. Beasts and men . ard. Be it so ! said the King. * Set off at once and returnas soon as may be. And now there is another little affairto settle! Where is Bruin, our would-be king. Standforth. Bruin, with your precious conspirators, the Wolf, theCat, and the Ape. But nobody answered, for seeing howaffairs were going all the four had quietly slipped away,fearing to stay and face the vengeance of the King. Reynard smiled maliciously as he pyi on a pilgrimscloak and marched away with Bellyn and the Hare along theroad that led from the Court. For several miles they walked in silence. Then Reynards
. Beasts and men . ard. Be it so ! said the King. * Set off at once and returnas soon as may be. And now there is another little affairto settle! Where is Bruin, our would-be king. Standforth. Bruin, with your precious conspirators, the Wolf, theCat, and the Ape. But nobody answered, for seeing howaffairs were going all the four had quietly slipped away,fearing to stay and face the vengeance of the King. Reynard smiled maliciously as he pyi on a pilgrimscloak and marched away with Bellyn and the Hare along theroad that led from the Court. For several miles they walked in silence. Then Reynardsighed and said: Ah, friends, how I long to see my dearwife and children just once more before I go on this long78 THE TRIAL OF REYNARD THE FOX journey that lies before us. Let us take the road that leadspast my castle of Malpertuis. It is not much out of ourway, and we can enter there and refresh ourselves. The Hare was too frightened to dispute the matter, andBellyn on his part good-humouredly agreed, so the three. Reynard sprang at his Throat of them took the road to Malpertuis, and before long cameto the gate of Reynards castle. Here we are at last. Cousin Bellyn, said Reynard. Did you ever see such fine pastures ! You must be famishedafter our long tramp. Take a rest a while and eat some ofthis sweet grass, while I and the Hare go into the house andconsole my wife for the long separation that is before shall not stay more than a few minutes. Well, hurry up, said Bellyn, who had already begunto graze. I will wait for you, but dont stay talking allday ! 79 FOLK TALES OF BEASTS AND MEN So Reynard and the Hare went into the house, wherethey were met by Hermeline, Reynards devoted spouse. What, husband, said she, are you back already ?How did things go at Court ? Just as I said they would, answered Reynard. Whenthe King heard my tale he acquitted me of the charges thathad been brought against me, and allowed me to returnhere in honour. The Wolf, the Bear, and the Cat, who
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