Now, goodë men, I pray you hearken all; Lo, how Fortúnë turneth suddenly The hope and pride eke of her enemy. This cock, that lay upon the fox’s back, In all his dread unto the fox he spake, And saidë, “Sir, if that I were as ye, Yet would I say (as wisly 4421 God help me), ‘Turn ye again, ye proudë churlës all; 4422 A very pestilence upon you fall. Now am I come unto the woodë’s side, Maugré your head, the cock shall here abide; I will him eat, in faith, and that anon.’ ” The fox answér’d, “In faith it shall be done:” And, as he spake the word, all suddenly The cock brake from his mouth deliverly, 4423 And high upon a tree he flew anon. And when the fox saw that the cock was gone, “Alas!” quoth he, “O Chanticleer, alas! I have,” quoth he, “y-done to you trespass, 4424