μεταμορφώσεις

[Jeff Bernstein]

[Jeff Bernstein]

Canto 28

How Reynard the Fox excused him before the King

 

1

 

“Mighty God, from whom nothing is unknown,

     and who above all things is mightiest,

     save our mighty King and my Lady our queen,

     give to them the grace to know who is right,

     and who” (said Fox) “is wrong. As many a Beast

     seem otherwise outward than what they be within,

     I pray to God He may show each Beast’s fault

     openly, with all their trespasses written

in their foreheads, so that the King may see the truth.”

 

                                             2

 

“Yea” (said Fox) “may our mighty monarch see

     and know as much as I do, how I give

     my mighty heart always in your service.

     O King, may you come to know of the hate

     that all the evil shrews around here give me,

     who with lies befool me out of your grace,

     so that you may charge me with great offence

     without deserving, and against all right.

For this reason I cry out with devastated heart!”

 

3

 

“Yea” (said the Fox) “I cry out against them

     who have falsely belied me, and brought me

     into trouble. Thank God my King and Queen

     are not fooled, for they be discreet and wise,

     nor will they hear truth in tales and lies

     that are far out of the right way of things.

     Mighty King, I beg you to consider,

     by your wisdom, all this by right and law.

He who is guilty and convicted of that flaw—”

 

4

 

“let him be punished; I ask nothing more

     but for what is right under mighty God.

     As for myself, I have nothing to fear.

     Beasts know the genuine truth of Reynard;

     any who don’t shall know ere I leave here

     who I am : I do not flatter and lie;

     I will always openly show my hand.”

     Thus spoke Reynard the Fox with his head bowed,

while all around him marvelled mightily at his gall.

 

 

next : How the kynge answerd upon Reynard’s excuse

[Jeff Bernstein]

Vale Press

[Jeff Bernstein]

Canto 29

How the kynge answerd upon Reynard’s excuse

 

1

 

“Reynard” (pronounced the King) “how well ye carve

     your fallacy, and salute me with flair;

     but all your fair words will not help you now.

     I say this day you shall hang by your neck.

     You must pay penalty for your evil work.

     I will not chide with you much; rather I shall

     short your pain. Reynard, that ye love us well,

     that ye have shown on the Leopard and Rook.

Your false inventions shall now bring you quick to death.”

 

2

 

“Haul the pot to water one too many times

     and at the last it cometh home broken.”

     Thus the King to the Fox : “Your pot is cracked

     with so many lies it starts now to break.”

     In answer to this the Fox stood in fear,

     wishing he had gone anywhere but here;

     why did he not take the way to Cologne?

     Alas, he was here, so here he must do.

If he didn’t find the right words now he was through.

 

3

 

“My Lord the King” (said he) “it would be well

     that ye hear my words out. Though I am doomed

     to the death, ye ought to hear my words out.

     In better times I’ve given you good counsel

     for much profit to the throne. When in need,

     I always trusted in you when other Beasts

     winked at me then went their way. If evil

     comes in the mouths of Beasts to ruin me

and I can’t respond, ought I not then to complain?”

 

4

 

Fox continued : “I remember a time

     when I should be heard before another;

     it may be things change and return to this state;

     for old good deeds ought to be remembered.

     I see here many of my lineage,

     and many of my friends, but no one looks

     happy to see me; even so, they should

     feel sore at heart that ye, my Lord the King,

should use your power to destroy me wrongfully.”

 

 

to be continued

[Jeff Bernstein]

Sidonia the Sorceress
Wilhelm Meinhold
London: for Julian Editions by Ernest Benn, 1926.

[Jeff Bernstein]

Split Diopter shot : Genius Move?

Is this the first time the diopter blurring effect has been used in this sort of thematic way, to convey a character's psychological condition (here, dazedness)?

[Jeff Bernstein]

The Battle of Baktan Cross (2025)

 

Ξοῦθος. Βακχίου.

 

Xuthus. [of Bacchus]

 

Euripides, Ion, 550

 

*

 

1

 

The title of the upcoming PTA movie has (among whatever else) an historical, authoritative, antique air about it; e.g., The Battle of Potiers (1356); The Battle of La Rochelle (1375); The Battle of Rosebecque (1382). In this sense the title is a dispassionate deictic signifying an historical account.

 

2

 

As well as this objective dimension the title also has a personal dimension—“the dark night of the soul” : the endless wrestling with one's self :

 

OED. “ancient Maya bak'tun < bak'-, apparently a multiplier (only attested in calendars) + tun period of 360 days.”

 

The Battle of Baktan Cross  =  “The Battle of the Long Suffering Soul”  =  How long, Lord? How long?

 

3

 

There is also a “coming to a head” air about the title : the crossing of paths; the convergence of fates—e.g., Guy Haines : “Criss-cross.”

 

 

[Jeff Bernstein]

The Creekside Press
Middletown, Connecticut
1960.

[Jeff Bernstein]

cont’d : How the kynge answerd upon Reynard’s excuse

 

5

 

“Good King” (said Reynard) “if ye destroy me,

     ye destroy the truest servant you have.

     Think ye, if I had known myself guilty

     of any feat or misdeed, would I come

     hither to the law and my enemies?

     Nay, sire; not for all the world of red gold!

     I was free, at large, living my best life;

     what need had I to show myself and speak?

Nay, sire; your Reynard the Fox is innocent.”

 

6

 

“God be thanked” (Fox continued) “I am clear

     of all error, that I dare show myself

     openly in the light, and dare answer

     all the complaints the Beasts have put to me.

     When Sir Grimbert first told me of all this,

     I leapt all about as an unwise Beast,

     out of my mind; and had I not been safe

     in the arms of the Church I’d’ve come here

at once. Then I went wandering the heath in sorrow.”

 

7

 

“Then my Uncle Martin, the Ape, came to me,

     who is wiser in clergy than any priest.

     (He advises the Bishop of Cambray,

     I’d have all the Beasts here know.) He saw me

     in my great sorrow and said, ‘Dear cousin,

     you look unwell at heart; what aileth you?

     Who hath displeased you? That which toucheth deep

     ought to be given in knowledge to friends;

for it may help, opening your heart to a friend.’”

 

8

 

“I told him it was truth he spoke, then said,

     ‘O Uncle, I have been brought into a

     great heaviness by a Beast I thought a friend,

     the Leopard. He came to me yesterday

     morning when I was sitting at my gate

     and saying my prayers. He hailed me,

     and I him; and all friendly-like he told me

     he was off to Court. Then he said, ‘Good Reynard,

I’m so hungry and tired; have ye any meat?’”

 

9

 

“‘Yes,’ I said, ‘come nearer.’ And I gave him

     two slices of bread and butter. ’Twas Wednesday,

     and I never eat flesh on a Wednesday;

     for they who will taste of the highest wisdom

     and live in the commandments of our Lord,

     they must fast, and be ready for the feasts.

     Et vos estote parati—Be always ready,

     for you know not the hour He shall come.

So I gave my Uncle the best bread and sweet butter.”

 

10

 

“And when he had eaten his bellyful,

     then my youngest son Rossel came, who would

     have stolen from the Leopard what was left,

     for children are always eating. Rossel

     tasted of the bread and butter somewhat,

     and for that the Leopard smacked my youngest

     so hard the poor pup’s mouth began to bleed,

     and he fell down dazed. And when Reynardine,

my eldest son, saw that, he sprang on the Leopard—”

 

11

 

“and caught him by the head, and would’ve killed him

     had I not jumped in, and got between them,

     and parted them, and made the Leopard safe;

     then I beat my child sore for what he did.

     So in thanks the Leopard ran to my Lord

     the King and said I would have murdered him!’

     And then I said to Martin the Ape, ‘See?

     ‘This is why I’ve come to these many words,

and am laid in the blame; but I’m innocent.’”

 

12

 

“‘After the Leopard left, the Rook flew into

     the woods, making a lamentable noise.

     I asked him what ailed, and he said to me,

     ‘Alas, Reynard! my dear wife is no more.

     And, yonder lies a dead hare full of moths

     and worms; they wriggle and chew at his throat.’

     I asked him how cometh that by, but he

     said no more and flew away and let me be.

Now he says I have bitten and eaten his wife!”

 

13

 

“‘How could I do that? She flies and I walk.

     Dear Uncle, now you understand my troubles.

     I may well say that I am unhappy;

     but I suppose I must suffer for my sins.

     It were good if I could suffer patiently.’

     The Ape said to me, ‘Nephew, ye shall go

     to the Court and defend yourself before

     the lords.’ ‘Alas, Uncle, I cannot do that,

for the Archdeacon hath put me in the Pope’s curse—’”

 

14

 

“‘because I counselled Isengrim the Wolf

     to forsake his religion at Eelmare.

     He complained to me that he lived so hard,

     in such long fasting, with so much reading

     and singing, that he could no longer take it;

     if he should abide there any longer,

     he said, he should die. So as a true friend

     I felt great pity for his complaining,

and he came out; which I now sore repenteth of.’”

 

 15

 

“‘For now the Wolf laboreth all he can

     to see me hanged. Thus does he evil for good.

     See, dearest Uncle? I’m at my wits’ end.

     Now I must journey to Rome for pardon,

     and my wife and children will suffer without me;

     for the evil Beasts who hate me will do

     to them all the hurt they may, and drive them

     away, if they get the chance. I’d stay here

and protect them, if only I were free of the curse.’"

 

16

 

“‘If I were free of the curse I would go

     to the Court and defend myself before

     the lords. Just now I dare not; I should do

     great sin if I came among the good people;

     I am sore afraid that God should plague me.’

     ‘Nay, cousin’ (said the Ape) ‘be not afraid.

     Reynard, I will help you in this sorrow.

     I know the way to Rome well. I go there

and work there, and am called Martin the Bishop’s Clerk.’”

 

17

 

“‘I shall cite the Archdeacon and argue

     against him and get your Absolution

     for you, for I know how these things are done;

     for this reason I’ll bring money with me.

     The prayer bearing gifts works best of all;

     With money alway the right goeth forth.’

     Then the Ape said to me, ‘All your misdeeds

     and sins that have brought you into this curse,

I hereby quit you of them, and take them myself.’”

   

18

 

“My Lord the King, in answer to all that

     I laughed; and the Ape went off with his money

     and religion and corruption towards

     Rome, while I respectfully came to you,

     and have spoken unimpeachable truth.

     If any in this Court can lay on me

     any other matter with good witness

     and prove it, then may I face punishment

of the law; otherwise, I should stand free of censure—”

 

19

 

“as it ought to be with all noble Beasts”

     (Fox continued) “But if my accuser

     dare not leave off, then set me day and field,

     and I shall prove the goodness of my birth,

     and with fighting win the field, and let him

     have it! This right hath stood yet hitherto,

     and I will not have it broken by me.

     The law doeth no Beast wrong. God be praised!”

Then Reynard was done, and stood silent, and waited.

 

20

 

And in reply no one dared speak a word

     against the confident Reynard the Fox.

     So afraid were the Rook and the Leopard

     they snuck off from Court and onto the heath,

     and said, “God help us but this murderer

     may do more evil. He can so bewrap

     his falsehood that his words seem true as gospel.

     Reynard’s too shrewd for us to contend with;

though he face five of us in fight, he’d kill us all.”

 

21

 

Back at the Court the King addressed the Beasts :

     “If any here have complaint, let him come,

     and we shall hear him. How is it no one speaks?

     Yesterday many were present to complain.

     Now that the Fox is here, where are they now?”

     The Fox said, “My Lord, many who complain

     shut up in the face of their enemy

     and make no complaint; witness the Leopard

and the Rook, who both spoke so tough in my absence—”

 

22

 

“but are now gone from Court, and speak no more,

     and stand not by their words. If Beasts believe

     such false shrews it doeth great ill to the good,

     for it skilleth not. Nevertheless, my Lord,

     if by your command you had asked of me

     forgiveness for their trespasses, I had

     for your sake pardoned and forgiven them;

     for I nor hate nor complain on my enemies.

I set all things in God’s hands, and He shall avenge.”

 

23

 

The King said, “Reynard, I think ye be grieved

     as ye say. Are ye inside as ye seem outward?

     Nay, these things may not be as you have showed.

     Nothing is clear; and my objections still stand.

     Ye have done a foul and shameful deed.

     I pardoned you your offences, and you promised

     to go over the sea on pilgrimage,

     and I gave you scrip and staff. And you did what?

You sent me back the scrip with Cuwart’s head inside.”

 

24

 

“Am I” (asked the King) “to forgive this deed?

     Reynard, how dare you do me such a shame!

     Is it not evilly done to send a Lord

     his servant’s head? You cannot deny it,

     for Bellyn the Ram, who was our chaplain,

     told us all the matter how it happened.

     Such reward he received when he brought

     us the message, the same we shall give you.”

Then was Reynard so scared he knew not what to say.

 

25

 

The Fox was at his wits’ end; and he looked

     around him piteously, and he saw

     many of his kin and allies, but they said

     nothing. Reynard stood pale in his face,

     but no Beast offered hand or foot to help.

     “Thou subtle fellow” (said the King) “thou false shrew,

     why so silent?” And Reynard the Fox stood

     in great dread, and sighed sore that all saw this.

But Isengrim and Bruno were glad to see this.

 

 

next : How dame Rukenawe answerd for the foxe to the kynge.

[Jeff Bernstein]

Kelmscott Chaucer

[Jeff Bernstein]

[Jeff Bernstein]

Canto 30

How Dame Rukenawe answered for the Fox to the King.

 

1

 

Dame Rukenawe, the She Ape, was not pleased.

     It were well for Reynard that she was there,

     for she was great with the Queen and beloved.

     She understood all wisdom, and spoke it clear;

     and wherever she went everyone was glad.

     Her knowledge of the law was so profound

     that Dame Rukenawe lay on a good bed

     of hay in the Pope’s palace at Woerden,

while all the other Beasts lay down on hard ground.

 

2

 

She came forward to the King and the Fox

     and stood before the gathering of Beasts,

     and, showing great calm, she began to speak

     soothingly, charming everyone at Court.

     “Good King” (said she) “ye ought not be angry

     when ye sit in judgment; that ill-becometh

     your nobleness. They who sit in judgment

     ought to let go with all wrath and anger.

A King who sits in justice needs show discretion.”

 

3

 

“Seneca says no one is above the law.

     The law ought not to halt even for Kings,

     but all Kings and Lords must likewise do right;

     the law ought not halt for any Beast at all.

     And the ancient Greeks instructed the Beasts

     each to know thyself; that is my counsel.

     They who never misdid is holy and good.

     They who do misdo, then amendeth it,

     that, too, is right. But they who alway misdo

and do not amendeth, they live an evil life.”

 

4

 

“Mark then what is written in the gospel,

     how the Pharisees brought forth a woman

     taken in adultery, and would have stoned

     her to death. They asked of their Lord, ‘What think

     ye of this?’ and He answered, “Who of ye

     is without sin, let ye cast the first stone.’

     Then no Beast moved but left her there standing.

     Me thinketh the same Situation here.

So all should have patience and pity on Reynard.”

 

5

 

“And I have another important point

     to say about Reynard” (the She Ape said)

     “His father and grandfather were well beloved

     in this Court, far beyond the reputations

     of the Wolf and the Bear with all their friends

     and lineage. It hath been an unlike

     comparision—the wisdom of Reynard

     my cousin and all his gifts of good birth;

for all these others know not how the world goeth.”

 

6

 

“Me thinketh this Court is turned upside down.

     These false shrews, flatterers, and deceivers,

     please our lords and are thereby given a boost;

     while the good and the true and the wise

     are kept down, though they hold the true counsel

     to help the King. Ah me! I cannot see

     how this Situation stands for much longer.”

     Thus did the She Ape speak, and all listened;

and now it was the Lion King’s turn to respond.

 

7

 

“Dame” (said the King) “if he had done to you

     what he has done to us, you’d speak different.

     Is it a wonder I hate him? Reynard

     breaks all of my laws, one by one. Murder,

     theft, treason! Have ye not heard the complaints?

     Have ye really such trust in your cousin?

     Think ye truly he is good and clear?

     Then set him on an altar and worship

Reynard as a saint—but you’ll be praying alone.”

 

8

 

“For there is none other in all the world

     that can say any good of him. Notice

     nor kin nor friend hath enterprised to help him.

     He stands alone, and so he hath deserved.

     I wonder at you, Dame Rukenawe.

     I never heard of one who fellowshipped

     with Reynard the Fox who didn’t regret it.

     No one’s ever thanked him, or said any good

of him, except you now, but he’s always hurt them.”

 

 

next : A parable of a Man that delyuerd a Serpent fro peryl of deth.

[Jeff Bernstein]

a 2001-bone cut in print

Eragny Press, 1903.

 

The book opens . . .

with emphatic All-Caps,

then,

with the turn of the page,

all becomes elegantly soothing and calm,

with the words :

[Jeff Bernstein]

[Jeff Bernstein]

Canto 30

A parable of a Man that delivered a Serpent from peril of death.

 

1

 

Two years ago a Man and a Serpent

     came here into the Court to have judgment,

     which to the King was not easily thought.

     The Serpent had no evil thing he meant;

     he was slipping through a complicated hedge,

     whereas he thought himself to have gone through,

     but he was caught in a snare by the neck,

     and, without help, would have lost his life there.

The Serpent hoped someone would free him from the snare.

 

2

 

The serpent was shiny as beaten gold,

     as bright as Christall; and sadly he waited.

     The woods murmured a sad, trembling sound

     with every puff of wind that stirred its leaves.

     Then into this place of shade came a Man

     walking, a poor traveller gone astray;

     and the Serpent cried out to him, and said

     that if the Man didn’t help set him free

from his bitter baleful trap, the Serpent would die.

 

3

 

The Man felt pity for the Serpent stuck

     inside the dark and clasping hedge, and said,

     “If thou promise not to envenom me,

     nor do me any harm or hurt, I’ll help.”

     The Serpent replied, swearing a great oath

     that nor now nor ever would he do him

     any harm or hurt, if he set him free.

     So the Man put his arms into the hedge

and unloosed him, and the Snake was freed from the snare.

 

4

 

So they went forth together, with the Snake

     moving with sidelong wave along the ground;

     and after a while the Snake felt a great hunger,

     for he had not eaten for a long while.

     So he started toward the Man, to kill him

     and eat him. And the Man was sore afraid,

     and stepped away, and said, “Will thou kill me?

     Have you forgotten the oath that you made

to me that thou shouldest not misdo nor hurt me?”

 

5

 

The Serpent replied, “If I don’t do it,

     it’ll be the last thing I ever do.

     The need of Hunger exceeds all others;

     hunger may cause a Beast to break his oath.”

     Then the Man said, “Will you give me so long

     till we find one to judge this matter by right?”

     The Serpent agreed to this. Thus they went

     so long together they found the Raven

and his son; so to them they set forth their reasons.

 

6

 

Tyson the Raven was quick to decide

     —the Serpent should eat the Man. The Raven

     would’ve eaten his part, and his son also.

     So the Serpent said to the Man, “How now?

     What think ye? Have I not won?” The Man said,

     “Why this thief as judge? He can’t be trusted.

     We must have two or three at least together,

     and they must understand the right and law;

let them decide, and then let the sentence be done.”

 

7

 

They agreed; and went forth so long together

     they found Bruno the Bear and Isengrim

     the Wolf, to whom they explained their matter.

     These two judged the Serpent should kill the man.

     The need of hunger breaketh oath alway.

     Then the Man was in a great doubt and fear,

     and the Serpent came and cast his venom

     at him; but the Man leapt away from him

with great pain, and he said, “You do me a great wrong—”

 

8

 

“that you did lay in wait to murder me.

     You have no right to do this.” The Serpent said,

     “Is it not enough yet? It hath been twice judged.”

     “Yea,” said the Man, “by those who murder and rob!

     By all those who swear not, but do anyway!

     I say we bring this matter before the lord

     our King, and what judgment shall be given there,

     I shall obey, and say not another word.”

The Bear and the Wolf both thought this a good idea.

 

9

 

The Man stood in great dread before the King,

     and said how the Serpent would have taken

     his life, though he himself had given him his,

     when he was trapped in the snare in the hedge.

     The Serpent answered, “I have not trespassed.

     If I would swallow him, I would do it

     to save my life; for when in need of life

     one may break all one’s oaths and promises.”

And the assembly of Beasts considered this.

 

10

 

But the Beasts could not conclude the matter.

     Then the King commanded Reynard the Fox

     to come and speak his advice to the Court.

     In that time Reynard was believed above all.

     He would come and pass sentence according

     to the best right, and all would follow him,

     for Reynard well knew the ground of the law.

     So Reynard came and said, “My lord the King,

it’s impossible to pass sentence after their words—”

 

11

 

“because everybody lies. But” (Fox said)

     “if I see the Serpent in the same peril

     he was in when the Man came and saved him,

     then I’ll know exactly what I I should say.

     And any here who would do otherwise

     should misdo against right.” And everyone

     agreed, and the King said, “That is well said,

     Reynard. We agree; for no Beast speaks better.”

So the Man and the Serpent returned to where they met.         

 

12

 

Reynard bade that the Serpent should be set

     in the snare just as he was found before;

     and it was done. Then said the Lion King,

     “Reynard, how thinketh ye now? What judge ye?”

     Reynard the Fox answered, “My lord the King,

     now they both are like as they were before.

     They have nor won nor lost. See, majesty,

     how I judge for a right, and work to please

your noble grace? Think ye” (Fox said) “what I have done.”

 

13

 

“The man now may unloosen the Serpent,

     if he wishes. But if he thinks that he

     might be encumbered or hindered by him,

     or for need of hunger might be eaten,

     then I judge that the Man may go freely

     where he will, and let the Serpent stay stuck.

     This thinketh me a most rightful judgment,

     that the Man have his free choice as before.”

Thus spoke Reynard, and everyone present agreed.

 

14

 

So the King thought the judgment of Reynard

     good; and all the Fox’s counsels were followed

     once upon a time, and his wisdom praised,

     that had made the Man unburdened and free.

     Thus did Reynard honour the Lion King

     with his wit and respect, just as a true

     servant should do, and is bound to do.

     And a whispering went all through the court :

“When have the Bear or Wolf done him so much worship?”

 

next : Which ben frends and kynne unto Reynard the fox

[Jeff Bernstein]

[Jeff Bernstein]

Canto 31

Which ben friends and kin unto Reynart the Fox.

 

1

 

The She Ape, Dame Rukenawe, continued

     beseeching the King, and this is what she said :

     “My Lord, by your leave, allow me to give you

     knowledge of Reynard the Fox’s friends and kin.

     There be many of them ready to lay down

     their lives, and venture their good, for his sake.

     If he had need, I should set my life for his,

     and my three grown children, hardy and strong;

they, too, I would venture, if he needed saving.”

 

2

 

The King listened, but he looked unconvinced;

     and the whole Court wondered at her tactics;

     and the She Ape continued : “My first child

     Bytelouse makes great sport and game, and fills

     his brother Fulrompe’s plate with much good meat.

     My third child is a daughter named Hatenit,

     who can well pick out lice and nits from fur.

     Come forth, my children, come stand by Reynard;

come, my beautiful children, greet your dear nephew.”

 

3

 

The three apes knuckle-walked up to their mom,

     and snuggled together before the eyes

     of the Court; and Dame Rukenawe went on :

     “Though for Reynard I’d venture my children”

     (she said) “I’d rather die than see these three

     miscarry before me, so well I love them.”

     So mother and babies felt each other’s love;

     and all Beasts in the Court felt the feelies,

and began to feel a lump growing in the throat.

 

4

 

And Reynard waited to see what came next,

     as did the King, as Dame Rukenawe said :

     “Come forth, all of ye who be of my kin

     and Reynard’s! Let us pray that the Lion

     will do to Reynard the right of the land!”

     But her appeal was answered by silence,

     and no one in the Court dared move a paw;

     and the King saw, and Reynard the Fox saw,

and lowered his head as if to say, “All is lost.”

 

5

 

But then the Squirrel came forward, and then

     the Muskrat followed the Squirrel, and then

     the Beaver and his wife; and the Genet

     came forward; and Reynard raised up his head

     to reveal great tears swimming in his eyes;

     and the Otter came, and the Polecats came,

     and the Martens; and the Ferrets, who eat

     as much poultry as Reynard; and the Weasels

came forward also to stand by the Lion King.

 

6

 

Many Beasts came to stand before the head

     of the assembly. To be clear, however,

     the Otter and his wife were enemies

     of the Fox, but they dare not contradict

     Dame Rukenawe, for they were afraid of her.

     For her indeed came many Beasts to stand

     by Reynard; so came the Ass, the Badger,

     the Water-rat; and more to the number

of forty; all these came to stand by Reynard the Fox.

 

7

 

“My lord the King” (said the She Ape) “See now

     and adjudge if Reynard hath any friends!

     All these Beasts before you are your subjects,

     which for you would venture both life and good,

     if ye had need; our friendship cannot hurt you.

     Allow Reynard the Fox to well bethink him

     of these matters ye have laid against him;

     and if he cannot excuse them, then punish.

May God protect all of us and Reynard the Fox!”

 

8

 

The Queen then spoke. “All this I said to him

     yesterday; but he was so fierce and angry

     he wouldn’t hear it.” Then the Leopard spoke :

     “Sire, ye may judge no further than your Beasts

     give their verdict; for if ye go forth by will

     and might, these were not fit for your estate.

     Hear always both parties, and only then,

     by the best and wisest counsel, give judgment

with discretion, and according to the best right.”

 

9

 

The King said, “What the Leopard says is true.

     I was so sore moved to hear of Cuwart’s death—

     then to see his head!—that I was hot and hasty.

     I shall hear the Fox. If he can answer

     and excuse himself of all that is laid

     against him, the thievery and the murder

     and the treason and all else not yet said,

     I shall gladly let him have his freedom;

and also to please his good friends and lineage.”

 

10

 

Reynard was glad to hear these words, and thought,

     “God bless my good Aunt, she has helped me well!

     She hath perfumed me in the rose again,

     and I bloom anew amid all these storms.

     In truth she’s given me a good foot to dance on.”

     Reynard wiped his smiling eyes and said,

     “I shall now look confident out of my eyes,

     and speak the greatest lies that Beast ever heard.

This way I will bring myself out of this danger.”  

 

 

next : how the foxe with subtylte excused him for the deth of Kywart the hare & of alle other maters that were leyde ayenst hym, & how wyth flateryng gate agayn his pees of the kynge.

[Jeff Bernstein]

[Jeff Bernstein]

Canto 32

How the foxe with subtylte excused him for the deth of Kywart the hare & of alle other maters that were leyde ayenst hym, & how wyth flateryng gate agayn his pees of the kynge.

 

1

 

Then spoke Reynard the Fox : “Alas!” (he said)

     “What did ye say? Cuwart the Hare is dead?

     And where did you say is Bellyn the Ram?

     And he carried with him what when he came?

     For I gave him to deliver three jewels,

     and would gladly hear what became of them;

     because one of those jewels I planned to give

     to you, my Lord the King, as a fine gift;

and the other two I meant to give to our Queen.”

 

2

 

“Bellyn brought us nothing else but Cuwart’s head”

     (the King said) “as I have already told you;

     and for this reason I caused him to suffer

     to lose his life; for the foul villain

     admitted he was behind the message

     he carried in the scrip.” “Alas” (said Fox)

     “Can this be true? Ah, how miserable!

     My heart breaks for sorrow, and I’m sorry

that I live! What did ye say? The good jewels are lost?”

 

3

 

“What will my wife say when she hears of this?

     She will go out of her wit for sorrow!

     As long as I live I shall never again

     have her friendship. Alas” (said Fox) “my wife

     shall sorrow sorely when she hears of this.”

     Then Dame Rukenawe spoke : “Reynard, dear nephew,

     what good is it to make all this sadness?

     Let it pass; and tell us about the jewels.

Perhaps we shall find counsel to have them again.”

 

4

 

 “You think so, Aunt?” Reynard asked hopefully.

     “Indeed” (she said) “If they be above earth,

     Master Akeryn shall open up his books

     and conjure for them; also we will pray

     for them in all the churches of the land

     until we have knowledge of where they are.

     Dear nephew, the jewels may not be lost.”

     And Reynard answered : “Nay, Aunt, think not that;

those who have them will not lightly hand them over.”

 

5

 

“There was never King nor Queen that ever

     saw such rich jewels as these be. Nevertheless,

     ye have eased my heart somewhat with your words,

     and made it lighter than it was. Alas!”

     (said Fox) “now one may know that whomever

     one trusts most, is by that one most deceived!

     O King, O friends, hear now my solemn promise :

     Though I travel to the ends of the earth,

and put myself in danger, I will find those jewels.”

 

 

next, Kelmscott pp107–124 : THE STORY OF THE JEWELS

[Jeff Bernstein]

The Vision of William Concerning Piers the Plowman
Elston Press
1901.

 

 

 

 

 

Edited September 3, 2024 by Jeff Bernstein

[Jeff Bernstein]

Riband Letters, 1547
in Mediaeval Ornamental Alphabets
26 Plates
Quaritch
c1910

[Jeff Bernstein]

cont’d : THE STORY OF THE JEWELS

 

a. The Ring

 

6

 

His voice full of sorrow, Reynard the Fox

     began to speechify to King and Court,

     saying : “Hearken ye all, my kin and friends,

     and I shall name to you what these jewels were;

     then judge if I’ve suffered a terrible loss.

     The first of them was a ring of fine gold.

     Carven under the ring next to the finger

     were printed letters enamelled in onyx

and turquoise, and three words were prominent therein.”

 

7

 

“But I couldn’t read nor speak the letters

     because I couldn’t understand the language;

     but Master Abrion of Trier is wise;

     this Beast understandeth all languages,

     and also the good in all manner of herbs;

     and there is no beast so fierce or so strong

     but this Magician can dub ’em and tame ’em;—

Look into his eyes, and he shall do as he will.”

 

8

 

“I showed him the ring. He told me the names

     were of three broughtest out of Paradise;

     and said whoever beareth on their finger

     these names, shall never come to any hurt;

     not from thunder or lightning; and witchcraft

     shall have no power over them; and never

     will they be tempted to do any sin.

     And though they might lie three long winter’s nights

in the field, though it snowed, or stormed, or hailed great—”

 

9

 

“who wore this ring would feel no harm by cold.

     All this was said by Master Abrion.

     Now hear me describe to you how it looked.

     Standing forth on the ring was a big stone

     of three colours. One part was red, and shone

     as if fire burned inside, in such wise

     that one might go by night, for the shining

     of the stone gave as great a light as day.

One travelling by night would need no other light.”

 

10

 

“Now hear of the second part of the stone.

     It was as clear as crystall; and whoever

     had in his eye any smart or soreness,

     or in his body any swelling, or headache,

     or any sickness;—dub this stone against

     the spot where the grief be, and all at once

     they will feel whole again. Or if any Beast

     be sick in body of venom, or ill meat

in his stomach, or colic, strangulation, stone, canker—”

 

11

 

“cyst, or any other sickness, except

     only the very death, let them lay this stone

     in a little water and have ’em drink it,

     and they shall forthwith be quit of sickness.

     Alas!” (said the Fox) “we all have good cause

     to sorrow over the loss of this ring!

     And the stone’s third colour was green, like glass,

     and there were sprinkles in it of purple;

     and the Master told me for truth

that whoso wore this ring would suffer no impasse.”

 

12

 

“Wear this ring and no enemy can harm you.

     No Beast, no matter how strong and hardy,

     might misdo you; and wherever you fight,

     be it night or day, you cannot be hurt.

     And when ye wore it, wherever ye went,

     ye should be beloved, though hated before,

     for one glance at the ring and all anger

     is forgotten. Also, if you were standing

naked in a field against a hundred armed men—”

 

13

 

“ye should escape from them. But since I thought

     myself not worthy to bear such a ring,

     as only someone noble can wear it,

     and religious, if its power is to work,

     I put it in the scrip for my dear King

     to have, for I know him as the noblest

     Beast now living, and all of our welfare

     lieth on him, and all of our worship;

thus he should be protected from harm, hurt, and bad luck.”

 

 

to be continued : Jewel No. 2.

 

 

 

 

 

Edited September 5, 2024 by Jeff Bernstein

[Jeff Bernstein]

[Jeff Bernstein]

cont’d : THE STORY OF THE JEWELS

 

b. The Comb

 

14

 

“I found this ring in my father’s treasure”

     (said Reynard) “I also took a looking-glass;

     and a comb which my wife would love to have.

     Whoever saw, would marvel at these jewels.

     I sent them as gifts to my Lady the Queen

     as she has been good and gracious to me.

     This comb;—but no words exist yet to praise

     this comb. ’Tis a wonder, made of the bone

of a marvellous noble Beast named Panthera.”

 

15

 

“He fed between the great river Indus

     and the End of the Earth; and when he moved

     he was dazzling; you’d see every colour

     under Heaven rippling in his coat;

     and so sweet was the savour of his scent

     that it worked as a cure for all sickness;

     and all the Beasts of the plain followed him,

     for by his sweet savour they would be healed,

and by following in his tracks, made strong again.”

 

16

 

“’Tis exquisite, noble Panthera’s bone;

     ’tis broad and thin; and still that sweet scent rests

     in the bone, which never can be broken,

     nor ever rot, nor ever destroyed

     by fire, or water, or by smiting,

     ’tis so hardy and fast, yet light of weight.

     The sweet odour of it hath a great might;

     who smelleth it, loses all vile lust,

and is quit forever of all infirmity.”

 

17

 

“Truly, who smells it becomes glad at heart.

     The comb is polished like shining silver,

     with greater teeth on one end, and smaller

     on the other; and carven in the space

     nicely between them are many images

     made and enamelled with gold, subtly done,

     and touched with tints of cherry and azure.

     One might read in there the story of Paris,

how he had to choose the fairest beauty of three.”

 

 

next : How Paris chose the fairest beauty of three.

[Jeff Bernstein]

The Judgment of Paris

Double-sided ivory comb

ancient Rome

Guglielmo della Porta

Bronze relief

c1555

ὑδρία

Lucas Cranach the Elder

c1528

Harald Giersing

1909

 

Walter Crane

1909

Nagui Achamallah

2024

Pieter Boel, Studies of a Fox

1669–71

Musée du Louvre, Paris