It came to pass on a time that Owlglass served a boor; and the boor did desire that they twain should, with a horse and cart, get them unto the forest to cut wood. And Owlglass sate upon the horse’s back, while his master sate behind him upon the shafts of the cart. Then ran a hare across the road whither they journeyed; and the master, when that he beheld it, said: “Lo! my man, turn we back again upon this day; for it is a most evil fortune when that a hare doth run across the way. To-day will we do some other thing.” So they gat themselves home again.

On the next day departed they as before unto the forest; and Owlglass spake unto his master, and said unto him: “A wolf hath run across the road, master; what shall we do?” “Ha! sayest thou so?” quoth the boor. “Drive forth, drive forth; great good fortune is it when that a wolf doth cross thy road.” So Owlglass drave the horse into the forest; and when that they gat thither, they took the horse out of the traces, and left the cart standing, while they gat them to their labour. And when that they had done, the boor despatched Owlglass, and bade him fetch the horse and cart, that they might load and get them home once more.

Now when that the excellent Owlglass came before the forest, he beheld the horse lying dead, and the wolf was inside thereof devouring him with great appetite. And at this sight was Owlglass secretly glad, and ran back and said unto the boor: “Come hither, boor come hither! the good fortune is within the horse!” Thereat said the boor unto him: “What dost thou mean?” Yet Owlglass hastened him, and said: “Do thou lose no time; but get thee forward, or thou wilt have lost the good fortune.” When that they came thither, lo! the wolf lay within the carcase of the horse, and eagerly tore and devoured him. Then said Owlglass: “Boor! an if ye had gone into the forest yesterday, when that the hare crossed our path, would your horse have been whole! But I crave not to abide with one that on signs and omens setteth his trust. Farewell!” And so departed.