Legends of the Middle Ages - Narrated with Special Reference to Literature and Art. H. A. Guerber

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СКАЧАТЬ he had made a favorable impression, he volunteered, in spite of his small size, to meet the wolf in battle and leave the vindication of his claims to the judgment of God. This magnanimous behavior filled the king with admiration, and the trial was appointed for the following day, the intervening hours being granted to both combatants for preparation. Reynard, still advised by Frau Rückenau, was shaved smooth, rubbed with butter until he was as slippery as could be, and instructed to feign fear and run fleetly in front of the wolf, kicking up as much sand as possible, and using his brush to dash it into his opponent’s eyes and thus blind him.

      The combat took place. The wolf, blinded by the sand in his eyes, was so infuriated that he finally pounced upon the fox, who, however, managed yet to get the upper hand and come off victor, generously granting life to his foe, whom he had nearly torn and scratched to pieces. Reynard, having thus won the victory, enjoyed the plaudits of the crowd, while the wolf, being vanquished, was publicly derided, and borne off by his few remaining friends to be nursed back to health, if possible.

      “Such is ever the way of the world. They say to the lucky,

       ‘Long may you live in good health,’ and friends he finds in abundance.

       When, however, ill fortune befalls him, alone he must bear it.

       Even so was it here; each one of them wish’d to the victor

       Nearest to be, to show himself off.”

      [Sidenote: Reynard’s acquittal.] The king pronounced Reynard guiltless of all charges, and made him one of his privy councilors. But the fox, after thanking the king for his favors, humbly besought permission to return home, where his wife was awaiting him, and departed, escorted by a deputation of his friends.

      According to some versions of the tale, Reynard contented himself with blinding the wolf and maiming him for life; according to others, he bided his time, and when the king was ill, told him that nothing could save him short of the heart of a wolf just seven years old. Of course no wolf of the exact age could be found but Isegrim, so he was sacrificed to save the king, who recovered. As for Reynard, he enjoyed great honor as long as he lived, and his adventures have long been the delight of the people, whom his tricks never failed to amuse.

      “Highly honor’d is Reineke now! To wisdom let all men

       Quickly apply them, and flee what is evil, and reverence virtue!

       This is the end and aim of the song, and in it the poet

       Fable and truth hath mixed, whereby the good from the evil

       Ye may discern, and wisdom esteem; and thereby the buyers

       Of this book in the ways of the world may be daily instructed.

       For it was so created of old, and will ever remain so.

       Thus is our poem of Reineke’s deeds and character ended.

       May God bring us all to eternal happiness. Amen!”

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