The object of enquiry in the present paper is the Old English phrase Lytle werede, and the discussion of its function will necessarily involve at least one other phrase of similar meaning, one showing variation in the adjective. Lytle werede is both an instrumental and dative singular construction found, with or without the preposition mid, in both poetry and prose. Its use is not especially widespread, although the attested occurrences are sufficiently numerous and their various contexts sufficiently interesting (or, in some cases, puzzling) to justify the question which forms my title.