William Morris

“ The goodman turned pale, and stammered out that these were all the women at Wethermel; and John cried out: It is even as I told thee, warrior. Heed it not; there be fair women up and down the Dale, and thou shalt have one or two of these with little pains, either for love or for fear. Hardcastle laughed and said: Thou shalt go and fetch them for me, Surly John, and see which shall serve thee best, love or fear. ”

“ John did so, and the youngling takes hold of it by the back near the point with his thumb and finger, and twists it till it is like a ram's horn. Then he gives it back to John and says: Thy knife is now stranger than it was, John, but 't is not of so much use as erst. All marvelled at this feat, all save the fool Surly John, who raises a great outcry that his knife is marred. But Hardcastle, whose head is now pretty much filled with drink, cried out: Hold thy peace. John; doubtless this youngling here hath craft enough to straighten thy whittle even as he has crooked and winded it. ”

“ Our floor is somewhat slippery for dancing, fair sir. But therewith arose Osberne, and came before the guest, and louted to him and said: Noble sir, I pray thee pardon our man Stephen, for thou seest how clumsy a man he is, and he knoweth not where to bestow his long legs; he is ever in every one's way. And as he spake the smiles were all over his face, and he louted low again. Stephen stared astonished at him and drew back, and as for Hardcastle, the wrath ran off him, and he looked on Osberne and said: Nay, thou art not so unmannerly a lad as I deemed ”