Marlowe, Edward II. act iv. sc. 7.

The beast long struggled, as being like to prove

An awkward sacrifice,[8] but by the horns

The quick priest pulled him on his knees and slew him.

Marlowe, The First Book of Lucan.

Was I for this nigh wrecked upon the sea,

And twice by awkward wind from England’s bank

Drove back again unto my native clime?

Shakespeare, 1 Henry VI. act iii. sc. 2.

But time hath rooted out my parentage,