Grimbart found Reynard in the bosom of his family, delivered his message, and frankly advised the fox to obey the king’s summons and appear at court, where, perchance, he might yet manage to save himself; while if he remained at home the king would besiege his fortress and slay him and all his family.  Reynard listened favorably to this advice, and, after bidding his wife a tender farewell, and committing his beloved children to her care, he set out with Grimbart to go to court.

On the way the recollection of his many transgressions began to lie very heavily upon his heart.  The fear of death quickened his conscience, and, longing to make his peace with Heaven, he expressed a great wish to confess his sins and receive absolution.  As no priest was near at hand, he begged Grimbart the badger to listen to him, and penitently confessed all the misdeeds we have already recounted.  He also added that he once bound Isegrim to the rope of the convent bell at Elkinar, where his frantic tugging rang the bell, until the monks, crowding around him, cudgeled him severely.  Reynard related, too, how he once induced Isegrim to enter the priests’ house through a window and crawl along some beams in search of ham and bacon.  As the wolf was carefully feeling his way, however, the mischievous fox pushed him and made him fall on the sleeping people below, who, awakening with a start, fell upon him and beat him.  These and sundry other sins having duly been confessed, the badger bade the fox chastise himself with a switch plucked from the hedge, lay it down in the road, jump over it thrice, and then meekly kiss that rod in token of obedience.  Then he pronounced Reynard absolved from his former sins, and admonished him to lead an altered life in future.

                      “’My uncle, take care that your future amendment
    In good works be visible.  Psalms you should read, and should visit
    Churches with diligence; fast at the seasons duly appointed;
    Him who asks you point out the way to; give to the needy
    Willingly; swear to forsake all evil habits of living,
    All kinds of theft and robbing, deceit and evil behavior. 
    Thus can you make quite sure that you will attain unto mercy!’”

The fox solemnly promised amendment, and with sanctimonious mien continued his journey.  But as he and the badger passed a convent, and some plump hens crossed their path, Reynard forgot all his promises and began to chase the chickens.  Sharply recalled to a sense of duty by Grimbart, Reynard reluctantly gave up the chase, and the two proceeded without further drawback to the court, where Reynard’s arrival created a great sensation.

    “When at the Court it was known that Reineke really was coming,
    Ev’ry one thronged out of doors to see him, the great and the little. 
    Few with friendly intent; for almost all were complaining. 
    This, however, in Reineke’s mind was of little importance;