He is really one of the most silly men existing, and besides all that, he is unlucky" (vol. i. 304).
— from Napoleon's Letters to Josephine, 1796-1812 For the First Time Collected and Translated, with Notes Social, Historical, and Chronological, from Contemporary Sources by Emperor of the French Napoleon I

Work or starve is Nature's motto; starve mentally, starve morally, even if you are rich enough to prevent physical starvation.
— from Pushing to the Front by Orison Swett Marden

Never saw a more sprightly malicious eye.
— from She Stoops to Conquer; Or, The Mistakes of a Night: A Comedy by Oliver Goldsmith

These were for him so many means, so many elements of variety.
— from Gargantua and Pantagruel by François Rabelais

Only the phrase “according to law” needs explanation, inasmuch as the “source” of reasons and certainties must satisfy the legal demands not only formally but must sustain materially every possible test, whether circumstantial or logico-psychologic.
— from Criminal Psychology: A Manual for Judges, Practitioners, and Students by Hans Gross

But this, it may be, is a question belonging more properly to an investigation different from ours: and it is quite clear, that on the supposition of its not being sent from the Gods direct, but coming to us by reason of virtue and learning of a certain kind, or discipline, it is yet one of the most Godlike things; because the prize and End of virtue is manifestly somewhat most excellent, nay divine and blessed.
— from The Ethics of Aristotle by Aristotle

Yet, dangerous as such a delineation may appear, Shakspeare, with his usual attention to the best interests of mankind, has rendered it subservient to the most striking moral effects, both as these apply to the character of Falstaff himself, and to that of his temporary patron, the Prince of Wales; for while the virtue, energy, and good sense of the latter are placed in the most striking point of view by his firm dismissal of a most fascinating and too endeared voluptuary, the permanently degrading consequences of sensuality are exhibited in their full strength during the career, and in the fate, of the former.
— from Shakspeare and His Times [Vol. 2 of 2] Including the Biography of the Poet; criticisms on his genius and writings; a new chronology of his plays; a disquisition on the on the object of his sonnets; and a history of the manners, customs, and amusements, superstitions, poetry, and elegant literature of his age by Nathan Drake

On Mr. Schnackenberger's standing up, his bodily equilibrium was manifestly so much endangered, that one of the company, out of mere humanity, offered his servant to see him safe home.
— from The Uncollected Writings of Thomas de Quincey, Vol. 2 With a Preface and Annotations by James Hogg by Thomas De Quincey

On the following morning my studies, my exercises, and my amusements were renewed with increased activity.
— from Lord Montagu's Page: An Historical Romance by G. P. R. (George Payne Rainsford) James

True, you may seize my estates, but this I think you will hardly do in preference to the plan I propose; it would be at best but a vexatious affair, while by accepting my proposition you secure not only an equivalent for your debt, but also the hand of a charming young girl."
— from Graham's Magazine, Vol XXXIII, No. 6, December 1848 by Various

"You can't introduce me to your mother," said Mrs. Evans to Sahwah, laughing at her look of surprise.
— from The Camp Fire Girls at School; Or, The Wohelo Weavers by Hildegard G. Frey

Altogether my school might easily have been worse for me, and among other good things it gave me a friend who has lasted my life out.
— from Tono-Bungay by H. G. (Herbert George) Wells

She confessed to two of the witnesses that she had twelve imps and called these by such names as Jesus, Jockey, Mounsier, Sandy, Mrs. Elizabeth, and Collyn, etc.
— from Human Animals by Frank Hamel