8 - The Wolf and the Ham

Summary

At this point Reynard spotted the farmer, and this prom-ised to be a cause for rejoicing because he was carrying a large ham. Reynard laughed and said, “Listen to this, my Lord Isengrim!” “What's that, kinsman?” “Would you like to try some of that meat?” Isengrim and the family all declared that they would indeed.

Reynard got up and went over to a spot where he knew the farmer would have to pass, lifted up one foot, and began to limp heavily, and at the same time he bowed his back as if he had been beaten. The farmer yelled at him and dropped the ham onto the grass, because he was still after the white fur around Reynard's throat. He was carrying a fearsome-looking club. Reynard looked around, then lured him toward the forest. Isengrim jumped up, and before the farmer could do anything, he grabbed the ham and just as quickly started to gobble it up, forgetting entirely about Reynard. The farmer gave up the chase and wanted to retrieve his ham, but then he saw Isengrim, his nemesis, in the distance. He complained loud and long, but there was no sign of meat or bones, so he fell down on the grass and bewailed the loss of his ham.

Isengrim started to laugh. “Reynard's a good companion for me,” he said. “We couldn't have gotten a better dinner, and it's all thanks to him.” He had no idea, however, of where this would all lead in the end. Reynard came back with a smug look on his face and said, “Now where's my share?” Isengrim replied, “You’d better ask your kinswoman if she has saved any of hers.”

“Sorry, Reynard,” said the she-wolf, “I found it all far too tasty, but your reward will be in heaven! Don't be cross! It won't happen again.” [449–498]