eches. The
marshals and rulers of the lists were the leopard and the loss. These
brought forth a book, on which the wolf swore and maintained his
assertion that the fox was a traitor and a murderer, which he would
prove on his body, or else be counted a recreant. Then _Reynard_ took
the book, and swore he lied as a false traitor and a thief, which he
would prove on his body, or be accounted a recreant.

When these ceremonies were done, the marshals of the field bade them do
their devoir. And then every creature avoided the lists, save Dame
_Rukenaw_, who stood by the fox, and bade him remember the words and
instructions she had given him, and call to mind how, when he was scarce
seven years old, he had then wisdom enough to pass the darkest night
without lantern or candle-light, or the help of the moon, when any
occasion required him; and that his experience was much greater, and his
reputation of wisdom more frequent with his companions; and therefore to
work so as he might win the day, which would be an eternal monument to
him and his family for ever.

To this the fox answered, "My best aunt, assure yourself I will do my
best, and not forget a tittle of your counsel. I doubt not but my
friends shall reap honor and my foes shame by my actions." To this the
ape said amen, and so departed.

When none but the combatants were in the lists, the wolf went toward the
fox with infinite rage and fury, and thinking to take the fox in his
forefeet, the fox leaped nimbly from him and the wolf pursued him, so
that there began a tedious chase between them, on which their friends
gazed. The wolf taking larger strides than the fox often overtook him,
and lifting up his feet to strike him, the fox avoided the blow and
smote him on the face with his tail, so that the wolf was stricken
almost blind, and he was forced to rest while he cleared his eyes; which
advantage when _Reynard_ saw, he scratched up the dust with his feet,
and threw it in the eyes of the wolf.

This grieved him worse than the former, so that he durst follow him no
longer, for the dust and sand sticking in his eyes smarted so sore, that
of force he must rub and wash it away, which _Reynard_ seeing, with all
the fury he had he ran upon him, and with his teeth gave him three sore
wounds on his head, and scoffing said, "Have I hit you, Mr. Wolf? I will
yet hit you better; you have killed many a lamb and many an innocent
beast, and would impose the fault upon me, but y