|
The fox answerde, "In feith, it shal be don." |
| And as he spak that word, al sodeynly |
| 650 | This cok brak from his mouth delyverly, |
| And heighe upon a tree he fleigh anon. |
| And whan the fox saugh that he was gon, |
| "Allas!" quod he, "O Chauntecleer, allas! |
| I have to yow," quod he, "ydoon trespas, |
| 655 | In as muche as I maked yow aferd, |
| Whan I yow hente and broght into this yerd. |
| But, sire, I dide it of no wikke entente, |
| Com doun, and I shal telle yow what I mente; |
| I shal seye sooth to yow, God help me so." |
|
|
The fox replied: "In faith, it shall be done!" |
| And as he spoke that word, all suddenly |
| 650 | This cock broke from his mouth, very cleverly, |
| And high upon a tree he flew anon. |
| And when the fox saw well that he was gone, |
| "Alas," quoth he, "O Chauntecleer, alas! |
| I have against you done a base trespass |
| 655 | In that I frightened you, my dear old pard, |
| When you I seized and brought from out that yard; |
| But, sir, I did it with no foul intent; |
| Come down, and I will tell you what I meant. |
| I'll tell the truth to you, God help me so!" |
|
