9 - The Wolf and the Wine

Summary

“I’m really thirsty now,” said Isengrim.

“How about some wine, my lord,” said Reynard. “I can let you have a lot.”

“If you can give me enough wine,” said Isengrim, “I shall be your servant for life.”

Reynard set off, with devious intentions, to a monastery that he knew about. Isengrim, the Lady Hirsent, and their sons went with him, and Reynard led them to a wine barrel, where Isengrim got drunk and began to sing in the manner of his forefathers, without thinking of any possible danger. The monks in charge of the wine said: “What's going on? I think we just heard a wolf.” Right away six men came out, all armed with heavy batons, and Reynard quickly ran away. Hirsent and Isengrim now had to pay for the wine with a beating that was dealt out quite unmercifully. “If I get out of this,” said Isengrim, “I swear I’ll never touch a drop of wine again.” They had really made a wrong call this time! The gate was barred, but they managed to jump over the fence and made their shameful escape. Isengrim complained bitterly about the shame and also the pain, since he was bruised all over. His wife had been thrashed, and his sons had had their share, too. They said, “Father, it has to be said that that was an inappropriate song that you sang, and the whole affair was stupid.”

Reynard came back and asked, “What is all this about?” Isengrim told him: “The four of us had to pay dearly for that wine, by God! On top of that my sons have cursed me, and that makes me very angry. I’m done with the pair of them!” Reynard smoothed things over. “Kinsman, calm down,” he said. “I tell you, if one of my godsons has said something stupid, then it is not surprising, because he's still wet behind the ears.” And then Reynard and Isengrim went their separate ways. [499–551]