Now—Ten thousand, and ten thousand times ten thousand (for matter and motion are infinite) are the ways by which a hat may be dropped upon the ground, without any effect.—Had he flung it, or thrown it, or cast it, or skimmed it, or squirted it, or let it slip or fall in any possible direction under heaven,—or in the best direction that could be given to it,—had he dropped it like a goose—like a puppy—like an ass—or in doing it, or even after he had done, had he looked like a fool—like a ninny—like a nincompoop—it had fail'd, and the effect upon the heart had been lost.
— from The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman by Laurence Sterne

40 Now—Ten thousand, and ten thousand times ten thousand (for matter and motion are infinite) are the ways by which a hat may be dropped upon the ground, without any effect.——Had he flung it, or thrown it, or cast it, or skimmed it, or squirted it, or let it slip or fall in any possible direction under heaven,—or in the best direction that could be given to it,—had he dropped it like a goose—like a puppy—like an ass—or in doing it, or even after he had done, had he looked like a fool—like a ninny—like a nincompoop—it had fail’d, and the effect upon the heart had been lost.
— from The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman by Laurence Sterne

Nor do I lay any greater weight on the confirming fact, that an order for my arrest was sent from Paris, from which danger I was rescued by the kindness of a noble Benedictine, and the gracious connivance of that good old man, the present Pope.
— from Biographia Literaria by Samuel Taylor Coleridge

They were divided into Lesser and Greater Mysteries.
— from The Symbolism of Freemasonry Illustrating and Explaining Its Science and Philosophy, Its Legends, Myths and Symbols by Albert Gallatin Mackey

Our war-cry has reached his ears, and he slinks sullenly away, and the pure, sad, kindly Moon looks down in love and gratitude upon us, her children, to whose aid she owes her deliverance.”
— from Malay Magic Being an introduction to the folklore and popular religion of the Malay Peninsula by Walter William Skeat

“Do I look as groggy as you do, Tony?”
— from Dick Donnelly of the Paratroops by Marshall McClintock

As it grew dark, I lighted a good fire and laid down, having cleared away the snow.
— from Wild Sports in the Far West by Friedrich Gerstäcker

This was balm to her wounded heart, and diffused itself like a glow; her cold hands grew warm, her life seemed to flow more freely.
— from Anne: A Novel by Constance Fenimore Woolson

Thus disguised in looks and garb, nay even, as formerly was the fashion, with a rich and pleasant gown with four sleeves, which was called philonium according to Petrus Alexandrinus in 6.
— from Gargantua and Pantagruel by François Rabelais

It appeared quite evident that the subject matter of their conversation was designed for no other ears than their own, or why speak as they did in low and guarded tones, that implied great secrecy and caution.
— from Valentine M'Clutchy, The Irish Agent The Works of William Carleton, Volume Two by William Carleton