Bachelor of both laws,' who, if he only remain there 325 One more year, will be an adept in technical writings. Then there are yet the two judges there: their names are Moneta And Donarius; what they decree remains as they say it. Thus in Rome no end of tricks and devices are practised All unknown to the Pope. To make yourself friends is essential, 330 For through them are sins forgiven and people deliver'd Out of the ban. Depend upon this, my worthiest uncle, Long has the king been aware that I will not let you be ruin'd. Your affair will I carry through, and am capable of it. This, besides, he should think of, that there are many akin to 335 Both the foxes and apes, who are qualified best to advise him. This, let the matter turn out as it will, should certainly help you." Reineke said: "This comforts me much, and I will not forget it If I escape this time." Then each took leave of the other. 2 Having no pass, yet Reineke went with Grimbart, the badger, 340 On to the Court of the king, where all were ill-minded towards him. That is, of Civil and Canon, or Ecclesiastical, law. • Ohne Geleit, without safe conduct from the king. NINTH CANTO. REINEKE now had arrived at the Court, in hope of Those complaints by which he was threatened, but seeing around him All his foes as they stood, collected together, and eager Each to revenge himself, and even to death to chastise him, Fail'd in his courage. Yet, though he doubted, he went with assurance 5 Straight through the midst of the barons all, and Grimbart alongside. To the king's throne they came, when Grimbart said in a 66 whisper : Reineke, this is no time to flinch; bethink you; the timid Do not of fortune partake. A bold man seeks out the danger And rejoices therein, and it helps him out of the peril." 10 Reineke said: "You speak what is true, and I heartily thank you For your cheering words; if I ever recover my freedom, I will remember it." Looking around, he saw many kinsmen Mixed with the crowd, yet he found but a few well-wishers among them. Most he was wont to ill-use; aye, among the otters and beavers, 15 Great and small alike, he had practised his rascally habits. Yet he discern'd still friends enough in the hall of the monarch. Reineke knelt on the earth in front of the throne, and with caution Spoke: "May God," said he, "who all things knows, and for ever Mighty remains, preserve you, my lord and king; may He also 20 Ever preserve my lady, the queen; and excellent judgment May He bestow upon both, with wisdom, that they may distinguish Right asunder from wrong; for much untruthfulness is there Now in vogue amongst men. Thus many appear on the outside What they are not. Oh! would that each had inscribed on his forehead 25 What were his thoughts, and the king could see! Then would it be patent That no liar am I, and am always ready to serve you. to hurt me, And of your favour to rob me, as if I did not deserve it. But full well do I know the strict attachment to justice, 30 Of my king and lord, for no one ever beguiled him Equity's roads to contract, and this will ever be certain." All came thronging in crowds, and each at Reineke's boldness Needs must marvel, and each and all were longing to hear him. His transgressions were all well known; how would he escape them? 35 "Reineke, rogue that thou art," said the king, "thy slip pery speeches This time shall not save thee; no longer shall they assist thee Falsehood and fraud to disguise; thou hast come to the end of thy tether. For of thy fealty to me, a proof, I trow, thou hast given On the rabbit and crow, and this by itself were sufficient. 40 But thou in every place and corner dost treachery practise. Rapid and false are thy tricks, yet they shall no longer avail thee. Full to the brim is thy measure, and further I will not upbraid thee." What will become of me? Reineke thought. Oh! were I but once more Safe in my dwelling again! What remedy can I imagine ? Happen what will, I must go through it now; let naught be neglected. 46 "Noblest prince and mighty king!" these words he began with. "If you think me worthy of death, the matter you have not Looked at from the right point of view. I, therefore, beseech you First to hear me speak. Ere now I have counsell'd you wisely; 50 By your side in need have I stood, when others forsook you, They who between us two now set themselves to my ruin, Turning the time to account when I was absent. You may, then, 55 Noble king, when I have spoken, determine the matter. country, Keeping the carefullest watch in many a region and border. Should I now come to the Court, do you think, if of any transgression Great or little, I knew myself to be guilty? With caution I should the neighbourhood flee, and keep my foes at a distance. 60 No! the whole world and the treasures therein should certainly never Out of my fortress have hither beguiled me, for there I was surely Free on ground and floor of my own. But as I am conscious Of no evil deed, I have come accordingly hither. I had just risen to stand on the watch when my uncle convey'd me 65 News that I to Court must go. I was only then thinking How to get quit of the ban, and much had I spoken to Martin Over the matter, and he had solemnly made me a promise From this burden to free me. To Rome I am going,' he told me, 'And from now henceforwards will take the matter com pletely On my own shoulders. will free you.' 70 Go you to Court; from the ban I This, you see, was Martin's advice: he must understand it, For that excellent bishop, Herr Lackland, often employs him. Five years has he served him already in matters judicial. So, then, hither I come, and find complaints in abun dance. 75 That young spy, the rabbit, maligns me, but here am I standing, Reineke's self. Before my eyes, then, let him come forward, By my troth! these faithless fellows have often accepted 80 reading, And he explain'd he was going to Court; whereon I said to him, 85 God be with you!' On this he complained: 'How weary and hungry Have I become!' 6 Will you have some refreshment?' I civilly ask'd him. Thankfully will I accept it,' he answered. Then I con tinued, 'I will give it with pleasure.' I went and quickly pro vided Cherries and butter-on Wednesdays flesh I never in dulge in. So he ate to his full of fruit and of bread and of butter. 90 |