Positions of the higher sort are usually gained either through the possession of capital or through relations to persons who possess it.
— from Introduction to the Science of Sociology by E. W. (Ernest Watson) Burgess

Mr. Fang was consequently not a little indignant to see an unbidden guest enter in such irreverent disorder.
— from Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens

One of the natives, carrying a wooden sword, and apparently a leading man among them, made some signs and used gesticulations expressive of sleep or death with reference to a part of Joannet Island which he repeatedly pointed to.
— from Narrative of the Voyage of H.M.S. Rattlesnake, Commanded By the Late Captain Owen Stanley, R.N., F.R.S. Etc. During the Years 1846-1850. Including Discoveries and Surveys in New Guinea, the Louisiade Archipelago, Etc. to Which Is Added the Account of Mr. E.B. Kennedy's Expedition for the Exploration of the Cape York Peninsula. By John Macgillivray, F.R.G.S. Naturalist to the Expedition. — Volume 1 by John MacGillivray

As learned as he is brave; as prudent as he is resolute; a wise statesman, an unrivalled general; equally distinguished in the cabinet and the field.
— from Prince Eugene and His Times by L. (Luise) Mühlbach

Another for a small and uncertain gain exposes his life to the casualties of seas and winds, which yet no money can restore.
— from The Praise of Folly by Desiderius Erasmus

Mary stands looking after him—it is strange (or not, 'cordin' to, as Mrs. Baxter would say) how often people stand looking after Pippin when he goes away—till conscience nips her sharply; and she flies into the kitchen and all in a moment becomes severely scientific and unbelievably general, executing amazing manœuvres with saucepans and double-boilers.
— from Pippin; A Wandering Flame by Laura Elizabeth Howe Richards

Then they sat down and talked together quietly for a long time; and at sunset she saw him start away upon great errands.
— from Parables of a Province by Gilbert Parker

An’ he speak de trufe when he say all us got er pig side, too.”
— from Bypaths in Dixie: Folk Tales of the South by Sarah Johnson Cocke

The slave women cannot be taught, it is said, to cut out even their scanty and unshapely garments economically.
— from Society in America, Volume 1 (of 2) by Harriet Martineau