It thus comes about that in social situations, where no rapport exists between two persons, a suggestion may be made which, by striking the right chord of memory or by resurrecting a forgotten sentiment, may transform the life of the other, as in conversion.
— from Introduction to the Science of Sociology by E. W. (Ernest Watson) Burgess

He, moving proudly past, enveloped, as it were, in the rich music, with the procession of majestic and venerable fathers; he, so unattainable in his worldly position, and still more so in that far vista of his unsympathizing thoughts, through which she now beheld him!
— from The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne

They were women, PLUS, and so much plus that when they did not choose to let the womanness appear, you could not find it anywhere.
— from Herland by Charlotte Perkins Gilman

Such men rule orderly in their cities of fair women: great riches and wealth follow them: their sons exult with ever-fresh delight, and their daughters in flower-laden bands play and skip merrily over the soft flowers of the field.
— from Hesiod, the Homeric Hymns, and Homerica by Hesiod

84 The union of such an army might excite our surprise, but the causes of separation are obvious and forcible; the pride of birth, the insolence of valor, the jealousy of command, the impatience of subordination, and the obstinate conflict of opinions, of interests, and of passions, among so many kings and warriors, who were untaught to yield, or to obey.
— from The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire Table of Contents with links in the HTML file to the two Project Gutenberg editions (12 volumes) by Edward Gibbon

They needed very few arguments to persuade a single man to yield, when he saw five men upon him and his comrade knocked down: besides, this was, it seems, one of the three who were not so hearty in the mutiny as the rest of the crew, and therefore was easily persuaded not only to yield, but afterwards to join very sincerely with us.
— from The Life and Adventures of Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe

No; though I have grown up among these flowers, I know no more of them than their hues and perfume; and sometimes methinks I would fain rid myself of even that small knowledge.
— from Mosses from an Old Manse, and Other Stories by Nathaniel Hawthorne

Perhaps there were faults of temper on both sides; and Mosti, not liking his office, forgot the allowance to be made for that of a prisoner and sick man.
— from Stories from the Italian Poets: with Lives of the Writers, Volume 2 by Leigh Hunt

She immediately began making concrete plans and, soon, Missy caught her fervour.
— from Missy by Dana Gatlin

It is not unreasonable, then, to suppose that the serpent was looked upon at an early period as something more than an ordinary earthly reptile.
— from The Mysteries of All Nations Rise and Progress of Superstition, Laws Against and Trials of Witches, Ancient and Modern Delusions Together with Strange Customs, Fables, and Tales by James (Archaeologist) Grant

As for me, they returned me my mule, gun, and beaver packs, and said my name should be Shiam Shaspusia , for I could out-lie the Crows."
— from Eleven Years in the Rocky Mountains and Life on the Frontier Also a History of the Sioux War, and a Life of Gen. George A. Custer with Full Account of His Last Battle by Frances Fuller Victor

Mr. B. F. French is here with 15 or perhaps more men, well armed, and the people are so much alarmed, fearing that they will be left to the mercy of these men, that I have decided that I will take the responsibility upon myself to order the Perry Guards on duty, hoping that you will approve my action and order them on duty, and let their pay begin on the 17th instant.
— from Kentucky's Famous Feuds and Tragedies Authentic History of the World Renowned Vendettas of the Dark and Bloody Ground by Charles Gustavus Mutzenberg

A Tranquil Sorrow Our penitence, though prompt and swift, must withal be tranquil.
— from The Warfare of the Soul: Practical Studies in the Life of Temptation by Shirley Carter Hughson

Turning round I confronted them, and pulling my note-book out of my pocket, and seizing my pencil, I fell to dotting vigorously.
— from Wild Wales: The People, Language, & Scenery by George Borrow

From a sullen, slovenly, careless gang of devil-may-care cut-throats and vagabonds, he whacked them into a regiment of steady, proud, and sterling men.
— from Private Spud Tamson by R. W. Campbell

I won't cane the boys, nay, or say Amen always, or act as the church's champion and warrior, in the shape of the beadle with the staff; but I will take off my hat in the place, and say my prayers there too, and shake hands with the clergyman as he steps on the grass outside.
— from The History of Pendennis by William Makepeace Thackeray

A pertinacious arguer, so much so that sometimes he watched my awakening in order to continue a discussion on some topic of science, poetry, or practical life, cut short by the chime of the small hours, he never lost his mild and amiable temper.
— from Complete Project Gutenberg Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. Works by Oliver Wendell Holmes