William of Palerne

William of Palerne is an English poem from the mid-14th century that is considered an early example of the revival of alliterative poetry. It is a paraphrase of a French romance, with love as its central theme. The poem was commissioned by a nobleman for those who did not understand French, indicating a growing interest in vernacular literature. While it showcases technical skill in handling the alliterative style, its author's mastery is not as pronounced as in slightly later poems of the movement. The poem's narrative involves a werewolf who later transforms into a king's son and aids the lovers in their flight, combining themes of escaping lovers and the "grateful animal".12