The king summoned Tibert and told him to go and find Reynard. “My lord,” he said, “I can legitimately refuse to do so, because he is a cherished kinsman.” “You cannot refuse this commission on any grounds,” declared Randolt. “After all, you are not all that fond of him.” The king ordered him to do it on his life, and Tibert said, “Well, it's time to go,” and he set off hurriedly.

In the forest he met his kinsman Reynard, that master of all kinds of wickedness, and I’ll tell you what Reynard said when he saw Tibert. “Welcome, my blood brother and relative! It pains me to the heart that you have been avoiding me. Never have I had a more welcome guest.”

“Thank you,” replied Tibert. “I thought, too, that it had been a long time. The king sent me to you, and he swore a solemn oath that you will have to leave the country if you do not present yourself before him. Everyone is making complaints about you, and you did indeed do very wrong when you sent the court chaplain back after he had been scalped.”

“My friend,” replied Reynard, “in all truth I have not laid eyes on Sir Bruin at all this year except once, when Isengrim was on my heels. But what do you say to this, friend and kinsman—come with me and I will share with you all that I possess. I have a house here in the neighborhood that is empty, and in which I keep a supply of mice for my guests, so please help yourself to the best of them!”

It was a bright and clear night, and Reynard was about to trick the tomcat. He led him to that house, and Tibert was most eager to eat. In the house there lived a priest, on whom Reynard had played many of his tricks, and now Tibert would be paying for them.

The priest had put a noose of cord as a trap around an entry-hole—people still do that quite often—and it was intended for Reynard, although it would put his friend in peril. Tibert was eager to get in and fell straight into the trap.