Page:The Works of J. W. von Goethe, Volume 10.djvu/181



CANTO I. Pentecostal days have come, And Leo now resolves with some Of his good lords to hold a feast, At which the greatest and the least Shall be commanded to attend. The fox, however, keeps away; He knows what they of him will say, For he has badly injured all; So, loudly though they may him call, He will not e'en excuses send.

He there is charged with all the crimes That have been known from olden times, And only one dares him defend. This does not much his matters mend, For all the cases are too clear, The council then is summoned forth, Which thinks that, be he south or north, To be compelled to come he ought. The king declares he shall be brought, And sends to summon him the bear.

CANTO II. Bruin goes upon his task, Assured if he but Reynard ask To go with him as bidden, back, He'll find him nothing loth or slack. But Reynard is of other mind; He pleasant greeting gives the bear And asks what he with him can share; Then, finding honey's to his taste,