Two hundred years ago there were wolves in Ireland, and it appears that
they were as cunning as the foxes of the present day.
A man, travelling, as was the custom in those times, on horseback, with
a sword by his side, was passing between two towns, some three miles
from each other, when he was attacked by a wolf. He drove him off with
his sword, but again and again the animal assaulted him. He had nearly
reached the town to which he was going, when he met a friend who was
unarmed, whom he told of the danger he had encountered; and, as he
believed himself now safe from attack, he gave him the sword for his
defence. The wolf had been watching this proceeding, evidently intent
on attacking the person who was travelling without a sword. When he saw
that the first he had attacked was now defenceless, he made after him at
full speed, and overtaking him before he got into the town, leaped upon
him, unarmed as he now was, and deprived him of life.
When striving for an object, continue your efforts and be cautious, as
at the first, till you have gained it.