I wish to present it to whichever girl shall be judged by her companions to have been the most kind, the most thoughtful and generous, and to have passed the most unselfish life amongst you during the whole of the school year.
— from The Nicest Girl in the School: A Story of School Life by Angela Brazil

So, if you would achieve a reputation among Persons of Quality nowadays—bow, sir, bow everywhere day in and day out—keep a supple back, young sir, and spell your name with as many unnecessary letters as you can.
— from The Amateur Gentleman by Jeffery Farnol

And while I sought in the corners of my mind for some answer which should convince him of my utter lothness, and yet not offend so noble a gentleman, came suddenly your daughter to warn him that others were entering the garden; but ere he went he kissed a rose and tossed it to me saying, ‘This rose comes not from Giovanni the Cardinal, but Giovanni the soldier, for henceforth go I to fight the French and to win my bride.’
— from Witch Winnie's Mystery, or The Old Oak Cabinet The Story of a King's Daughter by Elizabeth W. (Elizabeth Williams) Champney

Yes, make us laugh and you may pick all pockets!
— from Will Shakespeare: An Invention in Four Acts by Clemence Dane

I have made the sacrifice of my useless life; and yet I would that my death, if possible, should not come to sadden the most ardent and innocent love that the world has known....
— from Joyzelle by Maurice Maeterlinck

Y conociendo ya su fin cercano, Su mejilla una lágrima abrasó; Y así al infiel, con temblorosa mano, 370 Moribunda su víctima escribió: «Voy a morir: perdona si mi acento Vuela importuno a molestar tu oído; Él es, Don Félix, el postrer lamento De la mujer que tanto te ha querido.
— from El Estudiante de Salamanca and Other Selections by José de Espronceda

My dearest Uncle ,—It was very kind of you to write to me from your new château; I hardly ventured to hope for my usual letter, and yet I should have been much disappointed had I not received it.
— from The Letters of Queen Victoria : A Selection from Her Majesty's Correspondence between the Years 1837 and 1861 Volume 1, 1837-1843 by Queen of Great Britain Victoria