it is meat for the greatest emperor in the world. Fair
nephew, help me but to some of that honey, and command me whilst I live;
for one little part thereof I will be your servant everlastingly."

"Sure," said the fox, "uncle, you but jest with me."

"But jest with you?" replied _Bruin_, "beshrew my heart then, for I am
in that serious earnest, that for one lick thereat you shall make me the
faithfullest of all your kindred."

"Nay," said the fox, "if you be in earnest, then know I will bring you
where so much is, that ten of you shall not be able to devour it at a
meal, only for your love's sake, which above all things I desire,
uncle."

"Not ten of us?" said the bear, "it is impossible; for had I all the
honey betwixt _Hybla_ and _Portugal_, yet I could in a short space eat
it all myself."

"Then know, uncle," quoth the fox, "that near at hand here dwelleth a
husbandman named _Lanfert_, who is master of so much honey that you
cannot consume it in seven years, which for your love and friendship's
sake I will put into your safe possession."

_Bruin_, mad upon the honey, swore, that to have one good meal thereof
he would not only be his faithful friend, but also stop the mouths of
all his adversaries.

_Reynard_, smiling at his easy belief, said, "If you will have seven
ton, uncle, you shall have it."

These words pleased the bear so well, and made him so pleasant, that he
could not stand for laughing.

Well, thought the fox, this is good fortune. Sure I will lead him where
he shall laugh more measurably; and then said, "Uncle, we must delay no
time, and I will spare no pains for your sake, which for none of my kin
I would perform."

The bear gave him many thanks, and so away they went, the fox promising
him as much honey as he could bear, but meant as many strokes as he
could undergo. In the end they came to _Lanfert's_ house, the sight
whereof made the bear rejoice. This _Lanfert_ was a stout and lusty
carpenter, who the other day had brought into his yard a great oak,
which, as their manner is, he began to cleave, and had struck into it
two wedges in such wise that the cleft stood a great way open, at which
the fox rejoiced much, for it was answerable to his wish. So with a
laughing countenance he said to the bear, "Behold now, dear uncle, and
be careful of yourself, for within this tree is so much honey that it is
unmeasurable. Try if you can get into it; yet, good uncle, eat
moderately, for albeit the co