laws, so that he tore the skin
between his brows and his ears, and one of his eyes hung out of his
head, which put the wolf to infinite torment, and he howled out
extremely. Then _Isegrim_ wiping his face, the fox took advantage
thereof, and with his struggling got upon his feet.

At which the wolf was angry, and striking after him, caught the fox in
his arms, and held him fast; never was _Reynard_ in so great a strait as
then, for at that time great was their contention; but anger now made
the wolf forget his smart, and gripping the fox altogether under him, as
_Reynard_ was defending himself his hand lighted into _Isegrim's_ mouth,
so that he was in danger of losing it. Then said the wolf to the fox,
"Now either yield thyself as vanquished, or else certainly I will kill
thee; neither thy dust, thy mocks, nor any subtle invention shall now
save thee; thou art now left utterly desperate, and my wounds must have
their satisfaction."

When the fox heard this he thought it was a hard election, for both
brought his ruin; and suddenly concluding, he said, "Dear uncle, since
fortune commands me, I yield to be your servant, and at your
commandments will travel for you to the Holy Land, or any other
pilgrimage, or do any service which shall be beneficial to your soul or
the souls of your forefathers. I will do for the King or for our holy
father the Pope, I will hold of you my lands and revenues, and as I, so
shall all the rest of my kindred; so that you shall be a lord of many
lords, and none shall dare to move against you.

"Besides, whatsoever I get of pullets, geese, partridges, or clover,
flesh or fish, you, your wife, and children shall have the first choice,
ere any are eaten by me. I will ever stand by your side, and wheresoever
you go, no danger shall come near you; you are strong, and I am subtle;
we two joined together, what force can prevail against us? Again, we are
so near in blood that nature forbids there should be any enmity between
us; I would not have fought against you had I been sure of victory, but
that you first appealed me, and then you know of necessity I must do my
uttermost. I have also in this battle been courteous to you, and not
shown my worst violence, as I would on a stranger, for I know it is the
duty of a nephew to spare his uncle; and this you might well perceive by
my running from you. I tell you, it was an action much contrary to my
nature, for I might often have hurt you when I refused, n