Page:The Works of J. W. von Goethe, Volume 10.djvu/184

xiv CANTO VI. Reynard to the wolves' dismay, From both their hides has cut away A slice, to make him sack and shoes, And then upon his journey goes; But first he by the priest is blest. A cavalcade of nobles go With him some steps, respect to show; But ram and hare induces he To travel on, his home to see, And there before return to rest.

Inside the house he takes the hare, And slaughters him as soon as there; His head he puts within the sack, Which by the ram he sendeth back, As if it bore a king's despatch. The head is found, the ram's condemned, And with the captives matters mend; Once more to honour they are brought, And Reynard's life again is sought, Who deed so dastardly could hatch.

CANTO VII. of such display and size Is seldom seen by mortal eyes As now is carried on because The wolves and bear, against just laws, Have been to punishment condemned. Before its close, complaints anew Against the fox are brought to view; The rabbit and the crow lament That he on them his spite hath spent, And urge the king such things to end.

An expedition now is formed, And Reynard's fort is to be stormed; Each one desires that he be sent, For they his acts do all resent, And would chastise him out of hand. The badger runs the fox to find,