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The New Reynard Published online by Cambridge University Press: 09 January 2024
Anyone who knows what's right should say it. Those who don’t, I’d struggle to vouch for them on Judgement Day before the King who judges all. He's said He’ll reward with eternal bliss those who’ve performed good works, while the wicked will boil in the stinking depths of Hell. That's bad news for this world! – it's full of wickedness in every vale and plain, thanks to Envy, provoker of all wrongs. And Covetousness has built a bridge into this world and lures our leaders up and over; and as they cross in the rush for worldly wealth they distance themselves ever more from God – for riches, as is plainly seen, lead to Pride: tell me, am I right? That bridge is the downfall of king and count and prince and lord:1 they’re only too keen to clamber over, but in return for their covetousness and envy of others, God denies them health and life – He soon gets the measure of every king and count. And if they’ve hoarded riches in this world no cleric, bishop, priest or abbot is safe, much as they may wish for a long life. But none of that stops them doing wrong! The world's beset by wickedness, lies and trickery. Hearts are ever filled with foxlike cunning.
And since the spirit of Reynard is spreading so, I’d like to tell you a story from which many may learn if they’ve any sense. [40]
In May, when trees are green and meadows decked with flowers, making wood and forest so fair to behold, and the birds trill and the amorous heart makes new songs, King Noble the lion held a court of great solemnity on his birthday. It was Rogation Day, and present were many princes and barons, all manner of beasts: you could see nothing but heads for four leagues all around – I couldn't give you a number in hundreds or thousands. What a gathering of beasts it was: Dame Proud was there, Lord Noble's wife, seated on the throne in majestic style beside the king who loved her truly, and at her feet sat her three sons, disdaining lesser beings. The eldest was named Pride after his mother, the second Noblet after his father, and a noble youth he was indeed, and the third was named Lionel – the youngest and most handsome. All three were dressed as befitted royal sons.
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