were for his
feet, it could not have chosen but have stirred in him very
much laughter. But when they had got onward on their way,
the fox entreated all the beasts to return and pray for him,
and only begged of Bellin the Ram and Kyward the Hare that
they would accompany him as far as Malepardus.

Thus marched these tree together; and when Reynard was come
to the gates of his own house, he said to Bellin, "Cousin, I
will entreat you to stay here without a little, whilst I and
Kyward go in." Bellin was well content; and so the fox and
the hare went into Malepardus, where they found Dame Ermelin
lying on the ground with her younglings about her, who had
sorrowed exceedingly for the loss and danger of her husband;
but when she saw his return, her joy was ten times doubled.
But beholding his mail, his staff, and his shoes, she grew
into great admiration, and said, "Dear husband, how have you
fared?" so he told all that had passed with him at the
King's court, as well his danger as his release, and that
now he was to go a pilgrimage. As for Kyward, he said the
King had bestowed him upon them, to do with him what they
pleased, affirming that Kyward was the first that had
complained of him, for which, questionless, he vowed to be
sharply revenged.

[Illustration: REYNARD ON HIS PILGRIMAGE TO ROME.]

When Kyward heard these words, he was much appalled, and
would fain have fled away; but he could not, for the fox had
got between him and the gate; who presently seized the hare
by the neck, at which the hare cried unto Bellin for help,
but could not be heard, for the fox in a trice had torn out
his throat; which done, he, his wife, and young ones feasted
therewith merrily, eating the flesh, and drinking to the
King's health.

All this while stood Bellin the Ram at the gate, and grew
exceeding angry both against the fox and the hare, that they
made him wait so long; and therefore called out aloud for
Reynard to come away, which when Reynard heard, he went
forth, and said softly to the ram, "Good Bellin, be not
offended for Kyward is in earnest conference with his
dearest aunt, and entreated me to say unto you, that if you
would please to walk before he would speedily overtake you,
for he is light of foot and speedier than you: nor will his
aunt part with him thus suddenly, for she and her children
are much perplexed at my departure."

"Ay, but," quoth Bellin, "methought I heard Kyward cry for
help."

"How, cry for h