We dined at the posthouse, probably with less anxiety than was felt by Napoleon or any of the flying Frenchmen; but even we were not permitted to eat in peace; for, before we had finished, our vehicle was ready, with worse horses than usual, and a surlier postillion.
"Incidents of Travel in Greece, Turkey, Russia, and Poland, 7th ed. Vol. 2 of 2"
John Lloyd Stephens
The boys and the beggars were inspired with fresh energy, the Aghawat were gruffer and surlier than I had ever seen them, and the young men about town walked and talked with a freer and an easier demeanour than usual.
"Personal Narrative of a Pilgrimage to Al-Madinah and Meccah"
Sir Richard Francis Burton
As we persisted, they waxed surlier, and declared that all which was ours became theirs, to whom the land belonged: we did not deny the claim, but simply threatened sorcery-death, by wild beasts and foraging parties, to their "camels, children, and women."
"First Footsteps in East Africa or, an Exploration of Harar"
Richard F. Burton