Thou, whose whole existence hitherto was a chimera and scenic show, at length becomest a reality: sumptuous Versailles bursts asunder, like a dream, into void Immensity; Time is done, and all the scaffolding of Time falls wrecked with hideous clangour round thy soul: the pale Kingdoms yawn open; there must thou enter, naked, all unking'd, and await what is appointed thee!
— from The French Revolution: A History by Thomas Carlyle

With such a regard for her, indeed, as his had long been, a regard founded on the most endearing claims of innocence and helplessness, and completed by every recommendation of growing worth, what could be more natural than the change?
— from Mansfield Park by Jane Austen

He lay back and really did seem to go to sleep (he probably pretended to).
— from The Possessed (The Devils) by Fyodor Dostoyevsky

The Tarquinii order the matter to be kept secret with the utmost care, that Sextus, who had been left behind at Rome, might be ignorant of the response, and have no share in the kingdom; they cast lots among themselves, as to which of them should first kiss his mother, after they had returned to Rome.
— from The History of Rome, Books 01 to 08 by Livy

Poverty instantly lays material life bare and renders it hideous; hence inexpressible bounds towards the ideal life.
— from Les Misérables by Victor Hugo

With a view to taxation, for various reasons, every man ought to have had his property valued: and the tribesmen should likewise bring a register of the yearly produce to the wardens of the country, that in this way there may be two valuations; and the public officers may use annually whichever on consideration they deem the best, whether they prefer to take a certain portion of the whole value, or of the annual revenue, after subtracting what is paid to the common tables.
— from Laws by Plato

To whom the wilie Adder, blithe and glad. Empress, the way is readie, and not long, Beyond a row of Myrtles, on a Flat, Fast by a Fountain, one small Thicket past Of blowing Myrrh and Balme; if thou accept My conduct, I can bring thee thither soon.
— from Paradise Lost by John Milton

Jean and Ronald followed him, and they paddled along the beach, rounded another point and landed on the other side of it, on the north shore of a little inlet that opened from the large bay and ran at right angles to it.
— from The Island of Yellow Sands: An Adventure and Mystery Story for Boys by Ethel C. (Ethel Claire) Brill

And a loud buyer, A rider, a roamer about, |
— from English Literature, Considered as an Interpreter of English History Designed as a Manual of Instruction by Henry Coppée

It remained, nevertheless, long barren and rude, and was destined to receive many additions from the rich and elegant Arabic, before it attained the copiousness requisite for the wants even of common life.
— from History of Spanish and Portuguese Literature (Vol 1 of 2) by Friedrich Bouterwek

Neither is the life of a Christian less brilliant and radiant because of the trials and temptations along the way.
— from Riches of Grace: A Compilation of Experiences in the Christian Life A Narration of Trials and Victories Along the Way by E. E. (Enoch Edwin) Byrum

It had never been seen or heard before among us; we cowered like birds, and ran like sheep....
— from Old Friends at Cambridge and Elsewhere by John Willis Clark