncle, declaring unto him my Pedigree, so that he seem'd to be very glad of his Kindred; and from that Day (which I am bound to curse) I struck a League of Friendship with him, and we together murthered many of your noble Sub­jects, the lesser not being sufficient for his hun­gry Maw, as, Bucks, Does, Rams, Ews, and [Page 52] the like; of which I had, to my present Grief, but a very slender Share; not that I wanted it, but to see his Ingratitude, who set for him all Game; for then I had, and still have, more Treasure then ten Carts can carry.

When the King heard him speak of such great Riches, he interrupted him, and com­manded him to declare how he came by it; as being desirous to be possessed of it: To which the Fox replied, My Lord, this Wealth indeed was stole, and had it not been so it had cost you your Life, which Heaven desend from the bloody Designs of your Enemies. When the Queen heard him say so, she started, saying,

Reynard, I command you to conceal no­thing of this dangerous Conspiracy against the Life of my dear Lord.

To which he replied, Must gracious Lady, I think it well becomes me, in this case, to disbur­then my Conscience, that I may go out of the World with more Peace of Mind: Certain it is that the King should have been murdered by his own Subjects; and tho' many of the Conspirators are my near Kindred, yet, as a dying Wretch, for whom no hopes of Life do remain, I will not spare to discover 'em or the publick Good, in the Preservation of your Majesties, who had e'er this time been deposed and murdered, had it not been prevented by my means; and hereupon he [Page 53] looked so pitifully, that the Queen entrea­ted the King, that the Fox might have Liberty to make the matter more plain; which being granted, and Silence com­manded, he again proceeded.

Some Years since my Father searching the Earth in a strange Hiddernes [...], happen'd to find the Treasure of King Ermerick, consisting of Jewels, Silver, Gold and other rich things, whereupon he grete proud, and held in Contempt all the Beasts of the Forest; then calling Sir Tybert to him, he ordered him to go to the Forest of Arden, and seek out Sir Bruin, with Letters, wherein he acquainted him with his good Fortune, and tendered his Fealty to him, saying, If he should come to him, he would make him King and set your Royal Crown upon his Head; which he, who is the most ambitious of all Creatures, delayed not to come, and then they sent for Grimbard my Nephew, and Isgrim, and many others, so that the Conspiracy grew strong, and divers were sent out to levy Forces to be paid with the Treasure my Father had sound, which they secretly listed in great Numbers, throughout your Dominions; but while they thought to bring their wicked Purposes to an Issue, Grimbard, at one of their Feasts being fluster'd with Wine, declared all to Dame Slopard his Wife, and tho' he commanded her Secresie on [Page] Pain of her Life, yet, affrighted at such horrid Treasons, she could not long conceal it, but tol all to my Wife Ermelin, as they were passing over a Heath, saying their Ava Maria; and tho' she savore her to Secresie by the three Kings of Cullen, yet she could not refrain to reveal it to me in a great Consternation: Nor was I less astonish'd when I heard it, my Heart sunk down as cold as Lead; yet I made it my Business to Counter-Plot my Father, and so narrowly watch'd him, to find where his Treasure lay, (and pre­serve your Majesty) that one Day I see him come out of a Hole, looking every Way, to see the Coast clear, and I being unseen of him, he threw in the Earth, and smooth'd it over with his Tail, going immediately to the Conspirators, to tell 'em all was safe.

The Night was no sooner come, but I brought my Wife and Children to the Place, and with infinite Labour we remov'd it to another Place, which Loss, wh [...] my Father came to understand, [...] knowing how to recover it again, he, thro' Shame, Anger, and Vexation, hang'd himself; which I contentedly could behold, for the Preser­vation of your Majesties Lives; for when the rest heard of this Disaster, and the Loss of the Treasure that should pay their Forces, they dis­banded their Armies, and broke up their Con­sultation with great Confusion.

[Page 55] Thus, by my Policy, the Bear was frustrated from placing himself in your Royal Throne, tho' from this good Service to your Crown and Digni­ty sprung all my Miseries, by making myself such potent Enemies, whose Malice has persecuted me to the Gates of Death, whilst they, who would have destroyed you, are of your Privy Council, trampling on me who am fallen into Misery and Disgrace, for doing that, which by my Allegiance I was bound to do. And here he ended very sad and pensive, tho' in his Mind he was otherways, as knowing this feigned Story would work his Deliverance, and gain Ad­vantage over his Enemies.

Moral] By the Brock's being sent, shews when others are endanger'd, to try such as the vicious Party has a Kindness for, or will appear in his Vindication, that they may either prevail, or run the Hazard of their own Folly. His Shrift to him, shews Hypocrisie, and a seeming Religion when in Danger, that those who are innocent may pity and stand by 'em, being deceived by their specious Pretences of reforming their Lives, yet are so habitually wicked, they cannot long conceal it, as appears by the Fox's catching at the Capon, &c. His Excuses at Court, shews when Men are in Danger, they will not stick at any Falshood to free themselves, as by the Fox's feigned Trea­sure appears.

CHAP. IV.

THE Fox by his Dissembling Speech ha­ving possessed the King with hopes of gaining vast Sums of Treasure, and how he had befriended him in preventing the Treachery designed against him, he caused [Page 57] him immediately to be taken down from the Gallows, and questioned him where the great Riches he spoke of was, who told him it was hid by him in a Wilderness call'd Hulsterlo, under the bottom of a Beech-tree, by the side of the River Creck­neypet, that runs thro' the Wilderness. At this the Lion stared on him as if he be­lieved it not; saying, he had heard of most Places in the World, as well Cities and Towns, as Forests and Rivers, but never heard of these. O my Lord, replied the Fox, as I am a dying Creature, unless your Mercy be extended to me, it is certainly true; and if my Words gain no belief, even Keyward the Hare, tho' he declares him­self, without Cause my Enemy, if he be sworn, will give you an Account of the Wilderness and River. Then was Keyward call'd and put to his Oath to answer no­thing but the Truth to such Questions as should be demanded of him. Then said the Fox, Keyward, let not Prejudice hinder you to answer my Question, Know you Creck­neypit? Yes, very well, replied the Hare, it is a great River that runs thro' the Wilder­ness of Hulsterlo, where Father Simony the Monk, was taken coming false Money, ma­ny Years before Ringwood the Hound and I [Page] scrap'd Acquaintance: I may well remem­ber it, for there I have endured many bit­ter Winters. Upon giving this Testimony he was ordered to withdraw. Then said the Fox, May my Relation be now credi­ted? Yes, Reynard, said the King, and I intreat you to excuse my Jealousie, which could not be less, since you have so many times deceived me; but, however, it will be convenient that you go with me, and shew me the Place. Alas, said Reynard, I should be proud to attend upon your Ma­jesty, and the willingest Creature in the World to do it, had I not Yesterday made a Vow if I escaped with Life and Liberty, I would immediately take a Pilgrimage to Rome to be absolv'd of the Pope's Curse, which I lay under, for perswading the Wolf to run away from a Monastery where he had enter'd himself a Monk, upon his complaining to me that he was almost fa­mished for want of Food, tho' indeed he eat as much as six; and from thence I in­tend to pass to Jerusalem, and to mortifie myself by Fasting and doing good Works, that I may wash off the Stains my Crimes have fixed on me. Well, replied the King, if such a Vow be upon you, and you under the Censure of the Church, you shall not [Page 59] accompany me, but depart and perform what you have promised: I will take Key­ward the Hare and some others with me, who may direct me as well.

The Fox greatly rejoyced at this; and the Conference was no sooner over, but the King and Queen mounted on a Scaffold, in sight of all Beasts present, placing the Fox between 'em, and Silence being commanded the Lion thus began: All you my Subjects, who are here assembled, give good Atten­tion to what I shall say: In Reynard I find no Fault, or at least such as he has repen­ted of; therefore I constitute him one of my supream Ministers in State-affairs, and of my Houshold the chief Officer, freely acquitting him of all his Trespasses, and consigning to him a general Pardon for all Crimes committed by him to this very Moment; and therefore command you, up­on your Allegiance, to do to him, his Wife and Children, that Reverence as is due to their Characters; for he is going a Pilgrimage to Rome to repent him of his Sins, and obtain the Pope's Absolution.

When the Wolf, Bear and Cat heard this, they were much griev'd that his Flatteries and Lies had prevail'd against the Truth; so that the Wolf could not forbear com­plaining [...] [Page] [...] [Page 59] [Page 60] against the Fox to the King, with such Arrogance, that being seconded in the manner by the Bear, it was taken so heinou­sly, that they were both arrested for High-Treason, and bound hand and foot, so that they could not stir from the Place where they lay; afterward they were cast into a Dungeon, which not only overjoyed the Fox, that his Project had taken so well, but struck the rest of his Enemies with such Fear, that they immediately departed; yet here he stopped not, but petitioned the Queen to have as much of the Bear's Skin as would make a Male; as also to have the Wolf's two Foreshoes, and his Wife's Hin­der shoes, to keep his Feet from the Stones and and Gravel which were taken from them with great Pain and Danger of their Lives; yet notwithstanding the intolerable Pain, they durst not revile the treacherous Fox, who had been the Occasion of their Miseries.

When Reynardine had greas'd and fitted on his Shoes, he desired that his Staff might be blessed and delivered to him according to the Use of Pilgrims; which the King com­manded the Ram to do, as also to say Mass over him before he departed; but he refu­sed it, because he was under the Pope's [Page 61] Curse, unless the King would secure him a­gainst the Bishop and Ordinary; but when he saw the Lion angry, he trembl'd for Fear, and immediately sung Mass over the Fox, who little regarded it, more than to have the Honour of it; then giving Bene­diction to his Staff and Male, he deliver'd it to him; so the Lion and all the Beasts at­tended the Fox part of his Way, who seem­ed loath to depart, tho' inwardly he desir'd nothing more than to be rid of their At­tendance; so that he intreated the King to return for his Health's sake, and to prevent the Danger that might happen if the Wolf and Bear should get loose and raise Tu­mults and Commotions; so taking solemn Leave, the King return'd with all the Beasts, except Keyward and Sir Bellin, whom Rey­nard perswaded to go further with him; so, by degrees, with pleasant Tales and Dis­courses, he drill'd 'em by unknown Ways, to Malepardus, that being his furthest in­tended Pilgrimage; and now he was fully resolved to be revenged on the Hare for ac­cusing him to the King; wherefore at the Gate of his Palace, he said, Sir Bellin, if you'll but stay a little here, I and Keyward will step in a few Moments, and take Leave of my Wife and Children, where he shall be Witness [Page 62] to a few Passages and Vows between us, that if either break 'em, the Law may inflict due Pu­nishment; so going in, they found the She­fox and her young Ones at their Ease; yet she no sooner see Reynard return in Safety, but leaping up, she run to embrace him, and ask of his Welfare, and how he sped at Court; which he told her from Point to Point, with all the Honour that had been done him, how he had left the Bear and Wolf in Prison, and deceived the King; and, as for this Keyward he's my Enemy, and has vehemently accused me, and I have decoyed him hither, to take Revenge, and feast on his Carcase.

Keyward no sooner heard this, but he trembled, and cried to Bellin for Help; but Reynard soon caught him by the Throat, and stopped his Noise, so they eat him up all but the Head, which the Fox saved to ensnare the Ram's Life.

After they had merrily breakfasted on poor Keyward's Carcase, the Fox declared to his Wife, That this Fact known at Court, would make all be disbelieved he had said, and then speedy Search would be made after him: therefore if she would a­gree to it, he thought fit, for both their Safeties, to change the Place of their A­boad, [Page 63] and live Incognito, but she urged so many Reasons against it, that he resolved not to remove.

Whilst these things passed within, Bellin was without waiting, with much impatience for the Hare's Return, that they might go back to Court, and therefore call'd aloud for him to come forth; whereupon the Fox went to him, and said, Good Sir Bellin, be not angry, for Keyward is so engag'd in Dis­course with his Aunt, he cannot leave her, nor can she as yet part with him, her Love is so great to him; but if you will be pleas'd to go a softly Pace before, you know he is light, and will easily overtake you be­fore you have travelled many Miles. Nay, said the Ram, but, if I mistake not, I heard Keyward piteously cry out, Murder. Alas, replied the Fox, then you are mistaken in­deed; can you so much as fancy he can re­ceive any Hurt under my Roof? far be that Thought from you: True it is, there is some thing in it; you might hear him cry indeed, for when I told my Wife the long and dan­gerous Pilgrimage I had undertaken, she swounded away for Grief; whereupon Key­ward, thro' the great Affection he bears her, fearing she would have dy'd, cry'd out, O! Sir Bellin, help, help, my Aunt dies: [Page 64] but soon she was revived to his and my un­speakable Joy, whereupon he left crying. But letting these things pass, you remem­ber I promis'd to send the King Letters be­fore my Departure, which all this while I have been writing, and must intreat you, dear Cousin, to carry.

I would be your Friend in this, said the Ram, but I am, as you see, unprovided of any thing to put 'em in, and to carry 'em in my Mouth would look ridiculous. Well, said the Fox, for this trouble not yourself, you shall have my Mail, which you may hang about your Neck, and carry with lit­tle trouble; they are so well penn'd that you will gain Credit by 'em, if not Prefer­ment; I am consent you should have the Praise of 'em, and say you dictated the Words, whilst I writ them down. This made the silly Ram, who was ambitious, greatly to rejoyce; so the Mail, with mur­dered Keyward's Head in it, was hung a­bout his Neck, and so he took his Leave, flattering himself with the conceived Hopes of Advancement all the way he went to Court, considering many ignorant Persons, who have had the Vanity to attribute the Labours of others to 'emselves, have m [...] with Advancement; and why might not we be of that Number?

[Page 65] When he came to Court almost breath­less for haste, he found the King sitting a­mongst his Nobles, discoursing of Reynard's Pilgrimage, many pitying him for his tedi­ous Journey he had undertaken, and ap­plauded him for his Reformation from a wicked, to a virtuous Life; but when the Lion say the Bear's Skin-mail about the Ram's Neck, with something weighty in it, he wondered, and the more, because he came without the Hare; and thereupon demanded where he left the Fox: My Lord, replied he, I attended him to his House, and from thence I brought these Letters, which, indeed are of my own indicting, tho' my Cousin writ them over, and recom­mended them to your Majesty, not doubt­ing but they'll give your Highness great Satisfaction.

The King commanded Bocart his Secre­tary to take off the Mail, open it, and read the Letters with a laudible Voice; but in­stead of Letters, he had no sooner put his Hand therein, but he drew out murdered Keyward's Head, which struck the whole Assembly into a great Consternation; and the Ram seeing how he was imposed on, trembled, and fell on his Knees, craving Mercy. The King having by this time re­cover'd [Page 66] himself from his Amaze, with an angry Voice, his Eyes sparkling like Light­ning, said, How blinded was I in my Un­derstanding, e'er to credit this Traytor Reynard, who under all his fair Speeches, covers Malice and Mischief. Whereupon he groan'd terribly, and hung down his Head for Anger and Shame to be so im­posed on, as likewise did the Queen; which Sir Firelapel the Libbard, who sat next to the King, perceiving, thus began:

Let not Sorrow come near your High­ness's Heart for this trayterous Deed, but keep it for nobler Purposes: Are not you Lord of the Forests, and all your Subjects in your Power to punish as you please? To this the King replied, Dear Cousin, such unexpected Mischef and Disgrace as this cannot but touch me near; I am, to my Shame, betrayed by a base Villian, whom I too fondly, and against Reason, credited, one who has made me do Injury to my best Friends, and even those of my Blood, as is testified in what I have unad­visedly done to the Wolf and Bear on his Accusation, and my Queen's Perswasions, which will stick as a Stain and Reproach on me for ever.

Let not your Majesty say so, replied the [Page 67] Libbard, you stand above all Injuries, and your Smiles can easily cure the Wounds you have made, the Recompences you are able to give, are sufficient to reward those that may complain: If the Bear and Wolf have been injured by Reynard's false Accusations, there is a present way before you to make them amends: since the Ram has confess'd himself a Party with Reynard in Keyward's Death, owned he indicted the Letters, which in plain Terms was murdering the Hare, for no better Construction can be made of it, seeing he has audaciously brought his Head to your Majesty, let him and his Lineage be given to them as a Prey: And for Reynard, tho he is not in your Power at present, yet we will go and be­siege his Castle, take him thence by force, and bring him bound to your Majesty, to do with him as you shall think fit.

This Council highly pleas'd the King, who immediately sent the Libbard to fetch Sir Bruin and Sir Isgrim from Prison, where they lay in Chains, expecting every Hour the Sentence of Death; but Sir Firelapel no sooner pronounced their Pardon, but those Fears vanished, they rejoyed when he told them the King was not only sorry for their Punishment he had caused to be inflicted [Page 68] on 'em, but as a Recompence, had deliver'd into their Power the Ram and his whole Lineage, to devour and destroy at their Pleasure, where-ever they met 'em for e­ver; as also to hunt and destroy Reynard the Fox, and all his Lineage where-ever they should find him or them; and for which Privilege they should receive Letters Pa­tents under the Royal Signet, not to be revok'd, if they kept their Fealty inviola­ble; upon these Terms, coming into the King's Presence, they were received into Favour again, so that at the King's Com­mand. Bellin was immediately slain, and af­ter him, they went out and destroyed a great many of his Kindred, as well sucking Lambs, as Ewes, and so continue to per­secute them to this Day.

Now upon this Reconciliation great Fea­sting was made at Court, which continued many Days, to which resorted all Beasts, and as many Birds as were in Friendship with the King; but the Fox he kept close, and would not be present, though he was cited, so that all manner of Recreations were to be seen there: But during this, came Laprel, the Coney, with a grievous Complaint against Reynard, That whereas he was passing by Malepardus, and percei­ving [Page 69] him standing in the Habit of a Pilgrim at the Gate, supposing to have passed peaceably by him, he leap'd on him at un­awares, and struck him such a violent Blow between the Head and Shoulders, that he fell down, and had he not suddenly reco­vered, and leaped from between Reynard's Claws, tho' very much wounded, he had there devour'd him.

The Coney had no sooner made an end of his Complaint, and pray'd Justice, but Corbant the Rook came flying before the King with a piteous Noise, saying, I be­seech your Majesty to hear and revenge my Wrongs on bloody Reynard; for so it hap­pened that this Morning, Sharpbeak my Wife, leaving our young Ones in a neigh­bouring Wood, flew to the Heath to seek some Food for 'em, where, to our great Amazement, we saw Reynard lie stretched on the Ground like a dead Carcase, his Tongue lolling out of his Mouth, and his Eyes fix'd and staring; who, Wo is me! my Wife in her Simplicity, laying her Head to his Mouth, to hear if she could perceive him Mouth, to hear if she could perceive him breath, the treacherous Dissembler, who had put himself into that Posture to move our Compassion, and draw us with­in his, reach, leap'd up on a sudden, and [Page 70] catching hold of her Neck, bit her Head off: Whereupon, affrighted, I flew into the Air, or else, with the same Greediness, he had taken me along with her, but get­ting to a Tree, I there sat secure, tho' in great Sorrow to see him devour her Body; which done, he went away; then flew I with doleful Cries to the Place, and ga­thered up all her Remains, which were only these Feathers, which I brought be­fore your Majesty, as a Testimonial of her Murther.

The Moral.] By the Honour the King did the Fox, shews, that great Ones may be deceived by specious Pretences, especially if they are cove­tiously given, as the Lion's Hopes of gaining the Treasure made him acquit Reynard, whom, a little before, he had justly condemned. By the Misery he put the Wolf and Bear to, signifies be sudden Turn of Affairs, and how to com­plain unseasonably brings Mischief. His slaying the Hare, and sending his Head by the Ram, [...]en [...]tes, innocent Persons are betrayed into Mis­chief unadvisedly under specious Pretences of Friendship. The Complaints of the Coney and [...]ook, a wicked Habit in the Fox.

CHAP. V.

THE King, upon these new Complainrs and Villanies, was so mov'd against [...]ard, that he vow'd the bloodiest Re­ [...]ge that ever Creature fell under, from [...]ch all his Flatteries shou'd never be able [...]eliver him: Is this, said he, his Pilgri­mage [Page 72] to Rome, and the Holy Land? For this did he procure his Shooes and Scrip, to the hazard of my Friends Lives? Well, he shall dearly rue it: tho', indeed, I should never have believ'd him, but for the Per­swasions of my Queen. When he had thus said, with a stern Countenance, he com­manded his Nobles to give Counsel, so that his Honour might in this Case be sav'd, and his Fame not evil spoken of. At this the Bear and Wolf greatly rejoy'd, as still thirsting after Revenge; yet they kept Silence. expecting others to speak first; but none doing it, the King grew exceed­ing angry, looking grimly on them, till the Queen said, Sir, It's no part of Royal Wisdom to protest, or believe any thing till the Matter be made apparent there­fore you ought to have both your Ears open in this Case, as well to the Complain­ants, as Complained; so that weighing the Cause in Equity, you may the better do Justice: And however I may have err'd in persuading you to any thing in Favour of him, I am thus far sure, that it will be most for your Honour, since he cannot fly out of your reach, to try him by the Laws.

This Speech of the Queen's was second­ed by the Libbard, who said she had spoken [Page 73] very graciously, and that he could not in reason go from what she had said, in trying the Fox, by which, if found Guilty, would leave him without Excuse: Therefore said he, it is fit he should be summon'd, and confronting his Accusers, make his Defence.

This mov'd Sir Isgrim to Anger, fearing, if the Fox had this Favour allow'd, he would not, by one Trick or other, fail to get another Advantage over him; saying, If my Lord the King's pleasure be to com­ply with your Advice, none of us must gainsay it; however, I will maintain Rey­nard a false Traytor, and one whose Life is deservedly forfeited, if but for his late abusing the King, with a false Story at Creckneypit, which was only feign'd to get his Liberty, and to bring the King's true Subjects into Disgrace, that he might go on in his Rogueries, and rob and spoil all that pass by his Castle: You see likewise, how little he respects the King, who the other Day gave him his Life, that he has sent him, in Derision, Keyward's Head, and laughs at the thoughts of his deceiving him with a feigned Pilgrimage.

The King heating this, made but light of what the Queen and Libbard had said, and therefore resolving to take him from his [Page 74] Castle by Force, and execute him on his former Sentence, he commanded all the Beasts to arm, and attend him for that Purpose within six Days; ordering those that were not foee to this, as any way fa­vouring the Fox, to turn their Back, that he might know them for his Enemies; and hereupon the Assembly broke up.

Grimbard, hearing what Danger Reynard was in, privately withdrew, to advertise him of it, that so he might make timely Provision for his Safety: Reynard no sooner saw him, but concluding he came with bad News, demanded what brought him thi­ther? To which the Brock, replied, O Uncle! fly for your Life, the King, with all the Power of his Kingdom, is arming a­gainst you; your Enemies Bruin and Isgrim, are releas'd out of Prison; and have slain the Ram, for bringing Keyward's Head; likewise all his Lineage is given up to their Power, and they are now in higher. Favour than ever, wherefore they will not fail to urge your Destruction; there are likewise exhibited against you, new Complaints by Corbant the Rook, and Laprel the Coney.

Well, Nephew, replied the Fox, I return you hearty Thanks for your officious Care; but were there a Thousand conspiring a­gainst [Page 75] me, I value 'em not a Rush; for if I can have liberty to speak for my self to the King, I shall be even with some of 'em, be­fore they are aware; Therefore trouble not your self, Nephew, but let us go in and feast on this Pair of young Pigeons, I just now took, as they attempted to fly out of their Nest: So, charging him he should tell his Wife nothing of the Danger, in they went, where Ermelin receiv'd the Brock very kind­ly. After Dinner, Reynard requested Grim­bard that he would promise to stand by him, and get him as many Friends as he could to do the like, for he was resolved to come to Court, and once more face his Enemies. You do well in that, replied the Brock, and on my Life, I will undertake for you, that you shall not be without Friends to second you, nor want the Favour to speak freely before the King. Then Reynard call'd his Sons before him, and declared to the Brock how forward they were at their Game, that they had the true Quality of the Fox, which was to intangle and betray, and kill when they seem'd most compassionate and all that he had further to learn 'em be­fore they were sent out, was to avoid Gins; Snares, and Hounds; which To­wardliness of his young Kindred made the [Page 76] Brock greatly rejoyce; and having rested a little, they prepared to depart; Reynard charging his Wife to be troubl'd at no News she should hear, but construe it to the best; as also to be careful of herself and his Children, and keep close the Gates, not letting any one in, Friend or Foe, till his return, or that she heard further from him: And so away they went together, not telling his Wife the Cause of his Jour­ney, whereupon he left her in exceeding Sorrow for his so sudden and unexpected Departure,

Being on the Way, the Fox urg'd the Brock to take his Confession a second time, for that since he was last shriven, he had committed many Sins; to which Grimbard agreeing, he thus proceeded: You know very well how I caus'd the Bear and the Wolf to be serv'd by fasly accusing 'em to the King, as also Dame Arsewind, whose Hinder-shooes were stript off at my Request, and further then, know, that the Story that I told the King of the Trea­sure was all feign'd, as was the Conspiracy of Bruin and Isgrim; Keyward I kill'd, and be­tray'd the Life of Bellin, in sending his Head by him to the King; the Coney I wounded, and would have slain, had he not slipp'd out of my Hand; Sharpbeak I did slay and eat; I fur­ther [Page 77] put an almost fatal Trick upon the Wolf, which in my last Confession I omitted to mention, which was thus: As we pass'd over a Heath, by a Wood-side, the Wolf being very hungry, e­spy'd a Mare with a curious-fat Colt running by her Side; at this his Chaps water'd, but fearing the Mare's Strength, he resolv'd to try another Way, whereupon he sent me to know whether she would sell it, and if so, what the Price wou'd be; when I, to please him at that time, went and ask'd the Question; to which the Mare re­plied; she would willingly sell him for ready Mo­ney; but when I came to demand her Price, she said, she could not tell it; but if I cou'd read, I might find it written at the botoom of her Hind-foot: Ho, ho, thought I, are you thereabouts; well, this will pass on my Uncle Isgrim, but not on me; then I told her truly, that I could not read, nor did I come to purchase for myself, but for the Wolf, who is hard by expecting your Answer: Then, said the Mare, let him come and read it himself, that we may speedily agree: So I went and told him, if he could read he might have his Belly full, for the Mare would freely sell her Foal, if he could read to her the Price of him, which, she said, was written on the Bottom of her Hind-foot.

Read, replied Isgrim, (with a kind of Disdain) why I have studied at both Uni­versities, [Page 78] and can read perfectly well all Languages: Therefore, if that be all, let me alone to buy the Purchase. So away he went, but had no sooner taken up the Mare's Foot, but the crafty Jade, whilst he was poring on it, smote him fall on the Forehead, so that he tumbled over and o­ver, lying and pitiously howling on the Ground, whilst she gallop'd away, laugh­ing at the Trick, her Foal following her the same Pace, till they were both out of sight; whereupon I went to him, and said, Dear Uncle, what have you eaten up all the Colt, and lefe menor one small Morsel? But pray what did you find written on the Mare's Foot; it should be a prick'd Song by your singing; indeed you have now shewed yourself a good Scholar, and gain'd a plentiful Feast by it. O Nephew, repli­ed he, do not add more Misery to me by scossing at me, you see I am all bloody and desperately wounded, for whilst I was look­ing or her Foot, taking the Nails to be Letters, the damn'd Jade, with her long Leg, and Iron-heel, smote me on the Head, that she has e'en beat out my Brains. Alas, said I. Uncle, I am sorry for that; but indeed I took you to be one of the greatest Scholars; but, I see, according to the old [Page 79] Proverb, That the greatest Scholars are not the wisest Men. This, with my smiling, made him fret exceedingly, but all in vain, he knew not how to help himself.

Upon this Reynard desired the Brock to absolve him; which he did, by making him take certain Stones out of a Brook, and laying them at a Distance, rowl himself three times over them; and so they went on, discoursing of Flatteries of Courtiers, the Dissimulation of Priests and Women, &c. till they came to the King's Presence, where he saw many of his Friends, which made him not a little rejoyce; then he fell down before the Throne, whilst the King wondered how he durst venture to appear; and thus began to deliver himself: My dread Sovereign Lord the King, and Lady the Queen, May all Blessings descend upon you to crown you with a lasting Health and Happiness, and give you Wisdom, that you may truly discern between Right and Falshood; to know who are your Friends, and who are your Enemies: Here, I am come to excuse my elf of Crimes unjustly laid to my Charge since my late Departure; or else by this time, I had been far on my Pilgrimage; therefore I beseech your Majesty to let me see my Accusers that dare to impute to me any Failing in my Promise, or Disobedience to your Majesty.

[Page 80] To this the King replied, with a stern Countenance, Reynard, I know you are sub­til, and full of Deceit; but this Day shall be the end of your taking Pride in my Dis­grace, for which your Life shall immedia­tely pay the Price of my Dishonour: You have shewed your Obedience to my Com­mands, in the Violence and Murder you offered to the Coney and Rook, who are here to testifie again you.

My dread Sovereign, replied the Fox, their Accusations I would gladly hear; however, I know it to be false.

Then they accused him, as has been reci­ted; upon which the Fox replied, My Lord, this is a palpable Malice, and no Truth, they are suborned by my Enemies, to bring these Slan­ders against me: I confess when my Nephew Grimbard, brought me Tidings of it, I was preparing for my Pilgrimage, but it so troubled me, that I resolved not to go till I had cleared myself before your Majesty: The Coney, whom I ever held as my Friend, came to my House, as I was saying Mattins, and was kindly welcom­ed, and feasted by my Wife, with such, as on a Fast-day, I could keep in my House; but ha­ving refreshed himself, Russel my Son, who waited at Table, offered to take away what he had left; whereupon the Coney gave him a vio­lent [Page 81] Blow on his Mouth, which made him bleed; which his Brother Reynardine seeing, and being grieved thereat, fell upon him, and would have slain him, had not I, upon his crying out, come from my Devotions and taken him off, giving my Son severe Correction for breaking the Rules of Hospitality in my House; but, it seems, for the good Deed, his Malice has made him post to your Highness, and accuse me of a Crime I am ignorant of.

As for the Rook, there is nothing more false than this Accusation; for, as Yesterday, I was sitting at my Door, he came flying about me with great Cries, of which I demanded the Cause, he said, Wo is me! for my Wife, Dame Sharpbeak, is dead. How came she by her Death? said I. Alas, replied he, Yesterday on the Heath she found the Carcass of a dead Hare, which she eating, and it being full of Worms, they eat thro' her Stomach and kill'd her. This, my Lord, is the Truth, neither more nor less.

If this be true, which I very much doubt, replied the King, there's another Treason against you, which I believe, you cannot deny, that is, the Murder of Keyward, whose Head you sent me, in Derision, by Bellin, the Ram, who has been executed, as being only your Messenger, and for which you shall surely die.

[Page 82] At this Reynard was much dejected, but being comforted by Dame Rukenaw the She-Ape, his Aunt, he took Courage, and replied, Alas, my gracious Lord, you tell me strange News; is the poor Hare dead? It grie­ves me to think on't: he was very dear to me, and far be it from me, that I, who lov'd him, shou'd have a Hand in his Death.

Then said the King, sternly, Thou dis­sembling Traytor, darest thou pretend to guild over thy Wickedness with plausible Words; thou art now too sure in my Hands to escape my Justice.

This made him fetch many deep Sighs, as fearing now his last Hour was come; which the She-Ape perceiving, addressed herself on his behalf, to the King in this manner: My gracious Lord, I beseech you, for a while, suspend your Anger, and hear what I've to say.

At first the King refus'd her Request, but the Queen and Libbard interceeding, she had leave to proceed.

Then said she, My gracious Lord, there are many here that complain, who have more grievously offended; my Kinsman's Merits plead for him, when they can pre­tend to none, that has been any ways ser­viceable [Page 83] to your Highness; it is not un­known to your Majesty, what Services yourself and Predecessors have receiv'd from his Father and self, having born greater Reputation in Court than either the Bear or Wolf, or all their Kindred; their wise Councils have been in great Esteem, when others have been rejected; but now things go strangely, his Services are forgot, and those that deserve not, are token into Fa­vour, who rather seek to Debase, than Ad­vance, your Majesty's Honour and Dignity.

The King replied, Dame Rukenaw, had the Offences done by Reynard been to you you'd have resented 'em more: He has been so wicked, that of all others, there's none but yourself will speak well of him; and you only he has deceiv'd into a belief of his Sanctity, by Flattery and Dissimulation.

Nay, replied she, my Lord, I am more wise than to be deceiv'd, I know much Good of him, and therefore love him; I can tell how his Judgment and Wisdom has been applauded by your Majesty; you may we remember a Man and a Serpent came to the Court for Judgment, and he wisely determin'd it; when neither the Bear, Wolf or any other knew how to do it; the Ca [...] was briefly thus: A Man on the Roa [...] [Page 84] found a Serpent entangl'd in a Snare, who cried pitiously to him for help, which moved the Man to Compassion; so that upon the Serpent's Oath, not to hurt him, he deliver'd him from certain Death; where­upon they travell'd together, till the Ser­pent grew hungry, flew at the Man; but [...]e starting aside, put him in mind of his Oath; to which he replied, I remember [...]t well; but now Hunger dispences with [...]t, I may lawfully kill thee, However, the [...]an desir'd, that his Case might be try'd [...]y the next Passenger, which happen'd to [...]e Tisellen the Raven, and Slinope his Son, who gave Judgment against the Man, in [...]opes to get a share: but he refus'd to stand [...]o their Award, as Delighters in Blood, [...]s also he did that of the Bear and the Wolf, who gave the like Sentence against him for the same Reason, appealing from [...]em to your Majesty, whom he knew to [...] Noble, Merciful, and Wise, yet much [...]erplex'd to determine this Matter: by [...]our Desire the Fox undertook to do it: [...]en he desir'd to see the Serpent in the same [...]se he was when the Man releas'd him: hereupon, by your own Command, be­ [...]g nooz'd in the Snare, out of which he [...]d been deliver'd, my Kinsman then said, [Page 85] If the Man will release him now, and trust to his Oath, then the Serpent shall be at liberty to chuse whether he will eat him, or forbear; but if he thinks he will break his Oath, then I leave it to his Discretion to do as he pleases. To which the Man replied, I will not release him; for if he, who is once perjur'd, [...]et loose, he will not hereafter regard any Oath, but certain­ly destroy me. So the Serpent for his for­mer Ingratitude was left in the Snare to be famish'd. This Judgment of Reynard's was then highly applauded, as just and equita­ble, by yourself and all the Court, above what had e'er been given in any doubtful Case; tho' he boasted not of it, as many would have done, tho' less deserving: Be­sides these, and other things, he has many Kindred that will stand by him with their Lives and Fortunes; as for my part, I and my three Children will die in his Cause, rather than he should suffer any Injury; which a number more will not fail to do. Then she call'd forth all her Kindred and Relations, saying, Come forth all my dear Friends, and stand by your Kinsman Rey­nard, all of you Petition for him to his Ma­jesty, that he may give him the Privilege of the Law.

[Page 86] Then presently leap'd forward a great number of Beasts, as the Squirrel, Weazel, Ferrit, Otter, &c. all of them loving Pul­len as well as Reynard, standing by him, and beseeching the King in his behalf, for they stood in awe of Dame Rukenaw, and durst not disoblige her.

The Queen seeing this, said, Truly Dame, I and Sir [...]relupel told the King as much, but his Anger, for the Death of Keyward, blinded his Judgment and Rea­son so, that he would not give us the hear­ing.

To this the King replied, Truly I was a little overseen in't, for that Disgrace done me, gave me no time to consider; but now he shall answer for himself, and if the Laws will quit him, I'm contented.

At this unexpected Turn of his Affairs, Reynard greatly rejoyced, and gave hearty Thanks to his Aunt, who had gained this Advantage for him; saying, Dear Aunt, I'm now confident all my Adversaries shall not prevail against me.

Moral.] The Anger of the Lion, shews the Disposition of a good Prince, to be offended at Vice and Injustice, or at the Injuries done to his good Subjects; and the Perswasion of the Queen [Page 87] and Libbard shews the Temper every good Prince ought to be endow'd withal, not to be too hasty or passionate, but to administer Justice with Mo­deration. The Wolf's Envying shews the Ma­lice of a subtil Foe is to take all Advantages. The Brock's secret going to the Fox shews the Office of a good Friend; as does the Ape's, who spoke for him; but the Fox's second Repentance, a continued Dissimulation, to ensnare the Be­lief of the Credulous.

CHAP. VI.

THE Fox having now free leave to plead, said, May it please my gracious Lord, you much astonish'd me, when you mention'd the Death of Keyward the Hare; if he be dead! O where is Bellin the Ram, that he may stand forth and clear my Innocence; besides, I tremble to think what precious Jewels are lost, if he has [Page 89] miscarried, all the Wealth of both the Indies cannot make a Recompence for their inestimable Value; but more it grieves me, they should be detain'd from you, to whom I sent one of them, and the other two to my Lady the Queen, in Reqiutal of her Kindness to me in my late Misery.

Nay, said the King, however it happen'd, I received no Jewels, the Ram only brought me the Head of Keyward,

Upon this, the Fox look'd very sad and dejected, crying out, Wo [...] and alas, to me! that ever I should trust so faithless a Messenger with such inestimable Treasure; the loss of these Jewels, I know, will be the Death of my Wife, when the doleful Tidings comes to her. Well, said Dame Rukenaw, sorrowing for 'em will little avail; let us hear 'em describ'd, and then we'll take care to find 'em out, in whose Hands they are, if all the wise Wo­men in the Country can discover 'em.

O! dear Aunt, said Reynard, you do but say this to take off my Sorrow, for I am confi­dent, into whose Hands soever they are fallen, they will not part with them for any thing on Earth; no Crowns or Kingdoms can buy them from them, if they but know their Virtues, how­ever, though their Remembrance does add to my Affliction, yet, to please you, if the King and Queen desire it, I will describe them. Upon [Page 90] this, having Leave given, he began in this manner:

The firist, said he, that I sent to my Lord the King, was a King of Gold, in which was plac'd a Jewel of great Price, it was inamel'd with Sable and Azure, and within it engraven three Hebrew Characters, which I could not read; but going to a great Astrologer and Lin­guist, he told me, they were the Names which Seth brought out of Paradice, when he fetched from the Guardian Angel some of the Oyl of Mercy to heal his Father Adam's grievous Di­stemper, and whosoever wrote it, should he free from Thunder and Lightning, and any Conspi­racies against him live long, be always victori­ous, resist Temptations, Witchcraft, and be Pru­dent and Healthful: The Stone set in it was of three several Colours, the first like Christial, glittering with Sparkles of Fire, so that in the Dark it gave a marvellous Light; the second was clear and sparkling with Flame-colour, having a Virtue to cure any Defect in the Eyes or Body, only by stroaking the Place griev'd, and indeed most Distempers, especially all Venome: The last was of Emerald-colour, mix'd with small Spots of Purple, so that whoever wore it, should be matchless for Valour, altogether unconquerable, not stirred to Passion, but Wise, Just, and Mer­ciful: [...] had many other rare Virtues, so that [Page 91] I could not imagin any Creature on Farth wor­thy to possess it but your Majesty, who is the best of Princes. The other two Jewels I sent to my Lady the Queen, one of 'em was a Comb, made of the Shoulder-bone of Pantherus, a Beast found near Paradise, whose Beauty and Smell allures all Beasts to him, and in this one Bone all the Virtues of him is contain'd, yet it was polish­ed so light, that any Breath of Wind would move it from its place; the Scent of it was so rare, that it cured Appoplexies, and all Diseases of the Head, beyond the Skill of the most learned Doctors; and between the Teeth of it, which look'd like Silver, were spaces in which curious Figures were engraven, and inlaid with Gold, representing the Story, how the three Goddesses strove for the Golden Apple, and chose Paris, Son to King Parimus, Judge, to determine the Strife; who seeing them all naked, for the In­scription one it was, Be it be given to the Fairest; he decreed it to Venus the Queen of Beauty, in lieu whereof, she gave him the beau­tious Hellen of Greece, Wife to King Mane­laus, which caus'd the ten Years Wars of Troy, and in the end, the Destruction of that famous City by the Greeks. The next Jewel as I may well term it, was a Mirror, or Glass, wherein whoever look'd, might see things at a great dis­tance, as plain as if they had been near them, [Page 92] yea, for many Miles: The Wood of the Frame was of such a Nature, that it was exceeding light, no Worms, or space of Time was capable to corrupt or destroy it; and on it were fram'd many curious Stories, inlaid with Wood of va­rious Colours, enamal'd with Gold, the Words being written under the Figures in Letters of Gold to explain 'em: The first was the Fable of the Horse, who being at Contention with the Hart, and not able to overcome him, implor'd the Herdsman to mount on his Back, that so he might pursue his Adversary; but being weary, the Hart by much outstripping him, he desir'd his Rider to light, that he might rest. Nay said he, not so, for having a Bridle in your Mouth, and Spurs at my Heels, you having once volun­tarily given up your Power and Freedom, shall be at Command. At which the poor Horse, too late, seeing what Misery his Thurst of Revenge had brought him into, only sighed and bewailed his Captivity. At another Corner of the Frame was, the Fable of the Ass and the Hound: It so happen'd, that an old rich Farmer had a little Hound that he entirely lov'd, who us'd to play with him, leap'd into his Lap, and feed at his Table, whose lazy kind of Life the Ass seeing, and how much the Hound was made of for't, whilst himself, who by his Labour brought in much Gain, was turn'd into a dirty Hovel, to [Page 93] feed on Chast and Straw, resolv'd to try if his flattering his Master might bring him into as great Favour; whereupon one Day as he came home he met him, leap [...]d upon him, frisk'd his Tail, and shook his Ears; but his Master little mind­ing it he came nearer to him, and standing on his Hind legs, laid his Fore-feet on his Shoulders, braying horribly, and offered to kiss him; by which the Master was thrown to the Ground, crying out piteously, Help, help, this wicked Ass will murder me. Whereupon his Servants came running with Cudgels, and so belabour'd poor Baldwin the Ass, that with a bruised Pate and broken Bones, he was forc'd to fly to his Hovel for Shelter, where lying down on dirty Sraw, he thus complain'd to himself; O Wo is me! I see I must be a poor laborious Ass, whilst idle Para­sites Flatterers live by my Toil and Sweat, in Ease and Pleasure. At another Corner was the Story of my Father and Sir Tybert, who travelling together by a Wood-side, and being espied by the Huntsmen and Hounds, when my Father said to the Cat, Climb up that Tree, for I have a hundred Wiles to escape. Whereupon he immediately chamber'd up a high Oak, where, among the thick Boughs, he remain'd secure and unseen, whilst my Father was pursu'd near at the Heels; and had he not drop'd his [Page 94] Mail, and flipp'd into a Hole, he had, not­withstanding all his Wiles, become a Break­fast to the greedy Hounds; whilst the Cat stood securely scoffing, saying, Now, Sir Reynard, it's time to use all your Cunning, or your Skin goes to the Furrier's At the fourth Corner was the Story of the un­grateful Wolf, to the Crane, who having with his long Neck and Bill, pull'd a Bone out of his Throat, that stick cross, which grievously pain'd him, and had certainly kill'd him; he not only refus'd Sir Gruin the Crain, his Reward, but scoffingly told him, It was well he escaped with Life; since when his Head was in his Mouth, it was in his Power to have bit it off; and since he was so kind as not to do it, he ought to take that for Satsfaction: which proves his high Ingratitude, not only to the Crane, but to me who have done him much good. These, and a number more, were the Devices that beautified this state­ly Jewel, which makes me shed Tears for its Loss, since, with such Care, I took it from the rest of my Father's Treasure, to preserve it for your Majesty: And one thing more there is that much troubles me, which is, That your Majesty shou'd say, That neither my Father nor myself have [Page 95] done any Good, but been troublesome to the Court: Remember, I beseech you, when you were young, how your Royal Father, lying on a languishing Bed, despair­ing of Life my Father came from his study­ing Physick at Montpelier, and coming into the King's Presence, he said, Ah! Reynard, I am grievous sick, and must die, unless your Learning and Skill in Physick can find a Remedy.

Let not my Lord say so, replied he, then feeling his Pulse, and viewing his Urine he found it was a Pleurisie, and might be cur'd, by eating the Liver of a Wolf of seven Years growth. This, Isgrim's Father hearing began to tremble; but the languish­ing King casting his Eyes on him, said, Sir Isgrim, you hear this, and I am sorry it falls on you, yet, for the Publick Good, you must not value your Life, since in mine the whole Common-wealth is so nearly con­cern'd.

Then the Wolf began to excuse it, saying, He was not meant by't, for he was but five Years old.

However, said my Father, that matters not, let me see the Liver, and then I can tell whether it will fit or not.

So the Wolf was slain by the King's Cook, [Page 96] his Liver taken out and dress'd, and there­upon your Father recover'd his Health, and liv'd many Years; tho' perhaps your Highness was so young then, that this Pas­sage is slipp'd out of your Memory; tho' my Father was honoured for this with a Gold Chain and Medal, which I yet have. Nay as for my own part, I may boast of some little Service done to your Majesty; you may well remember, how when this Wolf present, and I, had kill'd a fat Swine, you and your Queen came very hungry out of the Forest, where you had been taking the Air, and demanded a Share, but Isgrim grumbl'd, and would allow you none of his Part; however, I bestowed mine on you freely; but that not sufficing, you de­manded some of his, which he was con­veying away, and for his Refusal gave him such a Blow with your Royal Paw, as fetch'd the Skin over his Ears, and then compelled him to hunt for more; when I going with him, we soon found a fat Calf and brought it to you, and it being my Lot to divide it, I gave half to the Queen and half to you; the Intrails I sent to the Princes your Children, giving the Wolf on­ly the Head, and being myself contented with the Feet, which made you ask, Who [Page 97] taught you to divide so well? To which, pointing at the Wolf's Ears, I replied, That Fxample before me made me see how to behave my self towards my Betters. This you applauded, and was very much pleas'd at what I had done; but now, by Flatterers and Upstarts, all my past Servi­ces are forgotten, and I am trampled on, who having done well, whilst they for do­ing wickedly, are exalted: There was a time that nothing was done without my Advice, but that is past, and I must be con­tent with my Sufferings.

Well, replied the King, grieve not so much Sir Reynard, for that Day mny be re­stored, if you behave yourself as becomes your Birth; I have nothing more to lay to your Charge, but Keyward's Death, and and the Disgrace you put upon me in do­ing it; but Bellin being executed, and no Witness to prove it, as to Matter of Fact, I must take your Word that you are inno­cent, and acquit you.

Upon this the Fox fell on his Knees, and returned him hearty Thanks; vowing, by his Holiness's Toe, none could be more sorry than he for the Death of the Hare: but more particularly for the Loss of the Jewels, which, he said, the treacherous [Page 98] Ram had embezelled; but that Search should be made for 'em in all Parts of the World, both by Art Magick and strict En­quiry; which highly pleas'd the King and Queen; so that the Fox was dismiss'd to take his Repose, and make merry with his Friends; whilst the King consulted what should be done for him.

The Moral.] The Relation the Fox makes of the Jewels, which he knew would be Baits to a covetous Mind, shews a cunning Dissembler, who knows how to blow with all Winds, he well knew if this gained Belief, his Intention of send­ing 'em to their Majesties would gain his Pardon, which he fancied his seeming Sorrow wou'd work on 'em, upon their Loss, and that his inculcating to the King, his Father's, and his own Services, would much further it; which indeed, is the greatest Insinuation to gain Belief of our Inno­cence.

CHAP. VII.

THE Fox at this unexpected Deliverance, and Hopes of Advantage, was ex­ceeding joyful, laughing his Enemies to Scorn; which so enrag'd the Wolf, that he resolved to lay new Accusations to his Charge; and therefore when he was call'd into the Council, he stood up and crav'd An [...]; which being granted, O my [...] your Wis­dom [Page 100] should again be deceiv'd by this Tray­tor, composed of all Falshoods and Deceits, to whose Oath there is no Credit to be gi­ven: This Villian, notwithstanding he now looks so demure, lately ravish'd my Wife; and put us both in Danger of our Lives: for perswading her to take Fish with her Tail, whilst she, silly Soul, staid so long in a frosty Morning till it was frozen in, he leap'd upon her and ravish'd her before my Face, I being then at a Distance from him; but upon my Approach he ran away, and raised the Village upon us, so that we were desperately wounded, and she freed from the Ice, with the Loss of four Inches of her Tail.

To this the Fox replied, My Lord, It is altogether Untruth as to any Rape; I taught her indeed to catch Fish, and she caught a great Number; but she over greedy, staid too long, till she was frozen in, then she call'd me to help her out, which I labour'd to do with all my Strength, but he, over-jealous of her, seeing me at a distance, suppos'd me over-familiar with her; to avoid whose Fury, I retired; then they ran howling about the Fields to catch 'em a Heat, which made the People come out armed in Pursuit of 'em. This, my [Page 101] Lord is the Truth, and Truth is the Badge of our Family; which in eight Days I'll prove by sufficient Witnesses.

Then said Dame Arsewind, O thou dis­sembling Villian! this is not only true, but more; for finding you once in a Well, got down in a Bucket, I ask'd what you was doing? and you replied, you had there found so many Fish, that you had almost broke your Belly with 'em, and yet great store was remaining; then said I, Reynard, how may I come to help you to devour 'em? O Aunt, said you, get into the other Bucket, which is aloft, and you will be presently with me; so I leap'd in, when by my Weight I descended, and you ascend­ing got out; then with Taunts and Jears, you left me there, where I narrowly escap­ed with Life, being found half starved by the Swains, that came to draw Water for their Sheep, who miserably beat me.

Why Aunt, replied the Fox, if this be true, it was but Self-preservation, and there is no Mortal, I think, but would free him­self from Trouble, when it lies in his Pow­er to accomplish it; besides, you were more able to bear the Stroaks than I, being both feeble and tender: In this I have taught you that Wit, never to trust Friendship too [Page 102] far, before you have tried it, lest you re­pent your Credulity too late.

Well, Villian, said Isgrim, you may tri­umph over my Wife's Weakness, tho' it be­comes you not; but do you remember, Var­let, how you serv'd me with the She-Ape?

I remember, replyed the Fox, she gave you due Correction for your Sawciness and Brutality; and, if you please, I will relate the Story before this noble Assembly.

With all my Heart, said Isgrim, if you will speak Truth.

Fear it not, said the Fox; And thus my gracious Lord, it happen'd, As I was ranging the Woods, Isgrim found me, com­plaining of Hunter, asking me if I had any thing to give him, or could set any Prey for him; for he is naturally lazy of himself, and will rather undergo the Hazard of star­ving, than labour, as other Creatures do for their Food: I told him, at that time I could not, and so we travell'd together in various Discourses, till we heard a great [...] in a Hole, under a Tust of Bushes, where I imagin'd there might be some Prey; thereupon desired him to go in, by reason of his great Strength, to seize it, but he strained Courtesie with me, saying, He was afraid least Serpents should lurk there; but [Page 103] I being wise and subtle, might better a­void the Danger, and he would stay till I returned to give him an Account; so, to please him, I ventur'd, and found there a monstrous She-ape with her Young, the ug­gliest that ever I beheld, the Place stunk abominably with their Piss and rotten Lit­ter they lay on; yet being willing to plea­sure him with Food, of which I saw great store I spoke her very fair, calling her Aunt tho' indeed, none but Rukenaw of that Kind is my Aunt, saying, Much Joy to you and my fair Cousins, your Children; I would have visited you sooner had I known of your Lying in.

Truely, Reynard, replyed she, I am sor­ry you find me no better provided; but to such as I have you are heartily welcome.

Then she set before me Vension, and o­ther Provisions, on which I seemed hearti­ly to feed, the better to please her, tho' indeed, the Stench had much impaired my Appetite: Then said she, Nephew, I am glad you are come, being the worthiest and wisest Gentleman in the King's Dominions, that I may recommend the Care of my Children to you, to be train'd up in ver­tuous and industrious Ways, that they may know how to live, and behave themselves [Page 104] in the World with Credit.

I told her I would do any thing for her, and the good of my young Cousins at my next visit, which should be very shortly; so being willing to be out of this noisom Place, I made my Compliment of Leave; but she forc'd upon me a side of Venison, to carry to my Wife, which when I came out, I gave to the Wolf who lay howling under a Tree for Meat; but that not half sufficing him, he ask'd if there were any more in the Place? I told him there was, and he might have it, if he could dissemble and give smooth Words; O, said he, let me alone for that: and so he grecdily en­ter'd, yet he had not long been there, but I heard him howl most terribly, and soon after he came rushing out, with his Ears bloody, and his Skin torn in many Parts; for, it seems, he had not only reproach'd her with her own and her Youngs Ugliness but went to take away her Meat by force, wherefore they all fell upon him, and used him as he deserv'd, for so ill timing his brutish Language, since he ought to know according to the old Proverb, That how deformed soever they be, each one esteems her own the fairest. This my Lord, is the Truth of the Matter, and if he can deny it, let him speak.

[Page 105] The Wolf hearing this, fell into a great Rage, (for indeed he had been betray'd in­to that Place by Reynard) saying, Thou Traytor, this, as all the rest thou hast al­ledged, is utterly false; and to justifie it, and that thou art the basest of all Traytors, I will prove upon thy Body by Combat, according as the Laws direct: in Confirma­tion whereof, I throw down my Gage be­fore the King, if thou darest take it up to answer me.

The Fox doubting his Strength, knew not what to think of it: yet considering the Wolf's Claws, since the last stripping, were not grown again, and contemning to let his Courage fall before so many of his Kindred; and that what he had said might thereupon be suspected, he recollected his Spirits, and starting up, said, Whosoever accused him as a Traytor, was a Liar to his Face, and he would prove it upon his Body by Arms, when, or wheresoever he should be required to it. That do I, said Isgrim. Then there, said the Fox, is my Gage to answer thee. These being mu­tually exchanged, were deliver'd to the King, who allow'd the Combate to be the next Day, and took Sureties of 'em for the performing it.

[Page 106] Dame Rukenaw understanding this, came to the Fox, and drawing him aside, after she had commended his Courage, as a Grace to his Family, who had been valiant, doing many brave exploits in Arms, at home and abroad, she proceeded to give him some Council as to this particular Af­fair, saying, Good Nephew, be attentive to my Advice, and then the Wolf shall not prevail against you

Dear Aunt, replyed Reynard, your Love and wise Councils have always been so a­vailable to me, that I shall not forget the least of your Instructions, but, to the ut­most, put in Practice whatsoever you desire. Then she proceeded in this manner.

You must, to make you the nimbler, and not to be laid hold on, have all your Hair shav'd off, except that on the Tail, which you shall reserve to offend your Ene­my; then I will sleek you over with an Ointment that shall harden your Skin, and yet make it so stick, that he can never lay hold of you.

This being done, Reynard look'd very airy and gay, and so he went to Bed, in great Hopes of obtaining the Victory: Many other Advices she gave him, too tedious here to mention, and not much to the purpose [Page 107] of the History; but one among the rest, was, That the next Morning he should drink stoutly, the better to expel any Fear; and to piss upon his Tail, and sprinkle it as he saw occasion, thereby to blind the Wolf, and hinder his Pursuit. For this the Fox gave her infinite Thanks, and kept her Councils in his Mind, as resolving to put 'em in Practice.

He slept little that Night for thinking of his next Day's Enterprize; but the Wolf slept soundly, as fancying himself sure of the Victory; by which we may see how Men are often disappointed of their Ex­pectations. In the Morning his Kinsman the Otter came to him, and brought him a young Duck, saying, Take good Heart, and eat this to strengthen you, for great is your Undertaking, and requires your utmost Strength and Policy to acquit yourself nobly

I thank you for your present Advice, said the Fox, and so they breakfasted together.

Moral.] By the Wolf's Complaint, is shewed an insatiable Thirst of Revenge for Injuries done him. By the Fox's accepting the Challenge, de­notes, that politick Men, tho' weak, are in Ex­pectation to overcome the Strong, that are given up to unadvised Rashness. The She-wolf's Mis­fortunes, [Page 108] denotes, Covetousness brings Danger. The Fox's Escape that way, Self-preservation. And the She-Ape's Cave, that good Words are bitter than bad.

CHAP. VIII.

AFter this Refreshment, Reynard went, attended by a great number of his Kinsfolks, to enter the Lists, where the Wolf stood raving, and accusing him as a Traytor; and tho' he had accepted the Challenge, he was so guilty he durst not ap­pear; [Page 109] but when they saw him marching very stately in that Trim, they star'd on him; whereupon the King said, Reynard, I see you more regard your Safety than your fine Apparel. But he only made his Obey­sance and pass'd on; then entering the List, they were both sworn by the Libard, ap­pointed Marshal of the Field, that their Causes were right and just; and every one, on pain of Death, except the Combatants, to avoid the List: And now the King, Queen, and Nobles, having taken their places, the Trumpets sounded the Signal to begin the Combate.

Upon this the Wolf came towards the Fox with open Mouth and extended Paws, as if he would immediately have devour'd him; but Reynard nimbly leap'd between his Legs, and when he turn'd again upon him, he piss'd on his Tail, and dash'd it in his Eyes, which so blinded him, that it hindred his Pursuit, and in the next Course he cast up the Sand with his Hind-feet, which sticking to the Urine, put him to more Pain, which whilst he was clearing, he sprung upon him, and with his Claws tore the Skin of his Eye-brow down to the middle of his Face, whereupon his Eye hung out, and Blood flow'd exceedingly; [Page 110] but this enrag'd Sir Isgrim the more, so that violently falling upon him, he rush'd him to the Ground, and whilst he laboured to get from under him, he catc'h one of Rey­nard's Feet in his Mouth, whereupon he cry'd out, Now Traytor, thou are at my Mercy, confess thy Sins, and all the Injuries done to me before thou dyest, for now thy End is come.

The Fox finding himself in this piteous Plight, betook him to his Dissimulation, humbly beseeching Mercy, and for spair­ing his Life, himself, his Family, and whole Estate should be at his Service, to dispose of as he pleas'd; that he would freely con­fess his Guilt, and be at his Command to bring him Provisions at all times; that he was sorry he had undertaken the Combate against him.

O thou base Dissembler, replied the Wolf, these fair Speeches are made only to escape from the Advantage I have over you, and then you will sing a new Song to my Dis­grace; but I have been too often deceiv'd, e'er to trust you more; but will now take my Revenge at full, for the Injuries done to my Wife and myself, which cry aloud for Vengeance.

Reynard perceiving there was no good to [Page 111] be done by Flattery, had, by this time, bethought himself of a Stratagem; and thereupon, putting down his other Foot between the Wolf's Legs, he catch'd him fast hold by the Stones, and made him howl in a lamentable manner, so that the Fox had an Opportunity to free his other Foot, when leaping upon him, he drag'd him a­bout the List, as one half dead, biting and taring him in divers places; so that his Friends beholding in what a sad condition he was, petition'd the King to cause the Combat to cease, and take it into his own Hands for the Decision; of which he ac­cepted, as being unwilling to lose the Lives of either of his Subjects. Then the Marshal went to Reynard, and told him, The King would speak with him; and he must, upon pain of high. Displeasure, desist from any further Violence towards the Wolf, for he would, no doubt, decree him the Victory.

My Lord, said Reynard, whatever the King pleases to command, I yield ready Obedience to. All his Kindred came run­ning to him, and proffered their humble Service; nay, happy was he that could be own'd by him, as knowing he was now on the rising Ground; if he had lost the Vic­tory, they for the most part would have [Page 112] disown'd him to be any of their Relations: For such is the Fashion of this World, ever to adore the Rising sun; nay, many embrac'd him with dissembling Affection, and elaim­ed Kindred of him, who before was his Enemies: so much the Terror of this wrought in their Minds: And thus with a stately Train of about a hundred, or more, he presented himself before the King, falling on his Knees; but the King com­manded him to rise up, saying, Reynard, you have cause to rejoyce at this Victory you have obtain'd, contrary to my Expectati­ons, in which you have won much Re­nown; therefore seeing Right and Justice declare on your side, I acquit you of all things laid to your Charge, by Isgrim, or any other; and as soon as his Wounds are cur'd, he shall be try'd, if you please.

Upon this the Fox replied, My Gracious Lord, I have no Malice against him, but his to me has brought him to deserved Punishment; yet, if your Majesty pleases, I can freely pardon him, and these my Enemies that stand about you, who sided with him when in great Favour with your Majesty, and could raise them to Promotion; but now they shrink from him, and are asham'd to own him; they'er like the Kennel of Hounds, who waited for one bold Hound, who went into [Page 113] a Lord's Kitchen to steal Provision, he came out, indeed, with a fair Rib of Beef, but the Cook running after him, threw sealding Water on him, that took off his Hair behind, which they, at first, not espying, began to praise him for his Ventersomeness, but seeing how he had suffered, they slunk away from him, and would no more admit him into their Company, lest they should be served in the like manner for partaking with him. These, in like manner have left the Wolf in his Extremity, whom I, tho' he is my cruel­lest Enemy pity.

This dissembling of the Fox gain'd much Applause, so that he was immediately con­ducted to the Court, where a noble Feast was prepared for him, with Musick and Rejoycing, every one praising and extolling him for his fortunate Victory: So that now from the Depth of Misery, he was rising to the Pinacle of Honour, every one croud­ing to offer their Service to him. Then was he exalted on the King's right Hand, who said, Reynard, I expect now you should stedfastly keep your Allegiance, and let not my Ears be fill'd with any more Complaints of you, then shall you always govern in this high Station, and I will be guided by your Wisdom; whilst, at my express Com­mand, all the Beasts of the Forest bow as [Page 114] you [...] by 'em, and if any do you Injury, I will highly revenge it: So appoint you chief Justice of all my Teritories.

Reynard's Kindred, as well as himself, upon hearing this, return'd the King Thanks; who told 'em, it was much short of what he intended to do for him; de­siring 'em to admonish him, when they saw him forget himself, as to be inolinable to go astray; which the She-Ape undertook to do for herself, and all the rest; saying, She and all the rest would renounce him if he should fail in any thing he had promis'd.

Then said the Fox, My most Gracious Lord, I am altogether unworthy of the Honours you have hea [...]ed on me; yet will I make it the whole study and business of my Life, in some measure, to deserve 'em; my Council and Dilligence shall never be wanting, either to Advise or Counter-plot your Enemies. This said, upon leave given, departed with all his Kindred for Malepardus.

Whilst the Fox was led to the King, the Bear, Cat, and Dame Arsewind, remov'd the Wolf out of the Field, he being, thro' Pain, in a deadly Swound, and laying him on clean Litter, dress'd his Wounds, and sent for Cordials that reviv'd him; but he no sooner came to his Senses, and remem­bred [Page 115] what had happen'd, but he howl'd pi­ [...]ously, not so much for the Smart and Anguish he felt, tho' it was great, as for the Disgrace he had suffer'd, and that he saw his Friends, who statter'd him in his prosperous Estate, had most of 'em forsa­ken him, and gone over to the Fox, as thinking with him to be in the warmer [...]un: However, those few Friends that were about him comforted him in the best manner, and carried him into his own House, putting him to Bed in a high Fe­ [...]er, occasion'd by his Wounds; of which [...]e was soon recover'd, but, at the Fox's Instigation he was banish'd into Ireland, with his Wife and Children, in which Coun­try, he and his Generation have ever since gone howling about the Bogs, Woods and Mountains, often scaring poor Teague out of his Senses.

Reynard, as I have said, being on his way homeward with a numerous Train of his Kindred, with a Promise speedily to re­turn to Court; they petition'd for Places of Honour and Trust under him; to which, Courtier-like, he made 'em a world of fair Promises, more than ever he perform'd: When he came in sight of his Castle, he saw his Wife and Children standing at the Gate, [Page 116] who were overjoy'd at his return, and hasted to meet him, embracing and wel­coming him and all his Friends; Then he told his Wife of his Success, and the King's Favour to him; how he was advanced to the Height of all Honours, to raise up and pull down who he pleased; commanding her instantly to prepare a sumptuous Ban­quet; which the She-Ape, and some o­thers help'd her to do, the Task being too great for her alone.

In two Hours time the Table was spread, with Fowl, Fish, and Fruit of all sorts; to which Reynard bid his Friends heartily wel­come, So they feasted together all that Day, and lay there all Night; and the next Morning Reynard, by the Power the King had given him, Knighted his two Sons, Rossel and Reynardine; and in Hon­our of their Advancement, prepared ano­ther stately Banquet, and then dismised all those that came with him: And thus be­ing high advanced, he kept his Station in spite of his Enemies, gathering great Wealth, and highly advancing his Children, living many Years in much Fame and Re­nown; in which I leave him, and conclude the Subject History of this Book, which if well regarded, may not only prove pleasant, but very profitable to the Reader.

[Page 117] Moral.] The Wolf's Fury here, signifies a Man desperately bent on Revenge, so that his Rage makes him blind, and careless of his Sa­fety, whereby he lies unguarded for his Enemies, who cunningly take advantage over him; which, had he stood upon better Consideration defended, they could not have done. The Fox using his Tail, shews that Policy often overcomes Strength. By the Wolf's catching him by the Foot, is noted, how many Men, not knowing how to make use of their Advantage, overslip it to their Misfortune. By the Fox's Advancement, we see Power comes swiftly when least expected. And by the Beasts siding with him, shews us, that Fear or Hopes of Riches will bring over even our Enemies to our side; yet ought we not to rely on such, longer than our Prosperity lasts. By the Wolf's being lest by all but a few, signifies, that none but Relati­ons, or near Friends, who have a Feeling in our Sufferings, will stand by us in the Storms of Ad­versity. From the Beasts Submission and Ear­nestness to make Peace with the Fox, we learn, that tho' our siding with a miserable Party, or Cause, be never so just, it is better to forego it, and endeavour a Reconcilliation, when we have to do with a powerful Adversary.

CHAP. I.

REynard the Fox, notwithstanding th [...] late Honours conferred of him b [...] [Page 119] the King, having private Intelligence, by means of the Brock, that the Cheats and Fallacies he had put upon the Royal Lion were discovered, he proclaimed a Traytor, and great Preparations made to apprehend him; doubting his Safety in the Castle of Malepardus, and being grown aged, and un [...]it for Travel, called to him Reynardine and Rossel, his two Sons, to whom he com­municated the State of his Assairs, bidding them take Laprel the Coney with them, for a Guide, and carry his Treasure with them into the Forest of Longwood, and there hide it in the Cave Laprel would shew them, and remain there to expect the Event of his Fortune; and to prevent a Discovery, they should kill the Coney as soon as the Treasure was safely stowed: So delivering to them his Riches, and sending some Servants with them to carry it to the Confines of the Fo­rest; the Sun was no sooner set, but they departed with Tears, which presaged they should never see each other more.

Reynard's two Sons had no sooner left him, but his Castle was besieged by the command of the Lion, and all his starting­holes so [...]owly guarded, that attempting to make [...] Escape, he was caught by Sir Bruin the Bear, his mortal Enemy, and [Page 120] dragged to the Court, where the Lion gi­ving free License to all that would, to bring their Accusations against him, such great Numbers, whom he had injuried ap­peared, and their Complaints were so grievous, and apparently proved, that the Savage King, without giving him leave to make his Defence, as he had formerly done, least his Flatteries should again make him relent to pardon him, ordered him imme­diately to be hanged; appointing the Wolf his Executioner. And thus ended Reynard the Fox after all his Cunning and Polices, his Days by an untimely Death; which shews, however Men may flatter themselve, there is no State, how great so ever, or cunningly supported, certain upon Earth.

Now whilst these things passed, Reynards Sons had sent away the Servants, and lodg­ed their Treasure only with the help of La­prel the Coney, that no more knowing where they had reposed it, it might, as they conceived, be the more assuredly safe; the which, when they had done, the Co­ney for his Service demanded his Reward; but instead of a Recompence, met with Death, for, surprizingly picking a Quarrel with him, on the account of his mistrusting their Bounty, they fell upon him, slew him [Page 121] and threw his dead Body out of the Cave, thinking themselves now secure, though it soon proved otherwise; for having Notice of their Father's Death, and that they were Proscribed and Banished on Pain of Death never to return to their own Country, [...] ­ing least some of the Servants, who had brought the Treasure to the Confines of the Forest, might give notice of it, they re­solved to remove it to another Forest, and there to divide it into two Parcels, and live retire, till they could dispose of it to their greater Advantages, in buying ho­nourable Places, or in purchasing their Peace and Freedom of returning home: But as they were doing this, Corbant the Rook, whose Wife, Dame Sharpbeak, Reynard their Father had slain, allured by the Scent of the dead Coney, came slying thither, and know­ing who they were, secretly watched, un­seen to them whither they carried the Treasure; and then, taking Wing, flew up and down the neighbouring Forests till he found out Bruin the Bear, Truculem the Ty­ger, and Versute the Panther, preparing ear­ly in the Morning to go a Hunting; to these, with much Joy, he revealed what he had seen, promissng them, for a tenth Part of the Riches, to shew them the place [Page 122] where it was lodged.

To this they easily and joyful consented, desiring instantly to be conducted thither; Corbant delayed not to do it, and by that time they arrived there, the Sun was setting, when having pointed to the places, by fly­ing with his Beak against them, the Bear immediately entered Reynardine's Cave, which he perceiving, and finding not only his Riches, but that also his Life would become a Prey to that mortal and impla­cable Enemy of his Family, if he was ta­ken by him, he immediarel bolted through a Retreating-hole, and fled with all speed possible for his safety.

The Bear having seized and brought forth the Treasure, he proceeded to Rossel's Cave; who upon the Bear's entering, be­ing of a fiery Temper, and much less cun­ning than his Brother, resolved to defend his Treasure, or lose his Life; so flying at Sir Bruin with his sharp Teeth, he caught him fast by the Nose, and bit him so griev­ously, that he roared out terribly; whereat the Tyger came rushing in, and immediate­ly slew poor Rossel, throwing his dead Bo­dy out of the Cave, and removing all the Treasure to a distant Forest, where they fell to sharing it by Lots, till a rich Crown, exceeding bright, set with Jewels, appear­ing [Page 123] amongst the Spoils, every one covering to have it, and not agreeing, the Content grew so hot, that a bloody Combate en­sued, with wild Uproar and Noise, so that Noble, the Lion Prince, Son to the King, being abroad with his Guard taking the Air in the Forest, hearing it, made thither, and soon, by his Presence and Commands, parted the Fray; then being inform'd of the Cause of their Difference, he told them, he would end the Cause of their Strife; and so taking up the Crown, set it on his own Head; none daring to contradict it; tho' they flattered him, in hopes to have it a­gain, with the present of a large Gold Chain, but it proved ineffectual for he car­ried the Crown to the Court, and there presented it to his Royal Father, as will more fully hereafter appear.

Moral.] By Reynard's being taken at last and executed, it appears, that tho' evil Men may escape for a time, Mischief will certain­ly overtake them in the end. The loss of the Treasure, signifies, ill got Gains prosper not. By the Bear, &c. falling out in dividing the Spoil, and the Lion's taking the Crown, shews Covetousness and Ambition will in the end most certainly bring both Sorrow and Strife.

CHAP. II.

REynardine, as is said, having escaped with Life, thought he lost his Treasure, flying by many obscure Ways, coming into the King­dom of Zalap, there he met with his Cousin Grimbard the Brock, whom he saluted, and [Page 125] making himself known to him, told him of the Loss, and the Danger he had escaped; desiring him to advise him how he might be safe for the future.

To this the Brock replyed, Dear Cousin, you ask a proper Question; for this Country being open, and full of People, who take Pleasure in Hunting, and destroying us poor Beasts, it will be proper I shew you the Holes under Ground that you may escape upon any Pursuit, or else, your Life will be always in danger. Nay then, said the Fox, I wish I had not come into this Country, but still remained amongst Woods and Forests, places of surest Retreat; but being here, I now submit to be advised and guided by you in all things.

Hereupon the Brock shewed him many Sculk­ing-holes, and places of Retreat: yet Rey­nardine, hearing the Cries of Hounds, and Shouts of Hunters from many places, began to tremble, and seemed not to like them as sufficient Refuges in time of Danger; and therefore de­sired his Kinsman to think of some other way for his continuing in Safety. Truely, replied the Brock, I know none, unless you will enter into Religious Orders; there you may live fat and plentifully among the Monks, and Fryers, if you can endure the Austerity of their Lives. Alas, said the Fox, [...]hat I will willingly under­take, [Page 126] rather than be every moment in Jeopardy of my Life.

Upon this the Brock procured him a Pilgrim's Weed to pass the better undiscovered, and bid him follow him to the Abby of Manton, where he would interceed with the Prior to receive him; where I must leave them on their way, and fol­low the young Lion to the Court.

The young Lion having carried the Crown with him, as is said, he presented it to his Fa­ther, who looked wishfully on it, groaned with­in himself, as calling to mind a Prophecy, that when that Crown should be found and presented him, the Day of Death drew near, and soon after it his Posterity should utterly fail from the Kingdom; wherefore he willed him to take it from his sight, and lock it up in a secret place, where none might ever see it, or come to wear it: This the Prince obeyed, and soon after his Father died, and he succeeded, as his eldest Son, King of Beasts; but his Brother Haughty, conspiring with the Bear, Tyger, and Panther, sew him, and soon after was slain himself, and so ended that Race, as their Father had predic­ted.

During these Transactions, Reynardine was come to the Monastry of Manton, and there ta­king leave of the Brock, went to crave Admit­tance, and made his Apology so well to the Prior, [Page 127] that he was kindly received, and admitted to enter on his Probation; wherein he behaved himself so modestly, and seemingly devout, that the Prior highly approved of him, and placed him under the Cook, to serve in the Kitchen; at which he greatly rejoyced, as knowing here he should stuff his Gut well; but so many things were pilfered and stole, that he accusing others, was himself accused, who was, indeed the Thief; yet he bore it out stoutly, till one Day he was catched by the Prior, who watched thro' a pri­vate Peep-hole, going off with a whole Carp in his Sleeve, yet, upon his Submission, his Pen­nance was alloted to fast two Days, and to live in a lonesome Cell, without the Gates of the Monastery.

This hard Usage so angered the Fox, that soon after he gave them the slip with his Religious Habit; but having travelled far, and growing very hungry, at last he espied a Flock of Geese in a Pond, where he could not come at them with­out fear of drowning, and therefore to decoy them on Land, in a demure manner, begins to Preach to them; the silly Geese seeing him in that Ha­bit, and, to appearance, so devoutly penitent, had no Mistrust of him, left the Water, and came foolishly gaggling round about him, desiring to see his Book, that they might say an Ave Maria, which he willingly shewed them; but [Page 128] whilst they were poring on it, at two snaps he bit off two of their Heads, which so affrighted the other, that they ran screaming into the Pond again, and kept themselves in the Deep, till they saw him greedily gorge his Paunch on their Fel­lows Carcases.

Well knowing how he should be pursued, as in­deed he was, by the Monks and Owners of the Geese, he left that Province, and returned a­gain to Zalap; there fell to Shriving a pracel of Ferrets, for which they were to steal him a Nest of Rabets; after that an Ass for a Bundle of Straw; but the former was catched by the War­riner, and condemned to perpetual Imprisonment; and the latter soundly drubbed by the Owner of the Straw, upon his entering the Barn to fetch it; whilst the Fox laughed heartily, to see what Fools he had made them, and into what Dan­ger they were brought; and after having Shriven many others, and got store of Food from them, in promise of Indulgenices upon his return from the Pope. Now as he travelled he met the Brock, whom he very kindly saluted, telling him all his Adventures, and what had befel him from their parting, and great was the Rejoycing between them; when travelling onwards, they came to the Palace of Sir Firelapel the Libard, who ly­ing sick, and having Notice by his Servant, that a Priest approached, desired he might come [Page 129] in and Confess him; when in Confession, he de­clared he had been chiefly instrumental in bring­ing Reynard the Fox, to the Gallows; this Reynardine stomached exceedingly, but conceal'd himself and his Resentments to a fitter Opportu­nity, which wrought the Libard's Destruction.

Going from hence, one Evening, intending to rob a Farmer's Barn of a fat Pullet, the Train of his, Gown was catched in a Trap, and upon the Alarum it gave, he was forced to leave it behind him and flie for his Life, which put an end to the Fox's Priesthood; who, by that borrowed Shape and seeming Sanctity, had deluded many silly Beasts.

Moral.] The Lion's Presage of Destruction to his Family on sight of the Crown, signifies, we ought even to shun the sight of things that threaten Danger, and may prove fatal to us. The Fox's taking on him a Religious Life, and his Proceedings therein, shews how crafty Men, under such Pretences, delude the Ignorant. His losing his Gown, signefies, such Deceivers are at last laid open, and fall idto Disgrace and Con­tempt.

CHAP. III.

THE Fox had no sooner left his Religi­ous Habit, but he became despised and persecuted by those that had adored him in that Disguise; so that wanting the [Page 131] fat Morsels they were wont to supply him withal, he grew in great Distress and Po­verty, much bewailing the loss of his Gown, which, had he kept, would have been an Estate to him; for under that he deceived whom he [...] but now he was dispised by all, and threatned with Death, though he alledged he was their very Priest, but that his Gown was stolen from him while he laid it aside to Fast and Pray; But finding this not believed, and fearing in a Mutiny, to lose his Life, he gave those that watched him the slip, and wandred a long time, starved almost in the Woods; when rang­ing one Morning, he espied, from a Hill, Isgrim the Wolf, who had just killed a Pig; the Fox knowing the Enmity between him and his Father, stood long musing whether he should dare to go to him or not, and beg a Supply; at last Necessity urged him, rather to hazard, than certainly die by starving; and so, in a most humble man­ner, though under a crafty Guise, ap­proached Sir Isgrim, and, in a fair Tone, said, Dear Cousin, can you tell me where a Leech lives, that I may go to him for Physick? Cousin me, no Cousins, replied the Wolf sternly, I am no [...] Kin [...] to you, but scorn you and all your treacherous Race; [Page 132] however, I'll venture so much Kindness to­wards you, to ask you what you ail.

Alas, said the Fox, meeting with a di­licious Booty, I have eaten so much, that I am even ready to burst: What dilicious Booty was it? said the Wolf; I have been hunting all this barren Country o'er and could find nothing, but what I ventured my Life for, in leaping a Stye for this poor Pig, flghting first the sharp-twanged Sow, and, e'er I could bear it off, the Farmer's Men, alarum'd by her Cries, fell on me, in my flght, and almost broke my Bones; and you well know, could I have got any thing else, I wou'd not have ventured so for Swine's Flesh, which I least of all e­steem:

Truly, replied Reynardine, the Prey that I found, were a couple of fat Lambs, whe­ther droped by some Cart that were car­rying them to Market, or that they had strayed thither, I know not: but sure I am, I took them napping and slew them both, then dragging them into a dry Ditch, under a Quickset-hedge, so I gorged my self with their Blood, and some of their Intrails, that I am surfeited. Ah, said the Wolf smiling, Fasting and Action will soon recover you, without running the Danger [Page 133] of being kill'd by a Physician: But Cousin, said he, very lovingly embracing him, seeing you can eat no more of this Prey, before it be tainted and spoil'd, if you will be so kind as to direct me to it, you will bind me to you for ever, and make me forget all the Wrongs your Father has done me, for there is nothing in the World I like better than Lamb.

The Fox finding he had work'd his Ends, directed him to the Place, with all the Marks and Tokens where he should find this imaginary Prey, about a League dis­tant; the credulous Wolf, not scrupling the Truth of it, left the Pig half eaten, the Fox feigning to sleep till his return, and posts to the place; in the mean while Reynardine filled his hungry Belly, and then posted a­way with speed, crossing many Ways, to avoid the Fury of the Wolf, who, having in vain fought for the supposed Lambs, re­turned in great Fury to take Revenge on the Fox for deluding of him, and finding he had devoured the Prey he left behind him, he howl'd out many greivous Curses against him; but searching in all places of the neighbouring Forest could not find him; for Reynardine, fearing the Event, had earthed himself.

[Page 134] The Fox having staid in the Hole till it was dark, knowing the Wolf was then gone to rest, crep out, and posted with all speed to the Province of Ferraria, there, early in the Morning, he met Grimbard the Brock, and relating to him all that had passed, since they parted last, desiring his Council, to help him to some business whereby he might susstain himself; but thinking of none, he recommended him to Dame Arse­wind the She-Ape, who liv'd in a Cell near adjoyning; she immediately perswaded him to turn Physician, since Dr. Simpleton, the Ass, had taken up that Profession and gotten great Gains by it: And so habiting himself accordingly, he throve mightily upon it, which made Simpleton repine; but the Fox, being much the cunninger, en­creased in Fame, so that Sir Firelapel heard of it, and sent for him; but the malicious Fox, remembring his Father's Death, ha­ving got a great Reward, gave him so great a Dose of Opium, that i [...] made him, sleep his last; but soon after the Ape and he falling out about putting the Money, she left him, and discovered the Murder, but not being able to prove it, you confes­sing herself accessary to it, she was hang'd. Then Reynardine chose Tybert the Cat for [Page 135] his Associate, and got great Gains by it; so that Simpleton the Ass finding himself dis­parag'd by this new Doctor, who pretend­ed he came from a far Country, and his Trade falling off, in dispair hang'd himself; at which the Fox laught heartily, as now having all in his own Hands, so that he got great Gains; but being discovered not to be Doctor Pedanto, as he gave out he was, but Reynardine the Fox, being in the midst of all his Pride and Success, look'd on as an Imposture and Cheat, notice was give of it to the King, so that he was pro­claimed a Traytor, for now the Murder of Sir Firelapel appeared against him; and in flying to Manton, he was, by the way, set upon and robbed of all his Treasure, be­coming again very Poor, so that to free himself from the Danger that threatned, he procured a Mountebank to cut off his Ears and Tail, so that being altogether disguised, he hoped to get into the Mona­stery again, from whence you have heard he fled:

Coming near to the Monastery, he met Grimlook the Mastiff, whom he knew to have been Porter of the Gate when he left the place: him he salutes. and entreats [...] do him the kindness to speak to the Prior [Page 136] and Senior Monks, that he might be ad­mitted; to this Grimlook told him, he could not, for he was out of his Place, but he would recommend him to his Cousin Brindle, who was then Porter. This he did, but though Reynardine had changed his Name to Shifter, Brindle knew him, tho' he said nothing, and promised to do what had been proposed, but fearing at last it was a Plot between Grimlook and the Fox, to work him out of his Place, he discovered all to the Prior, who not only refused Reynardine's Admittance, but for ever banished Grimlook for having any en­trance into the Monastery, which before he had, by a private Hole, which on this occasion was stopped up.

Moral.] The Fox being despised upon the Loss of his Religious Habit, shews, that Hypocrites and Dissemblers when found out, are hated, tho' never so much praised before. His cheating the Wolf, shews, that Policy in many cases, is more advantageous than Strength. His turning Phy­sician, denotes, how easily People are to be de­luded by fair Pretences.

REynardine now again put to his Shifts, gets privately into the Forest of Fer­raria, and putting on a cast Habit he found there, went to the Palace of the Lord Ver­sute the Panther, and by many fair Words, got to be entertained in his Service, pre­tended he was a Stranger well born, but travelling, had been robbed of all his Wealth; telling them many strange Stories of his Travels, partly true and partly false, too tedious here to be recited; and here the better to disguise himself, he went by the Name Crabron, and so insinuated into the Panther's Favour, that his chief Ser­vant, who waited on him, being call'd to serve the King in a very eminent Station, he was preferred to that Place, using great [Page 138] Diligence to please his Lord, though Re­venge was his Aim, for the Death of his Brother Russel, and the Loss of his Father's Treasure; which, as you have heard, the Panther was mainly instrumental in; nor was it long e'er an opportunity was put in­to his Hands to execute his Designs: For the Panther falling grievous sick, Dr. Assino, Brother to Simpleton the Ass, was sent for, who had supplied his Brother's Place, and was no wiser than himself: This Ass-doctor gave his Patient many Potions, but to little purpose: for the Panther being grievously surfeited by devouring a Stagg he had run down, and withal his Body very foul, his Stomach was sorely afflicted and torment­ed: Assino not knowing what further to do to give him Ease, or any ways to relieve him: The Fox understanding this, was ex­ceeding joyful, and coming into the Pre­sence of the Panther, while the Ass-doctor was gone to take care of the Medicines, least any one should play some evil Trick in his Absence: But the Fox's Design being Michief and Destruction, he in the Night­time, infused a deadly Bane into it, which, upon taking, soon kill'd the Panther, who died in great Torment; and tho' they were both of them vehemently suspected, yet [Page 139] according to the common Rule of pretend­ed ignorant Quacks, they strongly alledg­ed, That the Panther being old, his time was come, which had it not, a Medicine so excellently prepared, had wrought his Recovery; using many Allegations to prove it by the Rules of Physick and Nature, and the Fox, the better to excuse himself, la­mented his Death extreamly, to appear­ance, often going to his Grave, and there shedding feigned Tears; so that at length he was not only concluded Innocent, but much commended for the great Love they supposed he bore his deceased Lord; and the King hearing of it, sent for him to Court, and made him his Purveyor.

The Fox thus raised, begins to fear e­very one that had formerly known him in Disguise, least they should betray him, and therefore resolved, as fast as he could, to make them away, that they should tell no Tales: his first Project was to betray the Cat to a place, where in hopes of Mice, she was strangled in a Snare, and when dead, the Fox buried him privately, that the thing might not be known, nor enquired into: Grimlook the Mastiff, who knew him, as having discovered himself to him in hopes of getting into the Monastery, was the [Page 140] next whose Life he aimed at; and thus he contrived his Death, having found a deep Well in the Forest, with much Water in it, laid Reeds and rotten Sticks a cross it, and upon them Earth, and then green Grass and Leaves, as a Carpet, thither he conveyed Marrow-bones, and one, above the rest, with much Flesh on it, and invited Grim­lood to Dinner; who overjoyed at the op­portunity, as being out of Place, and very hungry, accepted the supposed kind Offer, and being led by Revnardine to the place, he had no sooner leaped on it with all his weight, as greedy to catch the Prey, but down sunk he and the Banquet together into the Well; where, howling for help in vain, the Fox tumbled great Stones upon him and drowned him, then covering the place, returned to Court, rejoycing, as now supposing he was rid of all those that could impeach him, or bring him into Danger; but while he was hugging him­self in this good Luck, Brindle, for Theft, being expelled the Monastery at Manton, came into the Forest to seek his Living, and finding the Fox high in Favour, would have scraped Acquaintance with him, but he utterly denied ever to have known him; which so insenced Brindle, that he resolved [Page 141] to discover his true Name to the King, and accordingly did, with all the Circumstances how he hah caused himself to be disguised, and came to the Monastery of Manton, and how he was known there, and denied Ad­mittance: Upon this Crabron, the disgui­sed Reynardine, was sent for, and charged by the King, on the Words of Brindle, as a Traytor; but he stoutly denied all, al­ledging, That it was Malice in the Ma­stiff, because he had not preferred him ac­cording to his Desire. This so enraged Brindle, that witout considering he was in the King's Presence, [...]e fell upon the Fox, and had killed him, had he not been taken off.

For this Indiscretion he was committed to Prison; during his being there, the Fox devised to make him away, and habiting himself like a Lord's Sorvitor, he brought him Food, as from his Lord, which the Mastiff, without Suspicion, eating, soon died, with all the Symptoms of Poison, but none yet knew who did it.

Moral.] The Fox's entering into the Pan­ther's Service, and poisoning him, denotes a re­vengeful Person, who, under the greatest Shew of Friendship, hides his Malice till he can exe­cute [Page 142] his Vengeance. His betraying Grimlook, and poisoning Brindle, denotes, that when we suspect our Guilt will be discovered, base Meant are used to prevent it.

CHAP. V.

THE Fox, by this time, well knowing that [...]dle was dead, appeared ear­ly in the Presence of the King, and desired, that now what he had to say in excuse of Yesterday's Accusation might be heard: The King told him it should, when the Witness appeared, who was immediately sent for; but, instead of bringing him, the Goaler came to excuse his Death; say­ing he was poisoned; and that he verily believed, by all Circumstances, he had been the occasion of it himself: For, says he, [...] offered him Food Yesterday, but he would eat none, raving at a strange rate, till a Stranger came, whom I suppose, was his Consederate in the Mischief, and from him he took Food and eat it greedily.

[Page 143] The King hearing this strange Story, was much perplexed, and shrewdly sus­pected his Servant Crabron had a hand in it, but having no Proof, he held his Peace for a time.

The Fox now supposing he was safe, all being destroyed that could accuse or disco­ver him; in the midst of all his Jolity, was dashed by the arrival of Lightfoot the Grey­hound, who has lived in the Monastery of Manton; of him the King enquired, Whe­ther ever he knew one Reynardine, that had been an Officiate in the Monastery? To this he replied, He had, indeed, heard of such a one's being there, and of the Pranks he had plaid; which agreeing with what Brindle had said, increased the King's Sus­picion, especially when confirmed by Quick­scent the Lurcher, that came from the said Monastery; so, whatever Excuses Crabron, or the disguised Reynardine could make, the King's Anger encreasing, he resolv'd to ex­tort a true Confession out of him, which he seemed to decline, by racking him: Crabron hearing his Decree, begged hearti­ly to have it excused, and greatly urged his Innocency; but could not prevail, for the King's Suspicion more and more in­creasing, he ordered four strong Beasts to [Page 144] take him and draw his Limbs divers ways, and not to leave off till he had confessed the truth.

This Punishment being immediately put in execution, Craborn crying out very griev­ouslly, as if he had been torn in sunder, though, to say the truth, he was little hurt, yet his Tormentors not leaving off, thinking he should at last be killed in ear­nest, with a mournful Voice he begged to be delivered out of their Hands, and he would freely confess all. This being or­dered, he, instead of performing it, pro­ceeded only to excuse himself of not know­his Accusers, or ever being in the Country where the Monastery stood; which much inraged the King, but for that time he thought it sufficient to commit him to strong Ward in Prison, and on the Morrow cause him to be racked again, till he clear­ly confessed the truth of the matter.

Upon this the Fox was carried off, griev­ously complaining he should die with the Anguish of his Tortures, for his Limbs were all disjoynteds, but this served only as a Pretence to make his Guards the more careless of him, that he might the better make his Escape, which accordingly he did; for being lodged in the Ground-room [Page 145] of the Prison, and strongly locked and bolted in, whilst his Goalers slept, he dug a Hole under the Foundation of the Wall, and creeping through it, fled; but they for their Drowsiness paid very dear, the in­censed King causing them, the next Day, to be executed, as Traytors, for conspiting with Crabron, and furthering his Escape to plot new Treasons against his Royal Crown and Dignity; all they could alledge not availing them.

The Fox having escaped thus luckily, travelled all Night, till he came into the Forest of Pitwood, where Sir Chanticleer the Cock, with his numerous Progeny, held his Residence, of whom he made a grievous Spoil, till, at last, the old Cock suspecting who he was, hasted to young Sir Firelapil, and made him acquainted with his thoughts; this young Gallant knowing the King's Proclamation was out against the Fox, with Promise of a great Reward and Preferment to those that should apprehend him, acquainted the King with it, and un­dertook to seize him and bring him to Court with him; yet Quickscent following his footing, after a tedious Race, run him down and took him; at this the Libard grinned, knowing his Honour was eclisp'd [Page 146] thereby, therefore he took the Fox by force from the Lurcher, and made him his Prisoner; but the Bear, Wolf and Hanna envying him that Advantage, fell upon him to take the Prisoner from him; but the two last of these he slew, and put the first, sore wounded, to flight; in the mean while the Fox had escaped, had not the Lurcher had a watchful Eye over him, and taken him on fresh Pursuit. Then he was brought to Court, where the King up braid­ed him with his Father's, and his own Treacheries, and ordered him immediately to the Gallows, placing a Writing on his Head of the several Namms he had gone by to deceive and betray the Beasts of the Fo­rest.

When he was ascending the Ladder, he made a free Confession of all his Crimes he had committed, except the Murders, which he laboured to excuse; and then to insi­nuate himself with the King, in expecta­tion of Pardon, he made a long feigned Story of an infinite Mass of Treasure not yet discovered, giving a large Catalogue of Jewels, Rings, Gold-chains, and Money; then seemly offered himself to Death, with­out telling the place where they lay: To this the King began to harken attentively, [Page 147] yet doubted it was a dissembling to save his Life; yet Covetousness prompting him eargerly to thurst after so great Riches, he, upon Craborn's solemn Oath that all was true, caused him to be taken from the Gal­lows and returned to Prison, till he had considered the matter, whether it might be true or not; and demanding if it could not be taken up without him, he being kept as a Pledge for the Certainty of its being there; No, replied the Fox, for it was secured by one Ad [...]lman an Inchanter, who is now dead, and the Spell is so strong, that without it be dissolved by Sacrifices, which I must offer, it cannot be taken up.

The King hearing him name Ad [...]lman, and that he was dead, resolved, for a bet­ter Confirmation of the Truth of the whole matter, to know whether there was such a Person, and thereupon sent with speed to enquire, which proving so, and that he was dead, made him the easier credit the rest: then calling the Lurcher, he commanded him to go with the Fox and see the Trea­sure, but besure to watch him narrowly, least he gave him the slip: This he under­took, and so away they travelled, early in the Morning, to the Forest of Longwood, and the Fox pretending to be near the place, [Page 148] made a Circle, and prepared his Sacrifices, which were to be offered up unto Fortune, Venus, Mars, Mercury, and Pluto, five seve­ral Days in five several Circules; but on the first Day the Lurcher being tired out by walking so long to watch the Fox, who himself slept soundly a Nights, could hold up no longer, but falling asleep, the Fox took the Advantage he had look'd for, and secretly stole away; which when the Lur­cher, starting from his sleep, found, he hunted and beat the Forest about, but all in vain, for Reynardine was got beyond his reach; so that after a tedious and fruitless Search, with Fear, Shame and Anger he returned again to the Royal Court at San­den.

Moral.] By the Fox's feigning hidden Trea­sure, denotes, crafty Men, by Policy, escape Dan­ger, when Strength fails them. The Lyon-gi­ving Credit to it, and saving his Life, denotes, Covetousness over-ballances Justice, and corrupts the Judge. By the Fox's pretending to Sacrifi­ces, shews, that Religion, as a Cloak, is often pretended, to cover intended Frauds, and noto­rious Villanies, &c.

CHAP. VI.

THE King finding himself thus deluded by the Fox, was exceeding angry, blaming much the Lurcher, but more him­self, for crediting so cunning a Dissembler; yet resolving to be revenged, he put out his Proclamation, encouraging the Pursuit of him with promise of Reward and Ho­nours; so that a number of Beasts hasted to the Kingdom of Zalap, whether they suspected him to be gone; each posting se­veral ways to outstrip each other, as fear­ful, by coming too late, to lose this Ho­nour; and with them went the Brock, the Fox's Friend, to give him private Notice of the Dangers, if he might find him out without any others knowing it; and in­deed [Page 150] he had the luck to do it, as knowing well what kind of places he used to lurk in, in such eminent time of Danger, and gave him Notice of all that had passed, and what Beasts were come out in Search of him: as the Tyger, the Boar, the Horse, Goat, Bull, Camel, [...] the Ass, Brother to the Ass-doctor, and many others.

To this [...], for so now must I call him again, replied, I fear not all these, dear Cousin, so much as I do Quickscent the Lurcher, if he be not with them to [...] me out, I am safe enough. Indeed, said the Brock, I had forgot him, he is here: but I'll quickly send him upon a false Ru­mour: I'll raise a great way off, that he may not yet get the Scent of you, when you are disposed to travel abroad; and so contrive it with the rest, that most of them shall repent their coming in search of you.

The Fox here upon heartily thank'd him, and brought out a young Pheasant he had newly taken, on which they supped and were merry, and a little before Day the Brock left him, and laboured to draw the Beasts from his Hole, and by crafty Devi­ces, sent them to such places to search, that they either fell into Snares, Slavery, or were many of them slain by the Country People.

[Page 151] However, the Fox hearing more were coming, and being scanty of Provision, went to the Palace of Squire Careless, and entertained himself as a Servant to him, up­on Condition he might have Liberty to walk about the House, and not be [...] as many of his Kindred were.

This being agreed on, having made Friendship with the [...] of the Place, he lived in great Plenty for a time; but one Day as he lay basking in the Sun in the Court-yard aseep, the Dogs being likewise asleep in the Kennels, after full Bellies, Witless the Ass coming by, and peeping o­ver the Wicket, espied the Fox; then set­ting his Arse against it, he forced it open, and entring, surprized the sleeping Fox, running away with him, in great haste in his Mouth, unseen of any Body: The Fox sinning himself thus tricked by the Ass, be­gan gently to slatter and entreat him, say­ing, he was exceeding glad, since it must be, that he was fallen into the Hands of [...] counteous and generous a Person, to w [...] when he first heard the Proclamati­on, he would willing have surrendred him­self, could he have conveniently found him, praising his Understanding and pru­dent Conduct to the Skies; so that the [Page 152] Ass thinking all real, protested he was sor­ry now he had taken him, and would let him go, were it not that he expected to be made a Lord for taking him; which Honour he had along time extreamly co­ve [...]ed, that he might out-brave his Kins­man the D [...], who, being rich, looked shie, and scorned him for his Poverty. The Fox heartily thanked him for his good Meaning towards him; but desired to know how they should do to shift for Pro­vision in their Way to the Court, consider­ing it would take them up eight Days. As for me, said the Ass, every Lane will af­ford Thistle and Boughs; but for you, who are wont to live on Flesh, I know not how you will fair, unless you make Provision to carry with you. That I have done, said the Fox, for about Mile in our Way, I have a Store-house, where I have laid up Provisions against any time of Ne­cessity that may fall out: and if you be pleased to carry so much as is needful for me, you will exceedingly oblige me. Yes, said the Ass, with a very good Will: come, let us hasten on our Journey, and I will do you all the Service I can; nor would I have been instrumental in this your Misfortune, had it not been in hopes to have been a [Page 153] Lord. Upon this they set foreward, dis­coursing together on their Way of divers matters, till walking by a Park side, with high Pails, the Fox espied a convenient Hole; then said he, glad of the Opportu­nity, In this place is my Provision, I have it in a Wallet, stay you here and I will fetch it instantly. The Ass was loath to trust him at such a Disadvantage; but before he could reply, the nimbly Fox whippedin, and then it was to no purpose to argue.

However, the Ass in Expectation of his Return, which he intended not, stood waiting, resting his Nose on the top of the Pa [...]ls, which was as much as he could reach when he stood on his Hind-feet, so that it was impossible for him to leap o­ver: Now the mean while the Fox hasted to the Wood-man, that was lopping in the neighbouring Forest, saying, Sir Wood-man, I bring you the rarest News you can wish for. What is that? says the Woodman. Why, replied he, yonder is a strange wild Ass without an Owner, fat, lusty, and of a large size, that will, if you take him, do you great Service in carrying Wood or other Burthens, much to the ease of your own Labour. Where is he? said [Page 154] the Wood-man. Let me but see him, and I'll halter him, I'll warrant you, and soon make him tame: and for your Kindness in shewing me him, when ever you chance to be hunted, make into this Forest, and I will do my Endeavour to secure you from the Fury of the Hounds.

The Fox thanked him, and immediately lest him to the Place where the Ass stood [...]ing, or in Asses Language calling out, Sir Reynardine, Sir Reynardine, make haste, that we may proceed on our Journey.

The Wood-man, upon this, coming slily behind him, creeping under the shelter of the Bank, so that he could not be seen of the Ass, all on a sudden, to the Ass's great Surprize, clapped a strong Haltar about his Neck, fastning it immediately to a strong Post that upheld the Pails, and tho' the Ass struggled and brayed hideously, all was in vain, the more he struggled, the more the Wood-man cudgeled him; till quite tired, and sore bruised, he was forced to lie down, and submit himself to his Mercy.

The Fox seeing this, laughed heartily, to think how he had taken his Taker; yet, not appearing in sight, he lay close to see the Ass carried away, and then posted back [Page 155] to Squire Careless's House, arriving there before he was missed; and soon after he had the pleasure to see Witless, with other Asses, come laden with heavy Bundles of Wood on a Pack-saddle, into the Court-yard; the Wood-man serving the Squire with Fuel.

Coming to him, he thus saluted him; My Lord Witless, I am glad to see you in­vested in your new Honour; your Coat of Arms methinks, suits you rarely well, and your other Accou [...]rements are very splen­did, I have seen many, but none like it for Beauty and Gayness Hah! the Packsaddle and Cross-sticks in a green Field, embla­zoned with a [...]altar and Girths; 'tis all admirable! above what your Lordship's Ancestors durst pretend to.

The Ass hearing these Taunts, verily be­lieved he had betrayed him into Slavery, and therefore, in a Fury, ran at him to trampie him under his Feet, with loud B [...]s; but the Fox, being nimble, shipped into the hole of his Kennel, lay [...]e, and saw the Ass sev [...]ely banged for breaking his Girths in struggling, and let­ting the Wood fall about the Yard: And though the Ass laboured hard to excuse it, and accuse the Fox of Treachery; yet the [Page 156] Wood-man not understanding his Langua­ge, exasperated by his Braying, beat him but the more; so that finding himself in a piteous plight, he was forced to be mute: and upon his return, grievously complain­ed to his Fellow-asses of his hard Usage; who bid him be of good Comfort, since he was not yet acquainted with his Master's Humours, which when he was, and he knew how to please him, his Condition would be more tollerable, as themselves they said had proved: For, said one of them, tho' he be a little rough, he is a care­ful Provider for us; for in the hard times of Winter, when there is nothing growing that is pleasant to feed on, he will rob all the Barns and Stacks within ten Miles, to get us Provinder, and load us home with it, to our great Satisfaction, when other Asses, turn'd to shift on a Heath or Com­mon, are ready to perish with Cold and Hunger. This Discourse a little comforted Witless, and made him bear his Slavery the better, which he did not so much stand up­on, as that he had of being made a Lord.

Moral.] By the unfortunate ends of the Fox's Pur­suers, for the most part, signifies, Men that are too forward to seek the risin of others, fall into ruin themselves. By the Brock, is signified, that among [Page 157] many Enemies, one may find a true Friend. The Ass's taking the Fox, signifies, Ignorance aided by Strongth, may on a Surprize, overcome the Witty; by the Fox's deluding the Ass and bringing him into Slavery, signifies, in the end, that Policy is better than Strength, and ever a secure Foundation to build on; for without the latter, the former stands not long:

CHAP. VII.

REynardine the Fox, living at Squire Careless's House, and not only providing for himself, but often brought Presents of Poultry, Rabits and the like for his Master, which greatly pleased him; but his Riot and Extravagance was so great, in keeping open House, and entertaining lewd Fel­lows, as Fidlers, Morrice-dancers, and the like, that a while after the Fox came hither, his Credi­tors Clamours frighted him away, and all he had was seiz'd on: nay, the Fox, had he not been nimble, to escape thro' a Hole, had fallen into their Clutches, and been a Slave, or his Skin, perhaps, sold to the Furrier, to pay part of his Master's Debts

The Fox thus luckily escaping at breaking up of House-keeping, was however, put to shift for a new Master, not daring to venture much abroad in the Day-time, as knowing the Lurcher and o­thers were yet abroad in search of him: and there fore casting in his mind whether to go, at length he bethought himself of an old Miser, call'd Gripe penny, who liv'd a miserable covetous life, though the Fox, the Incomes I shall bring him by [...] [Page 158] Theft will make this Fellow entertain me with a good Will. To his House therefore he hasted, and proffered him his Service; but when the Miser heard he had been a Servant to Squire Careless, he took up a Staff, crying out, Varlet, hence from my Door, with speed, or I will cripple you, you are one of those extravagant Villains that ruined my careless and foolish Neighbour: and would you get Entertainment in my House to ruin me too? Away with you Rascal.

The Fox hearing this Language, began mi [...]ily to intreat him, saying, Have patience a little, and I will satisfie you other ways. As how? as how? Speak quickly then said Gripepenny. Why, reve­rend Sir, said the Fox, tho' I liv'd with Squire Careless, yet I eat not of his Meat, nor drank of his Cup, all I had of him was but a little Lodging, and for that I greatly recompenced him, for few Nights pussed, but ranging abroad, I brought him either a big, Goose, Turkey [...]ullet, Cock, Capon, Duck, Rabit or the like; which might have sup­plied his House in a great measure, had not his [...] way of-living been so excessive.

This made the Miser rejoyce, and thereupon requested him to come in; then he demanded if he would serve on these Terms: Yes, said the Fox, withal my Heart, if may have my free liber­ty to go and come when I please, That you shall, said the Miser, if I find you faithful and dilligent in what you have promised. Doubt not that said, the Fox; but then I must have Holes to [...] and out at my Pleasant, to [...]. That you shall have, said the [...]. And [...] all things were accordingly [...] and he should to his Lodging, in a [...] he Back-side, and some Seraps of [...] and Cheese given him for a [...] [Page 159] but badly relish'd; yet being hungry, and in hopes of better Cheer when he went abroad at Night, he seem'd contented with it, that his new Master might not think he was over fine mouth'd.

No sooner was the Night come, but he went a Forraging in the Neighbouring Hen-roests, and having sufficed himself with fat Pullen, he brought his Master Gripepenny home a fat Goose, he catch­ed napping under a Hovel in a Farmer's Yard: This pleased the old Miser wonderfully; but be­ing too covetous to eat such a dainty Morsel, he pulled it, and sold it in the Market, buying Neck­beef with part of the Money. And thus they lived together. Reynardine frequently supplying him, till an unlucky Accident happened.

The Lurcher being still on the Search, and ha­ving made a Vow never to return to Court with­out the Fox, rambling over many other Kingdoms, and scented all the most likely places to find him, but met with Disappointments, when being about to leave off seeking any further, dispairing of Suc­cess, and yet resolved to keep his Vow, and not return to the Lion's Court, being tired and over­heated, he lay down on the backside of Grip [...]pen­ny's House, in a dry Ditch, close under the Pa [...]ls; yet long he had not been there, careful and pen­sive, but, to his great Joy, he espied the Fox co­ming out at his Hole, but it being yet Day, and he suddenly poping in again, he thought it not fit to seize him, but for fear of being discovered, withdrew to a neighbouring Wood till Night, in­to which, he doubted not but the Fox would come for his Prey.

In this the Lurcher was not mistaken, for in the dusk of the Evening he came ranging, after his accustomed manner, to see if the Coasts were clear; for about this Wood there were many Farm-houses [Page 160] and so close the Lutcher lay, that he came very near him before he stirred; then whilst the Fox was scenting the Wind, to know which way his Game lay, he suddenly leap'd on him, carrying him by the mape of the Neck into the middle of the Wood; the surprized Fox, all the way crying piteously out for help; and it being then dark, the Lurcher bound him for that Night, and notwith­standing his Flattery and Entreaties, early the next Morning, forced him to go along with him to the Court; where being come, the Fox was immedia­tely committed close Prisoner, and Quinckscent the Lurcher, for his Service got great Credit and Ap­plause, the King giving him the Title Lord Quick­scent, and caused his honour to be proclaim'd; and, as a Reward, put a Golden Coller about his Neck.

Moral.] By Gripepenny's entertaining the Fox, when he heard his Story, signifies, that covetous Men for their own Advantage, care not how thievish, or wickedly their Gains are come by. By the Lurcher's taking the Fox at last, denotes, that wicked Men, how cunning soever they be, do not always escape.

CHAP. VIII.

THE Fox lying Pensive in Prison, expecting the time of his approaching Death, and not ho­ping for Mercy, had many serious thoughts upon him: but the chiefest was, if possible, to make his escape, but then considering how strongly he was iron'd, and that his Guards were vigilant, if he should attempt it, and not succeed, his Death wou'd be the more speedy, and that not without [Page 161] Torments: However, he often cast it in his Mind, but finding it in a manner impossible, concluded himself overtaken.

Yet persive in these Thoughts, at length over­coming in his Mind all supposed Difficulties that stood in his way, he resolved to try if any Strata­gem might free him: first he flattered with promise of great Reward, his Goaler, if he would take off his Irons, which he said, being too strait, greatly pain'd him; hoping if he were cased of that In­cumbrance, he might be in a fair way to escape; but in this he found him very difficult: Fox, said he, if it were known, I shall lose my Place, if not my Life; especially should your escape be further­ed by it; for I well remember, when you escaped before, those that guarded you, were without Mercy put to Death, Ah! said the Fox, I know it as well as you, and mourned their Misfortunes much, and often wish'd, I being Guily, had died, rather than those Innocents have suffered in my place; but now I have repented me of my Sins, which then I had not done, which made me fear­ful of Death; but now my Thoughts are fully prepared for it, and I am so weary of my Life, thro' the Troubles and Fears I have undergone, that I am so far from thinking of making my E­scape, that would the King grant me his Pardon, it would be little welcome to me.

Nay, said the Goaler, if to take off your Irons, in way of Courtesie to ease you, might do you a Kindness, could I do it, I so much honour your Race, that I would do you such a Courtesie: But how shall I come by the Reward, if you are executed; have you any Money about you? The Reward, said the Fox, you shall be sure of, tho' I have no Money about me; for when I know I must go to the Place of Execution, I will [Page 162] privately whisper you in the Ear, the Place where I have hid so great a Treasure, as will enrich you and your Kindred all your Days

The Fox's Irons were no sooner off, tho' he pretended to be crippled with them, but he began to rejoyce, hoping now to have another Tryal for his Escape, to defeat his Enemies of their Ex­pectations; but his main Business was how to get the Goaler out of the way, who had strict Com­mand, on pain of Death, narrowly to watch him Day and Night, till he was delivered into the Execu [...]ner's Hands.

Whereupon after he had complained a while his Head aked, he fell a reaching and vomiting, declaring, he was piteous Sick, and desired to have a Physician and a Confessor sent for fearing in the case of the latter, he might die before Sentence was passed upon him, and he was willing to make peace with his Conscience before he de­parted. The Goaler, who had strick Orders to let none come at him, without they brought the King's Signet, said he could not do this; desiring him in these Extramities, to make use of him, pretending, boastingly of his own Parts and Ac­quirments, to be both Priest and Physician. The Fox was glad to hear this, and desired, in the first place to know what Drugs he had; For, said he, this Disease has before seiz'd me, but never so violently, and threatned me very near with Death, and knowing what I formerly used, if I see your Drugs, I will chuse the most proper.

The Goaler readily obey'd, and fetch'd a confu­sed M [...]dley of such things as he had [...] toge­ther, to give his Prisoners when sick, [...]b [...] at a venture, either for Killing or Curing; and the Fox having tumbled them over, to his great Satis­faction found a pretty good quantity of Opinus, [Page 163] which his Goaler being ignorant of, among others, he chose, and defining him to fetch him some Wine to mix them with, the better to take them: The Goaler flattering himself, if he pleased him well, and he should now die, he would at large discover to him his Treasure he had hid, and no body beside should know it, fetched a Quart. The Fox reproved him for his Lavishness, as be­ing, he said, far too much for a sick Person. O, replied the Goaler, you may well enough use it, or if you do not, I can well enough dispense with it.

This was to the Fox's purpose, and thereupon, with some of it, he proceeded to mix what Drugs he pleased, secretly conveying the Opium into the rest; then feigning to be much better, heartily thanked him, and told him, he might take it a­way; and for his Confession, he would defer it till he saw how he should be, if he thought he should live, he would reserve it to be made at the Gal­lows, where his own Confessor was to attend him.

The Goaler seemed satisfied, and gulped down the rest of the Wine to the good Recovery of the Fox's Health, and his finding great Favour with the King; and so sitting down, immediately fell into a profound Sleep. Then the Fox took the Keys and opened the Inner-door, in hopes to o­pen the other and escape; but there contrary to expectation, he found a Guard, who it seems, watch'd Night and Day; this much startled him, wherefore he return'd and attempted the Win­dows, but the Bars were so close, that he could not get his Head thro'; but then a Project coming into his Mind, he pull'd of some of his Wooll and stuck it on the Grates, that however, when search was made, they might think he had escaped that way, as being grown thin and lean by his long Fasting; and then give over in that place, and [Page 164] not mistrusting him there, the Doors being lest open, he might escape unseen. Upon this he went and fed lustily on such Provisions as he had, that he might thereby subsist the longer, and so under an old Pair of Stairs in the Passage, earth'd him­self, drawing in the Earth and covering himself so close, that he had only a Breathing place, and so continued as long as might be. Now two Days being passed, his Execution was designed the next Morning, and a great Guard came to receive the Prisoner; but instead of this the Goaler a waken­ed from the Effects of his sleepy Dose, in great Perplexity, and about to hang himself thro' Fear of worse Punishment for his Neglect, and the Anger, that at the same time possessed him for his giving Credit to the Fox's Flatteries and Dissimu­lation, whom he, at the same time, knew had often deceived wiser than himself.

Of him they enquired for the Prisoner, she wing the King's Order for him to deliver him into their Hands; to which he answered, in a distracted man­ner, he knew not what was become of him, but believed him to be the Devil, for he had got from him invisible, the Doors being shut; telling them the Story of his pretended Sickness, but no­thing of his taking off the Irons, nor that himself had profoundly slept. The Fox heard all this, and could not forbear laughing: Then they looked a­bout to see what Place possibly he might get out at, and finding no Suspicion of any, till they came to the Window, where they found his Wool stick­ing on the Iron-bars; whereupon some said he was gone that Way, but others considering the Narrowness of the Space between, said it was im­possible. However, they commanded the Goaler to go along with them, and give an Account of it to the King, that the matter might be rightly under­stood, [Page 165] and they freed from Suspicion and Blame: This Fear made him loath to go; but they told him, if he would not go willingly, they would compel him, and then it would look as if he had purposely permitted the Escape; whereupon he accompanied them to Court.

The King hearing the Story, and how he had a­gain been deluded, groan'd with himself for An­ger, immediately causing the G [...]aler to be put to Death with Torments; putting out a fresh Pro­clamation, and sending Pursuers again in Search of the escaped Fox.

Moral.] The Fox's dissembling with the Goaler, and promising great Rewards, denotes, Covetousness blinds Mens Fore-sight, and makes them do things that will certainly bring them to Destruction. The Fox's taking this Course, denotes, in a desperate Case, nothing is to be omitted, that carries with it a Shadow of Safety.

CHAP. IX.

THE FOX, in his close hiding, being driven to great Straits for want of Provision, and al­most stifl'd, began to contrive what way he might yet take to make his Escape, he attempted there­fore to dig a Hole under the Prison-wall, and e­scape that way, but found it so rocky, after he had digged half a Fathom, that he could go no further; this put him into a pitiful Plight, where­upon he concluded to he privately behind the Outward-door, and when it was opened, steal out, if he might, unseen.

[Page 166] This he attempted, but without Success; for soarce was he got out of the Court-yard but he was espy'd and so furiously pursued by many Beasts, that he, in the chase of a Mile or two, was taken, and im­mediately dragged to the Court, with great Shouts and Acclamations. The King hearing the Noise demanded the Cause, and being told that Reynar­dine was retaken, he greatly rejoyced, command­ing he should be brought before him, which he was with a sorrowful and dejected Countenance; then he commanded Manacles should be put on him, to prevent his starting for the future.

This done, he said, Reynardine, thou Traytor, you see even Destiny it self has designed you for a shameful Death, from which all your Wiles can not free you: What can you now say to the many Murders charg'd against you? Hold up your Head, and, if Shame and Horror will permet you, clear your Conscience by a free Confession.

To this the Fox replied, Dread Sovereign, I own myself worthy of Death: for indeed I have grievously offended against your Highness, and hurt most Beasts in the Forests; many I have mur­dared in Revenge of my Father's Death, and o­thers to prevent being discovered: As to the first, I poison'd the Leopard and Panther, who I was inform'd had betrayed my Father, and brought him to a shameful Death, and thereby pull'd down your Wrath, upon me, and his whole Posterity: Grimlock the Mas [...]st, Brindle, and Tybert the Cat, I made away least knowing me in my Disguise, they should discover me, and so betray my Life to your Anger: And the like I would have done by others, had I not been prevented: for Self-preservation is a powerful thing, and would make any one, as I think, prefer his own Life before the Life of another. As for the Injury I did to [...] I am sorry for it, but [Page] Necessity, that has no Law, drove me to it; You, in part, was the Cause of it, by banishing me, and forcing me into those Straits, which, for the [...]. Support of my Life, made me commit the Crime, where I had no Malice, nor receiv'd no Injury: My Hypocrisie in pretending to be a Monk, having gotten that Habit, and under a Veil of Sanctity, cheating many, I repent me of it; yet are there many worse Hypocrites than I, that wear them, making Religion a Trade and Gain, more than a real Profession. That I turned Physician I own, and that in meer Emulation to spoil the Ass Doctor's Trade; tho' since, I think there are so many Pretenders, as skilful in Physick as him­self, that few but Asses turn Physicians; and as I did a little purposed Mischief, they do a great deal; mine was on a just Revenge, purposely, whilst their is ignorantly, for Lucre and Self-In­terest: for where they to be paid if the Patient lived, and not if he died, they would be more careful, or their Trade would be of little Value; but die or die not, it being all one many times, when the Patient's Money is exhausted, and the Desease grows tedious to them, and they know not what to make of it, they try Practises at random, if he lives so, if not, why then truly his time was come and why could help it? And therefore for this. I think, I ought not to be so much blamed,

The King hearing him speak thus boldly, and in some measure, justify part of his Proceedings, wondered at his Impudence, and demanded where the Treasure was, he pretended to be hid by A­ [...] the Enchanter? Oh, replied he, that was in Aesop's Fables to gain Credit, that I might get him to escape; and my intended Sacrifices like [...] Miracles: Nay, you, if I thought, as I be: [...] they will not, smooth Flatteries would pass upon you, I am not so willing to Die, but I would [...] once more.

[Page] That shall not be, said the King, unless you us Witchcraft to vanish into the Air; whereupon he ordered him to be immediately carried into the outward Court, where a Gibbet was erected, [...] there to be executed; commanding the Lurch to do that Office, who seem'd very unwilling but the King's eexpress Command compell'd him to it. Then were his Manacles taken off, and he mounted the Ladder, after the Lurcher, having the Halter about his Neck; being mounted, and the Rope fastne [...] to the Gibbet, he desired time to prepare himself, desiring them that were Specta tors to join with him in singing Mass, which when they devoutly was doing, poring upon their Books, he slipped the Halter off his Neck, and cast the Noose about the Luroher's, throwing him off the Ladder, saying, Harm watch, harm catch; an immediately leaping down, narrowly prevented by the long Libard, from escaping; which, while they were doing, and not minding the Lurcher, he hung so long till he was quite dead; then they bound the Fox Hand and Foot, carried him [...] the Ladder, and taking the dead Lurcher out thrust his Head in, and by hard pulling his Legs immediately hang'd him. And the King hearing what he had done, caus'd him to be quartered and they set up in the Places where he had don the most Mischief. Then went the Poets to wo [...] on his last Speech and Confession, to the Tune of many doleful Ditties, which got them a comfortable Penny in hard Times.

Moral.] The Fox's endeavouring to escape, and being prevented, denotes however wicked Men may escape, [...] length their Cunning fails them. His Confession de [...] tes, that those who do wickedly, will excuse themselves on the wicked Deeds of others. His Hanging the Lur­cher, shews, that Malice and Revenge is not overcome by the fear of Death.