Reynard the doctor was so wicked that he very soon betrayed the king. He had a great many malicious tricks up his sleeve. “My lord,” he said, “I shall give you a drink that will restore you completely.” “Do so,” replied the king. But what he brewed was death to the king. Reynard the red fox was evil, and he now made it very clear indeed: he poisoned his lord.

No one should protest about this too much. What, after all, did anyone expect of Reynard? God knows, it is disgraceful that at court there are plenty of scoundrels who are held in greater esteem than those who have never acted dishonorably. If a ruler dies because of needlessly following someone like that, then that is all to the good. Unfortunately, wicked deceivers seem to come to the fore every time, and the honest ones are left outside.

When the king had taken the drink, Reynard left, saying he had to go and search for herbs and roots. He had simply done as he always did. He took the hand of his dear kinsman Grimbard and said: “I want to tell you something. The king cannot be cured, and we should not stay here any longer.” Together they hurried off into the forest, where Reynard saw Sir Bruin the chaplain wandering around without his bearskin. I’ll tell you what the fox said when he saw him. “Most noble cleric, was your fur so heavy that I must see you skinless? Quite honestly, I should think that if, come winter, you have to represent anyone in court, you’ll have to borrow a fur coat. No one can deny that you certainly need one. Oh dear, who took your skin away?”

Sir Bruin was so angry that he could not say a word. He was less than happy to see Reynard, and his fury was palpable. He growled and bared his teeth, and Reynard left Sir Bruin there and went back to his lair.

The king was in a great deal of pain. “Where is Doctor Reynard?” he said. “Send for him to come quickly. Something horrible is happening to me—I have no idea what—but it is piercing me to the heart. He will be able to sort it out, with his wonderful herbs. He is a most excellent physician.”