Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
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