noon
When this peace was thus finished , the King , for joy thereof , proclaimed a feast to be held for twelve days after , which was done with all solemnity . To this feast came manner all of wild beasts , for it was known through the whole kingdom , nor was there wanting any pleasure that could be imagined . Also to this feast resorted abundance of feathered fowl , and all other creatures that held peace with his Majesty , and no one missing but the fox only . Now after this feast had thus continued in all pomp the space of eight days , about high noon came Laprell the Rabbit before the King and Queen , as they sat at dinner , and with a heavy and lamentable voice said : `` My gracious and great Lord , have pity upon my misery and attend to my complaint , which is of great violence which Reynard the Fox would yesterday have committed against me . As I passed by the castle of Malepardus , supposing to go peaceably towards my nest , I saw the fox , standing without his gates , attired like a pilgrim and telling his beads so devoutly , that I saluted him ; but he , returning no answer , stretched forth his right foot , and with his pilgrim 's staff gave me such a blow on the neck between the head and shoulders , that I imagined my head had been stricken from my body ; but yet so much memory was left me that I leaped from his claws , though most grievously hurt and wounded . At this he was wrathful extremely , because I escaped ; only of one of my ears he utterly deprived me , which I beseech your Majesty in your royal nature to pity , and that this bloody murderer may not live thus to afflict your poor subjects . '' The royal King was much moved with anger when he heard this complaint , so that his eyes darted out fire amongst the beams of majesty ; his countenance was dreadful and cruel to look on , and the whole court trembled to behold him .