William Morris

“ I looked to have much praise from thee for my deed. Dost thou know that this man was as the pest to all the country-side, and that I have freed men of peace from a curse? Be not wrath with me, Osberne, she said, indeed I am somewhat downcast; for I see that now thou wilt be no playmate for me, but will be a man before thy time, and will be looking towards such things as men desire; and that tall maidens come to womanhood will be for thee, not quaint rags of children such as I be. Now, Elfhild, said he, why wilt thou run to meet trouble half way? ”

“ Now thou art dear, said Osberne; and wilt thou do something for my disport? wilt thou pipe thy sheep to thee? Nay, said she, I will not; I will not skip like an antic, and show thee my poor little spindle legs. ”

“ If I were a woman grown I should scarce show so much as the ankle of my foot. Besides, thou laughest at my hopping and jumping amongst those foolish woolly beasts, and I would not have thee laugh at me. Elfhild, my dear, said he, thou art wrong. ”