William Morris

“ But there was nought stirring within eyeshot on the further bank that day, save the fowl, and a bull that came running along and lowing as he went on some errand, whatever it might be, for he was not followed of any men. ”

“ But they were at one in this, that the wolves were huge and fierce beyond measure, and such as any man might fear. But at last John spake and said: Well, master, it is as they say down the Dale, that this is no lucky house; meseems ye are beset with no common wolves, but with skinchangers who have taken the shape of wolves, whether they be Land-wights or Dwarfs, or ride-a-nights of the outlaws. ”

“ However, the next day the goodman and John must needs go up to the bent to see if they might find aught alive of the sheep that were missing, and each of them bore a shield and short spear, that they might make head against the wolves if that host should fall on them in the middle of the day. ”