William Morris

“ God help us if the stead of Wethermel cannot spare a yard or two of home-spun to a guest who cometh in stripped by the storm. The guest nodded kindly to her; but Osberne said: Which way ridest thou this morning, guest, for I would fain lead thee a little way? I wend south from thy door, fair master, said the newcomer; but as to riding, 't is Shanks' mare must be my way-beast, unless I go stealing a horse. There is no need for that, said Osberne, we can find thee a good horse, and if thou bringest him not back it will be no loss to us, as the less hay-need we shall have through winter. ”

“ For a man of might hath breathed on the edges amidst much craft of spells, so that nought may master that blade, save one of its brethren fashioned by the same hands, if such there be yet upon the earth, whereof I misdoubt me. Now then thou hast the sword; but I lay this upon thee therewith, that thou be no brawler nor make-bate, and that thou draw not Board-cleaver in any false quarrel, or in behalf of any tyrant or evil-doer, or else shall thy luck fail thee despite the blade that lieth hidden there. ”

“ Now therewith they break their fast; and the last night's wind has fallen utterly, and the sky is blue and the sun bright, and it is warm for that season. Then Osberne gives the sealed bundle to Waywearer, and he took it and did it on to his saddle-bow, and he mounts, and Osberne also, who is dight in his fair-dyed raiment ”