双语《列那狐》 26

CHAPTER XXVI

ALL these words heard Grymbart the Dasse, which was his brother son. He was sorry and angry. If it might have profited he ran then the highway to Maleperdays ward. He spared neither bush nor hawe, but he hasted so sore that he sweat. He sorrowed in himself for Reynart his rede Eme, and as he went he said to himself,“Alas, in what danger be you come in! Where shall you become! Shall I see you brought from life to death, or else exiled out of the land! Truly I may be well sorrowful, for you be head of all our lineage; you be wise of council, you be ready to help your friends when they have need, you can so well show your reasons that where you speak you win all.”

With such manner wailing and piteous words came Grymbart to Maleperdays, and found Reynart his Eme there standing, which had gotten two pigeons as they came first out of their nest to assay if they could fly, and because the feathers on their wings were too short they fell down to the ground; and as Reynart was gone out to seek his meat he espied them and caught them, and was come home with them.

And when he saw Grymbart coming, he tarried and said,“Welcome, my best beloved Nephew that I know in all my kindred. You have run fast, you are all besweat; have you any new tidings?”

“Alas,”said he,“lief Eme, it stands evil with you. You have lost both life and good. The King has sworn that he shall give you a shameful death. He has commanded all his folk within six days for to be here. Archers, footmen, horsemen, and people in wains! And he has guns, bombards, tents, and pavilions. And also he has do laden torches. See before you, for you have need. Esegrim and Bruin are better now with the King than I am with you. All that they will is done. Esegrim has don him to understand that you be a thief and a murderer; he has great envy to you. Lapreel the Cony, and Corbant the Rook have made a great complaint also. I sorrow much for your life, that for dread I am all sick.”

“Puf!”said the Fox.“Dear Nephew, is there nothing else? Be you so sore afraid hereof ? Make good cheer hardily. Though the King himself and all that are in the Court has sworn my death, yet shall I be exalted above them all. They may all fast jangle, clatter, and give counsel, but the Court may not prosper without me and my wiles and subtlety.”