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the cat - World eBook Library

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THE CAT=<br />

The Cat as a Royal Envoy<br />

Thenne <strong>the</strong> kynge of <strong>the</strong> beastis salde to <strong>the</strong><br />

" Syr Tybert, ye shal now goo to Reynart,<br />

<strong>cat</strong>te :<br />

and saye to hym this seconde tyme that he come<br />

to court, for to answere unto <strong>the</strong> plea ; for though<br />

he be felle to o<strong>the</strong>r beastis, he trusteth you wel,<br />

and shal doo by your counseyl. And telle hym if<br />

he come not, he shal have <strong>the</strong> thirde warning, and<br />

if he <strong>the</strong>nne come not, we shal procede by ryght<br />

agenste hym, and alle hys lyneage wythout mercy."<br />

The <strong>cat</strong>te spake :<br />

" My lord <strong>the</strong> kynge, <strong>the</strong>y that<br />

thus counseylde you were not my frendes. What<br />

shal I doo <strong>the</strong>re? Reynart wyl not for me ney<strong>the</strong>r<br />

come ne abyde. I beseeche you, dere kynge, sende<br />

some o<strong>the</strong>r to hym. I am a <strong>cat</strong>te, lytyl and feeble.<br />

Bruyn <strong>the</strong> beare, which was so grete and strong,<br />

coude not brynge hym. How shold I <strong>the</strong>nne take<br />

it on honde? "<br />

" Nay," said <strong>the</strong> kynge, " Sir Tybert, ye ben<br />

wyse and wel lerned. Though ye be not grete,<br />

many do more wyth crafte and connyng than with<br />

myght and streng<strong>the</strong>."<br />

Thenne said <strong>the</strong> <strong>cat</strong>te : " Syth it muste nedes<br />

be don, I muste take it upon me. God give grace<br />

that I may wel achieve it, for my hearte is heavy<br />

and evil willed <strong>the</strong>reto."<br />

Reynard <strong>the</strong> Fox. From <strong>the</strong> edition<br />

printed by Caxton in 1481.<br />

7

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