The question now was, how to dispose of the prisoner-a matter of great moment in this peaceful establishment, where so formidable a character as Starlight Tom was like a hawk entrapped in a dove-cote.
"Bracebridge Hall, or The Humorists"
Washington Irving
Here are the lines as Milton wrote them: Up to a hill anon his steps he reared From whose high top to ken the prospect round, If cottage were in view, sheep-cote or herd; But cottage, herd, or sheep-cote, none he saw.
"The Literature of Ecstasy"
Albert Mordell
Here is Quiller-Couch's prose rendering: Thereupon he climbed a hill on the chance that the view from its summit might disclose some sign of human habitation-a herd, a sheep-cote, a cottage perhaps.
"The Literature of Ecstasy"
Albert Mordell