My parents having destined me for the medical profession, I considered it my duty to acquire the knowledge requisite for this calling; but I felt more inclination for the study of the theoretical sciences, and for philosophic research.
— from Some Jewish Witnesses For Christ by Aaron Bernstein
For myself, I am convinced that Alvarado merely struck this blow to terrify the Mexicans, and to follow up the old saying, "He who attacks first gains the victory."
— from The Memoirs of the Conquistador Bernal Diaz del Castillo, Vol 1 (of 2) Written by Himself Containing a True and Full Account of the Discovery and Conquest of Mexico and New Spain. by Bernal Díaz del Castillo
I had killed five men in duel, and had an affair with the colonel of my regiment, who handsomely apologized before the matter assumed a serious aspect.
— from The Luck of Roaring Camp and Other Tales With Condensed Novels, Spanish and American Legends, and Earlier Papers by Bret Harte
This lady had been once very intimate with my former master: I used to sell and take care of a great deal of property for her, in different ships; and in return she always shewed great friendship for me, and used to tell my master that she would take me away to live with her: but, unfortunately for me, a disagreement soon afterwards took place between them; and she was succeeded in my master's good graces by another lady, who appeared sole mistress of the Ætna, and mostly lodged on board.
— from The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, Or Gustavus Vassa, The African Written By Himself by Olaudah Equiano
"How did you find me?" "I heard your dog howling and scratching at the door of the hut when I came to the milking (it was so lucky, Daisy's milking is almost over for the season, and I shall not come here after this week or the next).
— from Far from the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy
For mute inglorious ease, and a sedentary life devoted to leisure, not only injure the body but also the soul: and as hidden waters overshadowed and stagnant get foul because they have no outlet, so the innate powers of unruffled lives, that neither imbibe nor pass on anything, even if they had any useful element in them once, seem to be effete and wasted.
— from Plutarch's Morals by Plutarch
The other rivers are the Astron, Cormalos, Crianos, Alabastros, and Hieros, flowing from Mount Ida: in the interior is Mount Gargara 4110 , 475 with a town of the same name.
— from The Natural History of Pliny, Volume 1 (of 6) by the Elder Pliny
Heaven forgive me, I’m dreaming now!”
— from The Portrait of a Lady — Volume 1 by Henry James
For myself, I can say that not only South African history, but also the prospects of South African industry and trade, were dark matters to me till I had got, by travelling through the country, an idea of those natural features of the southern part of the continent which have so largely governed the course of events and have stamped themselves so deeply upon the habits of the people.
— from Impressions of South Africa by Bryce, James Bryce, Viscount
But perhaps the plate and the festoons might impress the third guest, who completed Arsenio’s party.
— from Lucinda by Anthony Hope
Forgive me if you can.
— from Sant' Ilario by F. Marion (Francis Marion) Crawford
No doubt the reader will think that I found myself in an awkward predicament, and I will be honest and confess I was far from being at my ease.
— from The Memoirs of Jacques Casanova de Seingalt, 1725-1798. Volume 24: London to Berlin by Giacomo Casanova
I have fled from myself; I have fled from the magnificence of my retinue, to find variety.
— from Imogen: A Pastoral Romance by William Godwin
I believe I shall get more done, as I generally manage, on my present scheme, to have four months' impotent illness and two of imperfect health - one before, one after, I break down.
— from The Letters of Robert Louis Stevenson — Volume 1 by Robert Louis Stevenson
And will you be kind enough to make some arrangements for me in Yerbury?
— from Hope Mills; Or, Between Friend and Sweetheart by Amanda M. Douglas
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