fainer

He replied, ‘Yes, O Commander of the Faithful: wouldst thou fainer hear that which I have seen with mine eyes or that which I have only heard?’

The Book of The Thousand Nights And A Night 2006

But as to my mother in the flesh, nay, thou art not now wholly like unto her; and sooth to say I shall be fainer when thou hast thine own shape of me young back again, for I love thee not so much as now thou art.

The Water of the Wondrous Isles 2007

Forsooth Birdalone had been fainer yet might she have seen Giles

The Water of the Wondrous Isles 2007

And fainer am I to see your brother than all the knights of the world.

The High History of the Holy Graal Anonymous 1869

Much she thought of the wherefore thereof and wept and made great dole; till her father came to her, and said that he were fainer if she were yet to wed, whereas she had done him shame and all them of his lineage; and he told her how and wherefore.

Old French Romances William Morris 1865

Forsooth Birdalone had been fainer yet might she have seen Giles

The Water of the Wondrous Isles William Morris 1865

But as to my mother in the flesh, nay, thou art not now wholly like unto her; and sooth to say I shall be fainer when thou hast thine own shape of me young back again, for I love thee not so much as now thou art.

The Water of the Wondrous Isles William Morris 1865

Says the gentleman to Gregory, ` I'd fainer have the black, so far as looks go; but which is the better horse? '

The King's Daughters Emily Sarah Holt 1864

She replied, "Nay, an I but knew that thou wouldst bring me news of my lord Al-Rashid, 'twere fainer to me than the reign of the world;" and the Head answered her, "It shall be done as thou desirest."

Arabian nights. English Anonymous 1855

My rede is that the king carry out his commandment and his decree be dight, for that needs must death be and 'tis fainer to me that I die oppressed, than that I die an oppressor.

Arabian nights. English Anonymous 1855