"Ha," quoth Bruin, "honeycombs? Do you make such slight respect of them, nephew? Why it is meat for the greatest emperor in the world. Fair nephew, help me but to some of that honey, and command me whilst I live; for one little part thereof I will be your servant everlastingly."
"Sure," said the fox, "uncle, you but jest with me."
"But jest with you?" replied Bruin, "beshrew my heart then, for I am in that serious earnest, that for one lick thereat you shall make me the faithfullest of all your kindred."
"Nay," said the fox, "if you be in earnest, then know I will bring you where so much is, that ten of you shall not be able to devour it at a meal, only for your love's sake, which above all things I desire, uncle."
"Not ten of us?" said the bear, "it is impossible; for had I all the honey betwixt Hybla and Portugal, yet I could in a short space eat it all myself."
"Then know, uncle," quoth the fox, "that near at hand here dwelleth a husbandman named Lanfert, who is master of so much honey that you cannot consume it in seven years, which for your love and friendship's sake I will put into your safe possession."
Bruin, mad upon the honey, swore, that to have one good meal thereof he would not only be his faithful friend, but also stop the mouths of all his adversaries.
Reynard, smiling at his easy belief, said, "If you will have seven ton, uncle, you shall have it."
These words pleased the bear so well, and made him so pleasant, that he could not stand for laughing.
Well, thought the fox, this is good fortune. Sure I will lead him where he shall laugh more measurably; and then said, "Uncle, we must delay no time, and I will spare no pains for your sake, which for none of my kin I would perform."