Date: 1691
"In the Chimney lies one whistling, another gaping, another swearing and cursing, and all of them in such a Tempest of Imagination, that had not the Master of the House interpos'd his Authority, and seasonably assum'd the Office of Master of the supposed Pinnace, commanding all hands down in the ...
preview | full record— Dunton, John (1659–1732)
Date: 1759
"Imlac was delighted to find that the sage's understanding was breaking through its mists, and resolved to detain him from the planets till he should forget his task of ruling them, and reason should recover its original influence."
preview | full record— Johnson, Samuel (1709-1784)
Date: 1760-7
The "little interests below" may "rise up and perplex the faculties of our upper regions, and encompass them about with clouds and thick darkness."
preview | full record— Sterne, Laurence (1713-1768)
Date: 1760-7
"So that upon his first setting out, the brisk gale of his spirits, as you will imagine, ran him foul ten times in a day of some body's tackling; and as the grave and more slow-paced were oftenest in his way,—you may likewise imagine, 'twas with such he had generally the ill luck to get the most ...
preview | full record— Sterne, Laurence (1713-1768)
Date: 1760-7
"But here, you must distinguish--the thought floated only in Dr. Slop's mind, without sail or ballast to it, as a simple proposition; millions of which, as your worship knows, are every day swiming quietly in the middle of the thin juice of a man's understanding, without being carried backwards o...
preview | full record— Sterne, Laurence (1713-1768)
Date: 1768
"I'm persuaded, to a man who feels for others as well as for himself, every rainy night, disguise it as you will, must cast a damp upon your spirits."
preview | full record— Sterne, Laurence (1713-1768)