Some unrecognized sin be some day or other imputed. that God Almighty may me in His infinite mercy remember!” Many herewith were grieved, and began to say to each 66 other : 195 Slight the request and short the delay." Then the king they petitioned, And the king the favour allowed. Then somewhat less heavy Reineke's heart became, and he hoped for a happier issue. Forthwith availing himself of the respite allowed him, he thus spoke: 66 Spiritus Domini help me now! In all this assemblage 200 No single man do I see whom I have not injured in some way. First, when only a little fellow I was, and was hardly Weaned from my mother's breasts, I followed the bent of my craving, Roaming among the lambs and kids that out in the open Near to the herd were scattered. I heard the bleat of their voices 205 Far too gladly; a longing for daintier nourishment seized me. Quickly I learned to know them. To death did I worry a lambkin, Licked up its blood,-it tasted so nice-and four of the youngest Kidlings I killed and ate them up, and gained greater practice; 209 Neither birds nor geese did I spare nor ducklings nor chickens, Wheresoever I found them, and many of those that I slaughtered Buried in sand, when to eat them all I'd no inclination. "Then it so happened that once I found on the Rhine in the winter Isegrim lurking behind some trees, and made his acquain tance. He at once assured me that I was one of his kindred; 215 Yes, he could even the actual steps of relationship reckon Out on his fingers. I did not object. We made an agree ment, Vowed the one to the other as faithful companions to wander. Thereby was I, alas! on myself to bring many an evil. Through the land together we travelled. He stole the big things, 220 I the small, and what we gained was all to be common. But in common fairly it was not; he shared at his pleasure. Never the half did I get, nay, even worse have I found it. When he had stolen a calf, or made a prize of a wether, If in the midst of abundance I found him seated, or eating, 225 Just fresh slaughtered, a goat, or when there was lying and struggling Under his claws a buck, he would show his teeth and look savage, Growl and drive me away; thus he always got hold of my portion. Such was ever the case, let the roast be as large as he wished it. Even when it so happened that we had in company cap tured 230 Things as big as an ox, or by chance a cow had got hold of, There appeared on the scene his wife with seven young wolflings, Throwing themselves on the booty, and driving me off from my dinner. Not a rib could I get that they had not polished entirely, Gnawing it dry and smooth. With this I was forced to content me. 235 Thanks be to God, however, I never suffered from hunger; Secretly have I fed well by means of that excellent treasure, All of silver and gold in a secret place that securely Hidden, I keep; with this I've enough. And, I say it in earnest, Not a waggon could carry it off, though sevenfold loaded." As he spoke of the treasure, the king, who was listening to him, 241 Bent himself eagerly forward, and asked him : did you get it? "Whence Tell us about it,-the treasure I mean." Then Reineke answered: "Even this secret I will not hide, for how would it help me? None of such precious things as these can I take away with me; 245 But the whole of the matter, as you command me, I tell you. Sooner or later all must come out. For good or for ill luck Truly I could no longer conceal the terrible secret, For the treasure was stolen. A number were banded together, You, O king, to murder, and that would have certainly happened 250 Had not the treasure been cleverly taken at that very moment. Mark this, gracious sire! for both your life and your welfare On the treasure depended. And when they stole it my father 254 Fell, alas! into terrible straits; it led him so early And the queen, aghast, heard all this horrible story; 66 is lying 260 All the long homeward journey! Unburden your soul in repentance! . Tell us the simple truth, and openly speak of the murder.” Thereupon added the king: "Let ev'ry one present be silent! Now may Reineke come down thence, and nearer approach me For the matter concerns myself that so I may hear it!" Reineke heard and took comfort again, and down from the ladder 266 Climbed, to the great vexation of those who were wishing him evil. Then at once he drew himself close to the king and his consort, Who with eagerness asked him how all these matters had happened. Then he prepared himself for fresh unscrupulous lying. Could I," he thought, "win again the grace of the king and his consort Could I without delay devise some other deception 271 So that the foes who now to death are leading me onward I myself might destroy-it would rescue me out of all danger! Truly would this be to me an unexpected advantage; 275 Yet I perceive at once it will need inordinate lying! 66 Once again did the queen impatiently Reineke question: "Let us distinctly understand how the matter has happened; Conscientiously tell us the truth, and unburden your spirit!" Reineke answered thereon: "I will right willingly tell you, 280 For I must certainly die; I see no means of escaping. science, Pain eternal to earn, that were a foolish proceeding! 285 How can I help it? alas! the pains of hell are before me." Hearing Reineke's words, the king was already beginning Heavy at heart to feel. "Is it truth," he said, “you are speaking?" Reineke answered thereon, with well-dissembled demeanour: "I, no doubt, am a sinful man, and yet I speak truly. 290 What would it profit to tell you a lie? "Twould only secure me Everlasting perdition. You know full well it is settled, Perish I must; I am looking at death, and shall I speak falsely? Neither evil nor good can now in any way help me." Trembling, Reineke spoke these words, and seemed to be fainting. 295 "His anguish moves my Oh! I beg you, my lord, look graciously on him and ponder, Through this confession of his we're saved from manifold evil. Let us learn, the sooner the better, the grounds of his story. Order all to be silent, and let him openly tell you." 300 Then at the king's command the whole assembly was silent. Whereupon Reineke said: "Your majesty, now may it please you, This my tale to accept, and although without letters or papers My explanation is made, it shall be true and sufficient; You shall hear of the plot, and I will be sparing of no one." 305 |